Podcasts about Absalom

Send us a textIn today's episode, we will be looking at one of the most emotionally complex chapters in the entire story of David — a chapter filled with manipulation, political manoeuvring, and a father‑son relationship that never quite heals.This is a chapter about reconciliation — but not the kind we hope for. Not the kind that heals. Not the kind that restores. This is a chapter about a partial, political, and ultimately a dangerous, manipulative reconciliation. It's a chapter that shows us something we all need to understand: You can bring someone back geographically without bringing them back relationally. You can restore the appearance of unity…. without restoring the heart of unity and when reconciliation is attempted without truth, without repentance, and without genuine connection, the result is not peace — it's a ticking time bomb. So today, we're going to walk through this chapter in three movements, each one revealing a different layer of what happens when reconciliation is attempted… but never completed. 1. A Manipulated Reconciliation (vv. 1–20) 2. A Partial Restoration (vv. 21–24)3. A Reconciliation Without Relationship (vv. 25–33) This is a powerful chapter — not because of what happens, but because of what doesn't happen. It's a chapter that warns us about the danger of half‑hearted reconciliation, unresolved conflict, and relationships that look healed on the outside but remain broken on the inside.Support the showFollow and Support All my Creative endeavours on Patreon. Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | Patreon Check out my other Podcasts. The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com The L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast). https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891 The Classic Literature Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906

Power can be used to protect—or to destroy. In this episode of Talk'N Truth, Dan Whitney (aka Larry the Cable Guy), Arnie Cole, and Pastor Bryan Clark take an unflinching look at the abuse of power through one of the darkest stretches in David's story. Drawing from 2 Samuel 20, the conversation exposes how leaders like Joab, Absalom, Sheba, and even David himself used influence for personal gain—and how innocent people paid the price. From the unnamed woman who saves an entire city, to the ten concubines whose lives are permanently altered, this chapter forces us to slow down and remember: these aren't abstract Bible characters—they're real people, deeply wounded by the selfish choices of powerful men. The guys wrestle honestly with why humanity hasn't changed, why power so often corrupts, and why Scripture consistently condemns using people instead of serving them. They also highlight the Bible's surprisingly high view of women, lifting up courageous, unnamed figures whose wisdom and bravery bring peace where violence was imminent. Beyond ancient history, the episode turns personal. Dan shares about influence, identity, and why success can quietly become a substitute for Jesus if we're not careful. Whether you're a pastor, parent, leader, or simply someone with a small circle of influence, the question is unavoidable: Are you using what you've been given to help others flourish—or to serve yourself? This conversation ultimately points forward to Jesus—the only leader who never abused power, never exploited others, and laid His life down instead. Grace is real. Redemption is possible. But influence always comes with responsibility. Perfect for viewers interested in: Bible study podcasts, abuse of power, leadership and influence, 2 Samuel 20, King David, Joab, biblical justice, women in Scripture, Christian identity, humility, repentance, and living out faith with integrity. #BibleStudy #ChristianPodcast #TalkNTruth #LarryTheCableGuy #ArnieCole #BryanClark #Leadership #AbuseOfPower #2Samuel20 #ChristianLiving #FaithAndInfluence #BackToTheBible #UseYourInfluence

The 2026 Tournament of Champions is here and one of the faces you will be seeing most frequently during the eight days of event coverage is SquashTV's Michael Absalom! Michael joins Squash Radio for a fun and fascinating interview about his career, from the BBC, acting, field hockey and cricket announcing, to his start as a squash mc and his current role as lead presenter for Squash TV!   Subscribe & share! Squash Radio is sponsored by Sunrise Courts: www.sunrise-courts.com & Penfold Golf: www.penfoldgolfusa.com.

2 Samuel 13.23-39What happens when someone sins horribly against another person? Do we take action? Do we stand by? What about when justice doesn't seem to come? This week, we'll see Absalom respond to Amnon's sin against Tamar, as he takes vengeance. Absalom commands his men to make things right ... but they don't necessarily turn out right. The truth is that vengeance belongs to the Lord, and he repays perfectly

