King David is living out some of the hardest and darkest days of his otherwise amazing life. His family has been rocked by vice and violence. Now, nearly a decade after Absalom murdered Ammon, David is about to experience the penetrating sting of betrayal from his own son. The scriptures reveal Absalom to be an attractive, impressive, gifted, and cunning man. He wanted the throne of Israel for himself because he was inwardly fouled by bitterness toward his own father, the current king. God had not given Absalom the throne of Israel. God would not ever give it to Absalom. But Absalom wanted to be the king, so Absalom knew that he had to get the position for himself. From this determination to be seen, heard, and recognized as Israel’s chief leader, Absalom had only one option: he had to gain the throne via manipulation and rebellion. This was Absalom’s way, and it would not end well for him. This is the destiny of every person in God’s Kingdom who thirsts for a place higher than the one appointed to them by God. If God has called you to be a David, He has also called you to discern the Absaloms nearby.