How Satan Is Like Joab in 2 Samuel 19 -- Applications from 2 Samuel 19 // FALSE CONDEMNATION (David Weeps for Absalom)

How Satan Is Like Joab in 2 Samuel 19 -- Applications from 2 Samuel 19

(King David weeps over Absalom.)

A short civil war erupted between men loyal to Absalom, a son of King David, and those loyal to his father. Absalom, using deceptive techniques, powerful public relations tricks, and charisma, drew many people in Israel into his goal of replacing King David with Absalom. David and many of his most loyal followers fled from Jerusalem and dwelt in the wilderness. 

Absalom sought counsel and then determined he would to fight against his father, and slay him. After King David crossed the Jordan river and entered a fortified city, Absalom, accompanied by thousands of armed men, crossed the river and attacked David's men in a forested region. 

The battle went poorly for Absalom and his men, and most of them were slaughtered or died due to falling into deep pits or chasms. Absalom, who had long hair, rode past an oak tree and his hair was ensnared in its branches. His mount, a mule, left him literally hanging. Joab, the captain of David's army, saw the king's son hanging in the tree and unable to escape. Ignoring David's orders not to kill Absalom, Joab brutally killed him in cold blood and Joab's armor bearers finished him off. It was not the first time Joab disregarded the king's wishes. 

Matthew 5:5 Expounded — “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.”

Matthew 5:5 Expounded — “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” [Print Document]

God the Father shows us in His Word the blessings of following Him and obeying Him. If we humbly depend on Him, we will be meek, and those who are meek shall inherit the earth. The Greek word for meek is praus. It includes meek and humble in its definition.

But, what does being meek look like? Let’s look at what a 19th century English dictionary has to say about this word. In the 1828 Webster’s dictionary, meek is, in part, defined as: “1. … gentle; not easily provoked or irritated; yielding; given to forbearance under injuries. ...” [and] “2. …  humble, in an evangelical sense; submissive to the divine will; not proud, self-sufficient or refractory [i.e. rebellious] ; not … apt to complain of divine dispensations. …” (See the footnote below).

Being Meek Means Not Being Easily Provoked