The Play On Our Pride

Ignoring those who came before us has become common the habit of this generation. Today we demonize people from the past because they fail our present-day "enlightened" character measurement. On top of this, we see rising dishonor for the aged, an obsession with youth, and a growing aversion to fathers. Absalom is the archetype of a young, proud man who refuses to heed wisdom from those who are regarded as wise and understanding. He has the elders of Israel, 10 tribes and a vast army on his side during his rebellion but his refusal to listen to them will be his undoing.

His advisor is Ahithophel. Here's what the text says about him:

2 Samuel 16:23 (ESV) Now in those days the counsel that Ahithophel gave was as if one consulted the word of God; so was all the counsel of Ahithophel esteemed, both by David and by Absalom.

Ahithophel's advice for Absalom is that he himself will take a detachment of soldiers and snipe the king by catching him off-guard. Absalom need not be involved. The advice may be the right line of attack. Beat David at his own game. It should be noted, Ahithophel is none other than Bathsheba's grandfather. He's not only thinking of Absalom's best interest but also that of a humiliated and angered relative.

2 Samuel 17:4 (ESV) And the advice seemed right in the eyes of Absalom and all the elders of Israel.

Astonishingly, Absalom requests a second opinion by none other than David's plant, Hushai.

2 Samuel 17:5–7 (ESV) Then Absalom said, “Call Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear what he has to say.” 6 And when Hushai came to Absalom, Absalom said to him, “Thus has Ahithophel spoken; shall we do as he says? If not, you speak.” 7 Then Hushai said to Absalom, “This time the counsel that Ahithophel has given is not good.”

Hushai first hears the attack in full! This is amazing as he will inform David of all Absalom's plans either way. Hushai rejects Ahithophel's counsel and gives a strategy that proves far too tempting for the young, proud Absalom. Instead of a covert operation led by Ahithophel, Absalom will ride in triumphal procession with the vast army of Israel around him. 

2 Samuel 17:11–12 (ESV) But my counsel is that all Israel be gathered to you, from Dan to Beersheba, as the sand by the sea for multitude, and that you go to battle in person. 12 So we shall come upon him in some place where he is to be found, and we shall light upon him as the dew falls on the ground, and of him and all the men with him not one will be left.

Notice how shrewd Hushai plays on Absalom's pride. The army behind him, the tribes supporting him, the young rebel overtaking the aged hero of Israel. It's a scene from a Hollywood movie STARRING Absalom himself, the young, handsome, hair-cutting ego-maniac whose self-obsession will not fade. It will also be his quick demise. The battle plan will eventually play right into the hands of David and Absalom will lose his life. 

The story's lesson illustrates a common temptation resident in the heart of the young. Self-obsession is a recipe for disaster. Interestingly, it will be DAVID who listens to the advice of his commanders and permits them to covertly lead the army into battle. The difference in this scene between David and Absalom is simple: David does NOT need the attention and glory. Absalom is willing to die for it. If this is how you approach life, be careful. You're playing with fire.

The enemy's strategy has never changed. He wants to tempt you by making YOU the center of the story and the creator of your own reality. He's all for celebrating what you think you deserve and helping you go get it. The funny thing is, none of this sounds bad. It didn't sound bad to Absalom either and he took the bait. But in the end, our self-demise is the result of self-devotion. It happened in Eden, it happens still. I even see it happening among the pastors of God's flock.

So what must we do? We must learn the lesson scripture teaches from cover to cover. God is the author of life and the giver of meaning. Humility and meekness mark the path God wants us to walk. History proves He works best with those who let Him lead! We must look to Jesus' who yielded His life to the direction of the Father, listening to Him and doing ONLY what He said. This is where trust and faith come in. It is also where victory begins.