John 13:18-30,I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.' 19 I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”21 After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. 23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus' side,24 so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. 25 So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” 28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. 30 So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.This is the Judas sermon. It's dark. It centers on betrayal, which can be one of the most emotionally painful and gut-wrenching experiences in human life. Have you ever been betrayed?Our passage ends with John reporting “it was night,” which is not just the time of day but an ominous note about what's to come, for Jesus and for Judas. This is an emotionally heavy sermon. But don't think of that as bad. We're human. God designed us with emotions; they are features, not bugs. He means for our lives to have rhythms of emotional heaviness, and relief. Many of us live in a desert of emotional triviality, or even emotional numbness. This heaviness can be good for you.It was heavy for Jesus. Verse 21 says, “Jesus was troubled in his spirit.”That's the same language we saw at the tomb of Lazarus (11:33) and when he realizes his “hour” has come (12:27). It's a strong verb that “signifies revulsion, horror, anxiety, agitation” (Carson). It's a visible emotional response, perhaps almost a panic, obvious to the others in the room.Jesus is no stoic. He is human, fully human, with fully human emotions. And this, for him, is a heavy, painful, troubling moment. Not only has his “hour” come to go to the cross, but one of his chosen twelve, whom he loves and has just washed their feet, is on the cusp of betraying him. Jesus is not deadpan when he says, in verse 21,“Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”He's emotional: shaken, stirred up, troubled in his spirit. They could hear it in his voice. And he's without sin. Take note: you can be holy and “troubled in your spirit”; God made your heart to be moved, and facing death and the betrayal of a dear, close friend should be moving. Jesus, fully human, and perfect, was troubled. If you're never troubled, that's not a mark of maturity. It may be a sign you're not well, not whole.But oh how wonderful it is that the human heart is capable of such complexities. Even in this heaviness, remember the banner that flies over chapter 13, verse 1:“…having loved his own who were in the world, [Jesus] loved them to the end.”This is a chapter about Jesus's love. So, even though this is the Judas sermon, this is also a sermon of great love — with love and affection even for Judas. Jesus washes his feet. And we'll see in a minute a specific way in which he loves him to the end. Disciple Jesus LovedIn this passage about Jesus's love we're also introduced to “one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved” (verse 23). This memorable way John refers to himself will come back four more times in the last three chapters (19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20) before the author reveals his identity in the second to last verse in the Gospel (21:24). What a marvelous way for a Christian to refer to himself: one whom Jesus loved. John doesn't even give his name but knows himself loved. This is the heart of being a disciple of Jesus: knowing yourself loved by Jesus, and gladly giving your life to make his name known, not your own. I don't need to put myself forward — I am loved by Jesus.Here's where I want to go this morning… I want to end with two very personal questions for everyone in the room:Could I be like Judas?How do I handle the Judas in my life?But first we need to know what happened to the first Judas. How did Judas get to the place where, in verse 27, “Satan entered into him”?It did not come at random or without warning. Satan cannot force his way into a soul. He comes invited. And he's welcomed, not just in a moment, but little by little, over time, in a process of a heart becoming hard to Jesus, and responsive to Satan, because it is becoming like Satan's.What Happened to Judas?I see at least six glimpses in this passage of that process of hardening for Judas. And several of these are striking for us in terms of what not to do, and conversely what to do, to not be like Judas, but rather be like John — as a beloved disciple of Jesus, who leans on Jesus and communes with him, and stays with him, and in the end is held fast by him.So, our first question: What happened to Judas? How did one of Jesus's Twelve come to betray Jesus? What contributed to the process of hardening Judas's heart?1. He had been a devil-in-the-making.Back in John 6, we got our first cue that a defector was among the twelve. This is John 6:70–71:Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” 71 He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray him.Jesus knows, but no one else can tell. No one expects Judas. The disciples even seem to expect themselves before they expect him.But Jesus knows. We saw two weeks ago in verses 10–11:[Jesus says] “you are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”We can marvel here at Jesus as his “hour” comes. He is in full control, “not a hapless victim” (Carson). He knows Judas and chose him and allows this. Even as Jesus goes to the cross, he is master of this hour, like he is master of every hour. We saw in chapter 10, verse 18:“No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.”And we so marvel at how Jesus goes to the cross: resolute, in control. Yes, troubled, and loving his own to the end. Which includes getting them ready to endure. So, in verse 18, he quotes Psalm 41 (we'll come back to this), and says in verse 19:I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he.To strengthen their faith, he lets them know ahead of time that he knew a traitor would emerge. It's painful, but part of the plan. He's in control. And in verse 27, he even gives Judas one last command:“What you are going to do, do quickly.”Jesus knows the heart of Judas and what's in him. Long had he been a devil-in-the-making, even though the other disciples had no clue and only Jesus knew it.2. He kept the moneybag.Verse 29 mentions that “Judas had the moneybag,” which we first came across in 12:4:But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.Apparently, Judas was a master deceiver. He hid his love of money behind the veneer of care for the poor.This is important: Satan had a way in with Judas: love of money. Judas gave the devil a foothold (Ephesians 4:27). How many times had Judas heard Jesus say,No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. (Matt 6:24; also Luke 16:13)Yet, Judas's love of money was his fatal flaw. What started small in him, grew and grew, until he was willing to trade Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Paul says in 1 Timothy 6:10 that the love of money is the root of all evils. The kind of heart that loves money more than God is the heart of evil, in all its many forms. Cities Church, let's newly be on our guard against the love of money. Check your heart regularly for love of money. Money itself is not evil. Having money is not evil. Earning money is not evil. But loving money is the root of all evils. Don't give the devil that foothold. Fight it. Do what Judas didn't do when you sense the magnetism of money in your heart: remember the surpassing value of Christ (Philippians 3:8), confess your sin, give generously. One of the best ways to battle love of money is give generously to meet needs in Jesus's name.So, Judas had the moneybag, and developed a love for money.3. The devil put it into his heart.This is chapter 13, verse 2, at the last Supper,“the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him.”Note the process: Judas is, by nature, a devil and thief. And his heart is poisoned by love of money, and into such a heart Satan stands ready to put his bait: exchange Jesus for money. The