Absalom: The King Israel never had
A good looking man
Described as the most handsome man on earth
He was intelligent, smart and a outstanding leader
He hated injustice
He could not tolerate evil done against his sister
He took law into his hands
He assassinated his brother in a cold blood
He critically observed his father's government
He addressed the weaknesses of his father's government
He formed a forum to interact with the people
He coined a leadership style that appealed to the people
He consistently met the needs of the people
He became man of the people
As powerful as Joab was
He brought him to his knees without combat
What could have attracted the Kings Counselor to him
The man with the counsel of God
Was he doing it for a revenge?
Was he attracted to Absalom's leadership style?
Absalom slept with his father's concubines in a broad day light
He heeded to Ahithophel counsel
His camp was gathering momentum and support
David almost gave up
This was beyond ordinary
The hand of God was against him
He knew
Nathan's curse was at work
His kingdom was crumbling
At a point where all hope seems to be lost
Mercy spoke for him
Hushai advice prevailed over that of Ahitopel
Ahitopel knew that was the end of his kingdom
He hanged himself
Absalom displayed great leadership skills
He was not authocratic
He listened
He sought advice
He was closed to the people
He knew the people's plight
He led with mercy and passion
Had he been alive
It would have been difficult for Solomon to be king
He was a strong contender for the throne
He was wisdom combined with beauty
David loved him
David was willing to die for him to be the king
God's agenda is different from human agenda
Absalom had the leadership skills
God was not looking for skills
God was not looking for his beautiful qualifications
Was he character flawed?
Obviously yes
His hands were soaked with blood
He murdered Amon
He orchestrated a coup that lives were lost
He slept with his father's wives
His flaws might not be the reason God rejected him as king
No perfect human
We all have our flaws
It was not on record that Absalom had affinity for God
Probably His heart was not right with God despite his qualifications
Spirit of God subdue character flaws
A gifted and talented leader without divine checks are dangerous
In human perspective, Absalom could have been better as a king than Solomon
Absalom was better prepared
He was a man not afraid to lead a war
He had all the qualities but God said no
Only God knows why he chose Solomon as king
Solomon admitted his weaknesses
God qualified him and bestowed on him all he needed to be a king
Absalom knew he could not be the king
He could not wait till his father's exit
He staged a coup
Had God not intervened
He would enforce himself on the people
He would lead them according to his will
The name of God may not be glorified
The work of God for that generation might be put on hold
Obviously the Temple might not have been built by him
The heart of the people might have been turned away from God
He would have been tagged the people's king
He might have pleased the people
But failed God
Men were pleased with Saul's leadership
He always put Men's agenda above God's agenda
He was a men pleaser
He reigned for Forty years
His people so loved him that they became volunteers to monitor his arch enemy
God did not want a repeat of Saul's era
He stopped Absalom
God worked against him
Till the power he desired consumed him
Oh Absalom
You desired a throne
You desired power
You were capable
You were prepared
You were desperate for power
You were willing
But you have forgotten
that it is only God that delegates power
And set people on thrones
©️ Abolanle Oladipupo
26/10/2023
