Adversaries We Leave Behind

I Kings 11:23 God also raised up as an adversary to him, Rezon the son of Eliada, who had fled from his master Hadadezer king of Zobah. 24 And he gathered men about him and became leader of a marauding band, after the killing by David. And they went to Damascus and lived there and made him king in Damascus. 25 He was an adversary of Israel all the days of Solomon, doing harm as Hadad did. And he loathed Israel and reigned over Syria. 26 Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephraimite of Zeredah, a servant of Solomon, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow, also lifted up his hand against the king. 

The repeated phrase of this chapter is "God raised up as an adversary" to Solomon.  Why would God do such a thing? We have seen the gradual progressing, which culminates in the beginning of this chapter: 9 And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice 10 and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods. But he did not keep what the Lord commanded. Solomon had a heart that turned away from God.  Because of that, God allowed these surrounding kings and warriors to oppose him.  The ultimate enemy was the once listed last in the passage above. Jeroboam was no outsider; he became the enemy from within who would bring a revolution after Solomon died. Who have you made an adversary of that those after you will have to deal with?

Super Stockpiles

I Kings 10:26 And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen. He had 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen, whom he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem. 27 And the king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stone, and he made cedar as plentiful as the sycamore of the Shephelah. 28 And Solomon's import of horses was from Egypt and Kue, and the king's traders received them from Kue at a price. 29 A chariot could be imported from Egypt for 600 shekels of silver and a horse for 150, and so through the king's traders they were exported to all the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Syria.

As Solomon continued to develop relationships with the nations of the world, Israel experienced an economic boom, with the finest of products, and materials of war, imported and stockpiled. It became so successful that they did not have room for it all and sold to other nations.  Though currently unstated, he was also building the envy of the surrounding nations and their ability to fight back against them later. What do we do with an abundance of what we have? How does it affect those around us now and in the future?

Subtle Progression...

 I Kings 9:24 But Pharaoh's daughter went up from the city of David to her own house that Solomon had built for her. Then he built the Millo. 25 Three times a year Solomon used to offer up burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar that he built to the Lord, making offerings with it before the Lord. So he finished the house. 26 King Solomon built a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom. 27 And Hiram sent with the fleet his servants, seamen who were familiar with the sea, together with the servants of Solomon. 28 And they went to Ophir and brought from there gold, 420 talents, and they brought it to King Solomon.

Having described Solomon's two greatest building projects: the Temple and his palace, this chapter goes on to describe his other building projects and endeavors: forts, cities, and a navy - something Israel had not needed until this point in history.  In the midst of describing these, the historian also makes two notes which may go unnoticed. First, Solomon was developing close alliances with other kings through arranged marriages. Second, in verse 25, we see that he "used to offer up burnt offerings and peace offerings," indicating it was something he now did much less frequently. Slowly, but surely, Solomon was becoming less dependent upon and awed by God and more by the things of this world. How does that happen to us?

Not a "god-in-a-box"

 I Kings 8:25 Now therefore, O Lord, God of Israel, keep for your servant David my father what you have promised him, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man to sit before me on the throne of Israel, if only your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me as you have walked before me.’ 26 Now therefore, O God of Israel, let your word be confirmed, which you have spoken to your servant David my father. 27 “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built! 28 Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O Lord my God, listening to the cry and to the prayer that your servant prays before you this day,

As Solomon dedicated the Temple for God's service, he made it clear that the LORD is no idol on a hilltop or "god-in-a-box" or building to be contained somewhere and called upon whenever one sees fit.  All of creation cannot contain God or limit Him. The place is for us. It is a reminder that He can and should be called upon - not only for help in time of trouble, but for wisdom on the way. The temple was a reminder that wherever one was, you should turn towards Him, seek from Him, and trust in Him as the One who is everywhere and can do anything. 

Impressive Details, But...

 

I Kings 7:23 Then he made the sea of cast metal. It was round, ten cubits from brim to brim, and five cubits high, and a line of thirty cubits measured its circumference. 24 Under its brim were gourds, for ten cubits, compassing the sea all around. The gourds were in two rows, cast with it when it was cast. 25 It stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east. The sea was set on them, and all their rear parts were inward. 26 Its thickness was a handbreadth, and its brim was made like the brim of a cup, like the flower of a lily. It held two thousand baths.

As we look at all the details of the temple built by Solomon and its furnishings, we are indeed impressed by their detail and glory.  It may go unnoticed that the chapter begins with the building of Solomon's palace, as if it may have been an interruption or distraction in the completing of the temple. He did indeed complete the temple with all its furnishings and do it will.  But what Solomon sitting comfortably in his palace before God's house was complete? Where his priorities already starting to shift? Have we become distracted?

Wall-to-Wall Angels

I Kings 6:23 In the inner sanctuary he made two cherubim of olivewood, each ten cubits high. 24 Five cubits was the length of one wing of the cherub, and five cubits the length of the other wing of the cherub; it was ten cubits from the tip of one wing to the tip of the other. 25 The other cherub also measured ten cubits; both cherubim had the same measure and the same form. 26 The height of one cherub was ten cubits, and so was that of the other cherub. 27 He put the cherubim in the innermost part of the house. And the wings of the cherubim were spread out so that a wing of one touched the one wall, and a wing of the other cherub touched the other wall; their other wings touched each other in the middle of the house. 28 And he overlaid the cherubim with gold.

