Devotional writing from 2Samuel from The Message

March 14, 2006

2Sam. 2: God bless you for this -- for honoring your master, Saul, with a funeral.

There is no passage of time between the end of 1 Samuel and the beginning of 2 Samuel. We simply turn the page and keep on reading.  Having rescued the family members that had been taken David returns to Ziklag.  A man who reports the death of Saul and Jonathan meets him.  In fact, he claims (apparently a lie) that he personally finished Saul off.  Clearly this guy doesn't know David.  After all, David, who had more reason than anyone in the world to kill Saul, has passed up the opportunity to do so twice.  The bearer of bad news goes out to meet his Maker soon thereafter.  David mourns the passing of Saul and his good friend Jonathan and prepares to end his self-chosen exile from Israel by moving to Hebron in Judah.  He also hears of the bravery and sacrifice of the men of Jabesh Gilead who took their lives in their hands to retrieve the bodies of Saul and his sons from where they were on display in Philistine territory.  They brought the bodies back to Israel for a decent funeral.  On one hand we have the story of the man who claimed to have finished Saul off, now we have the story of these valiant men who went into enemy territory to show proper respect to their dead king.  David knows valor when he sees it and honors those men for what they did.  Times of crisis define us.  We may be able to put on an act that convinces about everyone, but when the pressure is on, the real person is seen, for good or for bad.

2Sam. 3: The war between the house of Saul and the house of David dragged on and on.

Sadly, Saul's death and David's return to Israel is not the end of Saul's story.  His general, Abner, makes Saul's son, Ish-Bosheth king over Israel.  However, David has moved to Hebron in the area of Judah and is made king there.  Israel is now divided, with the larger part being ruled by Saul's son and the smaller area ruled by David.  The result is civil war.  David no longer needs to run.  He has an army equal to that of Israel.  Because of that both sides jealously defended their territory.  This is civil war at its ugliest, with those on both sides related to one another.  You might say that it is brother against brother.  One major battle take place at the Pool of Gibeon, where the armies meet face to face.  In a deadly game, representatives from each side are pitted against one another in one-on-one fights to the death.  As David's men win one round after another things escalate to a major battle in which fighters from each side can call the enemy by name.  It is ugly, ugly, ugly.  Civil wars are the worse wars.  People who know one another, who share common interests and goals, people who should be best of friends fighting it out, leaving corpses scattered across the battlefield.  There is nothing more tragic than war within the family.  Church people should do everything possible to avoid such wars.  The problem is that, as happened at the Pool of Gibeon, such wars start with much smaller barbed "games" of saying two edged things to one another or giving or taking offense easily.  Oh, how we need the grace of God in our relationships with one another.

2Sam. 3: Make a deal with me, and I'll bring the whole country of Israel over to you.

It is apparent that David is going to win the war.  Ish-Bosheth, Saul's son, is an incompetent leader and even his own men doubt him.  In fact, David can finish it off any time he wants but for one thing.  He continues to refuse to lay a hand on Saul's descendants.  Because of that, things drag on as Ish-Bosheth's leadership of Israel slowly unravels on its own.  One indication is that his general, Abner, comes to David on his own with an offer of peace.  Apparently, David thinks that with Abner's help the foregone conclusion of all this can end sooner and not later, and without his raising a hand against Saul's son.  It isn't to be.  David's own general seizes the opportunity to revenge the death of his brother at Abner's hand.  Before Abner can act Joab kills him.  As often happens in life, the greatest damage done is from "inside" rather than "outside."  Clearly, David has one agenda and his general, Joab, has another.  One of the challenges of leadership is not only knowing where one is going, but being sure that those we lead -- or even better -- those we empower to lead with us, share in that goal.  Otherwise, they will take the authority we have given them and use it to pursue their own purposes.

March 20, 2006

2Sam. 4: And so they anointed David king over Israel.

