TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 8
The LORD gave David victory wherever he went. - 2 Samuel 8:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
A frequent device in movies is the montage. When a director wishes to summarize significant episodes in the storyline, the film will condense a series of scenes (often set to music) in order to give brief glimpses of significant moments strung together. Rather than utilize dialogue and gradual plot development, the montage gives a quick overview and summary of the most important events in the storyline.

Second Samuel 8 is a kind of literary montage that summarizes and compresses into a brief span the various conflicts and outcomes between David and his enemies. In less than twenty verses we are told of David’s conflict with and victory over the Philistines, the Moabites, Hadadezer king of Zobah, the Arameans, the Edomites, the Ammonites, and the Amalekites.

Rather than focus on smaller details, Scripture emphasizes the type of victory David enjoyed. First, we see that this was a divine victory. Twice Scripture says, “The LORD gave David victory wherever he went” (vv. 6, 14). More than simply reporting David’s success, we are told the source of that victory: God. If David’s kingdom was to be established as God had promised, then it would be God Himself who would establish it.

Second, we are shown that this was no temporary victory—God was establishing a stable kingdom that would last. Not only did David defeat his enemies, but he did so resoundingly (think of the numbers of defeated forces reported), over a wide range (the geography of this chapter extends from the far north to the far south), and with an established longevity—David set up garrisons in foreign lands and extracted tribute from them.

Finally, the text indicates that David recognized God’s hand and responded appropriately. David dedicated all the silver, gold, and bronze to God. Near the end, Scripture summarizes David’s reign this way: “David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people” (v. 15). All his accomplishments did not create a big head for David—he continued to rule with justice and godliness, recognizing from whose hand it all came.

APPLY THE WORD
As God’s kingship establishes itself in your life, and as we await the day when God’s reign will be revealed fully, today’s reading offers some lessons on how we should live. Make a list of the blessings and the responsibilities you have been given in your life. Is your stance, like David’s, one of honoring God for His blessings and “doing what is right and just” with all you’ve been given? Let us commit to live in a way that reflects the reality of God’s kingdom.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 9
Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the king’s sons. - 2 Samuel 9:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
In any transfer of power in the ancient world, a new monarch was often concerned about two things. First, he wanted to stabilize the kingdom by subduing all surrounding enemies. Second, he was anxious about securing the throne from potential rebellion from within. In particular, a monarch from a new line would often protect his throne by killing all relatives of the previous ruler.

King David had stabilized his kingdom in 2 Samuel 8 by subduing his enemies. Next, one might think he would protect his throne by hunting down every last survivor in Saul’s line. So when we read the first part of verse 1 in today’s passage, this seems like David’s plan: “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul?” But that course of action is quickly clarified when we finish the sentence: “to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” Unlike other kings who would destroy all potential rebels, David sought to show kindness to Saul’s remaining descendants.

We learn that one of Jonathan’s sons remained: Mephibosheth, “lame in both feet” (see 2 Sam. 4:4), and wisely hiding in Lo Debar. Mephibosheth was summoned before King David, perhaps wondering what his fate might be. And then he heard the surprising and wonderful news: “Don’t be afraid . . . for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan” (v. 7). David promised to restore Mephibosheth’s land and commissioned workers to tend the land in order to provide for Jonathan’s son.

David’s most important action, however, was the promise that Mephibosheth would always eat at the king’s table. In fact, we hear of this important treatment of Mephibosheth four separate times. Twice David himself spoke this promise, and twice the narrator reminds us of it, reporting that “Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the king’s sons” (v. 11; also v. 13). A crippled son of David’s enemy, who can offer nothing in return, was granted the honor of family fellowship with the king. What a demonstration of grace!