Now that Solomon had his kingdom firmly established, he set out to do the first priority passed down to him by his father David: build the temple. Before he started, God reminded him that the temple was not a magical house, but a reminder of His presence watching over them. It was part of His call to obedience. Though hardly anyone would see it, this picture of the two "wall-to-wall" cherubim was overwhelming. There were also cherubim in the walls outside the inner sanctuary. God is with us everywhere: to protect, to guide, to encourage us.  

Abundance

 

I Kings 4:25 And Judah and Israel lived in safety, from Dan even to Beersheba, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, all the days of Solomon. 26 Solomon also had 40,000 stalls of horses for his chariots, and 12,000 horsemen. 27 And those officers supplied provisions for King Solomon, and for all who came to King Solomon's table, each one in his month. They let nothing be lacking. 28 Barley also and straw for the horses and swift steeds they brought to the place where it was required, each according to his duty. 29 And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore, 30 so that Solomon's wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt.

Abundance. That is the word to describe the reign of Solomon over Israel. Preceding this passage, the chapter describes the abundance of good leaders, extensive territories, and daily provisions found in his kingdom.  There was a sense of security and stability that filled the air and impressed everyone. But the most impressive possession was the wisdom given by God.  If Solomon would have valued that above all the others, it would have served him and the kingdom well. What do you value?

Wisdom to Do Justice

I Kings 3:23 Then the king said, “The one says, ‘This is my son that is alive, and your son is dead’; and the other says, ‘No; but your son is dead, and my son is the living one.’” 24 And the king said, “Bring me a sword.” So a sword was brought before the king. 25 And the king said, “Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other.” 26 Then the woman whose son was alive said to the king, because her heart yearned for her son, “Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and by no means put him to death.” But the other said, “He shall be neither mine nor yours; divide him.” 27 Then the king answered and said, “Give the living child to the first woman, and by no means put him to death; she is his mother.” 28 And all Israel heard of the judgment that the king had rendered, and they stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him to do justice.

We have already seen that Solomon started off seeking to arrange his leadership with mercy and justice. What he immediately learned was that it would take wisdom beyond his own.  Looking back, it may seem obvious to us to pull a stunt like he did to draw out the true mother of the child, but if we are honest, rare is the person who would think to do so on his own.  The final statement here is telling: Solomon did not want to be wise to show himself off; his motive was to do justice. May we seek wisdom to do the same.

Justice and Mercy

 

I Kings 2:26 And to Abiathar the priest the king said, “Go to Anathoth, to your estate, for you deserve death. But I will not at this time put you to death, because you carried the ark of the Lord God before David my father, and because you shared in all my father's affliction.” 27 So Solomon expelled Abiathar from being priest to the Lord, thus fulfilling the word of the Lord that he had spoken concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh.

As much as David set in order and stabilized as many things as possible in passing off the scene and passing on the baton to Solomon, there was a lot that still needed to be made right. Those in office had not been completely faithful to the king and changes needed to be made.  These involved the priest (above), the general (the paragraph following), his advisors, and even family members.  With each one Solomon sought to maintain a balance of justice and mercy, and each change was made accordingly.  What relationships do you need to "set in order", and what principles of justice and mercy apply to each?

Keeping Things Clear

I Kings 1:24 And Nathan said, “My lord the king, have you said, ‘Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne’? 25 For he has gone down this day and has sacrificed oxen, fattened cattle, and sheep in abundance, and has invited all the king's sons, the commanders of the army, and Abiathar the priest. And behold, they are eating and drinking before him, and saying, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’ 26 But me, your servant, and Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and your servant Solomon he has not invited. 27 Has this thing been brought about by my lord the king and you have not told your servants who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?”

As the account of II Samuel concluded, David had done much to prepare for his transition out as king: wrapping up his military responsibilities, remembering those who had supported him, and confirming those who surrounded him. What he had not made clear was who was to succeed him.  With several sons to choose from, with different mothers and perspectives, this clouded the issue. As some were vying for power, this needed to be addressed, and those whom David had appointed as his inner circle confronted him about the problem.  David goes on to make it clear that Solomon was to be crowned, but the delay in doing so made the transition less calm than it could have been.  Communication is key. Keep things clear.

Not to Be Forgotten

II Samuel 23:24 Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem, 25 Shammah of Harod, Elika of Harod, 26 Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh of Tekoa, 27 Abiezer of Anathoth, Mebunnai the Hushathite, 28 Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai of Netophah, 29 Heleb the son of Baanah of Netophah, Ittai the son of Ribai of Gibeah of the people of Benjamin, 30 Benaiah of Pirathon, Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash, 31 Abi-albon the Arbathite, Azmaveth of Bahurim, 32 Eliahba the Shaalbonite, the sons of Jashen, Jonathan, 33 Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Hararite, 34 Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai of Maacah, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite, 35 Hezro of Carmel, Paarai the Arbite, 36 Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite, 37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai of Beeroth, the armor-bearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah, 38 Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, 39 Uriah the Hittite: thirty-seven in all.

After singing his song of praise to God for blessing his life, David began to remember the people who had so valiantly served with him, beginning with his three mighty men and all their victories.  But he did not leave out one of this thirty-seven faithful men. This is not a list we would ever memorize or even work on spelling and pronouncing them correctly, but they were important to David and to God. Their faithfulness was consistent and overwhelming to David. Of whom can you say the same in your life? Who can say it of you?

