A few considerations from the story of a battle between a father and a son.

A few considerations from the story of a battle between a father and a son.

A problem brewed between David and his son for over 40 years

Finally Solomon began to usurp and attempted to over throw his father throne.

2 Samuel 15:14
And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us,

and smite the city with the edge of the sword.

David's first concern was the city and the innocent people who lived in it.

2 Samuel 15:26
But if he (God) thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.

Secondly David understood God might be done with him, and was willing to accept the verdict of heaven.

2 Samuel 18:5
And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying,

Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom.

And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning

The heart of a father was seeking a way to spare his son.

Let's look at the actions of the son.

2 Samuel 16:22
So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house; and Absalom went in unto his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.

Absalom purposefully tried to embarrass his father.

2 Samuel 17:12
So shall we come upon him in some place where he shall be found, and we will light upon him as the dew falleth on the ground: and of him and of all the men that are with him there shall not be left so much as one.

His plans included the total destruction of his father. With no plans for mercy or restitution.

It is interesting Absalom's attitude and plans did not change the action and plans of grace by David towards his son.

This is a horrific story, it is one of the saddest stories of communication and relationship break downs, in all of scripture.

Absalom is and was wrong for his actions and conduct towards his father. There is no excuse for his rebellion and actions.

David for all of his parental failures, offers one of the clearest views of how a father feels when one of his sons goes astray.

Too many "fathers" fortify themselves in the city, and the innocent souls be damned.

It does not matter how many are wounded and destroyed in the battle.

Too many "fathers" fight to hold what is theirs with no consideration that God might be through with them.

Too many "fathers" have no plan for mercy, or concern for the welfare of their sons over minor and trifle offenses.

If one ever appears to have been disrespectful "off with their heads."

In everything I submitted to you as a son to a father, why have you not treated me like a son?

Answer: because you were not my father.

Your actions have proved you know not the heart or the ways of a father.

"O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!"

Finally there was no victory celebration ... How could David be happy? His son was dead.

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