| The Journey of the Ark of the Covenant |
2 Samuel 1:1-2:11
I don’t want to make too much of it, but it’s interesting how frequently the Amalekites are mentioned in this eventual transition of power. David returns from the slaughter of the Amalekites (2 Samuel 1:1), something Saul refused to do (slaughter the Amalekites) – and isn’t it ironic that in the end, Saul was killed – Saul was dealt his death blow, by an Amalekite? (2 Samuel 1:13)
Some Bible teachers believe the Amalekites are symbolic of the flesh – our depraved and fallen nature. If I don’t take up my cross and deny myself, if I refuse to “die to self” and slaughter the sin within, one day it will kill me. We read in:
Romans 8:13 (NKJV) “For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”
This Amalekite not only brings the news to David, he also takes it upon himself to bring the crown to David, as well as Saul’s bracelet removing it from his arm. I’m pretty sure he thought this would guarantee some sort of favor from David – but he didn’t know David. David is not your typical man. Although Saul considered David to be an enemy, David never viewed Saul in that way. David deeply mourned the death of his king and his friend Jonathan. David dealt this Amelekite (who had the audacity to deal King Saul a death blow), his own death blow.
David writes a song in mourning and in commemoration of the fallen. David celebrated the good that Saul had accomplished for the nation, He showed grace.
There are those who see something “beyond the norm” in the relationship between David and Jonathan – notice what we read:
2 Samuel 1:26 (NKJV) “I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; you have been very pleasant to me; your love to me was wonderful, surpassing the love of women.”
But those who accuse these two of having a homosexual relationship are guilty of isogesis (inserting into the text). Nowhere does the Bible say that was their relationship was homosexual in nature. As a matter of fact, this statement indicates that their love, was deeper than any type of romantic love, it was the camaraderie of soldiers, it was the deep fellowship of friends, the bond of believing brothers, spiritual soldiers.
What to do next? David inquires of the LORD and is led to move to Judah, who crowns David king. Meanwhile, Abner, Saul’s general, crowns Saul’s son Ishbosheth as king over the rest of the nation…but God will have the final word (Psalm 75:6-7).
2 Samuel 2:12-3:39
It seems like games in the beginning, but scuffles between Israel and Judah escalate into a battle between them, led by the respective generals, Abner and Joab.
I believe it was because of the anointing on David, that Judah defeats Israel; after the battle we read in:
2 Samuel 2:30–31 (NKJV) “So Joab returned from pursuing Abner. And when he had gathered all the people together, there were missing of David’s servants nineteen men and Asahel. 31 But the servants of David had struck down, of Benjamin and Abner’s men, three hundred and sixty men who died.”
Judah won the battle, but lost a dear brother in Asahel (Joab and Abishai’s brother, sons of Zeruiah).
In Israel, General Abner who controlled the army, essentially had control of the country, and when he and King Ishbosheth had a falling out due to a concubine chaos, that was all Abner needed to tip the scale in David’s favor. Everyone knew the prophecy of David eventually being king. Abner’s defeat at the hands of Joab no doubt, played a part in his decision as well…he saw God’s anointing.
After Abner meets with David and sets everything up for the transition of power, Joab shows up, chases Abner down, and rather than facing him like a man, in a fair fight, he tricks him, and Joab calls him aside, only to kill him.
David doesn’t approve of Joab’s bloody behavior, and makes it widely known. When the nation sees it wasn’t David’s intention for Abner to be murdered. We read in:
2 Samuel 3:36–37 (NKJV) “Now all the people took note of it, and it pleased them, since whatever the king did pleased all the people. 37 For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it had not been the king’s intent to kill Abner the son of Ner.”
David is on his way, to becoming the King of all Israel. David did his part, but it’s obvious for all to see, it was only God who could put him there!
2 Samuel 4:1-6:23
Ishbosheth the son of Saul, was not called to be king. He had been appointed the position by man (Abner), but not by God. Ishbosheth, lost heart and was struck with fear when his general died, but he did nothing about it. He doesn’t seek the LORD, or rally his troops, we only find him taking a nap in the middle of the day. It’s no wonder two wicked men were able to enter his quarters, kill and decapitate him, bringing his head to David.
These men thought they’d score some big time points with David for what they’ve done, but David’s not that kind of man; he immediately has them executed for shedding innocent blood.
David was a king to the core. He wasn’t a perfect man by any means, but he had been prepared – his entire life, for this calling – it was all moving towards this moment. All the elders of Israel finally recognized what God was doing and came to Hebron to crown David king.
Our job and responsibility in life (especially in the ministry), is not to choose or appoint to positions of leadership those whom we want to be there, but those whom God wants there. God shows us in time, through prayer, circumstances lining up, and His hand upon their lives.