It was a long time coming.  David remembers his being called in from the fields as he cared for his father's sheep to meet the old man of God, Samuel.  In a private ceremony Samuel had anointed him king of Israel.  However, Israel already had a king and Saul wasn't about to give up his position of power, so David waited.  He faithfully served Israel, doing anything asked of him.  He honored Saul, even as Saul became his enemy.  It isn't that there were no errors along the way because there were, but the bottom line was that David faithfully adhered to this philosophy: if God had anointed him king, then he would be king in God's own time.  Now, the result of treachery in Ish-Bosheth's camp, the door is finally open and all Israel comes to make David king.  The deaths of both Saul and Ish-Bosheth were not by David's hand.  In fact, it isn't the way he wanted it at all.  Still, God works in all things, even things he does not design, to accomplish his purpose.  David isn't the only one who has been patient.  God, Himself, has worked in and through and even around the events that have taken place to move history in the direction he desired.  The end result is that, just as Samuel had said years earlier: David is king of Israel.  We see here a picture of how God works, not orchestrating and micromanaging events to get his way, but by directing the outcome of even bad things, like murder, to accomplish his purposes.  He didn't motivate the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite to kill Ish-Bosheth, but when they did, the Lord used it to accomplish his purpose of bringing David to the throne of Israel. 

March 21, 2006

2Sam. 5: David prayed to God: Shall I go up and fight...

Those Philistine warlords must be kicking themselves over how they treated David when he lived in Ziklag.  There he was, right in their territory with just 600 warriors.  It would have been easy to have taken him out.  Now he is king of Israel with all the resources of that land under his command.  David has taken the stronghold of the Jebusites, Jerusalem, as his center of operations, and now the Philistines come to make up for their past mistake by attacking David and his army.   As they mass for a fight, David turns to God.  He seeks and receives direction from the Lord and then, with God's permission, engages the enemies of Israel.  David's approach isn't the one I am most likely to use.  I see enemies, I decide to fight, then I call on God to help me win my righteous battle.  In other words, I set the agenda and ask God to bless it.  David saw enemies, called on God, and then went to battle as God directed.  The Lord set the agenda for David.  Know what?  I think David's way is better.

March 22, 2006

2Sam. 6: David...danced with great abandon before the Lord.

The Ark of the Covenant, Israel's greatest religious item, has been kept at Abinadab's house with faithful Eleazar serving as priest.  Now, David wants to bring it to Jerusalem.  One false start results in the death of Uzzah who carelessly treats the Ark with disrespect, but three months later the Chest of God is being brought into David's City.  The celebration is impressive and genuine.  David, himself, leads the way and the celebration.  I can't help but think of the drum major of the great Tiger band from Grambling State University.  No marching in military precision here!  David, warrior and king, lays all that aside is unrestrained exuberance before God.  However, it isn't David's abandoned drum major like dance in leading the Ark that impresses me today so much as his truly open heart before God.  As I study David's story I find that his life is not mistake-free.  In fact, he messes up a lot, and sometimes in major league ways.  It is his heart that commands my attention.  This man does love God with his whole self.  His drum major routine with the Chest of God opens for me a window to his very heart.

March 23, 2006

2Sam 6: I'll gladly look like a fool.

One of David's wives is Michal, the daughter of Saul.  It may be that she remembers her father's "kingly demeanor" as she watches David playing the drum major role in leading the Ark into town.  In her eyes, David comes up far short of her father at this point and she simply doesn't understand why David would make such a spectacle of himself.  Not only that, but, frankly, the outfit he is wearing doesn't lend itself to such an animated, exuberant display.  So she tells him about it.  David's reply shows us his where his priorities lie.  His joy - his dance - was energized by his love of God.  If displaying that joyful love makes him look like a fool that is just fine with him.  Here we see that spiritual leadership isn't all about programs, plans, and meetings.  Spiritual leaders are, first of all, followers.  We follow the King of Kings, and it isn't all business.  As the Ark was brought into Jerusalem, David was not afraid to rejoice openly and emotionally.  As he points out to Michal, the maids she is worrying about know the real thing when they see it and his leadership is enhanced rather than lessened by his transparent joy in the Lord.

