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Instructor: Radio Shepherd/Radio Reformer Broadcast Week: Week #8 Broadcast Date: February 28, 2021

Broadcast Link: Mini-Course #8: Royal Servants Of Christ Or Self-Absorbed Rebel Peacocks?2/28/21 02/28 by Daily Manna | Christianity (blogtalkradio.com)

Broadcast Topic: Mini-Course #8: Royal Servants Of Christ Or Self-Absorbed Rebel Peacocks? Scripture Texts: II Samuel 13-18; II Samuel 14:25-26 Introduction: It’s Time To Talk About One Of Many Proverbial “Elephants In The Room” Present-Day Leaders Have Chosen To Ignore.

What does “Elephant in the room” mean?

The expression "elephant in the room" or "the elephant in the living room" is a metaphorical idiom in English for an important or enormous topic, question, or controversial issue that is obvious or that everyone knows about, but no one mentions or wants to discuss because it makes at least some of them uncomfortable or is personally, socially, or politically embarrassing, controversial, inflammatory, or dangerous.

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It’s Time To Have A Candid, Frank, Forthright, Blunt, No Holds Barred Conversation About The Abusive, Enslaving “Servanthood” Models Employed By Senior Leaders (Apostles, Bishops, Senior Pastors) In Most Local Churches Today.

I. A New Unbiblical Servanthood Model: The Peacock Absalom – Usurper Model

• Mini-Course #1: The Antebellum Plantation Model

• Mini-Course #2: The Pharaonic Pyramid Model

• Mini-Course #3: The Nicolaitan – Clerisy Model

• Mini-Course #4: The Diotrephesian – Dictator Model

• Mini-Course #5: The Jezebelic – Prophetess Model

• Mini-Course #6: The Alpha Couple – Pack Model

• Mini-Course #7: The Nimrod – Babel High Church Model

• Mini-Course #8: The Peacock Absalom – Usurper Model

II. The House Of David: Six Sons Born To David In Hebron

Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but Davis waxed stronger and stronger. And the house of Saul waxed weaker and

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weaker. And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelites; and his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; and the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David’s wife. These were born to David in Hebron.

II Samuel 3:1-5 King James Version (Emphasis Added)

III. The Man Absalom: II Samuel 13-18.

A) Absalom – A Contradiction In Name: Pastors/Church Leaders Who Never Live Up To Their Ecclesiastical Names Or Titles – II Samuel 3:2-5.

Quote #1: His name was but ill-suited to his character: for he was of a rebellious turbulent spirit. Ab, the father, Shalom, of peace.1

Quote #2: Absalom, “Father of peace.”2

Quote #3: Absalom, (ab’-sal-um) = Father of peace; my father is peace.3

Quote #4: Absalom [father of peace], a happy name, but a sad misnomer for the restless and aspiring youth with whom alone it stands connected in Scripture, and who, after embroiling first a family, then a kingdom in turmoil, fell a victim to his own rashness and folly.4

Quote #5: Absalom the son of Maacah [and David] was a goodly child, and to him was given a goodly name, full of meaning and hope. The names given to Hebrew children were often expressive of their future character or career. If this was intended by the parents, it furnishes a clue of their expectation…Yet many names seem to tell us of the disappointment and the crushed hopes of parents…The best names cannot impart character, nor confer grace…But King David’s sorest disappointment was in that brilliant, and most beloved son; the real prince of blood before Solomon; the only one born of a royal mother. Hoping great things

1 Robert Hawker, The Poor Man’s Concordance And Dictionary To The Sacred Scriptures (London, UK: J. Nisbet Publisher, 1813), p. 22 – Absalom. 2 Alfred Jones, The Proper Names Of The Old Testament Scriptures Expounded And Illustrated (London, UK: Samuel Bagster And Sons, 1856), p. 9 – Absalom. 3 Dr. Judson Cornwall and Dr. Stelman Smith, The Exhaustive Dictionary Of Bible (Gainesville, FL: Bridge-Logos, 2003), p. 5 – Absalom. 4 Rev. Patrick Fairbairn ed., The Imperial Bible Dictionary, Volume I (London, UK: Blackie & Son, 1885), p. 88.

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of him, and perhaps intending to make him the heir to the throne, he named him Absalom, “the father’s peace,” or “the father of peace.” He proved anything but either, for he gave his father no peace, and in his manhood, allowed none to the nation while he lived. He was even at war with Jehovah and perished as the enemy of God.5

B) Absalom – The Handsomest Man In Israel: Pseudo Pastors/Pseudo Church Leaders Who Conquer The Masses With Their Looks, Pedigree And Pulpit Eloquence – II Samuel 14:25-26.

