Stolen Hearts, Usurp

In the book of II Samuel chapter 15 the word of the Lord speaks to how a heart can be turned away from the one a person should be serving to someone they should not be serving.  The persons in this chapter are David and Absalom.  

Absalom had a dislike for his father, David.  Some say it is because David did not rebuke or deal with Ammon after he raped Tamar.  But the exact reason is not mentioned.  One thing for sure, Abaslom came against his father the king.

The Bible says Absalom sent for Joab to come unto the King even though Absalom had dwelled in Jerusalem for two full years himself after the birth of his children.  Joab would not go.  Abaslom asked Joab again to go to the king.  And again, Joab did not go (II Samuel 14:27-29),  Absalom then had his servants to set Joab's fields on fire and they did.  What exactly was in Absalom's heart that would have him do such a thing?  When Joab approached Absalom about setting his field on fire, Absalom told him it was because he had made a request of him and he (Joab), did not obey it.  Absalom went on to say, "now therefore let me see the kings face; and if there be any iniquity in me, let him kill me." - II Samuel 14:32b

Then in II Samuel chapter 15 Absalom does something that made his father run from him.  The Bible says in this chapter that Absalom stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him..."  What was Absalom doing?  He was stopping the men from seeing the king and directing them to himself.  Absalom took upon himself to act as one with authority; to act in authority King David had no given him.

Then in verse 3 the Bible says, "And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed (appointed as one's substitute, representative or agent) of the king to hear thee."  

Who gave Absalom the right to make this statement?  Why did he make this statement?  Did King David say he needed help judging the people?  Did King David say anything to Absalom about helping him judge the people?  No.

In verse 4 Absalom makes the bold statement of telling the men to come directly to him if they need anything and by- pass the king.  He made the statement that he (Abaslom) would do them justice.  Verse 5 addresses how Absalom greeted any that came to him.

In verses 4-6 we see how Absalom stole the hearts of the people. He inserted himself before the King, he made himself available and did and said those things that pull at heart strings.  "And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: SO ABSALOM STOLE THE HEARTS OF THE MEN OF ISRAEL."  The people did not get to the king.  Absalom made it appear of if the king was too busy or did not have time to do the work.  Absalom demonstrates why it necessary for this in ministry and those that are working on their souls salvation to know those that labor among you.  Absalom was doing things to help King David.  He was doing things that would end up hurting his father, Israel and eventually himself.

When King David received word of what Absalom was doing, he ran from his kingdom." And there came a messenger to David, sayingt; The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.  And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword."

The might man, King David, was put on the run by the actions of his son.  For his son had stolen the hearts of the people.  David knew that meant their allegiance was now to Absalom and the people would now do as Absalom commanded.  David, a man after God's own heart, truly understood that he would be no match for his son since the hearts of the people were now with his son.  David knew that men follow after what is in their heart.  The Bible teaches to keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23).

Absalom put the king of Israel on the run, not with weapons or even throwing fist.  He put him on the run by turning the hearts of the people away from the king.  When the hearts of the people are against you, it can make you run.

What can we learn from these scriptures?
1.  guard your heart
2. know those that labor among you
3. watch who you associate with
4. watch who you allow to speak to your heart
5. do now take instruction or direction from anyone the Elders have not put in place
6. do not listen to anyone that places themselves in a position of authority