Topical Bible: Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Absalom

◄ Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Absalom ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the account of Absalom, the son of King David, is marked by rebellion, ambition, and betrayal. Absalom's account is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel, where his actions and the actions of those around him provide a cautionary tale about loyalty, authority, and the consequences of rebellion.

Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David, is a significant event in the history of Israel. The seeds of this rebellion are sown in 2 Samuel 15, where Absalom begins to undermine David's authority by winning the hearts of the people of Israel. He does this by presenting himself as a more accessible and just leader than his father. "Absalom would say, 'Oh, that I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who had a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice.'" (2 Samuel 15:4).

Among those who joined Absalom in his rebellion was Ahithophel, a counselor of David, whose betrayal is particularly noted. Ahithophel's defection to Absalom's side is seen as a significant act of treachery. "Now when someone reported to David, 'Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom,' David prayed, 'O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.'" (2 Samuel 15:31). Ahithophel's wisdom was renowned, and his counsel was highly valued, making his betrayal all the more impactful.

Another figure associated with Absalom's rebellion is Hushai the Archite, who, unlike Ahithophel, remained loyal to David. Hushai's role was to counteract Ahithophel's counsel and to provide David with intelligence about Absalom's plans. Hushai's loyalty and cunning are evident when he successfully persuades Absalom to reject Ahithophel's advice, which ultimately contributes to Absalom's downfall. "Then Hushai said to Absalom, 'The advice that Ahithophel has given this time is not good.'" (2 Samuel 17:7).

The rebellion culminates in a battle in the forest of Ephraim, where Absalom meets his demise. Despite David's explicit instructions to deal gently with Absalom, Joab, the commander of David's army, kills him. This act, while ending the rebellion, also brings great sorrow to David, who mourns deeply for his son. "The king was shaken and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. As he walked, he cried out, 'O my son Absalom, O my son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!'" (2 Samuel 18:33).

The account of Absalom and his unfaithful servants serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive nature of rebellion and the importance of loyalty and faithfulness. It highlights the consequences of turning against God's anointed and the inevitable downfall that follows such actions. The narrative also underscores the complexity of human relationships and the profound impact of betrayal and loyalty in the unfolding of God's purposes.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 13:28,29
Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark you now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 14:30
Therefore he said to his servants, See, Joab's field is near mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire. And Absalom's servants set the field on fire.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... ie a foolish man) much less for a servant, (ie men ... Ver.19 shows what the employment
of unfaithful men, who ... and upright man, consenting with a wicked man in sin ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

Compassion for Souls
... revelation of God concerning the doom of the wicked is so ... helped to train your child
as a servant of sin ... concerning it, and have been in any measure unfaithful. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/compassion for souls.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... comprised, will be shaken, or at leastwise questionable, by erroneous and wicked
men: for ... for Moses was faithful in God's house but as a servant; "but Christ ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... your souls with God, but do live loose, idle, profane, and wicked lives. ... In Absalom's
conspiracy against his father, there were two hundred men called out of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

The Doctrine
... O wicked wretch! ... And secondly, He would be unfaithful to His Word, His written Word,
and ... law will never say, "Well done"; never say, "My good servant"; no; but ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm