Absalom's Dual Personality

Absalom, king David’s son, requested for Joab “to have sent him to the king; but he would not come to him” (v. 29). After only the second attempt, Joab was still not responding. But Absalom already commanded his servants to set Joab’s “field on fire!” Absalom’s conduct shifted drastically; from being so nice to becoming so destructive! Sadly, there are many people today that demonstrate a similar pattern of drastic mood swings in their behavior!

Often, people tend to be nice only because they are yearning to be praised. Absalom was “so much praised” (v. 25), in all Israel for his beauty. He is proud of himself (Prov 16:18), and loves being honored and praised; just like the Pharisees who “loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (Jn 12:43). Some folks are genuinely nice. But others are only nice because their pride and self-love (2 Tim 3;2), compel them to be likable. In the end, as with Absalom, the kind of person they really are will be revealed (Lk 6:45)! They only want the favor of men because they are actually afraid of them (Prov 29:25).

Both Saul and Absalom thrive on the praise of men, but they are also afraid of them! This type of character is quite deceiving (Prov 27:6). Because their bad side is known only by the people who are closest to them. Absalom would kiss (2 Sam 15:5), any man who would honor him. Thereby, stealing their hearts (2 Sam 15:6)! Some people would get into verbal outburst around their family members, but they exhibit a nice face on others (Prov 11:9). This hypocritical persona will not last long – their true colors would eventually come out (Prov 28:23). The only way to deal with this problem is true humility (Php 2:3), and contentment (Heb 13:5). Which results in the fear of God (Ecc 12:3), rather than the fear of men! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera