Irmela

Q4. (Acts 5:1-11) What is the central sin Ananias and Sapphira are guilty of? Why is lying to Peter the same as "lying to the Holy Spirit" (verse 3), "lying to God" (verse 4)? How can acting toward the church as a mere human institution put us under God's judgment? What does it mean to "test the Spirit of the Lord" in verse 9? Why was that wrong? I guess the central sin was pride. The desire to be looked up to. They lied about the amount that they were giving. Pretended it was the full amount, meanwhile they had kept some money back. There was no need to give it but they had decided between themselves to do so. This money was given to the leaders for distribution in their community as others had also done. The difference was that they had made as if it was the full amount that they gave. This was a lie to the Holy Spirit, a lie to God, because it was ultimately to God that this money was being given to. This was testing the Holy Spirit as it was ultimately to Him as the group was under His guidance. Thinking that He would do nothing about it . This incident reminds me of the one in Numbers 15:32-36, where the person was found gathering sticks on the Sabbath Day and then was brought before the community and God commanded that he be stoned. He had deliberately disobeyed. The church is seen as being under God's leadership. So whatever is said or done to harm or grieve this institution is ultimately done to God and thus putting us under God's judgement.

Q3. (Acts 4:32) Why is "having everything in common" at the root of true Christian fellowship? Of koinonia? What does this have to do with the mark of disciples who are known for deep love for one another (John 13:34-35)? To what degree does the church fall short of this? What are we going to do about it? True Christian fellowship is being united to one another by common beliefs, purposes and goals. Our focus should be on Christ and not on things of the world. But we so happen to still be in the world. Wisdom is needed as to distribute food and goods to the community who we are apparently in fellowship with.

Q2. (Acts 4:31)What does it mean, "They were all filled with the Holy Spirit"? Weren't they already filled with the Spirit? Yes, they had been filled but it was a continuation. They requested daily empowerment. We need to be equipped daily for what we face on that day.

Q1. (Acts 4:23-31) Why do the believers pray for boldness? Why do they need boldness in this circumstance? What does this tell us about their faith? Their character? The believers knew that the task was not an easy one and they relied on the Lord to help them. They never asked to be taken out of the situation but asked for boldness in the situation that had arisen. Their faith was strong in the Lord. They were fully aware that without Him they could do nothing. They stood together in the situation they were in. They were humble and not proud. They did not take things into their own hands but rather prayed and asked God to take over , they asked God for boldness because in themselves they were not bold.

Q4. (Acts 4:19-20) We are told to submit to the civil authorities God has placed over us (Romans 13:1). How are we to balance submission to God with submission to parents and government? How can we be faithful to God and still be humble? We have two-fold citizenship. In heaven and here on earth. First responsibility is to our Lord in heaven. Allegiance of the Christian is to God, and his relationship to the government on earth is submission. Should the government expect something of us which is against what God has shown us to live and be like , then we are certainly without a doubt to submit to God. eg., Abortion is cruel; it is first degree murder of an innocent human being. Some governments allows this and in cases even make it a law that only a certain amount of children are allowed in the family, if an added child is expected, it is to be killed. I guess only once we are in the situation can we also honestly say how we would react to certain rules and regulations. like eg., in the war where people were not given up but hidden in houses to escape from certain death. Their whereabouts were hidden from government officials as good as possible and an escape route sought to get them to freedom. It was going against regulations, but surly God saw what was going on.

Q3. (Acts 4:12) What are the implications of believing that Jesus Christ is the exclusive way to God? How does this conviction energize evangelism? Why does our culture resist this belief so adamantly? In Matth 1:21 we read that the angel said to Joseph that Mary was going to have a son and " . . . thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins." He is the only or the exclusive way to God. No measure of right living , of giving alms, of working, of learning etc., can put you on the way to God or assure your salvation, only through Jesus Christ are we assured of salvation. Many are not aware of this and it is us that do know it that should be making the others aware of this. This energizes evangelism. Many refuse to believe it. They are sure that it is enough to live a good life.

Q2. (Acts 3:19-20) Why is repentance necessary to experience personal "times of refreshing," peace, and renewal? According to Acts 3:19-20, when does the ultimate "time of refreshing" come? In the Amplified Version the answer is found and explained in the passage itself. So repent (change your inner self - your old way of thinking, regret past sins) and return (to God - seek His purpose for your life) so that your sins may be wiped away (blotted out, completely erased) so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord (restoring you like a cool wind on a hot day). If any of you truly tried this out, even as a child having maybe taken something Mother had said not to. What refreshing one experiences when having owned up to be the guilty party. It is like a load taken off one's shoulder. A relief truly restoring you like a cool wind on a hot day. The ultimate time of refreshing comes when Jesus returns.

