13 Pentecost

Week of 13 Pentecost – Sunday

first posted 08/13/05

2 Samuel 13:1-22, Tamar Raped by Amnon

Romans 15:1-13, Bearing with the Weak

John 3:22-36 John’s Further Testimony

Absalom was David’s son by Maacah, the daughter of the king of Geshur, Syria. He had a beautiful sister named Tamar. Amnon was David’s son by Ahinoam, his first wife. Amnon was so passionately in love with Tamar that he was making himself ill. David’s nephew, Jonadab, was devious in nature, and noticed that Amnon was not sleeping well. He asked Amnon, and Amnon confessed his love for Tamar. Jonadab told Amnon to feign illness, and David would come to check on him. Then Amnon should ask for Tamar to come and bake bread for him and feed him. Amnon followed Jonadab’s advice, and Tamar came to cook and feed him.

Amnon sent all his servants away and asked Tamar to bring the food to him in his bedroom. When she came near he grabbed her and asked her to have sex. She pleaded with him not to do such wickedness and cause her great shame. She told him to ask David for permission to marry her and she would be his wife, but Amnon wouldn’t listen, and forced himself on her.

After he had raped her, he loathed her more than he had loved her before. He told her to get out, and she told him that sending her away was worse than the rape. Amnon summoned his servant and had him throw her out and bolt the door, so she could not return. Tamar put ashes on her head and tore the robe she was wearing (rituals of mourning) and went away with her hand on her head and crying aloud. Absalom suspected what had happened and by whom, and told Tamar not to let this tragedy ruin her. Tamar dwelt in Absalom’s house as a desolate (unmarriageable) woman. David was very angry when he heard what had happened, but Absalom said nothing to Amnon, although he hated Amnon for what he had done to Tamar.

Those who are spiritually strong should endure the failings of those who are spiritually weak, and seek to help and build them up, rather than pleasing ourselves. Christ is our example, who accepted abuse and humbly obeyed God’s will rather than pursuing his own will and pleasure. The Old Testament scriptures were written for our instruction so that we might be encouraged and strengthened in hope. God is the Lord of encouragement and steadfastness; may he grant his people to live in obedience to Christ and in harmony with one another, so that we may glorify God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Let us give to one another the welcome we have received from Jesus Christ, so that God will be glorified. Christ came to the Jews in fulfillment of the scriptures, so that the truth and faithfulness of God could be seen, but the scriptures also promised mercy and hope to the Gentiles, so that all might glorify God. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope (Romans 15:13).

Jesus and his disciples were baptizing (in the Jordan River) in the region of Judea, the southernmost of three provinces of Israel. John the Baptizer was baptizing (in the Jordan) at Aenon which was between Samaria (the middle province) and Galilee (the northern province).

John’s disciples had been discussing the Jewish ritual of purification with a Jew. They came to John and told him that all the people seemed to be going to Jesus for baptism rather than John. John replied that whatever we receive comes from God. John’s disciples had heard John say that he was not the Christ (Messiah), but had been sent ahead (to herald the Messiah’s coming). John is like the bridegroom’s “best man” Jesus is the bridegroom because he has been given the bride (his Church). John rejoices to hear the bridegroom’s arrival, but with the bridegroom’s arrival, John’s role is completed.

John said that Jesus is of heaven and has the authority of heaven. John is of earth, and can only speak from a human perspective. Jesus testifies to the spiritual realm and what is eternal which he knows from his heavenly origin, but worldly people do not accept Jesus’ testimony. But those who do accept Jesus’ testimony testify that God is true and that Jesus speaks the word of God, because the fullness of God’s spirit dwells within Jesus (Colossians 2:8-9). God the Father loves his (only begotten) Son, and has given him authority over all things. “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; he who does not obey the Son shall not see (real, eternal) life, but the wrath of God rests upon him (John 3:36 RSV).

It wasn’t love that Amnon had for Tamar. He was only interested in gratifying his lust. He cared nothing for her. She was willing to marry him, but instead he did what was wicked, brought her great shame, and destroyed her possibility for love and marriage, and then threw her away. Amnon had followed the worldly counsel of an unrighteous relative, because it gratified his self interest, rather than doing what was right and honorable. Jonadab had an opportunity to guide Amnon, but instead of helping Amnon know what was right and honorable, he helped Amnon accomplish what was wicked and which led to Amnon’s as well as Tamar’s destruction. The behavior of Amnon and Jonadab caused division and hatred among the members of David’s household.

In contrast, the Church is a household where the spiritually strong, mature Christians are to help new believers know and do what is right and guide them to grow to spiritual maturity. Christians are to put the needs of those who are spiritually weaker, in the church and in the community, ahead of their own interests, following the example of Jesus Christ. Instead of being divided by selfish competing desires and seeking our own glory, we are to cooperate and work together to glorify God.

John the Baptizer is an example of a servant of the Lord who was obedient and faithful to the calling God gave him, not seeking to build up his own name and ministry, but to work in harmony with God’s plan and to point others to Jesus and to glorify the Lord. He counseled his own disciples not to oppose or compete with Jesus’ ministry.

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

Alternative Entry

first posted 09/06/03

2 Sam. 13:1-22 Amnon’s Abuse of Tamar

Romans 15:1-13 Bearing with the Weak

John 3:22-36 John’s Further Testimony

Absalom, David’s Son and next in line to the throne, had a beautiful sister, Tamar. Their half-brother Amnon was infatuated with Tamar, and he devised a scheme to get her alone with him in his bedroom by pretending to be sick. Once he was alone with her he raped her. She would have been willing to marry him (it was legal to do so) and she pleaded with him to ask her father King David for her for his wife.

Amnon thought of nothing but his own momentary gratification, and once it was obtained he wanted nothing more to do with Tamar. His subsequent treatment of her was worse than the rape. As a result of the rape, Tamar was forced to dwell as a “desolate woman” (no longer a virgin) in her brother’s Absalom’s house. King David and Absalom were furious with Amnon for what he had done to Tamar.

Paul reminds the Romans that Christians are to place the needs of others ahead of their own, as we have the example of Jesus, who came not to serve himself but others. Especially in the church, but also among all our relationships we should bear with the failings of the weak, and seek to do what is best for our neighbor, rather than focusing on our own gratification. We should seek to live in harmony with all, so that God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ will be glorified.

John the Baptist was not envious of Jesus’ Ministry. John recognized that the ministry he had was not his own, to build himself up in importance; John’s ministry was to point people to Jesus. Knowing that, he could rejoice to see his disciples leaving him to follow Jesus and in fact he encouraged them to do so. (John 1:35-37)

Amnon thought that he could live according to his own rules. He found that indulging his desires was not loving, nor living. As John said, “He who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God rests upon him.” (v.36)

Week of 13 Pentecost – Monday
first posted 08/14/05

2 Samuel 13:23-39, Absalom’s Revenge

Acts 20:17-38, Paul’s Farewell

Mark 9:42-50 Warnings of Hell

Amnon was David’s son by Ahinoam, David’s first wife; Tamar and Absalom were David’s children by Maacah, the daughter of the king of Geshur, Syria. Amnon had raped his half-sister, Tamar, the sister of Absalom. Two years later Absalom had a festival celebrating sheepsheering, on the border of Ephraim and Benjamin. He invited David and all David’s sons. David declined the invitation, but allowed his sons to go. Absalom made a point of including Amnon.