slowly conditioned state of Judas's heart has opened the door for Satan. Satan doesn't need to control Judas and make him do anything. Judas's heart has become so aligned with Satan's that he gives him just what he wants.4. Jesus gives him the bread.Now, this may seem like a surprising step in Judas's process, but this is what verses 26–27 say happened right before the fateful moment:“…when [Jesus] had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him.”This is a dramatic moment. At least two things are happening here. One is that it is an act of affection from Jesus to select a choice morsel, and dip it, and give it to Judas. Jesus, the host, is honoring Judas, and expressing affection for Judas in giving him the morsel. This is Jesus truly loving him to the end. Jesus washes his feet, and offers him one last overture of love, one last chance to come clean and repent. And Judas reaches out and takes the bread and receives Jesus's favor, and instead of returning to Jesus, he gives himself over one last time to evil.The second thing, with the mention of bread, is what we saw in verse 18 from Psalm 41:9: Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.Psalm 41 is a psalm of David. Many betrayed David in his embattled life, including his own sons. But one particularly painful betrayal was that of his trusted counselor, Ahithophel, in 2 Samuel 15–17. When David's son Absalom rebelled against him, David's best counselor betrayed him and went over to Absalom's side. Which was a deeply painful loss for David, and almost cost him the kingdom. Ahithophel knew exactly how to counsel Absalom, and if Absalom had listened, it would have been the end of David. But David had planted a spy, his friend Hushai, who offered alternative counsel and carried the day (and so bought David time to regroup). Ahithophel realized his folly, like Judas would, when his counsel was not received, and he went and hung himself, knowing what his fate must be when David returned.Jesus, the descendant of David, sees in Psalm 41 what happened to David, and he knows the heart of Judas, and knows what is developing, and that just as betrayal happened to David, so too would it happen to him. David's close friend (which Jesus will call Judas in Matthew 26:50), who ate David's bread, lifted his heel (like a horse) against him. Even so, in one last act of love, Jesus prepares the morsel of bread and gives it to Judas, who takes it.5. Satan entered into him. Now the fateful verse 27: “Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into [Judas].”What does it mean that “Satan entered into him”? Luke says the same in Luke 22:3, “Satan entered into Judas.” In Acts 5:3, Peter says something similar to Ananias: “Satan [has] filled your heart.” What does it mean for Satan to fill a heart, or enter into Judas?I do not think it means that Satan possessed Judas in such a way as to control him beyond his will or to make him do anything that otherwise was not in line with his heart. Remember the process we've seen: from a hidden devil and thief, to a hardened hypocrite in his love for money, to a heart so callously evil he's primed for the devil's suggestions, and now to being totally in sync with the devil's anti-Christ plan.I do not think this means that the devil made Judas do it. Satan doesn't have that power. He can't make anyone do anything. But the very anti-God impulse of unchecked evil in the devil's heart can also become so deeply cultivated in a sinner's heart that he begins to share the very heart of the devil. Judas is not possessed against his will; Satan entered in according to his will. Judas is fully culpable. As Jesus says in Matthew 26:24,“The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”6. He “went out.”This may seem like a small detail in verse 30, but it is significant:“So, after receiving the morsel of bread, [Judas] immediately went out. And it was night.”The last step is that Judas departs. He leaves the fellowship. He goes out from communion with Jesus and from the gathering of Jesus's disciples. He leaves them. The safest place in all the world for Judas would have been right there with Jesus, and with his disciples. But Judas goes out, into the night, into the darkness, into unchallenged communion with Satan and his plans against Jesus, and his plans to destroy Judas.So, Judas is a devil, and he loves money, and he opens himself to Satan's influence, and receives the bread from Jesus and doesn't repent; his heart and mind are aligned lock-step with Satan's, and at last, he leaves. He goes out from Jesus and out from his people.So, we end with our two questions.1. Could I be Judas?The ultimate answer is no. There is one Judas. You have not had the physical, bodily proximity to Jesus that Judas had. Your story will not be exactly like his. Cosmically, you are not a devil-in-the-making like he was.However, there is a sense in which you could be like Judas. This is very real. You could give Satan a foothold by nursing some particular sin in your life. Your heart could slowly become more callous, making yourself more and more evil and open to the influence of evil.And the objective, visible flashpoint today is often the “going out.” Just as Judas's last step was to leave Jesus and his people, we see it today over and over when once-professing believers leave their fellow disciples in the church. They “go out from us.”They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. (1 John 2:19)Brothers and sisters, perennial temptations include money, sex, and power, and plenty of other patterns of sin besides. Give the devil no foothold (Ephesians 4:27). “Keep your life free from love of money” (Hebrews 13:5). Don't “go out” from Jesus and his people; stay in the room; stay at the Table.Ask yourself this morning, Are you giving the devil any foothold in your life? Is there any unconfessed, un-renounced, unaddressed pattern of sin in your life?My prayer this morning is that if anyone is on a Judas path, that they would turn. And that if any have unholy fears about being Judas those would be quelled, and you'd have fresh confidence how not to be Judas. Fight love for money and any pattern of sin. Give Satan no chance. Stay close to Jesus and his people.And, as we close, I want to pray for fresh freedom to entrust to Jesus the one in your life you most fear could be Judas.2. How do I handle the Judas in my life?We are our brother's keeper. This is what we covenant with each other in church membership: I will be the church to you; you be the church to me. We commit to be the church to each other, and live out Hebrews 3:12–13:Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.We are our brother's keeper, but not our brother's lord. So, we finish with a word to dear friends, even parents, of those who seem like a Judas. They once professed faith; all seemed right. Then came the drift; or perhaps all of a sudden, it seemed, they “went out from us” and have not come back.Many of us, perhaps especially parents, carry the burden more than is reasonable. Yes, pray, invite, seek to win them. Whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins (James 5:20). And trust your God. Do not carry what is not yours to bear.Years ago John Piper wrote a poem about Judas's father, Simon Iscariot. The poem had this refrain with which it ended:Sink not in darkness nor despair, Bear not what yours is not to bear: When you have loved and lost then trust; The ways of God are always just.And so we come to the Table. And take the morsel from Jesus with fresh sobriety and clarity this morning.Receive His Bread in FaithThis Table, and our receiving in faith, and eating in faith, is a powerful regular means, among others, of Christ keeping us in him. How do you receive this morsel from Jesus at his Table week by week? Paul says, in 1 Corinthians 11,Whoever [like Judas?] eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.Yet when we do discern the body and eat and drink in faith, we share in the blessing and security that are ours only in Christ.

