Take Two: 2 Samuel 24, Proverbs 11

This final chapter points back to an event in David’s reign. It is selected to end this book, because of its parallel message to the event in Ch 21. (Remember that CH 21-24 contains selected events–not chronological, from David’s reign.) Ch 24 mirrors the actions of a king that resulted in judgment against Israel and how the current king interceded and made amends…thus appeasing God’s judgment. In Ch 21, the failing King was Saul and the king who made it right was David. In Ch 24, it was both David’s failure and his intercession.

David ordered a military census in Israel. Taking a census was prescribed in the Scriptures. The difference in this census (which provoked the judgment of God) seems to be that David was the initiator of the action. In other cases when the census was taken, God ordered it through His leader. David’s conviction over his actions implies that God had not led him to order the census. David’s true motives are never revealed in the text (vv.1-10).

David prays for forgiveness for his actions (v.11). God spoke of the judgment that would come in a strange way. David was given three options of which judgment to have inflicted (vv.13-14). David cannot choose…so he confesses that the mercies of God are his choice. God sends the pestilence and 70,000 people die. Just before the angel executing judgment strikes Jerusalem, God stops him. David asks of God that the judgment be brought on him alone and not against the people of Israel.

Through the prophet, God directs David to build an altar and make sacrifice there at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. When David goes to carry it out, Araunah offers to give all that is necessary for the sacrifice to David at no cost. David refuses and demands to pay a fair price for the property. David knew that true sacrifice/worship always bears a real cost (vv.18-25).

This is the significant takeaway for me. How often do we want our worship to be cost free? We desire comfort, sometimes to the point of saying that if we are uncomfortable…we cannot worship. We want everything to be perfect for us…but often times are not willing to work to make it so. We even, at times, propagate this approach with our children and others. We say that we want to get a “church” that meets our needs…as if that were the point of worship. The point of worship is to respond to God as He is worth. How can we do that if there is no cost involved for us? Would we stand firmly with David and say…God I cannot give you this offering because it is not a sacrifice…it cost me nothing? Would we then stand with David and insure that our worship communicated just how much we value God…by how we give to Him, our treasures, our time, and our talents?

Proverbs 11:1 is the takeaway today. “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight.” The “sin” of cheating ones neighbors through false weights is one that goes basically unnoticed by everyone except God. Notice though…it is not the “public” testimony of sin that is in view. It is the private/secret/unnoticed sin…that God calls abominable. And, it is the act of integrity in private (out of public scrutiny) that God sees and brings Him delight.

Well this concludes the books of Samuel. Tomorrow we go back to the NT. See you in the book of Second Corinthians.

Take Two: 2 Samuel 23, Proverbs 10

Chapter 23 contains some interesting detail. I love this chapter. In fact, it is one of my favorite chapters to go to when I speak to men/men’s groups.

Vv.1-7 begins with a psalm/song of David. Vv.8 thru the rest of the chapter identifies some of the mightiest of warriors who ever fought with David.

My favorites are: Eleazar gained fame when he stood and fought the Philistines, killing 800 men in battle with the sword. He fought to the point of exhaustion and did not quit until victory was achieved (vv.9-10). Shammah stood against the Philistines and defended a planted field from them…even though everyone else deserted him (vv.11-12).

Benaiah, who was the captain of the personal guard gained his fame for his courage…even to the point of killing a lion (v.20). Also Uriah the Hittite was listed (v.39). He was the husband of Bathsheba, the woman David committed adultery with. Yes, this is the same one that David had killed…but he still makes the list of the 37 names of mighty men in this chapter.

Also of interest is the conduct of David. In vv.14-17. He quipped that he would love to have water from the well at Bethlehem (which happened to be behind enemy lines.) Three men broke through the enemy lines, took the water and brought it back to their king and commander. David poured it out before the Lord rather than drink it. (He realized how far his men would go for him.) Rather than become trapped by the praise and loyalty of men, David immediately turned it to praise to God and repentance for asking flippantly for men to place themselves in jeopardy for his own whims.

The common thread for all of these men is character. They displayed integrity to the highest degree. They also displayed great courage and tenacity. Following David often meant placing their lives in jeopardy…but they did and did not quit.

I wonder how one church would be…if the men simply committed with resolve to be as these men?