Absalom told his servants to wait until Amnon was drunk, and then to kill him. He told them not to be afraid but to do as he ordered. They killed Amnon as Absalom had told them, and the other brothers fled. While they were fleeing, news came to David, saying that all the king’s sons had been killed by Absalom. The King tore his robes and lay on the ground (ritual acts of mourning). But David’s nephew, Jonadab (whose counsel facilitated Amnon’s rape of Tamar; 2 Samuel 13:3-5) corrected the report by telling David that only Amnon had been killed, and that it was because of Amnon’s rape of Tamar.

Absalom fled to Geshur, Syria, the land of his maternal grandfather, which was under David’s military control (2 Samuel 8:6). David’s watchman reported that many people were coming on the Horonaim road (named for a city of Moab south of the Arnon River). The watchman reported that it was David’s sons, confirming Jonadab’s report.

As the watchman finished reporting, David’s sons arrived and David, his sons, and his servants wept. David also mourned for Absalom and longed to be reconciled with him, since Amnon was dead (and nothing could change that). Absalom stayed three years at Geshur.

Paul was trying to return to Jerusalem, from his third missionary journey, by Pentecost, so to save time he summoned the leaders of the Ephesian congregation to meet him in Miletus. When they arrived Paul reviewed his ministry in Asia, how he had declared the full Gospel message despite persecution from the Jews. Paul preached the Gospel of repentance to God and of faith in Jesus Christ.

Paul told them he was now heading for Jerusalem, in obedience, knowing by the Holy Spirit that imprisonment and afflictions awaited him. Paul’s only desire was to fulfill the ministry the Lord had given him. Paul told the congregation that he knew they would never see him again. Paul was confident that he had taught them the full Gospel, and that their salvation (from eternal death) was their own responsibility (according to what they did with the Gospel they had received).

Paul urged the leaders to take heed to their own spiritual wellbeing and also of the congregation which the Holy Spirit had appointed them to lead and guard, and to spiritually nurture the church of the Lord, which Jesus secured by his blood . Paul warned that there would be “wolves” (false teachers and false prophets) attacking the “flock" and even arising from within the congregation, attempting to lead the disciples (Christians) astray. Paul asked them to be vigilant to preserve the sound doctrine Paul had lovingly and faithfully taught them night and day for the three years he was with them.

Paul commended the congregation to God and to the Gospel of grace (free gift; unmerited favor; Ephesians 2:8-9) which is able to strengthen them spiritually and enable them to receive the fulfillment of the promise to all who are sanctified (purified and consecrated, by the indwelling Holy Spirit). Paul reminded them that he had not used his ministry to accumulate material wealth. In fact Paul had earned his living among them (as a tentmaker). His life was an example of how Christians are to help those who are weak, following the teaching of Jesus that it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:36; compare Luke 14:12-14.).

Then they all knelt and prayed. They all hugged and kissed, sad most of all because they knew they wouldn’t see him again, and then they accompanied him to the ship.

Jesus warned that whoever causes a follower of Jesus to sin will suffer worse consequences that the worst imaginable physical death. Sin has eternally terrible consequences. If sin could be avoided by removing an eye or a hand or a foot, the physical disability now, with the ability to enter God’s eternal kingdom, would be far better than the eternal destruction of unquenchable fire in hell. Jesus declared that everyone will be seasoned (tested) with fire. Seasoning is good and necessary, but if doesn’t produce the desired result the result is worthless. One should become seasoned within (grow to spiritual maturity) so that one can live peacefully with others.

Jonadab is an example of one who causes the “King’s children” to sin. He facilitated and encouraged Amnon to commit terrible sins against Tamar and her family. Amnon was the eldest son and potential successor to the throne. Jonadab’s counsel destroyed Amnon and gravely injured Tamar, and caused a three-year separation between Absalom and David, but Jonadab thought he was helping comfort David by telling him that it was “only” Amnon who had been killed. Jonadab and Amnon thus fulfilled the prophecy of Nathan that evil would arise against David from within his own house.

Paul, in contrast, is the example of a faithful servant of the Lord who sacrificed his own will and desires in order to fulfill the ministry the Lord had given him. Paul had proclaimed the full Gospel (not just the parts that make us feel good), to enable the congregation to be saved and to avoid the consequences of sin (disobedience of God’s word), and his congregation would bear the responsibility for how they applied that message.

Paul warned the Church that evil would arise against it, even from within the household of the people of God, and he warned leaders to heed their own spiritual wellbeing, and also the spiritual wellbeing of the members under their supervision. He warned that false teachers would arise in the world and within the Church. The Church is to make every effort and sacrifice to hold to the scriptural apostolic doctrine (the Gospel taught by the apostles including Paul, and recorded in the New Testament) which Paul had faithfully preached. Jesus shed his blood on the Cross for that Gospel, and Paul had made personal sacrifices and suffered persecutions to preserve and pass on that Gospel accurately.

Jesus preached the full Gospel, including eternal damnation in hell for those who do not trust and obey Jesus. Jesus warned that a Day of Judgment is coming. Those who have rejected Jesus and have refused to obey God’s Word will be punished eternally in the unquenchable fire of hell. Only through Jesus, by the gift of his indwelling Holy Spirit, are we able to be saved from eternal destruction and to receive eternal life in the Lord’s presence in his eternal kingdom. Jesus is God’s only provision for our salvation (Acts 4:12; 14:6; see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right). Only Jesus gives the gift of the Holy Spirit, only to his disciples who trust and obey him (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).

Jesus declared that everyone will be tested by trials and adversities in this life. Those trials are intended to develop our faith (trust and obedience) in the Lord. They’re designed to lead us to grow in faith to spiritual maturity through “rebirth” (being “born-again;” John 3:3, 5-8) by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Jesus said that if we had to lose an eye or a hand in order to avoid sin and eternal condemnation it would be well worth the loss. Paul (formerly called Saul of Tarsus) is an example of a “born-again” disciple who was willing to sacrifice everything including his physical life, for the joy of the Gospel and of eternal life in the Lord’s presence. That spiritual maturity in Paul was the result of walking daily in personal fellowship with and obedient trust in the Lord, developing over a period of years as Paul experienced the faithfulness of the Lord. It began in a “fiery trial” of physical blindness and his confrontation with his sin by the Spirit of the risen Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-20).

