3.31 2 Samuel 19-20

Gabriel Cross

3.31.2020

2 Samuel 19-20

David is the king of Israel.  His son, Absalom rebelled against him and aimed for the throne.  So, David’s troops killed Absalom. After all, Absalom had become an enemy of Israel.  When David heard the news of Absalom’s death he wept and mourned. All of his troops were disheartened, for they had just won the battle.  They went from victory to a feeling of shame, even though they put their lives on the line to protect the king. Joel, a trusted soldier and ally, rebuked David for that.  He told him that David would be left alone with no followers if he didn’t clean up his act and be their king properly. David cleaned up his act. Then, there was more division with the people of Israel from Saul’s reign and the people from Judah.  So Sheba, a Benjamite, convinced all of the men of Israel to abandon the kingdom and David. Sheba hid in the city Abel Beth Maakah while David’s men were preparing for the battle. They marched to the city but a wise woman asked what they wanted to protect her city.  Once she heard that they just wanted Sheba’s head she talked to her people and cooperated. Sheba was no more.

2 Samuel 19:5-8 “Then Joab went into the house to the king and said, “Today you have humiliated all your men, who have just saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and the lives of your wives and concubines. You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead. Now go out and encourage your men.”” 

This was amazing to me because David was missing something very important.  No, mourning one’s son isn’t bad, but David had an entire people to honor and encourage.  What Joab said was harsh but it might have just saved David and God’s people.

This elevates my vision of God by reminding me that God will help me through a tough situation by putting something rough in my path.  He may present something to me that I don’t want to hear or deal with, but is absolutely for my sake and for the people close to me. God always has a plan and we just have to trust in it.

This affects my vision for others because it reminds me to not be prideful to people and their words, even kids.  I should listen to what people say, especially if they are disciples, for they have the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  

Going onward from here, to actually make a change in my life I will 1. cherish the important and good situations in my life, and 2. listen.  Just listen. It seems easy to me but it, in fact, is very easy for me to do the opposite.

This reminded me of Luke 9:60 when Jesus had told a man that wanted to follow him to let the dead bury the dead in response to the man wanting to bury his father first.  It makes me think of the idea of putting God and His plan above everything in my life. It’s very tough, but very beautiful.