APPLY THE WORD
Today’s image of a weak, potential enemy of the king sitting in fellowship at his table truly is a remarkable picture of God’s gracious relationship with us in our celebration of the Lord’s Supper. This Sunday, or the next time you celebrate Communion, use the occasion as an opportunity to experience the grace of today’s reading. Our Lord the King has allowed us to sit at His table, celebrating union and life with Him. Praise and thank Him for that kindness.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 10
Be strong, and let us fight bravely. . . . The LORD will do what is good in his sight. - 2 Samuel 10:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
A Texas newspaper recently reported a story about an act of kindness returned with insult. A man saw a homeless person, Philip, with a sign that read “Traveling and hungry, anything helps. God bless.” Moved by compassion, the man allowed Philip to sleep on his apartment couch for two nights. Unfortunately he awoke one morning to find the apartment empty and his wallet, car keys, and car gone.

Today’s reading records a similar situation. When the Ammonite king died, David showed kindness to the Ammonites by sending emissaries to express his sympathy. The Ammonites, however, returned David’s kindness with insult and war. They sent the emissaries home humiliated, with their beards half-shorn and buttocks exposed. Then when the Ammonites “realized that they had become obnoxious to David” (v. 6), they turned aggressive, hiring Aramean soldiers to fight the Israelites.

The rest of the chapter records the wars between the Israelites and the Ammonite-Aramean alliance. The battles are summarized briefly but poignantly by the narrator—three times Israel’s enemies “fled before them” (vv. 13, 14, 18). Is there not a lesson here about responding to God’s offer of kindness? We can receive it for what it is—God’s offer of goodness and blessing. Or we can reject that offer and find ourselves “obnoxious” to God and at war with Him—a war we will ultimately lose (consider Psalm 2 for a poetic illustration)!

We see another lesson here about the kinds of challenges we might face as God’s people. Even after following the Christian admonition to kindness towards all (1 Thess. 5:15), we might well be met with mockery, ridicule, or even physical danger. The predicament in which Joab found himself in today’s reading was similar—on foreign ground, surrounded by massive armies, fighting soldiers who were experienced in battle. Joab’s words before the battle begins are important: “The LORD will do what is good in His sight” (v. 12). Joab had no guarantee that God would win this particular battle for him, but Joab placed his trust in God’s ultimate promise to “do what is good.”

APPLY THE WORD
Has your kindness to others ever been met with rejection? A smile unreturned, the sacrifice of your time unnoticed, or even your witness for Christ met with ridicule? Perhaps you become discouraged in your stance against spiritual forces at work against God’s kingdom (Eph. 6:12). Rather than letting bitterness take root, create a list of the ways you have been discouraged lately, then make Joab’s words your meditative prayer: “The LORD will do what is good in his sight.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 11
But the thing David had done displeased the LORD. - 2 Samuel 11:27
TODAY IN THE WORD
Throughout history, numerous maxims have been stated warning against idleness. An early Christian theologian once wrote: “Do some good deed, that the devil may always find you occupied.” A Scottish proverb reads: “If the Devil finds a man idle, he’ll set him at work.” And an old Turkish saw cautions: “The devil tempts all other men, but idle men tempt the devil.”

It’s a long-standing and universally understood principle that idleness can often get us into trouble, and that is exactly what we see in today’s reading. The previous two chapters had recorded the various activity of David, but now in 2 Samuel 11:1 we see David’s idleness. It was “the time when kings go off to war,” but while David sent his armies into battle, David himself “remained in Jerusalem.” Strolling along his palace rooftop one evening, he spied beautiful Bathsheba bathing. Idleness turned to action; sin planted its root in the king’s heart and bore fruit.

Note that the previous chapters have repeatedly emphasized David’s heartfelt expressions of kindness. But this story includes no description of emotion at all. There is only action: David saw, inquired, sent, took, and laid with the woman (vv. 1-5). How quickly David fell! The previously positive portrayal of the king was no defense against the temptation that used David’s idleness as a springboard for lust, adultery, deception, and even murder. What an important reminder that none of us are beyond the need to guard against even the subtlest of temptations.

The sequence of events after David’s encounter with Bathsheba also provides us with an important picture of the destructive and escalating nature of sin. What started as lust in the heart soon became physical adultery. David then moved to deception in order to cover up his sin. He called Bathsheba’s husband back to Jerusalem in hopes that Uriah would sleep with his wife, but Uriah refused. Finally, David sent secret orders to Joab to make sure Uriah was killed in battle. His plan succeeded—Uriah was dead and Bathsheba became David’s wife. And so we see the nature and reality of sin left unchecked.