March 25, 2006

2 Sam. 7: God himself will build you a house!

For David, the sun is finally beginning to shine.  His long struggle with Saul has come to an end.  The promise made to him when he was a mere shepherd has come to pass and he sits securely on the throne of Israel.  Even the Ark of the Covenant is now at rest in the city called the "City of David."  David is comfortable and settled and he wants the same for the precious Chest of God, so he proposes the first ever permanent worship structure, a Temple, for Israel.  But, God says "no."  It isn't that the Lord is against the building of such a place but this is not the time.  However, God is pleased with David's heart and he tells him so.  David will become one of the most famous people on earth, he will reign in peace, and, when his days on earth is over, it will be one of his own offspring who will rule Israel.  Even as the Lord fully rejected Saul, he now fully accepts David.  His family will rule Israel forever.  David doesn't know it, but he has just heard the promise of the Messiah.  One of his descendants will be King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  He will rule, not only Israel, but also all of Creation -- forever!  I am not a part of the people of Israel but, today, I am a beneficiary of the promise God made to David.  That ultimate Ruler only hinted at in this passage is the Ruler of my life.  How wonderful to read a story of an event that happened thousands of years ago and to suddenly find myself a part of the story!

March 27, 2006

2Sam. 7: You've done all this not because of who I am but because of who you are.

The promise God makes to David through the prophet Nathan is an enormous one.  His offspring will rule Israel forever.  When I see how Saul's sad story played out then compare it to this promise made to David -- forever -- well, it is practically breathtaking.  All this blows David away.  He goes into the presence of the Lord to express his thanks.  Along with that is a real sense of his unworthiness on his part.  This isn't God responding to something David has done, although it is true that David has done a lot of the right things.  Instead, this is God acting out of his goodness and David responding as he ought to respond.  It's true of me too.  Oh how blessed I am!  God has been so good to me in every way.  He hasn't blessed me because I am more spiritual, or more obedient than others.  He has blessed me because of his goodness.  Like David, I am blown away by all the Lord has done and is doing for me.  And, like him, I want to express my thanksgiving to the Lord.

March 28, 2006

2Sam. 8: God gave victory to David wherever he marched.

David is now firmly established as king of Israel.  He undertakes the great mission of retaking territory that has been lost and destroying or subduing their enemies.  War is not pretty and the best I can do here is to simply read the historical account and see it as descriptive of what David is able to do by the power of the Lord.  These events are distant from me in time and culture. For David, this is about making Israel safe, secure, and firmly established.  The lesson here is not that God will help me inflict pain and death on my enemies, but instead, that God will help me live in victory over those things that would destroy me.

March 29, 2006

2Sam. 9: Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, taking all his meals at the king's table.

David remembers his friend Jonathan.  He and David had stood together in the dark days years earlier.  They had made promises to one another and David not only remembers Jonathan but he remembers those promises.  When David learns that Jonathan has a surviving son he seeks him out. Mephibosheth is lame and has had no contact with David, yet David treats him with respect and kindness.  What he does isn't about Mephibosheth who has done nothing to earn anything from David.  In fact, as the grandson of Saul; he might still have a claim on the throne in the eyes of some people.  Most kings of that era would make it their first order of business to wipe out all his predecessor's heirs to the throne.  David does the very opposite -- he returns all Saul's wealth to Mephibosheth and then gives him an honored place in his own household.  David's action here reminds me of the unmerited favor the King has shown to me.  Like Mephibosheth I am unworthy of this great kindness.  And, as David reached out to Mephibosheth because of Jonathan, so has the Lord reached out to me because of Jesus. 

March 30, 2006

2Sam. 10: I'd like to show some kindness to Hanun, the son of Nahash.