God begins to establish David as king and put things in place. Israel is finally able to conquer Jerusalem. Joab earns and reaffirms his position as general. They begin to build up the city and even the king of Tyre sends resources to encourage and assist David in this. We read two important passages:
2 Samuel 5:10 (NKJV) “So David went on and became great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him.”
That’s the key isn’t it? And the LORD God of hosts was with him. (Matthew 28:20; Acts 18:10; Hebrews 13:5)
2 Samuel 5:12 (NKJV) “So David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel, and that He had exalted His kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.”
God does such a good work, not for David, but for the sake of His people.
God goes on to give David victory over Israel’s archenemy, the Philistines. God will do the same for us if we inquire of Him as David did, and seek Him earnestly.
David has it in his heart to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, which is a great desire, but tragically he does it the wrong way. The Law of the LORD clearly communicated how the Ark was to be transported but David didn’t do it Scripturally and paid the price. When the oxen stumbled, Uzzah thought he was doing right by keeping the Ark from falling, but God struck him for that. He was not to touch the Ark. It was only to be carried by the priests through the designated rings with the designated poles; it was only to be handled by those whom God appointed. How critical that we be Biblical in our practices!
By God’s grace David is eventually able to bring the Ark to Jerusalem – when he does it God’s way. As he does, David dances in worship with all his might. His wife Michal saw the dance and despised her husband, most likely influenced by the enemy who hates it when we worship wholeheartedly. This bitter woman who could not see God’s hand in all that had taken place, then lost the blessing of bearing children.
2 Samuel 7:1-8:18
David had a great idea, a noble thought, to build a Temple for the glory of God. Rather than this relatively tiny Tabernacle tent, wouldn’t it be great to construct something beautiful for the LORD? David shared his idea with Nathan who immediately gives him the thumbs up. But that night the LORD spoke to Nathan and revealed that it wasn’t His will for David to build the Temple.
Our “ideas” may seem to make sense and may even come from a heart of pure motives, but it’s important to pray about everything and check-in with the LORD. Later David would reveal the reason God didn’t allow him to build the Temple:
1 Chronicles 28:3 (NKJV) “But God said to me, ‘You shall not build a house for My name, because you have been a man of war and have shed blood.’”
Because David was a man of war, God chose to have his son, Solomon build the Temple (Solomon’s name is rooted in peace). David was allowed to gather the materials, and give the vision, but it would be Solomon who would have the privilege of building the “House of the LORD.”
God didn’t allow David to build him a house, but God promised to build David a “house.” David’s descendants would sit on the throne of the kingdom and through His lineage would come one day come the Christ who would rule forever! Wow! What a promise!
I love David’s response, he never takes a sliver of the glory for all the gracious good God had granted him.
2 Samuel 7:18 (NKJV) “Then King David went in and sat before the LORD; and he said: ‘Who am I, O Lord GOD? And what is my house, that You have brought me this far?’”
Do you ever feel that way? I know I do. God has been so gracious in saving us, in blessing us, and in using our lives. Who am I? Who are we?
David goes on to share that it’s not about who we are…it’s all about who He is. Isn’t that a better “thought?”
2 Samuel 7:22 (NKJV) “Therefore You are great, O Lord GOD. For there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears.”
And it’s for that reason we read of David’s armies leading Israel to victory over all the surrounding nations in 2 Samuel 8. David was able to accumulate the treasures that would be needed to make the Temple. I’m so blessed that David took these spoils of gold and silver and dedicated them to God (2 Samuel 7:11). He didn’t hoard it or spend it on himself.
The key to his victory is stated twice:
2 Samuel 8:6b (NKJV) “…So the LORD preserved David wherever he went.”
2 Samuel 8:14 (NKJV) “…And the LORD preserved David wherever he went.”
He will do the same for us, the LORD will preserve us as we fight the LORD’s battles (1 Samuel 25:28). Not only that, David is a picture of Christ. When we placed our faith in Jesus Christ, we were drafted into Jesus’ army. Stick with Him and you’re guaranteed to get the victory – every time!
2 Samuel 9:1–11:27
In chapters 9 and 10 David aspires to show kindness; in chapter 11 he turns into a different “kind” of man.
Typically kings of new dynasties would annihilate any traces of the previous royal lineage, lest they rise up in rebellion against them. But David was definitely different, he wanted to show kindness to the house of Saul, for Jonathan’s sake (2 Samuel 9:1).
Through a servant named Ziba, they were able to trace down a son of Jonathan’s named Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth was lame in his feet. We of the incident back in:
2 Samuel 4:4 (NKJV) “Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son who was lame in his feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel; and his nurse took him up and fled. And it happened, as she made haste to flee, that he fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth.”
David called for Mephibosheth, who no doubt feared for his life. Little did he know that David wanted to bless him, to grant him the land of King Saul, and most significantly, to have him eat at the king’s table – continually! Mephibosheth beceomes a picture of us. Lame and unworthy and yet found and favored, blessed beyond measure with the privilege of eating at the King’s table, every day of our lives! This is the kind of King Jesus is to us!
