I would like to share with you a sermon from Doug Hamilton, preacher at the Junction City Church of Christ, Junction City, KS.

David and Absalom: A Law of the Reaper Relationship

By Doug Hamilton, Junction City Church of Christ, Junction City, KS
Doug Hamilton Video link

We’re going to define to what a "Law of the Reaper Relationship" is later on. We’re going to go through Absalom’s life and then we’re going to summarize it at the end.

We are first introduced to Absalom in 2nd Samuel 3

He is in the list of sons mentioned in 2 Samuel chapter 3. Born in Hebron during the early years of David’s reign. Keep in mind David has a couple different batches of kids. Early on before they went to Jerusalem, He was king but he wasn’t in Jerusalem yet. He has two sets of kids in two different places. Two sons are prominent in our lesson.

2 Samuel 3:2-5,

Sons were born to David at Hebron: his firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; 3 and his second, Chileab, by Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur; 4 and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; 5 and the sixth, Ithream, by David’s wife Eglah. These were born to David at Hebron.

Amnon, the half-brother of Absalom, 2 Samuel 13:1-39

Planned to rape his half-sister Tamar

DH- You want to know what’s going on around this time, that something like that could happen? David & Bathsheba. Remember these kids are growing up now, they were born in Hebron, now they’re in Jerusalem, at the writing of this. So when the event of this occurs, David & Bathsheba had already occurred. That’s going to be important.

But this Amnon plans to sexually assault his half-sister Tamar, who is the full sister of Absalom. That’s going to explain some things.

2 Samuel 13:1-7,

Now it was after this that Absalom the son of David had a beautiful sister whose name was Tamar, and Amnon the son of David loved her. 2 Amnon was so frustrated because of his sister Tamar that he made himself ill, for she was a virgin, and it seemed hard to Amnon to do anything to her. 3 But Amnon had a friend whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David’s brother; and Jonadab was a very shrewd man. 4 He said to him, "O son of the king, why are you so depressed morning after morning? Will you not tell me?" Then Amnon said to him, "I am in love with Tamar, the sister of my brother Absalom." 5 Jonadab then said to him, "Lie down on your bed and pretend to be ill; when your father comes to see you, say to him, 'Please let my sister Tamar come and give me some food to eat, and let her prepare the food in my sight, that I may see it and eat from her hand.' " 6 So Amnon lay down and pretended to be ill; when the king came to see him, Amnon said to the king, "Please let my sister Tamar come and make me a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat from her hand." 7 Then David sent to the house for Tamar, saying, "Go now to your brother Amnon’s house, and prepare food for him."

Amnon rapes Tamar

2 Samuel 13:8-14

So Tamar went to her brother Amnon’s house; and he was lying down. Then she took flour and kneaded it, made cakes in his sight, and baked the cakes. 9 And she took the pan and placed them out before him, but he refused to eat. Then Amnon said, "Have everyone go out from me." And they all went out from him. 10 Then Amnon said to Tamar, "Bring the food into the bedroom, that I may eat from your hand." And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them to Amnon her brother in the bedroom. 11 Now when she had brought them to him to eat, he took hold of her and said to her, "Come, lie with me, my sister."

12 But she answered him, "No, my brother, do not force me, for no such thing should be done in Israel. Do not do this disgraceful thing! 13 And I, where could I take my shame? And as for you, you would be like one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, please speak to the king; for he will not withhold me from you." (see, Genesis 20:12) 14 However, he would not heed her voice; and being stronger than she, he forced her and lay with her.

[Amnon] threw her out on the street to add insult to injury

2 Sam 13:15-19,

Then Amnon hated her with a very great hatred; for the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, "Get up, go away!"

Amnon hated her, [Doug says, actually he hated himself], and to add insult to injury, he throws her out on the street, out of sight, out of mind, just go away. Oh, He loved her until he had her and now he was done with her. See that’s the problem with sexual sin of that nature, it objectifies the human being, it degrades someone to the status of a mere object.