There is a bit of a mystery here.  The only other Nahash we have in Scripture is a brutal king who was going to partially blind the men of a village in Israel.  His threat energized Saul's early leadership of Israel.  It is unlikely that the man named in this story is the same one.  In some way unknown to us the Nahash mentioned here showed a kindness to David, possibly during his time in exile.  David, now settled as king, hears of Nahash's death and sends representatives to express his sympathy to his son, Hanun.  However, Hanun takes them to be spies.  He humiliates them and sends them back to David.  This event sets off a major war as is described in this chapter.  Although these events happen on a large scale, such things do happen in everyday life too.  We try to do the right thing, to be peacemakers, only to be rebuffed.  Happily, such things don't have to always end in war.  Had Nahash not responded as he did, an alliance might have been formed here, similar to what Israel formed with Hiram of Tyre under Solomon.  Probably a larger reminder is that even our best intentions can sometimes backfire.  My responsibility is to be a peacemaker and, as Paul writes in Romans 12, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."  As we see here, it isn't always possible, but it should be our first effort.

April 1, 2006

2Sam. 11: War kills -- sometimes one, sometimes another.

David's failure in 2 Samuel 11 is stunning.  There are no excuses, no contributing circumstances that in any way lessen his failure.  When Saul took it upon himself to play the role of priest rather than wait on Samuel it was a horrible failure, but it was no greater than the one I read about here.  David, King of Israel sees a woman taking a bath and wants her.  Abusing his authority as king he sends for her and then has sexual relations with her.  When she later discovers that she is pregnant, he sends for her husband in hopes of covering up his sin.  The only things we know about Uriah are what we find in this story, but it is clear that he is an honorable man and a loyal soldier.  Failing in his plan, David sends a note to his general, Joab (a note carried by Uriah, himself) that is actually a death sentence. When David receives word of Uriah's death, he shrugs it off with "war kills."  In this case it wasn't war that killed -- it was David.  In the words of Agatha Christie, this is "murder most foul."   David is a great man, a real hero, and a key figure in God's plan for the world.  Still, the writers of Scripture do not avoid the issue here.  They tell us the whole ugly story.  Still, what happens, as unsavory as it is, is not beyond the grace of God.  I'm glad the story doesn't end here.

April 3, 2006

2Sam. 12: You're the man!

It is through the prophet Nathan that God responds to David's murder of righteous Uriah and his adultery with his wife Bathsheba.  We don't know much about Nathan, but he clearly carries on in the spirit of his predecessor, Samuel.  We see, in Nathan, that same boldness we saw in Samuel when he stood up to Saul.  A few pages back, when David wanted to build a Temple, it was Nathan who first agreed, but then returned with the disappointing news that God didn't want David to build a Temple.  Now, when David has fallen into the worst of sin, it is Nathan who takes his life in his hands and confronts the king with what he has done.  Now, Nathan is pretty smart in his approach.  He comes to David with a made-up scenario about a farmer and a lamb.  When David reacts with righteous indignation over what he reports Nathan responds with the famous words, "You're the man!"  David, who could have any available woman in Israel (it is acceptable in this society to have multiple wives), instead wanted another man's wife.  David, who has bravely fought God's enemies all his life, has used God's enemies to do his dirty work for him.  It is Nathan would stands up to David.  It's nice to be God's spokesman and tell people about John 3:16, the story of God's love for us.  However, there is a place for confrontation too, so long as it is God who is sending us with that strong message.

April 4, 2006

2Sam. 12: The son born to you will die.

I hope this doesn't sound disrespectful, but I really dislike this passage.  I struggle with the result of David's sin being the death of this innocent child.  I wish I had some nifty, easy-to-swallow answer that fits neatly into my understanding of God, but I don't.  I can just barely reach out and grasp the concept that God is the Giver of Life and that he can take that gift by his own sovereignty.  That doesn't really solve my problem with this passage, although it causes me to acknowledge that God is God and that this is all under his authority.  David prays and fasts that his son might be spared, asking God to show him mercy.  He knows that God is truly merciful, so there is hope that it might just happen.  But it doesn't and the child dies.  If you think I am about to come up with some devotional gem here, well, I am sorry to disappoint, but I have nothing.  It doesn't stop me from believing that "God is love" -- a compassionate and merciful God.  All I can do is confess my failure to understand and go on trusting in the good character of the Lord.  Frankly, this isn't as isolated a situation as I would like it to be -- but I go on trusting in those situations too.