Proverbs 10:9 is the takeaway today. ” He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out.” In my ex-cop days, I learned that the best way to get a man to come to the point of confession (other than a tazer or waterboarding…J/K) was to let him go on and on about his affairs. I simply looked for inconsistencies in his story. The more a liar talks, the more he has to remember when he has to repeat it.

When we choose to do the right thing…according to God’s Word, we never have to wander what we were thinking. We simply did as God’s Word directed. That’s it. Period.

Take Two: 2 Samuel 22, Proverbs 9

This is the longest singular quote from David recorded in the OT. It is a personal psalm of praise, in a poetic structure. V.1 states that it was written and spoken to God after David acquired victory over his enemies.

Notice that David begins by giving 8 metaphors that describe who God is to him personally. It is not just that God is a deliverer, but He is David’s deliverer. This should be instructive for us as we consider our conversations with God. He is not like us…He has delivered us; at the same time, He is not just One who deliverers…He has delivered us!

It also struck me that the bulk of the Psalm here is praise to God for who He is. David speaks of God’s innate character and then He speaks of God’s actions in history. God is great….but not because He has acted in history to deliever His people and create the world, etc. God does those things because, at His core essence…God is great. God’s greatness stands alone…even if God never does anything for anyone ever again!

(NOTE: Keeping this in mind must be an intentional act. Often times we evaluate our relationship with God based on what God does or has done for us. If God protects us…we praise Him. If God punishes us or blesses someone else…we want to know why we got the short end of the stick. This is self-centered.)

A pastor I look up to shared recently that he was praying for God to do great things in his city and bring revival. The pastor thought he had a good motive and heart in the prayer. He shared that he felt God answered him in his spirit. The answer though, exposes our human condition. He felt God challenged and said, “What if I do the great things you ask and bring revival…but do it through another church and another pastor…then will you praise me?” The answer to this points to the heart. What if the church your friend attended began to double and then triple but your church grew by 1 or 2 every week? Would you become envious of your friend’s church? Would you wonder what was wrong with your church? Would you start to mimic the programs of your friends church to try to be like them…so that you could get the blessings like they were? OR, would you rejoice for the great work of God there…and be faithful to do what God wanted you to do where you were? Do you love where you are doing what you do?)

I am encouraged as I read through David’s Psalm. There are some literary devices in it that point to its poetic structure…that are not as apparent in the English. It is clear though, David praised God for who He is, for what He had done, for what He was doing, and for what He had promised to do. We should learn from this and live it.

Proverbs 9: 10 is the takeaway today. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” All blessing in life comes from living according to God’s wisdom with understanding. All wisdom begins with reverence toward God for who He is and knowing experientially how God’s wisdom applies personally.

Take Two: 2 Samuel 21, Proverbs 8

The remaining chapters of this book are not necessarily in chronological order. The events of Chapter 21 occurred at an unspecified time, but after the honoring and covenant with Mephibosheth and in response to a drought of 3 successive years.

King David sought an answer from God on the reason for the drought and is revealed that the drought was a divine judgment from God against Israel due to the taking of innocent life by Saul when he was king. (…talk about inheriting a mess of problems). Saul expressed zeal in destroying the Gibeonites who had been given refuge in the land by Joshua (Joshua 9:15-21). This was a breaking of the covenant. The result was a reality of national guilt due to the actions of the king on behalf of God and the nation.

David was tasked then with restitution with the Gibeonites, who requested the death of 7 of Saul’s sons (vv.2-6). David handed over the seven descendents of Saul, intentionally leaving out Mephibosheth (whom he had covenanted with beforehand) and all 7 were hanged.

NOTE: If you are like me, you are a bit repulsed at this story. You may be thinking…”I used to like David.” Well, believe it or not, this depiction is one of David’s good judgment and his righteous actions which delivered Israel. The common law of the day recognized the need for atonement for sins and the law of the avenger. When death is brought about unrighteously, the close relative was to seek retaliation/retribution. (We have seen this over and again in the study of Samuel). While this, in itself, causes us to bristle…the point is not on the action but on the judgment of David.

Israel was under divine judgment for sins committed in the past. David was the leader and was charged with the responsibility to make it right…and he did. As a result, the judgement was lifted in response to the newly re-opened lines of communication with God.