Q1. (Acts 3:6, 16; 4:10) What kind power do we possess in the name of Jesus? Why do many believers conclude their prayers, "in Jesus' name, Amen"? (John 14:14) How does praying in Jesus' name relate to praying in God's will? Can we misuse praying in Jesus' name? If so, how? The name of Jesus shows its power only where a man joins Jesus in faith and obedience, and does the will of God. Use of the name of Jesus for independent ends is a misuse and condemns to failure. Asking in His Name is asking as His representative. If and when we pray and ask for something or declare something "in Jesus Name", if meant sincerely, we are as though His Hand extended and His voice etc. It is Jesus using us to voice that request and us having faith that He will indeed allow our request to be answered. It is like acting in His Name. Him performing through us.

Q5. (Acts 2:42-47) What characteristics of the early church in Acts 2:42-47 are necessary for healthy congregations in our day? In which of these characteristics is your congregation most healthy? Most unhealthy? Characteristics that should stand out in a healthy congregation : Welcoming the message Growth (people being saved), not by "sheep snatching" Teaching and training to be people of the Word Fellowship with people of like faith (others that also love Jesus as their Lord and Saviour) Breaking of Bread together (share the Lord's Supper). Reverence the value of it. Prayer (together) Eph 5:18b-20 admonishes us to speak to one another in Psalms and Hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for all things, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Care for the needy

Q4. (Acts 2:38-40) What about repentance and baptism is vital for forgiveness? To whom is the Holy Spirit promised? What will save us from our corrupt cultures today? Repentance would bring remorse and then changing direction completely. A willingness to do so, to turn around or transform. Baptism acknowledges the need for cleansing from sin. It is an outward act of faith looking to a spiritual cleansing. A spiritual atonement brought about by Christ. The Holy Spirit is promised to Jews and Gentiles alike. All whom the Lord our God will call to Himself. (Acts 2:39) To be saved from the corrupt culture will involve: Repentance of sins Becoming part of a new culture (the true Church) Living a life glorifying our Heavenly Father.

Q3. (Acts 2:14-36) What part(s) of Peter’s message on the Day of Pentecost was so convicting to those who heard it? The apostles assertion that Jesus was raised from the dead is powerful enough for 3000 to believe it and be saved. The Jewish leaders explanation that the body was stolen , was a feeble excuse. Roman guards/soldiers, asleep on duty would have been put to death. That had not happened. The explanation that God had raised Him, from the dead, Whom they had had a part in to have crucified, was enough to result in faith in Him. The very One Whom the nation had been waiting for, for so long, the Messiah, was the One that to their shame they had had a part to have crucified.

Q2. (Acts 2:11-13) Why are these messages in tongues so convincing to the crowds? What is the content of the messages the believers are speaking out in these various languages? In what kind of Bible books do we see this kind of content? They are very convincing to the crowd, especially to the devout. They heard the declarations of the wonders of God, in the tongues of the lands all around the Mediterranean Sea. The content is found in the Old Testament and in the Psalms especially you find this prophetic expression of praise.

Q1. (Acts 2:1-4) When the Holy Spirit falls on the Day of Pentecost, what is the significance of the sound of wind? What is the significance of the flames? What is the significance of the spontaneous speaking of the praises of God in other languages? How does this filling conform to Old Testament patterns? The whole phenomenon was not hidden. It was not secretive. When a wind blows it is heard. It is not something silent. It was not a wind , only sounded like a mighty wind. A normal wind is heard whistling in the tree-tops, but a mighty wind, possibly like the sound of a tornado, that would be like the sound of a nearby freight-train rushing by. Tongues, like fire spreading out. It could not be contained in one place. It spread. Again it is the visual that is given not that it was actual fire. (fire is for judgement) So the senses of sight and hearing are used. At the time of Pentecost , Jews were present in Jerusalem from far-flung places. They spoke the language or dialect of the places they came from, eg., Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Arabian etc. Most possibly spoke Hebrew as well. When the praises were heard, they were recognized as being in their native tongue. It was amazing because it was not learned scholars speaking these praises, but humble followers of the One, Jesus, Whom the Pharisees had ordered to be crucified. At the tower of Babel the different languages had split up the people, now the Holy Spirit was using the different language phenomenon to draw them together. It was the super natural that was drawing men to Christ. The ones who experienced this phenomenon were of the group that believed in Jesus as the Messiah. They were ready and waiting for this filling, as Jesus had promised them. This speaking was spontaneous, as was the filling referred to in the Old Testament.