April 5, 2006

2Sam. 13: Kill him...and don't be afraid.

When Nathan the prophet confronted David with his sin he not only told him that the child of his illicit relationship with Bathsheba would die, but that there would be killing and murder in his family.  The story told about his daughter Tamar and sons Ammon and Absalom illustrates the truth of this statement by Nathan.  It's pretty ugly stuff.  Ammon is in love with his half-sister Tamar.  His first cousin Jonadab tells him to get her alone and force himself on her.  Ammon takes Jonadab's advice and ends up raping Tamar.  When David hears what has happened, he is outraged, but does nothing about it.  Could it be that is memory of his own relationship with Bathsheba stopped him from acting?   Technically, he didn't rape Bathsheba, but when he sent for her on that terrible day, he did so with all the authority of the throne.  She really couldn't say "no" to the king.  Beyond that, what David had done went public.  His family, including Ammon, knew all about it.  Surely, knowing that his father took another man's wife when he wanted her had an influence on his thinking in this.  So Ammon rapes Tamar.  When David fails to act, her full brother, Absalom decides to take matters in his own hands.  He murders Ammon.  Clearly, this is not a pretty story.  No one, except the victim, in this incident is portrayed in a positive manner.   David has repented of his sin and been forgiven by the Lord, but there are still consequences to his failure.  This isn't God punishing David by encouraging rape and murder in his family.  Instead, it is the outflow of  David's willful actions.  Our actions have consequences, some reaching farther and into places we never imagined they would.

April 6, 2006

2Sam. 14: God does not take away life. He works out ways to get the exile back.

After avenging the terrible thing done to this sister Tamar by murdering his half brother, Ammon, Absalom has fled, fearing for his own life.  Now three years have passed and David's general, Joab, thinks it is time for David to reconcile with his son.  Earlier, Nathan had brought to David a made-up story and confronted him with the memorable words: "You are the man!"  Now, Joab sends a woman from Tekoa to do a similar thing.  She pretends to be the mother of two sons.  In her story, one son has killed the other.  Now her family is out for revenge by taking the life of her remaining son.  David rules compassionately saying he will take care of it.  It is then that the woman challenges David for doing the same thing concerning Absalom.  She points out that God seeks ways to bring the exile back and that David should do the same thing.  David sees the hand of Joab in this but agrees to at least open the way for his son's return.  This incident is a mere snapshot taken during a fast moving flow of events, but I am taken with the wisdom of the woman from Tekoa.  Before Jesus ever told the famous parable, she pictures for us the forgiving mercy of God for the prodigal.  She is 100% correct: "He works out ways to get the exile back."  We serve the God of Second Chances.

April 8, 2006

2Sam. 15: Absalom...stole the hearts of everyone in Israel.

Permitted back into Israel and King David's presence should have humbled Absalom.  He should be grateful for the kindness of his father in restoring him after had murdered one of his own brothers.  It doesn't work that way though.  Absalom wants more, in fact, he wants the throne of Israel.  With that in mind, he implements a patient plan.  First, he begins to play the part of the king, making a regal procession wherever he goes.  Then, he sets up shop at the city gate, the place where the community leaders meet to deal with issues under their jurisdiction.  Absalom plays the part of the kind, caring friend to all who come -- and, he suggests that his father, the King, will not care about the common man enough to grant justice.  The impact isn't immediate, but over time Absalom rises in popularity to the point that he can challenge his father for the throne of Israel.  It shouldn't be this way.  Absalom ought to be the greatest and most committed supporter of David.  Instead, he sets himself up to be his father's greatest enemy.  Sadly, this is how life is sometimes.  We befriend people, forgive them, and make ourselves vulnerable to them and then they let us down.  It happened to David, and, with Judas, it happened to Jesus too.  Frankly, I can't control what other people do - right or wrong.  All I can do is the right thing and demonstrate the gentleness and mercy of God in my life.  It would be better if the result of that were blessed, solid relationships.  Sometimes, though, I have to settle for knowing that the Lord is pleased with me for trying.  That, of course, is extremely valuable in itself.

