How does Absalom's request reflect his hidden intentions and deceitful nature? Setting the Scene • Two years after Amnon violated Tamar, Absalom arranges a festive sheep-shearing at Baal-hazor (2 Samuel 13:23–24). • He first invites King David and all the royal sons; David declines for fear of burdening his host (v. 25). • Absalom then narrows his request: “If not, please let my brother Amnon come with us” (2 Samuel 13:26). Absalom’s Carefully Crafted Request • “Please let my brother Amnon come” sounds warm, familial, even submissive. • The wording hides malice: Absalom singles out the very brother who wronged Tamar, knowing David will suspect nothing because two peaceful years have passed. • By outward politeness and seeming respect for his father’s authority (“please let”), Absalom manipulates David into granting deadly access to Amnon. Clues to His Scheming Heart • Harbored bitterness – 2 Samuel 13:22 notes Absalom “spoke neither good nor bad” to Amnon, a silence masking vengeance. • Timing and setting – The sheep-shearing feast mirrors scenes of joyful celebration (cf. 1 Samuel 25:36); Absalom turns it into an ambush, showing calculated misuse of hospitality. • Selective invitation – By pressing specifically for Amnon, Absalom reveals his true target while cloaking the motive. • Previous deceitful tendencies foreshadow later ones (2 Samuel 15:1-6), where he greets Israelites with kisses to steal their hearts. Scripture Echoes and Reinforcements • Proverbs 26:24-26 “An enemy disguises himself with his lips…” Absalom’s courteous words veil hatred. • Psalm 55:21 “His speech was smooth as butter, but war was in his heart.” • Genesis 4:8 Cain spoke to Abel and led him to a field before murdering him—another fraternal lure under pretense. • Matthew 26:48-49 Judas’ kiss parallels Absalom’s invitation: outward affection concealing lethal intent. Practical Warnings for Our Hearts • Hidden resentment easily matures into deliberate treachery when left unchecked (Hebrews 12:15). • Smooth words are not reliable indicators of inner character; discernment must look beneath appearances (1 Samuel 16:7). • The abuse of rightful authority—hospitality, family ties, leadership—to serve sinful ends mirrors Absalom’s pattern and calls believers to integrity in every sphere. |
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