Don’t miss the forest for the trees. The takeaway from this chapter is difficult to swallow. The righteousness of God demands that we act rightly before Him and with others. God will not bless unrighteousness. While all may have appeared peaceful in the land, God still held Israel guilty for their national sin against the “non-covenant people,” the Gibeonites. God demanded that Israel act righteously toward these “outsiders” because Israel represented the heart of God…God Himself.

In our lives individually or in our congregation as a whole, there may be (likely is) sin that has not been made right. Yes, we can pray corporately for repentance…but to not make restitution is not really to repent. It is simply to voice a prayer. When we know this…and choose to do it anyway…God chooses to not answer. The key to His answer and His blessing is to do the first things first…to go and make it right with the one/ones we have wronged (For further, see Jesus on the subject in Matt 5:23-24). It is always hard to make restitution. To go back and apologize and seek restoration for past sins seems so illogical. In fact, we can justify not doing it in several spiritual ways (live under grace, paid for at the cross, against God only have I sinned, etc). All of this is true, and so is the Word/instruction of Jesus (MT 5:23-24). We fool ourselves when we try to convince ourselves that we can move on to step 2 in our Christian life without resolving step 1. This…David understood, which is why God was moved by prayer for the land once repentance and restoration was sought by the people (via David their leader).

APPLIED: What has lingered in your mind that you need to seek forgiveness and restoration for? Often times, we can focus on those things which have wronged us…but do we seek to know what we have done to wrong others? Seek restoration…that your prayers may be heard. (More on Sunday!)

Proverbs 8:22 is the takeaway today. “The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His way, before his works of old.” The speaker is the personification of “wisdom.” The truth and principles of wisdom pre-exist all that is created. When we choose to apply the principles of the created order over and above the Wisdom of God, we fail to go to and embrace the “source.” If you really want the keys to life abundant, you must intentionally and rigorously hold to the Word/Wisdom of God. Trust it…and it will prove faithful.

Grace,

Take Two: 2 Samuel 20, Proverbs 7

Now that the kingdom had changed hands again back to David, we see the unrest and disturbance that such changes create. Whenever you see a military coup or a disruption in power, you will find a people to be the most unstable and vulnerable. (As a sidenote, it is this principle that underlies the troop presence in Iraq today, and will require an extended presence in Afghanistan). Israel (and Judah) had undergone a major shift from David to Absalom (by way of coup) and now back to David (by way of military victory).

Sheba, apparently a respected military leader, seized the opportunity and called for the northern tribes (Israel) to reject David as king and (implicitly) to follow him. Sheba sounded the retreat trumpet and headed north. (NOTE: People will follow leaders…sometimes because of their character and righteousness, and other times due to their charisma and presence.)

David continued to Jerusalem. Upon arrival, he cared for his 10 concubines who were abused by Absalom (v.3). He then sent Amasa to rally the men of Judah to the king for the purpose of pursuing Sheba (v.4). Amasa went but was delayed in carrying out the directive, so David dispatched Abishai (and Joab) after Sheba to put down the rebellion quickly…before it got out of hand.

(LEADERS NOTE: Quick action is what leaders do. By delaying, the northern tribes would have had time to organize, gain emotional “buy in” to Sheba’s revolt, and many would have died. David’s actions were severe. No negotiation was in store. In order to save lives, David had to act quickly, decisively, and lead. These guys -leaders- are often criticized as intemperate, but their actions are intended to save, not hurt.)

Joab overtook Amasa at Gibeon. He murdered him there (vv.7-10). Joab acted decisively and wrongly. This is a glimpse into the unravelling of his influence and his ultimate demise.

The army overtook Sheba his rebel forces at Abel Beth Maacah (v.15) and laid siege to the city. As they were attacking the city walls to breach them, an unknown woman asked for a conference with Joab. the outcome of which was Joab giving an ultimatum. Hand over Sheba or we will come in to get him and destroy what is necessary to accomplish it. The woman delivered Sheba’s head (vv.16-21). Joab sounded retreat and led the troops back to Jerusalem.

{NOTE: Providing sanctuary for those who seem to be in trouble is a “default” position for many today. I see people (and have been guilty myself) who will look at a fellow believer in sin and will not want to confront it. Even in a church, they will be comfortable with ongoing, unrepentant sin in the church…believing that if they don’t say anything, God will ultimately change the person (and they don’t have to get their hands dirty). Had the people of this city done that, many would die because they chose to give sanctuary to the sinner rather than calling the sinner to repentance.}

VV.23-26 give another recap of David’s top officials (Similar to 8:15). This marks the conclusion of this segment of the story.

