“The forest claimed more lives that day than the sword” (2 Samuel 18:8, NIV). That is a most remarkable statement. The author of 2 Samuel was attempting to explain what happened to the army of Absalom, the wayward son of King David. Two armies were at war, and when the action moved into a nearby forest, the writer did his best to explain what took place within those woods. He claimed the forest was responsible for taking more lives that day than the sword. The army of Absalom, in rebellion against God’s anointed leader, his father, was defeated, not so much by the sharp swords of the skillful warriors, but by the forest, itself. 

Then Absalom, who obviously had constant protection from faithful guards, somehow became separated from all of them, and got his flowing hair entangled in the branches of a low-lying oak tree. He remained caught there, all alone, long enough to be recognized by his enemies, reported to their commander, and for a group to return to deal him a fatal blow.

There are times, especially when the active intervention of the Lord is involved, when it is most difficult to present a logical explanation of events happening before our eyes. How do you explain the walls of Jericho falling at the sound of the trumpets and the shouts of the people, or the parting of the Red Sea, allowing the Children of Israel to pass through on dry ground? Explain a wooden forest being more competent than trained soldiers with swords. We could be at a loss for words and find ourselves giving credit to a forest, or to tree branches for catching the young man’s flowing hair. Or could it be those unusual incidents were the result of the hand of God at move, in the midst of the struggle – prompted by some fervent prayers of faithful people for deliverance?

The hand of God is still at work around us. Do we recognize those moves of God, or do we credit the forest with the victory? The hymn writer has given us this prayer: Open my eyes that I might see glimpses of truth Thou hast for me, Open mine eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine.

Robert W. Price, Spring City, Pa.

Extended Scripture: 2 Samuel 17–20 (NIV)