Today's treasure: 2 Samuel 19:14
Read 2 Samuel 19: 1-14
Based on verse 2, how do you believe David's men felt about him?
What do you think of Joab's method of motivating David?
God's nation would not split into a Northern Kingdom and a Southern Kingdom until after the death of Solomon. David realized the tribes of Israel were in a quandary because they had alienated their king and pledged allegiance to a leader who was now dead. David responded by appealing to his own tribe, Judah, suggesting they lead the way for Israel in restoring the throne to its rightful king. He would receive his people back without punishing the general population, but he intended to make some changes.
How did the people of Judah accept David's message ? (v 14)
Job also suffered a terrible loss and could have used comforters other than the friends who came.
A good rule when a friend is grieving might be to offer hugs and say little. Joab did not confront King David as a friend however. He approached him as commander over the king's armies. Joab had the best interest of his soldiers in mind and not the emotional well being of a mourning father. He had seen many lives stolen in battle. Joab was the man who thrust the javelins into Absalom's heart.
Even if Joab's heart was wrong, David concluded his advice was right. He returned to the business of the kingdom, but he decided to replace Joab with Amasa. David realized his army had fought in his behalf, and he must not have them return in shame.
Read 2 Samuel 19:15-30
Why did the men of Judah come to Gilgal? (15)
In verses 24-30 do you see any evidence suggesting Mephiboshrth's loyalty to David and his innocence in Ziba's former claims?
One of two reasons may have been at the heart of David's order for the land to be split between Ziba and Mephibosheth. Either David was attempting to end the rivalry as simply as possible or he was testing Mephibosheth's heart.
David may have been employing the same wisdom his son Solomon later applied between two women fighting over a child.
No doubt, the encounter between David and Mephibosheth was a priceless example of authentic restoration. The son of his own blood was never reconciled to David; but his adopted son, inspired by love and loyalty, escorted the king back to his throne.
Absalom was never reconciled to his father on this earth, but the apostle Paul suggested that Israel will reconciled to her God. (Romans 11:25-27)
This promise does not mean that Jews will be saved apart from Jesus Christ, but the promises of Scripture encourage one to believe that Israel will one day take her rightful place among the nations.
One day God may take a family portrait in heaven. All of God's children will be there!
Read 2 Sam. 19:31-43
why did David want Barzillai to stay with him in Jerusalem?
Why did Barzillai refuse David's offer?
Returning to a former relationship or position isn't always easy. The smoke David was seeing between Israel and Judah was coming from a fire that had only begun to blaze. Going home was not going to be easy, but it was his destiny. Across the Jordan river was David's promised land. He had been chosen by God to perform a difficult task. Doing the right thing is rarely the easy thing! Onward !
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