David Returns to Jerusalem
March 11, 2022
Commentary
Joab is told of David’s “weeping” and “mourning” for his son Absalom (vv. 1–2). Instead of celebrating their victory, the people quietly return to the city. They act as if they had lost, not won, because shame and fear have replaced joy (v. 3). Meanwhile, David keeps his face covered and cries loudly for his dead son (v. 4). While this continues, Joab enters the king’s house and strongly confronts David. He accuses David of valuing Absalom’s life more than the lives of those who fought and saved him (v. 5). Joab says David loves those who hate him and hates those who love him (v. 6). He believes the commanders and soldiers feel worthless to the king. Joab warns that if David does not go out at once to “encourage” his men, they will abandon him by nightfall (v. 7). Because of these harsh words, David finally goes and sits at the city gate (v. 8). His heart was broken. But leadership requires courage to face grief while serving others faithfully.
Some Israelites remind one another that David, though imperfect, rescued them from their enemies, especially the Philistines, yet he remains outside the land (v. 9). They ask why their fellow Israelites “say nothing” about bringing the king back to Jerusalem (v. 10). In response, David sends word through the priests, asking the elders why they should be the last to bring him home (vv. 11–12). David also promises to appoint Amasa as commander of the army in place of Joab (v. 13). This decision wins support, and the tribe of Judah again unites behind David. They invite him to return to Jerusalem and bring his men with him (v. 14). God used this moment to teach patience and humility. Unity slowly begins to heal wounds left by rebellion together.
Application
Grief can affect others, and silence delays healing. When I am hurting, do I still notice those who serve with me? Am I slow to encourage people who stood by me? Am I helping to restore unity, or am I waiting for others to act today? Do I let honest correction help me return to my calling today?
2 Samuel 19:1–15 (NET)
1 (19:2) Joab was told, “The king is weeping and mourning over Absalom.” 2 So the victory of that day was turned to mourning as far as all the people were concerned. For the people heard on that day, “The king is grieved over his son.” 3 That day the people stole away to go to the city the way people who are embarrassed steal away in fleeing from battle. 4 The king covered his face and cried out loudly, “My son, Absalom! Absalom, my son, my son!”
5 So Joab visited the king at his home. He said, “Today you have embarrassed all your servants who have saved your life this day, as well as the lives of your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your concubines. 6 You seem to love your enemies and hate your friends! For you have as much as declared today that leaders and servants don’t matter to you. I realize now that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today, it would be all right with you. 7 So get up now and go out and give some encouragement to your servants. For I swear by the Lord that if you don’t go out there, not a single man will stay here with you tonight! This disaster will be worse for you than any disaster that has overtaken you from your youth right to the present time!”
8 So the king got up and sat at the city gate. When all the people were informed that the king was sitting at the city gate, they all came before him.
9 All the people throughout all the tribes of Israel were arguing among themselves saying, “The king delivered us from the hand of our enemies. He rescued us from the hand of the Philistines, but now he has fled from the land because of Absalom. 10 But Absalom, whom we anointed as our king, has died in battle. So now why do you hesitate to bring the king back?”
11 Then King David sent a message to Zadok and Abiathar the priests saying, “Tell the elders of Judah, ‘Why should you delay any further in bringing the king back to his palace, when everything Israel is saying has come to the king’s attention. 12 You are my brothers—my very own flesh and blood! Why should you delay any further in bringing the king back?’ 13 Say to Amasa, ‘Are you not my flesh and blood? God will punish me severely, if from this time on you are not the commander of my army in place of Joab!’”
14 He won over the hearts of all the men of Judah as though they were one man. Then they sent word to the king saying, “Return, you and all your servants as well.” 15 So the king returned and came to the Jordan River.
Stephen Olford – Rebel Healed by God
Stephen Olford is without question one of the great Preachers of the World: Son of a missionary to Africa. Did not want to go through the trials and tribulations of a missionary. Was mistreated by Christians in England and rebelled against God. St … Continue