This sermon, drawn from Psalm 55, explores the profound reality of personal suffering and the divine response of casting one's burdens upon God. Centered on David's anguish over betrayal by his trusted friend Ahithophel during Absalom's rebellion, the message highlights how trials become burdens through their personal, painful, and perilous nature—weighing heavily on the soul and threatening spiritual stability. The core exhortation, 'Cast thy burden upon the Lord,' is not a promise of escape from suffering but a call to entrust one's anxieties to God through persistent prayer, trusting in His sustaining grace rather than psychological self-help. The sermon emphasizes that God's care is grounded in His covenantal faithfulness, His provision through His Word, and the unshakable security of the believer's justification and adoption in Christ, ensuring that the righteous will never be moved. Ultimately, the passage offers a gospel-centered confidence: though burdens remain, God sustains, nourishes, and preserves His people, making His care a living reality in the midst of life's deepest trials.

Adventuring in the hidden extradimensional ghost levels gets more complicated as humanoid foes begin to stalk the halls. Can the heroes survive the ruthlessness of Ysoki mercenaries and the rigors of the trapped passageways? The only way to find out is to smash play and listen to Cosmic Crit 2.0!

Even the best leaders can fall—and when they do, real people get hurt. In this Christmas-week episode of Talk'N Truth, Dan Whitney (aka Larry the Cable Guy), Cara Whitney, and Pastor Bryan Clark unpack one of the most heartbreaking chapters in David's story: the fall of Absalom, David's son and the devastating fallout from David's failure.   The conversation centers on how one “hour of passion” with Bathsheba rippled outward into generational pain—broken family relationships, shattered trust, and the deaths of thousands. As Absalom's rebellion collapses in 2 Samuel 18, the story exposes what happens when pride, passivity, and poor leadership go unchecked. Absalom is portrayed as a “pretty boy” leader—inept, ego-driven, and ultimately unable to fight God and win.   But this episode doesn't just warn. It points forward. David cries out, wishing he could die in place of his son—but he can't. And that's where Christmas comes in. A thousand years later, the true King arrives: Jesus, the Leader who never fails, who actually does die in our place. This is the redemptive thread running through Scripture—and through our own stories.   With humor, honesty, and personal reflection, this episode reminds you: your choices matter, leadership matters, and grace is always enough to write a new ending.   Perfect for viewers interested in: Christmas faith conversations, 2 Samuel 18, King David, Absalom, consequences of sin, leadership and family impact, generational pain, redemption, grace, and Jesus as the true King.   #BibleStudy #ChristianPodcast #TalkNTruth #LarryTheCableGuy #CaraWhitney #BryanClark #KingDavid #Absalom #2Samuel18 #Christmas #Grace #Redemption #ChristianLeadership #BackToTheBible

2 Samuel 15:1–37 || Absalom's Artifices and David's Departure || Josh King by Meridian Church

Life often forces us to climb mountains we never expected to face. King David's journey up the Mount of Olives teaches us powerful lessons about persevering through difficult circumstances. When David fled Jerusalem after his son Absalom's revolt, he climbed barefoot with a broken heart, but he didn't climb alone. Every summit requires a climb, and God places people in our lives to make the journey with us. The higher we climb, the better our perspective becomes, allowing us to see God's faithfulness in ways we couldn't understand while in the valley. When clouds get thick near the summit, we must trust God's perfect timing and provision, knowing He's working behind the scenes while we climb.

When life feels chaotic, confusing, or completely out of your control, 2 Samuel 17 offers a surprising reminder: God is still sovereign—even when the storyline makes no sense to us. In this episode of Talk'N Truth, Dan Whitney (aka Larry the Cable Guy), his wife Cara Whitney, and Pastor Bryan Clark dive into one of the most perplexing chapters in David's story and uncover a powerful truth: people make real choices, but God's purposes still stand. The crew unpacks why Absalom ignored good counsel, how God quietly orchestrated events to protect David, and why the tension between human responsibility and divine sovereignty often feels impossible to understand. With humor, honesty, and heartfelt wrestling, Dan and Cara share their own struggles with prayer, unanswered hopes, childhood experiences, and what it means to trust God when life doesn't go the way we expect. From the pain of David's failures to the consequences of Absalom's rebellion, this conversation tackles big questions: • Does prayer actually change anything? • Why doesn't God stop evil people? • What's our part—and what's God's part—in the stories unfolding around us? • How does God's justice and mercy intertwine when we least deserve it? Whether you're navigating unanswered prayers, confusion about God's timing, or the long shadow of someone else's choices, this episode reminds you: God is sovereign, God is good, and your choices still matter. Do the right thing today—and trust Him with the rest. Perfect for viewers interested in: Bible study podcasts, 2 Samuel 17, God's sovereignty, prayer and faith, Christian encouragement, making wise choices, leadership lessons from David, navigating suffering, trusting God in uncertainty, and real-life Christian conversation. #BibleStudy #ChristianPodcast #TalkNTruth #LarryTheCableGuy #CaraWhitney #BryanClark #2Samuel17 #SovereigntyOfGod #Prayer #FaithQuestions #ChristianEncouragement #BackToTheBible #TrustGod #DoTheRightThing

We live in an age overflowing with advice — from social media gurus to professional consultants, from friends to influencers. But not all counsel is created equal. In this episode, we revisit one of the most sobering leadership stories in Scripture: David's flight from Absalom and the competing counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai.Through this story, we learn three timeless lessons:Discern the source — Wisdom isn't about eloquence; it's about godliness.Surround yourself with truth-tellers — Seek counsel from those who fear God more than they fear offending you.Trust God's sovereignty — Even when advice goes wrong, God's purposes remain right.This 10–12 minute reflection will encourage you to think deeply about the voices shaping your decisions — and remind you that God is still directing your path, even through the noise.Referenced Song: “Whate'er My God Ordains Is Right” – Sovereign Grace MusicKeywords: wisdom, discernment, leadership, advice, sovereignty, counselYou can order the devotionals at https://amzn.to/4h8zFe6 or https://wisdomcalling.orgFollow us on Instagram: @wisdomcallingnow

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28 NLT) Of the many beautiful psalms David wrote, one of my favorites is Psalm 63: “Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy” (verses 3–5 NLT). These are obviously the words of someone enjoying the best day of his life, with not a trouble or care in sight. Except they aren’t. David wrote the words of Psalm 63 while he was in exile. He was running for his life from his own son, Absalom. Absalom had led a rebellion against him and was trying to take David’s throne. David’s kingdom and family were crumbling. Not only that, but David was also an elderly man by this time. He was in extreme anguish and personal pain. How, then, was he able to write such sincere words of praise and gratitude to God? David understood that a spirit of thankfulness doesn’t depend on circumstances. We can and should be thankful in all seasons of life. The truth is, we can’t fully understand what good times are and what bad times are—not on this side of Heaven anyway. We may know how certain circumstances make us feel, but our feelings don’t always tell the whole story. For example, when we’re younger, we convince ourselves that success is always good and hardship is always bad. And our feelings react accordingly. As we get older and develop more maturity, however, we realize that success can be bad for some people and hardship can be good for others. We begin to look at things differently. Some of the things we thought were really good turn out to be bad. And some of the things that we thought were bad turn out to be really good. Through it all, we can and should be thankful to God. Because though our circumstances may change, and though our feelings toward those circumstances may change, God never does. He stays committed to His promises to us. According to Romans 8:28, the Lord can take all things, bad or good, and work them “together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (NLT). So there’s always something to be thankful for. What are your circumstances right now? If you’re enjoying God’s obvious blessings or if you’ve received a long-awaited answer to prayer or if you and your loved ones are in a good place, you have reason to give thanks. On the other hand, if you’re struggling or if a prayer hasn’t been answered yet or if you’re concerned about your loved ones’ well-being, you also have reason to give thanks. Because the Lord will work all things together for good. Reflection question: How can you maintain a spirit of praise and thankfulness even when circumstances are less than good? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These week, the guys conversation emphasizes the importance of sensitive storytelling, particularly when discussing traumatic subjects. They also spend time on the story of Absalom, David's son, and the choices they both made that led to Absalom's tragic end. David mourns the loss of his son, the trauma his family endured because of his choices, and reminds us to value the people we have in our lives every moment we can.

