The Rise and Fall of Absalom: Week 3 – When Kings Go Forth to Battle

Aaron Rios | Garden City Church | July 27th, 2025

2 Samuel 11:1–4 (NIV)

“In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem. One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof… He saw a woman bathing… She was Bathsheba… the wife of Uriah the Hittite. Then David sent messengers to get her… He slept with her… She conceived and sent word to David, saying, 'I am pregnant.'”

The Last Victories Before the Fall
So before I dive in, I really want to linger on one phrase: “In the spring, when kings go off to war...” (v. 1). That’s far more than a date in the text—it’s theology. It points us straight to Jesus.

This season is rooted deep in biblical symbolism. The month of Nisan (formerly called Aviv) wasn’t just spring—it was the first month, the dawn of new creation and redemption (Exodus 12:2).

That’s where everything starts: creation, Exodus, Noah’s renewal, King Saul’s fall, Abraham’s testing, and ultimately, Jesus’ crucifixion. The momentum of God’s redemptive action all moves through Nisan. When kings go to war—that’s the season God moves.
So here’s the heart of it: don’t be asleep in your season. David missed his moment to go out. Jesus—perfect King—went straight through. Victory.

Divine Momentum Before the Collapse
Before his moral failure, David had undeniable divine momentum. Everything he touched—God gave him success. These victories weren’t just military wins; they were spiritual metaphors.

• Philistines (2 Samuel 5:17–25)
  The persistent enemy rose again—and David asked God for breakthrough. He won. The Philistines represent recurring cycles of affliction only broken by bold faith.
• Moabites (2 Samuel 8:2)
  These stood for idolatry and corruption. David’s victory symbolized breaking false gods and generational perversion.
• Hadadezer of Zobah / Aramean alliances (2 Samuel 8:3–4; 10:15–19)
  Ungodly coalitions meant to overwhelm—but David shattered them. New-level breakthroughs often come with strategic attacks.
• Arameans of Damascus (2 Samuel 8:5–6)
  Distractions turned into dominion. What was meant to crush became footstool—God turned threats into testimony.
• Edomites (2 Samuel 8:13–14)
  The flesh resisted—but David dealt with carnality decisively. Victory over Edom calls us to crucify compromise and worldly allure.

When David moved in covenant fidelity and hunger, God gave victory wherever he went (2 Samuel 8:6, 14). That same promise belongs to us (2 Corinthians 2:14).

The Big Pivot – On the Rooftop
Then it happens—not in battle, but in comfort. David reclines while kings go to war. Delegation became disengagement. Familiarity bred indifference.

David who once served out of humility, now presumes on his blessings. He lost his awe. His gratitude became assumption. That rooftop—the place of peace—became the place of greatest failure.

Scripture teaches us to learn from history (Romans 15:4). What keeps us faithful? Fear of God. Awe. Remembering what He’s done.

What Could Have Saved Him?

• Engagement: David stayed home instead of stepping up. Comfort didn’t kill his enemies—it just let them creep in.
• Gratitude: When blessings become routine, worship becomes optional. Remember what the Lord has brought you through.
• Vigilance: Don’t let serenity steal your assignment. Complacency waits until you feel safe.

Takeaway: When You Rise, Stay Humble
Look to Christ: He won every battle, yet remained humble to the end (Philippians 2:5–8). The higher your calling, the lower your posture needs to be.

Your mission doesn’t make you immune—it demands humility. Humble yourself so God can lift you higher.
Personal Check

• Are your blessings still sacred?
• Are you still in awe of God?
• Are you alert, humble, grateful?

Remeber: God brought you here. Don’t lose Him in the view.

Reflection Questions:

1. What stronghold in your life has God already disrupted—and how can you celebrate that testimony today?
2. Where might you be delegating your spiritual responsibilities—but God is calling you to engage?
3. Are there comforts creeping in that might be dulling your spiritual edge?

Lean into bold faith. Stay engaged in spiritual warfare. Honor God in every season—and guard what He’s entrusted you with.