We may not be required to lose a body part, or die physically for the Gospel, but we will need to make personal sacrifices in order to follow Jesus . We start by surrendering our personal will and desires to the Lord, one day at a time. Are we willing to surrender twenty minutes a day for personal Bible study and prayer, seeking the Lord’s will and guidance for the day? Are willing to spend a couple hours regularly every week to worship the Lord in Church and be spiritually nurtured by his Word and presence? What have we done with the Gospel of Jesus Christ which we have received? Have we made every effort to know and pass on, faithfully and accurately, the full Gospel of Christ?

Alternative Entry

first posted 09/07/03

2 Sam. 13:23-39 Absalom Avenged Tamar

Acts 20:17-38 Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesians

Mark 9:42-50 Warnings of Hell

Two years after Tamar’s rape by Amnon, her brother Absalom invited all his brothers to a feast at the time of sheepshearing. By prior arrangement, when Amnon was enjoying himself, Absalom gave the command and his servants killed Amnon. Then the rest of the brothers fled. Word came to King David that all his sons had been killed, but the King’s Nephew Jonadab (who had given Amnon the encouragement and idea to attack Tamar originally) reassured the King that only Amnon had been killed. Absalom fled to Geshur (a neighboring monarchy under David’s military control). After a period of mourning, David’s grief was assuaged, and he longed for Absalom.

Paul called the Ephesian church leaders to him to say farewell at Miletus, where he was sailing for home at the end of his third missionary journey. Paul knew, by the Holy Spirit, that martyrdom awaited him, and that he would not be returning to them again. Paul could say: “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may accomplish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace (free gift; unmerited favor) of God”. (v.24)

Jesus warned that the consequence of sin is eternal death and condemnation, and that there will be an accounting. No effort to avoid sinning would be too costly or too extreme, considering the consequence of sin.

Amnon’s momentary gratification cost him his life, although it took him a while to realize it. The counsel of Jonadab encouraging Amnon to indulge his temptation was certainly bad advice. Jesus warned that judgment for sin is coming, and that the penalty will far outweigh any momentary pleasure. Paul recognized that the fleeting pleasures of this life were worthless in comparison to the riches of eternal life in fellowship with the Lord.

We are all under condemnation as sinners, “since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. (Romans 3:23) “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”(Romans 6:23) Faith in Jesus is the only way we can be saved.

Week of 13 Pentecost – Tuesday

first posted 08/15/03

2 Samuel 14:1-20, Joab Intercedes for Absalom’s return

Acts 21:1-14, Paul’s Return to Israel

Mark 10:1-16 Teaching on Marriage and Family

Absalom had killed his half-brother, Amnon, King David’s oldest son and heir to the throne, in revenge for Amnon’s rape of Absalom’s sister Tamar. Absalom, the next in succession to the throne, after Amnon, had been forced to flee to Geshur, Syria, the land of his maternal grandfather. Joab, the commander of David’s army, realized that David was mourning for Absalom, and he devised a way to have Absalom reinstated. Joab located a woman in Tekoa, within a couple miles of Bethlehem, where David had been raised. Joab had the woman appear as one who had been mourning and had her present herself to David and speak as Joab instructed.

The woman came to David and said that she was a widow with two sons. They had fought and one had killed the other. Now the family sought to kill the remaining brother in revenge. She told David that the loss of her remaining son would quench the spark of life which remained in her, and leave no one to carry on her dead husband’s name and heritage. David told the woman to go home, assured that David would give orders protecting her remaining son. David promised to punish anyone who would attempt to harm her or her remaining son.

The woman asked permission to speak freely and then suggested that the situation which she had described was David’s own situation. She said that David had been willing to help her and her son, but was not intervening to restore Absalom, David’s heir. She pointed out that everyone faces death, but God will not destroy the life of one for seeking his son’s restoration (2 Samuel 14:14). The woman expressed her faith in the king who she hoped would deliver her from the one who would seek to destroy the woman and her remaining son from the heritage of God, since David was acting as an angel (prophet; Strong’s number 4397; messenger; spiritual counselor and judge of good and evil) of God by the Lord’s will and authority.

David asked her if Joab had put her up to this and she admitted it was true, saying that one could do nothing but accept and do as the king had said. Joab had hoped to intervene and change the situation, but David had been given divine wisdom to know all things on earth.

Paul and his associates were returning to Israel from Paul’s third missionary journey, sailing southeast down the coastline of Asia Minor (modern Turkey). When they came in sight of Cyprus they passed south of Cyprus across the Mediterranean Sea to port in Tyre, where the ship’s cargo was unloaded. They went to Ptolemais south of Tyre on the coast, where they stayed overnight with Christians. The next day they traveled to Caesarea and stayed with Philip, the evangelist, (one of the seven original deacons; Acts 6:1-7).

Philip had four unmarried daughters who were prophets (1 Corinthians 12:28). Paul’s group stayed there a number of days, and during that time a prophet, Agabus, came from Judea to Philip, and Agabus took Paul’s belt and bound his own hands and feet and declared that the Jews of Judea would bind Paul likewise and deliver Paul to the Gentile authorities. When the Christians heard that they begged Paul not to continue to Jerusalem, but Paul said that their weeping on his behalf was breaking Paul’s heart, but that he was committed to endure imprisonment and even physical death for the name of the Lord Jesus. Since Paul could not be dissuaded, his fellow Christians accepted and commended Paul to the Lord’s will.

Jesus was teaching in Judea “beyond the Jordan” (i.e. the region of Perea; east of the Jordan; Gilead). Pharisees asked Jesus a question about whether divorce is lawful, in order to test Jesus. Jesus asked them what Moses had commanded, and they replied that Moses had allowed divorce. Jesus replied that divorce was allowed because of the hardness (selfishness and lack of love for others) of people’s hearts. God’s intention was that man and wife would leave their parents and become one flesh (Genesis 2:24), joined together by God. Humans should not separate what God had joined. Privately, Jesus’ disciples asked Jesus about this teaching and Jesus said that anyone who divorces his spouse and marries another commits adultery (compare Matthew 5:31-32).

Crowds were bringing children to Jesus to be blessed, and the disciples told them to stop. Jesus saw it and was indignant and rebuked his disciples, telling them to let the children come to Jesus, because the kingdom of God belonged to those who come to him in innocent, obedient trust like a child. Jesus laid his hands on the children and blessed them.

Jesus is the “Son of David,” the fulfillment of the promised Messiah, the eternal King, Priest and Judge whom David foreshadowed. The one who would seek to destroy the woman and her remaining son from the heritage of God is Satan. Joab is the spiritual leader of God’s army, and the woman is a member of the King’s neighborhood. Joab and the woman worked together to restore the fallen son of the king.

Joab had interceded for Absalom’s restoration to David’s house. He knew that the King, impartially weighting a similar situation, would decide in favor of mercy, but was unable to see his own situation impartiality. The woman expressed her faith to David that the Lord doesn’t desire that anyone perish (eternally; John 3:16-17). God will not condemn anyone who works for restoration of a child of the King. The woman was willing to cooperate with Joab’s effort to restore Absalom, and to trust in the King’s divine wisdom and judgment.

