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Absalom - The Traitorous Son Who Stole His Father_s Throne (King David) _ Bible Stories · truthunedited

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Speaker 1: The story of Absalom is a powerful narrative that makes
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Speaker 1: us reflect on the complexities of human nature. It shows
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Speaker 1: us how someone endowed with beauty and charisma can be
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Speaker 1: consumed by ambition and a desire for revenge. This story,
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Speaker 1: recorded in the Second Book of Samuel, is more than
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Speaker 1: just a historical account. It is a mirror reflecting the
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Speaker 1: internal struggles that we all face. It begins with a
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Speaker 1: prince beloved by the people and ends with a civil
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Speaker 1: war that divides a nation. Along the way, we see
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Speaker 1: how seemingly small decisions can have devastating consequences. The Saga
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Speaker 1: of Absalom teaches us about the pitfalls of pride, the
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Speaker 1: dangers of vengeance, and the high cost of unbridled ambition.
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Speaker 1: Though it occurred thousands of years ago, the lessons we
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Speaker 1: can draw from this story are surprisingly relevant today. Absalom
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Speaker 1: was a man destined for greatness from birth. As the
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Speaker 1: son of the renowned king David, he was born into
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Speaker 1: a position of privilege and power. In the Second Book
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Speaker 1: of Samuel, chapter three, verse three, we find the first
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Speaker 1: mention of Absalom. The third was Absalom, the son of Maka,
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Speaker 1: daughter of Talmai, king of Gesher. This brief introduction already
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Speaker 1: tells us much about Absalom's noble lineage. He was not
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Speaker 1: only the son of a king, but also the grandson
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Speaker 1: of another. This double royal heritage certainly influenced the formation
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Speaker 1: of Absalom's character and his future aspirations. Growing up in
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Speaker 1: an environment where power and authority were constant must have
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Speaker 1: shaped his worldview and expectations. From a young age, Absalom
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Speaker 1: likely saw himself as someone destined for great deeds, someone
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Speaker 1: who might one day even surpass his father's accomplishments. The
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Speaker 1: Bible pays special attention to Absalom's physical appearance, a detail
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Speaker 1: that becomes significant throughout his story. In the Second Book
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Speaker 1: of Samuel, chapter fourteen, verses twenty five and twenty six,
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Speaker 1: we find a detailed description of his exceptional beauty. The
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Speaker 1: text tells us that throughout Israel, there was no man
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Speaker 1: so praised for his appearance as Absalom. From head to toe,
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Speaker 1: he was without any defect. This was not an ordinary beauty,
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Speaker 1: but something that made people stop and take notice. The
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Speaker 1: emphasis on Absalom's physical appearance is not mere curiosity. It
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Speaker 1: helps us understand how he was perceived by others, and
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Speaker 1: how this influenced his interactions. In a society where physical
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Speaker 1: appearance was often seen as a sign of divine favor,
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Speaker 1: Absalom's beauty certainly contributed to his popularity and influence. One
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Speaker 1: particularly notable aspect of Absalom's appearance was his hair. The
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Speaker 1: Bible dedicates an entire verse to describing Absalom's hair, a
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Speaker 1: detail that may seem strange to modern readers, but held
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Speaker 1: significant cultural meaning at the time. Still in chapter fourteen
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Speaker 1: of thim second Samuel, verse twenty six informs us that
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Speaker 1: Absalom cut his hair once a year when it became
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Speaker 1: too heavy. The text even mentions the weight of the
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Speaker 1: hair that was cut, two kilograms according to the Royal standard.
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Speaker 1: This detail about Absalom's hair is not just a curiosity.
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Speaker 1: It symbolizes his virility, strength, and status. In many ancient cultures,
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Speaker 1: hair was seen as a source of strength and vitality.
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Speaker 1: The mention of the weight and frequency of Absalom's haircuts
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Speaker 1: reinforces the image of an exceptional man who stood out
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Speaker 1: even in the most mundane aspects of his appearance. But
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Speaker 1: Absalom was not admired solely for his physical appearance. He
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Speaker 1: possessed a natural charisma that attracted people. Although the Bible
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Speaker 1: does not explicitly mention these qualities, we can infer their
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Speaker 1: existence from how Absalom interacted with the people and won
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Speaker 1: their support. He had a remarkable ability to connect with
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Speaker 1: ordinary people, making them feel heard and valued. This gift
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Speaker 1: for interpersonal relationships would later prove crucial in his life
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Speaker 1: when he began to build a base of support for
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Speaker 1: his political ambitions. Absalom's charisma went beyond his physical appearance.
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Speaker 1: It was a combination of charm, eloquence, and an apparent
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Speaker 1: concern for others well being. These qualities made him a
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Speaker 1: natural leader, someone people instinctively wanted to follow. The people
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Speaker 1: of Israel had a special love for Absalom. His combination
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Speaker 1: of physical beauty, charisma, and royal status made him an
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Speaker 1: almost mythical figure in their eyes. When Absalom walked through
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Speaker 1: the streets, people likely looked at him with a mix
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Speaker 1: of admiration and hope. To many, he represented the bright
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Speaker 1: future they desired for their country. Absalom seemed to understand
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Speaker 1: the problems and aspirations of ordinary people in a way
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Speaker 1: the few members of the royal family did. He did
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Speaker 1: not behave as someone distant or superior, but as someone
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Speaker 1: who genuinely cared about the people's welfare. This connection with
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Speaker 1: ordinary people would become a powerful weapon in Absalom's hands,
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Speaker 1: one he would skillfully use to advance his interests. The
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Speaker 1: people's love for Absalom was both a blessing and a curse,
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Speaker 1: for it fueled his ambition and sense of entitlement to power. However,
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Speaker 1: Absalom's seemingly perfect life was about to be shaken by
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Speaker 1: a family tragedy that would change the course of his story.