Quote #6: ABSALOM, son of David, by Maacah, was the handsomest man in Israel, and had the finest head of hair (II Samuel 14:25).6

Quote #7: ABSALOM. For personage he was of such incomparable shape and beauty, that he had no match in all Israel; for from the top to toe there was no blemish to be found in him.7

Quote #8: ABSALOM (II Samuel 3:3) was the son of David, by Maacah, daughter of Talmai king of Geshur. He was remarkable for his beauty and for his hair, which is said to have weighed 200 shekels when cut off every year.8

Quote #9: ABSALOM. He maintained a splendid retinue (II Samuel 15:1) and was admired for his personal beauty and the luxuriant growth of his hair, on grounds similar to those which had made Saul acceptable (I Samuel 10:23).9

Quote #10: ABSALOM. Attractive in appearance and charming in manners, Absalom was also a popular prince with the people and a favorite of his father. He was especially noted for his beautiful long hair, in which he took great pride (II Samuel 14:25-26).10

Quote #11: ABSALOM. He was deemed the handsomest man in the kingdom; and was particularly noted for the profusion of his beautiful hair, which appears to

5 William M. Blackburn, The Rebel Prince: Lessons From The Tragic Life And Death Of Absalom (Philadelphia, PA: Presbyterian Board Of Publications, 1864), pp. 13, 14, 15. 6 Edward Robinson, The Comprehensive Critical And Explanatory Bible Encyclopedia (Toledo, OH: O. A. Browning & Company, 1881), p. 12. 7 Thomas Ellwood, Sacred History Or The Historical Part Of The Holy Scriptures Of The Old And New Testaments, Volume II (Burlington, VT: David Allison Publisher, 1804), p. 3. 8 The Union Bible Dictionary (Philadelphia, PA: American Sunday School Union, 1837), p. 20. 9 William Smith, William Smith’s Dictionary Of The Bible, Volume I (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1981), p. 17. 10 Ronald F. Youngblood, Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995), p. 11.

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have been regarded with great admiration; but of which we can know nothing with certainty, except that it was very fine and very ample.11

Quote #12: ABSALOM. He was possessed of singular grace and beauty, so that he was esteemed when grown to manhood the handsomest man of his time. From the manner in which he is reported to have cultivated his hair, allowing it to grow till it is even said to have weighed 200 shekels, (II Samuel 14:26), it is evident that he was extremely vain of his personal appearance, and bestowed the greatest attention on his exterior.12

Quote #13: Absalom. The person of Absalom is described in II Samuel 14:25-27 in great detail. All Israel praised his beauty, for there was not a blemish in him from “the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.” So heavy was his hair that the weight of that gathered from occasional cutting would run at four and a half pounds (LXX – two and a quarter pounds).13

Quote #14: II Samuel 13 – The most nobly born of David’s wives was Maacah. She was the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur, whose territory bordered on that of eastern Manasseh. David had sought the hand of the princess soon after his ascension to the throne of Judah in Hebron, when, probably, the connection was, on public grounds, of much importance to him. By this lady he had two children, a son named Absalom, and a daughter called Tamar, both of the remarkable for their beauty.14

C) Absalom – A Law Disregarding Revenger: Pseudo Pastors/ Pseudo Church Leaders Who Blatantly Disregard The Laws Of God, His Singular Role As Avenger And Go About Dishing-Out Their Self-Serving, Heavy-Handed Version Of Justice – II Samuel 13:1-39.

Quote #15: “Recompense to no man evil for evil,” (Romans 12:17); “Vengeance belongeth to Me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, the Lord shall judge His people,” (Hebrews 10:30). To requite or repay – to make a return or requital for something done or received.15

11 John Kitto, The Cyclopedia Of Biblical Literature, Volume I (New York, NY: Ivison & Phinney Publishers, 1857), p. 26. 12 Rev. Patrick Fairbairn ed., The Imperial Bible Dictionary, Volume I (London, UK: Blackie & Son, 1885), p. 88. 13 Merrill C. Tenney gen. ed., The Zondervan Pictorial Bible Encyclopedia, Volume I (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing Company, 1982), p. 28. 14 John Kitto, Kitto’s Daily Bible Illustrations, Volume I (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1981), p. 769. 15 Eric Partridge, A New Testament Word Book: A Glossary (London, UK: George Routledge & Sons Ltd., 1940), pp. 147-148 – Recompense, Vengeance.

