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Lessons from the Life and
Death of Absalom
A Father’s Love for a Rebellious Son
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Lessons from the Life and
Death of Absalom
David is Well Established as King of
Israel. 2 Samuel 10, 11:1
• Israel defeats the Ammonites and
Arameans
• Stays in Jerusalem while Army goes to
battle
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Lessons from the Life and
Death of Absalom
David commits Adultery with
Bathsheba. 2 Samuel 11:2 - 5
•Sees Bathsheba, Inquires about her, and
has her brought to him.
•Bathsheba conceives and sends word to
David
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Lessons from the Life and
Death of Absalom
David Carries out a plan to cover his
sin. 2 Samuel 11:6 - 27
•David has Uriah the Hittite, Bathsheba’s
husband brought home from the Army.
•Uriah does not go home to his wife.
•David arranges Uriah’s death in battle.
•Uriah dies, David marries Bathsheba.
•Bathsheba bears a son.
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Lessons from the Life and
Death of Absalom
God (through Nathan) confronts David.
2 Samuel 12
•Nathan’s Story of the Rich Man/Poor Man
•David reacts angrily upon hearing the
story
•Nathan: “You are the Man!”
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Lessons from the Life and
Death of Absalom
David’s Punishment
I Samuel 12
•Sword never to Depart from David’s House
•Evil raised up from within David’s House
•David’s wives given to his companion. He
will lie with them in broad daylight.
•Child born to David and Bathsheba will
die.
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Lessons from the Life and
Death of Absalom
Turmoil Begins in David’s Family.
2 Samuel 13:1 - 22
•Amnon becomes infatuated with his half
sister, Tamar, Absalom’s sister.
•Amnon’s plot to get Tamar alone with him.
•Amnon rapes Tamar.
•Absalom hears and determines to avenge.
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Lessons from the Life and
Death of Absalom
Absalom’s Revenge (2 years later)
2 Samuel 13:23 - 39
•David’s sons (including Amnon) accompany
Absalom to visit Sheepshearers
•Absalom orders his servants to kill Amnon
once he becomes drunk.
•David mourns. Absalom flees.
•3 more years pass. David longs for Absalom.
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Lessons from the Life and
Death of Absalom
Joab’s Efforts to Reconcile David and
Absalom
2 Samuel 14:1 - 24
•Joab sends the Wise Woman of Tekoa to
David
•She tells a story similar to David’s family
•David perceives, allows Absalom to return
but does not meet with him face to face.
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Lessons from the Life and
Death of Absalom
Absalom’s efforts to See David
2 Samuel 14:25 - 31
•No one as handsome or highly praised as
Absalom. No defect in him from head to toe.
•After two years, Absalom asks Joab to
send him to the King. Joab ignores him.
•Absalom orders to set Joab’s field on fire.
•David and Absalom meet after 5 years.
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Lessons from the Life and
Death of Absalom
Absalom’s Conspiracy Against David
2 Samuel 15
•Absalom arranges a chariot, horses, and
50 men to run before him.
•Absalom stands at the gate and pretends
to side with plaintiffs seeking judgment.
He steals the hearts of the men of Israel.
•On the pretense of paying a vow, Absalom
goes to Hebron and sends spies into the
land.
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Lessons from the Life and
Death of Absalom
Absalom’s Conspiracy Against David
2 Samuel 15
•David’s advisor, Ahithophel, joins Absalom.
•The hearts of Israel are with Absalom.
•David and his servants flee Jerusalem to
avoid being killed by Absalom. Ten
concubines are left to keep David’s house.
•Absalom comes into Jerusalem.
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Lessons from the Life and
Death of Absalom
Absalom’s Conspiracy Against David
2 Samuel 16
•Absalom (on the advice of Ahithophel) goes
into his father’s concubines in the sight of all
Israel.
Absalom requests Advice concerning how to
defeat his Father 2 Samuel 17
•Ahithophel asks for 12,000 men to lead an
immediate pursuit of David.
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Lessons from the Life and
Death of Absalom
Absalom requests Advice concerning
how to defeat his Father
2 Samuel 17
•Hushai advises Absalom to personally lead
into battle with his father. Absalom listens to
Hushai.
•Absalom crosses the Jordan in pursuit of
David.
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Lessons from the Life and
Death of Absalom
David’s Defense against Absalom’s
forces
2 Samuel 18
•David heeds the word of the people and
does not go into the battle.
•David charges his leaders, “Deal gently for
my sake with the young man, Absalom”.
•David’s forces defeat Absalom’s forces.
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Lessons from the Life and
Death of Absalom
The Death of Absalom
2 Samuel 18
•Absalom is caught by an oak tree.
•Joab and his armor bearers kill Absalom
•Word of Absalom’s death is sent back to
David.
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Lessons from the Life and
Death of Absalom
David’s great grief for Absalom
2 Samuel 18:33 – 19:8
•Oh Absalom My son, my son! Would I had
died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my
son!"
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Lessons from the Life and
Death of Absalom
The Brief Pleasures of Sin may lead
to much Heartache and Shame
•Due to David’s Sin with Bathsheba:
–The Sword never departed
–David had to flee his own home
–Amnon raped his own half sister
–Three sons died
–David experienced great shame.
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Lessons from the Life and
Death of Absalom
Bible Characters who refused to give in
to the Pleasures of Sin:
•Moses: Hebrews 11:24-29
•Joseph: Genesis 39
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Lessons from the Life and
Death of Absalom
Parent’s example and guidance may
greatly influence the choices of their
Children
•The actions of Amnon and Absalom are
closely connected to the sin of David.
•Though becoming angry, we have no
evidence that David ever punished Amnon.
•Principle seen in many Kings of Israel &
Judah.
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Lessons from the Life and
Death of Absalom
Parent’s example and guidance may
greatly influence the choices of their
Children
•Positive Example: Timothy
2 Timothy 1:5, 2 Timothy 3:15
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Lessons from the Life and
Death of Absalom
Forgiveness of Sin does not eliminate
the consequences of sin
•David’s sin was forgiven, yet he still
experienced the punishment for his sin.
•Other Characters in which this is seen:
–Adam and Eve Genesis 3
–Moses Numbers 20:1-13
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Lessons from the Life and
Death of Absalom
Never make character assessments on
outward appearances.
•Absalom: handsome, no defect, highly
praised.
•Absalom: appeared to be interested in the
cares of others.
•Absalom: Chariot and runners made it seem
as though he was someone to be desired.
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Lessons from the Life and
Death of Absalom
David’s willingness to forgive reflects
God’s attitude toward us.
•Despite all that Absalom had done, David
maintained a heart of forgiveness.
•This was consistent of David’s character.
•David was willing to die in place of
Absalom.
•Jesus did die in place of us.
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