Just and Right (2 Samuel 15:1-12)
Text: 2 Samuel 15: 1-12
2nd Samuel 15 through 2nd Samuel 19 deals with the rebellion and insurrection of Absalom, David’s oldest son, against his father, which resulted in David and his followers being driven from Jerusalem and into exile. Absalom has been in Jerusalem about 8 years since his own exile, and has been busy the last 4 years mounting his coup against his father. He’s done this by setting up court outside Jerusalem and intercepting those who are coming to David for justice. Absalom tells them that there is no one who will listen the them, but that he will adjudicate for them, which he doesn’t have the authority to do. He then schmoozes and little by little, wins the hearts and minds of Israel, effectively dividing them from their king and fellow countrymen.
It’s helpful to look at this story through the lens of power because that’s a main theme throughout 1st and 2nd Samuel – who has the legal and divine right to rule Israel. There’s no doubt that the right belongs to David. He’s the anointed one of God, the chosen one, the man after God’s own heart. And yet we are seeing David in decline. It’s seems that he is disconnected and maybe depressed. How does he not see that his own son has set up court right outside of Jerusalem for 4 years? We also see it as he is leaving Jerusalem in despair and as he weeps for his son Absalom to the point the his general, Joab, has to bring a rebuke, telling him that if he continues, he won’t have a man left by morning. Further demonstration of David’s decline includes another insurrection from the tribe of Benjamin and the Philistines will once again rise up against Israel, even though David had driven them back to their borders earlier in his career.
Yet in spites of all of this, and in spite of all of David’s personal failure, he is still seen as the true and righteous king in Israel, the unifier, the peace maker. And he stands in contrast to Absalom, who is seen a usurper, rebellious and divisive. We are to follow the path of David, the path of peace and justice. I’m full convinced that a large part of the reason that we are having all of the division in our own nation, is because the Church has not pursued justice, and because of that, we have lost our voice.
2nd Samuel 8:15 says, “David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people.” Church, we must rise up. We must pursue the path of David. Until we do what is just and right for ALL of our fellow country man, will never peace in our nation.