A Neville Goddard-Inspired Reflection on Ego, Manifestation, and Inner Transformation
In Neville Goddard’s teachings, the Bible is more than just a historical or religious text; it is a guide to the mind and the process of manifestation. Through the stories of the Bible, we gain insight into the deeper workings of our consciousness, and how we can manifest the life we desire. One such story is that of Joab and Absalom, where we see a struggle between outer will (Joab) and inner wisdom (David). In this article, we’ll explore how the death of Absalom—driven by Joab’s decisive action—offers powerful lessons on manifestation and the inner battle of the mind.
Absalom: The Ego and Manifestation
Absalom, the son of King David, symbolises the ego in the manifestation process—the false sense of self that is often driven by external validation, pride, and desire for control. Absalom’s beautiful long hair and his prideful rebellion represent the attachment to the physical world and a false self-image. In Neville's terms, Absalom's behaviour is driven by the desire to control the external world, seeking to dominate and overthrow the true king—the imagination (David).
“And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule… and his head caught hold of the oak… and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth.”
— 2 Samuel 18:9
The mule that Absalom rides is symbolic of the lower state of consciousness—a force of the mind that does not rise above the material world but remains attached to superficial desires and false self-importance. When Absalom’s hair becomes caught in the oak tree, it highlights the ego’s downfall when it is attached to material desires and external appearances, rather than a deeper connection to the imagination and spiritual truth. This can be interpreted as how attachment to the outer world can prevent you from manifesting your true desires.
Joab: The Outer Will and Force in Manifestation
Joab, the military commander, represents the outer will, the part of us that seeks to act decisively, to manifest through force and action. While this is a necessary aspect of manifestation, Joab’s lack of alignment with the deeper imagination (David) shows that acting without inner vision can lead to destruction.
When Joab sees that Absalom is caught, he takes matters into his own hands—despite David’s plea for mercy—and kills him with three darts through the heart.
“Then said Joab… I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom.”
— 2 Samuel 18:14
In Neville’s philosophy, Joab’s actions represent the impulsive, forceful approach to manifestation, where the outer self, driven by fear or duty, seeks to take control of the situation without aligning with the inner guidance of the imagination (David). Joab’s approach is quick and decisive, but without the necessary spiritual alignment. He acts without trusting the creative power of the imagination, resorting to brute force instead.
The Three Darts: Symbolism of Manifestation and Completion
In Neville Goddard’s philosophy, the three darts are a powerful symbol that provides additional insight into the manifestation process. Here’s how:
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The Number Three: Completion of a Cycle
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The number three is often associated with spiritual completion and represents the completion of a process. In manifestation terms, the three darts could be seen as a final, decisive action that closes a cycle—in this case, the cycle of the ego’s control. The three darts signify the final blow to the false self, the destruction of the ego that has stood in the way of higher consciousness and true manifestation.
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The Heart: The Core of Manifestation
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The heart in Neville’s teachings represents the core of one’s identity—the imagination. When Joab strikes the heart, it can be interpreted as the destruction of the false identity that has been blocking the manifestation of true desires. Absalom’s death is symbolic of the end of an ego-driven state of consciousness, which must occur in order to make room for the manifestation of new possibilities.
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The Three of Swords: Heartbreak and Manifestation
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The three darts also resonate strongly with the Three of Swords tarot card. In tarot, the Three of Swords is often depicted as a heart pierced by three swords, symbolising heartbreak, emotional pain, and the piercing of the false self. This card represents a moment of emotional crisis or realisation that can lead to profound transformation.
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In the context of manifestation, the Three of Swords can indicate that emotional release is necessary for true manifestation to occur. Much like how Absalom’s death represents the destruction of the ego, the three darts in Joab’s hand could symbolise the painful but necessary destruction of the false self, making space for new desires to be manifested. The Three of Swords indicates that in order to manifest something new, you may need to confront and release old emotional wounds—the heartbreak and pain of the past.
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The three darts, then, cut through the heart of the ego, allowing for the spiritual rebirth that follows. Manifestation often requires a release of past attachments and beliefs, and this piercing of the heart mirrors the painful but necessary process of emotional and psychological shedding.
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David’s Grief and the True Power of Manifestation
David’s response to Absalom’s death is one of deep grief. David, the embodiment of the awakened imagination, represents the true power behind manifestation—the heart-centered wisdom that shapes the external world through inner feeling. David's grief shows that he was not moved by external circumstances but by the deeper understanding that even the ego (Absalom) has a role in the journey of transformation.
“Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants… in that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends.”
— 2 Samuel 19:6
From a manifestation perspective, this grief reflects the internal conflict that arises when we recognise the necessary death of the ego in the process of personal transformation. The ego, though it must fall, cannot simply be destroyed; it must be integrated and transcended, a process that requires deep emotional work and understanding.
In Neville’s terms, David’s grief signals the acknowledgement of the need to release the false self in order to make space for true creative power—the kind that comes from the imagination.
The Final Lesson: Aligning the Outer Will with Inner Vision
Ultimately, Joab’s actions—though effective in the short term—show us the limits of the outer will when not aligned with the inner power of the imagination. His quick, forceful actions are necessary in some cases, but when they are not guided by a higher vision, they can lead to destructive results.
Joab’s fate serves as a reminder that the outer will must yield to the inner vision in the process of manifestation. Forceful, ego-driven actions can only bring temporary results. True and lasting manifestation occurs when we align our outer actions with our inner beliefs, assumptions, and feelings—guided by the imagination (David), rather than the reactive impulses of the ego (Absalom).
Manifestation and Transformation: Moving Beyond the Ego
Joab and Absalom’s story teaches us that while action is essential in manifestation, it is the inner vision and belief that truly create change. The ego must fall, but it does so through a process of transformation, not destruction. Joab’s quick action highlights the danger of relying solely on the outer will. In contrast, David’s emotional grief reminds us that true transformation occurs when we release the ego and allow our inner imagination to guide the manifestation process.
Conclusion: The Power of the Imagination in Manifestation
The story of Joab and Absalom offers a profound lesson on manifestation: the outer will (Joab), when not aligned with the deeper wisdom of the imagination (David), can lead to destructive results. The ego (Absalom) must eventually fall, but it is through inner awareness and emotional surrender that true transformation occurs. To manifest the life you desire, you must trust your imagination and feelings, aligning them with your external actions. When the outer will and inner vision work together, you can manifest from a place of deep spiritual understanding, rather than forceful control.
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