RPG Adults
DAVID REACTED TO THE DEATH OF ISHBOSHETH
FRIDAY, JULY 10
2 Samuel 4
Ephesians 3:14-19
“Of whom the whole family
in heaven and earth is named…”
REACTED TO THE DEATH OF ISHBOSHETH
David strove to exercise truthfulness and justice. His love for the house of Saul was sincere. From the way he made decisions, we see that he was a man of principles.
Saul and his three sons had been killed at war. The Lord was pointing to David as the preferred one to take over the throne. Abner, captain of the host of Saul, had realised this as the way forward for the nation (2 Sam 3). He had consulted with David and was set to unite the nation before he met his death.
The death of Abner was a setback to the remaining family of Saul. The remaining members of the family were now feeble. Ishbosheth (Saul’s son) was not talented, and he had relied on the head of the army to maintain his power. This would have been an indication for him to seek direction from the Lord about the kingdom. They all relied on the fact that on the demise of King Saul, one of his sons would take over the throne. This was a misplaced assumption. The whole nation was troubled by the news of Abner’s death.
When a nation lacks strong leadership, the situation becomes like the days of the judges when everyone did what was right in his own eyes. This was what happened upon the death of Abner.
Even though Ishbosheth was made king, he did not have full control over the tribes. This led to his murder by his confidants. Baanah and Rechab, the sons of Rimmon, beheaded Ishbosheth as he slept in his own bedchamber. And they brought his head to David in Hebron. Assuming that David and Ishbosheth were enemies, they sought a reward from David. David was greatly offended that the sons of Rimmon should murder Ishbosheth, and ordered the murderers to be put to death.
THOUGHT: God intervenes in times of confusion.
PRAYER: Father, may I always have a clear direction of Thy will for my life.