Betrayal

Betrayal.

Now that is an ugly word. If you have experienced it, you know what I am talking about.

II Samuel 13 through 19 gives the account of one great betrayal, that of King David's son, Absalom. 

Now there's a guy who did not live up to his namesake. Absalom, in the Hebrew means, Father of Peace.

Prince Absalom was a master manipulator who played on the emotions of the people to win them over to his side against his father. 

2 Samuel 15:2-6 NLT

He got up early every morning and went out to the gate of the city. When people brought a case to the king for judgment, Absalom would ask where in Israel they were from, and they would tell him their tribe. 3 Then Absalom would say, "You've really got a strong case here! It's too bad the king doesn't have anyone to hear it. 4 I wish I were the judge. Then everyone could bring their cases to me for judgment, and I would give them justice!"

5 When people tried to bow before him, Absalom wouldn't let them. Instead, he took them by the hand and kissed them. 6 Absalom did this with everyone who came to the king for judgment, and so he stole the hearts of all the people of Israel.

Things grew and grew to the point that Absalom was declaring himself the new King of Israel with a coup d'état attempt to overthrow David. 

Now that is betrayal. 

Oh how it must have hurt David so deeply coming from his own son whom he loved. Absalom would have stopped at nothing, including taking his father's life to become king. He has already murdered one of his brothers.

Psalm 3, tells us exactly how David felt and how he dealt with this before the Lord in his prayer-life.

Psalm 3 NKJV 

Lord, how they have increased who trouble me!
Many are they who rise up against me.
2 Many are they who say of me,
"There is no help for him in God."     Selah

3 But You, O Lord, are a shield for me,
My glory and the One who lifts up my head.
4 I cried to the Lord with my voice,
And He heard me from His holy hill.     Selah

5 I lay down and slept;
I awoke, for the Lord sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.

7 Arise, O Lord;
Save me, O my God!
For You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone; You have broken the teeth of the ungodly.
8 Salvation belongs to the Lord.
Your blessing is upon Your people.     Selah

Wow. What faith.

We know as New Testament believers, our enemies are not people, but rather the evil spirits behind people's actions. 

May we declare this Psalm in faith over our troubles and attacks of the enemy, and expect God to strike the devil and break his teeth on our behalf!