2 Samuel 14:2-22 – Believing Made Up Stories Instead of Reality
David is already predisposed to listen to whatever arguments will be given for bringing Absalom home. Joab knows that about him. And so Joab sends for a wise woman to come to David with a sad, made-up story. When she’s called a wise woman that doesn’t mean wise in Biblical terms, but in terms of worldly wisdom. She dresses up like she’s in mourning, and comes and tells David Joab’s made-up story, in order to pull at his heartstrings. And it doesn’t matter that the story isn’t true. It doesn’t matter that even if it was true, it wouldn’t be a direct equivalent. Because two brothers quarrelling in a field and one being killed is manslaughter, whereas a cold-blooded murder that’s two years in the planning is murder. But despite its flaws, the made-up story has its desired effect.
Our culture would rather believe made-up stories than real ones. And David is the same here. So he lets Absalom come back. Are there made-up stories that we’ve started to believe? That God is cruel? That his laws are restrictive? That sin isn’t really a big deal? That we don’t need to submit to spiritual authority?
Questions
- What kind of wisdom does this woman have?
- How does her story affect David?
Prayer Points
- Pray that we would believe the truth about God and not the lies the world puts before us.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.