I previously wrote, with David in mind, that genuine repentance leads to total forgiveness and a brand new start. That is true, but having now read through the remaining chapters of his life again (2Sm 13 – 1Kg 2) it doesn't seem that David handled the consequences of his sin as well as he had managed the troubles he had encountered in his life up to that point, but I could be wrong.

These consequences started immediately with the rape of David's daughter Tamar by her half-brother Amnon, which in turn led to her full-brother Absalom killing him two years later. Absalom then fled to the king of Geshur and stayed there for three years. He was eventually allowed to return to Jerusalem, but for two more years David refused to see him. After they were reconciled, Absalom set about promoting himself as a better alternative king and managed – over a period of four years – to win the loyalty of the people. He proclaimed himself king in Hebron. "A messenger reported to David, 'The Israelites are pledging their loyalty to Absalom'" (2Sm 15:13). On hearing this, David said to all his officials in Jerusalem: "We must get away at once … or else he will soon be here and defeat us and kill everyone in the city". One could conclude, understandably, that David was so absorbed in Nathan's words that for about 12 years he was wholly taken up with Absalom.

Why does David seem to capitulate so easily and accept Absalom as king when those with him far outnumbered those threatening him; when his own followers were so loyal and devoted to him? What of the solemn promise he had made to Bathsheba in the name of the Lord, the God of Israel, that Solomon would succeed him as king? He seems confused as to what he should do and how he should be. There is no mention at this point of him pouring out his heart to God and seeking his guidance. God's words through Nathan the prophet had been: "I swear to you that I will cause someone from your own family to bring trouble on you." His reaction here, and in the subsequent civil war, and to the death of Absalom, leave many of my own questions unanswered.   

Could it be that when facing the consequences of his own sin and folly David found it hard to think clearly and became unsure of how he should react? He seems fearful that by opposing Absalom he might be opposing God. If true, could he have opened the door for the evil one to wage war against him and to add to his confusion? Clearly Absalom would not have made a godly king. Later we read of Adonijah, David's oldest surviving son, claiming the throne with the comment: "David had never reprimanded him about anything". Had David been fearful of disciplining his children?

Might this be a warning to us all? Forgiveness clears the way for God to continue to use us, but we need to keep especially vigilant concerning the enemy's tactics, seek the counsel and wisdom of trusted brothers and sisters, make ourselves accountable, and keep close to God to know how to respond to serious challenges. Lingering feelings of guilt and failure can seriously cloud our judgement. The evil one accuses us constantly.