BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

“The sword shall never depart from your house,” the prophet Nathan previously told David (2 Sam. 12:10), suggesting more brutality to come. In today’s reading, those first sparks of violence in David’s family explode into a wildfire that consumes the nation.

David trudges through the wilderness, no longer a young captain brimming with trust and courage, but a broken father burdened by shame and regret. Meanwhile, back in Jerusalem, Absalom stakes another claim to the throne by sleeping with David’s concubines, a common power play in the ancient Near East.

As Nathan warned, Absalom pitches his tent on the same rooftop where this whole heartbreaking saga began. David’s sin started under the furtive shadows of evening. Daylight now exposes the grievous fallout of his failures for all the world to see.

Absalom’s vindictive streak ultimately becomes his downfall. Instead of sending a targeted strike team after his father, Absalom musters the whole nation for battle. What began with a look and turned into a murder now unfolds into an all-out civil war. Tens of thousands of people lie dead, including Absalom.

David takes no joy in his victory. He stumbles through the streets, his body wracked with sobs. Is there hope for this heartbroken king to escape this insanity born from violence?

Reflection Questions

• When was the last time you saw a woman hide two spies and send their pursuers on a wild goose chase? (For a hint, turn to Joshua 2.) What do you think the biblical authors are communicating with this hyperlink?
• Meditate on Joab’s actions throughout the story of 2 Samuel. What have you learned about his character from his decisions and their consequences?