SCRIPTURE: 2 SAMUEL 19
As the king was weeping and mourning for Absalom, the victory of the whole army was turned into mourning. Joab went to the king and told him: “Today you have humiliated all your men who have saved your 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. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead. Now go out and encourage your men. I swear by the Lord, that if you don’t go out, not a man will be left with you by nightfall. This will be worse for you than all the calamities that have come upon you from you or youth till no.” (vs. 5-7). So, the king got up and took his seat in the gateway. And all the men came before him.
DAVID RETURNS TO JERUSALEM (vs. 9-43)
The men of Judah came to Gilgal to meet king David and bring him across the Jordan. Shimei, the Benjamite who cursed David before, came with a thousand Benjamites along with Ziba and meet the king. Shimei asked David to forget the wrong that he did. Abishai told David to put Shimei to death because he cursed the Lord’s anointed. But David promised with an oath not to kill Shimei.
Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan came to meet the king. He told David that Ziba had betrayed him. Then David said that the fields will be divided between him and Ziba. Barzillai was a wealthy 80 years old man who provided for the king during his stay in Mahanaim. He came to cross the Jordan with the king and send him on his way. King David told him to go with them to Jerusalem and he will provide for Barzillai. But Barzillai did not want him to be a burden to David. So he refused and preferred to stay in his own town. Then he gave David a servant named Kimham. King David kissed Barzillai and gave him his blessings and Barzillai returned to his home.
THOUGHTS:
David’s sorrow over his dead son had a discouraging effect on his commanders and men. Instead of celebrating the victory they had, he was crying for his rebellious son who wanted to take over his throne. Joab had to confront him and help him realize the reality. Joab told David that there would be dreadful consequences if he did not commend the troops for their victory. Sometimes, when we are overwhelmed by our emotions, we need a faithful friend to awaken us.
Upon return to Jerusalem, David showed mercy to three people:
- He spared Shimei.
- He restored Mephiboseth
- He rewarded Barzillai.