Proverbs 7:23b is the takeaway today. “As a bird hastens to the snare, so [the naive man] does not know that [the sin he did not flee from] will cost him his life. This verse is pulled out of a larger section where the writer tells us that the adversary is boisterous and rebellious (v.11) and is in pursuit of victims. The presentation of sin is always glowing from the temptress, but in the end it is destruction. This is why God tells us to flee from sin. Do not embrace or even look on it longingly. To do so is like a bird, unaware of the snare/trap that is hidden. Suddenly he is caught and ultimately destroyed.

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…

Take Two: 2 Samuel 18, Proverbs 5

In chapter 18, David organizes the people (numbers them) and assigns the men to three divisions of troops. These three divisions turn the attack back against Absalom’s forces. David intended to join in the battle, but was asked not to since he was a liability as a target on the battlefield (vv. 2-3). David charged his 3 commanders (Joab, Abishai, and Ittai) to show be gentle toward Absalom when he was located. This command was strange considering the normal conduct in war, but reasonable considering Absalom was David’s son.

Absalom ended up being caught and was killed by Joab. In fact, Joab intentionally disregarded the king’s orders by dealing with Absalom as he did. In Joab’s mind, David was too close to the situation to be objective and to think clearly. In fact, David’s actions upon hearing the news affirm Joab’s assessment…since David wept for Absalom after hearing the news of his death in battle.

The human dimension notwithstanding, there are proper ways to execute/prosecute a task. Absalom was not a saint. V.18 tells that he erected his own monument in the King’s valley (note: he was only a king for a short time…and in that time, he builds a monument?) since he did not have an heir to the throne. He knew he had one shot at this “legacy” thing…and took it. Also, remember that he chose between two battle plans…one to surgically strike David’s forces and kill David, and the other to kill every one of David’s supporters. He chose the latter. Absalom committed high treason for 40 years, subverting his father’s influence and gaining it for himself. Further, all of this was done because his father disapproved of Absalom’s decision to kill his brother for raping his sister. (Sounds like a Jerry Springer episode). Absalom was bitter and vengeful. Joab discerned this. David was too close to it to see clearly.

The leadership principle becomes clear. Every leader has a blindspot and needs a man or men to help him be accountable to it and see it clearly. We all can become too close to a situation. Our loss of objectivity can cause us to, not only fail, but leave a trail of destruction in our wake. Sometimes a leader’s greatest strength is being aware of his own weaknesses.

A second principle comes to mind. While David did not have the courage to order Absalom’s death, it needed to be done. Opportunity does not always “knock” a second time. Joab knew of the jeopardy he had placed his men in to secure the kingdom. Even though the king was weak (due to his own bias), Joab knew what needed to be done and was willing to act. Yes…his actions could be judged as mutinous or dishonorable…but in his mind, more was on the line than his reputation. The fate of the nation and the stability of his king’s reign were at issue. As such, he chose to do what was best and accept the consequences that may arise.

Proverbs 5:4-5 is the takeaway today. [The temptation to act foolishly seems wise and attractive at first] “but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword, Her feet go down to death, her steps take hold of [the dwelling of the dead].” As I read this, I am mindful that doing the right thing is not always popular and does not always seem reasonable at the time. Sometimes…doing the “wrong thing” seems so attractive; however, the ultimate end of doing the wrong thing…is destruction. Period. Courage is required to choose the tough thing in the short term to experience blessing in the long run.

Take Two: 2 Samuel 17, Proverbs 4

This chapter offers the narrative of how David’s “spy” performed his task. Ahithophel, the chief counselor to Absalom counseled him to attack David immediately, with overwhelming force, and kill him only. Doing so, would result in the regathering of the people who had departed with David (vv.1-4). Absalom was pleased with the plan but decided to get Hushai’s counsel as well. Hushai masterfully contradicted Ahithophel’s plan and convinced the king to undertake a larger, more aggressive campaign that would result in David’s destruction…along with that of all of his follower. He convinced the king…primarily by playing on his fears (vv.5-14). God used Hushai’s advice to ultimately bring about Absalom’s demise (i.e. which is another example of the author’s thesis that God is absolutely sovereign over all events.)