Q3. (Acts 1:14) While we know that individual prayer is powerful (James 5:16b), Jesus indicates that group prayer is even more powerful (Matthew 18:19). How would you describe what was happening with this "Fellowship of the 120"? Have you ever been part of a group praying like this? Do you value prayer enough to gather with others to pray? How much of your church's "prayer meeting" is spent in actual prayer? I personally think that the fact that they were together in one accord, in unity, this was a way of finding comfort and encouragement, and enabled them to be motivated to put into practice what they had learnt. They were drawing strength from the fact that they were not alone in this. They stood together and prayed together, agreeing together, waiting together. I know that Christ is aware of what we will pray before a word is uttered but I do feel that it is important to open ones heart and mind to Him also. To voice our joy, sadness, request etc., makes it more real.

Q2. (Acts 1:8) What kinds of power does Jesus offer us in the Holy Spirit? In what ways does Acts 1:8 function as an outline or blueprint of the Book of Acts? Where do you and I fit in to fulfilling Acts 1:8? He offers us power to witness wherever we are. The places named viz., Jerusalem (this was where they were at the time , so it can be defined as being at home or in our communities), Judea and Samaria (these were the neighbouring districts, still in the land of Israel, so this can be taken as being in the neighbourhoods of our surroundings, not too distant places but further afield than at home) , the ends of the earth, (this speaks for itself, as being far-flung areas, literally any place on earth). So put plainly we are offered POWER to WITNESS and not be afraid to do so, wherever we find ourselves to be. Basically to tell all about Christ, boldly, whether it means to be martyrs for our witness or to be accepted for our witness. The book of Acts starts telling us or sharing with us how the Followers of Christ, witnessed in Jerusalem first, how this quickly spread and those having receive d and accepted the Word then spread the Good News further afield as they returned home and then when the persecution spread, the followers were dispersed to all sorts of places and became witnesses where they then settled. We then have the written accounts of Peter, Paul, Silas and Barnabas and others reaching far-flung areas. Not all accounts were recorded in the Bible. The book of Acts is not yet completed, because still today, the Good News is shared. We too continue with this wherever we are living. We too need to be witnesses.

Q1. (Acts 1:4-8) Why aren't Jesus' disciples to leave Jerusalem and return to their homes? In what ways does the Spirit's coming represent a filling? In what ways does the Spirit's coming represent a coming upon? In what ways does the Spirit's coming represent a baptism? The Apostles and other followers of Jesus could easily have gotten disillusioned and gone back to their original duties and this time it would have been to "emptiness", because Jesus had called them from there to follow Him, as He was going from place to place. So before they returned to their tasks , be it housewives, fishermen, craftsmen, preachers and teachers of the Word, etc, Jesus had more for them. Together they could face rejection and persecution easier and become stronger before they would be dispersed, as they later were. But first they had to WAIT together, in one place and receive the promise, the COMFORTER, the ONE Who would remind them, bring to remembrance, whatever they needed at a given time. The One Who would strengthen them, make them bold and enable them to stand in whatever circumstance they found themselves in. To be filled gives the picture that there previously was a space, and it is now filled. Take the group that had been walking with Jesus and been around Him, they were now at a place where that part of their lives was empty. It needed to be filled, not with disillusionment or disappointment or uncertainty, . . . but with POWER and with certainty that they could continue in the WAY Jesus had directed them. To come upon them gives a picture of something that is not distant. It is right there upon them. Not far away, but right there. The certainty that they are not alone, the Spirit is with them at all time. He is taking the guiding role, the decision making role, etc. The baptism was similar to a ritual cleansing, the tatters or remembrance of the old, symbolically cleansed or washed off and rising refreshed and new. The baptism in the Spirit was like putting off the old ideas and being refreshed and clothed with new.

