One main way our spiritual enemy attacks people is through leaders. A primary example of this attack is through what is commonly called the Absalom Spirit.
We should study King David from the Bible for many reasons. We see much of what God values in David—a man after God’s own heart. But David’s leadership successes and failures can also teach us something.
Christians get the term Absalom Spirit from the history of David. But what is the Absalom Spirit, and how can we deal with it?
Does the Bible Mention an Absalom Spirit?
The Bible does not explicitly mention the “Absalom Spirit” as a distinct entity or concept. However, behaviors associated with the Absalom spirit draw from the narrative of Absalom found in Samuel 2.
The story of Absalom teaches powerful lessons. In contemporary Christian circles, the concept of the Absalom spirit is used to discuss behaviors that resemble Absalom’s behavior. The term becomes a shorthand way of describing relentlessly pursuing ambitions, rebelling against rightful authority, and manipulative tactics.
While “Absalom spirit” may not be found in the Bible, the story of Absalom helps us understand and address the potential dangers associated with certain attitudes.
What Is the Absalom Spirit Named After?
To understand the Absalom spirit, we must delve into the biblical account of Absalom.
Absalom was a complex, intriguing figure whose life was filled with rebellion, ambition, manipulation, and a thirst for power. David’s third son, he was known for his striking looks and charm. Absalom’s rise and fall unfolds in 2 Samuel 13-19.
One key incident that defines the Absalom Spirit is Absalom’s rebellion against his father. To understand Absalom’s rebellion, however, we should look at a tragic incident involving another of David’s sons, Amnon. Amnon sexually assaults his half-sister, Tamar, one of David’s daughters (2 Samuel 13). King David puts Tamar away but doesn’t punish or correct Amnon when he learns about this abuse. Tamar was Absalom’s full sister, and in his rage, Absalom murdered Amnon.
Absalom is exiled for a while, but Joab and others conspire to return David’s son. David allows Absalom back but with certain conditions, which Absalom doesn’t abide by.
Instead, he sought to usurp his father’s authority, ultimately attempting to kill him and take the throne. His rebellion involved not only political maneuvering but also manipulating people’s hearts. Absalom stationed himself at the city gate entrance, where legal and administrative matters were addressed. He cunningly won the people’s favor by questioning David’s judges and offering an alternative narrative that catered to their grievances.
Once much of Israel became loyal to Absalom, he took Jerusalem. David and those loyal to him flee the city. In a later battle, Joab kills Absalom, and the nation reunites under David.
It should be noted that David had been warned years earlier that rebellion would happen. As 2 Samuel 11 explains, David had an affair with a woman named Bathsheba and murdered her husband, Uriah. Although David repented, the prophet Nathan prophesied consequences, including trouble in his family (2 Samuel 12:11-12). Absalom played a major role in fulfilling that prophecy. However, this doesn’t excuse Absalom’s actions.
What Are the Absalom Spirit’s Traits?
At the core of the Absalom spirit is a rebellious disposition, as seen in Absalom’s defying his father. This trait manifests as rejecting established authority and a desire to undermine or usurp leadership structures for personal gain. An intense ambition for power and recognition is the rebellion’s root. Absalom’s aspiration to ascend to the throne led him to engage in political maneuvering and manipulation to garner support and favor from the people.
Central to the Absalom spirit is the ability to manipulate others through charm. Absalom was known for his attractive appearance, especially his thick hair. When Absalom stationed himself at the city gate, he used his charm to attract people. This trait involves using persuasive tactics to sway public opinion and gain followers. The charm is further used on those close to the person and the leader being rebelled against. The Absalom Spirit exploits relationships for personal gain. Absalom’s manipulation extended to orchestrating his half-brother’s murder, showcasing a lack of moral restraint while pursuing personal goals.
The Absalom Spirit is associated with a propensity for revenge. Absalom sought revenge for the wrongs committed against his sister Tamar, leading to the murder of Amnon. This vengeful aspect of the spirit contributes to conflict and discord.
Perhaps the Absalom spirit’s most significant trait is it leads to destructive consequences. Absalom’s rebellion against King David led to conflict, division, and, ultimately, his tragic demise. This trait is a cautionary reminder of the far-reaching impact of yielding to the Absalom spirit.
Does the Bible Mention Any Named Spirits Besides the Absalom Spirit?
While the Bible doesn’t explicitly use terms like “Absalom Spirit,” it does contain various references to specific spirits or attitudes associated with certain individuals. These spirits are often characterized by their behaviors, qualities, or influence.
