Lesson 4
Absalom was the most handsome, cunning, and ambitious of David's sons. The Bible says, "But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him." 2 Samuel 14:25.
But this determined young prince wanted more than just the admiration of the people for his stunning appearance. He wanted the power of his father's throne. He wanted to be king of Israel at any price. First Absalom killed his older brother, Amnon, after Amnon mistreated his sister Tamar. Amnon was David's firstborn son and in line to follow David as king. Then, after Absalom wormed his way back into his father's favor he began to sow subtle seeds of doubt throughout the kingdom about David's leadership, judgments, and laws until he "stole the hearts of the men of Israel." 2 Samuel 15:6.
Finally, his sinister plan erupted into a full-blown rebellion as Absalom tried to assassinate his own father and kidnap the kingdom. David and his followers were forced to flee from Jerusalem. But after a severe battle a few days later, David was once again secure on his throne, and handsome Prince Absalom was slain.
A sad story indeed, but this was not the first such royal family feud. In another great kingdom long ago, very similar events led to the most tragic rebellion of all time. The kingdom was called heaven!
1. What was the name of the rebellious prince in heaven, and why did he rebel?
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NOTE: Lucifer was the most powerful and beautiful of God's creatures. He was the highest of the angels and most likely led the heavenly choir. But he allowed his beauty to fill him with pride. (See supplement entitled "Satan Symbolized by the Kings of Tyre and Babylon.")2. Did God make a devil when He created Lucifer?
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NOTE: God made a perfect angel who, of his own free will, chose to be a devil. It may be hard to imagine, but if we knew Lucifer before his fall, we would have loved him. We don't know exactly how long, but Lucifer may have joyfully served God for eons before he began to cherish seeds of pride and resentment in his heart. The Lord could have made all of His creatures like robots, but a robot cannot love. True love must be willing to take risks. This is why parents decide to have children, knowing that at some time they may choose to disobey.
God allowed Lucifer to carry out his rebellion for several reasons. First, to forever settle any question of whether or not God makes His creatures with freedom of choice. Second, if God had destroyed Lucifer as soon as he began spreading doubts about God's love and government, the other intelligent creatures would have forever had lingering questions. They might have thought, "Perhaps Lucifer was right." Therefore, Lucifer was allowed to demonstrate the horrible results of sin. Finally, God does not want His creatures to obey Him merely because He will punish them if they don't. He wants us to obey from principles of love rather than from fear.
3. What finally happened?
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NOTE: Eventually Lucifer and the angels who sided with him were expelled from heaven.4. What powerful beings work under the devil's command?
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NOTE: Satan is so cunning that he was able to deceive one-third of the angels of heaven into following him in his rebellion against God. Now called "devils" and "demons," these fallen angels carry out Satan's plans. In our story of Absalom, we notice that he likewise did very little of his own dirty work. Absalom ordered his servants to execute his wishes.
2 Samuel 13:28 Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, ... then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you?
2 Samuel 14:30 Therefore he said unto his servants, See, Joab's field is near mine, ... go and set it on fire.5. What methods does Satan use in his work?
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NOTE: In one respect, Satan has an advantage over God in the battle between good and evil. God uses only truth, but Satan can use truth or lies in any combination, to best serve his purposes. (See supplement entitled "Expect the Unexpected.")6. When is the devil most dangerous?
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NOTE: Just as the devil did, Absalom pretended to love the people and displayed an interest in their welfare in order to deceive them.
2 Samuel 15:5, 6 And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him. 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.
Satan is most dangerous when he poses as a spiritual being working inside the church. (See supplement entitled "A Brilliant Angel.")7. Does Satan know the Bible?
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NOTE: The devil is an expert at quoting and misquoting the Bible for the purpose of deceiving people. That is why it is essential that God's people know the Scriptures for themselves to avoid being misled.8. Whom on earth does the devil hate most?
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9. What two deadly animals does the Bible use to portray Satan?
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NOTE: Both lions and snakes use stealth and diversion to capture their prey. Like the devil, they spring suddenly upon their victims and are ruthless and indifferent to suffering.10. What is the only way we can resist Satan?
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NOTE: The best ways to draw near to God are through prayer and seeking to know Him through His Word.11. How did Jesus fight the assaults of the devil?
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NOTE: Our only safety from Satan's clever deceptions is in storing God's Word in our minds to keep us from sin. The same tools Jesus used to fight the devil are needed and available to us today.
Psalms 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.12. How will the final fate of Satan resemble that of Absalom?
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13. Will Satan ever reappear to tempt God's people?
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14. How does God feel about the destruction of the wicked?
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NOTE: It hurts God to have to destroy the wicked. In fact, the Bible calls the destruction of the wicked His "strange act" because it is foreign to His loving nature. (see Isaiah 28:21)15. How did David respond when he learned that his rebellious son Absalom had been slain?
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16. Will you choose now to love and serve Him?
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