After Mephibosheth, David wants to show kindness to the country of Ammon, as their king had passed. David genuinely offered his condolences. We read in:
2 Samuel 10:2 (NKJV) “Then David said, ‘I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father showed kindness to me.’ So David sent by the hand of his servants to comfort him concerning his father. And David’s servants came into the land of the people of Ammon.”
But the princes of the people had a twisted heart (often times we are a suspicious people and perceive others to be the way we are). The princes convinced their new king that these messengers of David were only sent to spy out the land in order to overthrow it…so they sent the men back in absolute shame.
Word is sent to David, who instructs the men to wait until their beards grow back to return home, but David wastes no time in sending Joab out to fight the Ammonites (he would later join them). I’ve always loved Joab’s words here:
2 Samuel 10:11–12 (NKJV) “Then he said, ‘If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me; but if the people of Ammon are too strong for you, then I will come and help you. 12 Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the LORD do what is good in His sight.’”
The Ammonites had hired the Syrians and it was looking to be a tough battle. Joab’s words are good words for us to take to heart. If what I’m going through is too tough for me, would you help me? And if what you’re facing seems to be too tough for you, I want you to know that I’ll do anything I can to help you. Let’s be strong with God’s strength, let’s fight for our families, our flock, and the future of our nation. The results are ultimately in God’s hands.
Thankfully the Lord gave Israel a great victory. He will do the same for us.
I sigh as I now write. We come to 2 Samuel 11, the chapter that chronicles the fall of King David. He not only fell into adultery with another man’s wife, it was the wife of one his most faithful soldiers. Uriah is described as being a part of David’s mighty men (2 Samuel 23:8, 39).
It was the time of year that king’s went out to war, but King David stayed home at the palace. The old adage is so true, “Idleness is the Devil’s workshop.” He sees her and finds out she’s married to Uriah – that should end it, right? Not in the condition that David is in. He’s on top of the world, close to 50 years old, he has everything the world has to offer, he has indulged the appetites of the flesh and probably feels entitled. Sometimes the most dangerous place to be is that place of success.
David ploughs through all the red flags God set before him. He sees her, calls for her, lays with her, sends her home and is no doubt ready to move on. But he finds out she’s pregnant. No problem, he thinks, I’ll cover it up by calling Uriah home from the battle and he’ll think the child is his. The only problem with that is that Uriah is a much better man than David. He comes home for two nights (David even gets him drunk one night), but Uriah can’t see himself enjoying his wife while the soldiers are out there on the field fighting for the nation without such indulgences. Wow!
But David’s wheels keep turning. He thinks he can cover his sin another way, just get rid of Uriah and marry his wife. Which David does by sending Uriah with his own death letter to deliver to Joab; who abandons him to die in the heat of the battle. David calls for Bathsheba, marries this poor widow, some may have thought it was a noble thing David was doing…but God knew. And we read in:
2 Samuel 11:27 (NKJV) “…but the thing that David had done displeased the LORD.”
The sweet Psalmist of Israel, the man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22), anointed and appointed by God, preserved, protected, blessed beyond measure, how could he do such a thing?
Tragically many “mighty” men have fallen, it doesn’t HAVE to happen, but it often happens, and we must guard ourselves perpetually from this sin. It is forgivable, when there’s genuine repentance, but O the consequences – especially in the lives of those, like David, who know better.
2 Samuel 12:1-31
The last we read in 2 Samuel 11:27 was that the thing David had done, displeased the LORD (we could probably categorize that as an understatement). David committed adultery with a loyal soldier’s wife. She came back pregnant, so David tried to cover up his sin in various ways, even to the point of having Uriah killed on the battlefield. God saw everything David did and now sends Nathan the prophet to him.
David hasn’t a clue that Nathan knows. Nathan presents a scenario, wherein a rich man with multiple flocks, has a visitor swing by, and rather than taking a sheep from his own ample supply, he has the audacity (and cruelty), to take away his neighbor’s only sheep, a sheep that was more like a pet to him and his children who grew up with it.
What do you think King David? What should be done? David’s words are swift and severe, just without jest:
2 Samuel 12:5–6 (NKJV) “So David’s anger was greatly aroused against the man, and he said to Nathan, ‘As the LORD lives, the man who has done this shall surely die! 6 And he shall restore fourfold for the lamb, because he did this thing and because he had no pity.’”
Nathan’s response to David is swift as well, “YOU ARE THE MAN!”
After all that God had done for David over the past 30+ years since Goliath – protecting, providing, anointing, appointing, the shepherd, the king, the sweet Psalmist of Israel, this is how he shows his gratitude to God? I’m especially heartbroken by the way this sin forfeited aspects of David’s future for both him and his family.
Notice again, the words of Nathan:
2 Samuel 12:8 (NKJV) “I gave you your master’s house and your master’s wives into your keeping, and gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if that had been too little, I also would have given you much more!”
