April 13: Are you in an abusive relationship where the abusER seems to be a harmless innocent sweetie?

2 Samuel 14:25-16:14, Psalm 3

2 Samuel 14:25-27

Amplified Bible (AMP)

²⁵ But in all Israel there was none so much to be praised for his beauty as Absalom; from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.

²⁶ And when he cut the hair of his head, he weighed it—for at each year’s end he cut it, because its weight was a burden to him—and it weighed 200 shekels by the king’s weight.

2 Samuel 15:1-6

Amplified Bible (AMP)

15 After this, Absalom got a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him.

² And [he] rose up early and stood beside the gateway; and when any man who had a controversy came to the king for judgment, Absalom called to him, Of what city are you? And he would say, Your servant is of such and such a tribe of Israel.

³ Absalom would say to him, Your claims are good and right, but there is no man appointed as the king’s agent to hear you.

⁴ Absalom added, Oh, that I were judge in the land! Then every man with any suit or cause might come to me and I would do him justice!

⁵ And whenever a man came near to do obeisance to him, he would put out his hand, take hold of him, and kiss him.

⁶ Thus Absalom did to all Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

Absalom was gorgeous plus he was well liked plus he was evil to the core. This reminds me of satan before he was cast out of heaven. I excerpted the following from bible.org.
 "III. The Nature of Satan

A. He is a created angelic being. He was created as part of the angelic realm (Eph.6:11,12; Ezek.24:18) and was the highest in rank of them all (Ezek.28:12-14).
B. He is an enemy of righteousness. He is a murderer (John 8:44), a liar (John 8:44), and accuser (Rev.12:10) and our adversary (1 Pet.5:8).
C. He is a limited creature. He is limited by God (Job.1:12). He is not God’s equal (1 John 4:4). He is not omniscient, omnipotent or infinite in any way. Believers with God’s help can resist him (James 4:7).

IV. The Fall of Satan

Key Passages – Ezekiel 28; Isaiah 14
A. Ezekiel 28:11-19 is a prophetic lamentation over the “King of Tyre” who is described in language that fits Satan’s fall and not a mere human king. Satan is distinguished form the human ruler of Tyre in 28:2 (“prince/ruler”) and called a “king” in 28:12. Though Tyre had a human “ruler”, Satan was the real “King” behind that wicked kingdom.
B. His attributes – Moral perfection (v.12) Sinless at his creation until his fall (v.15)
C. His appearance – Perfect in beauty (v.12b,13)
1. His privileges – Free access to the garden of Eden (v.12) and to God’s holy mountain (= God’s presence – v.14)
2. His rank – “Cherub” (vs.14,16)
3. His judgment –
a. Cast out of the mountain of God (v.16, cf. Rev. 12:4)
b. Cast to the ground (v.17)
c. Consumed by fire (v.18, cf. Rev.20:10)
D. Isaiah 14:12-15 also seems to describe Satan’s fall. Satan is manifest here by the king of Babylon. As in Ezekiel 28, Satan is pictured here as the real “king” behind the wicked human kingdom of Babylon.
1. The imagery of a “star” and “falling from heaven” (v.12) suggests a supernatural fulfillment. “Stars” (v.12,13) are symbolic of the angelic realm elsewhere (Job 38:6,7; Rev.12:4).
2. The five “I will’s” of vss. 13 & 14 are literally true of Satan and only metaphorically true of Babylon’s king. This ultimate form of pride (“I will be like the Most High” – v.14) fits the New Testament description of Satan’s fall 1 Tim.3:6." Sid Litke, bible.org.

Absolam "stole" everyone's hearts. He seemed to be such a sweetie! But no one knew he had a hidden agenda. Maybe you're in a similiar situation. But take heart! Just enter into God's presence where you will gain strength and wisdom. And wait it out. God is on your side and truth will be revealed and you will be delivered. As David was.

"Dear God, I know there's someone out there today who is in a situation just like King David's. I pray for strength for this person. All seems to be lost right now. But only You know the future. You are, at this moment, working on his or her behalf. Please comfort this precious child right now and give him or her the wisdom to do the RIGHT thing. Even if it means wait. I ask this in Your precious name, Jesus. And I thank and praise You for You do all things perfectly and when your child is tried in the fire, he or she will transform into a beautiful gold vessel that You can use mightily." 

Psalm 3

The Message (MSG)

A David Psalm, When He Escaped for His Life from Absalom, His Son

3 ^1-2 God! Look! Enemies past counting!
Enemies sprouting like mushrooms,
Mobs of them all around me, roaring their mockery:
“Hah! No help for him from God!”

^3-4 But you, God, shield me on all sides;
You ground my feet, you lift my head high;
With all my might I shout up to God,
His answers thunder from the holy mountain.

^5-6 I stretch myself out. I sleep.
Then I’m up again—rested, tall and steady,
Fearless before the enemy mobs
Coming at me from all sides.

⁷ Up, God! My God, help me!
Slap their faces,
First this cheek, then the other,
Your fist hard in their teeth!

⁸ Real help comes from God.
Your blessing clothes your people!