When the world reminds you it is still the world, bringing all of its trials and hardships as it does, the comfort of God’s Word cannot be overstated. The very reality that we possess the words of the Living God is mind-boggling. The fact that so many of us fail to take advantage of this reality is damning. Yet when providence will suffer our ignorance no longer, it is good to know these words remain, ready to lighten our path once more (Ps. 119:105).
The disastrous results of Tuesday’s election should drive all Christians to these words. Only in them will sense be made, solace found, and wisdom imparted. A couple of texts in particular stand out. If their lessons are learned, perhaps future disasters may be averted. Only time will tell. But the words will remain.
2 Sam. 15:1-6
This passage sets the stage for Absalom’s rebellion against his father David’s throne. It is rife with parallels to our day and this election:
“And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee. Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice! And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him. And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.”
It is important to note a couple of things here. First, though David was a flawed man, he was also a great king. He fought the Lord’s battles and the people’s, and genuinely loved his nation. As the Scripture says, “So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfullness of his hands” (Ps. 78:72). David himself wrote, “I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the Lord” (Ps. 101:8). Clearly, he made Israel safer, godlier, and better in almost every way.
Second, we must understand that Absalom was a very evil man. Like his father, he too was a murderer. Unlike him, he was unrepentant. Instead, he was manipulative and arrogant, believing he deserved what he wanted. At the very least, he had proven to be the kind of man who should not be anywhere near power.
Against this backdrop stands this account, culminating in the heartbreaking and dreadful phrase, “So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” It is almost unfathomable. How could the people reject their good and loving King in favor of a psychopath? One who would lie his way to power and cause civil war. Yet by and large they did. As we read a few verses later, “And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom” (2 Sam. 15:12).
Could not a similar question be asked today in Tuesday’s aftermath? How could the people reject a man and movement that, flaws notwithstanding, has essentially given them their country back? How could many Christians and conservatives fail to support the only President in their lifetime to meaningfully push back against the anti-Christ policies of pagans? Do Americans not like secure borders, lower crime, and stronger families? What’s worse, how could they choose the leftist lunatics they did? For this is not your grandfather’s Democratic Party. Nor is it your father’s. It is not even your older brother’s. These are “woke communists,” radical Muslims, and insane people. In other words, how could they choose Absalom?
Regardless of the how, they did. Just as we did. What is revealed in both cases is the fickleness of man. “So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” The sad truth is most people place feelings over facts, and emotion over logic. Whether Israelites thousands of years ago, or Americans this week, there is nothing new under the sun (Ecc. 1:9). For decades, David had been a faithful king. Yet it did not matter. Such is the depravity of the human heart. Such is the allure of “what might be” even if contradicting what objectively is. Such is the pride of man. For what, other than pride, could make men cast aside all they have for a fleeting hope or momentary gain? Do they really think (or feel) they should have more?
Evidently, yes. Which leads to another text.
Proverbs 18:17
This singular verse is one I have thought on for a while now. It is short and sweet, and willing to teach:
“He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.”
Most would correctly liken this to the well-known maxim, “there are two sides to every coin.” Of course that is true, and a reminder to never take one person’s word for something when there are other perspectives involved. Yet how many read and agree with this, and might even apply it in some respects, while failing to see its application in others? For example, why do Christians seem especially prone to conspiracy theories? How is it that I have friends who believe the earth is flat? Or that the moon landing was faked? Or one of the most important men in conservative politics was killed in an elaborate scheme starring his wife? Are we so gullible to believe every podcaster that comes along with the flimsiest “evidence” imaginable? Are we so fickle that we wish it so?
The Connection
Therein lies the connection between Prov. 18:17 and 2 Sam. 15:1-6. Men are both gullible and fickle; a destructive pair that has enriched many bad actors and empowered many others. We have made it too easy for our enemies. Indeed, anyone with a microphone, half a brain, and an ounce of charisma can now wield influence, their subjects hanging on every word, believing each new tease, and awaiting the final key that unlocks all mysteries. Yet the door is never opened, and the puzzle is never solved. By the time a neighbor searches them, they’re already on to the next thing, audience intact.
How is this possible?
Because men are gullible and fickle. They are gullible enough to believe the first thing, and fickle enough to move to the next. They have forgotten both the wise proverb and the foolish son of David. Their feelings once more lead them where their pride longs to go. Jesus cautions us to choose the narrow gate over the wide one (Matt. 7:13-14), a call to follow Him alone while forsaking this evil world system. For some, however, this is not enough. They must narrow the gate further – to a place only a select few can find (including them, of course). A place of super-genius super Jews, and sweet government secrets, and hoaxes involving tens of thousands (all of whom have somehow managed to keep quiet for years). Oh, and a place where Muslim communists are now in charge. Because the podcast lady told them not to vote.
If only they had ever seen a picture of Earth from space.
The Conclusion
I said at the outset the comfort of God’s Word cannot be overstated. I meant it. Praise God He reveals all we need – the problems that arise, and solutions to them. Let this be the conclusion of the matter then – spend less time online and more time in the Bible. Remember you are by nature fickle and gullible, and that pride lies at the door. Do not be easily swayed by what you hear, especially when it tickles your fancy to think you may understand something few others do. Check and re-check a position before settling on it. Take it to God’s Word, where all true knowledge is found.
Perhaps get off social media altogether, at least for a season. Read more books. Talk to more real people. Think on good things. Above all, seek our Lord and His grace, and let His living words guide your way.
And for Heaven’s sake, next time get out and vote.
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