So heartbreaking, God WOULD HAVE GIVEN him so much more…but he lost it due to sin. David would be forgiven and his life would be spared, but his sons would die, his daughter would be raped, and the sword would never depart from his house. What David did was done in private, but part of the consequences of his disobedience would be that his wives wives would be ravished publicly.
My heart aches as I contemplate all this, and my heart aches when I think of the myriads of men and women who have fallen into sexual sin. Yes God forgives, and yes He’s merciful, but to those who know better, O the reaping results are beyond my ability to articulate. If David knew in advance what the fruit of his “fling” would be, I’m willing to bet anything, he would have looked the other way.
Please friend, learn from David’s mistake, keep yourself in the battle as you serve the Lord, stay close to Him, and please, I beg you, run fast and far from sexual sin. God is indeed gracious, and willing, and able to forgive, but I’ve seen the devastation it does to so many lives!
David is fasting and praying all night for the life of his son to be spared, but God had other plans. His servants are afraid to tell him the tragic news. David discerns…his son has died and asks them point-blank, something his servants affirm. So David rises, washes, anoints himself, changes his clothing, heads to the tabernacle and worships. His servants are puzzled at David’s behavior, they were convinced that the news of the child’s death would have completely devastated him, but notice David’s response:
2 Samuel 12:22–23 (NKJV) “And he said, ‘While the child was alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who can tell whether the LORD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ 23 But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.’”
Of course, everyone’s different. We fight for the lives of our loved one’s, through prayer, and often through fasting, but death is not a respecter of age or person. David knew he couldn’t bring his child back, but he also knew that one day he would “go to him,” that he would see his child in heaven. This is a great comfort to us in days of death and the pain it causes. It also teaches us that babies go to heaven if they pass away. Even though we’re all born in sin, God shows grace to children until they reach the age of accountability. We don’t know the precise age, some say around 12-years old. I would say it’s when a person is old enough to understand the gospel and accept or reject it. Only God knows when that age is for each child (Psalm 51:5; Jonah 4:11).
2 Samuel 13:1-39
What a tragic story this is. Not only do rape and murder take place, but it all takes place within the same family.
Amnon is obsessed with his half-sister Tamar, who is the full sister of Absalom – she’s extremely beautiful. Amnon is so obsessed over Tamar that he’s losing weight over it. His “friend” Jonadab notices and asks, “What’s going on? Why are you losing weight?”
2 Samuel 13:4b (NKJV) “Amnon said to him, ‘I love my sister Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister.’”
It doesn’t take long for us to clearly see that Amnon didn’t love her. This young man didn’t have a clue what true love is, which is to put another person BEFORE yourself, to seek their highest good. Amnon merely lusted after Tamar, but love is self-less, not selfish.
Jonadab (who the Bible says was a very crafty man), had an attitude that said the king’s son had the right to get whatever he wanted. That combination of entitlement and craftiness becomes a dark and dangerous mixture. Jonadab basically gives Amnon step-by-step instructions on how to rape his sister…which he does, and then immediately afterwards, he sends her away. How could this possibly happen? It’s complicated, but one thing’s for sure, you can’t trust lust. We read those horrible words in:
2 Samuel 13:15 (NKJV) “Then Amnon hated her exceedingly, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, ‘Arise, be gone!’”
Tamar tore her beautiful robe, put ashes on her head, and mourned the way she had been shamed and abused. Her father, King David was angry (2 Samuel 13:21), but that was it. Like Eli, he may have yelled, ranted, and raved, but he didn’t appear to do anything about it (1 Samuel 2:22-25). His daughter had been raped by his son, and justice was not served in the least. More than likely David felt he couldn’t do anything about it due to his own moral failures (another consequence of his sins).
Two years pass, you might think that everyone has forgotten all about it by now, but all along things have been brewing in the heart of Tamar’s brother, Absalom. He has a feast invites, his brother who has now let his guard down, no doubt Abasalom has put on a good show – that he understood, that he was good with it, you know how guys can be. But Absalom then murders his brother Amnon for raping his sister (isn’t that what the Bible says was supposed to take place?). Of course we know that vengeance is God’s and we can’t justify the behavior of Absalom, but from a human perspective you almost can’t blame him. If only David would have done the right thing as king, and father…all this could very well have possibly been avoided.
It’s all heartbreaking.
After the murder, Absalaom flees to Geshur in Syria for 3 years…but David’s problems with Absalom are not over, they’re only just beginning.
2 Samuel 14:1–15:22
Rather than having a straightforward conversation on the wisdom of bringing Absalom back, Joab reverts to trickery. He has an old wise woman pose with a pressing “son” situation and ebbs away at the emotions of David. Through her manipulative words and relentless flattery Joab accomplishes what he things is right, and Absalom is allowed to return from Geshur of Syria.
