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GOD’S PURPOSE IN DAVID’S HUMILIATION
SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
2 Samuel 16

Romans 8:30-34

 

“If God be for us,

who can be against us?”

 

GOD’S PURPOSE IN DAVID’S HUMILIATION
 
The enemies of David were ignorant of the details that led to David becoming king. There were advantages and disadvantages in David’s humiliation. It became a time of identifying who his friends were and those who were against him. It also brought him closer to the Lord and his true friends. On the other hand, David was not entirely without fault. The sins associated with the matter of Bathsheba continued as a dark blot in the life of David. His humiliation was part of his chastisement for those sins. David had to endure that humilitation and hope in the grace of God. He was repentant and that gave him a heart to pray and endure.
 
The friends of David wished to fight back. Abishai (David’s nephew) was one of the mighty men of David. He was enraged by the cursing of Shimei. He wanted to avenge David. Abishai called Shimei a “dead dog” (2 Sam 16:9) and sought permission from David to take his head. David rebuked him and forbade him to do so. He said that Shimei should be left to curse him because the Lord had told him to curse David. He said to Abishai that his own son that came from his bowels was seeking his life. He then asked, “How much more now may this Benjamite do it?” (2 Sam 16:11). David pleaded his wish with the Lord that He would look on his affliction and answer him favourably.
 
That was David who only trusted the Lord. His friends learned many spiritual lessons from him. They all ignored Shimei and he could not do anything more. Shimei represented the party that supported Absalom. This group was of the opinion that David had taken the throne unlawfully. However, David was specially called and anointed by God. At the time of rebellion, he was still capable of leading the nation. The Lord allowed this time of humiliation to befall him as part of his chastisement. Such is the work of the providence of God.
 
THOUGHT: Godly wisdom is handy when trouble besets us.

PRAYER: Father, give me a spirit of harmony in crucial situations.

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