Meditation on 2 Samuel 15 February 24, 2014
I’m struckby the comparisons between David and Jesus in 2 Samuel 15. Absalom, David’sbeloved son, has betrayed his father’s trust. He has stolen away the hearts ofmany in Israel, and he iscoming to Jerusalemwith plans to overthrow David and take the throne for himself. In haste, abrokenhearted David gathers up his household and flees the city.
Theallusions to Christ begin with David’s attitude toward God. David’s words,“Behold, here I am, let him [i.e., the Lord] do to me what seems good to him”(v 26), sound an awful lot like Jesus’ prayer: “Not my will, but yours bedone.” Like Jesus, David realizes that some of his own close confidants areamong those who have turned against him (v 31). And again like Jesus, Davidpours out his tears and his prayers on the Mount of Olivesas the tragic drama unfolds (v 30).
But thereis one critical contrast here. In this scene from David’s life, a son is comingagainst his father; but in Jesus’ case, it was the Father who came against HisSon. Like David, Jesus prayed to God for deliverance; but unlike David, Jesusdid not get it. God offered David a drink from the cup of salvation; Heextended to Jesus the cup of wrath.
As I go upon the Mount of Olives with David and overhearhis tearful prayers in my imagination, I cannot help but see in the shadows theform of Another, weeping, betrayed, cast off by One He held dear.
Youwere broken that I might be healed
You were cast off that I might draw near
You were thirsty that I might come drink
Cried out in anguish that I might sing
You knew darkness that I might know light
Wept great tears that mine might be dried
Stripped of glory that I might be clothed
Crushed by Your Father to call me Your own
How deep is Your love
How high and how wide is Your mercy
How deep is Your grace
Our hearts overflow with praise
To You
~ “How Deep,” by Stephen Altrogge