2 Samuel 18:18
“Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which is in the king’s dale: for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance: and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called unto this day, Absalom’s place.”
The name “Absalom” never brings positive thoughts to one’s mind. Absalom was the son of King David. Here was a young man who had much potential, but many wrong attitudes and actions ruined that potential.
During the time when Absalom had thrust his father from the kingdom, he reared up a pillar so that all would remember him. It’s sad that he thought a pillar would cause people to remember him in a pleasant light. Most likely Absalom knew in his heart that he had done wrong, and he wanted to be sure to turn that thinking around. So, he reared up a pillar and called it “Absalom’s place.”
That pillar certainly did become a memorial for Absalom, but not in a positive manner. Dr. Eremete Pierrotti, a French scientist, architect, and engineer, as an unsaved man journeyed through Palestine with the intention of disproving the Word of God. While visiting the heap of stones over Absalom’s grave, an Arab woman came by with her little child, which she held by the hand. In passing, she threw a stone upon the heap marking the tomb of Absalom, and bade the child do the same. Dr. Pierrotti asked, “What do you do that for?” The Arab woman replied, “Because it was the grave of a wicked son who disobeyed his father.” Dr. Pierrotti asked, “And who was he?” “The son of David,” she replied. What Absalom tried to change he could not change, and that pillar which he erected still reminds people today of what he did.
Absalom’s place reminds me of many things. First, Absalom’s place reminds me of lost potential. Is there something in your life that is causing you to lose your potential? Absalom’s pride was the thing that stole his potential, and it will steal yours. You must not allow a pillar of pride in your heart steal your potential as it did Absalom’s.
Second, Absalom’s place reminds me of vanity. Absalom was known for his long flowing hair. He was the pretty boy. Yes, I’m afraid we must be careful about allowing vanity to destroy us. Don’t be so vain that you always have to have everything in place. If you are one who is always looking in a mirror, then you have allowed Absalom’s place of vanity to control your life. You are who you are, and trying to portray yourself to be something you are not is only hurting you. Be careful that you don’t allow vanity to destroy you.
Third, Absalom’s place reminds me of rebellion. This is no doubt what Absalom is remembered for the most. There was so much rebellion in his heart that he actually tried to have his own father killed so he could have the throne. Is there a part of rebellion in you? You should never pride yourself with having a little rebellion, “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft.” (1 Samuel 15:23)
Do you find Absalom’s place in your life? Friend, Absalom’s place will destroy you. Just like the Arab woman knew what Absalom was about and taught her son to throw a stone upon his grave, you also should avoid having that pillar in your life. Don’t allow the sins of pride, vanity and rebellion destroy you. If you have just a little of these things in your heart, remove them so that you will not be remembered as Absalom’s place.