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Speaker 1: In the second Book of Samuel, chapter thirteen, the Bible
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Speaker 1: begins to narrate a dark event involving Absalom's sister Tamar
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Speaker 1: and his half brother Amnon. Verse one of this chapter
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Speaker 1: tells us now Amnon, David's son, fell in love with Tamar,
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Speaker 1: the beautiful sister of his half brother Absalom. This passion
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Speaker 1: of Amnon was not pure or acceptable love. It was
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Speaker 1: a forbidden desire that would lead to terrible actions. Amnon
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Speaker 1: and Tamar were half siblings, children of the same father
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Speaker 1: but different mothers. In the culture of the time, as
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Speaker 1: in todays, a relationship between siblings was considered taboo. This
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Speaker 1: situation created a dangerous tension within the royal family, a
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Speaker 1: ticking time bomb about to explode. Amnon's unhealthy passion for
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Speaker 1: Tamar was the spark for a series of events that
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Speaker 1: would have devastating consequences for David's entire family. Consumed by
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Speaker 1: his desire for Tamar, Amnon devised a plan to be
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Speaker 1: alone with her. The Bible details Amnon's scheme in Second Samuel,
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Speaker 1: chapter thirteen, in verses six and seven, we read that
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Speaker 1: Amnon pretended to be ill and asked King David to
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Speaker 1: send Tamar to care for him. He said, I am ill,
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Speaker 1: Please have my sister takes Mamma come and prepare something
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Speaker 1: for me to eat. Let her prepare the food in
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Speaker 1: my presence, so that I may see it and eat
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Speaker 1: from her hand. David, unaware of his son's true intentions,
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Speaker 1: agreed to the request. This plan reveals Amnon's calculating nature
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Speaker 1: and his willingness to manipulate even his own father to
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Speaker 1: satisfy his selfish desires. David's naivety in this situation is surprising,
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Speaker 1: showing how even a wise king can be blinded when
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Speaker 1: it comes to family matters. Amnon was about to commit
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Speaker 1: an act that would not only destroy Tamar's life, but
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Speaker 1: also disrupt the harmony of the entire royal family. What
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Speaker 1: followed was an act of violence that would forever stain
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Speaker 1: David's house. When Tamar came to care for Amnon, thinking
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Speaker 1: she was merely helping a sick brother, she found herself
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Speaker 1: trapped in a dreadful situation. In Second Samuel, chapter thirteen,
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Speaker 1: verses eleven to fourteen, the Bible describes Amnon's assault on Tamar.
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Speaker 1: The text says, but when she brought them near for
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Speaker 1: him to eat, he took hold of her and said,
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Speaker 1: come lie with me, my sister. But she answered him, no,
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Speaker 1: my brother, do not force me, for no such thing
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Speaker 1: should be done in Israel. Do not do this outrageous thing.
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Speaker 1: Despite Tamar's desperate protests, Amnon raped her. This horrific act
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Speaker 1: was not only a crime against Tamar, it was a
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Speaker 1: betrayal of family trust and a sin in the eyes
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Speaker 1: of God. Tamar's life was shattered in an instant, and
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Speaker 1: the repercussions of this act would extend far beyond that moment.
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Speaker 1: Amnon's rape of Tamar planted a seed of hatred in
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Speaker 1: Absalom's heart, which would soon grow and bear bitter fruit.
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Speaker 1: Absalom's initial reaction upon learning what had happened to his
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Speaker 1: sister was one of calculated silence. In Second Samuel, chapter thirteen,
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Speaker 1: verse twenty, we read Absalom's words to Tamar, keep quiet
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Speaker 1: for now, my sister. He is your brother. Do not
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Speaker 1: take this thing to heart. This advice might seem cold
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Speaker 1: at first glance, but it reveals Absalom's strategic mind. He
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Speaker 1: was not ignoring his sister's suffering. He was planning a
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Speaker 1: careful revenge. Absalom took Tamar to live in his house,
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Speaker 1: offering her protection and care, but internally, a storm of
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Speaker 1: emotions was brewing. Absalom's silence concealed an intense anger and
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Speaker 1: a desire for revenge that only grew over time. He
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Speaker 1: knew that an impulsive reaction could ruin his plans, so
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Speaker 1: he chose to wait and meticulously plan his retaliation. This
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Speaker 1: period of waiting shows Absalom's self control and cunning traits
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Speaker 1: that would be crucial in his future political endeavors. The
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Speaker 1: news of what Amnon had done reached King David's ears
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Speaker 1: in Second Samuel, chapter thirteen, verse twenty one. The Bible
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Speaker 1: tells us when King David heard of all these things,
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Speaker 1: he was very angry. However, surprisingly there is no mention
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Speaker 1: of any punitive action against Amnon or of comfort for Tamar.
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Speaker 1: This apparent lapse of justice on David's part must have
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Speaker 1: further fueled Absalom's anger. The king's in action in the
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Speaker 1: face of such a grave crime within his own family
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Speaker 1: likely made Absalom question his father's ability to rule justly.
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Speaker 1: This moment marks a turning point in the relationship between
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Speaker 1: Absalom and his father. Whatever respect and admiration Absalom might
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Speaker 1: have had for David began to turn into contempt and resentment.
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Speaker 1: David's lack of action in this critical situation planted the
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Speaker 1: seeds of Absalom's future rebellion. He began to see himself
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Speaker 1: not only as an avenger for his sister, but also
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Speaker 1: as potentially a more just and capable ruler than his father.
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Speaker 1: For two long years, Absalom harbored his resentment, meticulously planning
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Speaker 1: his revenge. In Second Samuel, chapter thirteen, verse twenty three,
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Speaker 1: we read two years later. This waiting period demonstrates Absalom's
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Speaker 1: patience and self control He did not act impulsively, but
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Speaker 1: waited for the perfect moment to execute his plan. During
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Speaker 1: this time, Absalom maintained a facade of normalcy. Verse twenty
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Speaker 1: two of the same chapter informs us Absalom spoke to
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Speaker 1: Amnon neither good nor bad. This silence was not a
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Speaker 1: sign of forgiveness, but a calculated strategy. Absalom was playing
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Speaker 1: a long game, carefully preparing every move. His ability to
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Speaker 1: remain calm and coldly plan his revenge reveals much about
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Speaker 1: his character. Absalom was not just a handsome and charismatic man.
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Speaker 1: He was also a patient and determined strategist. These qualities,
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Speaker 1: though used for a dark purpose in this case, were
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Speaker 1: the same that could have made him a formidable leader.
