A Theology of Prayer - Struggles in Prayer

Study 8

Text: Psalm 3; 2 Samuel 13-19

"HOW THEY HAVE INCREASED WHO TROUBLE ME!" (Psalm 1:1)

David watched with some alarm the number of people who were drawn away to follow Absalom in his revolt, and in his attempt to usurp the throne. The following text gives us an idea of how deeply concerned David was.

"Then Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel,
Saying, 'As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet,
Then you shall say, 'Absalom reigns in Hebron.'
And with Absalom went two hundred men invited from Jerusalem
And they went along innocently and did not know anything.
Then Absalom sent for Ahitophel the Gilonite, David's counselor,
From his city- from Giloh- while he offered sacrifices.
And the conspiracy grew strong, for the people with Absalom
Continually increased in number."
2 Samuel 15:10-12

1. Absalom deceived his father totally

Surreptitiously, Absalom worked at building up a strong conspiracy against his father. He had asked for permission from his father David to go to Hebron to fulfil a vow, or so he claimed (2 Samuel 15:7-8). Absalom even spoke about serving the Lord! Such was his power to deceive!

2. The "innocent" were inveigled

Absalom worked his deception so well, that hundreds of "innocent ones" soon joined his conspiracy. In order for the conspiracy to work, Absalom knew that he would need to have as many people to support him as possible. No efforts were spared to draw people into his conspiracy!

3. Close aides

Ahitophel was one of David's counselors. Even he ended up going against David! This was real coup! To obtain the support from a close aide of David, a counselor no less would strengthen the cause of the rebellion significantly!

4. "Continually increased in number"

Space and time would not permit the chroniclers to describe just how many people formed the conspiracy against David! This plot against David was certainly not a petty misdemeanour! Absalom's action was nothing short of Treason!

WHERE ONLY PRAYER CAN HELP!

What could David do in the light of the deadly changing circumstances in his life? There was only one recourse left- PRAYER!

"Lord, how they have increased who trouble me!"
Psalm 3:1a

Who but God alone could salvage what seemed like a hopeless situation! With everything he had, David cried out to God! True Faith must move the heart to PRAY!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~