The 60’s were difficult years. The Vietnam War raged, and many were angry that we were a part of it. There were protests, and the country seemed in a state of turmoil.
Hippies are often associated with this time, but they had been around for many years before the Vietnam War. They were known for their long hair, colorful clothes, love of life and freedom. They were called flower children, free spirits, indigo children, and bohemians. They were originally a youth movement, created their own communities, listened to psychedelic music, and embraced the sexual revolution. For some, drugs were part of their everyday life.
Not every hippie was guilty of taking drugs or being rebellious, but that was considered the norm. Anyone associated with them was automatically deemed dirty and unacceptable. Their appearance made a statement, and anyone who looked like a hippie was associated with the hippies.
I have been studying about a man that could probably be called the first hippie. On the surface, he may have looked like some of the 60’s hippies. His name was Absalom, the third son of King David. You can find Absalom in Second Samuel 13 through 18.
Absalom’s story begins with an incident that involved his half-brother and his sister. Amnon desired Absalom’s sister, Tamar. She refused his advances, and he raped her. Tamar, no longer being a virgin, sought exile in Absalom’s house. King David heard what had happened, and he was angry. Sadly, he did nothing about it.
Absalom went two years, hatred growing in his heart for Amnon, and finally the opportunity presented itself for revenge. Absalom’s servants got Amnon drunk and killed him. Word quickly spread to the king, but the original report was that Absalom had killed all of David’s sons. When the sons returned to their father, Absalom fled. For three years he stayed away. King David longed to go find Absalom, but he did nothing. The murder of Amnon was treated with more serious consequences that the rape of Tamar.
Absalom finally returned to Jerusalem, but the king refused to see him. It was two years before he was allowed into the palace to see his father. Absalom sent for Joab, one of the king’s general; but Joab refused to come. Amnon wanted Joab to get an audience for him with the king. To get his attention, Absalom had Joab’s field burned. Joab went to the king on Absalom’s behalf; and when the two finally stood face-to-face, Absalom bowed before his father. King David responded by kissing his son.
One would think everything was fine, but that was not the case. Absalom put together his own army and began preparations to overtake the city of Jerusalem and his father’s kingdom. David had to leave the city and find refuge in the wilderness. He placed a spy among Absalom’s men, a priest; and through him he was able to receive information about the plans Absalom had for the take-over.
Absalom is described in Second Samuel as a beautiful man. He had long hair, and that must have been a great attraction to those who became his followers. He had no problem selling his propaganda to his army. His end came by means of that beautiful hair. He caught it in an oak tree, and he hung there unable to get himself loose. Joab came along and found him hanging helpless in the tree. He saw his opportunity and stabbed him with three darts. Joab’s armorbearers finished the job, and put him in a pit, covering him with stones. Though David had given instructions that Absalom was not to be hurt, Joab disobeyed the order.
Absalom must not have been a very good father, either. It is said that he put up a pillar in honor of himself. His said, “I have no son to keep my name in remembrance.”
Even with all that Absalom had done, David wanted him to be safe. When he received word that Absalom was dead, he grieved and wept. His words say it all, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!” (Second Samuel 18:33).
What can we learn from this story? We learn that fathers make mistakes. Children make mistakes. From kings to paupers, no one is exempt from doing the wrong thing. Time after time, David sinned against God; but he always repented. Those rebellious children of the 60’s were guilty of many things. Thankfully, many of them changed their ways and became productive human beings.
Second, looks can be deceiving. Absalom was handsome, but his heart was filled with hatred. He allowed that hatred to move him in making decisions. Not everyone that looked like a hippie participated in their lifestyle. Though Absalom was a beautiful man, he didn’t have a beautiful spirit.
Third, vengeance does not solve the problem. Though Absalom killed Amnon, it didn’t change the fact that his sister was violated. Though Joab killed Absalom, dismissing Joab could not bring back his son. God says that vengeance belongs to Him, and we need to remember that when someone mistreats us.
Fourth, ignoring your children’s mistakes can only harm them. They must be taught to face their mistakes and make right anything they can. This is true, not only for our children, but it is also true for us as children of God. We make mistakes, and we need to own those mistakes. Once we have done that, we need to ask forgiveness from God and from those we have harmed.
Absalom was nothing he appeared to be. This may be the greatest lesson of all. We really need to look like a child of God, talk like a child of God, dress like a child of God, and live every day like a child of God.
Sandra Oliver