Absalom Rebels Against David

Text: 2 Samuel 15:1-18

Reflection and Question: Though David allowed Absalom, his son but also the murderer of Amnon (David’s first born son and heir), to return to Jerusalem, it was two years before Absalom’s prodding led to a meeting with his father. And right after that Absalom plotted to turn the people’s allegiance from David to himself so that he could become king. After four years of preparation, Absalom staged his revolt and David fled Jerusalem. What does this court and family intrigue tell us about God and about us?

Prayer: Holy God, called Father by Jesus, You put us into families so that we might help one another in times of trouble. And yet, so often we are the cause of trouble to those we love. Use these stories to teach us a better way. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).