><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (2 Samuel) CHAPTER 12:1-13:37 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 How did God open David's eyes to his sin through Nathan' words? Are you prepared for Him similarly to open your eyes? 2 What may we learn from chapter 12 about (a) repentance, (b) forgiveness, and (c) discipline? Cf Ps. 32:3-5; Heb. 12: 6,11. 3 13: 1-37. What lessons emerge from a comparison of Ananon' sin with David's? What was wrong with the way in which Amnol was treated by (a) David, and (b) Absalom? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (2 Samuel) Chapter 12:1-13:37 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) It was really a poignant story that Nathan told D. of his own sin. A perfect analogy, in fact, as D. understood what it meant to be a shepherd; and was appointed to be shepherd of Israel. Nathan was holding a mirror up to D., and D. saying - "who is that loathsome sinner?" Sin is a dangerous and we have no time or room to let it into our hearts - it can destroy our lives. God was very merciful to send Nathan to show D. his sin. He could have just let D. go on. Are we open to the Nathan's in our life, who are trying to point us towards God's way rather than our own sinful desires?? Psalm 25:18: "Look upon my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins." Then, we can say, Ps. 26:2-3: "Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk cointinually in your truth." (2) In chapter 12, D. mourns for 7 days, but when he hears the child is dead, he stops mourning, v.20: "Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the Lord and worshipped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate." An absolute change - D. recognized that God's will had been done. The punishment for his sins was executed, but the Lord had forgiven him. D. accepted the punishment, and the Lord's forgiveness and even worshipped the Lord directly afterwards. (2) (a) It seems to me that D. did not discipline his son at all. Why didn't he search out Amnon and punish him for raping his sister?? It really makes me wonder about D.'s responsibility as a father (and a king). The scriptures say D. was furious, but nothing about punishing Amnon. A total lack of responsibility on D.'s part, which lead Absalom to take matters into his own hands. (b) Contrastingly, Absalom decided to take punish the unpunished and kill Amnon himself for violating his full sister. However it was not Absalom's place to take revenge. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) God used the prophet Nathan to reveal through a parable, the sin of David. His realization is great. He realizes in v13 his sin is not just against man, but against the Lord. In going against the Lord's will for David's house and what the Lord had planned, his sin was not just lust and adultery, but rebellion against God. This was the stark realization made by David. 2) In Chapter 12 we see the repentance of David. He comes to the realization of his sin and immediately seeks to right the situation and restore communication with God. in v13 we see the immediacy of the forgiveness of God. Upon our realization and remorse, he will forgive our sin. We also see here that sin does not go unpunished, and though we are forgiven for the act, the consequences still remain. 3) Amnon's sin is similar to David's. He has the opportunity to let the lust grow and does. He hates what he has done after the fact and flees from any accountability for it. David and Absalom both are furious with Amnon. David of all people should have been willing to forgive Amnon, but is not willing to come to Amnon and offer forgiveness that he himself was so readily given by Nathan and God. Absalom out of revenge plots the murder of Amnon. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- (i) The Charges Of David's Sins: God's charge of David's sins is heavier than the death penalty. God reveals the weaknesses of man in order to reveal man's imperfection and God's perfection. As mentioned in Chapter 8, if we accept God's grace as Mephilbosheth did we would be adopted as children of God. (ii) Charges Of David's Sins, 12:1-13: These charges are specifically identified in verses 9 and 12 - "Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the ammonites." "You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel." (iii) David's Punishments: · The death of the child, 12:15-25; · Ammon's sin, 13:1-22; · Absalam's killing and conspiracy, 13:23 through Chapter 19; · Sheba's rebels against David, Chapter 20. (iii) The Old John's Advice - Do Not Love The World, I John 2:15-17 - "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world - the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does - comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." Amen! ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (2 Samuel) CHAPTER 13:38-14:33 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 What is laudable in the actions here recorded of (a) Joab and (b) David, and what gives rise to misgivings? 2 How does David's predicament illustrate the situation confronting God with the human race? How is the gospel 'solution' at once more far-reaching and more satisfactory than the expedient adopted by David? 3 Study Absalom's character, and list his faults. Note. 14: 7. Those who demanded the murderer's death had justification according to the law (see Dt. 19: 11-13). The woman based her plea on her own great need. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (2 Samuel) Chapter 13:38-14:33 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) It was good of Joab to bring reconciliation - to be a peacemaker in the father-son relationship. D. can be commended for listening to good advice from others, and not being overly stubborn. However, Joab also did this for political reasons, as Absalom was the heir, and was a very favored and popular heir to the throne. It would seem only logical to restore the relationship, although it must have been a major source of grief to D. to reconcile to his son who murdered his first-born, Amnon, given D.'s own history of murder and adultery. (2) D. is faced with having to forgive one he loves and yet one who has not even repented of his sins. It is like our Almighty God, Rom. 5:8: "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Although Absalom never did repent or ask forgiveness as far as we know, D. forgave him. He gave him a kiss of forgiveness upon seeing him once again. God has made a lasting way to accept us -- Jesus Christ. This is the greatest gift/"kiss of forgiveness" of all time and is eternal. If only we could communicate that to the world - what ultimate forgiveness, peace with God and eternal hope God has provided in His Son, the precious Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ. (3) Absalom did not repent due to pride; I believe this was his greatest fault. What a lesson we can take from this. Of all the character flaws a person can have, pride is probably the most dangerous of all, IMO (in my opinion). Like a swelled balloon, it bursts when it is overly full, destroying itself. Proberbs 16:18 - A WARNING: "PRIDE GOES BEFORE DESTRUCTION, A HAUGHTY SPIRIT BEFORE A FALL". REMEMBER - PRIDE LEADS TO DOWNFALL. Don't be proud before the Lord!! (Note - to take pride in something and to be proud are two different things.) -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Chapter 13 - Love And Hate Amnon loved Tamar; actually it was merely a lusty desire. Because love is not rude, it is not self-seeking. Later, Amnon hated her exceedingly, 13:15. This is a lesson to learn. For anyone who improperly possesses anything by force, it does not bring any enjoyment or honor at all. Because it is not earned and it is not given willingly. There is no respect in it. There would be a sense of loss in dignity from that action. That was the feeling of Amnon at that time - emptiness. Chapter 14 - Justice And Humanity David knew that Absalom fled to Talmai and would not initiate the action of calling the son back home. It took Joab's plan to introduce the logic that Absalom should be back home. Then Absalom found the way to rebuild the relationship with his father. Base on what Absalom did later, it indicated clearly that Absalom wanted more of the throne instead of restoring their family relationship. These two chapters described fully of flesh desire and human ambitions. It shows the wickedness and iniquity of human hearts. PROVERBS 19:21 - MANY ARE THE PLANS IN A MAN'S HEART, BUT IT IS THE LORD'S THAT PREVAILS. -------------------------------------------- * Les Tripp -------------------------------------------- 2 Sam 14:19-24, 33 Joab takes action to reconcile David and Absalom. David agrees to permit Absalom to return to Jerusalem. The fact that David did not permit Absalom in his presence indicates that reconciliation was not complete. It is David that had to bridge the gap between himself and Absalom. He initialy created a barrier to full reconciliation. God reconciled us to himself by sacrificing his son Jesus. This act of mercy not only gives us access to Eternity, it gives us access to the very throne of God! 30: Absalom was persistent. 32: Absalom was willing to lay his case before the king and take the consequences of the kings decision. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Joab uses trickery and deceit to get King David to forgive Absalom. His heart and intention are right, but his means and methods are questionable. David on the other hand is forgiving to ask Absalom to return, but does not offer full forgiveness as he does not look upon him. 2) This predicament with Absalom is like God's love for us as humans in that He loves us and wants fellowship with us, but sin separates us from the love of God. It is only through the blood of his son Jesus Christ and our acceptance of his sacrifice for us that we can restore that fellowship with God. The Gospel is all encompassing, surpassing our every sin and going beyond time and space to forgive all our sin, past(original), present, and future. What a beautiful plan! 3) Absalom is a handsome man who is in every way physically likable. He is loyal to his family, but he is too rash and lets grudges build and tries to enact revenge himself. He demonstrates an impatience in dealing here with Joab, taking brash action after just a little notice to Joab. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (2 Samuel) CHAPTER 15:1-16:14 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 How was it that Absalom 'stole the hearts of the men of Israel'? What do you make of David's reactions here? 2 Contrast the behaviour of Absalom with that of Ittai and Hushai. 3 Consider how the rebellion shows certain men in their true colours (16:1-14). Again note David's reactions. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (2 Samuel) Chapter 15:1-16:14 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Les Tripp -------------------------------------------- 2 Sam 15:1: Absalom was resourceful and innovative. He also was proud and flaunted his power. 2: Absalom was crafty. 3: Absalom undermined the authority of the king. 6: Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel by appearing to have their best interests at heart, catering to their sense of justice. David refused to hold Absalom accountable for undermining his authority and turning the people against him. 10: Absalom did not respect the fact that his father was anointed by the Lord and given the throne of Israel. He showed disrespect to David, his father; to the throne; and most significantly, to the Lord. 21: Ittai, the loyal one. One who was willing to stand by the king regardless of the outcome. 25: David's dependence was on the Lord, and not the Ark. This is in stark contrast to the actions of the Israelites who took the Ark into battle against the Philistines. 2 Sam 15:37: Hushai, another true friend of the king's. One who would place his life on the line for David. 2 Sam 16:3: Mephiboseth deserted David after David had taken him in and provided for him. 4: In a theocracy all property belongs to the King. It is on loan to His subjects. The King can dispense property and can remove it as David did here. God is our provider and will bless us as long as we remain obedient. When we become disobedient he can and will remove the blessings. 16:5 Shimei, one who allowed his anger against David to fester for many years until it overflowed when it appeared that Absalom would be the victor. -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) Absalom was a "sly dog". He gained political popularity by campaigning and kissing people and making promises. Additionally, Absalom was reportedly the most handsome man in all of Israel, which must have made him very popular with the people. D.'s reactions here are that of uncertainty as to God's will. Unless D. specifically asks the Lord -"will Absalom overtake me and become king?", then there is no way that D. could know. I wonder if D. was praying and seeking answers at this time or just waiting to see what would happen... (2) Absalom was proud and unloyal to his own father, whereas Ittai and Hushai who were actually a foreigner and D.'s personal adviser, respectively, showed more loyalty to king D. than his own son. As we can see throughout the books of Samuel, family ties mean much less than ties of friendship and loyalty (e.g. Jonathan). (3) Yes, desperate times reveal the true colors of people. The steward of Mephibosheth, Ziba, was seeking to gain some land and interrupts D. in order to do so, although offering refreshment at the same time. Shimei, on the other hand, shows his true loyalty to the house of Saul. D. recognizes that the Lord has sent this cursing man in his path, which magnifies the strange situation of his own son trying to overthrow his kingship, but keeps his hope in the Lord, v.11b-12:"..Leave him alone; let him curse, for the Lord has told him to. It may be that the Lord will see my distress and repay me with good for the cursing I am receiving today." Overall, D. seems to be submissive to the will of God, although a little uncertain. