A Time for Peace
Opening Prayer
Father, thank You that You hold me near to Your heart and You always keep an eye toward Your promises.
Read 2 Samuel 19:8-18
[8] So the king got up and took his seat in the gateway. When the men were told, “The king is sitting in the gateway,” they all came before him. Meanwhile, the Israelites had fled to their homes. [9] Throughout the tribes of Israel, all the people were arguing among themselves, saying, “The king delivered us from the hand of our enemies; he is the one who rescued us from the hand of the Philistines. But now he has fled the country to escape from Absalom; [10] and Absalom, whom we anointed to rule over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about bringing the king back?” [11] King David sent this message to Zadok and Abiathar, the priests: “Ask the elders of Judah, ‘Why should you be the last to bring the king back to his palace, since what is being said throughout Israel has reached the king at his quarters? [12] You are my relatives, my own flesh and blood. So why should you be the last to bring back the king?’ [13] And say to Amasa, ‘Are you not my own flesh and blood? May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if you are not the commander of my army for life in place of Joab.'” [14] He won over the hearts of the men of Judah so that they were all of one mind. They sent word to the king, “Return, you and all your men.” [15] Then the king returned and went as far as the Jordan. Now the men of Judah had come to Gilgal to go out and meet the king and bring him across the Jordan. [16] Shimei son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim, hurried down with the men of Judah to meet King David. [17] With him were a thousand Benjamites, along with Ziba, the steward of Saul’s household, and his fifteen sons and twenty servants. They rushed to the Jordan, where the king was. [18] They crossed at the ford to take the king’s household over and to do whatever he wished. When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell prostrate before the king Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What wisdom do you see in David's response?This is one of the most challenging periods in the life of David. His political position, and the country as a whole, is very fragile. Absalom is dead, but his forces, led by Amasa (17:25), are still dangerous. David’s public image has been irrevocably weakened, and the people of the southern kingdom of Judah, his own kin, are slow to reaffirm their loyalty to him. What can David do?David’s intelligence reports that the tribes of Israel, in the north, are agitating for David’s restoration. But Absalom’s rebellion would not have been possible without some discontent among those closest to David, in the south. So David appeals to Judah and makes a daring concession in offering the post of commander of the army to Amasa in place of Joab (11-13). It’s enough to win him the backing of the men of Judah (14). In this situation, David could have insisted, “I am the rightful king. Absalom was a rebellious son; you need to apologize and return me to the throne.” Instead, he watches, waits and appeals. He concentrates on winning people’s hearts rather than on winning the argument.
Apply
Are you aware of a relationship that needs restoration? Is this the time to act, or is it time to watch and wait?
Closing prayer
Father, You have called us to community. Give me a right heart and wisdom to build well.
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