- Foreword
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- The Sad Results of David’s Sin
- Rebellion Grows Underground
- David Finally Acts
- Some Are Loyal to David in the Crisis
- When All Looks Dark, David Prays
- David Knows This Trouble Is the Consequence of His Sin
- God Does Not Give Absalom Wisdom
- Hushai Suggests Alternate Plan
- The Battle that Defeated the Rebellion
- God’s Judgment on the Rebellion
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- Appendix
Why God Did Not Destroy Satan
God could only use methods that were consistent with truth and righteousness. Satan could use what God could not—flattery and deceit. So it was necessary to demonstrate before the inhabitants of heaven and all the worlds that God’s government is just, His law perfect. Satan had made it seem that he himself was seeking to promote the good of the universe. His true character must be understood by everyone. He must have time to reveal his true self by his wicked works.BOE 10.5
He declared all evil to be the result of the divine administration and it was his own purpose to improve God’s law. So God permitted him to demonstrate the nature of his claims, to show the working out of his proposed changes in the divine law. His own work must condemn him, and the whole universe must see the deceiver unmasked.BOE 11.1