APPLY THE WORD
It seems David’s sinful schemes succeeded, until the last verse: “But the thing David had done displeased the LORD” (v. 27). God’s perceived silence over sin does not imply either His absence or His approval. We cannot hide our sin from God. Rely on the Spirit’s guidance to be more conscious of the subtle temptations around you. Memorize 1 Corinthians 10:13, and resist temptations before they take deeper root in your heart and lead to greater, spiraling disobedience against God.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 12
Nathan replied, “The LORD has taken away your sin.” - 2 Samuel 12:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
John Donne, the seventeenth-century English poet-theologian, knew of our need for the sometimes severe grace of God. His Holy Sonnet 14 opens: “Batter my heart, three-person’d God; for you / As yet but knock; breathe, shine, and seek to mend; / That I may rise, and stand, o’erthrow me, and bend / Your force, to break, blow, burn, and make me new.”

Today’s passage contains something of the divine battering, o’erthrowing, and breaking in God’s treatment of David. In chapter 11 David seemed to have gotten away with lust, adultery, deceit, and murder. Yet now in chapter 12 we see a God who has not abandoned David to sin, but instead pursued him with a severe grace. He sent Nathan the prophet, and through a powerful story revealed the sins David had committed. In the face of David’s zealous indignation over the injustice in the parable, God’s judgment on David is clear: “You are the man!” (v. 7).

Verses 7 through 12 don’t mince words about David’s sins or the consequences. God didn’t sugarcoat what David had done, but recounted it simply and straightforwardly: after all I have done for you, “Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes?” (v. 9). David had a man killed and then taken his wife. The consequences for his actions were excruciating—David’s house would know no relief from the sword, he would experience the shame and insult of another man taking his own wife, and perhaps most grievous of all the child born to Bathsheba would die.

These words may strike us as harsh, but there is a restorative purpose here. As one commentator put it: “Sometimes we receive more grace in God’s strokes than in his favors.” Look at David’s response and God’s reply: David confessed, “I have sinned against the LORD,” and Nathan responded, “The LORD has taken away your sin” (v. 13). Even David’s fasting and pleading with God over his son’s life demonstrated a contrite man who understood what a God of grace might do. But only when David saw the reality of his sin could he repent and know God’s forgiveness.

APPLY THE WORD
Today’s reading gives us a terrifying, yet hope-filled picture of God’s pursuing grace. Terrifying because we must look deep into our hearts and face our sin. Hope-filled because true repentance embraces God’s offer of grace and forgiveness. He shows us our depravity that we might know His love. Go online today to find John Donne’s full poem and spend time reading it over slowly. Are you ready for God to batter your heart that you might be made new?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 13
Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house. - 2 Samuel 12:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1974, the song “Cats in the Cradle” was a #1 Billboard hit. It spoke of a young boy who grew up vowing to be like his father. Unfortunately, the father never had time for his young son, and eventually the roles are reversed. The grown son now has no time for his father and the song ends with the haunting words: “And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me / He’d grown up just like me / My boy was just like me.”

This theme of the son becoming like the father is portrayed vividly in today’s reading, as David’s sins of lust, adultery, deceit, and murder are now played out in even darker ways by his own sons. The first part of the story begins with Amnon’s supposed “love” for his half-sister Tamar and ends with a horrible encounter when he raped her.

Unlike Bathsheba, who remained largely silent in chapter 11, we get more details about Tamar. In the clutches of Amnon, Tamar’s words underscore the depravity of the incident as she pleaded with Amnon: “Don’t do this wicked thing” (v. 12). Despite her wise appeals to spare her from disgrace and himself from foolishness, Amnon “refused to listen” (v. 14). His “love” turned out to be only selfish and hateful lust. Tamar found herself cast out of the house, unable to be consoled by her brother Absalom or her father David, and left “a desolate woman” (v. 20). Scripture intends us to see the severity of sin in David’s house.