Similarly Christians loved Paul and did not want him to perish, but they were willing to accept and trust the Lord’s will.

God’s commandments were not given to oppress us and make us miserable, but to save and restore us to true eternal life. God’s best will for us is that we would be united in marriage with one spouse, but he was merciful to allow for our human weakness.

Jesus is God’s mercy made visible in human flesh. No one is able to fulfill the requirements of God’s laws (Romans 3:20; Galatians 2:16), apart from the grace (unmerited favor; free gift) which is received through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9).

We have all sinned and fall short of the righteousness of God (Romans 3:23), and the penalty for sin is (eternal) death (Romans 6:23). Jesus intercedes to God for our restoration to our heavenly father, through Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross (See God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right). Jesus is God’s only provision for salvation from eternal death (Acts 4:12) and for restoration to fellowship with God (John 14:6).

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*The New Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, #4397, Greek Dictionary, pg 62, James Strong, LL.D., STD, Nelson, NY 1984 ISBN 0-8407-5360-8

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Alternative Entry

first posted 09/08/03

2 Sam. 14:1-20 Joab Brings the Return of Absalom

Acts 21:1-14 Paul’s Return to Jerusalem

Mark 10:1-16 Marriage Law

Joab, David’s commander of the army, knew that David longed for Absalom, who had fled for refuge after killing Amnon in revenge for the rape of Tamar. So Joab arranged with a woman from David’s home area to speak with David, pretending to have a similar situation and seeking a pardon so that her son could return. Absalom was the heir to the throne of David through whom the Lord’s promise of an eternal kingdom was to be fulfilled. (Note v.7) The woman told David: ‘The king will hear and deliver his servant from the hand of the man who would destroy me and my son together from the heritage of God.” (v.16)

Paul was returning to Jerusalem knowing, by the Holy Spirit, that imprisonment and death awaited him. His friends tried to get him to take refuge, not wanting to loose him, but Paul was prepared to die for the sake of the Gospel.

On the question of divorce, Jesus point was that the law permitted divorce not because it was right, but because we are unrighteous. It is still a sin, although lawful.

Absalom had fled because the law required his life for the life of Amnon, which he had taken. David had forgiven him. Absalom had been avenging the rape his sister Tamar. This argued against a strict letter-of-the-law judgment. King David had the power to pardon, in the interest of justice. Paul had done nothing to deserve death, but he was willing to entrust his life to the Lord, knowing that the Lord will judge justly and will avenge wrongdoing.

Jesus showed that God’s Law was designed to help us rather than oppress us. Satan is "the man who would destroy me and my son together from the heritage of God." (2Sam.14:16) The Lord is merciful as well as just and is willing to pardon. Jesus is the heir to David’s throne, the eternal King who has the authority to judge and to pardon. God sent his Son to die on the cross for our sins so that we could be forgiven. That pardon is available only through faith in Jesus Christ.

Week of 13 Pentecost – Wednesday

first posted 08/16/05

2 Samuel 14:21-33, Absalom’s Reconciliation

Acts 21:15-26, Paul’s Arrival in Jerusalem

Mark 10:17-31 The Rich Man

Absalom had killed his half-brother, Amnon, King David’s oldest son and heir to the throne, in revenge for Amnon’s rape of Absalom’s sister Tamar. Absalom, the next in succession to the throne, after Amnon, had been forced to flee to Geshur, Syria, the land of his maternal grandfather. Joab, the commander of David’s army had interceded with David through a woman of Tekoa, David’s boyhood neighborhood, to allow Absalom to return to Israel. David gave Joab permission to go to Absalom and return with him to Israel. Joab thanked David for granting his request, and did as he had been commanded. David allowed Absalom to return, but Absalom was to dwell in his own house in Jerusalem, and was not to come into the King’s presence.

Absalom was the handsomest man in Israel. His features were flawless, and he had magnificent hair. Absalom had three sons, and a daughter, whom he named Tamar (for his sister who had been raped by Amnon), and she was a beauty.

After Absalom had lived for two years in Jerusalem without seeing his father, he summoned Joab to go to the king in Absalom’s behalf, but Joab refused to come. Joab had a barley field next to Absalom’s property, so Absalom told his servants to set Joab’s barley on fire. That brought Joab to Absalom, demanding to know why Absalom had set fire to his barley. Absalom said had asked Joab to come and take Abaslom’s message to David: If he couldn’t be in his father’s presence Absalom might as well have stayed in Geshur. Absalom said that if David found him guilty, he should kill Absalom. Joab took Absalom’s message to David, and David received Absalom and kissed him.

Paul went with a group of disciples (Christians) from Caesarea to Jerusalem, where they stayed in the home of Mnason of Cyprus, an early convert. The Christians in Jerusalem welcomed them, and the next day Paul and his associates went to meet with James (the brother or close relative of Jesus) the head of the Church Council at Jerusalem and the elders and apostles who were members of the Council. Paul gave them a report of his ministry to the Gentiles, and they rejoiced and praised the Lord.

The Council warned Paul that the “Judaizers,” the “Circumcision Party,” the Pharisees who had been converted to Christianity, were accusing Paul of teaching Christians to forsake the traditions of Moses. The Council told Paul to sponsor four men who were under a Nazarite vow at the time, paying for the offerings required by the Law of Moses (Numbers 6:1-21). The Council hoped that by this, that the allegation of the Judaizers against Paul might be disproved. But the ruling of the Council that the Gentile Christians did not have to conform to Jewish Law was sustained. Paul did as the Jerusalem Council had directed.

A rich man came to Jesus and knelt before him. He addressed Jesus as “Good Teacher” (Mark 10:17) and asked what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus asked why the man had called him “Good;” because only God is truly good. Jesus told him that the rich man knew the commandments, and citing the fourth through eighth commandments, omitting the obligations to God and against covetousness. The rich man said that he had kept the commandments all his adult life. Jesus told the rich man that he lacked one thing; he should sell his material possession and give the proceeds to the poor and come and follow Jesus. The rich man left Jesus and went away in sadness, because he loved his possessions.

Jesus told his disciples that the rich will have difficulty entering God’s kingdom. The disciples were amazed at this statement, and asked Jesus who, then, could be saved. Jesus told them that it is easier for a camel pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom; a physical, human impossibility. But God is not limited by physical, human impossibilities. Peter said that he and the other disciples had given up everything to follow Jesus, and Jesus replied that everyone who has given up anything to follow Jesus will be rewarded a hundred times over, in this life, although with persecution, and in the age which is coming, with eternal life. But Jesus said that the worldly values of things will be reversed.

Absalom wanted not only to be restored to life in the kingdom, but also restored to fellowship with the King, his Father. He took action to convince Joab that he was serious, by setting fire to Joab’s barley field. Because of Absalom’s initiative, David received him and restored him to full fellowship.

