When we think of Absalom, David’s son, we often think of him as a man consumed with pride. While pride was certainly at the root of his behaviour, as it is for most of us, it would be wise to consider that Absalom might have been addicted to something else plaguing many men, women, boys, and girls in society today—attention-seeking. As is the custom of the day, a fancy title has been assigned to this behaviour by those who study mental health—Histrionic Personality Disorder.
Ecclesiastes declares the absolute vanity of all things under the sun. Biblical vanity does not refer to an excessive care on good looks. Biblical vanity is emptiness or worthlessness.
There is a war that has been raging for thousands of years. You will not read about it in your local newspaper: CNN, ABC, and NBC will not be bringing the updates to your living room. The world tries to ignore it, but truly you are on one side or the other.
Was the kingdom offered to Israel? Ultimately, one’s answer to this question hinges upon how strictly he defines the word offer.
