2 SAMUEL 17
Sometimes it’s a lot easier to draw conclusions about God by contrasting Him with what we are (or what we are not). That was the case with this chapter of 2 Samuel. After David fled Jerusalem, Absalom was seeking some advice on what to do next. His top advisor told him that he should go after David and kill him while he was at his weakest. Then—apparently—all the people of Israel would rally around Absalom as king.
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The most disturbing verse was next: "This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel." (vs 4) This plan seemed good to all the elders of Israel? What was the matter with these people? How fickle! These were the leaders of Israel who had been under the leadership of David for many years. And, with a misstep here and there, it’s not as if David was a bad king. He wasn’t a tyrant. Yet, at the drop of a hat, these men were ready to help Absalom and Ahithophel hunt down David and kill him.
Astonishing. Aren’t you glad God isn’t like this? If there’s one thing God is, it is fiercely loyal. He is committed to us and will do anything He can for us. If we call out to Him, He will help us. And even if we turn against Him, He doesn’t turn against us. As the Bible says, "God is not a man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind." (Num 23:19) He is steady and sure—always loyal to us, no matter what.
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