Sermon Text: 2 Samuel 15:1-17

Theme:  By wielding flattery and doubt, Absalom stole the loyalty of Israel from the king whom God had anointed as the rightful ruler of His people.

Structure/points: Since 2 Samuel 13, David’s son Absalom has been a major figure in the book but not a positive one.  He sinned against God and man by murdering his half-brother and steadfastly refused to admit to having done wrong.  Though officially restored to the king’s favor, he still refused to repent of his sin or reconcile with his father.  As time passed, his heart grew harder.  His desires became more covetous. His ambitions became grander.  He set his sights on something that was not his and that he had no right to take; the kingdom of Israel.  In order to take the kingdom, he set his sights on conquering the people of God not through terror and force but through pleasing words, lies, and persuasion.

1. Absalom’s façade of love
2. Absalom’s usurpation of the kingdom
3. Absalom’s threat to David’s household