This is the twelfth lesson in Dr. William Wood's Reformed Academy course, Redemptive History and the Regulative Principle of Worship. This lesson covers the following topics: 0:00 Introduction 3:25 Old Testament Laws on Oaths and Vows 13:08 Old Testament Literary Forms of Oaths and Vows 19:30 The Faithful Vows of Jacob, Israel, and Hannah 27:07 The Negative Examples of Jephthah and Absalom 33:45 Oaths as Covenant Commitments 41:16 The Nazirite Vow 47:46 Oaths and Vows in the New Testament Epoch Register for this free on-demand course on our website to track your progress and assess your understanding through quizzes for each lesson. You will also receive free access to twenty-seven additional video courses in covenant theology, apologetics, biblical studies, church history, and more: https://reformedforum.org/courses/red... Your donations help us to provide free Reformed resources for students like you worldwide: https://reformedforum.org/donate/ #biblicaltheology #worship #reformedtheology

Even the mountaintop can be a dangerous place—especially when we forget how much we still need God. In this episode of Talk'N Truth, Dan Whitney (aka Larry the Cable Guy), Pastor Bryan Clark, and Arnie Cole unpack the dramatic turning point in 2 Samuel 16, where King David faces betrayal, cursing, humiliation, and the painful consequences of past sin. From Mephibosheth's betrayal to Shimei's accusations to Absalom's public rebellion, David is forced down the backside of the mountain—a vivid warning for every believer who thinks they're “doing fine.” The crew dives into why success can dull our dependence on God, why spiritual leaders often fall when everything is going well, and how pride, comfort, and apathy can quietly open the door to disaster. With honesty, humor, and real-life stories, Dan, Bryan, and Arnie talk candidly about staying grounded when life is good, the dangers of spiritual carelessness, and the kind of integrity that keeps believers steady at the top of the mountain. They also shine light on the surprising biblical parallels between David's descent and Jesus' path to Gethsemane—reminding us that Scripture is woven together with a redemptive thread from beginning to end. Whether you're in a season of blessing, cruising on autopilot, or feeling spiritually untouchable, this conversation is a wake-up call: success can be just as spiritually dangerous as struggle. Stay dependent. Stay watchful. Stay close to God. Perfect for viewers interested in:  Christian encouragement, Bible study podcasts, 2 Samuel 16, King David's story, spiritual vigilance, avoiding complacency, integrity in leadership, Christian living, grace and consequences, and staying grounded in seasons of success. #BibleStudy #ChristianPodcast #KingDavid #2Samuel16 #SpiritualGrowth #Integrity #FaithAndLeadership #TalkNTruth #LarryTheCableGuy #BryanClark #ArnieCole #BackToTheBible #ChristianEncouragement #StayGrounded #DependOnGod

Highlighting the poignant context of Psalm 23, Pastor Gary shared how King David, in a state of distress being pursued by his son Absalom, found solace in God as his shepherd. Pastor Gary used this imagery to convey the comforting truth that God sings over His people with songs of deliverance, much like a shepherd singing over his flock. He revealed how this divine melody of liberation and hope can sustain believers through their own times of emotional and spiritual hardship, encouraging the congregation to embrace this divine comfort and guidance.

Discover the powerful and emotional final chapter of King David's life—his failures, his family's unraveling, and the hope God still extends in the middle of brokenness. In this message, Pastor Corey Abney walks through the story of Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom, and shows how unaddressed sin, wounded relationships, and passive leadership can devastate a family. But more importantly, you'll learn why God's design is best, and how His grace can redeem any story—no matter how far it's gone.If you've ever wrestled with family conflict, past mistakes, bitterness, identity, or the consequences of sin, this message will speak directly to your heart.✔ Why David's passivity led to generational pain✔ How unaddressed sin becomes unleashed sin✔ Why God's design for marriage, purity, identity, and family leads to blessing✔ How to return to God's will—no matter your past✔ What the life of David teaches us about leadership, repentance, and hopeDon't watch this alone—share it with someone who needs encouragement today.

This week jumps between worlds as we pause Wano's chaos to check in on global events. Gecko Moria resurfaces on Pirate Island searching for Absalom, while Mihawk hints at shocking Reverie news that could shake the Warlords' ranks. Back in Wano, our allies prepare for the coming raid as Luffy and Kid “adjust” to prison life.⁠⁠PandaSightings.com⁠⁠⁠ Audio Engineer -  ⁠⁠⁠⁠ @mixed.by.neal⁠⁠⁠⁠Production Assistant - @TRGabrielGFExecutive Producer - @PabloShoeThey got instant noodles in that prison?~

The modern deliverance movement teaches about various spirits in operation that are alleged in Scripture. These demonic entities are named after Biblical people such as Judas, Absalom, Leviathan, and Jezebel. While Jezebel has been a common spirit discussed in this movement, a new demon has been rearing its mythical head over the past several years. According to individuals such as Emma Stark, this demon is active and stealing people's destinies. Is this spirit found in Scripture?Join me as we consider this teaching in light of Scripture. My info:Website: http://www.lovesickscribe.comSubscribe to my blog here: http://eepurl.com/dfZ-uHInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovesickscribe/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovesickscribeblog

Now that David has fled will he be able to take on Absalom and return to being king?

