playnext.fm

Imprint Woodinville Sermons

The Lord is a Shield

·43 min·4 clips
David's son Absalom mounts a rebellion, forcing the king to flee Jerusalem and cry out to God as a shield.
The episode is a sermon titled 'The Lord is a Shield' based on Psalm 3 and 2 Samuel 15-18. It begins with a reading of Psalm 3, which David wrote while fleeing his son Absalom. The pastor recaps the backstory: Absalom killed his brother Amnon for raping their sister Tamar, and David was an absent father during this family crisis. Absalom then mounts a rebellion against David, using political tactics at Jerusalem's city gate to win public support. He gains popularity due to his appearance and manipulative promises. David flees Jerusalem with his household, encountering various figures like the Philistine general Ittai and priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant. On the Mount of Olives, David prays for the first time in years, asking God to confuse his advisor Ahithophel's counsel. This marks a moment of spiritual renewal for David. The sermon draws parallels between David's experience and Jesus' prayers on the Mount of Olives before his betrayal. Absalom seeks advice from Ahithophel and Hushai, with Hushai's counsel prevailing due to God's sovereignty, as answered by David's prayer. Ahithophel later commits suicide, foreshadowing Judas's betrayal of Jesus. Absalom gathers forces but is defeated in a brief battle; he dies after getting his hair caught in a tree and is killed by Joab. David grieves deeply, expressing regret over his broken relationship with Absalom. The pastor concludes with applications: spiritual renewal in hardship, trusting God's control, and reconciling relationships through Jesus' work on the cross, referencing Colossians 3.

As heard by us

A patient, pastoral reading of David's fear, renewed prayer, and God's sustaining care.

David's flight from Absalom gives Psalm 3 its urgency: enemies are closing in, public confidence has turned against him, and even sleep becomes a sign of trust in the Lord's sustaining care.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Press play when David's flight from Absalom, a night of vulnerable trust, and a hard-won return to prayer sound close to home.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →
Listen to the show on
Apple PodcastsSpotify
Play clips from this episodeMore from Imprint Woodinville Sermons