Hushai sent word to David of the coming attack and this resulted in David’s escape…which was the plan all along.

Observations: Someone correctly noted the contrast between Absalom’s approach to decision making and David’s. At all of David’s major successes, he sought counsel from God. Absalom is presented as seeking advice from human counselors. I imagine he would argue that these “counselors” were his way of discerning God’s will…but the author does not communicate that. There are many times when we act according to the best, most logical, most rationale, most reasonable strategies…only to fail because we acted without God’s direction. ULTIMATELY, in the life of a Christ follower, the only instruction we must always count on and adhere to is the instruction from God. It is unreasonable to cross a sea, cross a river in flood stage, march around a city waiting on walls to fall down, trust in an untrained itinerant rabbi’s teachings over those of the best of the Temple’s priests…but that is precisely what we are commanded to do. It is unreasonable to “turn the other cheek, walk two miles when one is commanded, and give ourselves to a mission without any backup plan…but this is precisely the call on the believer’s life.

It is also good to realize that God was working in all of the details of this narrative to bring about a swift conclusion to the rebellion of Absalom. God’s plan will not be thwarted. God is not reacting to our decisions. He is sovereign. His plan is Agenda A, B, and C. Period.

In v.23, we see that Ahithophel takes his own life. Likely he realizes that he has lost position and that if/when David returns, he will be executed as a traitor to the king. So, he commits suicide.

In vv.27-29, we see God’s gracious provision for David and his people. God worked through willing sympathizers to provide the resources to sustain His people in their difficulty. God sustains you and I as well. Sometimes miraculously. Sometimes through the common things that can be explained. Never miss it though. It is God who provides and sustains.

Proverbs 4:10 is the takeaway today. “Hear, my son, and accept my sayings and the years of your life will be many.” The formula for a blessed life…one that truly is a reward for us…is to hear and accept the wisdom of God. Accept His instruction as if it were all that we could ever rely on. Trust it. Love it.

Take Two: 2 Samuel 16, Proverbs 3

Chapter 16 records the “bloodless coup” of Absalom. David and his party narrowly escaped Jerusalem before Absalom entered the city. In fact, scholars tell us that David escaped less than an hour before Absalom and his forces entered. This narrow miss can be interpreted (by David’s fans) as God’s continuing favor and protection toward David.

As David was leaving, Ziba, Mephibosheth’s servant met David with provisions for the journey (16:1-4). Remember that Mephibosheth is Jonathan’s son and Saul’s grandson. What could seem sweeter than the household of Saul once again returning to the throne of Israel? To truly grasp the meaning here of the conversation…you might need to listen for “double meaning.” David thanked Ziba and said that all that was entitled to Saul’s grandson as a descendant is his. Now certainly, since Mephibosheth thought that the Saul kingdom might be restored, he likely interpreted the statement as an affirmation of that. On the other hand, David knew that God had stripped the household of Saul from their rights to the throne and had given it to David. So, David’s statement (to himself) likely meant “All of the “nothing” that you are entitled to, I freely grant you.”

Another descendant of Saul comes out to physically assault David and his party while cursing him. (this does not necessarily refer to using profanity…but likely means he uttered curses as if he possessed a prophetic word for God) (vv.5-14). David’s servant wanted to cut his head off…but David stated it was unnecessary. In vv.9-11, David simply states that the real threat is Absalom (the son from his loins) and that they should not be distracted by or vengeful toward this person who was emboldened by Absalom’s rebellion. Stated another way, “Why would we deplete our resources and strength fighting against someone who is not the real problem.” Ultimately, this is a great lesson in leadership and a discipleship. How often do we focus on indicators or consequences of problems and miss the “problem” altogether? We spend time trying to clean up the “oil spot” in the driveway and never spend time fixing the leak in the car.

In vv.15-23, Absalom enters the city and is strengthened in his spirit by the lack of resistance. I imagine that he thinks that “God has blessed him” because no one has fought against him. “Because it is easy, God must be in it!” (You and I can become fooled by this type of “situational theology” as well. “Easy,” does not necessarily mean God is in it.)

