15:32-37
Hushai was David’s friend and one of his advisors. As David neared the summit of the Mount of Olives, Hush came to him in torn clothes with dirt on his head, the picture of mourning. He wanted to go with David.
But David sent Hushai back to Jerusalem with instructions to offer his services and support to Absalom as a ruse. Hushai would become another spy for David, relaying information from the palace to the priests, whose sons would then come to David secretly to tell him the news.
David also wanted Hushai to give advice to Absalom in a manner that would contradict Ahithophel and defeat him.
David & Ziba
16:1-4
Next, Ziba came to David. He was the former servant of Saul whom David appointed to take care of Mephibosheth. Ziba came with substantial provisions. He brought donkeys loaded with bread, raisins, summer fruits and wine. He tried to cover all the bases: donkeys for people to ride on, bread and fruit for the men to eat, and wine to drink.
Mephibosheth did not come with Ziba, so David asked where he was (“your master’s son”, Saul being the master) Ziba said he remained in Jerusalem, hoping that he would become king of Israel. That was very unlikely since Absalom was coming to Jerusalem to become king and had his own small army.
In response, David gave Ziba all that he had formerly given to Mephibosheth. (4)
David & Shimei
16:5-14
The next man to come to David was not a supporter. His name was “Shimei” and he was a relative of Saul. This occurred when David arrived at Bahurim, a town on the north side of the Mount of Olives belonging to the tribe of Benjamin, which was Saul’s tribe.
Shimei cursed David and threw stones at David and his people. He called David a man of blood, a worthless man and accused him of having the blood of Saul and his family on his hands, although David had never killed any of Saul’s family.
Notice that verse 6 tells us that David’s mighty men were with him. They are the 30+ fighting men, each capable of killing many men and battle. So David is not without warriors. And Shimei has poor judgment. Also with David is Abishai, nephew of David and brother to Joab. He was also a mighty warrior.
Abishai offered to relieve Shimei of his head. David refused the offer because God may have told him to curse David. David also placed his life in the Lord’s hand again, saying that he might look on this wrong done to him and repay him with good.
David and his followers kept going until they reached the Jordan River. There they camped and were refreshed.
Psalm 3 is ascribed to David, written when he fled from Absalom. It is an individual lament. But it also expresses confidence in God’s deliverance.
The psalm begins with David’s lament that many foes have risen against him. Men from all over Israel had joined his son, including his trusted advisor, Ahithophel. Since David was God’s anointed king, these people were also enemies of God’s kingdom and his power.
They said God would not save him. (3:1-3) But David still trusted God to protect him. He cried out to the Lord and was heard. And so, he was able to rest and let go of his fear. (3:4-6) Notice that he addressed God by his covenant name, Yahweh (LORD, in all caps, stands for this name).
Although God imposed punishments on David for is sin, he did not break
or terminate his covenant with him. David was certain that God would fulfill his promises to David.
David prayed again for God to save him from his enemies. He acknowledged that God alone could save him. And he still prayed for God to bless his people Israel. (3:7-8) Since David was God’s anointed, saving and restoring David as king would pave the way for Israel to be blessed.
Takeaways
Enemies will arise against God’s people and their leaders. They may succeed for a while.
But, God will prevail.
So, we, like David in Psalm 3, should focus on God, not on our enemies. Focus on enemies will bring fear and anxiety. Focus on God will bring peace and joy.
No comments:
Post a Comment