2 Samuel 16 -- How David Reacted When Things Went South

As David was racing out of Jerusalem to prevent shedding of innocent blood when Absalom usurped the throne, God was right in the middle of everything going on.  The man David had assigned to take care of Jonathan's crippled son provided donkeys and food for the journey, but he lied about his motive for doing so.  David made a snap decision to accept the gifts and reward the giver based on limited, false information, and that decision would cost him later.

Traveling through Saul's family's territory, David was accused and attacked by Shimei, but he refused to defend himself or allow others to do so.  "David was exhausted and discouraged, and yet he never rose to greater heights than when he allowed Shimei to go on attacking him ... David didn't retaliate ... David's attitude was one of submission because he accepted Shimei's abuse as from the hand of God.  David had already announced that he would accept anything the Lord sent to him, and now he proved it.  When David considered that he was an adulterer and a murderer who deserved to die, yet God let him live, why should he complain about some stones and dirt?" my commentary said.  "David had faith that God would one day balance the books and take care of people like Absalom and Shimei."

Having taken over the palace, Absalom had to let the people know that he was now the king and that there was no turning back.  He chose to do something so despicable that his father would abhor him -- something that would "break down every possible bridge for reconciliation."  His counselor, Ahithophel (once David's counselor and also Bathsheba's grandfather told him to have sex in public on the roof of the palace with David's servant girls who'd been left to take care of the palace.  "Ahithophel didn't seek the mind of the Lord nor did he want the will of the Lord.  His primary goal was to avenge himself against David for the sin he had committed against his granddaughter Bathsheba and her husband, Urriah the Hittite."

Father, when things get tough and uncertain, help me to trust You in everything I do.  Never let me use vengeance as a motive for anything I do.  Instead, please guide me to seek Your will for my life.

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford