Contemplative Bible Reading

2 Samuel 15:1-6 (New Living Translation)

After this, Absalom bought a chariot and horses, and he hired fifty bodyguards to run ahead of him. 2 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.

Absalom wants to be king. He sets out on a campaign.

Promise people what they want and kiss babies.

It works. What? Yes, it works. He stole the hearts of all the people of Israel.

You’ve got to be kidding, right? How can people be so gullible, so easily swayed? I guess we haven’t changed much after a few dozen centuries.