16 But she said to him, "No, because this wrong in sending me away is greater than the other that you have done to me!" Yet he would not listen to her. 17 Then he called his young man who attended him and said, "Now throw this woman out of my presence, and lock the door behind her." 18 Now she had on a long- sleeved garment; for in this manner the virgin daughters of the king dressed themselves in robes. Then his attendant took her out and locked the door behind her. 19 Tamar put ashes on her head and tore her long-sleeved garment which was on her; and she put her hand on her head and went away, crying aloud as she went.

This is the sad part…​

David was angry, but did nothing. Absalom took the issue into his own hands

DH- Why didn’t he do something? He was dealing with his own issues. (remember Bathsheba?) So Absalom took the issue into his own hands.

2 Samuel 13:20-22,

Then Absalom her brother said to her, "Has Amnon your brother been with you? But now keep silent, my sister, he is your brother; do not take this matter to heart." So Tamar remained and was desolate in her brother Absalom’s house. 21 Now when King David heard of all these matters, he was very angry. 22 But Absalom did not speak to Amnon either good or bad; for Absalom hated Amnon because he had violated his sister Tamar.

It ruined her life. And so, did Absalom just let it go at that? No, he plots against his half-brother Amnon.

And…​

Two years later, Absalom’s plot to kill Amnon was carried out

2 Samuel 13:28,29,

Absalom commanded his servants, saying, "See now, when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine,

He waited for a party…​

and when I say to you, 'Strike Amnon,' then put him to death. Do not fear; have not I myself commanded you?

Look at me, I’m a prince…​ he’s telling them not to fear because of who he is…​

Be courageous and be valiant." 29 The servants of Absalom did to Amnon just as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king’s sons arose and each mounted is mule and fled.

They all fled, they just killed a prince and they were scared. They were ordered by one prince to kill another prince. They were caught between the proverbial "rock and a hard place."

So what does Absalom do?…​

Absalom fled the kingdom [as well]

2 Samuel 13:37[-39],

Now Absalom fled and went to Talmai the son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day. 38 So Absalom had fled and gone to Geshur, and was there three years. 39 The heart of King David longed to go out to Absalom; for he was comforted concerning Amnon, since he was dead.

It’s been about three years, David was grieving intensely, but he also appears to be grieving the loss of his other son, Absalom, who fled.

So…​

David pardoned Absalom for murder but banned him from his presence

Ok, you can come back, come back to Jerusalem, just don’t come around me.

2 Samuel 14:21-24,

Then the king said to Joab, "Behold now, I will surely do this thing; go therefore, bring back the young man Absalom." 22 Joab fell on his face to the ground, prostrated himself and blessed the king; then Joab said, "Today your servant knows that I have found favor in your sight, O my lord, the king, in that the king has performed the request of his servant." 23 So Joab arose and went to Geshur and brought Absalom to Jerusalem. 24 However the king said, "Let him turn to his own house, and let him not see my face." So Absalom turned to his own house and did not see the king’s face.

So now he’s back in the land,…​ killed his brother, been gone three years, David had him come back. Joab (David’s nephew & general, his right-hand man) was instrumental in persuading David to bring Absalom back. However, David would not see his son once he returned.

Absalom was a conceited, spoiled, brat, pretty boy

2 Samuel 14:25,26,

Now in all Israel was no one as handsome as Absalom, so highly praised; from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no defect in him. 26 When he cut the hair of his head (and it was at the end of every year that he cut it, for it was heavy on him so he cut it), he weighed the hair of his head at 200 shekels by the king’s weight.

That’s FIVE pounds of hair! And he was proud of it!

vs 28 - Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, but did not see the king’s face, vs 29 nor would Joab see him.

After the 2nd time Joab was summoned without success…​

2 Samuel 14:30-33,

Therefore [Absalom] said to his servants, "See, Joab’s field is next to mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire." So Absalom’s servants set the field on fire. 31 Then Joab arose, came to Absalom at his house and said to him, "Why have your servants set my field on fire?" 32 Absalom answered Joab, "Behold, I sent for you, saying, 'Come here, that I may send you to the king, to say, "Why have I come from Geshur? It would be better for me still to be there." ' Now therefore, let me see the king’s face, and if there is iniquity in me, let him put me to death." 33 So when Joab came to the king and told him, he called for Absalom. Thus he came to the king and prostrated himself on his face to the ground before the king, and the king kissed Absalom.

