How does Absalom's action reflect his character and intentions? The Incident in Brief “ ‘See, Joab’s field is next to mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire!’ And Absalom’s servants set the field on fire.” (2 Samuel 14:30) A Window into Absalom’s Heart – Impatient determination—three times he tried to summon Joab (vv. 29-30); when ignored, he forced the issue. – Willingness to damage another’s property to advance himself. – Confidence that he could act without fear of consequences, hinting at a sense of entitlement. – Preference for dramatic, attention-grabbing gestures rather than humble dialogue. – Manipulation as a standard tactic; he calculated exactly what would compel Joab to appear. Patterns Already Visible in Absalom’s Life – 2 Samuel 13:28-29 – he orchestrates Amnon’s murder with cold precision. – 2 Samuel 14:32 – after the fire, he openly justifies his action instead of repenting. – 2 Samuel 15:1-6 – he courts Israel’s hearts through flattery and spectacle, similar to how he courted Joab’s attention. – Proverbs 29:22 – “An angry man stirs up dissension.” Absalom’s unrestrained anger keeps escalating. – James 3:16 – “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.” His ambition foreshadows national disorder. Seeds of Open Rebellion – The fire is not merely vandalism; it is a rehearsal for setting the entire kingdom ablaze (15:10). – Absalom shows no fear of royal justice, revealing a heart already crowning itself king. – The method—fire—echoes judgment imagery (Judges 9:49); Absalom’s actions invite divine as well as royal scrutiny. Practical Observations – Small acts of manipulation can preview much larger sins. – Impatience with God-ordained authority, if unchecked, matures into outright rebellion (Romans 13:2). – Prestige and charisma (14:25-26) mean little when the heart is fueled by pride and self-will (1 Samuel 15:23). Key Takeaway Absalom’s torching of Joab’s field is a flare revealing his character: impatient, entitled, manipulative, and primed for revolt. The moment Joab’s barley went up in smoke, the kingdom caught its first whiff of the civil war soon to follow. |
    |