Take Two: 2 Samuel 18, Proverbs 5

In chapter 18, David organizes the people (numbers them) and assigns the men to three divisions of troops. These three divisions turn the attack back against Absalom’s forces. David intended to join in the battle, but was asked not to since he was a liability as a target on the battlefield (vv. 2-3). David charged his 3 commanders (Joab, Abishai, and Ittai) to show be gentle toward Absalom when he was located. This command was strange considering the normal conduct in war, but reasonable considering Absalom was David’s son.

Absalom ended up being caught and was killed by Joab. In fact, Joab intentionally disregarded the king’s orders by dealing with Absalom as he did. In Joab’s mind, David was too close to the situation to be objective and to think clearly. In fact, David’s actions upon hearing the news affirm Joab’s assessment…since David wept for Absalom after hearing the news of his death in battle.

The human dimension notwithstanding, there are proper ways to execute/prosecute a task. Absalom was not a saint. V.18 tells that he erected his own monument in the King’s valley (note: he was only a king for a short time…and in that time, he builds a monument?) since he did not have an heir to the throne. He knew he had one shot at this “legacy” thing…and took it. Also, remember that he chose between two battle plans…one to surgically strike David’s forces and kill David, and the other to kill every one of David’s supporters. He chose the latter. Absalom committed high treason for 40 years, subverting his father’s influence and gaining it for himself. Further, all of this was done because his father disapproved of Absalom’s decision to kill his brother for raping his sister. (Sounds like a Jerry Springer episode). Absalom was bitter and vengeful. Joab discerned this. David was too close to it to see clearly.

The leadership principle becomes clear. Every leader has a blindspot and needs a man or men to help him be accountable to it and see it clearly. We all can become too close to a situation. Our loss of objectivity can cause us to, not only fail, but leave a trail of destruction in our wake. Sometimes a leader’s greatest strength is being aware of his own weaknesses.

A second principle comes to mind. While David did not have the courage to order Absalom’s death, it needed to be done. Opportunity does not always “knock” a second time. Joab knew of the jeopardy he had placed his men in to secure the kingdom. Even though the king was weak (due to his own bias), Joab knew what needed to be done and was willing to act. Yes…his actions could be judged as mutinous or dishonorable…but in his mind, more was on the line than his reputation. The fate of the nation and the stability of his king’s reign were at issue. As such, he chose to do what was best and accept the consequences that may arise.

Proverbs 5:4-5 is the takeaway today. [The temptation to act foolishly seems wise and attractive at first] “but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword, Her feet go down to death, her steps take hold of [the dwelling of the dead].” As I read this, I am mindful that doing the right thing is not always popular and does not always seem reasonable at the time. Sometimes…doing the “wrong thing” seems so attractive; however, the ultimate end of doing the wrong thing…is destruction. Period. Courage is required to choose the tough thing in the short term to experience blessing in the long run.