Paul is the prototype of the modern, “post-resurrection,” “born-again” disciple of Jesus Christ, like any of us, who did not know Jesus during Jesus’ physical life on earth. Paul wanted acceptance and approval by the Apostles and the Church in Jerusalem, and he was willing to conform to the doctrines and rulings of the Jerusalem Council, guided by the Holy Spirit, in accordance with the Scriptures. He didn’t want any behavior on his part, whether real or perceived, to hinder others in receiving salvation.

The rich man wanted to be restored to the kingdom of eternal life and fellowship with the Father, but was unwilling to conform to and obey Jesus’ teachings. Instead of submitting to Jesus’ authority, he went away in sadness, because he was unwilling to give up worldly things for eternal life and fellowship with the Lord.

We have all sinned and are estranged from God (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8-10; see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right) Jesus is our advocate (Acts 4:12), our only way to restoration to fellowship with God; John 14:6). Through him we can receive a full pardon, and be welcomed into our Heavenly Father's house.

Alternative Entry

first posted 09/09/03

2 Sam. 14:21-33 Absalom Burns Joab’s Field

Acts 21:15-26 Paul Arrives in Jerusalem

Mark 10:17-31 Concerning Riches

Joab, King David’s military commander and a key member of his administration, had been the advocate for a pardon on Absalom’s behalf. David gave permission for Joab to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem, but David did not allow Absalom, his own son and heir to the throne, back into his presence for two years. Then Absalom sent for Joab to intercede for him to be restored into David’s household. Joab ignored his summons twice, so Absalom had Joab’s barley field set on fire. Joab came running to find out why Absalom had set his field on fire, and Absalom prevailed on him to intercede for him with David.

Paul arrived in Jerusalem and reported, to the elders of the Church, the results of his missionary journey. They encouraged him to demonstrate his conformity to the laws of Judaism to counter allegations that he taught the Jewish Christians among the Gentile Churches to forsake the Law of Moses. The Council at Jerusalem had reached a compromise, not requiring the Gentiles to adopt the Jewish Law, but not forsaking it among Jewish converts.

A rich young man was willing to obey the Jewish Law but was unwilling to part with his possessions in order to obtain salvation and gain eternal life. Jesus pointed out that salvation requires total submission to God, but that when we submit everything to Him, He will provide abundantly for our needs, although we cannot expect not to experience any difficulties.

Absalom did not really benefit from the pardon, as long as he was not allowed back into David’s household. The rich young man wanted eternal life, but was unwilling to give up what he already had in order to obtain it. Paul was willing to conform to the Jewish Law for the sake of the Gospel. He didn’t want any behavior on his part, whether real or perceived, to hinder others in receiving salvation. Jesus is our advocate. Through him we can receive a full pardon, and be welcomed into our Heavenly Father's house.

Week of 13 Pentecost – Thursday

first posted 08/17/05

2 Samuel 15:1-18, Absalom’s Conspiracy

Acts 21:27-36, Paul Assaulted in the Temple

Mark 10:32-45 Christ’s Mission

Absalom, King David’s son and heir to the throne, had been reinstated in the King’s household following his murder of his half-brother, Amnon for the rape of Absalom’s sister, Tamar (see 2 Samuel 13:1-14:33). Once reinstated Absalom acquired a chariot and fifty bodyguards, and began standing by the king’s gate, intercepting those seeking legal redress from the king. Absalom would ask the petitioner his city and tribe, and then would tell the man that the man’s claim was valid, but that the king had not appointed anyone to serve as judge to hear legal claims. Absalom would tell them that if he were judge, he would give the petitioners justice. Then he would embrace the petitioners, and thus Absalom endeared himself to the people of Israel.

After four years Absalom asked his father for permission to go to Hebron (the former capital city) on the pretext of fulfilling a vow Absalom had made while in exile in Geshur. David gave him permission, but Absalom secretly sent messengers throughout Israel to declare, at Absalom’s signal, that Absalom was reigning as king at Hebron. Absalom took two hundred men of Jerusalem with him as invited guests, unaware that Absalom was planning to depose David. At Hebron, Absalom sent for Ahithopel, David’s counselor and prophet. Absalom’s support was growing and he was informed that the majority of Israelites supported him as king.

David called all his men and servants in Jerusalem to escape from Jerusalem so that they would not be trapped in the city by Absalom’s rebels. All of David’s people left the city, except for ten concubines left to keep the king’s house. David halted at the edge of the city as all of his people passed by, including the Cherethites and Pelethites, and six hundred Gittites (all foreign, perhaps Philistine, mercenary soldiers loyal to David).

Paul had accepted the advice of the Jerusalem Council (Christian church headquarters), to sponsor four Christian Jews then in Jerusalem to fulfill Nazarite vows (Jews who separated themselves from others and consecrated themselves to the Lord; Numbers 6:1-21), to avoid antagonizing Jews and Jewish Christians who had accused Paul of teaching Jewish converts to stop obeying the Laws of Moses. Jews from Asia (who had persecuted Paul there) were in Jerusalem and stirred up the Jews against Paul, claiming that he had desecrated the Temple by bringing Gentiles into it. They had seen Trophimus, an Ephesian (Gentile Christian) with Paul in Jerusalem, and had supposed that Paul had brought Trophimus into the Temple. They stirred up a riot in the city, and Paul was dragged from the temple and was being beaten to death.

The commander of a Roman military unit stationed in Jerusalem to maintain order received word of the riot and took soldiers to intervene. When the rioters saw the soldiers coming they stopped beating Paul. Paul was arrested and put in chains, while the officer tried to obtain the facts, but because of conflicting information, he was unable to make a determination, so he had Paul brought to the barracks. At the steps into the barracks the soldiers had to physically carry Paul, because of the violence of the mob.

Jesus was heading to Jerusalem, where he knew that he would be crucified. He was walking determinedly ahead while his disciples were hanging back in fear. For the third time Jesus told the Twelve plainly that the Son of man (Jesus) would be condemned by the Jewish religious authorities and delivered to the Gentile governing authorities. Jesus would be mocked, spit upon, scourged, and killed, and would rise again after three days.

James and John drew near and asked Jesus to do something for them. Jesus asked what they wanted, and they asked to be his immediate subordinates in Jesus’ kingdom. Jesus told them they didn’t know what they were asking. He asked them if they could endure the same fate that Jesus must endure, and they said they were able. Jesus said that they would suffer the same fate, but what they had asked was not possible for Jesus to grant, because those positions had already been determined by God’s will. The others of the Twelve were indignant at James and John for trying to gain rank over them, but Jesus told them that the standards of worldly behavior are reversed in God’s eternal kingdom. Here the powerful are in authority, but in God’s kingdom the greatest is the one who is the servant of all the rest. Jesus is the example of that principal; he is the king who didn’t come to be served in the worldly manner of a king, but to be the servant who suffered for all, and gave his life as a ransom to purchase our release from eternal condemnation.