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Quote #16: In Romans 12:19 and in Deuteronomy 32:35 it states that vengeance is the exclusive right of God to punish wrongdoers and to vindicate the injured. Hence every act of revenge is an interference with the Divine prerogative.16

Quote #17: When revenge or vengeance is attributed to God, it includes no passion, but merely a righteous disposition to punish evildoers (Acts 28:4); and the just punishment inflicted on them (Psalms 58:10); or His chastisement upon His people (Psalm 99:8). Vengeance belongeth only to God: He alone can fully resent injuries: He alone has the right to resent injuries done to Himself, as the God and Supreme Governor of the world; and He prohibited to private persons all revenge of injuries done them (Leviticus 19:17-18; Romans 12:17, 19); and by the law of requital, He did not allow, but set boundaries to private revenge (Exodus 21:4).17

Quote #18: Absalom revenged the dishonor done to Tamar, his sister, by Amnon, his half-brother, by killing him at a feast , and then fled to his grandfather, Talmai (II Samuel 13:1-39).18

Quote #19: When Tamar his sister was ravished [raped] by Amnon [her half-brother], she complained to Absalom of the injury done her. Absalom resolved on a thorough revenge. Bent to execute it, he entirely concealed his resentment. After two years he invited his brethren to his shearing-feast at Baal Hazor. When Amnon had drunk hard, Absalom ordered his servants to kill him; and then fled to his grandfather’s at Geshur in Syria.19

Quote #20: He [Absalom] intended to make his revenge effectual, and to use it for clearing his way to the throne. We cannot but think that he had already taken up the design upon the kingdom which he eventually carried out, and that, as Amnon was his elder brother and the heir-apparent, he meant to use his private wrong as an excuse for removing so serious an obstacle from his path.20

Quote #21: In this incident one sees the character of Absalom: tender, jealous, and fierce in his love for his sister Tamar; crafty, false, and sinister in his success in inducing David to allow Amnon to join the feast; daring, reckless, and foolhardy

16 The Union Bible Dictionary (Philadelphia, PA: American Sunday School Union, 1837), p. 625. 17 John Brown, A Dictionary Of The Bible, Volume II (Pittsburg, PA: Cramer, Spear and Eichbaum, 1811), p. 395. 18 Edwin W. Rice, People’s Dictionary Of The Bible (Philadelphia, PA: The American Sunday School Union, 1893), p. 14. 19 John Brown, A Dictionary Of The Bible, Volume I (Pittsburg, PA: Cramer, Spear and Eichbaum, 1811), p. 25. 20 John Kitto, Kitto’s Daily Bible Illustrations, Volume I (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1981), p. 771.

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in his murder of Amnon; and ambitious, covetous, and heady in his designs on the throne of David now that his elder brother was rightfully put to death.21

Quote #22: Those around Absalom recognized God, and had a religious faith giving some restraint and principle of their conduct. But the handsome, selfish, scheming Absalom had none of this feeling. He was his own master. His own will was his only law. He was destitute of principle and destitute of faith. Love, tenderness, pity, were not his traits because he had no reverence for God.22

Quote #23: Thus, the lawless criminal [Amnon the rapist] fell by [Absalom the murderer] lawless revenge.23

D) Absalom – A Cold Blooded Murderer On The Run: Pseudo Pastors/ Pseudo Church Leaders Who Figuratively Get Away With Bloody Murder – II Samuel 14:25-26.

Quote #24: During the height of Israel’s prosperity under David’s rule, another of David’s sons, Amnon, raped his half-sister Tamar – Absalom’s sister (II Samuel 13:1-22). Absalom took it upon himself to avenge this dishonor, eventually succeeding after two years in having Amnon murdered by his servants (II Samuel 13:23-29). Fearing his father’s wrath, Absalom fled into exile. He stayed with his grandfather Talmai in Geshur for three years (II Samuel 13:37-38).24

Quote #25: Absalom’s atrocious crime was greatly aggravated, by being a breach of hospitality and committed under the mask of affection, in the presence of his brethren; and by his father being drawn in unintentionally to be accessary to it. He involved his servants also in the guilt of murder, as if his command could warrant their transgression of God’s law! He took the opportunity of killing Amnon, when he was drunk, or nearly so, as if he had meant to murder body and soul at once: and his servants, without hesitation, punctually executed his most iniquitous command…Absalom fled for refuge to the court of his mother’s father.25

21 Merrill C. Tenney gen. ed., The Zondervan Pictorial Bible Encyclopedia, Volume I (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing Company, 1982), p. 29. 22 Herbert Lockyer, All The Men Of The Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing Company, 1980), p. 30. 23 William M. Blackburn, The Rebel Prince: Lessons From The Tragic Life And Death Of Absalom (Philadelphia, PA: Presbyterian Board Of Publications, 1864), p. 64. 24 Ronald F. Youngblood, Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995), p. 11. 25 Thomas Scott, A Commentary On The Whole Bible, Volume II (Boston, MA: Crocker and Brewster, 1858), p. 148.

