Absalom and His Rebellion (8): Absalom Steals the Hearts of the Men of Israel (II Samuel 15:1-6) by Rev. Angus Stewart
I. The Entourage of a King?
II. The Justice of a King?
III. The Graciousness of a King?
Roger Ellsworth: “Many of us have a love we would do well to let go, a love that threatens to bring us great harm if we persist in clinging to it. Drinking, pornography, an adulterous affair, drugs, money—there is no shortage of dangerous loves. David’s dangerous love was for his son Absalom. He should have let go of him. Absalom was a truly despicable human being. He thought of no one but himself. He was proud and arrogant. He was deceptive and dishonourable. He was a coldblooded killer. But David refused to let go of this dangerous love. He sold principle down the river in favour of his personal feelings for this deadly viper of a son. How many today are repeating David’s error! How many subject principle to feeling!” (The Shepherd King, p. 237).
William Blackburn: “Well has it been written, ‘He that trifles with the affections, or steals the heart of another, for his own pleasure, or interest, is equally unprincipled,’ as he who robs a bank, or plunders his neighbour’s goods. In God’s sight, it may be a greater crime. ‘He that seduces a young person from his duty and regard to his parents; he that lures a young inquirer from the Christian minister or friend who is guiding him; above all, he that tries to withdraw one from his duty to God, and from the love of Christ, on pretence of making him happier elsewhere, is not only guilty of stealing, but is committing his daring theft on the most hallowed ground and on the falsest pretences. Let the young and inexperienced beware of those who attempt to steal away their hearts from their parents, their teachers, their ministers, their more grave and serious friends’” (The Rebel Prince, pp. 127-128).