David made many grave mistakes along the way. The dominos began to fall with his fall with Bathsheba, which led to his murder of Uriah, which led to his inability to bring justice to his son Amnon, or comfort to his daughter Tamar, which led to Amnon begin murdered by Absalom, and Absalom flees.
Was it okay for David to allow Absalom to return? I’m not too sure about that, but if he did, definitely not the way he did. When Absalom first returned he was not allowed to see his father’s face for 2 full years (2 Samuel 14:28). Then, when Absalom eventually was allowed to see King David, his dad forgave him and restored him, but there never seemed to be any type of communication or guidelines. I believe this would have made a difference! Instead, the moment King David kissed his son, it’s as if he gave him the right to usurp the crown. David didn’t restrain him in the least and Absalom’s rebellion was almost handed to him on a silver platter.
Absalom rode a chariot with 50 men running before him. He would rise early (this man was on it), and stood at the city gates meeting and greeting the people, kissing babies, telling them the king is too busy…if I were king (Absalom said about himself), they would receive justice. In so doing, Absalom stole the hearts of the people (2 Samuel 15:6).
David had been the anointed king of Israel; he in one sense earned that crown, but the mantra mentality of the masses is always, “What have you done for me lately?” Here was Absalom, with this caring and charismatic combination none could deny. And then, on top of all that, we read in:
2 Samuel 14:25 (NKJV) “Now in all Israel there was no one who was praised as much as Absalom for his good looks. From the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.”
If we’re smart, we know that good looks don’t (in any way), make a good leader, but crowds usually don’t see it that way. Absalom “looked” like a king, even though the only substance he had was his hair.
But the rebellion was in full swing, King David was on the run.
In hindsight we see the many mistakes along the way that may have averted such a tragedy – let’s learn from them. You might think that David deserved it, but keep in mind, many innocent people were hurt and even died along the way.
We must make sure that a person is truly repentant before they’re restored, especially to a position of leadership. There is a distinction between forgiveness and restoration. We can and should forgive those who have “trespassed against us,” but it doesn’t always mean they should be restored to any type of position immediately or eventually. I wonder what would have happened if David had taken the time to meet with his son Absalom, to teach him, train him, and restrain him? Isn’t restoration a lengthy process and and not just a whim of a decision one day? (Galatians 6:1-2).
2 Samuel 15:23–16:23
David could have probably stayed in Jerusalem and defeated Absalom, but it seems as if David is not so sure he doesn’t deserve all this upheaval. Some say he was trying to avoid a war in the middle of the city of Jerusalem, and the shedding of blood of innocent lives, but as we see David meekly flee the city, it’s definitely not the same David who led his men in the great military victories of the past.
That’s one thing to consider. Another is they say you find out who your true friends really are…in the tough times.
Zadok the Priest, tries to stay with David, but he returns the Ark of God back to Jerusalem where it belongs, along with Zadok himself. We read David’s words and his mixed emotions:
2 Samuel 15:25–26 (NKJV) “Then the king said to Zadok, ‘Carry the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD, He will bring me back and show me both it and His dwelling place. 26 But if He says thus: ‘I have no delight in you,’ here I am, let Him do to me as seems good to Him.’”
David departs from Jerusalem by the ascent of the Mount of Olives, he and others weeping as they leave. He sends his friend Hushai back as a “counselor” to Absalom, as well as a spy, and part of a team of informants with the sons of Zadok.
Ziba greets the king with supplies, but also brings indicting words about Mephibosheth. God only knows if he was telling the truth.
The next scene of David being cursed by Shimei, is the most telling of all. David’s actually open to the possibility he deserves this curse, which explains his exit as king in the fashion he’s chosen. David’s men understandably want to put Shimei to death:
2 Samuel 16:9 (NKJV) “Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, ‘Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Please, let me go over and take off his head!’”
But David doesn’t allow Abishai to defend him. David wonders if these words were coming from God, and he leaves everything in the hands of the LORD. David wisely considers that his passivity, will make room for God’s mercy upon Him (2 Samuel 16:11-12).
When Absalom arrives in Jerusalem, Husahi is able to convince him that he will serve him loyally, as he had his father, as he would whomever the Lord, the nation, and the men of Israel would choose to be king.
And then poetic justice is finally served. At the advice of Ahithophel, Absalom ascends to the same place his father David was when he first set his eyes on Bathsheba, on the roof of the king’s house (2 Samuel 11:3) and Absalom had sex with his father’s concubines…in the sight of all Israel. God had informed David through Nathan that this would happen (2 Samuel 12:11-12). To add one more twist to the story, Ahithophel, Absalom’s anointed advisor, was the grandfather of Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:3; 23:34). He was well aware of all the damage David had done to this family.
2 Samuel 17:1-29
If Absalom would have followed Ahithophel’s advice, David would have been defeated. But David not only had Hushai on his side, David had God on his side! Hushai was wise in alluring Absalom through pride, to lead this mighty army in a grand victory over the great David – no doubt Absalom relished in the glory of it all.