The Worthy God

 

II Samuel 22:26 “With the merciful you show yourself merciful;

    with the blameless man you show yourself blameless;
27 with the purified you deal purely,
    and with the crooked you make yourself seem tortuous.
28 You save a humble people,
    but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them down.
29 For you are my lamp, O Lord,
    and my God lightens my darkness.
30 For by you I can run against a troop,
    and by my God I can leap over a wall.
31 This God—his way is perfect;
    the word of the Lord proves true;
    he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.

The above is a stanza in David's Song of Deliverance.  Looking back on his life - especially the times when he was "on the run," David could see God's hand in guiding and protecting him.  He had seen how God dealt with himself, his enemies, and his friends.  It is a song full of powerful imagery and wisdom.  God is a lot of things: powerful, just, light, merciful, holy, dependable - in short, He is perfect in His character and His ways. With such a God, you cannot go wrong.

More than a List of Names...

II Samuel 20:23 Now Joab was in command of all the army of Israel; and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was in command of the Cherethites and the Pelethites; 24 and Adoram was in charge of the forced labor; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the recorder; 25 and Sheva was secretary; and Zadok and Abiathar were priests; 26 and Ira the Jairite was also David's priest.

This brief paragraph at the conclusion of the chapter is much more than a list of names. It represented the fact that things were now back in order at the palace. The bulk of the chapter deals with one last rebel that tried to organize an uprising against David but was quelched by Joab. The historian wants us to know that things are finally running smoothly again militarily, economically, socially, and spiritually in Israel. Everyone is on the same page, each doing their part to keep things moving forward.  This will set us up for the final few chapters of the book.

A Place of Pardon

II Samuel 19:24 And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king. He had neither taken care of his feet nor trimmed his beard nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came back in safety. 25 And when he came to Jerusalem to meet the king, the king said to him, “Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?” 26 He answered, “My lord, O king, my servant deceived me, for your servant said to him, ‘I will saddle a donkey for myself, that I may ride on it and go with the king.’ For your servant is lame. 27 He has slandered your servant to my lord the king. But my lord the king is like the angel of God; do therefore what seems good to you. 28 For all my father's house were but men doomed to death before my lord the king, but you set your servant among those who eat at your table. What further right have I, then, to cry to the king?”

After the insurrection by Absalom, David had a lot of relationships to set in order. This chapter deals with some of them, like: Joab, whom David had put in the middle of his problems with Absalom; some from the tribe of Benjamin, who had chosen the other side; Shimei, who had cursed David; and Mephibosheth, who did not go with the rest of David's household when he left Jerusalem. David had a heart to forgive all, regardless of how deep their guilt or lame their excuses. How easy or hard is it for you to forgive?

Waiting for Good News...

 II Samuel 18:24 Now David was sitting between the two gates, and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate by the wall, and when he lifted up his eyes and looked, he saw a man running alone. 25 The watchman called out and told the king. And the king said, “If he is alone, there is news in his mouth.” And he drew nearer and nearer. 26 The watchman saw another man running. And the watchman called to the gate and said, “See, another man running alone!” The king said, “He also brings news.” 27 The watchman said, “I think the running of the first is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok.” And the king said, “He is a good man and comes with good news.”

The strife in David's family had resulted in an all-out war.  As the dust settled, David waited for news on two fronts: how the battle had been decided and how his rebel son Absalom had fared. There was good news and bad news. As the account goes on to share, David was victorious, but his son did not make it. David was stricken with grief. As we have seen, the longer things go on without our attention, the harder resolution will become.  God will give us good news mixed with bad, but also the grace to go on.

Everyone Gets Drug into the Fight

 II Samuel 17:24 Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom crossed the Jordan with all the men of Israel. 25 Now Absalom had set Amasa over the army instead of Joab. Amasa was the son of a man named Ithra the Ishmaelite, who had married Abigal the daughter of Nahash, sister of Zeruiah, Joab's mother. 26 And Israel and Absalom encamped in the land of Gilead. 27 When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi the son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, and Machir the son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim, 28 brought beds, basins, and earthen vessels, wheat, barley, flour, parched grain, beans and lentils, 29 honey and curds and sheep and cheese from the herd, for David and the people with him to eat, for they said, “The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.”

"Family Feud" would well describe what was going on in the house of David.  The tribes of Israel were set to follow Absalom, with all sorts of in-laws and out-laws pulled in to fight for each side.  Various clans of surrounding nations were called upon by David to join him to fight to regain the kingdom. People were away from their families and homes trying to get this over with. That's where things lead when we do not work hard to maintain health family communication and forgiveness.  One side might win the "battle", but overall, it will make things weaker and divided. Let's not drag everyone else into the fight.

Seeking God in Sad Days

25 Then the king said to Zadok, “Carry the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the Lord, he will bring me back and let me see both it and his dwelling place. 26 But if he says, ‘I have no pleasure in you,’ behold, here I am, let him do to me what seems good to him.” 27 The king also said to Zadok the priest, “Are you not a seer? Go back to the city in peace, with your two sons, Ahimaaz your son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar. 28 See, I will wait at the fords of the wilderness until word comes from you to inform me.” 29 So Zadok and Abiathar carried the ark of God back to Jerusalem, and they remained there. 30 But David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went, barefoot and with his head covered. And all the people who were with him covered their heads, and they went up, weeping as they went. 