In an act of prideful ambition, Absalom, steals the hearts of the people and stages a full scale rebellion against God's chosen King, his father David. To learn more join us on Noble Street in the heart of Sunny Swissvale! RiverCityPGH.com

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CHAYEI SARAFollowing the Script The concept of living with equanimity and faith through the life of Sarah, the matriarch.This introduces the central message: our lives are not stories we write ourselves, but rather stories that G-d orchestrates. We are actors on His stage, and our role is to do our best while trusting that the true good unfolds according to His plan, which sees far beyond our immediate understanding.The Torah describes Sarah's years as "equal in goodness," which the sages interpret to mean she maintained complete equilibrium throughout her life. Despite decades of waiting for children and experiencing aging followed by miraculous rejuvenation, Sarah lived constantly maintaining G-d's presence before her. She understood that life's ups and downs were all part of G-d's narrative, not her own struggle. Like King David who sang psalms both in triumph and when fleeing from his rebellious son Absalom, Sarah remained spiritually balanced because she recognized she was living in G-d's story, not her own. Her apparent "failures" - the long wait, the aging - were actually essential parts of creating the miraculous story that would inspire the world for millennia.The message is to accept our circumstances with serenity, knowing that God is writing our story for ultimate good.

Ryan Land preaches from 2 Samuel 17-18 on November 9th, 2025.

This recording is a condensed version of the sermon preached at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota on November 9, 2025. You can watch the full recording on our YouTube Channel.   Sermon Text: Psalm 3:1-13 (NKJV) «A Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom his son.» LORD, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me. 2 Many are they who say of me, “There is no help for him in God.” Selah 3 But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head. 4 I cried to the LORD with my voice, And He heard me from His holy hill. 5  I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustained me. 6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people Who have set themselves against me all around. 7  Arise, O LORD; Save me, O my God! For You  have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone; You have broken the teeth of the ungodly. 8  Salvation belongs to the LORD. Your blessing is upon Your people.  Theme: He Will Come to Judge 1. A Source of Peace in a World of Trouble 2. A Source of Justice in a World of Unfairness

Hello to you listening in Quezon City, the Philippines!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.In 2017 (years before the current madness) Pope Francis said, “Hitler didn't steal the power, his people voted for him, then he destroyed his people.” That's what con men do. Yes, there are days when We the People feel ashamed - even hopeless - for having been duped.At the same time I'm reminded of a line in William Faulkner's 1936 novel Absalom, Absalom!. “Well, Kernel, they kilt us but they ain't whupped us yit!” The quote captures the spirit of the post-Civil War South, suggesting a resilience despite a devastating military loss. For those who paid attention, with that quote Tim Kaine introduced Hillary Clinton ahead of her concession speech. It still applies. Work still remains. Question: If it's true - and I believe it is - we are responsible for the world in which we find ourselves because we alone can change it, how are We the People showing up, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant? How are you finding your voice in these times and what are you saying when you speak up? We the People are casting off our feelings of helplessness, committing to action, reaching for miracle. Where do you find yourself reaching for miracles? Reach! They ain't whupped us yit! You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.  If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.

Absalom returns to try and take the throne from David. Will he be successful or will David remain as king?

In today's world, it is so easy to be passive. To let bygones be bygones. What's the harm in “letting it go”? What we don't realize is that to ignore or avoid conflict or difficult issues, whether it is emotional wounds, unresolved conflicts, or personal sins, is dangerous. What we avoid often festers and eventually confronts us in more damaging ways. Join Pastor Ben as he unpacks one of the more challenging and powerful stories of David's life, guiding us through the tragic events of Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom in 2 Samuel 13-18. The message brought to us today challenges us to bring unresolved hurts and hidden struggles to light, and how, in doing this, we can discover hope, healing, and restoration in facing what we would rather avoid. Don't leave Absalom at the gate.Support the show

Lessons From The Life of David | Week 9 |  Ken Miller--David's ongoing grief over the death of Absalom had a detrimental effect on the entire nation and required the intervention of Joab. Once again, we see David refusing to take control of the situation and allowing things to spiral out of control.--Notes

Examination of 2 Sam 15:1-6

Psalm 23 is probably the best known of all the Psalms. It is simple, yet profound and beautiful. People know it. People quote it. But why did David write it? What were the circumstances that led him to these particular words? We can't know the answer for certain, but it turns out that every stanza of the Psalm corresponds very closely with what happened as David had to flee from Jerusalem in the face of Absalom's rebellion. Psalm 23 is also an example of prayer, with David meditating about God and praying to Him. This Psalm itself is worth praying frequently. There will come a day when each one of us faces our own valley of the shadow of death.

Even though Absalom's rebellion against David comes to an end, it reveals the desire for power in Joab and Sheba. Learn how to insulate ourselves from the seductive desire for power. Pastor Nate Keeler shares "The Seductiveness of Power" from 2 Samuel 20. Please sign our digital Connection Card Men's Weekend is November 7-8.Learn more and register. Thank you for your generosity. Give online Downloaded the Children's Bulletin. License: CSPL066641 Size D #church #LifeOfDavid #Seduction #Power