Absalom had been forgiven and pardoned from execution for murder, and restored to fellowship with the Lord’s anointed King, Absalom’s father, David. Absalom was next in line to inherit the kingdom, but he wasn’t content to be second and to wait until the kingdom was his. David foreshadows the promised eternal savior and king, Jesus Christ. We are all like Absalom, pardoned from the punishment of death for disobedience of God’s word, and restored to fellowship with him through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; see God’s Plan of Salvation sidebar, top right)

Paul had made every effort to avoid antagonizing the Jews and the Jewish Christians of the “Circumcision Party,” because he didn’t want to hinder anyone from receiving salvation (from God’s eternal condemnation and eternal death). The Jews who opposed Paul were not willing to seek and obey God’s will. They wanted to make the rules and be in authority over others.

Jesus is God’s anointed Savior and King. “Christ” and “Messiah” are the Greek and Hebrew words which mean “anointed” (respectively). Jesus came humbly, not seeking his own power and glory from the world; he came as a suffering servant of all, contrary to the world’s concept of kingship, but his resurrection from death illustrates and proves that his servanthood was rewarded by God with kingship.

Jesus was warning the disciples for the third time that he was going to Jerusalem where he would be crucified and rise from the dead on the third day. But they didn’t understand what he was saying; Jesus was teaching by word and example, but they were still thinking of greatness in worldly terms. James and John wanted to share in Jesus’ glory without sharing in Jesus’ suffering.

Worldly people oppose the Lordship of Jesus Christ, because they want to be great and powerful by worldly standards. They want to have their kingdom now, by worldly standards, instead of waiting to inherit it through the Lord’s anointed Savior and King, Jesus Christ.

Christians are to follow Jesus’ example, and we cannot expect to be treated any better by the world than Jesus was. Jesus knew what was coming and he set his face toward Jerusalem in determination to accomplish his mission (Luke 9:51-53). Paul knew what awaited him in Jerusalem (Acts 20:17-25; 21:10-14), and yet he was determined to go and fulfill his ministry. Christians are disciples who set their face toward the Cross daily and walk in determination to finish their mission in Jesus Christ (Luke 9:23).

Alternative Entry

first posted 09/10/03

2 Sam. 15:1-18 Absalom’s Revolt

Acts 21:27-36 Paul’s Arrest

Mark 10:32-45 James and John Seek Honor

Absalom, King David’s Son had just been pardoned from death for murder, and had been restored to the palace as prince and heir to the throne. Apparently he was not very grateful, and, unwilling to wait for his succession, he began to conspire to overthrow his father. Absalom began campaigning for political power, using the weakness of the judicial system under David’s administration. After four years, he had enough support to attempt a coup. In the guise of paying a vow to the Lord for his return from exile in Geshur as a murderer, he went to Hebron (Israel’s Capital, before David moved it to Jerusalem) to assemble his supporters and begin the revolution. Word came to David, and he was forced to flee Jerusalem to avoid being trapped.

Paul had arranged for ritual purification for himself and four other men, as a public acknowledgement of his support of the Laws of Judaism. The seven-day period was not yet up when “Jews from Asia” (presumably some of those who had stirred up trouble against Paul’s preaching there) saw him in the Temple and stirred up the people with false accusations that Paul was teaching against the Laws of Moses and had defiled the temple by bringing a Greek into it (which was a capital offence according to historical inscriptions) The people grabbed Paul and dragged him outside and were attempting to beat him to death. They were interrupted by the Roman police who were stationed close to the temple and saw the commotion. Paul was placed under arrest and taken into the barracks until the facts could be determined.

On the way to Jerusalem Jesus told his disciples, for the third time, that he would be crucified, describing the events that would shortly take place, but the disciples did not understand what he was saying. James and John seemed to have been pre-occupied in thinking about their status in Jesus’ coming kingdom. They wanted to share in Jesus’ glory, without sharing Jesus’ suffering. Jesus pointed out that greatness in his Kingdom was not power and authority over others, but servanthood.

Absalom had been pardoned for murder by his Father, and restored to the palace as prince and heir to the throne, but he was impatient and unwilling to wait for succession, and he repaid his Father’s mercy with treachery. Paul was in the midst of the rite of purification, conforming to the Jewish Laws, but his enemies didn’t wait for him to finish. They interrupted his obedience to the law with false accusations to the contrary, and attempted to kill him on the spot, before the facts could be determined. Jesus’ disciples wanted to ignore the reality of suffering servanthood, and skip immediately to the triumphal reign.

Week of 13 Pentecost – Friday

first posted 08/18/05

2 Samuel 15:19-37, David Flees from Jerusalem

Acts 21:37-22:16, Paul’s Testimony in Jerusalem

Mark 10:46-52 Blind Bartimaeus Healed

David and his loyal followers left Jerusalem to avoid being trapped there by his son, Absalom who was attempting to take over the kingdom. David had stopped at the city boundary, as his people passed by. As the Gittites passed by David said to their commander, Ittai, that the Gittites should remain in Jerusalem, since they were new exiles in Israel; why would they want to join David’s people with such an uncertain future? But Ittai responded that he and his people would follow David in life or death. So the Gittites went with David.

Abiathar, the surviving priest from Saul’s massacre of the priests of Nob (1 Samuel 22:19-23) and Zadok, a high priest, came with all the Levites, bringing the Ark of the Covenant. David told Zadok to carry the Ark back into Jerusalem with Abiathar and his son, Jonathan, and Zadok’s son, Ahimaaz. David said that if it was the Lord’s will David would return to Jerusalem and the Lord’s house; David would accept the Lord’s will, whatever the outcome.

David and his people went up the Mount of Olives in mourning. David heard that Ahithophel, David’s advisor, had joined Absalom’s conspiracy, and David prayed that the Lord would change Ahithophel’s wisdom to foolishness. At the summit, where God was worshiped (high places were places of worship), Hushai, the king’s counselor, came to David with torn coat and dust on his head (signs of ritual mourning). David told Hushai to return to Jerusalem and offer to be Absalom’s advisor, so that he could defeat the counsel of Ahithophel. From that position Hushai would know Absalom’s plans and be able to relay information to David through Zadok and Abiathar, by their sons as messengers. Hushai returned to Jerusalem just as Absalom was entering.

Paul had been rescued by Roman soldiers from being beaten to death by a Jewish mob outside the temple. As he was being taken into the Roman garrison, he asked the Roman officer, apparently in Greek, for permission to speak to the mob. That caused the officer to suspect that Paul might be an Egyptian who had recently stirred up revolt. Paul answered that he was a Jew from Tarsus, an important city in Cilicia, known for wealth and as a center of education. The Roman officer gave his permission.

