Scripture Focus: 2 Samuel 14:23-28 – “So Joab arose and went to Geshur and brought Absalom to Jerusalem. [24] And the king said, “Let him dwell apart in his own house; he is not to come into my presence.” So Absalom lived apart in his own house and did not come into the king’s presence. [25] Now in all Israel there was no one so much to be praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him. [26] And when he cut the hair of his head (for at the end of every year he used to cut it; when it was heavy on him, he cut it), he weighed the hair of his head, two hundred shekels by the king’s weight. [27] There were born to Absalom three sons, and one daughter whose name was Tamar. She was a beautiful woman. [28] So Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem, without coming into the king’s presence.”
I. The Saga Was Tragic (2 Samuel 13:37-39)
A. Absalom became a fugitive after murdering Amnon (37a) – “But Absalom fled and went to Talmai the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur.”
B. David lived with heartbreak (37b) – “And David mourned for his son day after day.”
C. Time did not heal the wounds (38-39) – “So Absalom fled and went to Geshur, and was there three years. [39] And the spirit of the king longed to go out to Absalom, because he was comforted about Amnon, since he was dead.”
II. Absalom Experienced Shame and Rejection from David (23-24)
A. David had to be convinced to allow Absalom to return (23) – “So Joab arose and went to Geshur and brought Absalom to Jerusalem.”
B. David scorned Absalom (24a) – “And the king said, “Let him dwell apart in his own house; he is not to come into my presence.”
C. Absalom lived as a rejected son (24b) – “So Absalom lived apart in his own house and did not come into the king’s presence.”
III. Ignoring the Issues Did Not Bring Healing (25-27)
A. Outwardly, Absalom looked fine (25-26) – “Now in all Israel there was no one so much to be praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him. [26] And when he cut the hair of his head (for at the end of every year he used to cut it; when it was heavy on him, he cut it), he weighed the hair of his head, two hundred shekels by the king’s weight.”
B. Inwardly, Absalom carried grief (27) – “There were born to Absalom three sons, and one daughter whose name was Tamar. She was a beautiful woman. [28] So Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem, without coming into the king’s presence.”
A total of 5 years of rejection from David and absence from reconciliation. This is where the subtle seeds of rebellion sprung up from the soil of bitterness.