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- (i) In the Wilderness, 15:23b AND ALL THE PEOPLE MOVED ON TOWARD THE DESERT. David did not want to fight against his son and fled to the wilderness. In the wilderness he was inspired to write Psalm 3 tO THE lORD i CRY ALOUD, AND HE ANSWERS ME FROM HIS HOLY HILL. i LIE DOWN AND SLEEP; i WAKE AGAIN, BECAUSE THE lORD SUSTAINS ME. Psalm 3:4-5 In the wilderness, a dry and weary land, there is no water, no food. The presence of God sustained David's thirst and hunger, Psalm 63:1-2 gOD, YOU ARE MY gOD, EARNESTLY i SEEK YOU; MY SOUL THIRSTS FOR YOU, MY BODY LONGS FOR YOU, IN A DRY AND WEARY LAND WHERE THERE IS NO WATER. i HAVE SEEN YOU IN THE SANCTUARY AND BEHELD YOUR POWER AND GLORY. (ii) David Was Stoned, 16:13 When Abishai defended David's position and said "Why should this dead dog (Shimei) curse my lord", 16:10. David answered "It may be that the Lord will look on my affliction, and that the Lord will repay me with good for his cursing this day." 16:12. Then, Shimei threw stones at him and kicked up dust. David indeed is a sinner and yet also a very humble man to accept the punishment from the Lord. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Absalom sat by the gate to use his persona an appeal to gain the hearts of the men of Israel. He has already been described as very physically appealing, probably more of a public figure than David. He tries to get the people in search of judgement on his side by implying that David would not hear them. David reacts in an interesting manner. He is unsure and uncertain of his status as king. He even in v.19 of his being chosen as true king. He may have been doubtful and wondering if God had appointed Absalom to take over and flees for the wilderness to prevent civil unrest in Jerusalem. 2) Ittai is faithful to the one he sees as God's chosen and anointed one. He does not question the anointing, much as David stuck with Saul even when he knew he was anointed to take over, but was waiting on the Lord's timing. Hushai is also faithful to David in this time when Absalom has decided that he should be king. He volunteers to be an inside man to let David know the plans and actions of Absalom. 3) It would appear on first glance that Ziba is loyal to David, but instead is dishonoring David's command to help Meph. to seek personal gain. Ziba we will see later(chp19) is lying about Meph.'s loyalty and intent. Meph. will lose his property as a result, but get half back later in 19 when he reconciles what really transpired with David. Shimei attacks David and seems to be a supporter of the house of Saul and apparently feels that David is getting what he deserves. Abishai volunteers to kill Shimei, but David lets him live wondering if it is God's will that he act this way. David leads vengeance in the hands of God. In times of trial, many will try to take advantage of the trying times and seek to kick you when you're down. May the Lord give us wisdom to deal with those whose intent it is to harm us when we are being tested and protection from their attacks. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (2 Samuel) CHAPTER 16:15-17:29 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 What are the reasons for Ahitophel's first piece of advice to Absalom? What do you think would have been David's first thought (cf 12:11,12)? Is this the key to David's rather defeatist attitude? 2 17:1-14. Was Ahitophel's counsel good? If so, why was it that Hushai's advice won the day? 3 How was David rewarded for his previous generosity? Notice who Shobi was (see 2 Sa. 10: 2). =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (2 Samuel) Chapter 16:15-17:29 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- *Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Ahithophel advises Absalom to take David's concubines(a custom and sign in those times of having control of the throne). This is the fulfillment of the prophecy given by Nathan in chp 12 that another would take his concubines. This probably took David's confidence and gave him the sense that the Lord was not with him. 2) Ahithophel's counsel was to give him 12,000 men to chase David. Had Absalom followed through on this, David would surely have been overtaken and defeated. Hushai's advice won out due to the prayer of David that Ahithophel's advice be fooolish in 15:31. Hushai's advice was also flattering to Absalom and more than likely played on his ego. Also in v 14 it is recorded that Absalom might have calamity befall him. 3) David was rewarded for his previous generosity towards Hanun, even though Hanun refused it. Shobi(apparently a brother of Hanun) here prepares supplies and shelter for David. Today's portion also shows one of the few recorded suicides in the Bible. The others were: Abimelech(Judges 9:54), Samson, Sual, Zimri(1 King 16:18), and Judas. It is a shame that someone whose advice 16:23 'was as if one inquired of the word of God' would feel so desperate that his cause was totally lost that he would commit suicide. -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) By lying with his father's concubines, Absalom would demonstrate a cut-off of their relationship as father/son, and establish himself more fully as king-to-be. D. must have thought - the prophecy of Nathan is coming true now. Personally, I don't feel that D. had a defeatist attitude - he just felt the guilt of his own