As we have seen the fallout and consequences of David's sin, he has tried to return to life as usual, while at the same time ignoring problems, hoping they will go away. Instead, his popular son Absalom has come back and taken over the kingdom. David is forced to flee, wondering if his rejection by his family and people will be forever. After he sends messengers to bring him a response, David and his followers go to the Mount of Olives to watch and wait.  What a picture pointing us to Christ struggling and praying on the Mount of Olives. Only He knew the future. He would face much sorrow and rejection, but in the end, have His kingdom.  Sad times are times to seek Him. He knows and cares and can bring new hope and a future.

Trying to Ignore the Issue

II Samuel 14:25 Now in all Israel there was no one so much to be praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him. 26 And when he cut the hair of his head (for at the end of every year he used to cut it; when it was heavy on him, he cut it), he weighed the hair of his head, two hundred shekels by the king's weight. 27 There were born to Absalom three sons, and one daughter whose name was Tamar. She was a beautiful woman.
28 So Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem, without coming into the king's presence. 29 Then Absalom sent for Joab, to send him to the king, but Joab would not come to him. And he sent a second time, but Joab would not come. 30 Then he said to his servants, “See, Joab's field is next to mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire.”

As we have seen, David's family life was beginning to unravel. After issues of rape, boiling bitterness, and murder, there was a definite lack of communication. This caused was uncertainty and mistrust. Joab had been instrumental in getting Absalom back to Jerusalem, so Absalom hoped he would intercede and help open the way for conversation with David. Not wanting to get caught in the middle, Joab stayed away.  As you can imagine, this fire got Joab's attention and he did make the meeting happen, but like bitterness, mistrust becomes engrained and hard to remove. Trying to ignore the issue does not make it go away. What are you ignoring today?

The Pot Boils Over

II Samuel 13:24 And Absalom came to the king and said, “Behold, your servant has sheepshearers. Please let the king and his servants go with your servant.” 25 But the king said to Absalom, “No, my son, let us not all go, lest we be burdensome to you.” He pressed him, but he would not go but gave him his blessing. 26 Then Absalom said, “If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us.” And the king said to him, “Why should he go with you?” 27 But Absalom pressed him until he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him. 28 Then Absalom commanded his servants, “Mark when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon,’ then kill him. Do not fear; have I not commanded you? Be courageous and be valiant.” 29 So the servants of Absalom did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and each mounted his mule and fled.

We saw yesterday that after David's sin against Bathsheba things seemed to get back to "normal," with the couple having another child after losing the baby and David getting back to work as king. But there were long-lasting consequences to David's fall.  His son Amnon had a more deeply rooted lust towards his half-sister Tamar and he shamed her. David was angry and Tamar's full brother Absolom was angry, yet no one did anything, for a while. Finally, things get to a boiling point, Absalom kills Amnon, creating a division in the family, which will further fracture the family in days to come.  What is there in your heart and life that is ready to boil over? How can you turn the heat down before it's too late?

Back on the Job

II Samuel 12: 26 Now Joab fought against Rabbah of the Ammonites and took the royal city. 27 And Joab sent messengers to David and said, “I have fought against Rabbah; moreover, I have taken the city of waters. 28 Now then gather the rest of the people together and encamp against the city and take it, lest I take the city and it be called by my name.” 29 So David gathered all the people together and went to Rabbah and fought against it and took it. 30 And he took the crown of their king from his head. The weight of it was a talent of gold, and in it was a precious stone, and it was placed on David's head. And he brought out the spoil of the city, a very great amount.

This chapter begins with the first fall out of David's sin with Bathsheba.  He was rebuked by Nathan the prophet and the child of his adultery died. It had all started when David did not lead his troops in battle and ended up sinning during his time of idleness.  This account shows that David is "back in the saddle," and has returned to his responsibilities as king, leading his troops in battle. Also important here is that David took time to help Bathsheba through the guilt and pain of the lost child. He was no longer all wrapped up in his own pleasure. He is back on the job.  Have you failed or fallen? Do you understand that God does not want you to wallow there? He wants you to confess, care about others, and get back to work.

Displeasing the Lord...

 II Samuel 11:26 When the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she lamented over her husband. 27 And when the mourning was over, David sent and brought her to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord.

We talked yesterday about the covenant God had made with David, full of promises and expectations. David was filled with expectation about what would happen in the kingdom and with his family. The next few chapters are full of David's victories on every side and show us his softer side, showing compassion to Saul's son Mephibosheth.  But so as not to give us the picture of perfection, the account shows us how devious our hearts can be. When we pause to view our blessings and get comfortable with our spiritual achievements, we can be blindsided by sin in our own hearts. David's downfall has become the subject of even secular media, and a blight to God's reputation and that of His people.  In the following chapters we see the devastation on his household and the trickle effect that had on the stability of the nation, but what is most disappointing is that the thing that David had done displeased the Lord. God still loved David, and did keep His promises to him, but there were still consequences of his choice. We can expect the same when we follow his example.

God's Name Magnified

 II Samuel 7:25 And now, O Lord God, confirm forever the word that you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning his house, and do as you have spoken. 26 And your name will be magnified forever, saying, ‘The Lord of hosts is God over Israel,’ and the house of your servant David will be established before you. 27 For you, O Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, have made this revelation to your servant, saying, ‘I will build you a house.’ Therefore your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to you. 28 And now, O Lord God, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant.

After a number of key events and victories, David is established as king, and God makes a covenant with him and His people, promising blessings for David's family and the nation, as well as the privilege of being used for His glory.  David responds to God with a prayer of gratitude and humility. As he wraps up his prayer, he makes the statement above, asking God to do as He promised. He appeals to the very character of God: He is good and true.  David realizes he is really a small part in God's perfect plan, and the ultimate thing is for God to be Magnified. May we have that same response to God's working in our lives.

