Articles
Absalom's Pride - 2 Sam. 16
Absalom's Pride - 2 Sam. 16
"If a man gets too big for his britches, it will be seen in the end." Absalom had both looks and popularity, but no sense of godliness. Whereas his father David would not raise a hand against God's chosen king, Absalom sets his hand to kill his own father. Popularity doesn't mean one is right.
To speak evil of your rightful king was prohibited: "You shall not curse God, nor curse a ruler of your people." (Exodus 22:28).
To strike your father or mother was prohibited: "He who strikes his father or his mother shall surely be put to death." (Exodus 21:15); It was even more evil to kill your own father; who should have been held in honor ("Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you." (Exodus 20:12).
To commit incest was prohibited (cp. Lev. 18:8ff), how much more to do it publicly as a display as did Absalom.
Proverbs constantly speaks of the fool as one who refuses correction and wise counsel, as one who refuses to learn. Absalom should have learned the proverbs of his own people:
"Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; Assuredly, he will not be unpunished." (Proverbs 16:5).
"If you have been foolish in exalting yourself Or if you have plotted evil, put your hand on your mouth. For the churning of milk produces butter, And pressing the nose brings forth blood; So the churning of anger produces strife." (Proverbs 30:32–33).
"An arrogant man stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the Lord will prosper." (Proverbs 28:25).
"“Proud,” “Haughty,” “Scoffer,” are his names, Who acts with insolent pride." (Proverbs 21:24).
"A man’s pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor." (Proverbs 29:23).
"“The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverted mouth, I hate." (Proverbs 8:13).
"When pride comes, then comes dishonor, But with the humble is wisdom." (Proverbs 11:2).
"Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling." (Proverbs 16:18).
"Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, But humility goes before honor." (Proverbs 18:12).
"The Lord will tear down the house of the proud, But He will establish the boundary of the widow." (Proverbs 15:25).
"Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling." (Proverbs 16:18).
"Better is he who is lightly esteemed and has a servant Than he who honors himself and lacks bread." (Proverbs 12:9).
"It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly Than to divide the spoil with the proud." (Proverbs 16:19).
As God's people, we simply are instructed to be humble: "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;" (Philippians 2:3). Did we learn anything by reading about Absalom and his arrogance?
Hugh DeLong