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Quote #26: The law as to premeditated murder (Numbers 35:21) gave him no hope of remaining with impunity in his own country; the cities of refuge could afford him no sanctuary: and he was compelled to leave the kingdom.26

Quote #27: To avoid punishment Absalom fled to the court of his maternal grandfather in Geshur, where he remained until David had relented and condoned the murderous act of his impetuous, plotting son.27

Quote #28: Whereas the king’s sons had “fled” to avoid Amnon fate (I Samuel 13:29), Absalom has meanwhile also “fled,” in this case to escape royal retribution (I Samuel 13:34). Although the other princes escape to the refuge of Jerusalem, Absalom flees across the Jordan, far from Jerusalem – a flight of such import that it is mentioned three times in the space of five verses (vv. 34, 37-38).28

Quote #29: Absalom was now as much afraid of the king’s sons as they were of him; they fled his malice, he from their justice. No part of the land of Israel could shelter him; the cities of refuge afforded no protection to a willful murderer. Though David had let Amnon’s incest go unpunished, Absalom could not promise himself his pardon for this murder. He therefore made the best of his way to his mother’s relations and was entertained and protected by his grandfather Talmai three years.29

Quote #30: In the murder of Amnon, Absalom had satisfied his revenge; but he had, at the same time, sealed his exclusion from the presence and court of his father. After such an atrocious procedure, he durst not appear there; and accordingly, he fled to Geshur, and put himself under the protection of his maternal grandfather. He abode there three years.30

E) Absalom – A Coddled, Indulged, Favorite Son: Pseudo Pastors/ Pseudo Church Leaders Who Are Never Held Accountable For Their Grievous Sins – II Samuel 13:39; 14:1-33.

• Spare Not The Rod – Proverbs 13:24; 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15, 17.

26 Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and David Brown, A Commentary On The Whole Bible, Volume I, Part II (William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1979), p. 248. 27 Geoffrey W. Bromiley gen. ed., The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Volume I (William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1979), p. 18. 28 Ronald F. Youngblood, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: 1 & 2 Samuel, Volume III (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing Company, 1992), p. 970. 29 Rev. Joseph Benson, A Commentary On The Holy Bible, Volume I (New York, NY: T. Mason & G. Lane, 1839), p. 905. 30 Rev. Patrick Fairbairn ed., The Imperial Bible Dictionary, Volume I (London, UK: Blackie & Son, 1885), p. 89.

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• Sinning Ministers Are To Be Rebuke Before All – I Timothy 5:19-21.

Quote #31: The king, when he heard of this thing [Tamar’s raped at the hand of her half-brother Amnon], was “very wroth”; and yet he did nothing…Being also passionately fond of his children, to a degree of infatuation which rendered him unable to punish their offences, or even to find fault with them, he was content to let the matter pass.31

Quote #32: Absalom fled for refuge to the court of his mother’s father; and there continued for three years: and David so far from requiring him to be delivered up, that he might be punished according to the law of God; after a time impatiently desired to recall him, and to be reconciled to him. In this David too closely copied Eli’s example, and honored his sons more than God (I Samuel 2:29); who therefore made them his scourges, and then punished himself . David’s sons were not priests, and so did not disgrace the sanctuary: he could not have proceeded against Absalom, without condemning him to die; as Eli might have done against his sons.32

Quote #33: Amnon was deceitful, and still he dwelt in the royal house. Absalom told lies, and still he tarried in David’s sight…We have evidence of David’s overindulgence towards his children, and here the best of men are most liable to fail…Eli, and Samuel, and David, seem to have erred upon this point. They were indulgent.33

F) Absalom – A Proud, Bewitching Peacock: Pseudo Pastors/ Pseudo Church Leaders Who Razzle-Dazzle Church Members With Their Oratory Skills And Physical Good Looks – II Samuel 14:25-26

Quote #34: Absalom was not praised for his wisdom, justice, or piety; but merely for his beauty and effeminacy; for such doubtless was his attention to his hair: and yet he was the admiration and favorite of Israel!34

Quote #35: There was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty – Which proved one occasion of his ruin; for he became proud because he was so

31 John Kitto, Kitto’s Daily Bible Illustrations, Volume I (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1981), p. 770. 32 Thomas Scott, A Commentary On The Whole Bible, Volume II (Boston, MA: Crocker and Brewster, 1858), p. 149. 33 William M. Blackburn, The Rebel Prince: Lessons From The Tragic Life And Death Of Absalom (Philadelphia, PA: Presbyterian Board Of Publications, 1864), pp. 30-31. 34 Thomas Scott, A Commentary On The Whole Bible, Volume II (Boston, MA: Crocker and Brewster, 1858), p. 153.