The Fall-Out from Failing to Forgive

 II Samuel 3:26 When Joab came out from David's presence, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the cistern of Sirah. But David did not know about it. 27 And when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the midst of the gate to speak with him privately, and there he struck him in the stomach, so that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother. 28 Afterward, when David heard of it, he said, “I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the Lord for the blood of Abner the son of Ner. 29 May it fall upon the head of Joab and upon all his father's house, and may the house of Joab never be without one who has a discharge or who is leprous or who holds a spindle or who falls by the sword or who lacks bread!”

We saw yesterday that there was a lot of bitterness that had built up between the followers of Saul and of David.  Many were able to move on and work together. For those who did not, things did not go well.  As the general for Saul, Abner had a long record of faithfulness and victory.  Joab had faithfully served David throughout the years.  But when his brother died in battle, Joab struggled and never forgave.  His revenge did not satisfy his bitterness; it only brought further pain on his family.  David goes on to mourn over Abner, despite his part in Saul's pursuit of David. How deep does bitterness reside in our hearts and minds?

Pursuing Peace

 II Samuel 2:24 But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner. And as the sun was going down they came to the hill of Ammah, which lies before Giah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon. 25 And the people of Benjamin gathered themselves together behind Abner and became one group and took their stand on the top of a hill. 26 Then Abner called to Joab, “Shall the sword devour forever? Do you not know that the end will be bitter? How long will it be before you tell your people to turn from the pursuit of their brothers?” 27 And Joab said, “As God lives, if you had not spoken, surely the men would not have given up the pursuit of their brothers until the morning.” 28 So Joab blew the trumpet, and all the men stopped and pursued Israel no more, nor did they fight anymore.

David had been waiting for years to finally become king.  Even though God had promised it, it did not happen immediately.  Even after the disappointments during Saul's downfall, some did not quickly embrace following David.  Over the years bitterness had set in - not towards David - but between the sides who had been caught up in Saul's bitterness and envy.  How easy it is for us to get caught up the same way.  We can even get to the point where we wondering why we were fighting in the first place.  It leads down a long path where, where someone has to stop and ask: "Why are we doing this? We need to stop." Are you ever the one to do so?

Amazing Lament

 

II Samuel 1:23 “Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely!
    In life and in death they were not divided;
they were swifter than eagles;
    they were stronger than lions.
24 “You daughters of Israel, weep over Saul,
    who clothed you luxuriously in scarlet,
    who put ornaments of gold on your apparel.
25 “How the mighty have fallen
    in the midst of the battle!
“Jonathan lies slain on your high places.
26     I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan;
very pleasant have you been to me;
    your love to me was extraordinary,
    surpassing the love of women.
27 “How the mighty have fallen,
    and the weapons of war perished!”

As we transition from the death of Saul in I Samuel to II Samuel, the first thing we find is this lament of David, written in loving memory of both Saul and Jonathan.  David's kind words for Jonathan make sense, as he and David were friends "closer than a brother." But the words he uses for the two together are almost baffling. Saul was vicious in his pursuit to destroy David, but all David does here is sing his praises and call for people to weep over his passing. Do we respond to others' downfall in the same way?

A Culture of Sharing

 I Samuel 30:22 Then all the wicked and worthless fellows among the men who had gone with David said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered, except that each man may lead away his wife and children, and depart.” 23 But David said, “You shall not do so, my brothers, with what the Lord has given us. He has preserved us and given into our hand the band that came against us. 24 Who would listen to you in this matter? For as his share is who goes down into the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage. They shall share alike.” 25 And he made it a statute and a rule for Israel from that day forward to this day. 26 When David came to Ziklag, he sent part of the spoil to his friends, the elders of Judah, saying, “Here is a present for you from the spoil of the enemies of the Lord.”

We have begun to see the stark contrast in character between Saul and David. This chapter begins with David's wives being captured by none other than the pesky Amalekites, always a thorn in the flesh for Israel. David gathers troops to help rescue them, and as a way to thank those who helped, he divides the spoil among all who assisted in any way.  This was both generous and wise.  David demonstrated that he knew it was not all about him, by him, and for him.  This was much different than Saul. David's act of sharing helped unite the people behind them so that when his time as king did come, they would stand together. Sharing helps create an atmosphere of unity. 

Historical Characters

I Samuel 25:23 When Abigail saw David, she hurried and got down from the donkey and fell before David on her face and bowed to the ground. 24 She fell at his feet and said, “On me alone, my lord, be the guilt. Please let your servant speak in your ears, and hear the words of your servant. 25 Let not my lord regard this worthless fellow, Nabal, for as his name is, so is he. Nabal is his name, and folly is with him. But I your servant did not see the young men of my lord, whom you sent. 26 Now then, my lord, as the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, because the Lord has restrained you from bloodguilt and from saving with your own hand, now then let your enemies and those who seek to do evil to my lord be as Nabal. 27 And now let this present that your servant has brought to my lord be given to the young men who follow my lord. 28 Please forgive the trespass of your servant. For the Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house, because my lord is fighting the battles of the Lord, and evil shall not be found in you so long as you live. 

