Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-31
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SIT WIIIVH
preciated by the people with whom he
came in contact, because he was the
kings son. Ii was a service that might
have been rendered with most praise
worthy motive, deserving the thanks OF
his father. But below every other con-
slderatlon was the sinister desire for the
throne.
1NTRIGUE.-Absalom did not stand
In the gate to judge men. He had no
right to do that. The king had not de-
puted him to such business. He was
there to win the dissatisfied. those who
came for justice and found 1t not. His
method was adroit Oversees, BAD. He
first took sides with the complainants.
After hearing he pronounced the cause
just psalm. xii:2). That was well call
culated to gain friendship. Next he de-
clared that there was no one authorized
to sit on the case, the same as to say the
department Of justice was a total failure.
probably not far from the truth. That
assertion was designed to awaken crit
icism upon David. Then came the third
point. for which the other two prepared
the way. an earnest desire that he might
be made judge prov. xxv.6-7). and a
promise that he would do the honorable
thing by each complainant. BY these
secret articles. feigning to be the friend
of the unfortunate. Absalom intrigued
day after day in the public places dedi-
Gated to the rights of men, seeking In
bring the government of his father into
disinterested benefactor. waiting and
anxious to serve the people
HYPOCRISY.-He who would gain
a following among men must convince
them of his regard. Universal humanity
Is so intent on personal gain as never to
trust one who does not with unselfish
surrender become a servant. Ii was.
therefore, necessary for Absalom to do
more than pronounce cause just. regret
that there was no one else to adjudge IL.
lN nj fYaCaa fy1cv To ra1~
grievance. He must exhibit the DISPOSE
ton of his heart That he did with con-
summate skill. When any one approach
ed TO do reverence to him he put forth
his hand and kissed the person. He knew
what grace it puts upon the great to be
courteous and condescending, and how
much ii wins the common people psalm.
X:O Absalom was typical off1ceseeker.
and his kind has been produced in this
country in great numbers. His hypocrisy
was successful He stole the hearts OF
the men of Israel, just as now many
schemer has been preferred to another of
greater worth (Rom., xvi:1sD
DECEIT.-At last the time came for
Absalom to take the decisive step for the
throne of his father. The chariots and
horses. the forerunners, the admirers and
followers gained In the gate, were only
preliminary. He resolved to retire to
Hebron and there be declared king. 1t is
impossible to state why he selected that
ells- SOIle lIillh IHdI Juudn Hdu UeCoTlh
measurably dissatisfied with David be-
cause they were merged and overlooked
in the large empire which he had estab-
lishd. Others think that Absalom had
gained most followers in that tribe. or
that he resolved to begin where his father
did GI Sam, ii:1D. Whatever his motive,
he resorted to a trick in its execution He
pleaded with David that while absent in
Geshur. he had vowed to serve the Lord
if permitted to return to Jerusalem. and
pose. Ostensibly he put forth religious
errand, while actually he proposed rebel.
lion. He knew that David would do az
he did-send him away with a blessing.
ALLIES-Before leaving for Jerusa.
lem Absalom took measures to secure
popular support when he should be in
vested with kingly prerogative. Spies and
messengers were sent into all the tribes.
that the entire Israelitish nation might be
made aware at one and the same time Of
what was about to transpire. 1t is proba-
bic that these messengers went TO those
who, by fattering word and obsequiouS
kiss had been made friends of the young
man. An agreed signal. the sound of the
trumpet, should proclaim to them that
Absalom reigned. These ARRANGEMENTS
perfected, Absalom set out for Hebron as
David supposed. to worship God. followed
by 200 men who did not know the real
mission prov, xiv:15). The plot was well
laid. 1t was expected that all suspicion
Wouiu NC ItIuOscsA lIOIl Tie Oh tno
king and his counselors when the process
sion moved out of the city, and that
when, shortly after. the trumpets sounded.
there would be a general uprising of the
people who would rally about the new
king.
COUNSEL-Up to this point there IS
no evidence that Absalom did not plan his
own movements. He seems to have con-
sidered himself sufficiently wise to deter
mine the best method of accomplishing
iS pIIfn hot hn &c out
the uncertain beginnings of an ambitious
career not knowing what the result may
be, he sends for Ahithophel. the counselor
of David psalm, xli:9). This man was
chosen. partly because he was esteemed
very wise and partly because, through
some misunderstanding. he had been dis
missed from the public service micah.
vii:6. While performing his pretended
sacrifices at Hebron Absalom sent for
to make him the tool In his ne
spiracy was strong. Many people has
tened from various parts. led by consider
atoms Of personal profit in the main, and
the adherents to the new king rapidly in
creased in numbers. Thus while David
ruled in Jerusalem his son was estab-
fishing a rival government few miles
distant
CONCLUSION-Th passage is chief
ly instructive to sons and fathers. Here
is an exhibition of unprincipled ambition.
The outcome will appear next week But
no one can view with approval the mo-
tives and conduct of Absalom whatever
may result. Standing in the gate, with
obsequious kiss and flattering words. CON
the government and commencing
himself; departing to distant place with
professions of loyalty to God. yet sending
out spies to proclaim him king: worship
ing in Hebron, yet seeking the counsel OF
one who known for his cunning had
been thrust out of public confidence-Ab-
SALON. Is pattern of deceit and fraud On
the other hand what shall be said of
man who raises such a son? prov. xxii.6p.
David could fight battles and build an en-
pire. He could write hymns and estab-
lish public worship. He could gather
treasure and enrich the nation. With the
exception of one transaction he could
prove himself saint. But. like many
other great men. he was not eminently
successful a father Eph.. vi:4).