Q4. (1 Chronicles 22-29) Why do you think David prepares for the temple, even after the Lord refuses to let him build it? How did David cooperate with the Holy Spirit in designing the temple and its worship? How did David's example in giving motivate others to give? God saw the desire of David's heart and He allowed David to do the preparation. It was not a project that David undertook at whim, but it was something that David cooperated with the Holy Spirit in constructing. David was a singer loooooong before he was a king. He never stopped singing praises to God, lifting His Name high. The temple would not only be for the sacrificing but also worship in song. David composed many of the songs to be used in worship in the temple. The Levites who had their work cut out for them in the Wilderness wonderings, would now be used as singers, 'musicians', in the Temple and fulfill other work designed for them once the Temple was built. There were the priests, the singers, porters, guards, treasurers, officers etc. David organized as the Holy Spirit led how it was all to function. The Temple would be seen and henceforth it would be known and seen that Yahweh was the God that Israel served. Here the people would gather together as a Nation to worship Him Who had brought them out of slavery and given them the land. David played a leading role in giving handsomely towards the building project. In this was he set an example which others then followed, they too then gave willingly.

Q3. (2 Samuel 24:14-25) Why does David choose the punishment of a plague on the people rather than his other choices? David insists on paying Araunah for the threshing floor and the sacrifices. What principle drives this decision? How should this principle guide our own giving to God? "'14 Let us fall into the hands of the LORD, for His mercy is great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men.' "I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." (24:24a) Our own giving should also mean something and not cost us nothing. It is not really from us otherwise.

Q2. (2 Samuel 23:1-7) How does David describe himself in verse 1? In what sense was David a prophet? What is the main message of verses 3-7? How can this psalm guide government officials and elected leaders in our day? He describes himself as the son of Jesse, exalted by God Most High and anointed by the God of Jacob. He does not forget that even in his exalted station in life, he is "Israel's singer of songs". An oracle is used if and when it is a divine utterance. So David would utter prophecies he heard from God . David praises God for having chosen him as king and has graciously chosen to make a Covenant with him, that ultimately will mean that the Messiah, the Son of David will rule forever. Reign righteously. Fear God. Thorns, which cannot be touched with the bare hands, meaning a government that cannot be approached, that shows no mercy. It ought not to be like that.

Q1. (2 Samuel 22 = Psalm 18) What do you find the most inspiring in the language of this psalm? What encourages you the most? Write down all the various titles and metaphors used of God in this psalm. The language is very picturesque. Vivid scenes are portrayed. The imagery is amazing. It is encouraging to see that someone with such a wonderful gift uses it to praise our God, and we get to share in it all. Those of us without that talent can join in with the imagery he has portrayed and visualize our God also and just see Him in this positively powerful way. We get to experience God differently. my rock my fortress my deliverer my place of refuge my Saviour my shield my horn of salvation (my protection) my stronghold my refuge the hearer of my voice the hearer of my cries the one Who acts on my behalf, He speedily comes to my aid He takes hold of me He rescues me from many waters in fact He draws me out of the waters my support He rewards me He repays me He is loyal He is blameless He is pure He is shrewd with those who are crooked my lamp He is perfect my shield He keeps me blameless He gives me strength to be able to do impossible feats (v 34 - 46) the Rock of my Salvation worthy of praise the horn is the force used to push, scatter and destroy enemies and save from harm

