2 Samuel 17-20

The pressure mounts on David, as the consequences of his sin with Bathsheba continue. It's difficult to tell if David submits to the will of the Lord or simply avoids confrontation with his son. Perhaps we see an example of 'sparing the rod': David quickly forsakes his position of authority - the 'rod' or 'sceptre' - and thus Absalom attempts to rule over his father.