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Speaker 1: The opportunity Absalom had been waiting for finally arrived with
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Speaker 1: the Sheep Shearing Festival. This annual event was a time
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Speaker 1: of celebration for the shepherds of Israel, a time of
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Speaker 1: abundance and joy. Absalom saw in this festival the perfect
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Speaker 1: chance to carry out his plan for revenge. In Second Samuel,
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Speaker 1: Chapter thirteen, verses twenty three to twenty seven, we read
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Speaker 1: how Absalom invited all the king's sons to the festival,
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Speaker 1: insisting particularly on Amnon's presence. When the day of the
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Speaker 1: feast came, Absalom gave specific instructions to his servants. Verse
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Speaker 1: twenty eight reveals his words, watch when Amnon's heart is
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Speaker 1: merry with wine, and I say to you, strike Amnon,
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Speaker 1: then kill him. Do not be afraid. Have I not
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Speaker 1: commanded you be coarageous and valiant. This plan shows Absalom's
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Speaker 1: coldness and determination. He chose a moment of celebration to
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Speaker 1: execute his revenge, turning an occasion of joy into a
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Speaker 1: scene of tragedy. The meticulousness with which Absalom planned Amnon's
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Speaker 1: murder reveals the depth of his anger and his relentless
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Speaker 1: desire for vengeance. Absalom's plan was executed with deadly precision
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Speaker 1: during the festival, when Amnon was drunk and vulnerable, Absalom's
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Speaker 1: servants acted according to their master's instructions. Second Samuel, Chapter thirteen,
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Speaker 1: Verse twenty nine describes the fateful moment so the servants
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Speaker 1: of Absalom did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Amnon's
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Speaker 1: death was a shock to all those present. The same
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Speaker 1: verse continues then all the king's sons arose, Each mounted
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Speaker 1: his mule and fled. This act of violence was not
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Speaker 1: just the culmination of Absalom's personal revenge, It was also
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Speaker 1: a direct blow against King David's authority. By killing Amnon,
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Speaker 1: David's first born, Absalom not only avenged his sister, but
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Speaker 1: also dramatically altered the line of succession to the throne.
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Speaker 1: The consequences of this act would be far reaching, affecting
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Speaker 1: not only the royal family but the entire Kingdom of Israel.
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Speaker 1: Absalom had crossed a line from which there would be
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Speaker 1: no return. He was now a murderer, a rebellious prince
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Speaker 1: who had openly defied the authority of his father and king.
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Speaker 1: This moment marked the beginning of a new phase in
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Speaker 1: Absalom's life, a journey that would transform him from a
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Speaker 1: beloved prince into an enemy of the state. The vengeance
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Speaker 1: he so deeply desired had been fulfilled, but the price
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Speaker 1: would be far greater than he could have imagined. The
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Speaker 1: death of Amnon at the hands of Absalom set off
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Speaker 1: a chain of events that would forever alter the course
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Speaker 1: of Israel's history. Chapter thirteen of Second Samuel ends with
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Speaker 1: a scene of chaos and confusion, with the king's sons
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Speaker 1: fleeing in panic. In verse thirty we read, while they
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Speaker 1: were still on their way, the report came to David,
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Speaker 1: Absalom has struck down all the king's sons. Not one
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Speaker 1: of them is left. Although this initial report was exaggerated,
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Speaker 1: the reality was serious enough. Absalom had murdered the apparent
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Speaker 1: heir to the throne, an act that was both a
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Speaker 1: crime and a political statement. From this moment on, Absalom
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Speaker 1: could no longer be seen merely as a rebellious son.
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Speaker 1: He had become a direct threat to David's reign. The
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Speaker 1: love the people had for Absalom would now become a
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Speaker 1: dangerous weapon, a means by which he could challenge his
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Speaker 1: father's authority. A family tragedy had turned into a national crisis,
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Speaker 1: and the seeds of a future civil war had been planted.
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Speaker 1: After Amnon's murder, Absalom found himself forced to flee Israel.
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Speaker 1: In chapter thirteen of Second Samuel, verse thirty seven, we read,
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Speaker 1: Absalom fled and went to Talmai, son of Amihud, The
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Speaker 1: king of geshur Gesher was the kingdom of Absalom's maternal grandfather,
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Speaker 1: a place where he could find safety away from his
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Speaker 1: father's wrath. This exile lasted three long years, a period
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Speaker 1: that deeply shaped the prince's character and ambitions. Away from
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Speaker 1: his father's court, Absalom had time to reflect on his
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Speaker 1: actions and plan his future. It is likely that during
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Speaker 1: this time he learned much about politics and governance by
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Speaker 1: observing how his grandfather ruled Gesher. This period of exile,
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Speaker 1: though difficult, served as a kind of school for Absalom,
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Speaker 1: preparing him for his future political endeavors. While Absalom was
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Speaker 1: in exile, the situation in Jerusalem was tense. King David
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Speaker 1: was torn between his role as monarch and his love
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Speaker 1: as a father. In Chapter thirteen, verse thirty nine, the
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Speaker 1: Bible tells us and King David, after mourning for Amnon,
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Speaker 1: longed to go to Absalom. This feeling reveals the complexity
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Speaker 1: of David's emotions. On one hand, he grieved the loss
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Speaker 1: of Amnon, on the other, he missed Absalom despite the
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Speaker 1: crime he had committed. This tension between paternal love and
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Speaker 1: royal duty would be a constant in David and Absalom's
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Speaker 1: relationship from this point forward. The people of Israel, who
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Speaker 1: so loved Absalom, likely missed him too, wondering when and
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Speaker 1: if the handsome prince would return. Absalom's return to Jerusalem
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Speaker 1: was carefully orchestrated by Joab, the commander of David's army.
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Speaker 1: In chapter fourteen of Second Samuel, we see how Joab
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Speaker 1: used cunning to convince David to allow Absalom's return. In
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Speaker 1: verses one to six twenty, we read that Joab sent
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Speaker 1: a wise woman from Takoah to tell a story to
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Speaker 1: the king, a parable that echoed Absalom's situation. The woman
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Speaker 1: said to David, let the King remember the Lord his God,
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Speaker 1: so that the avenger of blood may not destroy any more,
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Speaker 1: lest my son be destroyed. This story touched David's heart,
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Speaker 1: causing him to reflect on his own situation with Absalom.
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Speaker 1: Joab's strategy worked, and David finally agreed to bring Absalom back.
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Speaker 1: In chapter fourteen, verse twenty three, we read, so Joab
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Speaker 1: went to Gesher and brought Absalom back to Jerusalem. This
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Speaker 1: moment must have been one of great anticipation for Absalom.
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Speaker 1: After three years in exile, he was finally returning home
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Speaker 1: to his people. To the city he hoped one day
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Speaker 1: to rule. However, Absalom's return was not as warm as
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Speaker 1: he might have expected. Verse twenty four informs us, but
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Speaker 1: the king said he must go to his own house.
