June 9, 2016
This chapter deals mostly with politics and intrigue as David is on the run from his son Absalom. Absalom has planned treason against his father and has him on the run. While running, David comes upon Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth was the one that was left when David became king and the House of Saul was no longer in power. Ziba gave David bad information about the loyalty of Mephibosheth. Ziba told David that he was a traitor and David made a rash decision and gave all of the belongings of Mephibosheth to Ziba !!! In reality Mephibosheth was loyal and a true friend to David.
Also in this chapter David's plan to plant a spy in Absalom's camp comes to fruition. Hushai goes to Absalom and pledges loyalty to him. Absalom asks advice from his closest adviser, Ahithophel. He advises him to sleep with David's concubines for all of Israel to see ! This was a way in those days to show contempt and power to take sleep with the King's women ! So Absalom did.
The one spiritual truth that runs through this chapter is about loyalty ! It is hard to know where people are based on their words and actions. The one that was loyal to David was lied about. The one that was not loyal to Absalom was believed ! The only one that is true and loyal is God and not man !!
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Saturday, June 4, 2016
Chapter 14 And 15
June 2, 2016
Many of us could certainly relate to Absolom who murdered his brother for raping his sister !! If there was ever a case for justified homicide, this was it. However, in this one story we see what a bad parent David was. Out of three kids he had a rape victim, a rapist and a murderer. In chapter 14 as the story continues Absolom has fled out of the kingdom and David lets him go. 3 years later, Joab convinces David by using a female to tell a story to allow Absolom to come back. David discerns what Joab has done and yet allows it to happen. What was the motivation of Joab ? If he was responsible for reuniting David with his son, Joab's position would be strengthened with David ! This was not about helping David but it was about power and control ! Bad parenting always has consequences, and David has found that out and is going to continue to learn this lesson over and over ! At this point David has lost one son and is estranged from the other. David's decision to allow Absolom to return and the only consequence was that he could not see his father, was another example of poor parenting. Let's go to chapter 15 and see how this decision worked out for David.
After David had allowed Absolom to return to the city, Absolom would go to the entrance to the city and meet all the people who came in and out. He was undermining David to all the people so that he could win the hearts and minds of the people. Why ?? Absolom was planning treason on his father and the King, David !!! After the plot is hatched and Absolom is coming to the city with a lot of people and horses and chariot, David finds out about the plot and flees the city ! He takes with him most of his household and the Ark of the Covenant. After David has a chance to prepare and think, does he decide to fight and take back his kingdom ? No !!! He decides to plant a spy in Absoloms inner circle. As the chapter ends we can see that this saga is not over and yet David continues to make one bad decision after another. One observation... David never prays and asks God what to do !! This was not how David operated..... he always asked God what to do.
Many of us could certainly relate to Absolom who murdered his brother for raping his sister !! If there was ever a case for justified homicide, this was it. However, in this one story we see what a bad parent David was. Out of three kids he had a rape victim, a rapist and a murderer. In chapter 14 as the story continues Absolom has fled out of the kingdom and David lets him go. 3 years later, Joab convinces David by using a female to tell a story to allow Absolom to come back. David discerns what Joab has done and yet allows it to happen. What was the motivation of Joab ? If he was responsible for reuniting David with his son, Joab's position would be strengthened with David ! This was not about helping David but it was about power and control ! Bad parenting always has consequences, and David has found that out and is going to continue to learn this lesson over and over ! At this point David has lost one son and is estranged from the other. David's decision to allow Absolom to return and the only consequence was that he could not see his father, was another example of poor parenting. Let's go to chapter 15 and see how this decision worked out for David.
After David had allowed Absolom to return to the city, Absolom would go to the entrance to the city and meet all the people who came in and out. He was undermining David to all the people so that he could win the hearts and minds of the people. Why ?? Absolom was planning treason on his father and the King, David !!! After the plot is hatched and Absolom is coming to the city with a lot of people and horses and chariot, David finds out about the plot and flees the city ! He takes with him most of his household and the Ark of the Covenant. After David has a chance to prepare and think, does he decide to fight and take back his kingdom ? No !!! He decides to plant a spy in Absoloms inner circle. As the chapter ends we can see that this saga is not over and yet David continues to make one bad decision after another. One observation... David never prays and asks God what to do !! This was not how David operated..... he always asked God what to do.
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