THE TWO BRETHREN – AVENGERS OF BLOOD

A sorry sight, a touching tale: who would not be moved? David would hardly be alone in his response. But all is not what it seems. A little careful consideration and questioning would have arrived at the truth; more importantly, may have prevented an unwise decision, Absalom’s recall, and tragic consequences, rebellion and civil war.

The woman may be wise; but she is also an accomplished actress: impersonating, in appropriate attire, a weeping widow, vv. 2, 5; using histrionic gestures to effect, v. 4; and communicat­ing in poetic language and direct speech, vv. 7, 14. Her story is a parabolic illustration, similar to Nathan’s, 2 Sam. 12, but with a major difference: ‘whereas he sought through the heart to reach the conscience, she seeks [through the heart] to override and set it (the conscience) aside’ F. W. Grant.

Her tale is meant to parallel David’s situation regarding Absalom fairly closely. It is, however, flawed in a number of details, unlike Nathan’s. The killing is manslaughter, the out­come of a fight; Absalom’s killing of Amnon was premeditated murder in cold blood, 13. 28, 29. An only son is threatened with death, on whom the mother, a widow, is dependent for warmth, comfort, hope and support, suggested by the moving metaphor ‘quench my coal’, v. 7; Absalom is but banished, whilst David has a number of wives and sons, who, if anything, are dependent on him. Her family name faces extinction, v. 7; David’s family line will continue for ever, 2 Sam. 7. 12-16. The detail of the greed of the wider family, ‘the revengers of blood’, v. 11, wanting to ‘destroy the heir’, v. 7, has no parallel with David and is simply included to increase the feeling of pity, as with some other details here. The resemblance is superficial. Sadly, David is drawn in, and taken in: witness his three responses, vv. 8, 10, 11; with the last he commits himself.

What is the result? A welcome home for a penitent prodigal? How similar are Joab, the prime mover of this affair, and Absalom: schemers, murderers, bent on self-promotion. A king should uphold the law; justice lies at the heart of government. Mercy is indeed vital, but not at the expense of righteousness.