Then Absalom commanded his servants, “Mark when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon,’ then kill him. Do not fear; have I not commanded you? Be courageous and be valiant.” (2 Samuel 13:28 ESV)
M-80 firecrackers were the bomb. Pun intended. The kid across the street (Michael) had purchased some illegally, and we went out to the woods to try them out.
They were loud.
But then we started to play danger games. How long did we dare hold them before release? Could we toss one in the air and hit it with a baseball bat so that it would explode WAY out there? Did we dare play hot potato with an M-80?
At that point, I stopped playing.
Michael smiled at me though, and said something to the effect of, “WHAT ARE YOU, a CHICKEN?”
I was.
He also urged me to not be afraid. He quoted statistics. He described the thrill of risk. He attempted to calm my fears.
But not everyone who says, “fear not” is trustworthy.
Like Absalom. His servants, killing David’s heir Amnon, SHOULD have been afraid.
Absalom’s advice probably seemed reasonable. Amnon had acted horribly. Absalom, as another son of King David appeared to have authority. Absalom used phrases that sounded so very Biblical.
But the servants should not have listened.
The rest of God’s Word did not condone murder. The rest of God’s Word did not condone personal vengeance. The rest of God’s Word did not condone assassination.
More strongly: God’s Word commands, “do not murder!” God’s Word claims, “Vengeance is MINE, says the Lord.” God’s Word says that God alone sets up and takes down Kings.
Not every voice that says, “Do not be afraid” is reliable. The phrase alone is meaningless.
When God says, “Fear Not!” believe Him. And believe those who pass God’s Word on to us.
But only when God says it.
Fear not, because God says it.