Day 134, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): 2Samuel 18:19–20:26; Psalm 40, 140
Starting Over
Bankruptcies, divorce, the loss of a spouse, child, or coach, the forfeiture of an opportunity, or a business failure are all instances where we must start over. We may grieve over our losses, but eventually, we must go on with our lives. And, although we may not feel like it, we must also continue to plan for the future.
Sometimes there are residual effects when we start over after we have made mistakes or even sinned. What do we do about them, and how can we make a better plan? King David faced an instance where he had to begin again. What he did in his situation will help us.
In today’s Bible reading, David is anticipating a message from his generals regarding the engagement with Absalom’s army. Absalom hopes to kill his father and take his throne. Nevertheless, David loves his treacherous son. He gave specific instructions to his soldiers to be gentle with him. He wants his son captured, not killed.
When a messenger tells him of Absalom’s death, however, it causes him to grieve deeply with loud wailing. His grief causes David’s army, which was victorious over Absalom’s, to return shamefully as if his soldiers were defeated.
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. I swear by the LORD that if you don’t go out, not a man will be left with you by nightfall. This will be worse for you than all the calamities that have come upon you from your youth till now” (2 Samuel 19:5-7, NIV).
It is true—they did their job—they protected the king and won the battle, although it was through their victory that Absalom is dead. Joab is right; if David does not encourage his troops, they will desert him because they fought bravely for their king. That, however, does not make David’s duties any easier.
The Opportunity for a Restart
Having lost King Absalom, the ten tribes of Israel soon want David back on the throne. David’s estrangement from Israel during his exile, and the defeat of Absalom, however, cause hard feelings between the tribes of Israel and Judah.
The ten tribes of Israel and the tribe of Judah are divided, and David needs to reunite them. How does he do it? First, David does not seek revenge but forgives those who offended and abused him.
Not holding grudges and putting our feelings aside can make it possible to begin again. We need to forgive and not keep a record of wrongs.
Diplomacy
Next, King David tries to bring the tribes together with smart diplomacy and the appointment of new leadership, which will be more acceptable to the Israelites. He appoints Amasa, his nephew, to replace Joab, who had killed Israel’s king, Absalom.
In fulfillment of Samuel’s prophecy (2Samuel 12:9,10), however, more blood is shed in David’s family. Joab kills his cousin Amasa out of jealousy for his lost rank in David’s army and Amasa’s perceived betrayal.Loyalty issues, hurt feelings, and a troublemaker named Sheba also hamper the reuniting of the nation. When the tribe of Judah tries to assert its superior standing with David, a rebel leader in Israel sounds an alarm.
Sheba sounded the trumpet and shouted, “We have no share in David, no part in Jesse's son! Every man to his tent, O Israel!” So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bicri. But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem (2Samuel 20:1b-2, NIV).Dealing with Trouble
David returns to the palace, which is close to the border of Ephraim, but he does not return to a united nation. Achieving unity is not always easy. Sometimes, we have to put down rebellion or deal with other troubles. Putting down a revolution is another thing David had to do.
Sheba began the rebellion (David probably wrote Psalm 140 about this time). David’s troops under Joab’s command pursue Sheba to Abel Beth Maacah, a city of Israel.
A wise woman from the town intercedes for her people, asking the commander why they are attacking her city. When she discovers Joab only wants Sheba, the woman promises to have his head tossed over the wall. When that happens, Joab is satisfied, and they retreat and go home. Her quick wisdom saves her town.
When we face conflicts, we need to act with wisdom (in a lawful way, of course).
Although there are residual effects and disunities in David’s kingdom, God graciously gives him a chance to start over. Our next reading shows us how David finally unifies the people and brings peace to his kingdom.
Focus Verse
Psalm 140:13 (NIV) “Surely the righteous will praise your name and the upright will live before you.”
Discussion
What are things helpful for us to do when we start over in a position or marriage?
How can good diplomacy help us begin again? Give examples
Who should we deal with, and how should we do it so again we can have unity and peace?
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Looking Ahead: David brings the nation together by planning a magnificent project which they can all support. Now he must get everything organized for his son to do the work. If we need help in Getting Organized, our Next Lessons should help us.
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