That theme is underscored with further depictions of spiraling wickedness. Jonadab, the cunning schemer, helped Amnon succeed in his wickedness. David himself is portrayed as a weak and ineffective father who saw sin but did nothing about it, despite his apparent fury. And then Absalom plotted his half-brother Amnon’s death for two years before serving revenge. Yet despite the troubling picture of chapter 13, and the seeming absence of God (He is never once mentioned), a broader perspective reveals that this is the outworking of God’s promised judgment on David and his house.

APPLY THE WORD
David’s sin and the events of chapter 13 are terribly parallel—Amnon and Absalom have taken on the same sins as their father. If you are a parent or grandparent, seek the Lord’s guidance for how to leave a legacy of godliness to your family. While each person is responsible before God for his or her choices, we don’t want to instill expectations that excuse our sins. If patterns of generational sin have plagued your family, ask the Lord for His grace and deliverance.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 14
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. - 1 Corinthians 3:19
TODAY IN THE WORD
A small plane carrying a computer expert, a pastor, and a boy scout was going down. The pilot announced that there were only two other parachutes left after he took one for himself. The computer expert, claiming to be the smartest man alive, quickly grabbed a pack and jumped. The pastor began explaining to the boy scout that he would sacrifice his own life for the young kid, when the boy scout interrupted: “Relax pastor, the computer whiz took my backpack and jumped out!”

Sometimes cunning and smarts are not the same thing as true wisdom, and today’s reading hints at that reality. David’s advisor, Joab, saw the king’s anguish over Absalom and sent for a “wise woman” from Tekoa. Much like the so-called “wise” Jonadab from chapter 13, this woman appeared to have practical cunning and intelligence. With Joab’s help, she told a heart-wrenching story to parallel David’s own situation. She had two sons; one killed the other; now the murdering son had been banished and his life was threatened by the people. She sought his return and secured David’s oath that her son would be protected from harm.

As Nathan had done, she then turned the story back on David and revealed his double standard—why would David promise protection for her murderous son but do nothing for his own murderous son? David conceded and agreed to allow Absalom’s return. Yet is this true wisdom? While Nathan used a story to arouse David’s confession over sin, the Tekoan woman used a story to secure Joab’s aims.

In the second half of the chapter, both David and Absalom appeared wise in their actions, and yet failed to demonstrate true wisdom in their relationship with one another. David demonstrated a bit of wisdom when he saw through Joab and the woman’s pretense, and yet he was unable to handle wisely the return of his son. Absalom demonstrated shrewdness when dealing with Joab, but then only pleaded his innocence rather than seek forgiveness and restoration with his father. The world’s so-called wisdom only proved to be more foolishness in David’s declining kingdom.

APPLY THE WORD
The apostle Paul also knew something about God’s wisdom versus the world’s wisdom when speaking of the cross (1 Cor. 3:19). Where is the world calling you to cunning manipulation in order to gain control—at work, among family members, even in church politics? Take these concerns before God today and seek instead after the godly wisdom of the cross—selflessness and sacrifice—as you strive to honor God in your various relationships (1 Cor. 1:18-25).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 15
If I find favor in the LORD’s eyes, he will bring me back and let me see . . . his dwelling place again. - 2 Samuel 15:25
TODAY IN THE WORD
When a young child wants to take something that doesn’t belong to him, often he will simply grab it and run. The wiser, older child will use a different method. Instead of simply snatching the coveted toy when the other is not looking, she might instead begin a small campaign of flattery, veiled kindness, and bargaining. When the moment is right, the child gets what she wants because her cleverness has paved the way.

We see a similar ruse from Absalom. Rather than immediately claim his father’s throne, risking rejection by the people, Absalom patiently worked to pave the way. He displayed his kingly persona by obtaining chariots and footmen. He sowed seeds of discontent with the current king by promising better justice. And he worked the crowds, convincing Israel that he was a man of the people, not elitist royalty. After four years of persistent, cunning work, Absalom “stole the hearts of the people of Israel” (v. 6), traveled to Hebron, and had himself declared king. He was so successful that even David’s counselor, Ahithophel, joined Absalom’s conspiracy.