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Speaker 1: He must not see my face. So Absalom went to
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Speaker 1: his own house and did not see the king. This
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Speaker 1: cold reception from David planted the seeds of even greater
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Speaker 1: resentment in Absalom's heart. He was back in Jerusalem, but
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Speaker 1: had not yet regained his place in the royal court
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Speaker 1: or his father's heart. Absalom must have felt rejected and humiliated.
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Speaker 1: He who had once been the favorite son, was now
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Speaker 1: treated as a stranger in his own home. This treatment
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Speaker 1: would profoundly impact Absalom's future actions, fueling his ambition and
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Speaker 1: his desire to prove his worth. Over the next two years,
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Speaker 1: Absalom worked to regain his status and influence in Jerusalem.
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Speaker 1: His beauty and charisma, which had so impressed the people
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Speaker 1: before his exile, once again became his primary weapons. Chapter fourteen,
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Speaker 1: verse twenty five reiterates the extraordinary description of apple Absalom's appearance.
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Speaker 1: In all Israel, there was no one so highly praised
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Speaker 1: for his handsome appearance as Absalom. From the top of
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Speaker 1: his head to the sole of his foot, there was
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Speaker 1: no blemish in him. This physical beauty, combined with his
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Speaker 1: natural charisma, made Absalom a magnetic figure who attracted attention
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Speaker 1: and admiration wherever he went. Absalom began to strategically position himself,
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Speaker 1: gaining the sympathy of the people and building a support base.
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Speaker 1: He knew that to achieve his goals he would need
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Speaker 1: popular support. The prince began presenting himself as an alternative
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Speaker 1: to his father's rule, someone who understood the needs and
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Speaker 1: aspirations of the common people. In chapter fifteen, verse two,
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Speaker 1: we see how Absalom started his campaign. He would get
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Speaker 1: up early and stand by the side of the road
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Speaker 1: leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone came with a
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Speaker 1: complaint to be placed before or the king for a decision,
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Speaker 1: Absalom would call out to him and ask what town
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Speaker 1: are you from. Absalom's tactic was brilliantly simple. He positioned
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Speaker 1: himself in the path of those seeking justice from the king,
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Speaker 1: offering to listen to their problems. Verse three continues, then
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Speaker 1: Absalom would say, look, your claims are valid and proper,
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Speaker 1: but there is no representative of the king to hear you.
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Speaker 1: With these words, Absalom subtly criticized his father's administration, suggesting
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Speaker 1: that the king was not adequately meeting the people's needs.
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Speaker 1: At the same time, he portrayed himself as someone who cared,
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Speaker 1: someone willing to listen and help. Absalom's strategy went beyond
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Speaker 1: merely listening to the people. Verse five tells us also,
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Speaker 1: whenever anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom
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Speaker 1: would reach out his hand, take hold of him, and
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Speaker 1: kiss him. This gesture of intimacy and respect was unusual
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Speaker 1: for a prince. By treating common people with such consideration,
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Speaker 1: Absalom was breaking the traditional barriers between royalty and the populace.
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Speaker 1: He presented himself not as a distant prince, but as
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Speaker 1: a friend of the people, someone who stood by them
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Speaker 1: in their daily struggles. The impact of Absalom's campaign was profound.
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Speaker 1: Verse six summarizes the result of his actions. Absalom behaved
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Speaker 1: in this way toward all the Israelites who came to
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Speaker 1: the king asking for justice, and so he stole the
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Speaker 1: hearts of the people of Israel. Day by day, week
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Speaker 1: by week, Absalom built his base of support. He was
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Speaker 1: not just gaining sympathizers, he was creating a network of
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Speaker 1: people loyal to him who saw him as a leader
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Speaker 1: genuinely concerned with their problems. Meanwhile, Absalom was also making
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Speaker 1: subtle criticisms of David's administration. He did not attack his
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Speaker 1: father directly, but insinuated that the current system was not
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Speaker 1: functioning as it should. By telling people that their claims
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Speaker 1: were valid, but that there was no one to hear them,
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Speaker 1: Absalom was planting the seed of dissatisfaction with David's government.
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Speaker 1: He presented himself as the solution to the very problems
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Speaker 1: he pointed out, thus creating a demand for his leadership.
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Speaker 1: Absalom's promises to the people were of justice and equality.
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Speaker 1: In verse four, he says, oh, if only I were
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Speaker 1: appointed judge in the land, then every one who has
23:40
Speaker 1: a complaint or case could come to me and I
23:43
Speaker 1: would see that they received justice. With these words, Absalom
23:47
Speaker 1: presented himself as a reformer, someone who would bring positive
23:51
Speaker 1: changes to Israel. He promised a more accessible and fair
23:55
Speaker 1: government where every one would have a voice and be
23:58
Speaker 1: treated equally. These promises were attractive to the people especially
24:03
Speaker 1: to those who felt neglected or wronged by the current system.
24:07
Speaker 1: Absalom's campaign lasted for four years, a significant period during
24:12
Speaker 1: which he solidified his position as a viable alternative to
24:16
Speaker 1: David's government. Verse seven tells us at the end of
24:20
Speaker 1: four years, Absalom said to the King, let me go
24:23
Speaker 1: to Hebron to fulfill a vow I made to the Lord.
24:27
Speaker 1: This seemingly innocent request marks the beginning of the final
24:31
Speaker 1: phase of Absalom's plan. During these four years, he had
24:35
Speaker 1: built a solid base of support throughout Israel, creating a
24:39
Speaker 1: network of loyal followers ready to support him in his
24:42
Speaker 1: next steps. The success of Absalom's campaign to win the
24:46
Speaker 1: people's hearts is a testament to his political skills and
24:50
Speaker 1: personal charisma. He managed to transform his situation as an
24:55
Speaker 1: exiled and disadvantage prince into a position of strength with
25:00
Speaker 1: awed popular support. Absalom's story up to this point shows
25:04
Speaker 1: us how ambition, combined with political skills and a deep
25:08
Speaker 1: understanding of human psychology, can be a powerful force. He
25:13
Speaker 1: had prepared the ground for his next moves, creating an
25:17
Speaker 1: atmosphere of expectation and desire for change among the people
25:20
Speaker 1: of Israel. With the groundwork laid and the people's support secured,
25:25
Speaker 1: Absalom was ready to take the next step in his
25:28
Speaker 1: ambitious plan. In Second Samuel fifteen seven, we read at
25:34
Speaker 1: the end of four years, Absalom said to the King,
25:37
Speaker 1: let me go to Hebron to fulfill a vow I
25:40
Speaker 1: made to the Lord. This seemingly innocent request hid darker intentions.
