Essay about Absalom: A Coward

David joined forces with the Philistines because his faith was weak and he faked being mentally insane. Therefore, he was really not mental but struggled with believing in Gods covenant. Not to mention he had two wives he just was refusing to go out in battle and support his troop by being an effective leader. In modern day terms he punk-out sending his troops out to battle without him while he played the coward staying behind stirring up trouble.

There are many different themes common on the subject of Kingship in Israel that are highlighted throughout scholarly analysis of the subject. Sages of the time, thought to have written Proverbs, believed that the king was a person way beyond the normal run of things. This piece from “Proverbs 30:29-31” is a prime example:

David’s personal strife continued when his son Amnon raped Tamar, Amnon’s half-sister. Absalom, who was David’s son and Tamar’s brother, then killed Amnon. Absalom fled, but David could not stop thinking about him. Finally, Joab convinced David to allow Absalom to return. Absalom was a handsome man and became popular with the people of Israel. Then, 40 years after Samuel had anointed David king, Absalom, along with 200 men,

The relationship between David and God is one of both fear and love. David, who is chosen by God to rule the people of Israel, is loved by God. However, it is clear in points of the Bible that the wrath of God overcomes his love for David. To begin with the love that God has for David, it is easy to see when David places the Ark of God in Jerusalem, officially giving it a place to rest after several years of wandering. We see this in the dialogue when it is said “And David went and brought up the Ark of God from the house of Obededom to the City of David with rejoicing” (2 Sam. 6:12). With the Ark itself

In 2 Samuel the narrative shifts to the reign of David as he rises above Saul’s son Ish-bosheth to become the king, first of Judah and then of all the tribes of Israel (5:1–4). The book records David’s wars of conquest including the capture of Jerusalem and the relocation of the ark of the covenant to the City of David (6:1–19). But the author also records David’s failures: his adultery with Bathsheba (11:1–26), Absalom’s rebellion (15:1–18:30), Sheba’s revolt (20:1–26), and the disastrous census (24:1–25). Like all the prophetic writers, the author presents a portrait of his historical figures from the perspective of their faithfulness to God’s covenant.

Saul was the ideal king the Israelites desired. David was the king Israel needed. David was not tall or handsome but he was a man of God. When David defeated Goliath, not only did he fully trust God, David gave all the glory of his victory to God. David possessed the vital attribute that Saul never had, obedience to God. David trusted in God’s timing and plan. Despite David having the opportunity to kill Saul and reign over Israel , David continued to follow God's commands. In 1 Samuel 24:19-20 Saul said to David after spearing his life, “ When a man finds his enemy, does he let him get away unharmed? May the Lord reward you well for the way you treated me today. I know that you will surely be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands (NIV).” Unlike Saul David was obedient to God. God rewarded David for his obedience by anointing him King and later

King David wrestled with sin, such as adultery, family disorder, and rebellion on a national level, however he also experienced great accomplishments as well. One great achievement was the unification of Israel. "Then all the tribes of Israel went to David at Hebron and told him, "We are all members of your family. For a long time, even while Saul was our King, you were the one who really led Israel. And the Lord has told you, "You will be the shepherd of my people Israel. You will be their leader" (2 Samuel 5:3). It is here that David makes a covenant with the leaders and becomes anointed as the

King David had sworn to Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother, that her son would be king following him. Solomon was a wise man. When the Lord came to Solomon and allowed him to ask whatever he wanted Solomon asked for more wisdom. “Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (2 Chronicles 1:10). Solomon ruled with greatness and that was evident in the cities he built, the number of followers he had. Another sign of his greatness was the fact that the queen of Sheba ventured to Jerusalem just so she could lean at his feet and gained wisdom.

“Choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me… If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us.” (1 Samuel 17:8-9, KJV) A story that has an unlikely ending, one of which most of Christendom and Judaism thoroughly believe. Yet, there is a antagonist who does not see the story of David and Goliath as it is. But as tale of a boy who had every chance to win. Malcolm Gladwell tells of his side, his view of that epic battle that happen over three thousand years ago. The question that stands is this; Was David the underdog or was he as Gladwell states, a victor from the start.

The nation of Israel was set apart as holy to the LORD. But they When the children of Israel demanded a king, they did so to be like the other nations. The first three kings were Saul, (outwardly tall, handsome and strong—a seemingly good choice for a king, but inwardly arrogant, proud and unrepentant—not God’s choice), David (a man after God’s own heart who repented of his sins and as such was God’s choice), and Solomon (the wisest man who ever lived, but because of covenant disobedience became the catalyst for the division and ultimate exile of Israel.

Again, this story builds the argument for principle because it shows that even righteous people have ungodly children. In the account of Absalom’s treason, it puts his deceit, craftiness, and spite on full display. How did David have such a wicked son? The answer is the same for Absalom as it was for Amnon: personal choice. Absalom did not

King David is known as one of the greatest kings that ever lived. He started out as lowly Sheppard boy to become one of the greatest kings of biblical times. Before David became King of Israel he herded his father’s sheep with his life in the fields; and was said to have killed a lion and a bear protecting them. The Old Testament prophet Samuel anointed David to become King Israel while Saul was still the king of Israel; because Saul was the King that the people wanted and he disobeyed God. David raise to fame began with him stepping up to face the giant Philistine Goliath; when King Saul seems to be fear of the giant. Smith (1933) tell us that,

King David, a member of the tribe of Judah was chosen by God to lead his people. As everyone knows, he proved by his wise choices to be a very effective leader. As a great military strategist David united the tribes and extended the national boundaries so that in his time Israel enjoyed a greater fraction of

After he is tricked and fooled by Alison and Nicholas he seeks vengeance. At this time retribution was heroically just, and did not allow their names to be dishonored. When Absalom takes the blacksmiths hot-poker and brands Nicholas he receives the satisfaction of justice and is not further punished in any of the subsequent scenes of the story. He sought retribution from the shame felt by kissing Alison’s behind and though he does not brand Alison, who is the intended recipient of his revenge, he does harm Nicholas, who Alison loves. Absolon’s heroic qualities provided him with retribution to punishment inflicted upon him.

Modern America focuses on the ideas of rebuilding lives, finding a new reality, a self-awareness in ones society and the acceptance of a new Modern. William Faulkner showcases his understanding of America through the influence of those living in the broken South, post Civil War. Faulkner’s novel Absalom, Absalom! is set in the late 1800’s early 1900’s but reflects stories told in the past, present and future by individual characters. In Jefferson County down in Mississippi after the Civil War, the south had been defeated and was on it’s way to rebuilding it’s foundation the people and the land. Faulkner tackles the problems of race, social class, slavery, self empowerment and the open secrets of the south through both white and black perspectives.