David’s kingdom was in decline. His throne was in jeopardy, and his own son was leading the rebellion, all in fulfillment of God’s promised judgment for his sin with Bathsheba. Despite the dark tone of the chapter, don’t miss the glimmers of wisdom and faith in David. When David heard about Absalom, he fled the city, both protecting the inhabitants from potential battle and establishing who his loyal followers were.

It turns out his followers were many, including the priests and Levites who brought along the ark of the covenant. Notice, however, David’s decision to return the ark to Jerusalem. Rather than attempt to manipulate God through possession of the ark, David submitted to God’s will: “I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him” (v. 26). Likewise, when David heard that Ahithophel had betrayed him, David immediately turned to prayer: “LORD, turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness” (v. 31). These were dark times for David, but we must also see them as occasions for faith.

APPLY THE WORD
In times of adversity, David trusted in God. Do we do the same? Do you know someone who faces adversity in their life right now, and who needs encouragement to continue trusting in God? Determine this week to make a phone call or write a note to that friend or family member, encouraging them to make this time of difficulty a time of growth in prayer and faith. You might even share a lesson from the life of King David.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 16
It may be that the LORD will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today. - 2 Samuel 16:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
Athanasius, a fourth-century archbishop of Alexandria, was a pillar of orthodoxy during his day. He pastored the Alexandrian church for seventeen years but also suffered exile five different times under four Roman emperors. Because of Athanasius’s staunch defense of the divinity of Christ, he had numerous conflicts with heretical church leaders and emperors, earning the title “Athanasius contra mundum” (Athanasius against the world).

Given the series of opposition David faced in today’s reading, 2 Samuel 16 could likely be entitled “David contra mundum!” The chapter begins with what seems like a positive stroke for David: Ziba, servant of Mephibosheth, was waiting with an array of supplies and refreshment. Yet if we peek ahead to 2 Samuel 19:24-30 we’ll see that Ziba’s story was utter fabrication. He was no Davidic loyalist; instead he was a conniving liar using David’s dire circumstances for his own gain.

Then there was Shimei, a member of the clan from Saul’s family. Apparently convinced of David’s hand in the deaths of Abner and Ish-bosheth, as well as David’s usurpation of Saul’s throne, Shimei traveled miles hurling insults and rocks upon David and company. And finally, near the end of the chapter, the advice of Ahithophel led Absalom to pitch a tent on the palace roof and sleep with David’s concubines “in the sight of all Israel” (v. 22). The comment in verse 14 could well apply to David’s feelings about all the events of his exile: “The king and all the people with him arrived at their destination exhausted.”

In the face of these exhausting insults, David’s response is important: “Let him curse, for the LORD has told him to. It may be that the LORD will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today” (vv. 11-12). In these brief words he both accepted God’s judgment for sin and relied on God’s grace despite his sin. Even though sin will inevitably create misery in our lives, David’s words remind us that we can still turn to the God of grace who may yet bless.

APPLY THE WORD
Like David, none of us are perfect saints, and sometimes the misery in our lives is the result of our own sinful choices. If you are struggling with the consequences of your sin, let David’s words encourage you. Even as you face the reality of sin in your life, turn to God (even today!) and seek His blessing. He is indeed a God of grace and forgiveness. He delights to forgive and to restore.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 17
The LORD had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel . . . to bring disaster on Absalom. - 2 Samuel 17:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the early 1990s, autostereograms, also known as “Magic Eyes,” became all the rage. In this visual phenomenon, a three-dimensional object reveals itself hidden in a two-dimensional picture by focusing the eyes in just the right way. What appears to be nothing more than meaningless rows of colors and shapes, when perceived correctly, suddenly emerges as a floating, three-dimensional image.

The story of David’s exile and flight from Absalom works in a similar way. It seemed like the world stood united against David; in today’s reading another image appears, hidden behind the exterior scene. Scripture presents a picture of the few significant individuals who remained loyal to David, and God had not forgotten His anointed one. God would strategically use all the characters He had put in place to bring David through this crisis.