We’ve already established that Absalom is a spoiled brat and a pretty boy…​

2 Samuel 15:1,

Now it came about after this that Absalom provided for himself a chariot and horses and fifty men as runners before him.

  • Absalom killed his brother…​ no punishment,

    • After three years, He is pardoned, but shunned by the king.

  • After another two years, He sets Joab’s fields on fire…​ no punishment.

    • He gets an audience with and a kiss from the king.

  • Absalom at this point is totally spoiled,

    • he can do whatever (seemingly) he wants with no lasting consequences.

Is it any wonder then, that…​

Absalom planned to overthrow King David

2 Samuel 15:2-6,

Absalom used to rise early and stand beside the way to the gate [the gate is where the business took place]; and when any man had a suit to come to the king for judgment, Absalom would call to him and say, "From what city are you?" And he would say, "Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel." 3 Then Absalom would say to him, "See, your claims are good and right, but no man listens to you on the part of the king." 4 Moreover, Absalom would say, "Oh that one would appoint me judge in the land, then every man who has any suit or cause could come to me and I would give him justice." 5 And when a man came near to prostrate himself before him, he would put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him. 6 In this manner Absalom dealt with all Israel who came to the king for judgment; so Absalom stole away the hearts of the men of Israel.

Absalom is now entering into the political side of the kingdom

and what happens?

Absalom overtook the kingdom, causing David to flee for his life

2 Samuel 15:13,14,

Then a messenger came to David, saying, "The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom."

He looks good! He’s talking good! And he’s playing the part of a king! That’s what sedition really looks like.

14 David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, "Arise and let us flee, for otherwise none of us will escape from Absalom. Go in haste, or he will overtake us quickly and bring down calamity on us and strike the city with the edge of the sword."

David wants to get out. And notice, "strike [down] the city with the edge of the sword." David wasn’t as much concerned about himself as he was about all the bloodshed there would have been if he stayed and fought within the city.

Absalom [then publicly] shamed David by sleeping with his harem

2 Samuel 16:22,

So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the [royal palace] roof, and Absalom went in to his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.

It’s like a dog marking his territory.

Absalom wanted his own father David to die

2 Samuel 17:1-4,

Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Please let me choose 12,000 men that I may arise and pursue David tonight. 2 "I will come upon him while he is weary and exhausted and terrify him, so that all the people who are with him will flee. Then I will strike down the king alone, 3 and I will bring back all the people to you. The return of everyone depends on the man you seek; then all the people will be at peace." 4 So the plan pleased Absalom and all the elders of Israel.

He ordered up 12,000 men to kill David. Look at verse 4, "So the plan pleased Absalom and all the elders of Israel."

Guess what though…​

Absalom died on the battlefield against the troops of David.

David does have military experience and he did have God too. See what you have to know is, is that David had cleaned up his life during those three years when Absalom fled. David started getting his life dealt with.

Psalms 32:2

Blessed is the man
to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no deceit.

Psalms 32:1

Blessed is he
whose transgression is forgiven,
Whose sin is covered.

2 Samuel 18:9-15,

Now Absalom happened to meet the servants of David. For Absalom was riding on his mule, and the mule went under the thick branches of a great oak. And his head caught fast in the oak, so he was left hanging between heaven and earth, while the mule that was under him kept going. 10 When a certain man saw it, he told Joab and said, "Behold, I saw Absalom hanging in an oak." 11 Then Joab said to the man who had told him, "Now behold, you saw him! Why then did you not strike him there to the ground? And I would have given you ten pieces of silver and a belt." 12 The man said to Joab, "Even if I should receive a thousand pieces of silver in my hand, I would not put out my hand against the king’s son; for in our hearing the king charged you and Abishai and Ittai, saying, 'Protect for me the young man Absalom!'

David was trying to get things under control but, without having to kill Absalom. No one wants to do that to their own kid. We can kinda see [that].