April 11, 2006

2Sam. 15: Where my master is, that's where I'll be -- whether it means life or death.

Absalom has patiently prepared to betray his father, King David, and he decides the time has come to act.  With the skill of a big business publicist he orchestrates things to make it appear that the public and the leaders of Israel have made him king.  Earlier, David could have easily stopped all this.  In fact, he could have kept Absalom in exile in the first place.  Instead, David has believed the best in Absalom and turned a blind eye to his scheming.  When word of the power grab reaches David he immediately retreats, believing that Absalom has the upper hand.  It is as he and his party leaves Jerusalem that we find the pledge Ittai makes to David.  Ittai is from the city of Gath, which means he is a Philistine.  Apparently, he has deserted his native land to follow David.  When David sees him he tells him to go home to Gath, but Ittai will have none of it.  He is committed to David and pledges to follow him even to death.  This warrior's words to David shine in the darkness of Absalom's betrayal of David, who has done so much for him.  In a spiritual view of things, I am a Philistine, an outsider in the family of God.  Like Ittai, the King, himself, has made me welcome. And like Ittai, I cast my lot with my King, all the way, life or death.

April 12, 2006

2Sam. 16: Shimei followed along on the edge of the hill alongside, cursing, throwing stones down on them, and kicking up dirt.

As David flees his son Absalom he encounters various people.  Some come to help and offer to join him, others come to cheer his seeming defeat.  Shimei is one of those people.  He is somehow related to Saul and this is his chance to let David know how he feels about him.  In his eyes, David stole the throne from Saul and is at fault for his death.  It is probably a bigger deal that, had Saul's family retained the throne Shimei would have some prime position in government.  Whatever the reason, he comes to taunt David and his companions as they leave Jerusalem.  One of David's men offers to go up and lop off Shimei's head but David forbids it.  This guy is really nothing, just hot air and noise.  After all, his own son is out to kill him;  the fact that one of his enemies cheers that almost makes sense.  It would be nice if no one ever "kicked up dirt" in our lives -- if everyone treated us with gentleness and respect.  But it isn't going to happen.  Like David, we have to decide that not everyone is going to like us and some people are going to be happy when things aren't going our way.  We can't run around beheading all those who are pleased that we are having problems.  We had better focus on being a people of God, doing his will, and remaining victorious through the trial and leave the small potatoes alone.

April 13, 2006

2Sam 18: You are worth ten thousand of us.

David's escape from Jerusalem has been successful, but the battle is still to come.  Even as Saul had pursued David, now David's own son Absalom has an army and is out to take David's life.  And, even as David refused to kill Saul, now David gives orders that Absalom is to be spared.  However, anyone hearing that order might find it a bit confusing.  It is David who is on the run with inferior forces under his command.  Absalom has the upper hand here, leading an army that David, himself, has assembled.  David prepares his forces for the fight and announces that he, himself, will lead in battle.  However, his men are having none of it.  To the core they are loyal to David.  They will fight for him and die for him.  What an encouragement it must be to David to have such loyal friends!  I don't have anyone trying to take my life, but when life is unfair, when I am mistreated, it makes a wonderful difference to have some key people who let me know that they value me and are willing to take some hits for me. 

April 15, 2006

2Sam. 19: O my son Absalom, Absalom my dear, dear son!