Husahi warns David to flee, sending the message through the two sons of Zadok, Jonathan and Ahimaaz as God protects them every step of the way, all would go “well.” You can already tell who’s going to win this war – the Bible is true, if God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)
Ahithophel is a bitter man. He is Bathsheba’s grandfather (2 Samuel 11:3; 23:34) and no doubt harbors deep resentment for what David had done to this family (adultery and murder), killing his granddaughter’s godly husband. This was his opportunity for revenge, he even wants to kill David personally (2 Samuel 17:2).
But now, Ahithophel sees the writing on the wall – he’s fully aware of the future fall of Absalom – and the enemy gets a hold of this man, completely, by convincing him to take his own life.
2 Samuel 17:23 (NKJV) “Now when Ahithophel saw that his advice was not followed, he saddled a donkey, and arose and went home to his house, to his city. Then he put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died; and he was buried in his father’s tomb.”
My heart aches whenever I hear of someone committing suicide – this is the agenda of the adversary, to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).
David takes his position. Absalom organizes his army. It’s so sad to see and say that all Israel was encamped against David in Gilead.
Points to ponder:
- Is there any bitterness in my life?
- Am I fighting against God’s anointed?
- Does pride cloud my vision/decision? (Absalom was fooled by Hushai’s lure for glory)
- Has Satan blinded me of my future hope?
- Have I lost the sense of the sanctity of life?
2 Samuel 18:1–19:10
David organized his army under the leadership of Joab, Abiahai, and Ittai. Initially David longed to be on the battlefield, but he wisely listened to counsel – on both sides it seemed to be simply a matter of killing the “king.”
The people of Israel (followers of Absalom), were overthrown in battle because God favored and fought for David. The result? Twenty-thousand enemies of David died that day, including his son, Absalom. It was a strange way to die – what was he doing on a donkey and not on a horse, is it because they were in the woods? How did his hair or head get stuck in a tree? It turns out, he wasn’t much of a warrior, and not much of a king, he was far too easily fooled by Hushai, so he fell, caught in the chords of his own pride. He thought he could take justice into his own hands and bring down the anointed of the Lord.
The man who initially saw Absalom dangling, was wise in not taking his life; David and Joab surely would have killed him for that. The only one who could have killed Absalom and gotten away with it, was Joab, which he did swiftly. The ten men who followed after him only sped the process and spread the blame.
When news reached David of his son’s death, he mourned understandably, but not wisely. Enter Joab, the only one who could talk some sense into him, forcing David to see the situation and consider the alternative.
David should have swallowed the bitter pill painfully but peacefully. David should have expressed gratitude to God and to those who fought for him. He eventually did…and God began orchestrating events to restore him to the throne.
2 Samuel 19:11–20:13
David was restored to the throne by God, but that doesn’t mean David did nothing. Here we read of the elders of Israel once again considering David to be king, so David sends a message to the men of Judah on his behalf. David sends Zadok the priest, to the elders of Judah and even to Amasa, vowing to make him commander of Israel’s army.
Just as Absalom had swayed Israel in the wrong direction, David swayed them in the right direction. One of the most important principles in life is that we are called to do the possible, while God does the impossible. We knock on doors and check the locks, but it’s God who opens those doors – and in this case, once again, God opened the door to crown David as king.
Another important maxim in life, is that it’s not just about the destination, it’s also about the journey along the way. On their journey to Jerusalem, the Bible chronicles the different individuals who came to welcome David back, along with his entourage.
Among the 1,000 Benjamites welcoming David back was: Shimei, Ziba, and Mephibosheth. Shimei was the man who cursed David on his way “out,” who now cowers in fear and admits he has sinned. Justice in those days would say that he deserved to die, but David showed him grace.
Another man who welcomed the king was Ziba with his 15 sons and 20 servants, and then there’s Mephibosheth, which brings up a few questions. Ziba previously told King David that Mephibosheth was against him, but now we find him with his lame feet uncared for, mustache untrimmed, he hadn’t washed since King David had gone, he said he was in mourning at the king’s departure, so David questions him, “Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?” Mephibosheth explains how Ziba had deceived him, and slandered him to the king. As a lame man he was helpless to get up and go – but Mephibosheth says, “Whatever you decide, your majesty, I will yield, for you are like an angel to me.” David decides not to investigate, and rules in favor of both men.
David wanted Barzillai the Gileadite to go on to live with him in the palace, but Barzillai chose to spend his final days in his hometown with his family. He asked David to take his servant Chimham in his stead. Chimham no doubt showed potential and would be young enough to serve and enjoy.
It’s interesting to see Israel and Judah now “fighting” over David (2 Samuel 19:41-43). Life is filled with fickle people, isn’t it?
Once David arrives in Jerusalem he gets word that a rebel named Sheba, a Benjamite (keep in mind that King Saul was from the tribe of Benjamin), makes his rebellion known, and the men of Israel followed Sheba, discounting the recommendation of their elders.