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much admired…In those days hair was accounted a great ornament, and the longer it was, the more it was esteemed. And therefore it is no wonder that Absalom, who was proud and courted popularity, should let his grow to great length, as this was rendered him more beautiful in the people’s eyes.35

Quote #36: A child of the court, Absalom has learned to cultivate “a certain narcissism centered in the hair.” Refraining to cut one’s hair was an emblem of Naziriteship (cf. Numbers 6:5), and in the case of Samson, a badge of strength (cf. Judges 16:17). For Absalom, however, it is a sign of vanity, and therefore cuts it only when it becomes too heavy for him, probably once a year…What Absalom proudly considers his finest attribute will prove to be the vehicle of his ultimate downfall.36

Quote #37: The beauty of Absalom became a curse to him because he perverted it. Men are often brought to ruin by the gift or talent in which they take a proud delight.37

Quote #38: PEACOCK – A bird distinguished by the length of its tail, and the brilliant spots with which it is adorned, which displays all that dazzles in the sparkling luster of gems, and all that astonishes in the rainbow.38

Quote #39: The peacock, the male peafowl, with it’s gleaming colored breast and outspread tail of dazzling colors, has been called the most beautiful bird in the world.39 Quote #40: What gives the [male] peacock his stately, luxurious appearance is his magnificent feathers, especially the metallic, gleaming, resplendently colored breast and tail feathers. Situated above the regular tail feathers is a covert of feathers that are unusually elongated and trail along behind the peacock on the ground, giving him an overall length of six feet. The feathers of the covert can be raised to form a huge fan, revealing that the tip of each is adorned with a multicolored “eye.” The feathers are raised during courtship, when the peacock makes them vibrate and give off a distinct rustling noise. The peahen [the female], however, is rather drab and lacks the long covert.40

35 Rev. Joseph Benson, A Commentary On The Holy Bible, Volume I (New York, NY: T. Mason & G. Lane, 1839), p. 910. 36 Ronald F. Youngblood, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: 1 & 2 Samuel, Volume III (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing Company, 1992), p. 985. 37 William M. Blackburn, The Rebel Prince: Lessons From The Tragic Life And Death Of Absalom (Philadelphia, PA: Presbyterian Board Of Publications, 1864), p. 217. 38 Thaddeus Mason Harris, The Natural History Of The Bible (Boston, MA: Wells and Lily, 1820), p 340. 39 Willard S. Smith, Animals, Birds And Plants Of The Bible (London, UK: Hodder & Stoughton Ltd., 1971), p. 37. 40 V. Moller and K. E. Jordt Jorgensen, Encyclopedia Of Bible Creatures (Philadelphia, PA: Fortress Press, 1965), pp. 166-167.

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Quote #41: In external appearance, the peacock is doubtless the most majestically beautiful bird among the whole feathered race. Its head is crowned with a crest of singular form, and delicate texture; its neck and breast are of a dark green, changeable to gold color; its back is green, glossed with copper color. His tail is composed of a very long train of feathers, the vanes of which on the sides of the stem resemble in shape those of an ostrich feather, being a sort of downy threads, but towards the extremity of each feather is a space of two to three inches diameter, in which the vanes are woven together, as in other fowls, forming a smooth apartment, in the center of which is a heart-shaped spot of dark purple, changeable, which is surrounded with the colors pf the rainbow, in most beautiful arrangement, and very brilliant. Above the longer feathers are such as are smaller and shorter, lying over them as shingles on a roof, and several other courses still shortening. When the bird wishes to display himself, he erects these feathers, spreads them fan-like, almost to a circle, opens his wings a little way, and droops them, till their tips come near the ground, and struts about, exhibiting the appearance of majesty united with inimitable beauty. When he turns his broad fan to the sun, nothing in visible creation surpasses the brilliancy and richness of the exhibition. Meantime there is something to balance all this beauty; the bird is very destructive to the fields and gardens of the husbandman; he feeds upon various insects and tender plants, but seeds and grains are his most natural food, and he is especially fond of barley, and to supply himself he does much mischief; his voice is a hoarse, unpleasant and very loud kind of screaming; so that those

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who are unacquainted with it, are ready to think it the noise of some fearful wild beast. The female is far less beautiful than the male, and indeed exhibits but a moderate share of external charms. She lays for a sitting six to eight eggs, of a grayish white color, and hides them from the male, lest he should destroy them.41

