Take Two: 2 Samuel 19, Proverbs 6

Chapter 19 opens with a strong word to David from Joab his military commander (vv.1-7). David was weeping over and lamenting the death of Absalom. While this is understandable (considering Absalom was his son), the consequences of the act left the people feeling despondent. Joab even told David that while he and the men had fought valiantly to protect and secure David and his kingdom, Joab knew that David loved his enemy (Absalom) more than all those who stood with him (vv.5-7).

David listened to the words of Joab. He then won over the hearts of all of his men, uniting them again as one people (v.14).

In vv.16, we see that David pardoned the actions of Shimei (Ch 16) who had cursed him previously. Shimei repented before David and David declared with an oath that he would not die (deservedly) for his offense (vv.20-23). David then met Mephibisheth. This is the grandson of Saul who David assumed had turned against him during the revolt. Upon seeing him and hearing his explanation, David reversed his previous judgment and restored him.

By the end of the chapter, we see a more united Israel. The harmony that was characteristic some 40 years before was gone, but there was a rising consensus for unity among the people.

As you look back over the chapter, you see that Joab played a pivotal role in David’s kingdom. Arguably, the killing of Absalom and the strong words that motivated David to unify the people insured that the Davidic line would continue and ultimately saved many lives (that implicitly would have been lost if fighting had continued). This brings to surface another leadership principle.

There are times when difficult decisions must be made for the sake of the big picture. The ability to make those decisions requires objectivity and sacrifice. Had Absalom lived, the unity of the people would likely have been lost. If David had not reached out to his troops, his support would have been lost. Both of those actions were doing the right thing simply because it was the right thing. All of David’s emotions warred against the decision, but the right thing still needed to be done. And it was.

Consider the difficult decision in your life. If you succumb to being led by your emotions, you will likely experience greater pain than if you simply determine the righteous course of action, pay the emotional price now, and then move forward in the next chapter of your life.

Proverbs 6:15 is the takeaway today. “Therefore his calamity will come suddenly; instantly he will be broken and there will be no healing.” The proverb is about the wicked man who is constantly working his “angle” on every situation. While it may seem that he is shrewd at the time…there comes a point when it all catches up. Do not ever think that the wicked continually prosper. Such is not the case. There is a day of reckoning…