How does 2 Samuel 15:9 connect with Proverbs 16:9 about man's plans? The Moment in 2 Samuel 15 : 9 • “ ‘Go in peace,’ the king said to him. So Absalom arose and went to Hebron.” (2 Samuel 15 : 9) • David’s blessing sounds sincere, yet Absalom’s heart is secretly bent on rebellion (15 : 10–12). • Outwardly, everything appears orderly; inwardly, Absalom has engineered a coup. The Principle in Proverbs 16 : 9 • “A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” (Proverbs 16 : 9) • Scripture affirms both human responsibility (planning) and divine sovereignty (determining). Connecting the Two Passages 1. Absalom’s careful planning – He requests a religious pretext (“to pay my vow,” 15 : 7–8). – He assembles allies (15 : 10). 2. David’s unsuspecting approval – David’s “Go in peace” shows his limited knowledge; he cannot read Absalom’s heart. 3. The Lord’s ultimate governance – Though Absalom’s strategy seems flawless, God will overturn it (17 : 14; 18 : 14–15). – Proverbs 16 : 9 frames the narrative: Absalom’s heart plots, but the Lord directs events to protect David and preserve the Messianic line. Supporting Scriptures • Psalm 33 : 10–11—“The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations… but the plans of the LORD stand firm forever.” • Jeremiah 10 : 23—“A man’s way is not his own; it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.” • James 4 : 13–15—Human plans must yield to “If the Lord wills.” Key Takeaways • God allows human freedom to plan, yet His sovereign purpose is never thwarted. • Devious schemes (Absalom) and unsuspecting permissions (David) both fall under divine oversight. • Trusting the Lord’s governance brings stability; plotting apart from Him invites collapse. Life Application – Plan diligently, but submit every intention to God’s will (Proverbs 3 : 5–6). – Evaluate motives; religious language cannot mask rebellion before an all-seeing God (Hebrews 4 : 12–13). – Rest in God’s sovereignty when others’ plans threaten you; He still “determines the steps.” |
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