What can we learn about discernment from Absalom's actions in 2 Samuel 15:3? Setting the Scene 2 Samuel 15:3: “Then Absalom would say, ‘Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no one to hear you.’” Absalom stationing himself at the gate looked compassionate and helpful, yet his hidden aim was to steal the people’s loyalty and overthrow his father David. Key Observations about Absalom’s Tactics • He met people at a vulnerable moment, before their cases were heard. • He affirmed them—“your claims are good and right”—without actually knowing all the facts. • He implied government negligence: “the king has no one to hear you.” • He inserted himself as the supposed solution (v. 4), cultivating dependence on him. Discernment Lessons • Beware of flattering voices – Proverbs 29:5: “A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.” – Flattery may feel supportive, yet it often masks self-interest. • Test claims that undermine God-ordained authority – Romans 13:1 reminds us that “there is no authority except from God.” – When someone subtly tears down leaders without biblical grounds, pause. • Look past appearances to motives – 1 Samuel 16:7: “man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” – Absalom’s polished exterior hid rebellion. • Refuse the pull of immediate sympathy that bypasses truth – Proverbs 18:17: “The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.” – Good discernment waits to hear all sides. • Recognize that deception often mixes truth with falsehood – Absalom acknowledged real administrative delays, then exaggerated them. – Galatians 5:9: “A little leaven leavens the whole batch.” • Guard your heart against charisma divorced from character – Matthew 7:15: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” – Charm is not proof of godliness. Practical Steps to Grow in Discernment • Stay rooted in Scripture daily; it trains the senses to distinguish good from evil (Hebrews 5:14). • Pray for wisdom (James 1:5), asking God to reveal hidden motives in situations and people. • Seek a multitude of godly counselors before aligning with a new voice (Proverbs 11:14). • Observe long-term fruit, not short-term impression (Matthew 7:16). • Maintain humility; pride makes us vulnerable to flattery (Proverbs 16:18). Scriptures That Sharpen Our Discernment • 1 John 4:1—“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” • Philippians 1:9-10—love must “abound… in knowledge and every kind of discernment.” • Psalm 119:130—“The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” By learning from Absalom’s manipulative approach, we refine our ability to perceive motives, weigh words, and remain loyal to God’s appointed order, anchoring every judgment in the unchanging standard of Scripture. |
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