Who is David? As I have read through 2 Samuel I have been getting a better picture of this great leader of Israel. My initial view of David prior to this time of quiet reflection about his character was built upon what I heard in sunday school, church services, and bible studies. I remember hearing that David was a man after God’s own heart but I never wondered about him in a deeper way beyond the touted characteristics repeatedly presented to me. The picture that we are presented in 2 Samuel shapes David into a man plagued with personal problems, family problems, and problems ruling over Israel but the consistent trait that David displays through out his life is total dependance upon God.
When you tell people what they want to hear you can gain their approval and trust but what will their devotion cost you? Absalom slowly usurps David’s authority by presenting himself to the people of Israel as a great leader and counselor. Sounds benavelont to say,”Oh that one would appoint me judge in the land, then every man who has any suit of cause could come to me and I would five him justice.” 2 Samuel 15:4, but he is only seeking to build himself up. If I were walking past Absalom as he was speaking it would be enticing to follow this man who made all these promises. Where was David while Absalom was scheming for forty years? What did David do while he was king? Did David claim authority over his family? Absalom recruits Ahithophel, one of David’s counselors, to help him establish his own kingdom. It is interesting that Joab, the man who helped bring Absalom back to Jerusalem, is not mentioned in 2 Samuel 15 and 16. What is Joab doing while Absalom was taking over Israel?
When David flees from Jerusalem to escape his son what was he thinking? David leaves behind 10 concubines to manage the house but everyone else leaves with him. David was presented the Ark as the priests left the city but David refuses to take the ark from Jerusalem because it was for God to choose who would rule over Israel. One man named Ittai was fleeing along with the household of David and he is marked by his devotion to David. This man had just arrived to Jerusalem the day before the escape and he was choosing to live or die at David’s side despite being given an excuse to run away by David. Was Ittai an encouragement to David in a time when he didn’t know who to trust? Another act of devotion to David was shown by his friend Hushai who stays behind in Jerusalem at David’s request to give spy on Absalom. Was it difficult for David to send a friend into danger? Would you honor a friend who asks you to risk your safety on their behalf? Could you request a friend to risk themselves for you?
How do you know who to trust when life becomes filled with deception and lying? Where is hope found when sin swells into a frenzy around you making the intentions, motivations, and actions of people unclear? In 2 Samuel chapter 16 David finds Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth, bringing provisions and claiming that his master was rising against him with Absalom to reclaim the throne for Saul’s family. How does David know if the truth is being told? What would you do in this situation? Why does David extend trust so freely to Ziba? Does this trust exhibited by David surprise you? Despite all of David’s faults he consistently relinquishes control and command of his life to God. The question of whether Ziba is being truthful is a matter for God to deal with David could keep moving forward by faith. I surely desire the trust and faith that David had to follow God in unwavering devotion.
When you are faced with constant insults, accusations, and questions of character how do you react? Do you want to lash out against the people who are attacking you? As David and the people were fleeing from Jerusalem a man named Shimei, who was of the house of Saul, began cursing David and throwing rocks at him and his companions. The constant pestering by Shimei led to David’s men wanting to kill him but again David leaves the situation for God to judged because He was the one who was ordaining all that was happening. Shimei was left alive because David trusted God to give justice to those who needed it. The next time you are face to face with someone insulting you remember that it is God who is ultimately in control and choose to rest in His authority.
All that God spoke to David through Nathan is coming to pass within David’s house. Absalom is the evil that Nathan spoke of being raised up from his own family. Absalom enters Jerusalem and takes his fathers house and the wives of David that were left behind. Absalom takes all of the concubines for his own in front of all of Israel just as Nathan said would happen. Can you see the confidence that we can gain from looking at David’s dependance on God and to wait on His faithfulness to deliver. I am thankful for the hope that we have in Jesus Christ knowing that no matter what situation I find myself I can find rest and assurance in Him because He is faithful.