Q4. (2 Samuel 16-20) What does this passage teach us about David's character and faith? What does it reveal about Joab's character? What kind of faith do you see in Joab? What does this passage teach us about the importance of friends? Is Joab really David's friend? David seems to truly love his son in spite of Absalom's murderous tendency, rebellion and traitorous character. He seems to believe that he will come right , and will eventually prove faithful and stand with him and not work against him. I can only think that that is why David hopes to spare his life. Alternately it is real blindness. and he is putting the rest of his family's lives at risk. We see so often that David is forgiving and trusting people who really have not proved to be good to him or faithful to him: Saul David was faithful and true to him through the good and the bad times. He did not kill him, even though he could have on more than one occasion Abner who had seen to it that Ishbosheth was made king and then when things turned out differently than he anticipated, went over to David's side . He certainly portrayed a strange sense of loyalty Amnon the son who had raped Tamar. David seems to be angry about that but takes it no further. Absalom plotted the murder of Amnon. Lied to David. Plotted and led a rebellion. Usurped David's position as king. Yet still David did not want him eradicated. Shimei cursed David. He went as far as throwing stones at David and his followers as they passed by. David did not even stop him doing it. Upon his return as king , yet again, David forgave him and let him be. Amasa the one who had led Absalom's troupes. David even makes him chief of his commanders. Joab proves to think further than his nose. (level-headed )He has taken things into his own hands at times and has dealt differently than David had commanded. He certainly did not trust Abner and had no qualms of avenging his brother's death, by killing him. Now many years later he does the same with Amasa. He does not trust him and kills him. It just so happened that David had appointed both Abner and Amasa in the position that Joab had served him in, so faithfully in all his campaigns. When pursuing Absalom and hearing of his plight, he thinks nothing of going against David's commands and killing him. He knew that Absalom was bad news and would just be a danger to David again and again. They would not be safe while he was alive. I personally think Joab has proved to be extremely loyal to David as his king and in trying to keep David's name clean. He could have exposed David's sin long before Nathan was called to do so. In a way he would have saved him the torment of knowing that he had been partial to plotting the death of a loyal soldier , Uriah. We do not really get told much about the nitty-gritty of Joab as a man and about his thinking and workings etc for us to really know him, in the same way as we learn about David. I just do feel he was very loyal to David and tried to keep the kingdom safe. He was quick in his actions. It took Amasa much longer to gather troops together than it would have taken Joab. He did seem to be much 'harder' than David was and certainly not one that easily trusted a previous foe. One can see that he had faith in his own assumptions and acted on them, some times against the kings orders. Not only did he support David in war, but he also supported David when he longed for his exiled son to come home. Joab was the one that organized his return and reunion. I do feel that David did have a friend in Joab, albeit a 'hard' friend. We learn in this passage that friends are very essential in life. Without those loyal friends it would have been very hard for David and his followers to have fled to safety from Absalom's mad campaign. They provided shelter, nourishment and also support. The 'spy' system would never have worked without loyal friends.

Q3. (2 Samuel 18:1-19:8) Why does David command mercy for Absalom in the battle? Why does Joab kill him against David's orders? How does David's loud mourning threaten his kingdom? What does this say about his followers' loyalty? What does it say about David's faith? About his weaknesses? David still hoped that Absalom would change for the better. Absalom was after all was said and done, still his son. I believe that any battle is hard for the toughest of soldiers. It cannot be easy to take the life of someone else. Say what you like. That is a horrible decision to take. David commanded mercy for Absalom because he still loved him, against all odds. Joab, I personally believe, was loyal to David, and did what he did, to the best interest of the kingdom as well as for David and his family. Absalom was not to be trusted and was lethal to be left alive. No one was really safe with him around. He could turn on anyone. I personally believe he kind of lost his sanity, judging by his deeds. David's loud mourning, even though it was a natural way of mourning for his son, was a threat to his kingdom because it could wrongly be interpreted that David would have rejoiced in seeing his loyal subjects dead rather than having his enemy (unfortunately in this instance, his son) overcome. This was not really the case, it was just reality that he did have a father's heart and genuinely mourned his son's death and also that it had gotten as far as the revolt and usurping the throne etc. I do believe they understood. Many of them too were fathers. I am sure many also had rebellious offspring and knew a father's torn loyalty. Deep in his heart I am sure that David knew that this battle would end in Absalom's death. Just as the time when the Philistines went into battle with Saul, when David was going to fight for the Philistines, he was turned away, so that he did not need to anymore, so also this time, he was again requested not to go into battle. Not that they did not trust him, but they knew that he was a sure target. He knew the battle needed to take place, for, the nations sake. It was not an easy decision to take. By faith he knew that God was in control and so he let his forces go. That was the king part of David. His plea not to harm Absalom, that was the father part of David.

Q2. (2 Samuel 16:5-14) Why doesn't David silence Shimei son of Gera from cursing him? Is this a political decision or a spiritual decision? What does it tell us about David's faith? David has enough on his plate at the present moment. He seems in general not one given to heated quick anger as we saw with his action with Abigail's late husband, which he fortunately did not carry out. We have actually seen him to be cool and level headed most times, not making rash decisions which he would later regret. His actions with Bathsheba and Uriah really seemed to be totally out of character. It just shows how much we have to be on our guard. WATCH AND PRAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! David, at the present time, realizes that much of what is going on, has to do with the fact that he had shown disrespect to his Lord, Whom he loved and wanted to serve with all his heart. He trusted Him. So when any cursed him or turned against him, (as did Shimei) he did not take it personally but as God using those persons to strip him of whatever was to be stripped so that he could again be a vessel in God's hand. So, yes, I do feel that it is a spiritual decision. He bowed under what God had told Nathan, that there would be strife forthcoming. (my wording). David's faith had not waned. If anything it proved to be stronger than ever. David entrusted his life into God's Hand. He knew where he was safe. God had promised that He would not leave him but be WITH him and David believed this. That was the most important. If that meant not coming back to the beloved city, so be it. Most important was that God was with him.