25:46
Speaker 1: Hebron was not a random choice. It was the city
25:49
Speaker 1: where David had first been anointed king. By choosing Hebron,
25:54
Speaker 1: Absalom was making a symbolic statement, linking himself to the
25:58
Speaker 1: legitimacy of his father's rags. The religious pretext of fulfilling
26:03
Speaker 1: a vow was a smoke screen for his true plans.
26:06
Speaker 1: Absalom was about to launch his rebellion against his father,
26:10
Speaker 1: using religion as a cover for his political ambitions. David,
26:15
Speaker 1: unaware of his son's real intentions, agreed to the request.
26:20
Speaker 1: Verse nine tells us the King said to him go
26:23
Speaker 1: in peace. So Absalom went to Hebron. This permission from
26:27
Speaker 1: David shows how he still trusted Absalom despite past events. Meanwhile,
26:33
Speaker 1: Absalom had set in motion a carefully planned conspiracy Verse
26:38
Speaker 1: ten reveals. Then Absalom sent secret messengers throughout the tribes
26:43
Speaker 1: of Israel to say, as soon as you hear the
26:46
Speaker 1: sound of the trumpet, then say Absalom is king in Hebron.
26:51
Speaker 1: This secret message was the signal for his supporters across
26:55
Speaker 1: the country to prepare for the revolt. Absalom was creating
26:59
Speaker 1: a network of allies ready to act at his command,
27:03
Speaker 1: demonstrating his ability to organize a large scale conspiracy. One
27:08
Speaker 1: of Absalom's most cunning moves was the recruitment of key
27:12
Speaker 1: figures for his cause. Among them was a Hithefel, one
27:16
Speaker 1: of David's most respected advisers. In verse twelve, we read
27:21
Speaker 1: while Absalom was offering sacrifices, he sent for Ar Hitherefel,
27:26
Speaker 1: the Gillanite, David's counselor from his town Giloh. A Hitherefel's
27:32
Speaker 1: presence by Absalom's side was a significant blow against David.
27:36
Speaker 1: A Hitherefel was known for his wisdom, and his adherents
27:40
Speaker 1: to Absalom's cause gave legitimacy to the rebellion. This strategic
27:45
Speaker 1: move showed that Absalom was not only relying on his
27:48
Speaker 1: popularity but also seeking the support of influential and respected figures.
27:54
Speaker 1: The choice of a Hitherefel was particularly shrewd, as he
27:58
Speaker 1: knew David's strengths and weaknesses, is giving Absalom an invaluable
28:02
Speaker 1: strategic advantage. Absalom's conspiracy quickly gained momentum. Verse twelve continues,
28:10
Speaker 1: and so the conspiracy gained strength and Absalom's followers kept increasing.
28:16
Speaker 1: Absalom's carefully crafted plan was bearing fruit. Years of cultivating
28:21
Speaker 1: popular support, combined with astute political moves, were creating a
28:26
Speaker 1: wave of support in his favor. The speed with which
28:30
Speaker 1: the rebellion spread caught David and his loyal followers by surprise,
28:35
Speaker 1: leaving them in a vulnerable position. The momentum was clearly
28:40
Speaker 1: on Absalom's side, with more and more people joining his
28:44
Speaker 1: cause every day. This rapid expansion of the rebellion demonstrated
28:49
Speaker 1: not only the effectiveness of Absalom's planning, but also the
28:52
Speaker 1: latent discontent with David's reign that he had skillfully exploited.
28:58
Speaker 1: The News of the rebellion finally reached David's ears. In
29:02
Speaker 1: verse thirteen, the gravity of the situation is revealed. A
29:06
Speaker 1: messenger came to David and said, the hearts of the
29:10
Speaker 1: men of Israel are with Absalom. This information must have
29:14
Speaker 1: been a shock to David. His own son, whom he
29:18
Speaker 1: had forgiven and allowed to return from exile, was now
29:21
Speaker 1: leading a rebellion against him. The extent of absalom support
29:25
Speaker 1: showed that this was not a minor insurrection, but a
29:28
Speaker 1: serious threat to David's reign. The king was now facing
29:32
Speaker 1: not only the betrayal of his son, but also the
29:35
Speaker 1: loss of his people's support. This revelation marked a crucial
29:40
Speaker 1: turning point in the story, forcing David to make quick
29:43
Speaker 1: and difficult decisions to ensure his survival and that of
29:47
Speaker 1: his loyal followers. Faced with this imminent threat, David made
29:53
Speaker 1: a surprising decision. Instead of staying and fighting in Jerusalem,
29:57
Speaker 1: he chose to flee. Verse four tells us then David
30:02
Speaker 1: said to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem, come,
30:06
Speaker 1: we must flee, or none of us will escape from Absalom.
30:10
Speaker 1: We must leave immediately, or he will move quickly to
30:14
Speaker 1: overtake us and bring ruin upon us and put the
30:17
Speaker 1: city to the sword. David's decision shows his concern not
30:22
Speaker 1: only for his safety but also for the well being
30:25
Speaker 1: of Jerusalem and its people. David, the Great Warrior, who
30:30
Speaker 1: had faced Goliath and conquered Jerusalem, now found himself forced
30:34
Speaker 1: to abandon his city. This strategic retreat revealed both the
30:39
Speaker 1: seriousness of the situation and David's wisdom in avoiding a
30:43
Speaker 1: direct confrontation that could result in great bloodshed in the
30:47
Speaker 1: Holy City. David's flight from Jerusalem was a moment of
30:51
Speaker 1: great humiliation for the king. Verses sixteen to eighteen described
30:56
Speaker 1: the moving scene. The king set out with all the
30:59
Speaker 1: people following him, leaving ten concubines to take care of
31:03
Speaker 1: the palace. The king set out with all the people
31:06
Speaker 1: following him, and they halted at the edge of the city.
