Tactic of Manipulation
2 Samuel 14
The scheming continues from chapter 13
- The scheme to get Tamar to come to Amnon
- Absalom’s scheme to murder the crown prince, Amnon.
- By Absalom fleeing to Geshur and not one of the cities of refuge, he was admitting his guilt of murdering Amnon.
This chapter divides into two parts:
1. Joab’s manipulation of David to receive Absalom back (14:1-28)
2. Absalom’s manipulation of Joab to get him to appeal to David (14:29-33)
Manipulation is a ploy used to control people (the control game).
Puzzling language of 13:39-14:1:
David’s heart was “toward” Absalom (13:39; 14:1), but not necessarily for good (cf. Dt. 28:54; Ezek. 4:7; Hosea 5:1).
“And the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom” (13:39) could be interpreted two ways: (1) David desired to see his son again, or (2) David wanted to go after Absalom and deal with him. The second interpretation seems to be correct. This is apparent by David’s refusal to see Absalom (v. 24). If David was longing to be re- united with Absalom, Joab’s manipulating strategy would not be nec- essary. When Absalom finally did come home, David kept him at a distance for two years (v. 28)! It was five years before father and son saw each other face-to-face (13:38; 14:28). David knew his son de- served punishment, but David was known for being lenient.
I. Joab’s Manipulation of David (vs. 1-17). Bring Absalom back.
- Joab’s PLAN (vs. 1-3). He concocts a plan using a woman who is quite an actress. He gives her the script to act out before the King—He put words in her mouth.
- The woman’s PERFORMANCE (vs. 4-17).
PARTIAL SERMON: See PDF for full sermon