X2M.233 — Katabolē Series: CR17 Combat Runtime October 19, 2025 Runtime Thread: The Descent That Builds Before the world ever turned, the Infinite stooped toward nothingness and breathed being into it. This is katabolē — the laying-down of foundations, the moment when creation itself became the first act of mercy. In this descent, the universe received its shape from humility, not domination. The theologians later called it proto-kenosis, the self-emptying that makes space for life to emerge¹. Every act of true creation, whether cosmic or human, follows this same trajectory of relinquishment before realization². Katabolē is not failure — it is divine strategy. The downward motion of God is the secret architecture of existence. What looks like loss becomes the groundwork of renewal. This principle pulses through the ancient stories. David's exile becomes a royal kenosis. Driven eastward by Absalom, the king walks barefoot across the Mount of Olives, surrendering his right to rule³. Yet this humiliation conceals a deeper sovereignty: only the ruler who yields his throne can inherit it anew. His return west across the Jordan is not simply restoration; it is resurrection written in geography⁴. Elijah and Elisha enact the same descent in prophetic form. The Jordan divides; the elder crosses east into mystery while the whirlwind lifts him to heaven⁵. But the ascent of the master releases the descent of the mantle — the Spirit cast downward to the waiting apprentice⁶. Elisha's double portion arrives not by ambition but by posture; power is transferred through humility, not through grasping. The prophets prove that divine inheritance always travels the direction of gravity. Ahaz, by contrast, refuses the law of katabolē. When Isaiah offers him a sign from “the depths or the heights,” he declines⁷. His fear drives him north — toward Assyria's iron altars and his own illusion of control. By shifting the bronze altar, he shifts the axis of faith itself. Where David and Elisha move with the river's flow, Ahaz builds dams. Yet grace answers rebellion with incarnation: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive.” The sign he refused still descends. God Himself crosses the river the king would not⁸. This is the pattern behind all patterns — the downward river of God that becomes the foundation of worlds. The Jordan, whose name means to go down, runs like a vein through Scripture. It carries the current of proto-kenosis: power traveling downward so that life may rise upward⁹. Katabolē reveals that descent is not the opposite of glory; it is the hidden road toward it. Every cave, every mantle, every womb is a foundation stone in the architecture of divine humility. The Infinite still bends low — through creation, through Christ, through every soul willing to become a riverbed of grace¹⁰. ⸻ Glorification | The Final Frontier Going boldly where the last man has gone before! Decrease time over target: PayPal or Venmo @clastronaut Cash App $clastronaut Footnotes ¹ On the concept of divine self-emptying (proto-kenosis) in Trinitarian cosmology. ² Creation as humility preceding manifestation. ³ 2 Samuel 15–19 — David's exile under Absalom. ⁴ Return across the Jordan as type of resurrection. ⁵ 2 Kings 2 — Elijah's crossing and ascension. ⁶ Transmission of spirit through the falling mantle. ⁷ Isaiah 7 — the refusal of the sign of Immanuel. ⁸ Incarnation as God's own Jordan crossing. ⁹ The Jordan as symbol of downward grace and renewal. ¹⁰ The ongoing kenosis of God in creation and redemption.

Sin never sits still. It grows, spreads, and bears fruit—often in ways we never expect. The Bible says, “God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” Every choice plants a seed, and every seed eventually grows into a harvest.In today's episode, we return to Paul's series from the archives, David: A Matter of the Heart. This week, we open 2 Samuel 15, one of Scripture's most sobering portraits of how sin's consequences unfold.To hear more sermons from Paul, visit PaulTripp.com/Sermons.

“He weakened my strength in the way.” – Psalm   Life's Waves and God's Sovereignty Referencing Psalm 42:7, “Deep calls unto deep,” he explains that it portrays wave after wave of life's challenges, not mystical depths. Sometimes, trouble comes in relentless succession — one wave after another — yet God uses even pain, sickness, and discomfort to shape us. We often blame the devil, but sometimes it's the Lord doing deep work in us. He reminds the congregation that when we gave our lives to Christ, we surrendered the right to run our own lives. “We said, ‘You get to call the shots.' ”   Psalm 84 – Dwelling in God's Presence The message centers on Psalm 84, portraying the believer's longing for God's house and presence amid a fallen world. “How lovely is Your tabernacle, O Lord of hosts.” Believers must live in the world but not of it, finding their refuge not in wealth, approval, or comfort — but in God's presence. Even the sparrow finds a home near His altar — showing that everyone, humble or lowly, is welcome in His presence. The pastor urges believers to maintain a “secret place” — a daily sanctuary of prayer and fellowship with God. We need His manifest presence, not just His omnipresence.   Strength in the Pilgrimage Psalm 84:5 – “Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage.” True strength comes from the Lord, not self. The Christian life is a pilgrimage, requiring perseverance and endurance — “a journey, not a sprint.” Like Noah, Abraham, and Jesus, we must walk faithfully even when the outcome seems far away. “Decide yesterday that you're not going to quit today.”   The Valley of Baka – Digging Wells Psalm 84:6 describes the Valley of Baka, a place of weeping, decay, and death. Spiritually, it represents the world's brokenness. Believers are called to dig wells — to bring life, truth, and hope where there is despair. Each Christian has a circle of influence (family, workplace, community) where God expects them to “dig wells” for others. He contrasts Absalom, who built a monument to himself, with Jacob, who dug a well. “The statue is gone; the well still flows.” The challenge: be an effective well-digger whose influence blesses others long after you're gone.   From Strength to Strength Psalm 84:7 – “They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.” This phrase means believers become an army within themselves because God dwells in them. Strength increases through intimacy with God, not worldly alliance. Avoid letting worldly media and negativity shape your mind — renew your thoughts in God's Word. Illustrations include: A soldier in WWII saved by a spider's web God used for protection. A survivor of the Titanic quoting Psalm 91 as God delivered him. These show that God's care extends to the smallest details for those who trust Him.   Staying Coupled with the Lord Psalm 84:11 – “No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” The pastor explains that “uprightly” in Hebrew (tāmîm) means “to stay coupled” — like train cars joined together. We don't have to be perfect; we just have to stay connected to God. Whether rusty or shiny, the only train cars that move are the ones still coupled. “If you'll stay coupled with Me, I won't withhold any good thing from you.”   The Final Call – Dig Wells, Stay Coupled, Trust God Believers are called to: Remain coupled to God through every trial. Commit to the pilgrimage — no turning back. Dig wells in dry, dying places. Trust God through both good and hard seasons. “Once you dig a well in Christ, it will always have water in it.” The sermon closes with an altar call to: Renew one's commitment to Christ's work, Receive strength to influence others, and Begin or restore a relationship with Jesus. Key Theme: God is calling His people to intimacy, endurance, and influence — to stay coupled, keep digging wells, and bring living water into a dying world.  

David grief-stricken over Absalom, rebuked by Joab. Conflict over who is most loyal to David, but then another rebel arises and the people follow him! Joab murders Amasa, David's new military commander.