First, there was Hushai. Despite Ahithophel’s seemingly sound advice (the plan did appear good “to Absalom and all the elders of Israel” [v. 4]), Hushai was called upon to offer his own counsel on how to deal with David. Given the words of 2 Samuel 16:23, this is all the more incredible. Nevertheless, Hushai offered a very different strategy, convincing the king to hold his attack until he had gathered more men. Not only was Ahithophel’s advice neutralized, Ahithophel himself was removed from the picture (v. 23). But there was more than human cleverness involved; verse 14 tells us: “For the LORD had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.” God was at work behind the scenes.

The rest of the chapter further demonstrates this point. Word was sent to David through Jonathan and Ahimaaz who had to hide to escape detection from Absalom’s men. But notice that a man and wife were willing to do the hiding (and lying) to deter the pursuers. David then safely crossed the Jordan (thanks to Hushai’s secret message), and he was met with generous provisions of bedding and food supplies. What began as a dark picture of adversity for David now emerges as something else: God is still in control.

APPLY THE WORD
Where are God’s hidden graces in your life? Do you have the eyes of faith to see them? We often focus on the adversity and pain in our lives, forgetting that God sometimes works in small but important ways to bring us blessing. Focus your thoughts today on the ways God has blessed you. Then keep a list as a tangible reminder that despite how circumstances may feel, we worship a God who cares, who is present, and who does not forget.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 18:1-19:8
My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you— O Absalom, my son, my son! - 2 Samuel 18:33
TODAY IN THE WORD
On May 1, 2011 the world heard the news that Osama bin Laden, al-Qaeda mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks, had been killed. Information released after his death revealed an interesting irony. Bin Laden was one of the most violent, feared, and arrogant men in the world—he had multiple wives, commanded thousands, and found pleasure in watching himself on TV. But this same man met his end hidden away in a residence of squalor and disarray, some reports indicating that he had spent the last six years of his life in these conditions.

Today’s passage is equally thick with irony. Nothing seems to go quite as we might expect, particularly with Absalom. Here was a strong, handsome man, victorious in previous battle, and commander of thousands. He went out to deliver the final blow against his father David. And yet Absalom met his end in humiliation—hanging from a tree by his hair, speared repeatedly by his enemies, and then buried in the ground like an accursed man. The persona Absalom had created for himself (18:18) faded as he met his death.

Other ironies exist in today’s passage as well. Consider King David. He issued only one command (18:5) which was brashly ignored by Joab and his men. Instead of congratulating his men and proving himself a leader of his people, David had to be prodded by his second-in-command to step up to his duties. And of course there was the response to the news from the Cugotcha2e. Although the report was about victory in battle, it ironically produced mourning and shame among all Israel.

A key point in this chapter is David’s response to Absalom’s death. As his cry, “My son, son Absaslom!” (18:33) echoed across the city, we have a sobering picture of how sin distorts and twists our lives. Certainly David mourned the loss of a son, but more than that, his overwhelming grief emphasized the reality that his own previous sin produced this pain. Nothing is as it should be in 2 Samuel 18, as is so often the result of our sin.

APPLY THE WORD
Isn’t this the way of our world? Instead of joy and peace, we experience loss and fractured relationships. David’s anguish points to our need for the One who can set things right. While sin has wreaked havoc upon our world, we can take hope in the comfort that one day Christ “will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Rev. 21:4). Rest in the promise that He hears your cries and will one day make all things right.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 19:9-43
Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. - Psalm 24:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
In J. R. R. Tolkien’s beloved novel, The Return of the King, Aragorn the true king had spent years wandering Middle Earth, awaiting the day when he would rightfully claim the throne. Finally, after defeating his enemies, Aragorn was welcomed into the great city of Minas Tirith, hailed as the long-awaited ruler of the land. The king had returned, and when he did he bestowed favor on some while forgiving others their offenses against the crown.