Another example of a named spirit is “the Jezebel Spirit.” This very popular idea of the Jezebel Spirit is derived from the biblical figure Queen Jezebel, who appears in 1 and 2 Kings. Jezebel is known for her idolatry, manipulation, and opposition to the worship of the God of Israel. The term is used in Christian circles to describe a spirit of manipulation, control, and false prophecy.
In Acts 16:16-18, there is a reference to a girl possessed by a spirit of divination. While the specific term “spirit of Python” may not be used in the text, some Christian teachings adopt the term to describe this kind of spirit: one that seeks to constrict, suffocate, or hinder spiritual growth.
The named spirits in the Bible have more to do with the feelings or actions the specific spirit attempts to engender within a person or society. In 2 Timothy 1:7, the apostle Paul speaks of the “spirit of fear.” The verse states, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” The passage addresses fear’s negative influence and emphasizes God’s Spirit’s empowering nature.
In Romans 11:8, there is a reference to a “spirit of slumber” associated with spiritual blindness. The verse states, “According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear.” This refers to prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah, where part of God’s judgment on people, even Israel, was an inability to respond or be aware of God’s word and truth, called the spirit of slumber.
In Hosea 4:12, the term “spirit of whoredom” is used to describe a spirit of unfaithfulness and idolatry among the people of Israel. The verse states, “My people inquire of a piece of wood, and their walking staff gives them oracles. For a spirit of whoredom has led them astray, and they have left their God to play the whore.” The Bible compares idolatry to prostitution many times—for example, in Revelation, Babylon is known for her idolatry and called the great prostitute.
Should Christians Worry about the Absalom Spirit?
While we may not use the term, we shouldn’t be ignorant of the Devil’s devices when we see Christian leaders succumbing to the Absalom spirit’s trait. On the one hand, we aren’t meant to give unquestioning loyalty to one Christian leader. On the other hand, we must be aware of how the enemy may use power-hungry people to usurp what God is doing.
We must also watch out for rebellion against God in our own hearts. We can be tempted to take God’s place in our lives and others’ lives This was the original sin of Lucifer and the heart of his rebellion.
To avoid these destructive traits, we must do the following:
- Guard Against Rebellion. The Absalom spirit is marked by rebellion against rightful authority, which can disrupt communities’ unity and order. We should be vigilant against any inclination toward rebellion, recognizing the importance of submitting to godly leadership and established authority structures.
- Cultivate Humility. Absalom’s ambition for power and recognition warns against unchecked personal ambition. We should cultivate humility, understanding that leadership and success in the Kingdom of God is marked by servanthood and a commitment to the well-being of others rather than personal advancement.
- Discern Manipulation. The Absalom spirit is characterized by manipulative tactics, as seen in Absalom engaging with people at the city gate. We must pray and develop discernment to identify manipulative behaviors. We may see them in interpersonal relationships or broader church dynamics. Building a community grounded in transparency and authenticity helps guard against manipulation.
- Emphasize Integrity. Absalom’s lack of integrity, seen in his willingness to exploit relationships for personal gain, underscores the importance of maintaining moral and ethical principles. We should prioritize integrity and transparency in all aspects of life, for all believers and leaders, acknowledging that trust and credibility are essential for healthy relationships within the faith community.
- Avoid Vengeful Actions. Absalom’s vengeance isn’t satisfied with his brother’s death; he transfers it to David. We should strive to overcome the temptation of revenge, recognizing that forgiveness and reconciliation are central to the Christian ethos.
- Promote Unity and Harmony. Absalom’s rebellion had many consequences, including division and conflict within David’s kingdom. We should actively work toward promoting unity and harmony, avoiding actions or attitudes that may contribute to division.
- Modeling Godly Leadership. Christian leaders, in particular, should intentionally model godly leadership that reflects Jesus’ servant-hearted leadership. By leading with humility, transparency, and a commitment to the welfare of others, leaders can counteract the potential influence of the Absalom spirit.
While we may not encounter an entity labeled the “Absalom Spirit,” the biblical narrative of Absalom serves as a timeless guide for navigating challenges within the faith community. Understanding why the traits associated with the Absalom spirit are malicious can help us move in a healthier direction. We can foster healthy relationships, promote godly leadership, and guard against behaviors that hinder church growth and unity. By embracing humility, integrity, and a commitment to the well-being of others, Christians can contribute to flourishing communities that reflect Christ’s transformative love and grace.
Peace.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/DanielVilleneuve
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