The battle between those loyal to Absalom and those loyal to David is a fierce one, but it becomes immediately apparent that David's forces are winning.  Twenty thousand soldiers fall that day in bloody one-on-one fighting in the most tragic kind of war, brother against brother.  Absalom flees but in an ironic twist of fate, it is his hair, apparently his most prized feature, that brings about his downfall.  As his mule gallops under a tree his hair is entangled in the branches.  He hangs there, helpless before his enemies.  Knowing that David has forbidden the killing of his son, some are afraid to act, but one of his generals, Joab, kills him and then others join in making sure he is dead.  When word comes to David his heart is broken and he mourns the death of his son.  To Joab and maybe to us this is downright silly.  Absalom murdered his brother, tried to take his father's throne and life, and is responsible for the deaths of twenty thousand good men.  Still, David is deeply saddened by the failure of his son -- possibly thinking of what might have been.  I think David's response to Absalom's death is a reflection of our Heavenly Father's sadness over the wasted lives of those who live in rebellion against him.  He mourns the spiritual failure of those who have followed Absalom's example to tragic ruin.

April 17, 2006

2Sam. 19: You and Ziba divide the property between you.

On the day that David fled Jerusalem several came to offer help and encouragement.  One of those people was Ziba, servant of Saul's grandson, Mephibosheth.  Normally, a new king would kill all the previous king's family, but David did just the opposite.  He invited Mephibosheth into his household and gave him all his grandfather's wealth.  When David fled his son, Absalom, Mephibosheth was nowhere to be seen, it was his servant Ziba who came out to assist David.  When David asked him where Mephibosheth was he replied that he was glad to be rid of David and was scheming to take his grandfather's throne so that neither David or Absalom would have it.  David replied by granting all of Mephibosheth's wealth to Ziba.  Now that the battle between Absalom and David has ended in David's victory and David is returning home, one of the people who come out to greet him is Mephibosheth who cheers David's victory.  David asks Saul's grandson where he was when he was fleeing the city and he replies that Ziba tricked him, leaving him behind when he very much wanted to stick with David.  In this case either Ziba or Mephibosheth is lying.  It may be that Ziba gambled that David would win in the struggle against his son so he wanted to discredit his master and get on the good side of David.  The other possibility is that Mephibosheth did think that he might somehow beat out both David and Absalom and take his grandfather's throne.  If that is correct, then when David wins, we have Mephibosheth quickly acting to cover his tracks and make up with David.   Which one is it?  I have no idea!  Interesting isn't it?  If Ziba lied, he got away with it, and came away with half of Mephibosheth's wealth.  If Mephibosheth lied, he got away with it, loosing only half of his wealth and remaining a very rich man.  My devotional thought on all this?   Not much, really; maybe a fresh realization that the bad guys sometimes win in this world.  God will sort it all out in Judgment. 

 April 18, 2006

2Sam. 19: Because the king is related to us, that's why!

David is a part of the tribe of Judah and as he victoriously returns to Jerusalem following the defeat of Absalom it is the warriors from Judah who lead the way.  This doesn't sit too well with the other tribes, collectively called "Israel."  Ultimately, the rivalry between these "brothers" will result in one kingdom becoming two.  For now, the seeds of the coming division is seen in arguing about who is most loyal to David.  Shortly, Sheba of the tribe of Benjamin will try to divide Israel from Judah, but David's forces will put down his rebellion.  For now, we focus on the response of the men of Judah to the complaint that they are being overly possessive of King David.  Their answer is simple enough: "he is related to us."  They feel a special connection to David and real pride in his leadership.  Because of that, they want to stick as close to him as possible.  As Christians, we feel that way about King Jesus.  We have been adopted into his family.  He is our Master and Savior, but he is also our Brother. We want to stay as close to him as possible.  After all, we are family.

April 19, 2006

2Sam. 21: No more fighting on the frontlines for you!