Paul, speaking in Hebrew, addressed the mob, saying that he was a Jew of Tarsus who had been raised in Jerusalem and educated by Gamaliel, a Pharisee and a well-known Jewish educator and head of the Sanhedrin (the Jewish supreme court). Paul told them that he had been as zealous for God as they were; he had persecuted the Way (as Christianity was known; Jesus is the Way; John 14:6) to the death, arresting and imprisoning Christians by the authority of the high priest and the Sanhedrin. Paul (formerly known as Saul of Tarsus) had been on the way to Damascus for that very purpose, when he was struck down by a bright light and a voice, which only he heard, rebuking Paul’s persecution.

Paul asked who was speaking, and the voice said “I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting” (Acts 22:8). Paul asked Jesus what he wanted Paul to do, and Jesus told him to go to Damascus and wait for instructions. Paul was unable to see because the light had blinded him, and he had to be led by the hand. Ananias, a devout Jewish (Christian) man, respected in the Jewish community came to Paul and commanded Paul’s blindness healed. Ananias told him that God had appointed Paul to know God’s will, to see the “Just One” (Jesus, the Messiah, the Righteous Judge) and to hear his voice; the Lord had appointed Paul to be a witness to what he had seen and heard. Ananias told Paul to be baptized in the name of Jesus, for the cleansing of his sins.

Jesus was determinedly going to Jerusalem, where he knew that he would be crucified. As they were leaving Jericho, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus (“son of Timaeus”) was sitting by the road and when he heard that Jesus of Nazareth was passing, he called out, saying “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me” (Mark 10:47)! Many told him to be quiet, but he kept calling, and Jesus stopped and asked Bartimaeus to come to him. Bartimaeus jumped up and came to Jesus, who asked what Bartimaeus wanted Jesus to do for him. Bartimaeus asked Jesus to heal his blindness, and Jesus, dismissed him, saying that his faith had made him well. Bartimaeus’ vision was immediately restored, and he followed Jesus.

Ittai, the Gittite leader committed himself and his men to follow David, no matter what came, and David committed himself to accept the Lord’s will, although the outcome seemed uncertain.

Paul went to Jerusalem in obedience to the Holy Spirit, knowing that he would be persecuted and imprisoned. He had been struck blind on the road to Damascus but had obeyed Jesus to go on to Damascus and await instructions, and his blindness had been healed.

Jesus was going to Jerusalem, in obedience to God’s will, knowing that he would be crucified, but trusting in God the Father. Bartimaeus had trusted that Jesus was the promised Messiah, the “Son of David,” and his blindness was healed, and he followed Jesus.

Jesus gives sight to the spiritually blind. If we’re trusting in Jesus we can follow him and leave the outcome to him. Are you following Jesus? Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

Alternative Entry

first posted 09/11/03

2 Sam. 15:19-37 David Flees Jerusalem

Acts 21:37-22:16 Paul’s Defense

Mark 10:46-52 Healing Bartimaeus

David was forced to flee into the wilderness to avoid being trapped in Jerusalem by his son Absalom, who had launched a rebellion to seize the throne. As David’s loyal servants passed by on the way out of Jerusalem, David sent Abiathar and Zadok, priests loyal to David, back into Jerusalem with the Ark of the Covenant, along with their sons Ahima-az and Jonathan, son of Abiathar. David said: “If I find favor with the Lord he will bring me back and let me see both it (the ark) and his habitation; but if he says ‘I have no pleasure in you’, behold, here I am, let him do to me what seems good to him.” (v.25-26)

David also said to Zadok “Aren’t you a seer?” (See v.27, NIV. The RSV gives “Are you a seer?” as an alternative translation. The word seer was used for those who were prophets of God. See 1 Sam. 9:9) and he sent them back into Jerusalem with instructions to contact him with any information they might obtain. He also sent his friend Hushai back to counteract the counsel of Ahithophel, David’s former counselor who had switched his loyalty to Absalom, and to gather intelligence to be relayed to David via Abiathar and Zadok.

Paul had been arrested after a mob had falsely accused and attacked him. On his way to jail, he asked his guard for permission to address the crowd. He gave the testimony of his conversion during his journey to Damascus. Paul (formerly known as Saul, of Tarsus) had been zealous for God, persecuting Christians, just like the mob which had attacked him. He had been on his way to Damascus with authority from the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem to arrest and imprison Christians when he was struck down and blinded by the light of the risen Christ. He had to be led by the hand the rest of the way. In Damascus, a devout Jew named Ananias, directed by the Holy Spirit, came to Paul and healed Paul’s blindness.

On the way to Jerusalem and his crucifixion, Jesus was leaving Jericho when a blind man named Bartimaeus called out to him, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus had the man brought to him and asked him what he wanted done for him. Bartimaeus asked to receive his sight. Jesus declared “Your faith has made you well” and immediately he received his sight.

David wanted some of his loyal people inside Absalom’s regime to spy for David, and keep him informed. Paul had been zealous for God, but had been spiritually blind because he had not seen Jesus, and had thus not known that Jesus was the Lord. Paul apparently had not had any contact with Jesus during Jesus’ earthly ministry (prior to the Resurrection). His first contact with the Christian movement seems to have been at the stoning of Stephen. (Acts 7:58)

In his encounter with the risen Jesus on the Damascus road Paul “saw” Jesus, recognized him as Lord (Acts 22:10) and came to realize his spiritual “blindness” through the experience of physical blindness which followed. At Damascus he was able to repent and receive forgiveness in Jesus Christ, and his sight was restored. Paul's experience demonstrates that all can come to a personal knowledge of the risen Jesus.

Although physically blind, Bartimaeus “saw” that Jesus was the “Son of David”, the fulfillment of God’s promise of an heir to the Throne of David, the Lord’s Anointed, the long-awaited Messiah or Christ (both meaning “anointed” in Hebrew and Greek, respectively). Bartimaeus’ faith in Jesus as the Christ made his physical healing possible. Jesus is sight for the blind.

Week of 13 Pentecost – Saturday

first posted 08/19/05

2 Samuel 16:1-23, Absalom takes Jerusalem

Acts 22:17-29, Reaction to Paul’s Testimony

Mark 11:1-11 Jesus’ Entry into Jerusalem

David and his supporters had fled Jerusalem to avoid being trapped there by Absalom, David’s son who was trying to usurp the kingdom. Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s crippled son, the sole surviving descendant of Saul’s family, whom David had had taken in and provided for, for Jonathan’s sake. Ziba brought two asses loaded with food to provide for David and his people, claiming that Mephibosheth had stayed in Jerusalem hoping that Saul’s kingdom would be restored to Mephibosheth by Absalom. David then promised that all Mephibosheth possessed would be transferred to Ziba.

Descending from the Mount of Olives, David and his followers passed through Bahurim, and Shimei, a descendant of the family of Saul came out and cursed David continually as David passed. Abishai, one of David’s commanders, offered to kill Shimei. David said he didn’t need Abishai to deal with Shimei. Instead, he left it to the Lord to deal with. David thought Shimei had more reason to hate David than David’s own son, Absalom. David trusted that the Lord would reward him for his forebearance of Shimei. David and his followers were weary when they reached the Jordan River.