sins. That is the reason he felt unworthy to punish his sons Amnon and Absalom. It would almost seem hypocritical to them, perhaps, if he did. However, it was still a lack of responsible parenting on D.'s part. (2) Ahitophel's counsel was good and would have brought "victory" as far as strategy goes, if the Lord hadn't intervened to frustrate Ahitopel's counsel. Absalom chose to listen to Hushai instead because The LORD stepped in and changed their minds, giving Hushai the wisdom and wording to convince them. In fact, if all were considered Ahitophel's advice seems much more logical - kill the king. However, it was the Lord's lovingkindness to D. and His will that would/will always be done, ultimately. (3) Previously, D. had shown kindness to Shobi, son of Nahash. When Nahash died and Hanun became king, D. sent a delegation to express his sympathy to Hanun (Shobi must have been Hanun's brother). He remembered D.'s kindness and reciprocated it. It is wise to be kind, for it will often be repayed, but as Christians we must learn that we cannot even expect repayment from people. However, we have this proverb as encouragement (Proverbs 11:25): "A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." I have met some of these people in my life, and they are truly blessed. -------------------------------------------- * Les Tripp -------------------------------------------- 2 Sam 16:21: Ahithophel's first advice to Absalom was to possess his father's concubines to demonstrate that he had assumed authority over the house of David and Israel. Secondly, it would indicate a clear and sharp break between father and son. There could be no clearer indication of Absalom's rebellion against David. David very likely recalled Nathan's (the Lord's) prediction that one from his family would lie with his wives. David had seen predicted events. 2 Sam 17:1-4 Ahithophel's advice was good from both a strategic and tactical point of view. Strike David and his men while they were tired, weak, and demoralized. Gain the advantage. Overcome David and eliminate the threat David posed to Absalom's outright claim to the throne. v5-14 Hushai reminded Absalom that his opponent was cagy and crafty and an experienced warrior. David would carry the day in rumor if not in reality. Absalom need to bring superior strength into battle against David. The truth of Hushai's advice out weighed that of Ahithophel. At least he was able to spin up Absalom's imagination enough to cause him to reconsider Ahithophel's advice. In reality, the Lord pulled the wool over Absalom's eyes (v14). 2 Sam 17:27: Shobi was apparently a brother to Hanun, King of the Ammonites, whom David had attempted to befriend and console (2 Sam 10:2-4) on the death of his father. Hanum rejected David's compassion resulting in a pitched battle in which the ammorites were soundly defeated. This time Shobi is the benefactor. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- (i) The Wicked Boast Of Their Sin, Isa. 3:9; 2 Sam. 16:22: This incidence made it clear for the Israelites who should they follow. The fools follow the power and the wise ones walk in the light. (ii) Ahithophel's Guilty Conscience, 17:23: He committed suicide with a guilty conscience for supporting the rebellion. It would be the same feeling as Judas betraying Jesus. (iii) Praise The Lord! The Needs In The Wilderness Were Provided, 17:28-29: The needs in the desert are - bedding and bowls and articles of pottery, wheat and barley, flour and roasted grain, beans and lentils, honey and curds, sheep, and cheese from cows' mild. We need these items to overcome our hunger and tiredness ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (2 Samuel) CHAPTER 18:1-19:8 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 18:1 - 19:8 1 What is good and what is bad about David's concern for Absalom? 2 Consider Joab's conduct throughout this passage, separating the good and bad points. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (2 Samuel) Chapter @ =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- *Les Tripp -------------------------------------------- 2 Sam 18:5: In spite of Absalom's rebellion against David, David still love him as a son. However, David's concern placed constraints on his men in their battle with the rebelling forces. v11- 17 Joab, the seasoned battle commander recognized that Absalom was a continued threat alive. Secondly, by striking down the leader of the army he could put the army to flight and end the war. He had to weigh his instinct and experience against the instructions from David. His instincts won. He disobeyed David. 20: Even though Joab had killed the King's son, he recognized that the death of Absalom would over shadow the victory over Absalom's forces. He believed that news of the death of Absalom took precedence over news of victory. 23: Joab failed to restrain Ahimaaz. 