What scriptural connections reveal God's sovereignty despite human schemes in 2 Samuel 15:12? Setting the Scene “While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and the people with Absalom kept increasing.” Absalom appears to tighten his grip on power—strategic sacrifices, a renowned adviser, swelling numbers. Yet Scripture repeatedly pulls back the curtain, revealing God’s unthwarted rule. God’s Hand Already at Work in the Same Narrative • 2 Samuel 17:14 —“For the LORD had ordained to foil the good counsel of Ahithophel, in order to bring disaster on Absalom.” • 2 Samuel 16:11–12 —David, fleeing Jerusalem, entrusts the outcome to God: “Let him curse… Perhaps the LORD will look upon my affliction and restore good…” • 2 Samuel 18:14–15 —Absalom’s death in the oak fulfills the end God ordained, not the kingdom Absalom plotted. Echoes from Earlier Scripture • Genesis 50:20 —Joseph to his brothers: “You intended evil against me, but God intended it for good…” • Exodus 1:12 —The more Egypt oppressed Israel, “the more they multiplied”—schemes only advanced God’s promise. • Psalm 2:1–4 —Nations rage, kings plot, yet “He who sits in the heavens laughs.” • Proverbs 19:21 —“Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.” Confirmations in Later Scripture • Acts 4:27–28 —Herod, Pilate, and Israel conspired, “to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose had predestined to occur.” • Romans 8:28 —“God works all things together for the good of those who love Him…”—including hostile plots. • Revelation 17:17 —Even end-time rulers fulfill God’s “purpose until the words of God are fulfilled.” Patterns That Showcase Sovereignty over Schemes 1. Human plotting (Absalom) 2. Temporary success (conspiracy gains strength) 3. Divine intervention (counsel thwarted) 4. God’s righteous outcome (Absalom judged, David preserved) This rhythm recurs throughout Scripture, underscoring an unbreakable truth: no conspiracy can outmaneuver the Lord. Takeaway Truths for Today • God can turn the finest strategies of the wise (Ahithophel) into tools for His purpose. • Apparent momentum (“people with Absalom kept increasing”) never equals ultimate authority. • Trust flourishes when we remember that every plot must pass through the filter of God’s sovereign will (Job 42:2; Daniel 4:35). |
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