Feud Between Son and Father

Family feuds on the whole, are deeply sad and burdensome, but I’m sure that you will agree with me that it is even more heart wrenching, when such is the relationship between a father and his son. There is in-house fighting, for Absalom, David’s son has turned traitor and wants his father dead. There is a grave battle now between son Absalom and father David, king of Israel.

Absalom had become too big in his own eyes and although he knew that as prince, he was heir of his father’s throne, by lineage, he was most greedy and self-seeking. He wanted his father out of the picture altogether so that he could become ruler of God’s people, Israel instead of David, his father.

This feud began with vicious conspiracy and shrewdness against his father. We are told this. He would get up early and stand by the side of the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone came with a complaint to be placed before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out to him, What town are you from? He would answer, Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel. 2 Samuel 15: 2. Absalom would be most kind and accommodating to those in need of the king’s help and tell them, most apologetically, that unfortunately, there were no representatives of the king to hear their complaints. He assured them that their claims were both valid and proper, and went on to add this. If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that they receive justice. 2 Samuel 15: 4b.

This led to even more treacherous behaviour. We are told that when people approached him to bow down before him, he took on the position and action of his father, the king. He would reach out his hand, take hold of that person and kiss him. Absalom behaved in this way toward all the Israelites who came to the king asking for justice and so he stole the hearts of all the people of Israel. 2 Samuel 15: 6.

What a terribly heart-wrenching time this must be for David and for any father at that, especially when that son is very dear to you. Would you believe this? Even when Absalom has been most vicious and cruel, without any care for his father, waging war against him, father David still is concerned about his son’s life. Absalom has gained strength and support from his disingenuous maneuvers. He has now waged an outright war against his father. The men who remained loyal to King David, are all too willing and ready to face traitor Absalom. They are able to persuade David not to join them in fighting, to ensure that his life is kept safe. However, as the men ride out, this is David’s command to them. The king commanded Joab, Abishai and Ittai, Be gentle with the young man Absalom for my sake. And all the troops heard the king giving orders concerning Absalom to each of the commanders. 2 Samuel 18: 5. I really don’t know what to say here, but our Lord is full of words to me and the attitude of love which comes only from Him and Him alone. In this feud, in this final attack and attempt of a son turned traitor, enemy and bent on patricide, a father still wants his son to be treated with leniency.

This feud between son and father is totally one-sided, for David does all to stay out of the way of his son. The feud is fired by Absalom’s greed. Look at it this way. Absalom’s mission was to take:-

The Place of David - He is the King’s son and he has his place as just that, but he is envious of his father’s place. He wants to be the one the people have all the respect and love for.
The Position of David – David is King, the Sovereign ruler, but Absalom does not want to be a prince. He wants to be the king and so he cuts his father down in many ways, getting the people to turn to him as leader, with all kinds, of gimmicks, promises and bribes.
The Power of David – Does not Absalom want the power of his father? He does not want to be second in command. He sets himself above David and does every evil, nasty, wicked action to gain the trust, loyalty, and love of the people.