Q1. (2 Samuel 15:14-30) Why does David flee Jerusalem rather than stay and fight? What are David's emotions during this retreat? Why doesn't he take the ark with him into exile? Does this exhibit faith, fatalism, or submission? What does this tell us about his faith? David didn't have time to make preparations to hold Jerusalem. There were no extra food supplies, which would have been necessary for a siege. David's professional mercenary troops -- Kerethites, Pelethites, and Gittites -- were with him in Jerusalem, but their numbers were very small compared to the national militia Absalom had access to, tens of thousands of Israelites from all over the kingdom. Not only were the food and man-power a problem, but also, Absalom's forces entered the city from the south about the time the last of David's supporters were leaving to the east. There was no time to waste. David knew the value of a strategic retreat. If he would have stayed to fight there would have been much blood shed. He was trying to avoid this at all cost. He basically had no choice. David is extremely hurt by his son's actions. If it was someone else it would be different, but the son whom he had received back home after he had plotted the murder of his first-born. It seemed extra wrong somehow. But David also accepts it as his punishment, so he is submissive to Yahweh. In this whole incident of the move one sees that David remains humble, repentant and submissive. His thinking involves the people that are fleeing with him, whose safety is uppermost in his mind. BUT he also thinks of his people on the other side who are blinded. He does not wish a civil-war. All this being the fruit of his sin. He had been forgiven, but the consequences were now in full bloom. David knows that the Lord is with him, whether or not he has the ark of the covenant in his procession. It belongs, he believes, in the capital city. Yahweh is Israel's God. The ark is not David's personal shrine to take with him wherever he goes. Through his tears and his mourning and his repentance, this is the faith-filled, obedient David we see. His faith is strong. He is thinking ahead in spite of the circumstances. He is fulfilling the leadership role, as the David of long ago when he needed to take care of his troops and followers when they were fleeing from Saul. He does trust that the Lord will do what is just and he submits to that.

Q4. (2 Samuel 13-15:13) It's difficult to find positive spiritual lessons in these sad and grim chapters. What negative spiritual lessons do you find? I am afraid but I fail to see that in the bit of information that we have of David's life and times, how everyone comes to the conclusion that David was not a good disciplinarian. I am not saying it wasn't the case. Personally I feel that much of the pain and agony experienced in the downfall of his family is directly due to his sin with Bathsheba and then continuing further and having the loyal Uriah killed. The sin of Amnon was a conspiracy that was thought out by Amnon and his cousin and friend Jonadab. Once he committed the rape, he felt sickened by what he had done and instead of repenting from his sin , he worsened it by throwing Tamar out or chasing her away. This sin was similar to David's in that he took a woman , who was actually not his to take. This sin caused bitterness among brothers and heart sore for a sister who was now tainted. The bitterness and anger smoldered in Absalom and caused him to plot the murder of Amnon. David tried to cover up his own sin by having Uriah killed in military action. Amnon was invited to a feast and then murdered. Not a hero's death. Absalom , fled. He stayed away from his father. While he was away, he very likely learnt more evil than good from that side of his family. Possibly that was the instigation of the revolt against his father, David. Eventually he was brought back but banished from David's presence. Hard front for a father to keep up, especially since we read that David loved his son. Absalom then throws a temper tantrum to try and right things, by setting Joab's field alight. Damaging others livelihood. Things really are going from bad to worse. As if that was not bad enough: Now Absalom tries to win the favour of the people that David had served and protected faithfully in his reign as king over all Israel. Again we see that, with lies, he eventually seals the deal and even asks David's blessing to go to Hebron with some people who are none the wiser, of his conspiracy. Here he then proclaims himself as king. So what we learn is that a ripple affect was caused by David's sin. By now, it no longer just affects the immediate families, but the whole nation. Sin cannot be hidden. Somehow it comes out and hatches sins worse than the first and hordes of them.