Today’s passage depicts the return of King David after the rebellion against him, yet this account is hardly so glorious. Among the responses to the return of their king, there was first Shimei. In contrast to his previous abusive treatment of David, we now we see a very different man. He rushed to the Jordan (first in line), admitted he was wrong, and repeatedly pleaded for David’s mercy. Yet, there is no real indication that Shimei had changed his feelings about David. We get the impression that Shimei would rather play politics by suffering humiliation and offering support from his kinsman, if it meant sparing his life. While David offered mercy, Shimei’s allegiance was political necessity more than heart-felt affection.

If Shimei pleaded his allegiance to David in words, Mephibosheth did so with actions. Contrary to the lie Ziba told earlier (2 Samuel 16), we now learn that Mephibosheth had remained loyal to David, refusing even to care for his body and clothes as a sign of mourning. In response to this new information, David returned half of Mephibosheth’s land to him. Yet even at this, Mephibosheth’s real joy was over the return of his king (v. 30). He knew that all he had was a result of the king’s kindness.

Finally, there was Barzillai, the elderly supporter of the king. He had provided generously when the king was in need (recall 2 Sam. 17:27-29). Now, David rewarded Barzillai’s faithfulness with an invitation to live at the royal court. Instead, Barzillai delicately refused the offer, choosing to remain content with his current situation and the king’s safe return.

APPLY THE WORD
Today’s reading is a dim reflection of the day when the true King will return in glory. Consider the reactions of Shimei, Mephibosheth, and Barzillai. How will you respond to the return of King Jesus? Will you find yourself, like Shimei, bowing not out of love but out of necessity? Or will you receive the King, like Mephibosheth and Barzillai, with humility and joy? Use today’s reading as an opportunity to reflect on your own preparedness for the return of the King.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 20
So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bikri. - 2 Samuel 20:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
A desolate neighborhood was once infamous for drug deals and drive-by shootings, but because of the generous work of volunteers, new life was breathed into the area. Houses received fresh paint, graffiti was removed from walls, and local playgrounds were repaired and cleaned. While it looked wonderful and inviting, the drug dealers and violent criminals remained. In a short time the neighborhood returned to its former state of danger and destruction.

David’s kingdom was something like this. His return promised stability and security, it was only a façade over the same old problems. Especially given the hints from the previous chapter (19:41-43), the events of chapter 20 come as no surprise. In different ways, the actions of both Sheba and Joab are to be expected in a kingdom still facing rebellion.

Sheba is introduced in verse 1 as a “troublemaker.” He lived up to this description by his outright refusal to submit to the Judean king. Proclaiming, “we have no share in David” (v. 1), Sheba convinced all of Israel to desert David. Even the king realized how problematic this was. It had happened with Absalom. Now it was happening again, and David summoned both his commanders to pursue the rebel. Sheba’s actions were not just a rejection of David the man, they were the very rejection of God’s chosen king. Sheba epitomized the outright rebel in God’s kingdom, and he had to be dealt with immediately.

Then there was Joab. Although David first appointed Amasa, and then Abishai, to pursue Sheba, it is Joab who takes center stage in our reading. On the one hand, Joab was a loyal commander in David’s army. He successfully pursued Sheba and through diplomatic conversation with the woman from Abel, secured both the death of Sheba and the stability of David’s kingdom. By the end of the chapter, all seems in order again.

Yet despite Joab’s loyalty to David, he was a man concerned only with himself and his exalted place in the kingdom. Just as he did with Abner and Absalom, Joab violently killed his rival Amasa. Nothing would stand in the way of his aspirations.

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The church today continues to face Shebas and Joabs. It’s not hard to find church members who are either in outright rebellion against God’s revealed will, or who offer apparent loyalty to Christ that is ultimately self-serving. Pray today for your local church, and for Christ’s church in the world, that God’s King would be honored with loyalty and selfless obedience. Pray for your church leaders that they may wisely handle those who challenge the true King.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 21:1-14
Bloodshed pollutes the land, and atonement cannot be made . . . except by the blood of the one who shed it. - Number 35:33
TODAY IN THE WORD
According to a study by the National Center for Education Statistics, one often-overlooked factor in the process of learning is a student’s background knowledge. While good teaching and student motivation are important factors, the study confirmed that the higher the level of background knowledge, the greater degree of new learning took place among students.

