Calendar

DAVID BEGAN TO GAIN VICTORY
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
2 Samuel 17

Psalm 40:1-4

 

“Blessed is that man

that maketh the LORD his trust…”

 

DAVID BEGAN TO GAIN VICTORY
 
David took refuge beyond River Jordan. Since Absalom did not accept his counsel, Ahithophel knew he would suffer the consequences as a traitor. Ahithophel thus went to his house, set things in order and hanged himself (2 Sam 17:23).
 
The counsel of Hushai was working against the rebellion of Absalom. Absalom did not have a definite plan on how to overcome David, and there was confusion in the camp of Absalom. He appointed Amasa as the captain of his host, as Joab remained with David. However, his army was ill-prepared to counter the advance of the men of David. The words of Hushai were beginning to yield good fruits.
 
In Mahanaim, David was a refugee without a home or food supplies. Here, Shobi, Machir and Barzillai were moved by the Lord to supply food and bedding for David and those with him (2 Sam 17:27-29). This took care of their needs. All these would be an encouragement to David that God was helping him and things ahead of him would be better. The condition he was facing was better than the dangers he had faced earlier with Saul. David’s victory was near and assured. It was by the Lord’s appointment that Absalom be defeated. The commandment says that one must honour one’s father and mother. Yet, Absalom rebelled against his own father. The turn of events for Absalom was a punitive measure by God. The whole episode was not only politically motivated, but also one of familial treachery. Absalom’s ambition blinded him so much that he did not see the grave nature of his rebellion. Even if he had some regrets, the matter was irreversible.
 
Obey God’s commandments, and live with the assurance of having the peace of God with us.
 
THOUGHT: Human ambition makes sin worse.
PRAYER: Father, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Ps 119:11).

Search