Reader’s Guide: “The Word for Today” Thursday, November 15, 2012 Read – 2 Samuel 17 & 18 The story continues with more intrigue and conniving. David spies on Absalom, planting his own advisers within the conspiracy to lead Absalom astray. The plan works, and eventually Absalom is killed. This is not what David desired – after all he is still Absalom’s father. What a sad and devastating story! David’s sorrow upon hearing the news of Absalom’s death is almost as devastating as the rebellion itself, and it only when Joab makes it clear to David that his very kingdom is at stake, that David is shaken out of his stupor. On the other hand, perhaps the best part of David’s response is his mourning for his lost son. Throughout this whole story one can’t help but wonder what is going on for God. God is really not an active player in any of this. I can only imagine the heartbreak going on for God as the events unfold. The whole episode demonstrates how very difficult it is for God to accomplish what God wants, when all God has to work with is human beings like this. Is it any wonder that it takes God a long time to get the world where God wants it to be?