In the book of 2nd Samuel, chapter 14, we read about the return of Absalom to Israel.
He had been in exile, living with his Grandfather for 3 years,
having fled the country on the back of plotting and killing his step brother, Amnon .
Amnon’s crime was raping his half sister, Tamar – Absalom’s sister.
Absalom, Amnon and Tamar were King David’s children and David wasn’t at all pleased with the family crisis,
not least the murder of Amnon by Absalom.
Prior to his return, Absalom lived in obscurity, away from the glamour of royal life.
He missed this so badly and even though he was now allowed back in town by his father,
King David, he was denied entry into the palace – 2 Samuel 14:24.
Two years passed and Absalom was fed up with the inconsequential life he was now living.
He craved so badly for the limelight the place offered.
He requested incessantly to be granted access to the palace and
to King David but all his requests through the Kings’ officials fell on deaf ears.
A once powerful prince who was always in view of the whole of Israel had been put behind closed doors.
Prince Absalom couldn’t bear this anymore – living like a commoner.
If requesting for an audience with the king wouldn’t work, he’ll try something else.
He ordered some of his men to set the farm of Joab – the King’s military general on fire.
That surely should get his and that of the Palace’s attention. Sure enough, it did.
Perhaps there was no justification to do this, since Joab was the man who planned and on the King’s command,
brought Absalom back from exile, back from obscurity. However, Absalom was a man who would do anything to get the attention he so badly craved.
Absalom was a narcissist. Of course, the General (Joab) wasn’t at all pleased
with this but given that this was a crown Prince, he couldn’t reprimand him and
he also had to oblige his request for a meeting with the King, his father.
Absalom was granted that meeting, where he was forgiven by the King and allowed back into the Palace.
Absalom had got what he wanted but that wasn’t enough. He wanted more.
Absalom was obsessed with his looks and the whole of the country admired him for it – 2 Samuel 14:25-26
This was a man who hugged the limelight. The palace became for him a pedestal to receive praise.
An opportunity to demonstrate a false empathy in his desire to have it all – 2 Samuel 15:1-6.