What can we learn about leadership from David's inquiry in 2 Samuel 18:29? Setting the Scene David’s army has defeated Absalom’s rebellion. Runners race to bring news. Before hearing about victory, the king wants one thing clarified. Text: 2 Samuel 18:29 “Then the king asked, ‘Is the young man Absalom all right?’ Ahimaaz replied, ‘When Joab sent the king’s servant and your servant, I saw a great tumult, but I do not know what it was.’” Leadership Lesson 1: People Matter More Than Victory • David’s first words are not, “Did we win?” but, “Is Absalom safe?” • The king’s priority is the welfare of an individual—even a son who betrayed him. • 1 Corinthians 13:2 reminds us that without love we are nothing; leadership that disregards people isn’t biblical leadership. Leadership Lesson 2: Seek Accurate Information Before Acting • David asks a direct question rather than assuming. • Proverbs 18:13—“He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.” • Leaders slow down to gather facts; impulse can damage people and plans alike. Leadership Lesson 3: Compassion Marks Godly Authority • Psalm 103:13—“As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.” • David mirrors the Father-heart of God, even toward a wayward child. • Luke 15’s father of the prodigal son pictures the same tenderness. Leadership Lesson 4: Separate Personal Pain from Public Duty • David is king and commander, yet he allows honest concern to surface. • Healthy leaders acknowledge emotion without letting it skew justice (2 Samuel 18:5 David still ordered the army to deal gently with Absalom). • Hebrews 4:15—Jesus sympathizes with weakness yet leads perfectly. Leadership Lesson 5: Remember the Value of Each Soul • Matthew 18:12—The shepherd leaves ninety-nine to seek one. • David embodies that principle; every follower counts, even the difficult ones. • Proverbs 27:23—“Know well the condition of your flocks.” Leadership stewards people, not numbers. Leadership in Action: Practical Applications Today • Start meetings by checking on team members, not merely targets. • Verify reports; ask clarifying questions before making decisions. • Let compassion guide tone and policy, even in discipline. • Keep personal hurt from dictating public action; process feelings with the Lord first. • View every person—ally or critic—as bearing God’s image and worthy of pursuit. Summary From a single question—“Is the young man Absalom all right?”—Scripture teaches that leaders value people over results, pursue truth before judgment, lead with compassion, balance emotion with duty, and esteem every soul. Such leadership reflects the heart of God and invites His blessing on all who follow. |
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