The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz): Episode Day 136 – Absalom Is Defeated

Release Date: May 16, 2025
Duration: 20-25 minutes

Introduction

In Day 136 of The Bible in a Year podcast, hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz and produced by Ascension, listeners delve into a profound exploration of familial conflict, leadership restructuring, and the enduring power of faith. This episode navigates through pivotal passages from 2 Samuel 18, 1 Chronicles 23, and Psalm 37, offering insightful commentary, reflection, and prayer designed to deepen the listener's understanding of Scripture and its application in daily life.

Scripture Readings

1. 2 Samuel 18: The Defeat and Death of Absalom

Fr. Mike begins the episode by recounting the dramatic and tragic demise of Absalom, King David's rebellious son. The passage details the intense battle in the forest of Ephraim, resulting in the death of 20,000 men. Absalom's end comes in a harrowing scene where his mule gets caught in the branches of a great oak, leaving him suspended between heaven and earth. Despite King David's instruction to his commanders to "deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom" (2 Samuel 18:5), Joab, one of David's generals, takes swift and brutal action, killing Absalom despite the king's orders.

2. 1 Chronicles 23: Families of the Levites and Their Duties

The second reading transitions to a more administrative aspect of David's reign. 1 Chronicles 23 outlines the organization of the Levites, emphasizing their roles in temple worship. David reassigns Levites, reducing the age of service from 30 to 20 to accommodate the extensive work required for the newly built temple under Solomon's future leadership. The Levites are categorized into families—Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites—each responsible for different aspects of temple maintenance and worship.

3. Psalm 37: Exhortation to Patience and Trust

Concluding the readings, Psalm 37 offers a poetic reflection on trust in God, urging believers not to fret over the wicked but to find solace and strength in the Lord. The Psalm emphasizes themes of patience, justice, and the ultimate triumph of the righteous, reinforcing the transformative power of faith and divine providence.

Reflections and Insights

1. Organizational Changes in 1 Chronicles 23

Fr. Mike highlights the strategic restructuring of the Levites as a response to the changing needs of Israel's worship practices. Transitioning from a nomadic tabernacle to a permanent temple necessitated a redefinition of roles and responsibilities. By lowering the age of service and expanding the workforce, David ensured that the temple operations could accommodate the increased demands of a settled, centralized place of worship.

2. The Tragic Demise of Absalom in 2 Samuel 18

The narrative of Absalom's defeat serves as a complex exploration of loyalty, leadership, and the personal costs of political conflict. Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David, stems from unresolved familial tensions and David's initial inaction in addressing Absalom's grievances. The ensuing battle not only results in significant loss of life but also marks a turning point in David's leadership and personal life.

3. The Significance of David's Grief

A particularly poignant moment occurs when David learns of Absalom's death. Initially, David refers to Absalom as "the young man" (2 Samuel 18:5), reflecting a desire to distance himself from the personal loss amidst the political turmoil. It is only after Absalom's death that David openly mourns, proclaiming, "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you" (2 Samuel 18:33). This delayed expression of grief underscores David's internal conflict and the profound pain of losing a son he struggled to relate to.

4. The Parallel to God's Grief Over Jesus

Fr. Mike draws a moving parallel between David's mourning for Absalom and God's sorrow over Jesus' crucifixion. Citing John 3:16, he reflects on the depth of divine love and sacrifice: "That God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." Just as David laments the loss of his son, God the Father mourns the suffering and death of Jesus, highlighting the profound connection between divine and human experiences of loss and love.

5. The Transformation from "Young Man Absalom" to "My Son Absalom"

A critical theme in the episode is the evolution of David's relationship with Absalom. Initially distancing himself by referring to Absalom impersonally, David's language changes dramatically upon his son's death, marking a profound personal transformation. This shift serves as a catalyst for listeners to contemplate their own relationships and how they perceive and claim their identity as children of God.

6. Theological Implications: Being Claimed by God

Fr. Mike encourages listeners to reflect on what it means to be "claimed" by God. Unlike David's delayed recognition of Absalom as his son, God consistently claims believers as His children from the moment of baptism. This divine affirmation is contrasted with human failings, inspiring listeners to embrace their identity in God's eyes and live out their faith with the assurance of His unwavering love and acceptance.

Notable Quotes

• Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:04]:
  "The Bible in a Year podcast is brought to you by Ascension. Using the Great Adventure Bible Timeline, we'll read all the way from Genesis to Revelation, discovering how the story of salvation unfolds and how we fit into that story."

• Fr. Mike Schmitz [Throughout the 2 Samuel 18 reading]:
  "Joab said to the man, 'What, you saw him? Why then did you not strike him there to the ground? I would have been glad to give you 10 pieces of silver and a belt.'" (2 Samuel 18:23)

• Fr. Mike Schmitz [During reflection on Psalm 37]:
  "Trust in the Lord, and do good. So you will dwell in the land, and be nourished in safety." (Psalm 37:3)

• Fr. Mike Schmitz [Connecting to Eric Whitaker's song]:
  "When David heard it, just, it just kills me because it says those words... 'When David heard that young Absalom was dead, he went above the gate and cried out...'"

Conclusion and Prayer

Fr. Mike Schmitz concludes the episode with a heartfelt prayer, inviting listeners to surrender their lives to God, seek His forgiveness, and embrace their identity as His beloved children. He underscores the importance of being claimed by God from the outset, contrasting it with David's delayed acknowledgment of Absalom.

He encourages continuous prayer and reflection, anticipating future episodes that will further illuminate the profound narratives within the Bible and their relevance to contemporary faith journeys.

Final Thoughts

Day 136 of The Bible in a Year offers a rich tapestry of biblical storytelling intertwined with deep theological reflection. Through the tragic story of Absalom, the meticulous organization of the Levites, and the wisdom of Psalm 37, Fr. Mike Schmitz provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of leadership, familial relationships, and the enduring trust in God's providence. This episode not only recounts historical and spiritual lessons but also invites personal introspection on one's relationship with God and the transformative power of being His child.

Listeners are encouraged to engage with the Scriptures, reflect on their personal experiences, and embrace the transformative journey that The Bible in a Year podcast facilitates.

Feel free to subscribe to The Bible in a Year podcast on your preferred platform to continue this enriching journey through Scripture.