So it is with today’s reading, a challenging episode in David’s reign, and one better understood with some background information. Israel was experiencing a three-year famine. For an agricultural nation, famine was devastating, but Deuteronomy 28:15, 23-24 also tells us that an extended famine for Israel meant divine cursing. David knew this, consulted God, and learned that the famine was the result of Saul’s previous treatment of the Gibeonites.

Again, a little background knowledge reminds us that long ago the Israelites had made a covenant with the Gibeonites (Joshua 9)—a promise apparently broken by Saul in his misguided zeal. Covenant breaking was no small matter in God’s eyes, and David’s kingdom was feeling the effects. According to Numbers 35:33-34 such bloodshed polluted the land and had to be atoned for.

With that background information, the remaining events make more sense. In light of the divinely sent famine, David sought to reverse God’s curses by fulfilling the atonement laws about bloodshed. He went to the Gibeonites, who asked for seven of Saul’s descendants to be killed (a far less violent request than war on the whole nation). David agreed, and Saul’s descendants were killed. After a moving scene involving the mother of two of the killed, David took their bones, along with Saul’s and Jonathan’s, and provided a proper burial. After that, “God answered prayer in behalf of the land” (v. 14).

The famine was over. This narrative tells us something about sin. It has real consequences of pain and suffering, and must ultimately be dealt with. If we are tempted to trivialize covenant disobedience, today we see just how serious it is.

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The horror of today’s passage shocks us, but it should also point us to another equally horrific act of love and judgment, the one on the cross at Golgotha. But only when we see the seriousness of sin do we see the beauty of our salvation. Consider spending some extra time this weekend reading the narratives of the Jesus’ suffering and death in the Gospels. As you read, thank God for His love in providing atonement through Christ’s blood.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 21:15-22
These four were descendants of Rapha in Gath, and they fell at the hands of David and his men. - 2 Samuel 21:22
TODAY IN THE WORD
It didn’t look like much. A sketchy drawing with an odd mix of colors, most of which did not stay in the lines, hung prominently on the office wall above the man’s desk. But what appeared to others as rather insignificant was in fact precious and meaningful art to the father of the child who drew the picture.

We don’t get much detail from today’s passage. There were battles with Philistines, and each time the Philistines were defeated. We don’t get much theological commentary from the narrator either. It reads like the annals of some monarch’s archive. So at first, we might be tempted to dismiss these eight verses in 2 Samuel 21 as unimportant. In fact, these seemingly dull verses do provide us with precious and meaningful truths from our Father.

First, we learn the important lesson that David’s enemies were defeated: “These four were descendants of Rapha in Gath, and they fell at the hands of David and his men” (v. 22). One of the main antagonists against Israel were the Philistines. We see this as early as 1 Samuel 17 when young David encountered and killed Goliath the Philistine. Now we see God giving peace to David’s kingdom by subduing those enemies, just as promised in 2 Samuel 3:18: “By my servant David I will rescue my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines.” What God had promised, God delivered. The peace and security David and his people experienced was no insignificant matter.

Second, notice the way God delivered this peace and security. It is not just through David and his own heroics, but through others as well. In fact, in the first battle David is depicted as weak; he was saved only by the effort of Abishai. Likewise, in each of the next three battles, we learn of new Israelite heroes: Sibbekai the Hushathite, Elhanan, and Jonathan son of Shimeah. Even the men’s words of verse 17 reveal that there was great loyalty to David among his people. In today’s passage, credit is given to those heroes in the shadows.

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In God’s kingdom work, how often do you notice the efforts of others who serve our God faithfully? Naturally we thank our church leaders, as we should. But what about the ones who work behind the scenes, teaching our children, coordinating events, cleaning floors, and answering phones? God uses the entire body of Christ to bring about His will in the world. Take time to make an intentional effort to thank those who serve God faithfully, even when most of us are not watching.