31:10
Speaker 1: The image of David, the Great Warrior King, fleeing from
31:14
Speaker 1: his city must have been shocking to many. This hasty
31:18
Speaker 1: flight marked the beginning of a period of uncertainty and
31:21
Speaker 1: conflict for all of Israel. Seeing the Lord's anointed leaving
31:25
Speaker 1: Jerusalem certainly shook the faith of many Israelites. The scene
31:30
Speaker 1: of David crossing the Kidron Valley with his loyal followers
31:33
Speaker 1: is one of the most dramatic in the Bible, symbolizing
31:37
Speaker 1: the temporary fall of the great King and the apparent
31:40
Speaker 1: triumph of his rebellious son. While David was fleeing, Absalom
31:46
Speaker 1: was entering Jerusalem triumphantly. Chapter sixteen, verse fifteen tells us Meanwhile,
31:52
Speaker 1: Absalom and all the men of Israel came to Jerusalem,
31:56
Speaker 1: and Ahithefel was with him. Absalom's entry into the city
32:00
Speaker 1: marked the height of his conspiracy. He now occupied his
32:04
Speaker 1: father's throne, seemingly realizing his ambitions. However, the real battle
32:10
Speaker 1: for control of Israel was just beginning. The presence of
32:14
Speaker 1: a Hithefel at Absalom's side reinforced the legitimacy of his
32:18
Speaker 1: claim to the throne. The young prince now found himself
32:22
Speaker 1: at the center of power, but holding on to that
32:25
Speaker 1: power would be a much greater challenge than seizing it.
32:28
Speaker 1: Absalom would have to prove he was capable of ruling
32:32
Speaker 1: a divided kingdom and dealing with the constant threat posed
32:36
Speaker 1: by his exiled father. With Absalom in Jerusalem and David
32:40
Speaker 1: in flight, the stage was set for civil war. Both
32:45
Speaker 1: sides began to devise strategies to secure control of the kingdom. David,
32:50
Speaker 1: despite being on the run was not defenseless. He was
32:54
Speaker 1: an experienced military commander, and many loyal soldiers had followed him.
33:00
Speaker 1: Chapter seventeen, verse one shows a Hithefel advising Absalom. A
33:05
Speaker 1: Hithefel said to Absalom, I would choose twelve thousand men
33:10
Speaker 1: and set out to night in pursuit of David. This
33:14
Speaker 1: council showed Absalom's urgency to eliminate his father's threat. The
33:19
Speaker 1: ensuing war would not just be a conflict between father
33:22
Speaker 1: and son, but a battle for the future of Israel.
33:26
Speaker 1: Each side had its strengths. Absalom had popular support and
33:31
Speaker 1: Ahithefel's council, while David had his vast military experience and
33:37
Speaker 1: the loyalty of veteran warriors. A crucial element in this
33:41
Speaker 1: war of strategies was Hushai's double role. David had sent
33:45
Speaker 1: Hushai back to Jerusalem as his spy, instructing him to
33:49
Speaker 1: feign loyalty to Absalom. In chapter seventeen, verse five, we
33:54
Speaker 1: see Hushai in action, but Absalom said, summon also Hushai
33:59
Speaker 1: the archive, so we can hear what he has to say.
34:03
Speaker 1: Hushai's presence at Absalom's court allowed David to stay one
34:07
Speaker 1: step ahead of his son, receiving vital information about enemy plans.
34:13
Speaker 1: This shrewd move by David showed that even in exile,
34:17
Speaker 1: he was still capable of sophisticated political maneuvers. Hushai would
34:22
Speaker 1: have to walk a tight rope, giving advice that seemed
34:25
Speaker 1: to favor Absalom but actually benefited David. His ability to
34:30
Speaker 1: play this double role would be crucial to the unfolding
34:34
Speaker 1: of events. Battles for control of the tribes of Israel
34:38
Speaker 1: spread throughout the country. Each side tried to win the
34:42
Speaker 1: support of the various tribes, knowing that whoever had the
34:45
Speaker 1: most popular support would control the kingdom. Chapter eighteen, verse
34:51
Speaker 1: six describes one of the decisive battles. The army marched
34:56
Speaker 1: into the field to meet Israel, and the battle was
34:59
Speaker 1: fought in the Forest of Ephraim. These battles were not
35:03
Speaker 1: just military conflicts, but also struggles for the loyalty and
35:06
Speaker 1: support of the people of Israel. The Civil War tested
35:11
Speaker 1: tribal and family bonds, forcing many Israelites to choose between
35:15
Speaker 1: their loyalty to David and Absalom's charismatic appeal. The varied
35:21
Speaker 1: terrain of Israel from dense forests to arid deserts presented
35:25
Speaker 1: unique challenges for both sides, requiring constant adaptation of their
35:30
Speaker 1: military tactics. The civil war had devastating consequences for the kingdom.
35:36
Speaker 1: Families were divided, communities were destroyed, and the unity that
35:41
Speaker 1: David had worked so hard to build was unraveling. Chapter eighteen,
35:46
Speaker 1: verse seven gives us an idea of the scale of
35:49
Speaker 1: the conflict. There. The army of Israel was defeated by
35:52
Speaker 1: David's men, and the slaughter that day was great, twenty
35:56
Speaker 1: thousand men. These numbers show the high human cost of
36:01
Speaker 1: Absalom's ambition and the struggle for power. The war not
36:06
Speaker 1: only cost lives but also precious resources, weakening Israel at
36:10
Speaker 1: a time when the nation needed to be strong against
36:13
Speaker 1: external threats. The internal conflict opened deep wounds in Israelite
36:19
Speaker 1: society that would take years to heal even after the
36:23
Speaker 1: war ended. The division of the kingdom had profound social consequences.
36:28
Speaker 1: Communities that once lived in peace were now on opposite
36:32
Speaker 1: sides of the conflict. The social fabric of Israel was
36:35
Speaker 1: being torn apart by civil war. Chapter nineteen, verse nine
36:40
Speaker 1: gives us a glimpse of this division throughout the tribes
36:44
Speaker 1: of Israel. The people were arguing, saying, the king delivered
36:47
Speaker 1: us from the hands of our enemies. He is the
36:50
Speaker 1: one who freed us from the Philistines, but now he
36:53
Speaker 1: has fled the country because of Absalom. This passage shows
36:58
Speaker 1: how the people were confused, used and divided, uncertain about
37:02
Speaker 1: whom they should support. Loyalty to David competed with the
37:07
Speaker 1: allure of the new and charismatic Absalom. This division was
37:11
Speaker 1: not limited to political lines, but penetrated deeply into families
37:16
Speaker 1: and communities, creating tensions that would persist long after the
37:21
Speaker 1: end of the armed conflict. As the war dragged on,
37:25
Speaker 1: it became clear that the conflict could not be resolved
37:28
Speaker 1: without significant losses on both sides. Absalom's ambition and David's
37:34
Speaker 1: determination to maintain his throne were driving Israel to the
37:38
Speaker 1: brink of collapse. The nation that had once been united
37:42
Speaker 1: under David's reign was now fragmented and weakened. The outcome
37:46
Speaker 1: of this civil war would determine not only the future
37:49
Speaker 1: of David's dynasty, but also the fate of the entire
37:53
Speaker 1: people of Israel. The consequences of Absalom's rebellion would extend
37:57
Speaker 1: far beyond the battlefield, shape Israelite politics and society for generations.
