Tag: David

Read 2 Samuel 16 – We see a very different King David than we are used to.  He seems to be in a very dark place, verse 16:14 describes it as weary.  

First, David makes a hasty turn against Mephibosheth, based on the testimony of Ziba (Mephibosheth’s servant).  

Second, David takes the verbal abuse of Shimel, expressing that Shimel is justified and that, perhaps, the Lord will see him and bless him for the curses.  Jesus tells us, “Bless those who curse you.  Pray for those who hurt you.” in Luke 6:28.  

Meanwhile, Absalom is up to more despicable behavior. On the advise of Ahithophel, he has sex with his father’s concubines (remember the 10 who were left to look after the palace 15:16) on the rooftop so that all might see this irreconcilable act. This is also what the Lord spoke against David for his sin in 2 Sam 12:11.  

It is for love’s sake that a father punish his child – how much more so from the Lord?  (see Proverbs 3:11-12)  Perhaps David was reflecting on this season when he penned:  “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning.”  Psalm 30:5  

Read 2 Samuel 13 – Grrrr!  What is love? 

Amnon loved Tamar, but his love turned to obsession and then hate.  When love of a person is played out in ones fantasy life, reality and right and wrong get blurry. (That’s just one reason that ponography is so dangerous.)  Amnon may not have acted had his crafty friend, Jonadab, not asked why he is so dejected,  I can almost hear whispers of the serpent asking Eve, “Did God really say…?” (Gen 3:1).  Jonadab then lays out a plan for Amnon to “HAVE” Tamar.  She is so kind and innocent as she falls into his plot.  When he asks her to lay with him (13:11), she does not reject him, but pleads for him to do things the right way (13:12-13).  They had a chance.  Tamar had a chance, but when Amnon’s selfish-love raped her, evil won. 

Tamar remained a desolate woman in her brother, Absalom’s house.  King David learns of this and is angry, but he seems to sweep it under the rug.  Absalom is patient to defend Tamar’s honor by killing Amnon 2 years later…. A heart that festers for vengeance is dangerous.  The most hideous atrocities must be dealt with.

Like Tamar, you may not have deserved the things that happened to you, but please, bring your wounded heart to Jesus.  Only he can bring beauty from ashes. 

Like Amnon, you may be trapped in a fantasy world that keeps you from reality, surrender your obsession to Jesus. 

Like Absalom, you may harbor a desire for vengeance, turn to Jesus. 

And like David, you may be putting off something you need to deal with.  Step out of denial and ask Jesus how to move forward. 

Jesus is the Author of Life.  You can trust him with ALL the details of yours. 

Read 2 Samuel 12:26-31 and 1 Chronicles 20:1-3 – yes,  we are getting fancy today and comparing two accounts of the same event. Chronicles is 3 books past 2 Samuel, for those of you trying to find it. It documents the religious history of Israel and Judah.   It was written post exile by the prophet Ezra.  Note that these events in Rabbah took place as King David was staying home from the war, and getting into trouble. Joab was faithful to David, he captured Rabbah’s water supply, then called for David to besiege the city so that David and not Joab would get glory for the victory. God says he will remove our sins as far as the east is from the west (see Psalm 103:12).  David received the victory as if he had not sinned, and the history of 1 Chronicles reveals this to be the case. Praise God, beloved, his forgiveness is like an eraser on a white board! 👑🙌✏