Once again we are treated to the story of dysfunction within a family. After being pardoned by and reconciled to his father, Absalom hatches a plot to win over the affection of the people and supplant David as king. David was basically a good and loyal "son" to Saul. He is a flawed but ultimately forgiving father to Absalom. Perhaps Absalom still holds a grudge for David's failure to protect or avenge the rape of Absalom's sister, Tamar, by Amnon. Or perhaps he is simply vain and selfish. It is not entirely clear. But what is clear is that, Absalom means David harm, while David loves his son. David must flee the city and he retreats to the Mount of Olives, where he weeps without ceasing--reminding me of Jesus in Gethsemane. To be betrayed, even hated, by your own son must be a terrible thing. While traveling, David is subject to insults and taunts by a man named Shimei. David prevents his servant from dealing with Shimei to stop this, saying instead:
Perhaps the Lord will look upon my affliction and make it up to me with benefits for the curses he is uttering today.
These words also remind me of Jesus' Passion, where he silently endured the taunting of the Roman soldiers, the Pharisees, and one of the criminals being executed alongside Him.
David works out a plot with his servant, Hushai, to lead Absalom into an ill-advised battle. David is convinced by his advisors to stay back and not engage in the battle himself. He heeds the advice, but directs his soldiers to treat Absalom gently. The plot succeeds, and David's army prevails. But notwithstanding David's instructions, his close advisor Joab sees to it that Absalom is killed as he hangs helplessly from a tree. Absalom, son of David, dies hanging from a tree. Sounds like the Lord's crucifixion. It is hard to imagine a parallel is being drawn between Absalom and Jesus, so I am struggling to understand the significance of these details.
Messengers return from battle, bringing word of victory, and of the death of Absalom.
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