(1) David loved her son AbsalomAs mentioned yesterday, David did not consider the victory of his army as good news. Instead, he mourned over the death of his son. Obviously, he loved his son even though he rebelled against him. Joab disagreed with David' mourning and told him to encourage his troops.v.5b 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.v.6 So get up now and go out and give some encouragement to your servants.
(2) David restored his rulership over Judah and Israel. a. First of all, the first group of people came back to him was his troops:People were encouraged when they saw David sitting at the city gate and all came before him. v.8
b. Then, "all the people throughout all the tribes of Israel" were discussing to bring David back v.8b-10. After David put Absalom's old general to replace Joab to bridge with their troops, Scriptures said, "He won over the hearts of all the men of Judah as though they were one man. v.14"
(NAC) Putting Amasa in this coveted leadership role would build bridges with those who had served under Amasa while fighting against David, and it also would punish Joab for his insubordination in the matter of killing Absalom.As in every previous struggle in David’s life, his strategy proved remarkably successful. He soon received the coveted response inviting him and his entourage to “return” to the royal city of Jerusalem.
c. Even people who were hostile to David, now joined the team to bring him back v.16. Shimei came quickly to meet King David when he heard that the people of Judah had come to welcome David back v.15. He (and Ziba) and their men did not wait for David to cross over the river, but they themselves crossed to where David was to help his household cross v.16-18.
Reflection: a. David did not just win the victory over Absalom, he won the hearts of the people. People liked him not because he delivered them over the Philistines in the past v.9, but also how he established Amasa as the new general. His rulership was reestablished again. Our lives may also have some turmoil. It may not be smooth all the time. With the help from God, we may see restoration coming again.
b. For people like Shimei, he cursed David when David fled away from Jerusalem. He seeked reconciliation when David returned as king. He was eager to show David that he was quick to come and he did more than anyone else. For Ziba, he cheated David and got all the property from his master. He came again. Probably he thought David was going to give him more benefits. Do we have these ill motives in our hearts? Do we treat the rich people nicer and eager to show our interest to them? Do we just think of gaining benefits from the rich and the powerful?
Audrey
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