This brings out the warrior in David, who returns and asks Amasa (his new general), to gather his men and report for duty. When Amasa delays, David sends Abishai (Joab’s brother), to deal with the uprising (David was trying to replace Joab in the process). On their way to Sheba they run into Amasa. Joab kills him with a kiss and a sword. As the world often says, “All is fair in love and war,” but Joab would one day pay the price.
2 Samuel 20:14–21:22
General Joab and his soldiers are tracking down the rebel Sheba who has rejected David as king and has highly influenced the men of Israel. They find him hiding in the city of Abel, so they surround the city and begin to batter its gates. A wise woman addresses Joab, assesses the situation and saves the city and all its citizens by granting Joab what he asked for, the head of Sheba. Joab blows the trumpet, the “battle” is over.
I’m reminded of:
Ecclesiastes 9:15a (NKJV) “Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city.”
In this case, it was a wise woman.
We read in 2 Samuel 20:23-26 about the structure and identity of some of David’s administration. Seeing that Joab is restored as the general of David’s army is an indication that David recognized that it was God’s will for Joab to be general. King David resisted it on different occasions, but then yielded to the Lord. Godly leaders don’t merely choose people they prefer, they appoint those whom God has ordained.
I always love to read about David “inquiring” of the Lord. Apparently towards the end of David’s reign there was a famine in the land that lasted three years, so David prayed and asked God why? God revealed to him it was because of a time when Saul tried to wipe out the Gibeonites. Joshua had made a covenant with them (Joshua 9) NOT to destroy them, but rather to protect them. Saul had violated that covenant sometime during his reign (we don’t have a Biblical account of it). David asked the Gibeonites what it would take to make things right, and seven men of Saul’s descendants were hung. After that, David buried the bones of Saul, Jonathan, and the seven men who had been executed, and then we read in:
2 Samuel 21:14 (NKJV) “…and after that God heeded the prayer for the land.”
Sin that is not dealt with will hinder our prayers (Psalm 66:18; Isaiah 59:1-2).
In case you’re wondering, this is not a normal practice of God, that the children would pay for the sins of the fathers (see Ezekiel 18), but we also need to know that our sins do affect our children. There’s also a possibility these descendants who died, had blood on their hands. One thing we can know for certain is that our God is a JUST God.
David went out to battle with his men, but his age is beginning to show, he grew faint and could have died at the hands of Ishbi-Benob, a giant’s descendant. What a tragedy it would have been for David to die at the hands of a giant! God didn’t allow it – He protected David through Abishai, and David was advised NOT to go out to the battlefield any longer. Age does change us and our activities in life, not that we ever retire from serving the Lord, but the nature of service will vary.
David was described as the “lamp” of Israel, for he was their anointed king. Israel found favor under his leadership, for although he made many mistakes, his heart was right in the sight of God (1 Samuel 16:7; Acts 13:22).
David trained his soldiers well. They saw his example throughout the years and now David’s mighty men were protecting Israel and slaying giants themselves. It’s a good testimony on how we should aspire to do our best to pass the baton on to the next generation.
2 Samuel 22:1–23:23
This chapter is almost identical to Psalm 18. It’s a look back at David’s life and the way the LORD transformed his troubles into triumphs and delivered him from all his enemies. Although David made many mistakes, and had his setbacks, his heart was in a good place, as Paul summarized in Acts 13:22 (referring to 1 Samuel 13:14), David had a heart after God’s own heart. His name means “Beloved,” and God showed and showered him with His gracious love.
David gave God all the glory for the victory over his enemies. This soldier was not ashamed to say that he prayed, and God answered, that it wasn’t him and his skills as a warrior, it was the LORD who gave him favor in his fights. David almost died, many times.
2 Samuel 22:6–7 (NKJV) “The sorrows of Sheol surrounded me; the snares of death confronted me. 7 In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry entered His ears.”
Let’s keep praying! God will move on our behalf – though it may take some time, don’t lose heart (Luke 18:1).
The Lord will come, He will “invade” our world on our behalf, and one day we’ll say the same thing David said:
2 Samuel 22:19b (NKJV) “…but the LORD was my support.”
When David speaks of God rewarding him for his righteousness, we understand two things. First of all, anything good in us is God, His righteousness is imputed and imparted to us. Secondly, David WAS blameless, he wasn’t guilty of what Saul and others accused him of, he was innocent of the specific accusations against him.
God gave David victory after victory, but God also gave David strength and wisdom to fight victoriously. It was through God that David was able to run, and leap, and swing those swords, and shoot those arrows; God even gave him that courage in his heart.
After all that David went through, I thought it was interesting that David described God as a gentle God, even to the point of saying that it was God’s gentleness that made David great (2 Samuel 22:36).
David didn’t just beat his enemies, he beat them down, and it was done because God had armed him with strength for the battle (2 Samuel 22:38-43).