Quote #42: At the conference's closing Communion service, the regally dressed bishops joined in prayers as a worshiper raised her hands and others intoned hallelujahs. During the service, Ellis and bishops of the other so-called "reformations" were decked out in religious garb reminiscent of Roman Catholic bishops - including fuchsia zucchettos (skullcaps) and episcopal rings. Ellis had distinctive touches in the outfit that marked him leader of his church flock. He carried a shepherd's crosier that included a small statue of a lamb in its handle and wore red shoes to match his red cassock.42

Quote #43: J. Delano Ellis II – We believe that bishops are the direct descendants of the Lord Jesus Christ, through His Apostles. Because of that contention, we hold dear and inviolate our Apostolic Succession which we claim through Augustine of Rome, who was sent by the ‘Holy See’ to England to establish the English Church. Aside from Succession through the Western Stream, this College also hold this same Succession through the Syrian Orthodox Stream.43

Quote #44: : J. Delano Ellis II – Grooming Standards are vital if we are to maintain credibility among our people and in the world community…Manicures are encouraged. And since it is with our Hands that we impart Blessings, we encourage our bishops and clergy, alike, to take special care to attend to this matter. In the case of bishops, we would remind that people venerate our Office by kissing our Episcopal Ring or our right Hand. That alone should make us very careful about our public use and care of our hands.44

Quote #45: YouTube Video – Bishop J. Delano Ellis – Navigating Transition Navigating Transitions of Ministry - YouTube

Quote #46: YouTube Video – Bishop Eric D. Garnes – Pecking Order The Pecking Order - YouTube

Clip #1: 0:00 – 0:47 Clip #2: 5:37 to 5:54

Quote #47: YouTube Video – Bishop Eric D. Garnes – The Clergy Shirt The Clergy Shirt - YouTube

41 Jonathan Fisher, Scripture Animals (Portland, OR: William Hyde Publisher, 1834), pp. 213- 214. 42 https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Pentecostals+dress+like+Catholic+bishops.-a016727148 43 Bishop J. Delano Ellis II, The Bishopric: A Handbook On Creating Episcopacy In The African American Pentecostal Church (Victoria, B.C.: Trafford Publishing, 2003), p. 22. 44 Ibid., pp. 55-56.

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Quote #48: Pride. One of the Seven Deadly Sins, symbolized in art by a woman looking into the mirror (where the Devil is reflected); a rider falling off a horse (pride comes before the fall); and a peacock (proud as a peacock).45

The Young Maiden Looking In The Mirror

Where The Devil Is Reflected

Absalom Falling Off His Mule

Quote #49: Get on a High Horse – To act in a superior or arrogant way. In ceremonial processions people of rank were often mounted on horses of unusual height to emphasize their prominence and so they could be seen better. The figurative meaning implies that the “rider” has made his own decision about his rank, that is, he is taking on airs.46

45 J. C. J. Metford, Dictionary Of Christian Lore And Legend (London, UK: Thames and Hudson, 1983), p. 204 – Pride – Bold Lettering Added. 46 James Rogers, The Dictionary Of Clichés (New York, NY: Facts On Files Publications, 1985), p. 127: Get on a High Horse.

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Quote #50: The male peacock’s beauty and bearing led to its name becoming a synonym for a vain, self-conscious person and to the expression proud as a peacock.47

G) Absalom – A Snake In The Grass: Pseudo Pastors/ Pseudo Church Leaders Who Lie In Wait, Ready To Strike With Deadly Venom At The Opportune Time – II Samuel 15:1-12.

Quote #51: A Snake, having made his hole close to the porch of a cottage, inflicted a severe bite on the Cottager's infant son, of which he died, to the great grief of his parents. The father resolved to kill the Snake, and the next day, on its coming out of its hole for food, took up his axe; but, making too much haste to hit him as he wriggled away, missed his head, and cut off only the end of his tail. After some time, the Cottager, afraid lest the Snake should bite him also, endeavored to make peace, and placed some bread and salt in his hole. The Snake said: "There can henceforth be no peace between us; for whenever I see you, I shall remember the loss of my tail, and whenever you see me you will be thinking of the death of your son."48

47 Robert Hendrickson, The Facts On File Encyclopedia Of Word And Phrase Origin (New York, NY: Checkmark Books, 2000), p. 516 – Peacock. 48 The Laborer And The Snake – http://www.gutenberg.org/files/18732/18732-h/18732-h.htm

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Quote #52: II Samuel 14:33 – Absalom Plotting Treason. Under the king’s kiss the traitor prepares to stab. As soon as Absalom is admitted to the court, he begins to act so badly that worse may seem possible. Ingratitude can do no more: treason aims at nothing less. If his rebellion surprises us, it does not surprise him. In heart and mind he is no stranger to it. Absalom’s whole life has, evidently, been an advance toward the great crime against just government, which God has clearly marked with His displeasure. 49

