2 Samuel Series
We look at outward appearances, God looks at the inner person

2 Samuel 14
Have you ever entered into a relationship (any close relationship, not necessarily a romantic one) with someone because too all outward appearances, they looked good, they were an attractive personality, their situation was appealing? Only to find out that on the inside they were not beautiful, but ugly, self-centered, immoral or careless of others including maybe you? And all along, of course, God knew what was in that person’s thoughts and attitudes. If only we had God’s eyes and not our own, what a world of hurt we could avoid. One of the signals indicating true spiritual growth is that we begin and increase in our ability and willingness to see others and ourselves, through God’s eyes.
In chapter 13 and now 14, and on through ch 18, we’re introduced to such a man, Absalom, the 3rd son of David. At the same time here in our text of ch 14, we’re going to see an intense case of royal court intrigue. And we’ll see that our love for someone and our own sins from the past, can cloud our good judgment and make it hard to do what is right. Where does judgment end and mercy begin? How are these things balanced? When should forgiveness be extended and to what extent? In ch 14 the Holy Spirit holds these questions before us to ponder and glean a harvest of wisdom.