God gave David domestic and foreign favor. God was his Rock of salvation, his avenger, his deliverer; David sees it so clearly now as his life takes its final turn and he writes this Psalm as an expression of gratitude.
2 Samuel 22:50 (NKJV) “Therefore I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the Gentiles, and sing praises to Your name.”
In 2 Samuel 23 we have some of the final words of David – he knew who he was. Just a man (the son of Jesse), but a man God had graciously raised up and anointed to be a king and the sweet Psalmist of Israel. It’s okay to discover who we are in Christ – without Him we are nothing and can do nothing, but in Him and with Him we’re blessed beyond measure and able to do, “all things through Christ who strengthens us.”
God not only spoke through David, He spoke to David, loud and clear:
2 Samuel 23:3b (NKJV) “He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.”
May all leaders take heed!
God would show grace to David’s house and lineage, but the sons of rebellion would be thrust away.
Finally, I always love reading about David’s soldiers, his mighty men of valor (heroic courage). I love the way Eleazar’s hand stuck to the sword (2 Samuel 23:10). symbolic of the way our hands and heart need to stick to God’s Word, the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17). I love the way Abishai killed the lion, in a pit, on a snowy day. This points to a victory over the worst enemy, in the worst place, and under the worst circumstances (2 Samuel 23:20 – no doubt the lion is symbolic of Satan). As Christians, we also, are soldiers in Jesus’ army (2 Timothy 2:3-4). May God grant us that grace to fight valiantly.
2 Samuel 23:24–24:25
The list of the names of David’s “mighty men” (2 Samuel 23:8) continues. Out of all the thousands of soldiers, these were the guys that stood out, the elite. I always sigh with sadness when I see that Uriah was a part of this list, and yet David slept with his wife, had him murdered, and then married Bathsheba.
This next series of events can be a bit confusing. The anger of the LORD was aroused against Israel, so we read that God moved David against them, to number the people (2 Samuel 24:1). To make matters even more complicated, when this event is recorded in 1 Chronicles 21:1, the Bible says it was Satan who moved David to number the people.
I found the following explanation to be helpful:
“Both statements are true. Although it was Satan who immediately incited David, ultimately it was God who permitted Satan to carry out this provocation. Although it was Satan’s design to destroy David and the people of God, it was God’s purpose to humble David and the people and teach them a valuable spiritual lesson. This situation is quite similar to the first two chapters of Job in which both God and Satan are involved in the suffering of Job. Similarly, both God and Satan are involved in the crucifixion. Satan’s purpose was to destroy the Son of God (John 13:2; 1 Cor 2:8). God’s purpose was to redeem humankind by the death of His Son (Acts 2:14-39).” – Thomas Howe; Norman L. Geisler, Big Book of Bible Difficulties
David should have never numbered the people, and neither should we. May we simply trust God who can save by many or few (1 Samuel 14:6).
After he received the results from Joab, David was convicted. His confession may have helped, but it was too late to avoid the consequences. God sent the prophet Gad to David with options on how Israel would be disciplined. David chose the shorter sentence, and the one that left them ONLY in the hands of the Lord. A plague hit the land and 70,000 men of the people died (David’s army just shrank)! It is also possible that the total tally did not include women and children. The angel was on the verge of destroying Jerusalem (imagine that), and the LORD showed mercy.
David was devastated by it all. We read his words:
2 Samuel 24:17 (NKJV) “Then David spoke to the LORD when he saw the angel who was striking the people, and said, ‘Surely I have sinned, and I have done wickedly; but these sheep, what have they done? Let Your hand, I pray, be against me and against my father’s house.’”
David should have thought about that BEFORE he numbered the people. It may sound harsh, but one sinner can affect an entire church or nation (Joshua 7; 1 Corinthians 5:6). Solomon would later write in:
Ecclesiastes 9:18 (NKJV) “Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroys much good.”
The prophet Gad communicates to David God’s command, to build an altar to God on the threshing floor of Araunah. Araunah was willing to grant the property to David, but the king insisted on paying full price. Sometimes we do all that we can to give the least possible to God, but David teaches us on this:
2 Samuel 24:24 (NKJV) “Then the king said to Araunah, ‘No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God with that which costs me nothing.’ So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.”
It’s been said that, “Ministry that costs nothing, accomplishes nothing.” I need to always search my heart, have I been giving to God the leftovers, or worse, the “hand- me downs?” Or have I been paying the price to give to God obediently, sacrificially, and honorably?
As we begin to close in on the end of David’s life as recorded in 2 Samuel, Bible teachers note that the two most significant sins in David’s life, were covered with so much grace, that they were transformed into two of the most epic blessings to Israel. The first was Solomon, who was born of Bathsheba. The second is the Temple that would be built on this site – this piece of property David bought from Araunah.
Such grace reminds me of what we read in:
Romans 5:20 (NKJV) “Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.”