1 & 2 Samuel – Page 6

2 Samuel 16:20-23 – God’s Word Is True

Open bible on a wooden table with fall leaves laying nearby

Do you recall Nathan’s discussion with David back in Chapter 12? It was more a message from God rather than a discussion. Nathan had used a story to elicit an angry response from David, only to point the finger at David as being the “bad guy” in the story. His rebuke came as a surprise to David.

Thankfully, David didn’t die that day for arranging the death of Uriah and taking of Bathsheba, Uriah’s wife as his own. But recall the proclamation made by God in verses 11 and 12, “This is what the Lord says: Because of what you have done, I will cause your own household to rebel against you. I will give your wives to another man before your very eyes, and he will go to bed with them in public view. You did it secretly, but I will make this happen to you openly in the sight of all Israel.”

2 Samuel 16:15-19 – Undercover

Read 2 Samuel 16:15-19

someone peering out between a crack in a wooden fence like they are hiding and on the look out

I am a big fan of mystery books and shows, including “who-dun-it,” crime sorts of dramas. When the characters go undercover, it seems like an adventure into the unknown. Yet they must do amazing work to keep their true identity hidden.

I feel like Hushai is having to do this very careful “acting out” so as to keep his true allegiance a secret. His job initially is to gain the trust of Absalom. It seems that Absalom has a hard time, at least at first, accepting that Hushai has defected, much like David’s trusted advisor Ahithophel already has.

2 Samuel 16:5-14 – Sticks and Stones…

Read 2 Samuel 16:5-14

Do you remember that children’s rhyme? “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” That was the taunt I would use when being bullied. I’m quite sure I wasn’t as bold or brave as King David in almost inviting the ridicule.

Never did I give God credit for the teasing I received. Despite the situation King David finds himself in, he is still clinging to God’s promises and trusting that what he is encountering has God’s stamp of approval on it. Yet he does say, “And perhaps the Lord will see that I am being wronged and will bless me because of these curses today.”

2 Samuel 16:1-4 – Less is More

Read 2 Samuel 16:1-4

Another encounter along the exodus from Jerusalem. We don’t gather a lot from the slice of the conversation we’re made privy to. Sometimes less is more. In this case, Ziba benefitted from David’s assumptions and handling of the situation. Was Ziba sent from Saul’s grandson or was Ziba just buttering up the king?

What other times can you think of when less is more. For the introvert, it is preferred when less words are spoken. Sometimes I have too many words to share, and my introvert husband will end up looking at me like a deer staring into headlights. Certainly, spending less money for an item is also preferred. “You can buy more items,” I always say!

2 Samuel 15:13-37 – Faith & Strategy

Read 2 Samuel 15:13-37

Hands folded and placed on an open Bible

Making an escape is not new for David. However, taking a whole household and then some takes a lot more planning and strategy. I can just picture the procession. It would have been impressive to be sure. No panic, only calculated strategy.

David seems to be calmly handling this situation. His faith is strong, and we hear him surrender to God. While he wants to be able to return to Jerusalem, he defers that to God. Not sounding fearful of death, David goes on to say, “But if he is through with me, then let him do what seems best to him.”