Absalom, David’s advisor, Ahithopel who had joined Absalom’s conspiracy, and Absalom’s followers from all over Israel entered Jerusalem. Hushai, David’s friend, whom David had sent back to Jerusalem to thwart Ahithopel and to spy on and report Absalom’s plans, came to Absalom and pledged his allegiance to Absalom. Absalom asked guidance from Ahithopel, and Ahithopel told Absalom to take David’s concubines for himself (as a way of demonstrating that Absalom had assumed the throne). Ahithopel’s counsel was regarded as the word of God, by both David and Absalom.

Paul, placed under arrest by Roman soldiers following an attack by a mob outside the temple in Jerusalem, asked permission to address the mob. Paul told how he had formerly persecuted Christians. The mob listened to Paul up to the point that Paul testified that the Lord had warned him to get out of Jerusalem because the people would not accept Paul’s testimony, and that the Lord would send Paul to testify to the Gentiles.

At that point the mob began shouting that Paul should not be allowed to live The military commander ordered Paul brought into the barracks and interrogated by scourging (torture). When Paul’s hands had been tied Paul asked the Centurion (a Roman officer) if it was legal to scourge a Roman citizen without a legal judgment. Hearing this the Centurion told his commander, and the commander, who had purchased his citizenship for a large fee, asked Paul if it was true that Paul was a Roman citizen? Paul responded that he was born into Roman citizenship. Hearing this, the soldiers withdrew immediately, and the commander himself was afraid of what might happen to him as a result of having bound a Roman citizen without a trial.

Jesus had been heading for Jerusalem, knowing that crucifixion was awaiting him. At Bethphage, and Bethany, villages on the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples into the village to get a young donkey, He told them where to find it and what to say, and as they followed his instructions, it happened exactly as Jesus had told them. The brought the donkey and placed garments on the donkey and Jesus sat on it. Others spread robes and branches on the roadway. The crowd in front and behind him shouted “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming!” (Mark 11:9-10). Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; then he returned to Bethany, where he stayed overnight

David was the Lord’s “anointed;” the legitimate king of Israel, but he was driven from Jerusalem by Absalom, the imposter who claimed to be king. (Absalom did not have the Lord’s anointing.) David left Jerusalem by the same route the Son of David, the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would enter Jerusalem.

David prefigures and illustrates the Messiah, Jesus. David, the legitimate anointed king was driven out by the illegitimate worldly king, Absalom, but ultimately David triumphed over Absalom and returned to his throne. In the same way Jesus was physically driven from Jerusalem by crucifixion, but rose from the dead, and will return in glory to reign eternally.

Paul was a legitimate citizen of Rome, while his worldly interrogator and judge had purchased his citizenship. The Jews considered themselves to be special because they were “God’s chosen people,” and they could not accept God’s salvation going to “Gentiles” who they regarded as pagans.

Jesus entered Jerusalem by the route David had exited, and his followers acknowledged him as the rightful heir to David’s throne. But he was rejected by the worldly authorities, as David had been. The legitimate people of God are those who acknowledge that Jesus is the Christ, God’s anointed eternal savior and king. Jesus' entry was a “drama” in the form of a parable, to be understood and accepted or rejected, humbly offering himself as the Messiah (God's Anointed King). Jesus doesn’t force his kingship on anyone. We’re free to choose God’s way or our own way, but there will be an accounting before God.

Alternative Entry

first posted 09/12/03

2 Sam. 16:1-23 Absalom Takes Over Jerusalem

Acts 22:17-29 Paul Asserts His Roman Citizenship

Mark 11:1-11 Jesus Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem

King David had passed the summit of the Mount of Olives in his flight with his supporters from Jerusalem ahead of his son, Absalom, who had launched a revolution. Ziba (Saul’s servant; see 2 Sam. 9:1-13) followed David, bringing a gift of food for the troops (reminiscent of Abigail’s provision; see 1 Sam. 25). When asked, Ziba claimed that Mephibosheth, Saul’s crippled son who David had taken in, had defected to Absalom’s side. Without verification, David believed Ziba, and transferred Mephibosheth’s inheritance to Ziba.

At Bahurim, Shimei, a member of the House of Saul, cursed and threw stones at David as he passed. Abishai, a son of Zeruiah (son of David’s sister, Zeruiah; brother of Joab) offered to kill Shimei, but David wouldn’t allow it. The group continued on to the Jordan River. Meanwhile, Absalom and his men had arrived in Jerusalem. Hushai, David’s friend whom he had sent to spy on Absalom, came to Absalom and professed his loyalty.

Absalom was skeptical, but Hushai’s answer seemed to satisfy him. Absalom sought counsel from Ahithophel on how to establish his reign. Ahithophel was David’s former advisor and his counsel was regarded as the word of God. Ahithophel advised Absalom to publicly take, for himself, David’s concubines who had been left in Jerusalem to tend house, as a sign that Absalom had assumed the office and privileges of the kingdom.

Paul had been attacked by a mob in Jerusalem in the Temple over false accusations that he was teaching Jews to abandon Jewish Laws. As he gave his defense, he said that following his conversion on the road to Damascus, he returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the Temple when the Lord warned him to leave Jerusalem because the Jews would not accept his testimony about Jesus. Paul had thought that his well-known opposition to the Christian movement prior to his conversion would make his testimony credible. At this point in his defense the crowd fulfilled this prophesy by rejecting Paul’s testimony and renewing the commotion. Paul was taken into the barracks to be interrogated by scourging, but he asserted his Roman Citizenship, which did not allow scourging before being found guilty of charges.

Jesus prepared to enter Jerusalem (knowing that he would be crucified). He sent his disciples to fetch a young donkey which was available, whether by foreknowledge or prior arrangement. Those who accompanied him heralded him as the heir to the kingdom of David (v. 10)

David had been driven out of Jerusalem by his son Absalom, the natural successor, who was unwilling to wait to receive the throne. Absalom used the discontent of the people who were unhappy with the end of Saul’s dynasty, even though God had rejected Saul and had anointed David to replace him. Shimei cursed David and threw rocks at him as David retreated from Jerusalem ahead of Absalom. David could have had Shimei killed, but chose to leave it to God to judge and settle.

Early after his conversion, Paul had been warned by the Holy Spirit to leave Jerusalem because the Jews would not receive his testimony. Now he had returned to Jerusalem knowing that persecution and imprisonment awaited him. In his defense before the people, when he told of the Lord’s warning that the Jews would not receive his testimony, the crowd fulfilled that prophesy by rejecting his testimony and renewing the commotion.

Jesus entered Jerusalem via the same route David had taken to flee Absalom. He came, knowing that he faced rejection and crucifixion. His entry was a “drama” in the form of a parable, to be understood and accepted or rejected, humbly offering himself as the Messiah (God's Anointed King). Jesus doesn’t force his kingship on anyone. We’re free to choose God’s way or our own way, but there will be an accounting before God.