Caught in the Maelstrom of Vanity and Pride
2 Samuel 18:10
And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak.


The "Road to Ruin," taken by Absalom, may be illustrated by what is known of the Maelstrom, a famous whirlpool off the coast of Norway. The immense body of water forming it extends, in a circle, about thirteen miles in circumference. A great rock stands in the midst thereof, against which the tide, when ebbing, beats with inconceivable fury, instantly swallowing up all things coming within the sphere of its violence. No dexterity of steering or strength of rowing on the mariner's part can accomplish his escape. The most experienced sailor at the helm finds his ship beginning to move in a direction opposite to his efforts and intentions; the motion at first is slow and nearly imperceptible, but becomes every moment more rapid; the vessel goes round in circles, narrowing each time, until, dashed against the central rock, it is lost with all on board. Thus was Absalom borne onward in the ever-narrowing circle of vanity, self-indulgence, and cruel treachery, until he perished in the Maelstrom of Divine Retribution.



Parallel Verses
KJV: And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak.

WEB: A certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, "Behold, I saw Absalom hanging in an oak."




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