Topical Bible: Covenant of Man With God: Absalom

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Introduction

Absalom, the third son of King David, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the covenant relationship between God and His people. His account is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Kings. Absalom's life is marked by ambition, rebellion, and tragedy, serving as a cautionary tale about the consequences of breaking covenantal faithfulness with God.

Background

Absalom was born to David and Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur (2 Samuel 3:3). He was known for his striking appearance, with the Bible noting, "In all Israel, there was no man as handsome as Absalom, so highly praised; from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him" (2 Samuel 14:25). Despite his outward beauty, Absalom's life was marred by internal strife and rebellion.

The Covenant Context

The covenant between God and Israel, established through figures like Abraham, Moses, and David, emphasized faithfulness, obedience, and the pursuit of justice. Absalom's actions, however, often stood in stark contrast to these covenantal ideals. His account is a reflection of the broader theme of Israel's struggle to remain faithful to God's covenant.

Key Events in Absalom's Life

1. The Murder of Amnon: Absalom's sister, Tamar, was violated by their half-brother Amnon. In response, Absalom took justice into his own hands and orchestrated Amnon's murder (2 Samuel 13:28-29). This act of vengeance, while understandable in its motivation, was a breach of the covenantal law, which called for justice to be administered through God's appointed means.

2. Exile and Return: After killing Amnon, Absalom fled to Geshur, where he stayed for three years. Eventually, through the intercession of Joab, David's commander, Absalom was allowed to return to Jerusalem, though he did not see his father's face for two more years (2 Samuel 14:23-28). This period of estrangement highlights the broken relationship between father and son, mirroring the fractured covenant relationship between God and His people when they turn away from Him.

3. Rebellion Against David: Absalom's most significant act of rebellion was his attempt to usurp his father's throne. He "stole the hearts of the men of Israel" (2 Samuel 15:6) and declared himself king in Hebron. This rebellion was a direct challenge to the Davidic covenant, which promised that David's line would endure. Absalom's actions were not only a personal betrayal but also a defiance of God's ordained order.

4. Absalom's Death: The rebellion culminated in a battle in the forest of Ephraim, where Absalom's forces were defeated. As Absalom fled, his hair became entangled in the branches of a large oak tree, leaving him hanging in midair. Joab, against David's explicit instructions, killed Absalom (2 Samuel 18:9-15). Absalom's death was a tragic end to a life marked by rebellion and unfaithfulness to God's covenant.

Theological Implications

Absalom's account serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of covenant faithfulness. His life illustrates the destructive consequences of pride, vengeance, and rebellion against God's established order. In the broader biblical narrative, Absalom's actions contrast with the ideal of a covenant relationship characterized by obedience, humility, and trust in God's justice.

Conclusion

While Absalom's life ended in tragedy, his account is preserved in Scripture as a warning and a lesson for all who seek to live in covenant with God. His narrative underscores the need for repentance, reconciliation, and a steadfast commitment to God's covenantal promises.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 15:7,8
And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said to the king, I pray you, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed to the LORD, in Hebron.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

2 Sam. 23:4-5. Without Clouds.
... And when the Bible speaks of God making a covenant with man, as in the words of
David, it means with man in Christ as a member and part of the Son. ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xiv 2 sam 23 4-5.htm

A Man Expects to Reap the Same Kind as He Sows.
... Abraham, and was third in the line of the covenant, yet God ... If God did not spare
David, do you think He will ... If ever a man had an opportunity to cover his sins ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sowing and reaping/chapter iv a man expects.htm

The Covenant of Works
... the first covenant, the justice of God, as an avenger of blood, pursues us; but
if we get into the second covenant we are in ... Will God let the man live with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 the covenant of works.htm

The Answer, that Leave to Lie, which was not Even Granted under ...
... The bread of lying is sweet to a man, but afterwards ... we hear that holy men under
the old covenant adopted either ... of one whose piety was pleasing to God, by a ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xix the answer that.htm

God's Barriers against Man's Sin
... covenant oaths, covenant engagements, ay, and covenant fulfilments, is not ... for sinning
against the Almighty God; it will cost thee thy soul, man, and thy ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/gods barriers against mans sin.htm

How a Man's Conduct Comes Home to Him
... of the Inquisition. What racks a man is stretched upon who has been
unfaithful to his covenant with God! What fires have ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/how a mans conduct comes.htm

Our Lord's Solemn Enquiry
... If you are resting upon the covenant, that covenant is as true in the dark as in
the light. ... So the man whom God is smiting runs close in, and he cannot be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/our lords solemn enquiry.htm

His Name --The Counsellor
... them that fear him, and he will show them his covenant.". ... Woe unto the man that hath
got a bad counsellor. ... Seek God's guidance and nothing can go amiss." It is ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/his namethe counsellor.htm

Christ's Humiliation in his Incarnation
... 5. The covenant of grace and its mediator 6. Christ's ... Jesus Christ united himself
to man, that man might be ... brings us to be friends again, and God looks upon ...
/.../watson/a body of divinity/6 christs humiliation in his.htm

The Right Understanding of the Law
... Though it be not foedus, a covenant of life; yet it is ... Try a moral man by the duties
of the first table ... Rule 7. God's law forbids not only the acting of sin in ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/1 4 the right understanding of.htm