38:04
Speaker 1: The story of this civil war would serve as a
38:07
Speaker 1: lasting reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the
38:11
Speaker 1: importance of national unity. The civil war between David and
38:15
Speaker 1: Absalom reached its climax in the Forest of Ephraim. In
38:20
Speaker 1: Second Samuel, chapter eighteen, verse six, we read David's army
38:24
Speaker 1: marched into the field to confront Israel, and the battle
38:28
Speaker 1: took place in the Forest of Ephraim. This battle would
38:32
Speaker 1: be decisive, determining the future of Israel and the fate
38:36
Speaker 1: of Absalom. The terrain of the forest, which should have
38:39
Speaker 1: favored Absalom's forces, turned out to be a deadly trap.
38:44
Speaker 1: Verse eight reveals the battle spread throughout the countryside, and
38:49
Speaker 1: that day the forest devoured more men than the sword.
38:53
Speaker 1: The wild nature of the Forest of Ephraim became a
38:55
Speaker 1: relentless enemy, confusing and scattering Absalom's troops. This chaotic scene
39:01
Speaker 1: set the stage for the tragic fate that awaited the
39:04
Speaker 1: rebellious prince, demonstrating how even the best laid plans can
39:08
Speaker 1: be undone by unforeseen circumstances. Absalom's end came in an
39:14
Speaker 1: unexpected and ironic way. Verse nine describes the scene Absalom,
39:20
Speaker 1: riding his mule, came upon David's soldiers. As the mule
39:24
Speaker 1: went under the branches of a large tree, Absalom's head
39:28
Speaker 1: got caught in the tree. He was left hanging between
39:32
Speaker 1: heaven and earth while the mule went on. The beauty
39:36
Speaker 1: that had so distinguished him and helped him rise to
39:39
Speaker 1: power now became the instrument of his downfall. Suspended between
39:44
Speaker 1: heaven and earth, Absalom found himself in a position as
39:48
Speaker 1: precarious as his usurped reign. This moment serves as a
39:53
Speaker 1: powerful metaphor for the fleeting nature of power based solely
39:57
Speaker 1: on appearance and charisma. Absalom 's vanity, symbolized by his
40:02
Speaker 1: luxuriant hair, literally became his downfall, reminding us of the
40:07
Speaker 1: dangers of excessive pride. Absalom's death came at the hands
40:11
Speaker 1: of Joab, the commander of David's army. Despite David's explicit
40:16
Speaker 1: orders to spare his son's life, Joab decided to take
40:20
Speaker 1: matters into his own hands. Verses fourteen and fifteen report.
40:25
Speaker 1: Then Joab took three javelins and thrust them into Absalom's
40:29
Speaker 1: heart while he was still alive in the tree, and
40:32
Speaker 1: ten of Joab's armor bearers surrounded Absolom, struck him, and
40:36
Speaker 1: killed him. Absalom's death was swift and decisive, putting an
40:41
Speaker 1: end to his rebellion once and for all. Joab's action,
40:44
Speaker 1: though disobedient to David's orders, ended the civil war and
40:48
Speaker 1: secured the throne for his rightful king. This act by
40:53
Speaker 1: Joab illustrates the frequent conflict between personal mercy and political necessity,
40:59
Speaker 1: a dilem many leader's face in times of crisis. The
41:03
Speaker 1: news of Absalom's death reached David, provoking a deep anguish
41:07
Speaker 1: in him. Verse thirty three captures David's lament. The King
41:12
Speaker 1: was deeply moved, and he went up to the room
41:14
Speaker 1: above the gate and wept. As he walked. He cried, Oh,
41:18
Speaker 1: my son, Absalom, my son, my son, Absalom. If only
41:22
Speaker 1: I had died instead of you, Oh, Absalom, my son,
41:26
Speaker 1: my son. This lament reveals the broken heart of a father,
41:30
Speaker 1: transcending issues of state and rebellion. David, the victorious King
41:35
Speaker 1: was devastated by the loss of his son. His grief
41:39
Speaker 1: was so intense that it threatened to overshadow the victory
41:42
Speaker 1: that had secured his throne. This moment shows David's humanity,
41:47
Speaker 1: reminding us that even great leaders are not immune to
41:51
Speaker 1: personal pain and suffering. David's excessive reaction to Absalom's death
41:56
Speaker 1: had political consequences. His deep sadness life left his soldiers,
42:01
Speaker 1: who had risked their lives for him, feeling undervalued. Chapter nineteen,
42:06
Speaker 1: verse three describes that day the victory turned into mourning
42:11
Speaker 1: for all the troops because they heard it said that
42:13
Speaker 1: the king was grieving for his son. Joab had to intervene,
42:18
Speaker 1: warning David that his attitude could alienate his loyal followers.
42:23
Speaker 1: This episode highlights the conflict between David's personal feelings and
42:28
Speaker 1: his responsibilities as king, a dilemma he faced several times
42:33
Speaker 1: during his reign. Joab's intervention serves as a reminder of
42:37
Speaker 1: the importance of balancing personal emotions with a leader's public duties.
42:43
Speaker 1: With Absalom's death, the rebellion came to an end, but
42:47
Speaker 1: its consequences continued to reverberate throughout Israel. The kingdom was
42:52
Speaker 1: deeply divided, and the task of reunification would be arduous.
42:58
Speaker 1: Chapter nineteen recounts David's return to Jerusalem and his efforts
43:03
Speaker 1: to reconcile the tribes. Verse nine shows the people's confusion
43:08
Speaker 1: throughout the tribes of Israel. The people were arguing, saying,
43:13
Speaker 1: the king delivered us from the hands of our enemies.
43:16
Speaker 1: He is the one who freed us from the Philistines,
43:20
Speaker 1: but now he has fled the country because of Absalom.
43:25
Speaker 1: This passage reveals the scars left by the civil war
43:29
Speaker 1: and the challenge David would face in reuniting the nation.
43:33
Speaker 1: The healing and reunification process would be long and require
43:37
Speaker 1: all of David's diplomatic skills and leadership. The impact of
43:42
Speaker 1: Absalom's rebellion on the succession and the later reign of
43:45
Speaker 1: David was significant. Absalom's death removed a potential claimant to
43:51
Speaker 1: the throne, but it also cast a shadow over the
43:54
Speaker 1: final years of David's reign. The King's trust in his
43:58
Speaker 1: advisers and even in his head his own children was shaken.
