What can we learn about God's justice from Absalom's predicament in this verse? Absalom’s Sudden Snare — 2 Samuel 18:9 “Now Absalom happened to meet David’s servants. Absalom was riding his mule, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a great oak, Absalom’s head was caught in the tree. He was left hanging in midair, and the mule under him kept going.” The Hand of Divine Justice at Work • Absalom’s downfall arrives not by sword or spear first but by providence—an unexpected tree limb. • God’s justice often employs ordinary means (a low-hanging branch, a wandering mule) to bring about extraordinary outcomes (Job 34:11; Proverbs 16:9). • Though David’s army is present, the decisive “capture” is engineered by God, underscoring Psalm 37:12–13: “The Lord laughs at the wicked, for He sees their day is coming.” Inevitable Consequences of Rebellion • Absalom openly defied his father and king (2 Samuel 15:10). Scripture warns, “Honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12); violating this command invites judgment. • Galatians 6:7 echoes the principle: “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, he will reap.” Absalom sowed betrayal; he reaped entanglement. • Delayed justice is still certain justice. Years passed between Absalom’s first conspiracy and this moment, yet Romans 2:5 reminds us that wrath is “being stored up.” Pride Entangles the Proud • Absalom’s hair symbolized his vanity (2 Samuel 14:25–26). The same glory becomes the snare. • Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” • God’s justice is often poetic—He turns our idols into instruments of discipline (Isaiah 2:11–12). God Shows No Partiality • A prince, beloved by many, still faces divine judgment. Acts 10:34: “God shows no partiality.” • Justice is measured by righteousness, not status, lineage, or popularity (Deuteronomy 10:17). Justice Balanced with Mercy • David commanded, “Deal gently with the young man Absalom for my sake” (2 Samuel 18:5). Even while God enforces justice, He allows avenues for mercy through human agents. • Romans 11:22 calls us to behold both “the kindness and severity of God.” Takeaways for Today • Rebellion against God-ordained authority invites unavoidable consequences. • Hidden sins eventually surface; nothing escapes divine oversight (Hebrews 4:13). • Pride is self-destructive; humility keeps us from divine opposition (James 4:6). • God’s justice may appear slow but always arrives right on time, vindicating His holiness. |
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