2 Samuel 14:23-27
Verse 25 In all Israel there was not a man so highly praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. From the top of his head to the sole of his foot there was no blemish in him.
You would think that having Absalom back in Jerusalem would please David and open the path for reconciliation. But one little problem remained, David wouldn’t allow Absalom to come into his presence. Though he wanted his son near, he was not allowing reconciliation until the younger man repented for murdering the king’s oldest son.
When the nation of Israel had asked for a king they had been given one that pleased the eye of the people. But his heart was not as beautiful and so he God removed His hand from King Saul. God had chosen David but not for his looks. It wasn’t that David was grotesque in his looks but God purposely chose him on the looks of his heart. While David had an average outside appearance, Absalom was very good looking.
The prince had hair which grew quite luxuriously. With a once a year trim which weighed 5 pounds you can imagine just how fast his hair must have grown. He wore it long and it became a trademark of sorts for this man who seems to be caught in the shadows. Absalom wasn’t in the shadows alone. We know that before killing his brother, Absalom had taken in his dear sister whom had just experienced the life-changing experience. We read here he had a family of his own as well, a wife and 4 children.
One thing we see about about him in this passage is how he is praised for his looks. This being known for his looks could have its good points but it would also have its troubles. Such hair would take more time to maintain, and it is likely that such good looks would go to his head. He may have thought of himself as better than others because he looked royal.
Absalom had killed his brother but under the circumstances most would have understood and Absalom couldn’t understand why his dad didn’t understand. If his dad had only done something about what had happened to his sister it wouldn’t have seemed so necessary to kill his brother. There was small reward at this point for his brother being gone. His brother was dead and he was an outcast.
Making It Personal
How easy is it for you to start focusing on your looks to get you attention? What first draws your attention to someone, their looks or character? What about your character would others notice first?
Making It Personal Kids
What do you first notice about others? Do you hope they think you are good looking or that you are nice? What about your character do you hope others notice?
Closing Prayer
Father, it is so easy for us to fall into the trap of focusing on our looks to get us what we want in life. Help us learn the need for more character traits that reflect who You are and seek those traits in those we surround ourselves with. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Comments