Absalom and His Rebellion (7): Absalom Is Brought Into the King's Presence (II Samuel 14:25-33) by Rev. Angus Stewart
I. The Attractive Qualities of Absalom
II. The Persuasive Powers of Absalom
III. The Royal Kiss Received by Absalom
Matthew Henry on II Samuel 14:28-33: “Three years Absalom had been an exile from his [i.e., David’s] father-in-law, and now two years a prisoner at large in his own house, and, in both, better dealt with than he deserved; yet his spirit was still unhumbled, his pride unmortified, and, instead of being thankful that his life is spared, he thinks himself sorely wronged that he is not restored to all his places at court. Had he truly repented of his sin, his distance from the gaieties of the court, and his solitude and retirement in his own house, especially being in Jerusalem the holy city, would have been very agreeable to him. If a murderer must live, yet let him be for ever a recluse. But Absalom could not bear this just and gentle mortification. He longed to see the king’s face, pretending it was because he loved him, but really because he wanted an opportunity to supplant him ... David’s strong affection for him construed all this to be the language of a great respect to his father, and an earnest desire of his favour, when alas! it was far otherwise. See how easily wise and good men may be imposed upon by their own children that design ill, especially when they are blindly fond of them.”