As the story of David's leadership begins to wind down we come to a time when things aren't all that inspirational.  Uprisings are put down, there is an ugly story of the Gibeonites revenge against Saul's descendants, and a series of one-paragraph accounts of significant battles with the enemies of Israel.  Of course, for those involved these were all very big deals (especially for those executed by the Gibeonites!).  For us, though, they are just historical events.  David's army is still fiercely loyal to him but his power as a warrior is diminishing with age.  When he is nearly killed in battle his men forbid him from leading the fight as he has done for decades.  He is simply not up to hand to hand combat anymore and is more valuable as God's chosen leader than he is as a soldier.  In other words, this is a transitional time for David.  His advancing age does not hinder his ability to lead, but it does compromise his ability to fight.  For each of us, as it was for David, life has times of transition.  Generally, we don't like that very well, but circumstances have a way of dragging us forward, even if we are kicking and screaming all the way.  God isn't finished with us, but the role we play changes.  Let us be aware of what is happening and cooperative with God as we move through the various chapters of our lives.

April 20, 2006

2Sam. 22: I stood there saved -- surprised to be loved!

As he is concluding David's story, the writer favors us with what is probably one of his favorite songs from the great king.  I guess we might call this a misplaced Psalm.  With characteristic passion and absolute honesty David praises God but also tells of dejection and fear.  Then God answers with earth shaking power.  He rescues the one he loves putting him back on his feet, giving him victory.  From that experience, David says he has learned some things about God.  The Lord sticks by people who stick by him.  If we turn to him, we find he has already turned toward us.  And, even when we know we are unworthy, we are surprised by his wonderful love for us.  He concludes, "That's why I'm singing songs that rhyme your name."  I can see why the writer of the books of Samuel liked this song!

April 22, 2006

2Sam. 23: There is no way, God, that I'll drink this.

As David's life is being summed up, we find a listing of significant warriors who served him.  Three warriors are especially outstanding: Josheb-Basshebeth, Elazar, and Shammah.  These three men were the most fearsome of all the fighters in Israel.  As an example of their ability and faithfulness to David, we hear one of their stories.  David and his men are holed up in a cave while the Philistines occupy nearby Bethlehem.  David remarks that a drink of water from the well there would taste very good to him.  The Three decide to get him that drink.  They fight their way through enemy lines to that particular well, draw water out of it, and then fight their way back out of the town.  The Philistine soldiers must have been very confused by all this!  When the three return to camp, they offer David water from the well.  At this point, the focus turns from the Three to David.  He pours the water out as an offering to God, remarking that the water in that container is like the blood of these brave men.  To drink it would be to take their lives too lightly.  I am thankful today for the bravery of another Warrior.  His life started in that very town, but, when the time was right he fought his way to the very gates of Hell to provide me living water.  As with David, the blood of that brave Warrior is precious to me too.

April 24, 2006

2Sam. 24: I'm not going to offer God, my God, sacrifices that are no sacrifice.

The final story in 2 Samuel is difficult, if not impossible, to understand.  It seems that David, fearful that God wouldn't supply an army strong enough to protect Israel, decides to do a national census.  The result is that the Lord moves to punish David and Israel.  The king is given three choices of punishment and David picks three days of epidemic sweeping the land because he would rather be directly in the hands of God than be punished through the actions of his enemies as is proposed in the other two alternatives.  This story doesn't work for me very well.  Offhand, it sounds as though an epidemic came and someone connected it to David's lack of faith in taking the census.  However, it is right there in the Bible, so I will take it at face value, while, at the same time, keep in mind that there is certainly more going on here than I see when simply reading the story.  However, what happens next is easy to understand and challenging to me in my relationship with God.  The plague is sweeping across the land and thousands are dying.  David is told to build an altar in a specific place.  If he does so, and offers sacrifices there, the plague will stop.  David goes to the owner of the land and asks to purchase it.  The man, Araunah, offers to give it to him but David replies that he isn't going to offer to God that which costs him nothing.  The price is set, the purchase made, the altar built, and the sacrifice is made, thus ending the plague.  While I struggle with this story, I am reminded here of the tendency to offer God that which costs us nothing.  We attend church when it is convenient, we pray when we think the have the time, and in general, we practice a low impact religion.  David's example is one we need.  We get out of our relationship to God what we put into it.  There is a real place of commitment and sacrifice in our lives.