44:02
Speaker 1: This was reflected in his later decisions, including his choice
44:06
Speaker 1: of Solomon as his successor. Absalom's rebellion had exposed the
44:11
Speaker 1: fragilities of the Israelite monarchy and the importance of a
44:14
Speaker 1: clear and stable succession. David spent his last years strengthening
44:19
Speaker 1: Solomon's position and preparing him to assume the throne, aware
44:24
Speaker 1: of the threats that could arise from within the royal
44:27
Speaker 1: family itself. In the years following the rebellion, David faced
44:31
Speaker 1: other challenges, including a revolt led by Sheba, son of Bikri,
44:36
Speaker 1: as narrated in Second Samuel Chapter twenty. This new rebellion,
44:41
Speaker 1: although smaller, showed that tensions within the kingdom still persisted.
44:47
Speaker 1: David also had to deal with the consequences of a
44:50
Speaker 1: census he ordered, resulting in a plague that struck Israel.
44:54
Speaker 1: These events demonstrate that even after the victory over Absalom,
44:59
Speaker 1: David's reign continued to be marked by difficulties and trials. Nevertheless,
45:04
Speaker 1: through these experiences, David continued to trust in God and
45:08
Speaker 1: seek his guidance, as evidenced by many of the psalms
45:12
Speaker 1: attributed to him during this period. David's final years were
45:16
Speaker 1: dedicated to consolidating his kingdom and preparing for the transition
45:21
Speaker 1: to his successor, Solomon. The First Book of Kings, Chapter
45:25
Speaker 1: one narrates how David, already old and weak, had to
45:29
Speaker 1: intervene to ensure that Solomon and not Adoneja, another of
45:34
Speaker 1: his sons, would succeed to the throne. This situation shows
45:38
Speaker 1: how the issue of succession, which had been at the
45:41
Speaker 1: heart of Absalom's rebellion, continued to be a concern until
45:46
Speaker 1: the end of David's life. The king devoted himself to
45:50
Speaker 1: preparing Solomon to govern, giving him advice and instructions. As
45:54
Speaker 1: recorded in First Kings Chapter two, David emphasized the importance
45:59
Speaker 1: of following God's ways and maintaining the unity of the kingdom,
46:04
Speaker 1: lessons he had learned through his own experiences, including the
46:07
Speaker 1: painful rebellion of Absalom. The historical and moral lessons from
46:12
Speaker 1: Absalom's story are many and profound. His narrative serves as
46:17
Speaker 1: a warning against the dangers of unbridled ambition and political manipulation.
46:23
Speaker 1: Absalom's rise and fall demonstrate how charisma and beauty can
46:27
Speaker 1: be used as tools of power, but also how they
46:30
Speaker 1: can lead to ruin when not tempered by wisdom and humility.
46:35
Speaker 1: The story also highlights the complexity of family relationships, especially
46:40
Speaker 1: when intertwined with political power. For David, the rebellion was
46:44
Speaker 1: both a political crisis and a personal tragedy, testing his
46:49
Speaker 1: ability as a leader and his faith in God. Through
46:53
Speaker 1: this trial, David demonstrated resilience and a capacity for forgiveness
46:58
Speaker 1: that would become part of him legacy. The story of
47:02
Speaker 1: Absolom also teaches us about the long term consequences of
47:06
Speaker 1: our actions. David's initial decision not to punish Amnon for
47:10
Speaker 1: the rape of Tamar triggered a series of events that
47:14
Speaker 1: almost cost him his kingdom. This reminds us that even
47:18
Speaker 1: seemingly small choices or omissions can have enormous repercussions in
47:22
Speaker 1: the future. The narrative underscores the importance of justice, integrity,
47:28
Speaker 1: and moral courage in leadership. For the people of Israel,
47:32
Speaker 1: the rebellion was a period of turmoil and division, exposing
47:37
Speaker 1: latent tensions between the tribes and the fragility of national unity.
47:42
Speaker 1: The initial support for Absolom and the subsequent return to
47:46
Speaker 1: David show how volatile public opinion can be, especially in
47:51
Speaker 1: times of crisis. Absalom's legacy in Biblical history is complex.
47:57
Speaker 1: On one hand, he is remembered as a rebellious and
48:00
Speaker 1: a usurper. On the other his story is an integral
48:04
Speaker 1: part of the narrative of David and the development of
48:08
Speaker 1: the Kingdom of Israel. Absalom's beauty and charisma, his political skill,
48:13
Speaker 1: and his tragic fall make him a fascinating figure who
48:17
Speaker 1: continues to capture the imagination of readers and scholars of
48:21
Speaker 1: the Bible to this day. His story serves as a
48:24
Speaker 1: powerful reminder of the dangers of pride and uncontrolled ambition,
48:29
Speaker 1: as well as the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in
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Speaker 1: family relationships and political leadership. Reflecting on Absalom's story invites
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Speaker 1: us to examine our own lives and motivations. How often
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Speaker 1: do we let ambition or the desire for recognition lead
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Speaker 1: us to actions that harm others or ourselves. How do
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Speaker 1: we balance our personal aspirations with our responsibilities to family
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Speaker 1: and society. The narrative challenges us to consider the long
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Speaker 1: term consequences of our choices and the importance of acting
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Speaker 1: with integrity, even when facing temptations or injustices. Moreover, David's
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Speaker 1: response to the rebellion and his subsequent leadership teach us
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Speaker 1: about the importance of resilience, forgiveness, and the ability to
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Speaker 1: learn from our mistakes. In conclusion, the story of Absalom
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Speaker 1: is an epic drama of ambition, betrayal, love, and loss
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Speaker 1: that remains relevant today. It offers us valuable lessons on leadership, family,
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Speaker 1: and the complexities of human nature. As we reflect on
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Speaker 1: this narrative, we are challenged to examine our own lives
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Speaker 1: and choices. May we learn from Absalom's mistakes and David's resilience,
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Speaker 1: seeking wisdom and integrity in our own journeys. If you
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Speaker 1: found this exploration of Absolom's story interesting and insightful, don't
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Speaker 1: biblical content like this. Share this video with friends and
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Speaker 1: family who may benefit from these reflections. Together, we can
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Speaker 1: continue to discover the rich lessons that biblical stories have
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Speaker 1: you won't miss our upcoming videos about fascinating biblical characters.
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Speaker 1: See you next time.