Having seen the foolish, rash decisions Saul was making, we see a sharp contrast with the wise decisions others were making, like David and Abigail. Abigail saw the foolishness of her husband, Nabal, in his opposition to David and disrespectful treatment of David's men.  She was wise and discerning enough to see that God's hand was on David to become the king and she sought to smooth over the rough road her husband had created. She was able to discern character and courage and to demonstrate them herself. Which character do you resemble? Saul? Nabal? David? Abigail?  What would a historian say about you?

The Rock of Escape

I Samuel 23:24 Now David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the Arabah to the south of Jeshimon. 25 And Saul and his men went to seek him. And David was told, so he went down to the rock and lived in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon. 26 Saul went on one side of the mountain, and David and his men on the other side of the mountain. And David was hurrying to get away from Saul. As Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them, 27 a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Hurry and come, for the Philistines have made a raid against the land.” 28 So Saul returned from pursuing after David and went against the Philistines. Therefore that place was called the Rock of Escape. 29  And David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of Engedi.

Saul's constant pursuit of David in order to eliminate him is a study in futility.  God had chosen David and Saul knew it, yet he bitterly tried every method to do so.  God intervened. Here it was simply something else Saul had to tend to.  Time after time, David could have turned and taken out Saul, but instead he allowed God to do so His way. He put his trust in The Rock of Escape.  God provides a way of escape for us when temptation, trials, and even traitors come after us. Do you trust Him?

Hurting Those Closest to Us

 I Samuel 20:26 Yet Saul did not say anything that day, for he thought, “Something has happened to him. He is not clean; surely he is not clean.” 27 But on the second day, the day after the new moon, David's place was empty. And Saul said to Jonathan his son, “Why has not the son of Jesse come to the meal, either yesterday or today?” 28 Jonathan answered Saul, “David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem. 29 He said, ‘Let me go, for our clan holds a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has commanded me to be there. So now, if I have found favor in your eyes, let me get away and see my brothers.’ For this reason he has not come to the king's table.” 30 Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said to him, “You son of a perverse, rebellious woman, do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame, and to the shame of your mother's nakedness.? 31 For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Therefore send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die.”

As we have been walking along this downhill journey of Saul's reign, we noted yesterday that his rash actions and irrational reactions affected not only himself and David, but his family. Jonathan was caught in the middle of the one-sided hatred and rivalry of Saul toward his best friend, David.  If you have ever been in a triangle relationship like this, you know the hurt it brings. Have you pitted family or friend against one another?  Who, besides you, have you hurt by your bitterness and unforgiveness?

Falling into Your Own Trap

 

I Samuel 18:24 And the servants of Saul told him, “Thus and so did David speak.” 25 Then Saul said, “Thus shall you say to David, ‘The king desires no bride-price except a hundred foreskins of the Philistines, that he may be avenged of the king's enemies.’” Now Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines. 26 And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king's son-in-law. Before the time had expired, 27 David arose and went, along with his men, and killed two hundred of the Philistines. And David brought their foreskins, which were given in full number to the king, that he might become the king's son-in-law. And Saul gave him his daughter Michal for a wife. 28 But when Saul saw and knew that the Lord was with David, and that Michal, Saul's daughter, loved him, 29 Saul was even more afraid of David. So Saul was David's enemy continually.

The life of Saul is like a movie that is hard to watch: you know something bad is coming and your whole body cringes, even though you know it's coming. Saul made one bad choice after another.  "The writing was on the wall" for him to lose his kingship, but he grasped for every straw to keep from losing it and his successor, David, from living to receive it.  Every plot went badly, resulting in pain and suffering for himself, his family, David, and the whole nation.  What ways to we come up with to get back at others, only to find devastating results for ourselves? 

Seeing What No One Else Sees

 

I Samuel 17:24 All the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him and were much afraid. 25 And the men of Israel said, “Have you seen this man who has come up? Surely he has come up to defy Israel. And the king will enrich the man who kills him with great riches and will give him his daughter and make his father's house free in Israel.” 26 And David said to the men who stood by him, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” 27 And the people answered him in the same way, “So shall it be done to the man who kills him.”

This account is one of the best-known events in the Old Testament.  Everyone loves to see the underdog win, for courage to pay-off, and some big, arrogant jerk get what's coming to him.  It is so easy for us to miss what is most important here: David saw what everyone else missed: this guy was mocking God, and no one was willing to care enough to do anything about it.  Goliath and the Philistines were denying Truth, and no one stood up for Him. If that is the case, what hope do we have? Are we willing to stand up for Him?

Was It Really That Bad?

 

22 And Samuel said,
“Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
    as in obeying the voice of the Lord?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.
23 For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.”
24 Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice. 25 Now therefore, please pardon my sin and return with me that I may bow before the Lord.” 26 And Samuel said to Saul, “I will not return with you. For you have rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected you from being king over Israel.” 

Yesterday we began to see inconsistencies in Saul's life and leadership. Today we see how he completely crossed the line. God told him to go and completely destroy the Amalekites, who had been a total affront to Him and constant problem to His people. Saul partially obeyed, and when confronted passed the buck to the people. When confronted by Samuel, he said: "Is it really that big of a deal?"  Saul shrugged it off with a half-felt "I'm sorry. Forgive me and let's move on.  But what Saul had done really was that bad. He had rejected God, His will, and His word, and increasingly felt like a law unto himself. That doesn't work

Rash Decisions...

