2 Samuel 15-18

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.

2 Samuel 10-14

The great King David is a rich and complex person. His plot to put Uriah the Hittite in harm's way in battle to ensure his death, so that David can have Uriah's beautiful wife, Bathsheba, reveals David as selfish, covetous, ruthless, and scheming. David's anger at His son, Absalom, for killing another of David's sons (and Absalom's half brother), Amnon, lasts for years--even though the Lord was willing to forgive David when David was sorry for his own transgressions. And David was not moved to anger against Amnon even though Amnon raped his half-sister (and David's own daughter), Tamar. 

Yet David is also a great and caring leader. He loves his people and fights for them. He is deeply remorseful when he sees the error of his ways. He does penance and tries to make amends. He is loyal. He is willing to listen to and learn from others. He seeks to do God's will. He ultimately reconciles with Absalom.

I was moved by the parable Nathan told David, shaming him into seeing the error of his ways in having his faithful soldier, Uriah, killed. It is a parable of greed and covetousness. Of not being satisfied and thankful for what one has. Of feeling somehow cheated if others have good things or beauty or success. David seemingly has everything, yet wants more. 

Yes, there are times when this parable speaks to me--but less so as I get older. God has been incredibly good to me. I have much to be grateful for--more than I deserve, to be honest about it. I don't very often look at what others have and wish I had it. Although I have to confess I might switch places with Robinson Cano for a couple of years and finally fulfill my dream to play second base for the New York Yankees.