What role does obedience play in the actions described in 2 Samuel 13:28? Setting the Scene - Two years after Amnon violated Tamar, Absalom hosts a feast and plots vengeance (2 Samuel 13:23–27). - Verse 28 captures the pivotal moment: “Now Absalom had commanded his young men, saying, ‘Watch now, when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, “Strike Amnon!” then kill him. Do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous!’ ” Human Obedience on Display - Absalom speaks as a master to servants; their duty, culturally, is to obey. - He bolsters their resolve with three imperatives: “Do not be afraid… Be strong… Be courageous.” - The servants comply (v. 29), showing obedience to human authority even when it involves murder. Divine Versus Human Commands - God’s sixth commandment is unambiguous: “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). - When human orders contradict God’s law, believers must answer as Peter did: “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). - The servants’ obedience to Absalom therefore represents disobedience to God. Why Their Obedience Was Misplaced • It violated God’s direct command (Exodus 20:13). • It sprang from fear of man rather than fear of the Lord (Proverbs 29:25). • It facilitated personal revenge, something God forbids (Romans 12:19). • Absalom’s misuse of “Be strong and courageous” twists language God originally gave Joshua for righteous purposes (Joshua 1:9). Personal Accountability Despite Orders - Scripture never excuses sin because “someone told me to.” - The Egyptian midwives refused Pharaoh’s murderous edict (Exodus 1:17). - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego defied Nebuchadnezzar’s idolatrous decree (Daniel 3:16–18). - Each story highlights moral responsibility to obey God above any earthly superior. Lessons for Today • Obedience has limits—God’s Word is the final authority. • Blind loyalty can entangle us in another person’s sin (Proverbs 1:10–16). • True courage is standing firm in righteousness, not in carrying out wrongdoing. • Those who lead others into sin face severe accountability (Matthew 18:6). • Vengeance belongs to the Lord; our role is trust and forgiveness (Romans 12:19). Key Takeaways - Absalom’s servants chose human obedience over divine obedience; their compliance furthered sin rather than honored God. - The episode warns us to evaluate every command by Scripture, refusing participation in actions that violate God’s clearly revealed will. |
    |