Quote #53: II Samuel 14:44 – When Absalom gained permission to appear at court, and consequently acquired the right to show himself in public, and mingle freely in society, he adopted a line of conduct which enables us, by the light of the subsequent events, to see that he had already formed the design of depriving his father of his crown.50

Quote #54: The Countryman And The Snake – A Countryman returning home one winter’s day found a Snake by the hedge-side, half dead with cold. Taking compassion on the creature, he laid it in his bosom and brought it home to his fireside to revive it. No sooner had the warmth restored it, than it began to attack the children of the cottage. Upon this the Countryman, whose compassion had saved its life, took up the mattock and laid the Snake dead at his feet.51

49 William M. Blackburn, The Rebel Prince: Lessons From The Tragic Life And Death Of Absalom (Philadelphia, PA: Presbyterian Board Of Publications, 1864), p. 110. 50 John Kitto, Kitto’s Daily Bible Illustrations, Volume I (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1981), p. 776. 51 Rev. Thomas James, Aesop’s Fables (Philadelphia, PA: Porter & Coates, 1848), pp. 45-46.

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H) Absalom – A Sly, Treacherous Wolf Among God’s Sheep: Pseudo Pastors/ Pseudo Church Leaders Who Infiltrate The Flock And Bide Their Time To Strike Down God’s Shepherd – II Samuel 15:1-12.

Quote #55: Absalom did not, however, plunge at once into open rebellion. He began by assuming a semi-regal magnificence, to assert his rank as heir apparent. He procured for himself a chariot and horses – then a new, and therefore striking, luxury in Israel – and appeared abroad in much state, with fifty outrunners.52

Quote #56: Being restored to the king’s favor, Absalom had now the fairer opportunities to ingratiate himself with the people and took no care to lose no occasion. For first, he put himself in an higher equipage (II Samuel 15). So that, whereas the king’s sons used to ride upon mules, as was observed before (II Samuel 13:29), he provided for himself a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him; which were of the nature of a lifeguard.53

Quote #57: Absalom did not, however, plunge at once into open rebellion. He began by assuming a semi-regal magnificence, to assert his rank as heir apparent. He procured for himself chariots and horses – then a new, and therefore striking, luxury in Israel – and appeared abroad in much state, with fifty outrunners.54

Quote #58: II Samuel 15:2-5. Absalom the politician had a predetermined policy which he ruthlessly pursued. He would rise early, a sign of keenness and diligence. Positioning himself at a strategic point close to a city gate, Absalom attracted attention by taking a close interest in strangers entering the city. The conversation sums up his customary approach, guaranteed to impress the Israelite who has come to the capital with a grievance. Here is someone ready to listen, and eager to right the country’s wrongs. In this way Absalom captures the popular vote.55

Quote #59: While disloyal Absalom was thus strengthening himself in his unnatural rebellion, some loyal subjects, having got notice of it, came and acquainted the king Davis with it. And to make king David more sensible of the greatness of the danger, he told him, “The heart (using the singular number) of the men of Israel was gone after Absalom,” as much as to say, “The men of Israel are unanimous, or of one heart, in this defection.”56

52 John Kitto, Kitto’s Daily Bible Illustrations, Volume I (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1981), p. 776. 53 Thomas Ellwood, Sacred History Or The Historical Part Of The Holy Scriptures Of The Old And New Testaments, Volume II (Burlington, VT: David Allison Publisher, 1804), p. 4. 54 John Kitto, Kitto’s Daily Bible Illustrations, Volume I (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1981), p. 777. 55 Joyce G. Baldwin, I & II Samuel (Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1988), p. 257. 56 Thomas Ellwood, Sacred History Or The Historical Part Of The Holy Scriptures Of The Old And New Testaments, Volume II (Burlington, VT: David Allison Publisher, 1804), p. 5.

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Quote #60: The She-Wolf And The Silly Farmer – A she-wolf, ready to whelp, earnestly begged a shepherd for a place where she might litter. When her request was granted, she besought permission to rear her puppies in the same spot. The shepherd again consented. But at last, the she-wolf, protected by the bodyguard of her Whelps, who had now grown up and were able to defend themselves, asserted her exclusive right to the place and would not permit the shepherd to approach.57

Quote #61: In the striking words of the sacred historian, “So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel” – stole the hearts that belonged to his father. When all appeared ripe for action, Absalom repaired to Hebron with 200 men, and after seizing that strong town – the metropolis of David’s first kingdom – he caused himself to be proclaimed king, by the sound of the trumpet, in several parts of Israel at once.58

