THE SUBTLE RISE OF REBELLION
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 2 Samuel 15:1-37
Supporting Texts: Romans 16:17-18, Proverbs 6:16-19, 2 Timothy 3:13, Jude 1:16-19, Galatians 5:20
INTRODUCTION:
Rebellion rarely begins loudly; it often starts with subtle gestures, hidden conversations, and the manipulation of loyalties. In 2 Samuel 15, we see Absalom execute a carefully calculated plan to steal the hearts of the people and overthrow his father David. Though David had partially restored him, Absalom never submitted his heart, and his ambition grew in secret.
This chapter reveals how disloyalty thrives in silence, flattery, and division. Absalom presented himself as a champion of justice, but in reality, he was positioning himself for a coup. The tragedy of this rebellion lies not only in the betrayal of a son but in the spiritual blindness of a nation easily swayed by charm.
Every church, ministry, family, and nation must learn to discern the spirit of rebellion. What begins as a whisper can grow into a wave that attempts to destroy God's order. Leaders must watch for early signs, remain prayerful, and walk in discernment to overcome such threats.
1. REBELLION IS USUALLY MASKED AS SERVICE
Absalom presented himself as helpful and concerned.
a) “Absalom prepared for himself chariots and horses…” (2 Samuel 15:1)
He created an image of authority and power.
b) He stood by the gate and called those who had grievances (2 Samuel 15:2-3)
He positioned himself where people were hurting and vulnerable.
c) Rebellion often begins by undermining legitimate leadership through subtle criticism
He suggested, “There is no man deputed by the king to hear you.”
d) Those with hidden agendas often use service to attract sympathy and support
They act helpful while plotting harm.
Biblical Example: Absalom’s tactics echo Satan's deceitful strategy in the Garden (Genesis 3:1-5).
2. FLATTERY IS A TOOL OF DECEPTION IN THE HANDS OF THE DISLOYAL
Absalom used charm to steal hearts.
a) “Oh, that I were made judge… I would give justice” (2 Samuel 15:4)
He made himself appear like the solution.
b) “He kissed every man that came near to him…” (2 Samuel 15:5)
His warmth was a calculated manipulation.
c) Flattery is not love; it is often self-serving
The goal was not justice—it was power.
d) Disloyal people often draw others by playing on emotions and needs
They know how to gain trust without truth.
Biblical Example: The false teachers in Jude’s time flattered others to gain influence (Jude 1:16).
3. THE ENEMY GAINS GROUND WHEN LEADERS BECOME PASSIVE
David was unaware of Absalom’s full plans.
a) “Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel” (2 Samuel 15:6)
David did not respond to the signs early enough.
b) Leaders must remain spiritually sensitive to prevent sabotage
Being unaware is not an excuse for being unprepared.
c) Authority must be paired with discernment and spiritual alertness
David’s past hurts may have dulled his response.
d) Delay in addressing internal rebellion creates room for external damage
What is tolerated in the house will grow to threaten the throne.
Biblical Example: Joshua was deceived by the Gibeonites because he didn’t seek the Lord’s counsel (Joshua 9:14).
4. REBELLION USES RELIGIOUS COVERS TO JUSTIFY EVIL INTENTIONS
Absalom used a vow as an excuse to start his uprising.
a) “I go to Hebron to pay the vow I made to the Lord…” (2 Samuel 15:7-9)
He hid rebellion under the disguise of religion.
b) Many cloak their ambitions with spiritual language to deceive others
Rebellion wrapped in spirituality is still rebellion.
c) Just because someone uses God’s name does not mean they are on God’s side
Fruit, not words, reveals the heart.
d) Hebron, the place of David’s original anointing, became Absalom’s base of rebellion
Rebels often hijack sacred symbols for personal agendas.
Biblical Example: Korah used spiritual language to challenge Moses (Numbers 16:3).
5. TRUE LEADERS KNOW WHEN TO STEP BACK AND TRUST GOD
David responded with humility and strategic withdrawal.
a) “Arise, and let us flee…” (2 Samuel 15:14)
David refused to fight flesh with flesh.
b) He did not cling to position—he trusted God’s sovereignty
David had learned to let God fight his battles.
c) Even in crisis, David submitted to divine will
“If I find favour in the eyes of the LORD, He will bring me back…” (2 Samuel 15:25)
d) A true leader’s strength is not in control but in surrender to God
David’s confidence was not in the throne, but in the One who gave it.
Biblical Example: Jesus withdrew when the people wanted to make Him king by force (John 6:15).
CONCLUSION:
2 Samuel 15 shows that rebellion is often slow, strategic, and spiritually disguised. It thrives where leaders are passive and people are undiscerning. Absalom did not just oppose David; he sought to undermine God’s order. Every church, ministry, or household must guard against such seeds of sedition.
Let us remain watchful, prayerful, and discerning. Leadership must not only be charismatic but also courageous. Where loyalty is eroded, truth must be restored, and where manipulation grows, clarity must return. Rebellion may rise, but God always sustains His righteous remnant.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, expose every hidden agenda of rebellion and disloyalty in my life and environment.
2. Father, give me discernment to recognise flattery and deception in all forms.
3. I receive grace to respond to opposition with wisdom, humility, and trust in You.
4. Let every spirit of rebellion be uprooted from my family, ministry, and nation.
5. Lord, establish my heart in loyalty, truth, and submission to divine order.
