2 Samuel 18:1-18 “A Monument or A Legacy?”
As a consequence of Hushai the Hittite’s counsel of Absalom, David was able to recover from his journey and organize his army. He appointed Joab over a third, Abishai over a third, and Ittai the Gittite over a third. David intended to go with them leading them into battle, but the people were concerned he might be killed. So he consented to remain behind but gave explicit instruction regarding Absalom. “…’Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.’ And all the people heard when the king charged all the commanders concerning Absalom.” (5b, c) As the battle began, David’s servants kill 20,000 of Israel. Not only were David’s servants superior in battle, but nature itself assisted as the forest devoured many. As Absalom happened to meet David’s servant his head was caught in the thick branches “…so he was left hanging between heaven and earth, while the mule that was under him kept going.” (9c). One of the men reported this to Joab who rebuked him for not killing Absalom. But the man reminded Joab of David’s command and refused to disobey the king. Joab, in frustration, took three spears wounding him while his ten armor bearers finished him off. Absalom was then buried in a pit under a large pile of stones. Absalom, having no son [legacy], had erected a monument to himself which reflects the short lived success he enjoyed. May we desire a legacy above monuments to self that have no enduring value to God’s kingdom.
