May 19, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

2 Samuel 19 - The opening verses of this chapter talk about uncontrolled grief and the need to "come to grips with it" and move on with your responsibilities.  David did all he could to save Absalom's life, but failed.  He knew his son died in part as a consequence of his own sin.  Now he had a kingdom to restore and he did.  On his way back Shimei, the man who cursed him grievously earlier now came to apologize.  David forgave him.  Mephibosheth came and explained that Ziba had lied about him.  What should David do?  He did what his son, Solomon, would learn to do:  David told Mephibosheth and Ziba to "divide the land between them." 

2 Samuel 20 - Another man from Saul's tribe of Benjamin, Sheba by name, mounted another revolt against David.  David asked Amasa, Absalom's general, to go after Sheba.  Joab stepped in the way and murdered Amasa to save his own job.  He would have Sheba killed and David's kingdom was no longer threatened.

2 Samuel 21 - Remember the careless decision Joshua and the people of Israel did in Joshua 9 when they made peace with the Gibeonites who tricked them into a peace treaty?  Well, during Saul's reign, he had tried to kill the Gibeonites.  There was a famine during David's day and he realized that God was punishing Israel for going back on their treaty.  David made amends with the Gibeonites and God broke the famine.  Now, have you ever wondered why David took five stones when he faced Goliath?  A possible answer is seen in verses 15-22.  Note, Goliath had four siblings, all of them giants.  Perhaps David knew he might have to deal with all five when he faced Goliath!  (Just a light thought, but you can't help but wonder about David's faith.  He knew God was big enough to defeat the whole Philistine army let alone a few "giants"!)