Peter Barnes | 2 Samuel 14:1-33
SERMON NOTES
MERCY OR WEAKNESS?
2 Samuel 14
– David longs for Absalom – 13:39; 14:1. Dale Ralph Davis says that David’s heart was against Absalom. The two emotions can co-exist in the one heart, so there is no real need to decide between the two.
1. Cunning is not wisdom.
– 14:2-7; a little like Nathan’s parable in 2 Samuel 12.
– 14:8-17; if the woman’s son (in the story) could receive mercy, why cannot Absalom?
– David is sharp enough to guess as to who was behind the story – 14:18-20. He gives in to a compromise solution – 14:21-24.
(a) the woman’s son does not seem to have committed premeditated murder (14:6), whereas Absalom did;
(b) the death of the woman’s son would have meant the end of her husband’s lineage (14:7), whereas David had other sons;
(c) the woman’s son was to be executed, whereas Absalom was only in exile.
– the woman appeals to David’s piety (14:14) and vanity (14:17).
2. Forgiveness requires repentance.
– this is the main problem; 14:24, 33; Matt.18:15.
3. Experience teaches nothing to the unregenerate.
– Absalom is all show 14:25-27; then 14:28-33. Does this read like a man who has repented?
– contrast to Luke 15:21-24.