 I Samuel 14:24 And the men of Israel had been hard pressed that day, so Saul had laid an oath on the people, saying, “Cursed be the man who eats food until it is evening and I am avenged on my enemies.” So none of the people had tasted food. 25 Now when all the people came to the forest, behold, there was honey on the ground. 26 And when the people entered the forest, behold, the honey was dropping, but no one put his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the oath. 27 But Jonathan had not heard his father charge the people with the oath, so he put out the tip of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb and put his hand to his mouth, and his eyes became bright.

After some initial victories, some of Saul's character flaws began to show. One was his tendency to make rash decisions, like this oath that no one should eat until the victory was won.  The men were already tired and hungry, and this just aggravated it.  Such decisions, rather than being a rallying cry to follow, become a means of abuse of power and false pride.  Even his own son Jonathan saw and spoke of its folly. Those closest to us can see our flaws best and need to lovingly help us see them. Sadly, we will see this tendency again in Saul's life and leadership.  What do we need to see about ourselves. May it not become a habit. 

The Mumbling Minority

I Samuel 10:24 And Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen? There is none like him among all the people.” And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!” 25 Then Samuel told the people the rights and duties of the kingship, and he wrote them in a book and laid it up before the Lord. Then Samuel sent all the people away, each one to his home. 26 Saul also went to his home at Gibeah, and with him went men of valor whose hearts God had touched. 27 But some worthless fellows said, “How can this man save us?” And they despised him and brought him no present. But he held his peace.

In this chapter the presentation of Saul as first king was formalized. He was anointed, selected by lot, and proclaimed before the people as their king.  They got what they had asked for - a young strong king who stood tall above all others. It was spelled out clearly how the people were to interact with the king. Then they all went home, mostly happy that this had finally happened. But... there are always some who find something to complain about.  It wasn't just because they did not like Saul; they really did not like God. When they asked: "How can this man save us?" they were really missing the point. No king can. It is God Who saves. By showing a lack of support for Saul, they were indicating a lack of trust in God, Who had inaugurated him. Are you a mumbler? Are you always finding some fault?

Too Much to Take In...

I Samuel 9:22 Then Samuel took Saul and his young man and brought them into the hall and gave them a place at the head of those who had been invited, who were about thirty persons. 23 And Samuel said to the cook, “Bring the portion I gave you, of which I said to you, ‘Put it aside.’” 24 So the cook took up the leg and what was on it and set them before Saul. And Samuel said, “See, what was kept is set before you. Eat, because it was kept for you until the hour appointed, that you might eat with the guests.” So Saul ate with Samuel that day. 25 And when they came down from the high place into the city, a bed was spread for Saul on the roof, and he lay down to sleep. 26 Then at the break of dawn Samuel called to Saul on the roof, “Up, that I may send you on your way.” So Saul arose, and both he and Samuel went out into the street.

Samuel had grown up and become the man of God people listened to and to whom God spoke. They had requested a king to protect them from the Philistine kings and God had come with an answer. What began as a wild donkey chase ends up at a banquet where Saul is seated as the guest of honor with a special portion of food set aside for him and given a cool place to rest for the night.  Overwhelmed is too mild of a word to describe Saul's reaction. He realizes he has been chosen as prince, to become king of Israel. In what ways has God overwhelmed you by choosing you? 

What a Contrast!

 

I Samuel 2:22 Now Eli was very old, and he kept hearing all that his sons were doing to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who were serving at the entrance to the tent of meeting. 23 And he said to them, “Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all these people. 24 No, my sons; it is no good report that I hear the people of the Lord spreading abroad. 25 If someone sins against a man, God will mediate for him, but if someone sins against the Lord, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to the voice of their father, for it was the will of the Lord to put them to death. 26 Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and also with man.

Eli was very old; Samuel was young and grown. Eli's sons were carrying on the spirit of the time of the judges with their immorality and lack of concern for God's will.  The Lord was doing something in Israel, and it demanded men with a heart for God.  One cannot help but notice in the last verse above a description used of Christ Himself - the ultimate Man God has used for His plan and purpose.  May He do a thing in our lives and churches which is out with the old and in with the new. 

He Is Yours, Lord.

 

I Samuel 1:24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and she brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. And the child was young. 25 Then they slaughtered the bull, and they brought the child to Eli. 26 And she said, “Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. 27 For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. 28 Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.”

The book of I Samuel comes like a breath of fresh air after all the immorality, self-centeredness and violence of Judges. One feels like he has been walking through mud for a few hundred years, but now is standing in the warmth and dry of the morning sun. Here who is finally someone who gets it, who is not out to get everything she can for herself, but to be a part of God's plan. She fully trusts in God and wants Him to be glorified. May we be such a contribution to our families, our people, our world. May we be a breath of fresh air in a dark and dirty world.

Turning On Each Other...

Judges 20:24 So the people of Israel came near against the people of Benjamin the second day. 25 And Benjamin went against them out of Gibeah the second day, and destroyed 18,000 men of the people of Israel. All these were men who drew the sword. 26 Then all the people of Israel, the whole army, went up and came to Bethel and wept. They sat there before the Lord and fasted that day until evening, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord. 27 And the people of Israel inquired of the Lord (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days, 28 and Phinehas the son of Eleazar, son of Aaron, ministered before it in those days), saying, “Shall we go out once more to battle against our brothers, the people of Benjamin, or shall we cease?” And the Lord said, “Go up, for tomorrow I will give them into your hand.”

Things seem to go from bad to worse in the accounts of the judges.  The passage above was a response to the terrible things we saw in the last chapter. The cycle of disobedience spiraled downward to the point that the Israelites were turning on one another instead of driving out the pagan nations.  Many lives were lost. Three times Israel had to call out to God for direction. Finally, things came to a resolution, and all were set into the territories assigned, but many lives were lost and long-term distrust was created, which pops up again when a king was chosen.  How often do God's people turn on one another instead of the real enemy?