It's our finale for season 17 and Jack and David are feeling a little "Unwell" from the long year! It's "Unwell-a Midwest Gothic" episodes one and two "Homecoming" and "The Diner"!  Lillian Harper moves to the small town of Mt. Absalom, Ohio, to care for her estranged mother Dorothy after an injury. Living in the town's boarding house which has been run by her family for generations, she discovers conspiracies, ghosts, and a new family in the house's strange assortment of residents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David is on the run again, this time from his own son, Absalom. David is facing trouble not only in being betrayed by his son, but the rejection of his people and the existential threat to his life. We wrestle with the question, "How do we respond when we face troubles of many kinds in our lives?" Pastor Nate Keeler shares "Trusting God with Trouble" from 2 Samuel 16–19. Please sign our digital Connection Card Fall Festival is Friday at 6pm (October 24). It is designed for kids elementary age and younger.Learn more Thank you for your generosity. Give online Downloaded the Children's Bulletin. License: CSPL066641 Size D #church #LifeOfDavid #Trouble

Job 22:1 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD and Satan also came among them to present himself before the LORD- The scene in 2:1-6 is a repetition of the scene produced in 1:6-12. Just as parallelism can drive home the point in poetry, prose often stresses its point by repeating the narrative (Gen. 24:1-27;24:28-49). 2:1 is a verbatim repetition from 1:6 except 2:1 adds the three Hebrew words that end the sentence translated to present himself before the LORD. 2:3 And he still holds fast his integrity- The verse from this point on adds to the words of 1:8. This verb holds fast is a common verb and means be strong or strengthen (Josh.1:6, 7, 9; Job 4:3) or seize (Gen. 19:16). Job held fast to his integrity as some hold fast to deceit- Jer. 8:5. This word will be used also in Job in 2:9; 4:3; 8:15,20; 18:9 and 27:6. In Job 27:6 Job declares I hold fast to my righteousness.  The picture of the divine council does not eliminate the picture of an omniscient God (Psalm 139:1-6; Isa. 40:13-14).2:4  What does skin for skin mean? Much has been written to answer this question, but few good answers have been provided. The meaning seems to be something along the lines that even if a person loses their possessions, children, and all else, that the person will respond differently when the suffering is his and his death is imminent. I think the meaning of the phrase is largely derived by the next line that all that a man has he will give for his life. 2:7 Deut. 28:35 speaks of boils from the sole of your foot to the crown of your head. The phrase from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head is also used of Absalom in II Sam. 14:25. In II Sam. 14:25 there was no blemish on Absalom from his foot to his head. Job's case is the opposite of Absalom's attractiveness. 2:9 Then his wife said to him, ‘Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!'These are the only words we have from Job's wife. Job does make a reference to her in Job 19:17 saying that his breath is offensive to her. Job 19:13-20 demonstrates Job's deep sense of alienation from those who we would expect to be closest to him. Job's wife uses the same phrase that the LORD used in speaking of Job in Job 2:3 you hold fast your integrity. God used this to praise Job, but Job's wife uses the phrase in criticism of Job. In The Testament of Job she sells her hair to buy bread for Job and herself. Does she believe the sin of cursing God will be punished by God with Job's instant death?2:10 ‘Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?' The word adversity is also used in the next verse in 2:7, 10, 11. Some versions translate the Hebrew term ra' by the English word evil. Evil can be moral evil (1:1, 8; 2:3) or it can refer to a calamity or disaster (2:10, 11; 42:11). “Out of about 640 occurrences of the word ra' (which ranges in meaning from a ‘nasty' taste to full moral evil) there are 275 instances where ‘trouble' or ‘calamity' is the meaning”[1] God is sovereign over good and bad (Deut. 32:39; Job 1:21). God is not responsible for moral evil (Hab. 1:13; Jas. 1:13), but His hand is involved in adversity (Isa. 45:7; Lam. 3:37-38; Amos 3:6). The translation adversity or calamity is better than the translation evil in this verse. [1] J.A. Motyer, Isaiah, 359.

In this episode of Also Featured in the Cast, we turn our attention to the “supporting roles” in King David's story—his brothers, his wife Michal, his son Absalom, and his loyal friend Jonathan. These often-overlooked characters reveal powerful truths about envy, bitterness, rebellion, and friendship. David's brothers struggled with jealousy toward the anointing on his life. Michal allowed bitterness to consume her joy. Absalom's pride and unforgiveness led him down a tragic path of rebellion. Yet Jonathan—humble, discerning, and selfless—shines as the truest friend David ever had. Each of us has people like these in our own story. The question is not just who's in our cast—but how we respond to them. – Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:25) - Samuel the Prophet(00:04:40) - David's Brothers in the David Movie(00:10:37) - "Envy is the wickedest sin"(00:12:13) - The Despicable First Wife of David(00:17:44) - The Story of David and Michael(00:22:53) - The Character of Absalom(00:31:00) - Jonathon in the David Movie(00:35:56) - The Leader's Notebook

So far, we may have been surprised by some of the inclusions in Hebrews 11 - complicated men like Samson, Jacob, and Gideon - and men we may not know a lot about, like Jephthah.But today's man of God, David, comes as NO surprise. Here is a man after God's own heart, a man who sought to honor God and from whom Jesus Himself would one day come!And yet, David is himself a man of many shortcomings and complications. David sinned with Bathsheba, when he lied and murdered to cover up that sin, when he numbered the people, and when he failed to address issues within his own family (as with Tamar and Absalom, for example). Turn with me to 1 and 2 Samuel and Psalm 51, as we learn just as much from David's failings as we do from his successes in our quest to walk by faith through Hebrews 11!(RAR2025EP42)

David's household continues to grow more dysfunctional. David avoids conflict with his son, Absalom, but the path of least resistance results in bitterness and ultimately betrayal. Discover the difference between faking peace and making peace. Pastor Nate Keeler shares "Faking Peace vs. Making Peace" from 2 Samuel 14-15. Please sign our digital Connection Card Baptism Class is Sunday, October 19 at 11am. Learn more Learn more about the Chacko's mission. Save the date for the Men's Weekend. Registration is opening soon. Learn more Thank you for your generosity. Give online Downloaded the Children's Bulletin. License: CSPL066641 Size D #church #LifeOfDavid #Peace

Come Bible Study WITH ME through 2 Samuel 18 and ask all the questions!

Will Ahithophel give Absalom bad advice? Come Bible Study WITH ME through 2 Samuel 16 and ask all the questions!

What causes rebellion to grow in the heart?   This message looks at the life of Absalom and shows how rebellion develops through indulgent parenting, suppressed anger, isolation, obsession with image, undermining authority, and the desire for control. Our prayer is that you will learn to recognize these patterns and choose instead the freedom and peace that come from walking in God's ways.