2 Samuel 19:11-20:13
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Today is a great day of readings in Second Samuel! David returns to Jerusalem! I love the entire flow of today's readings as David crosses the Jordan River toward Jerusalem and shows incredible kindness to Shimei, Mephibosheth, and Barzillai along the way. However, don't forget the name Shimei just yet - the "rock thrower & curser" when David fled Jerusalem a few chapters back... On David's deathbed, later in our readings in First Kings 2:9, David will pass along to his son Solomon these instructions: "Bring his (Shimei's) gray head down to the grave in blood..." But, this day was not a day of bloodshed, but a day of amnesty, as David exclaimed in 2 Samuel 19:22 today: "This is not a day for execution but for celebration! I am once again the king of Israel!" An image of Mephibosheth, Saul's grandson, meeting David on his return to Jerusalem is below:
In Second Samuel chapter 20 today we read about the revolt of Sheba from the tribe of Benjamin. Zondervan's commentary today points out that an important thing to keep in mind here is that tribal jealousy still was brewing over the transfer of the kingship from Benjamin (Saul's tribe) to Judah (David's tribe). Sheba appeals to the Israelite suspicion that David favored his own tribe over the other tribes. As this chapter progresses Joab again shows his true colors by murdering Amasa. I'm beginning to wonder about Joab... he's ruthless. I suppose as being the commander of the army for so long, this was his "job" to be ruthless? Let me know your thoughts on Joab in the Comments section below. Ramona, thanks for the comment in yesterday's readings saying "Joab operated out of Justice with no Love." Great point! In Amasa's case, Amasa was part of the rebellion against David led by Absalom, so again here Joab is acting out "Justice"... (and certainly no Love...) I wonder if we ever fall into this trap in our lives today as well? Operate in an unbalanced way showing nothing but Justice, and yet no Love? Or, on the other hand do we sometimes operate with just Love, and no Justice? Should we be operating with a balance of Love and Justice? Or should one (Love or Justice) outweigh the other in our life? Below is a stained glass window showing Joab killing Amasa while pretending to greet him:
Bible.org's commentary on today's Second Samuel readings today titled "David's Return to Jerusalem" is at this link.
Worship Video: Today's readings remind me of the song "Then Christ Came" by MercyMe:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOQgWeLq64U
Has Christ come to you? Click here and let Christ in your heart!
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
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