1. Stolen hearts (1-6)

Absalom was quite the politician! He was the most handsome man in Judah with simply prolific hair. He put on quite a show as he drove his chariot down the streets of Jerusalem with fifty men running in front of him. He diverted people away from the king and filled them with false assurances and promises. Whenever someone came up to him, he shook their hand and then grabbed them and kissed them. Verse 6b says that in this way, Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. The problem is, though, that he stole them from David, God's anointed king. Today, we must make sure that our hearts are not stolen, even for a moment, from our Lord Jesus. Jesus says, "Blessed are the pure in heart." Pray that we may be faithful to Him and not be swayed by the ways of the world.

2. The conspiracy grows (7-12)

Absalom lied to David and the two hundred guests from Jerusalem about his reasons for going to Hebron. He was not going there to fulfill a vow before God, but to kick off his rebellion and be pronounced king of Israel. The number of people loyal to Absalom continued to grow and even David's counselor, Ahithophel joined his ranks.