May 19: 2 Samuel 19-21

May 19, 2 Samuel 19-21

2 Samuel 19 Joab, David’s commander, was informed that David was weeping and mourning for Absalom, the son that was trying to kill David and died. What happened, the great day of victory for the Israelites had now turned into mourning - because of David’s leadership, their joy was gone. As David was weeping for his son, Joab walked into the house and laid it out plainly to David what he was doing. Joab explained that David was showing that he preferred the disloyal people over the loyal and if all of the loyal Israelites were dead and Absalom was alive, David would be happy. Joab basically told David to get his Kingly hat on and get out there and encourage the people, or they would all be leaving him. So David did. 

Meanwhile, all Israel had fled to their homes and arguments were breaking over those who followed David and those that followed Absalom. Then we learn about another ‘less than thought through’ decision that David made… He made Amasa (from Judah) now leader over the armies instead of Joab. Then we learn about a come other stories… Do you remember Shimei? He was the guy that was cursing David on the road as they were running away from Absalom, and David let him be. He came to David with a lot of his servants and kids to apologize, and that is exactly what he did. David forgave him and made an oath to him that he wouldn't kill him, now that David was king again. Then Mephibosheth comes to David and straightens out the story. David offered him half his land back, but all Mephibosheth wanted was David home. At the end of the chapter we also learn of an elderly man that was wealthy that took care of David on his journey, and David offered him a place in Jerusalem and more. The man declined, as he wanted to die with his people. But, he did tell David about Chimham, his servant, and he ended up going with David. 

To finish off this chapter, we learn that Israel and Judah are divided because of how David seemed to be favoring the Israelites… this division will only continue. 

2 Samuel 20 “Now there happened to be there a worthless man, whose name was Sheba…” What a great title to have…! Basically, Sheba was being incredibly divisive and influential, as Israelites were now drawing away from David, but Judah stayed faithful to David. Remember the 10 concubines David left home to take care of the palace that Absalom slept with in public? David never slept with them again, but provided for their other needs. They would have never been able to be with a man after that…

David, told Amasa that he wanted the men of Judah together in 3 days, and Amasa was late in gathering all the men… Sheba, the worthless man, was becoming quite a threat to David, more than Absalom was, so the soldiers were instructed to pursue him. David instructed Abishai, Joab’s brother to go after Sheba. On the scene comes Joab, who was cousins with Amasa, the new commander. Joab killed him with one strike. Then Joab and Abishai pursued Sheba together and all the soldiers that were following Amasa now followed Joab. They got the city where Sheba was and were ready to take the place down. Just then, a lady full of wisdom comes and speaks to Joab. She explained that they were not the enemy, just Sheba. So, the people cut off his head and threw it over the wall to Joab… and Joab blew the trumpet declaring it was finished. 

Joab went back to commanding all the army…

2 Samuel 21 There was a famine in the land, for 3 years straight. Then David goes and approaches the Lord on what is going on (side note - it took David 3 years to go to God? Not the best example of continually going to God for everything…) and God told him that it was because there was still blood-guilt from the house of Saul over Israel, and thus was the cause of the famine. David called for the Gibeonites and spoke with them They were not Israelites, but a remnant of the Amorites. Israel had sworn to protect them, yet Saul had wanted to kill them, in his zeal for Israel & Judah. David asked what would make good restitution for the past sins against them. What was there idea? They wanted seven sons (family members) of Saul to be hung. David agreed. Although, David spared Mephibosheth because of his promise to Jonathan. The Gibeonites hung them. One of the mothers of the killed made camp next to the hanging bodies to keep the birds off of them, until the rain came and the drought was over. 

Again, there was another war with the Philistines and David went to go fight with his people. There were fighting some excellent warriors and Abishai saved David’s life. David’s men basically made David stay home from now on because without him, Israel would be done. Then there was another war with the Philistines, some giants… It continues!

To sum it all up:

• It is hard to lead when you are plagued with guilt or regret. David revealed that battle in his own battle. 
• In my opinion and observations, David was a genuine people pleaser and insecure about his abilities. This is why he made some of the rash decisions that he made. 
• Often times God gets us through hardships and when we have settled a bit we are reminded by His Spirit about some unfinished business that needs to be taken care of. When prompted by God, obey what He is calling you to do. 
• The sword would never leave the house of David, as God said it would not… Trust God and obey Him so that you can learn from David’s mistakes.