Family problems

After this it happened that Absalom provided himself with chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. Now Absalom would rise early and stand beside the way to the gate. So it was, whenever anyone who had a lawsuit came to the king for a decision, that Absalom would call to him and say, "What city are you from?" And he would say, "Your servant is from such and such a tribe of Israel." Then Absalom would say to him, "Look, your case is good and right; but there is no deputy of the king to hear you." Moreover Absalom would say, "Oh, that I were made judge in the land, and everyone who has any suit or cause would come to me; then I would give him justice." And so it was, whenever anyone came near to bow down to him, that he would put out his hand and take him and kiss him. In this manner Absalom acted toward all Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. – 2 Samuel 15.1-6

David’s family was a mess. It is easy to see why when we see the mess he made of it by his adulterous relationship with Bathsheba and the tragic death of their son.

The rest of his kids we a mess too. A son raped his half-sister. Amnon and Absalom were literally at war with each other and David would not deal with it.

And now Absalom was going to lead a rebellion against him. He raised up a small army of fifty men and chariots and installed himself to intercept those who were going to see King David. He intervened and took matters into his own hands. He said that there was no one qualified to judge so he would take care of things. And, as time went by, he turned the hearts of the people away from his father.

I can’t think of anything sadder than a family breaking down. These are the results and consequences of David’s sin. Even men after God’s own heart are not perfect. Even the author of most of the psalms had issues, not the least of which was a civil war against his own son.

Absalom stole their hearts, but David had their hearts in a place where they could be stolen.