13 "Otherwise, if I had dealt treacherously against his life (and there is nothing hidden from the king), then you yourself would have stood aloof." 14 Then Joab said, "I will not waste time here with you." So he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through the heart of Absalom while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak. 15 And ten young men who carried Joab’s armor gathered around and struck Absalom and killed him.

David lamented over the death of Absalom

2 Samuel 18:31-33,

Behold, the Cushite arrived, and the Cushite said, "Let my lord the king receive good news, for the LORD has freed you this day from the hand of all those who rose up against you." 32 Then the king said to the Cushite, "Is it well with the young man Absalom?" And the Cushite answered, "Let the enemies of my lord the king, and all who rise up against you for evil, be as that young man!" 33 The king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And thus he said as he walked, "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!"

I think there’s some guilt in there too.

Application

In retrospect, David contributed greatly to a broken and destructive relationship with his son Absalom.

He set a bad example with his own life, which likely led to bad behavior of his own son Amnon fulfilling lustful desires…​ You don’t think Amnon knew about David and Bathsheba? You think that was kept a secret the whole time? You go back and read, all Israel already knew it.

Other than being angry with Amnon, David offered no justice for Tamar, leading to vigilante emotions in Absalom, which in return, led to the death of Amnon.

David did not chasten Absalom, but invited him back, leading to empowerment of narcissistic behavior by Absalom later on, including vandalism, conceit, conspiracy, and insurrection.

Ultimately it resulted in the weakening of a kingdom and the death of Absalom. David had a "Law of the Reaper" relationship with his son Absalom.

Paul wrote in Galatians 6:7,8,

"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life"

The Law of the Reaper, is so very simple, in which three things are true.

  1. You [always] reap what you sow.

  2. You [always] reap more than you sow.

  3. You [always] reap after you sow.

What you plant today, what I plant today…​ it will come back. The law of the reaper applies to everybody. And in this case, David had a law of the reaper relationship with Absalom.

Boundaries were not made nor kept, and the destructive crop of a broken relationship ensued.

The Law of the Reaper…​ what do you think about this…​
After David’s secret sin with Bathsheba, Nathan the prophet is sent by God to hold David to account. Nathan relates a story to him about a rich man with many sheep taking the only sheep of a poor man to prepare for a wayfaring man. David’s anger burned against the rich man and he pronounces judgment against him.

2 Samuel 12:7-15

Then Nathan said to David, "You are the man! Thus says the LORD God of Israel: 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. 8 I gave you your master’s house and your master’s wives into your keeping, and gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if that had been too little, I also would have given you much more! 9 Why have you despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in His sight? You have killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword; you have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the people of Ammon. 10 Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me, and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.' 11 Thus says the LORD: 'Behold, I will raise up adversity against you from your own house; and I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. 12 For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, before the sun.'"

What do you think? Did we just see that prophecy fulfilled?

So the challenge and the application is:

  • Let us be careful in all our relationships to sow only the best seed with anticipation of a good crop for the future.

  • Carefully examine the seeds which we are sowing, knowing the Law of the Reaper is always a reality.

When you look at David, he could have very easily avoided much of this. Imagine what would happen…​

  • if maybe he wasn’t with Bathsheba.

  • If he put his relationship with God above everything else ALL the time.

    • He let his guard down, he slipped, he fell. And for like a year the secret goes around the palace.

  • Amnon decides if Pop can do this, why can’t I? You see, you take.

  • And then he didn’t give his daughter Tamar justice.

    • The Bible clearly spoke what should have happened to Amnon,

    • but he couldn’t do it because he was in his own mess.

  • And as a result, Absalom is put in a difficult position.

What If

  • What if David would have come clean right away? It MIGHT have changed everything.

  • What if David would have corrected Amnon?

  • What if Absalom wasn’t put in that position?

  • What if David would have dealt with Absalom early on?

  • ALL THESE THINGS are What If’s.

    And the one thing we don’t want to happen in our life is

    What if I just would have planted good seed?

What if I just would have planted good seed?

The Law of the reaper is ALWAYS true.

So the application is quite simple…​

What if we just made the commitment today to recognize the "Law of the Reaper" in all our relationships and then CHOOSE to SOW the VERY BEST SEED?

That’s the challenge. Think about that, while we stand and sing.