One former business in the Wellington Region had a slogan that it was “the putting right that counts”. What they meant was that it was easy to sell you a fridge, but where they really demonstrated their value was what happened when it broke, because that would be when they made things right.
In the second half of chapter 14 of 2 Samuel we see the continued “putting right” of relations between King David and his brother-murderer son, Absalom. Except it seems to be part of a scheme. And while the hand of providence appears to hover, making Absalom look like a man who dodged a bullet (or had it scrape his ear?), the truth is that all this putting right just makes things wrong. And will allow things to go terribly wrong. Such is the cost of choosing good looks and vibes over character and Christlikeness.
Absalom was back in Israel, but not back in favour. He had killed his brother out of revenge for Amnon’s violation of his sister, then fled to a foreign land. Through Joab’s scheming, David had permitted Absalom to return to Israel, and to Jerusalem (v..1-23). But not too close; David still forbade Absalom from entering his presence (v.24).
Here we pick up the story, with an interesting and foreboding sidenote. Absalom was a heartthrob, handsome and without blemish (v.25). Luscious locks that make us bald men green with envy and the ladies swoon (v.26). Good looking kids; three sons and a beautiful daughter named in honour of his beautiful sister (v.27). What was not to like?
One downside. Absalom was not in favour with Dad. Two years in Jerusalem without seeing King David (v.28)! This part of his public image needed putting right.
Where to turn? Joab had been helpful before (vv.2-3), perhaps he would again. Absalom sent for Joab to come to see him, so he could work his magic (v.29). Joab would not come.
Absalom sent again. Joab did not come (v.29). Whatever advantage Joab saw in bringing Absalom back two years ago, it did not exist now.
What to do? Joab and Absalom were neighbours! Absalom sent his servants to set his fields on fire to get his attention (v.30). Quite the burning platform. Sure enough this time, Joab responded (v.31).
Absalom brushed past the small matter of arson to get to the point. He wanted Joab to act as his messenger to King David, asking why they could not meet. In fact, Absalom said, it would be better to be dead than in this “halfway house” so David should choose whether he wanted Absalom dead or not (v.32). Why bother coming back from foreign exile to home detention of a sort?
Absalom was of course taking a calculated gamble here. David had not executed his son before when he had the chance. Five years had passed. Absalom rightly believed David would officially bury the hatchet, and not in his back.
Absalom was right. Joab went to the king with Absalom’s message. We do not know what was said, but we do know that David summoned Absalom (v.33). Absalom bowed on the ground and did a little fawning. The king kissed Absalom, giving him his official recognition (v.33).
Public restoration complete. In the public’s eyes, all was restored between King and son. Things had been put right. But they were terribly, terribly wrong.
Why? For two reasons. Firstly, as we have noted repeatedly in David’s post-Bathsheba reign, David refused to act with justice when it came to his household. He failed to impose judgement on Amnon. When Absalom exacted revenge, he failed again. And now, in restoring Absalom publicly, he had removed the last chance for justice again.
Secondly, because Absalom clearly had an agenda. Verses 25 to 27 hint at what is coming. The handsome and good looking young man with the attractive family. Providence seems to smile upon him. Now he is restored to the king. Maybe God had big plans for this man, a bigger leadership role to play. Hmm. I think we know what is coming next.
And that is the problem with picking leaders based on good looks and vibes. The world looks to the outside, God looks to the heart. We should too. Plenty of charismatic people have led churches, corporations, communities, and countries into disaster. It is not good looks that set you apart for great things, or seeming strokes of “good luck” or “providence” that means God must be with “x person” for “y role”.
After all, if it was, the suffering servant Jesus would not have had “no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him” that we would despise and reject him (Is 53:2). Yet God’s great victory over his enemies is through Christ, not a heartthrob.
Our leaders and personal lives should pursue character and Christlikeness, not “the Absalom touch.” Then, humbly submitting ourselves to Christ, things will ultimately work together for right, not wrong.
