RPG Adults
DAVID WAS SET TO RETURN TO JERUSALEM
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
2 Samuel 19
Romans 12:12-17
“Recompense to no man evil for evil.”
DAVID WAS SET TO RETURN TO JERUSALEM
David urged Zadok and Abiathar (the priests) to speak to the elders of Judah to bring the king back to Jerusalem (2 Sam 19:11). Their service had to do with the spiritual needs of the nation. Samuel, as a priest, had anointed David to be king (the kings could not take office without that priestly anointing). The rebellion had resulted in a disorder so that the priests initially moved out of the city with David (2 Sam 15:24). David then asked them to return to Jerusalem as they were not in danger (2 Sam 15:27-29).
The king then sent them to tell the house of Judah to return the king to his city. These were the king’s kinsmen. The king promised Amasa he would be captain of hosts in place of Joab. The house of Judah then set in motion the return of the king. They conducted him across Jordan. Shimei who cursed the king came to seek reconciliation. Ziba the servant of the house of Saul came with his fifteen sons to support David. Plans were moving well for the return to Jerusalem.
David showed a gracious approach to his adversaries. His servants had a different opinion that Shimei had to be punished. They said that his support for the king was not sincere. The king assured Shimei that he would not die. He even swore to him on that. The other person to whom he showed his graciousness is Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan. In the Absalom rebellion, he had remained in Jerusalem.
Mephibosheth came to meet David to seek peace. He had a miserable appearance as he had not groomed himself since the day the king left Jerusalem. He was apologetic and said that he was deceived. The king told him that he would share his property with Ziba. David overruled his servants who insisted that those who had supported the rebels should be punished.
THOUGHT: God’s grace reconciles even great enemies.
PRAYER: Father, grant me this grace to be at peace with all men.