2 Sam 19:5: Joab reminds David the his throne had been restored by the victory over Absalom. he points out the choice: Absalom alive and David defeated. Absalom dead and David victorious. Joab brought David back to reality. In spite of his grief David had responsibilities to his army that he needed to meet. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) David is concerned about Absalom as a father, but it is almost a moot point sort of concern since he must die to quell the rebellion. The death of Absalom was yet another consequence of David's sin with Bathsheba. This is yet another sad chapter in the declining reign of David. 2) Joab remains faithful to David and shows his leadership and understanding. He seems to almost spite the man who tells him where Absalom is. I wonder if he would really have commisioned the man for killing Absalom or if he would have killed him...He shows great judgement in sending the Cushite, a man who would tell the death of Absalom without seeking any personal gain, and thus would be spared death by David. -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) It is amazing the depth of love D. had for Absalom, despite his conspiracy against him. D.'s concern for Absalom shows the unconditional love he has for A., but also seems to cloud up his judgement as far as being a leader/ruler goes. (2) Joab did not do anything wrong in the military aspect, I think. If they did not kill Absalom, he surely would have killed them. D. was compassionate, but Absalom was determined to become king. However, Joab was completely tactless in his approach to speaking to him after he had heard of the death of A. Surely Joab could see how D. felt about having to fight with his own son. Had he tried to console D., it would have shown empathy and wisdom. Instead, he chose to rebuke D. for mourning, saying, "you have humiliated all your men.." A good right-hand man has the best interests of the king at heart. At this time, it would have been proper for Joab to show more compassion, just out of loyalty and friendship to D. Although perhaps he was right about the king's mourning hampering the victorious feeling of his soldiers, J. could have encouraged D. differently. Joab spoke too bitterly and harshly, accusing D. of "hating those who love you and...the commanders and their men mean nothing to you," which was untrue as we can tell from his example as a military leader. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- (i) The One Who Is Worth Ten Thousand Of Us, 18:3: For this battle, David said "I myself will surely march out with you." It implies that this time I am not going to stay in the palace and cause myself to sin again, 2 Samuel 11. The men said to David, " -----. Even if half of us die, they won't care; but you are worth ten thousand of us. ---." A troop as such would lose any fight. (ii) The Forest Claimed More Lives Than The Sword, 18:8: One time in the woods, I lost my direction and could not get out for about an hour. This is what the Life Application Bible states "The battle raged all across the countryside, and more men disappeared in the forest than were killed." (iii) A Father's Heart, 18:33b: iF i HAD DIED INSTEAD OF YOU. (iv) Humiliation and conflicts, 18:28; 19:5 - 6: --- "pRAISE BE TO THE lORD YOUR gOD! hE HAS DELIVERED UP THE MEN WHO LIFTED THEIR HANDS AGAINST MY LORD THE KING." tHEN jOAB WENT INTO THE HOUSE TO THE KING AND SAID, "tODAY YOU HAVE HUMILIATED ALL YOUR MEN, WHO HAVE JUST SAVED YOU LIFE AND THE LIVES OF YOUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS AND THE LIVES OF YOUR WIVES AND CONCUBINES. yOU LOVE THOSE WHO HATE YOU AND HATE THOSE WHO LOVE YOU. --------- ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (2 Samuel) CHAPTER 19:9-39 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 19:9-39 1 Why did David not make an immediate re-entry into the capital? How does his attitude contrast with that of Saul and other leaders in the same mould? See I Sa. 8: 10-18. 2 What qualities in David stand out in his treatment of (a) Shimei,(b) Mephibosheth, and (c) Barzillai? What can be learnt from the attitude of each of these men to David? Note. Verse liThe fact that Absalom's rebellion centred in Hebron (15:7-12)shows how deeply the tribe of Judah was implicated in it. