DAVID’S REQUEST

DAVID’S REQUEST TO BE GENTLE WITH ABSALOM

Through the warnings of his faithful spies, King David is now aware of the battle which is about to take place. Absalom’s army will greet them in the Forest of Ephraim. David cautiously prepares his three top commanders for this looming battle. 

At first, it is David’s plan to lead them himself, but these careful commanders insist their King must return to a safe place in the city until this battle is over. These three faithful commanders advise David that he carries the worth of ten thousand trained warriors, and they cannot afford to lose him.

Now there is another word picture. Who is the “fairest of ten thousand?”  Everybody ought to know. Another small parallel illustration.

KING DAVID WAITS IN THE CITY

These men emphasize to David that he is the hope of the future of God’s plan for Israel. Therefore he needs to protect himself in every way possible. Reluctantly, David consents to their advice and agrees to wait in the city.

This event reminds me of Yeshua Messiah returning to Heaven in the Ascension. Don’t you know it must have been hard for him to leave His disciples and the work on the earth? It was probably as hard for David to stay in the city as his men left out for the field of combat. 

However, by returning to His place at the right hand of The Father’s Throne Yeshua Messiah gained the power to intercede on His disciple’s behalf. From that position, He is able to carry all believer’s prayers and petitions directly to Yahweh. As His disciples today, we know it is only because of Him and His honored position beside the Father that our prayers will be heard in Heaven.  He is faithful to deliver them.

In granting Yeshua Messiah’s request before the throne of God, Our Father will be granting our requests. It isn’t because of us, but only because of Him.

LEADING FROM A DISTANCE

Likewise, King David’s place was best served in the city, away from the battlefield. David presided over his commanders in a similar way to how Yeshua Messiah presides over us. He rules from a distance, but He is aware of our every breath. The leaders of Israel will not always listen to David’s commanders, but when King David backs them up and delivers their advice to the people of the land, they listen with intention to hear from the true authority.  

The word of David is able to accomplish successful national results. 

Until Absalom’s revolt King David had united a divided nation. His men totally depended upon his help and support as they served in the battles of the nation.

Most of all, David’s prayerful requests to God were Israel’s assurance of victory in every battle. I’m sure this King was praying fervently for the warriors he had commissioned to fight for his throne.  At the same time, he must have prayed for mercy for his son. This time of prayerfully waiting in the city was a very tough place for David to be. He had to balance his prayers between his nation’s army and his own son. Nothing can break a father’s heart more than a rebellious son.

It is easy for us to think of Absalom as a type of the antichrist. Yet, at one time or another, we all have been like this rebellious son who wasn’t true to the relationship of his father. David continued to love Absalom inspite of his rebelliousness, always hoping he would have a change of heart. Isn’t this just the way God loves us?

GOD’S MERCY TOWARD DAVID

Even in chaotic times with battles looming from all sides, when a repentant King David acknowledges his shortcomings, confesses his sins, and begs for God’s forgiveness, God is merciful. He is listening to the pleas of His anointed. God is quick to show divine favor toward David. After all, David is God’s anointed.

So this trusting King sends his finest men off to battle his enemies. The anxious King had only one final request, “please be gentle with my son, Absalom.  He is young.”

King David’s men quickly agreed to this royal request. Soon they found themselves embarking upon a dangerous and treacherous journey through the thick forest of Ephraim.  This is where the warriors of Absalom were waiting to meet them.

VERSE

Song of Solomon 5:10 – My beloved is radiant and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand.

PRAYER

Father, David has shown us that even Kings eventually have to face their enemies. It hurts when the enemy turns out to be close family members. Help us to stand as David did with dignity, mercy, and forgiveness in our hearts. Show us how to respond to all living beings with empathy and compassion. May we be as merciful to others as You have been to us. Give us the right spirit and help us to trust You through all hard situations.  Amen.

SONG