Things Can Get Worse...

Judges 19: 23 And the man, the master of the house, went out to them and said to them, “No, my brothers, do not act so wickedly; since this man has come into my house, do not do this vile thing. 24 Behold, here are my virgin daughter and his concubine. Let me bring them out now. Violate them and do with them what seems good to you, but against this man do not do this outrageous thing.”25 But the men would not listen to him. So the man seized his concubine and made her go out to them. And they knew her and abused her all night until the morning. And as the dawn began to break, they let her go. 26 And as morning appeared, the woman came and fell down at the door of the man's house where her master was, until it was light. 27 And her master rose up in the morning, and when he opened the doors of the house and went out to go on his way, behold, there was his concubine lying at the door of the house, with her hands on the threshold. 28 He said to her, “Get up, let us be going.” But there was no answer. Then he put her on the donkey, and the man rose up and went away to his home

The further we get into Judges, the darker things got. The unbelievable was going on: a Levite who was supposed to be a servant of God had a concubine; there was a lack of hospitality, which was supposed to be a characteristic of God's people; things looked a lot like Sodom and Gomorrah all over again. And if you read on, things got worse.  We are looking at a culture falling apart, and it's almost like looking in a mirror.  How much worse can things get?

How Far Will You Go?

 Judges 18:23 And they shouted to the people of Dan, who turned around and said to Micah, “What is the matter with you, that you come with such a company?” 24 And he said, “You take my gods that I made and the priest, and go away, and what have I left? How then do you ask me, ‘What is the matter with you?’” 25 And the people of Dan said to him, “Do not let your voice be heard among us, lest angry fellows fall upon you, and you lose your life with the lives of your household.” 26 Then the people of Dan went their way. And when Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back to his home. 27 But the people of Dan took what Micah had made, and the priest who belonged to him, and they came to Laish, to a people quiet and unsuspecting, and struck them with the edge of the sword and burned the city with fire.

A couple of times in this chapter we are reminded that it was a time when everyone was doing what was right in their own eyes.  The tribe of Dan was still wandering around trying to settle down. They finally found a place they wanted to settle, which they took from a quiet, unsuspecting people. They also took their own priest with their own ephod with their own idol and set up their own place of worship. They were not keeping with the original plan of the unity of Israel and not acting like a people for his name. How far will you go to get what you want?

Fighting for What Really Matters

Judges 16:24 And when the people saw him, they praised their god. For they said, “Our god has given our enemy into our hand, the ravager of our country, who has killed many of us.” 25 And when their hearts were merry, they said, “Call Samson, that he may entertain us.” So they called Samson out of the prison, and he entertained them. They made him stand between the pillars. 26 And Samson said to the young man who held him by the hand, “Let me feel the pillars on which the house rests, that I may lean against them.” 

Samson had quite a wild life.  Set apart and called by God to deliver His people from the Philistines, Samson usually made it all about him. His great feats were often driven by his personal desires and punishing those who offended him.  But now that he had forfeited his freedom and lost his sight, all he could hear were the jeers of his enemies against God and for their false God. Samson had this one last chance to be the deliverer God had always intended. As he pushed the pillars, the walls came tumbling down, and the chronicler concludes: So the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he had killed during his life. When you are fighting for what really matters - the Glory of God, you can really make a difference.

Listen to the Words...

 Judges 11:26 While Israel lived in Heshbon and its villages, and in Aroer and its villages, and in all the cities that are on the banks of the Arnon, 300 years, why did you not deliver them within that time? 27 I therefore have not sinned against you, and you do me wrong by making war on me. The Lord, the Judge, decide this day between the people of Israel and the people of Ammon.” 28 But the king of the Ammonites did not listen to the words of Jephthah that he sent to him.

One of the most wicked peoples whom God wanted driven out of the promised land were the Ammonites. They, like several other peoples decided now was the time to strike against Israel, while they were floundering in their mission to take the land.  God sent a message through Jephthah to back off, but the Ammonites would not listen.  Jephthah then proceeded to make a rash vow to God if He would give him the victory over them. God did. God kept his word and made Jephthah keep his. Both the king of Ammon and Jephthah needed to listen to the works coming out of his mouth.

The History You Want to Forget

 Judges 9:26 And Gaal the son of Ebed moved into Shechem with his relatives, and the leaders of Shechem put confidence in him. 27 And they went out into the field and gathered the grapes from their vineyards and trod them and held a festival; and they went into the house of their god and ate and drank and reviled Abimelech. 28 And Gaal the son of Ebed said, “Who is Abimelech, and who are we of Shechem, that we should serve him? Is he not the son of Jerubbaal, and is not Zebul his officer? Serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem; but why should we serve him? 29 Would that this people were under my hand! Then I would remove Abimelech. I would say to Abimelech, ‘Increase your army, and come out.’”

Judges 9 contains a lesser-known account of the self-proclaimed king Abimelech. It is a twisted account of self-promotion, mass murder, failed revolt, and especially, the infiltration of idolatry.  It is a fitting account to follow what we observed in Gideon's rule at the end of yesterday's study. Because of the events of this chapter, the city of Shechem became a by-word for generations.  This chapter shows how far people can stray when they turn from God to idols and worldly leaders. May we not contribute to a history we regret.