Identity Disorders
At the root of man’s heart, we come to know ourselves through identity. Often, we establish our self-identity through our accomplishments rather than looking to Scriptures for God’s answer. In Isaiah 43:1 (ESV), we read, “But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” When we attempt to establish our own identities, we should expect nothing short of a train wreck. Let me begin to explain using the story of King Saul’s death.
King Saul
In 1 Samuel 31:3-4 (ESV), we read, “The battle pressed hard against Saul, and the archers found him, and he was badly wounded by the archers. Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw Your sword, and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and mistreat me.” But his armor-bearer would not, for he feared greatly. Therefore, Saul took his own sword and fell upon it.” Saul had already received the news through consulting a sorcerer that he would die during this battle. But was he aware that it was his own prideful heart that would inflict the final blow? If King Saul’s identity had been firmly planted in God, his creator, might he have used his last breath to repent rather than concern himself with the appearance of disgrace at the hand of his enemy? Commentators will argue that King Saul did not commit suicide because his wounds were already fatal; however, King Saul could not control his final fate as much as he desired to do so. His enemies would still hang his lifeless, headless body in disgrace.Absalom
Moving a few chapters in 2 Samuel, we read of the disharmony caused in King David’s home, beginning with his adulterous act with Uriah’s wife, Bathsheba. The prophet Nathan would reveal future consequences, including the loss of Bathsheba’s illegitimate son. David must have been looking over his shoulder in anticipation, waiting for the gauntlet to fall. When Amnon defiled his half-sister Tamar, could David have recognized his son’s behavior as a consequence of his own downfall? We do not know why David did not appear to have a parental response to this uncouth behavior. Nor can we fully comprehend why David allowed Absalom to get away with murder. But we can recognize the chain of events that occurred, showing us a fulfillment of Nathan’s prophesy. Absalom’s unforgiving spirit resulted in four significant actions: (1) a premeditated murder of his half-brother, (2) undermining of his father’s counsel among the citizen’s of Israel, (3) his treasonous act to become king in Hebron under the guise of fulfilling a vow he made to the LORD, and (4) undercutting significant relationships held by the king. Many would say that David was a bad father, but it’s from each man’s heart that his path is established.How could Absalom know that the pretty boy mane that had become his trading card would also become his downfall? A barbershop would not have resolved the limb-hanging incident, but a humble heart of confession may have saved his life. It was not lousy karma that cost Absalom his life, although you could certainly see the writing on the wall if you believed in such things. Absalom’s burning of his cousin’s barley crop could have appeared to be the last straw for Joab’s revenge; however, Scriptures reveal that the forest took more lives than the sword (see 2 Samuel 18:8). We learn that more than 20,000 men perished. Can we recognize God’s hand in this massacre (when even the wind and the waves obey him)?
Ahithophel
It must have been difficult news for King David when he learned that even his trusted advisor had traded teams. Ahithophel was Bathsheba’s grandfather. Had he held David in contempt for his son-in-law’s death? How long had he conspired to overthrow the king? Although David was well aware that his family would continue to suffer the consequences of his actions, do you think he had prepared his heart for this painful betrayal? In 2 Samuel 15:30a (ESV), we read, “But David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went, barefoot and with his head covered.” Even those who remain loyal responded in like manner. David turned to the LORD in prayer and asked God to turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness (see verse 31). What an excellent example of releasing one’s control and placing a lousy situation into God’s capable hands.Ahithophel’s betrayal cost him his life. He measured himself in wisdom, and when this failed, 2 Samuel 17:23b reveals, “He went off home to his own city. He set his house in order and hanged himself, and he died and was buried in the tomb of his father.” The price of his betrayal was not just his own life, but he also altered the lives of ten concubines who had remained behind at the palace. Revenge is a costly venture.
When we allow bitterness to take root in our hearts, we begin to judge the actions of others, and eventually, we take matters into our own hands. We justify our actions by appointing ourselves both judge and jury. We make our sense of right and wrong the plumb line. Can we see from this example where our remedies might easily cause more suffering than we could ever imagine? Absalom’s battle and Ahithophel’s counsel cost many lives.
Might this story also remind us of Jesus’ response regarding anger found in Matthew 5:21-25 (ESV)? “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison.” If only Absalom had spent his exile in Geshur pursuing forgiveness, or Ahithophel exposed his bitter heart to God, might 20,000 lives have been spared, and the grief of family and friends avoided? The story of cost does not end on that note; Joab’s decision on this fateful day may have been to obey King David and treat Absalom gently.
Comments