Hushai  approaches Absalom and swears allegiance to “the king.” (Think double meaning again…since we know he was sent back there by David to be a spy.) Absalom is cautious but seems “cautiously convinced” by Hushai’s presentation. Notice the other statement of double meaning, “As I served in David’s presence (as his loyal adviser), I will serve in your presence (as David’s loyal advisor) v.19.”

Absalom received counsel of what to do next from his close counselor Ahithophel. To solidify in the people’s eyes that Absalom was in fact the new “man” in the palace, Absalom set up a tent on top of the roof and slept with David’s concubines one-by-one. This is the ultimate “slap in the face” to David (at least as it appeared to Absalom.)

In closing observations, it must have been difficult for David to exercise the humility and restrain he did. I imagine that he was full of self-doubt and craved some affirmation that God had not judged him. Not much to be encouraged with if you are David here. However, David stayed in the fight. He did not quit. He did not detour. He stayed with the fight.

Proverbs 3:30 is the takeaway today. “Do not contend with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm.” As I considered this today, it struck me that we often times choose sides (for or against) a person based on how we perceive their actions toward a friend or an ideal. The seemingly act wrongly against our friend, so they are now my enemy. We would do well to not cast judgment too quickly. Perhaps we don’t have all of the facts. Perhaps, we lack some vital information which might change everything. We should let others fight their own battles and not make everyone else’s “cause” our own personal crusade. We make God’s crusade our crusade…since we are his servants. Just my thoughts….

Grace.

Take Two: 2 Samuel 15, Proverbs 2

Chapter 15 details the conspiracy fo Absalom…one that he worked toward for 40 years (vv.1-7). The unresolved issues with Absalom and David continued to “simmer” under the surface of Absalom’s heart all along.

This brings us to an instructive point. The absence of conflict is not peace. There is no peace until there is righteous peace. Absalom and David needed to work through their issues. This would have been accomplished through communication, coupled with humility, a willingness to yield, and a submission to God on the parts of both men. The absence of conflict is like the bandage covering the severe wound. It may look good on the surface, but a serious situation lies just beneath that requires immediate and drastic attention.

After 40 years, Absalom gained permission (by subversion) to go to Hebron to “fulfill a vow” he made to the Lord. It was his big moment. He sent spies throughout the land to set the stage that Absalom was established as king in Hebron (v.10). Once word came to David, he instructed his household and followers to leave Jerusalem rather than stay and fight.

The years have certainly affected David’s approach. In his early days, he would fight a man over failing to demonstrate appropriate hospitality. Now, he simply left Jerusalem rather than resist the coup by his son Absalom. Through the years, David had come to trust more deeply in the sovereign rule of God. It is not that David learned more of God’s sovereignty…or that he started to trust sovereignty more; rather, it is that David saw the implications of God’s sovereignty as it applied to various areas of his life IN NEW WAYS.

We see this in vv.24-26. Here David sends the Levites and priests back to Jerusalem and states that if God is still for David, David will return under God’s favor; otherwise, David trusts in God’s actions even if David never returns.

David’s humility before God and response to life circumstances is evident in v.30. David covered his head and walked barefoot up the mount of olives weeping. This is a picture of great contrition and fervent prayer. Others saw his example and were convicted by it…and followed his lead.

NOTE: This is a missing element (I think) in our church family (and maybe our Christian Community as a whole). There must be a pastor who is broken over sin…but not just a pastor. Other godly people must seek God’s face and do it without reservation. They must be seen demonstrating their humility before God and men. This becomes exemplary and instructive for others. I think the “acid test” for this is simple (and convicting):

IF OTHERS acted toward personal and corporate sin as I do…repented as I do…mourned as I do…and petitioned God as I do…would revival break out?

I leave the answer to each man’s conscience.

Proverbs 2:10-17 (in part) is the takeaway today. “For wisdom will enter your heart and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will guard you, understanding will watch over you, to deliver you from the way of evil…from the man who speaks perverse things…[from those] who delight in evil, [from those] who break promises with their companion (v.17) and their God (v.17).” The thrust of this collection of verses is to remind us that it is the knowledge of God’s Word that serves to guard us from that which harms us and dishonors God. Living rightly…begins with knowing what “rightly” is…from the authoritative source of instruction…God’s Word (not necessarily our feelings or what we heard for years from a preacher). If this is true…and we desire to live ina  manner that honors God…are we doing the “work” of knowing Him, His Word, and applying it to every decision in our lives?

Grace,