Quote #62: Absalom possessed the charm of eloquence and persuasiveness which won him the hearts of all Israel, who felt that in him they had a God-sent champion…Having everything in his favor – a throne ready made for him, and fortune bowing at his feet to load him with favors, his life ended in tragedy. Brilliant in its beginnings, he was buried like a dog in a pit in a lonely wood, leaving a name that was execrated.59

Quote #63: The Wolf And His Shadow – A Wolf left his lair one evening in fine spirits and an excellent appetite. As he ran, the setting sun cast his shadow far out on the ground, and it looked as if the wolf were a hundred times bigger than he really was. “Why,” exclaimed the Wolf proudly, see how big I am! Fancy me running away from a puny Lion! I’ll show him who is fit to be king, he or I.” Just then, an immense shadow blotted him out entirely, and the next instant a Lion struck him down with a single blow.60

Wolf Admiring His Own Shadow

57 http://mythfolklore.net/aesopica/townsend/261.htm 58 John Kitto, Kitto’s Daily Bible Illustrations, Volume I (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1981), p. 777. 59 Herbert Lockyer, All The Men Of The Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing Company, 1980), p. 30. 60 http://www.americanliterature.com/author/aesop/short- story/the-wolf-and-his-shadow

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I) Absalom – The Vanquished Enemy Of God And His People: Pseudo Pastors/ Pseudo Church Leaders Who Meet Their Untimely Demise At The Hand Of Almighty God– II Samuel 17:24-18:33.

Quote #64: The God of armies, who at His pleasure can save with many or with few, takes part with justice, and lets Israel feel what it is to bear arms for an impious usurper. Let no man hope to prosper by rebellion; the very trees and thickets and pits and wild beasts of the woods shall conspire to the punishment of traitors.61

Quote #65: The Oak tree is a type and shadow of death (Genesis 35:8; Joshua 24:26; I Kings 13:14, 24; II Samuel 18:9; I Chronicles 10:12; Zechariah 11:2).62

Quote #66: He hung between heaven and earth, as unworthy of either, as abandoned of both: earth would not keep him, heaven would not take him, hell therefore opens her mouth to receive him.63

61 Joseph Hall, Bishop Hall’s Contemplations Of The Historical Passages Of The Old And New Testament (London, UK: T. Nelson and Sons, 1859), p. 237. 62 Walter Lewis Wilson, Wilson’s Dictionary Of Bible Types (William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988), p. 333. 63 Matthew Henry, A Whole Commentary On The Bible, Volume II (Mc Lean, VA: Mac Donald Publishing Company, 1980), p. 539.

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Quote #67: The beauty of Absalom became a curse to him because he had perverted it. Men are often brought to ruin by the gift or talent in which they take a proud delight. As if the even-handed justice of Heaven would have its perfect work, he fell a victim to his ambition by means of that very personal adornment in which his vanity had so much gloried.64

Quote #68: That self-seekers are self-losers and self-destroyers. Absalom and Judas seek themselves and hang themselves. Saul seeks himself and kills himself. Ahab seeks himself, and loses himself, his crown and kingdom. Pharaoh seeks himself and overthrows himself and his mighty army in the Red Sea. Cain sought himself, and slew two at once, his brother and his own soul. Gehazi sought change of raiment, but God changed his raiment into a leprous skin. Haman sought himself and lost himself. The princes and presidents sought themselves, in the ruin of Daniel, but ruined themselves, their wives and children. That which self-seekers think should be a staff to support them becomes by the hand of justice an iron rod to break them; that which they would have as springs to refresh them, becomes a gulf utterly to consume them. The crosses of self-seekers shall always exceed their mercies: their pain their pleasure; their torments their comforts. Every self-seeker is a self-tormentor, a self-destroyer; he carries a hell, an executioner, in his own bosom.65

Conclusion: Jesus The Head Of The Church Hates And Will Have Us Fight Every Manifested Form Of Enslaving And Abusive Church Leadership (Matthew 7:15-20). It’s Time To Applied “The Wrecking Ball” Of God’s Word To Every Evil Form Of Church Government And Leadership – 1) The Antebellum Plantation Model, 2) The Pharaonic Pyramid Model, 3) The Nicolaitan Clerisy Model, 4) The Diotrephesian Dictator Model, 5) The Jezebelic Prophetess Model, 6) The Alpha Couple Pack Model, 7) The Nimrod Babel High Church Model And 8) The Peacock Absalom Usurper Model.

64 William M. Blackburn, The Rebel Prince: Lessons From The Tragic Life And Death Of Absalom (Philadelphia, PA: Presbyterian Board Of Publications, 1864), p. 217. 65 Thomas Brooks, The Works Of Thomas Brooks Vol. I – Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices (Carlisle, PA: The Banner Of Truth Trust, 2001), p. 120.

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