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (2 Samuel) Chapter 19:9-39 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- *Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) David was waiting for the invitation of the people into the city. In the past, it was customary just to reenter the capital and take spoils. Instead of heading right in, he waited for the invitation to test the loyalty of the people. Judah's tribe was not accepting, so David appointed Amasa commander of the Armies. This is believed to also be a response to the slaying of Absalom by Joab. 2) David's mercy and compassion stand out in the way he gives amnesty to all those who wronged him or opposed him including a) Shimei, b)supposedly Mephibosheth, and c) Barzillai. Each man is grateful and feels undeserving of the honorable kindness from David. We should be so humble when we accept the gift of salvation through King Jesus Christ and assume an attitude of humility and respect. -------------------------------------------- * Les Tripp -------------------------------------------- v9-39 David remain on the other side of the Jordan for two reasons. He was solidifying support among former members of Absalom's army and reconciling those who had rebelled against him. The delay allowed many former enemies to reconcile but the reconciliation process proved to also be devisive among those who had been faithful and loyal to David. 23: David forgave Shimei. Shimei was 29: Mephiboseth, after having been slandered by Ziba, boldly came to David. David again established provision for M. But M forgave Ziba urging David to allow Ziba to retain his property. M was forgiving, loyal to David. 31: Barzillai came to honor the king. When David wished to reward him for his loyalty, Barzillai asked the king to pass the reward on to Kimham, who was probably his son. B was a man of great loyalty and faithfulness. He was also selfless. -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) It seems that there may still have been some conflicting feelings about the kingdom. In order to secure a more united following, David appointed Amasa (who fought on the side of the late Absalom) as leader of his troops in place of Joab. (Perhaps D. also was not very impressed with Joab's tactless approach of telling him to speak to his fighting men.) D. is unusual in this respect because most other leaders, like Saul, would kill soldiers who fought on the enemy's side, being guilty of treason. D. seeks to be a peacemaker instead, although some might consider it at a risky price. (2) D. shows the qualities of clemency, strong leadership,wisdom and even charm in his treatment of Shimei, Mephibosheth and Barzillai. To Shimei, D.is forgiving and would probably gain a servant who would feel grateful to the king. In Meph. and Ziba's case, he comes out as a fair ruler, able to make good decisions - 50/50 since it is impossible to prove the truth. In Barzillai, D. will gain a lifetime admirer. Wouldn't you just adore a king who said to you, "..And anything you desire from me I will do for you (and for B.'s dear one, Kimham, too) That's the best "political promise" I've ever heard! Overall, David shows a godly example of being a loving, tenderhearted and kindly decisive and wise king - a man after God's own heart!! -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- (i) The Delayed Re-entry, 19:9-11: At this time, there are three different political groups in Israel. Some were with David, some were adherents of Absalom, and others were having doubts about the "Davidic dynasty" because of his unbelievable sins. Therefore, he remained for some time on the other side of the Jordan, in expectation of being invited back. Then, the invitation was given without concurrence of Judah. Later on he worked out the strategy for Judah tribe to accept him. (ii) The Promise To Amasa, 19:13, 14: David promised to appoint Amasa , his nephew (son of his sister - Abigail), as head of his armies if Amasa could get the people of Judah to support his return to power. The reason David made this plan was, I believe, because Joab killed Absalom - David could not charge Joab guilty for killing his son because that letter he wrote to Joab, 2 Samuel 11: 14,15. Later on, Joab plunged a dagger into Amasa's belly and Amasa died, 20: 10, 23. Note the fact that Joab was cousin of Amasa, Joab is David's sister, Zeruiah's son. And Joab has two brothers, Abishai and Asahel. (iii) David Spared The Life Of Shimei, 19:23: Actually, when Shimei stoned David, 16:13, Abishai suggested to David to kill this "dead dog". David did not want to kill him at all. But, this is really the time for Shimei to realize the kindness of David. (iv) Was Mephibosheth confessing the truth?,19:24-30: I do believe that Mephibosheth was confessing the truth. Because 19:24b says that hE HAD NOT TAKEN CARE OF FEET OR TRIMMED HIS MUSTACHE OR WASHED HIS CLOTHES FROM THE DAY THE KING LEFT UNTIL THE DAY HE RETURNED SAFELY. And also because he did not care about the ownership of the land granted to him - lET HIM, [Ziba] TAKE EVERYTHING, NOW THAT MY LORD THE KING HAS ARRIVED HOME SAFELY, 19:30b. (v) David's Invitation To Barzillai, 19:34-37: Dvaid invited this 80 years old Gileadite man to enjoy his life in Jerusalem, he refused. There is an interesting commentary note given by Salem Kirban Reference Bible worth to be cited: Some of the greatest accomplishments in Scripture were done by people in their 80's. They include Abraham, Moses, Aaron, Caleb and Anna (Luke 2:36-38).