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JOAB PREVAILED AS DAVID WAS RESTORED
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
2 Samuel 19

Proverbs 4:1-5

 

“…Let thine heart retain my words:

keep my commandments, and live.”

 

JOAB PREVAILED AS DAVID WAS RESTORED
 
David continued to mourn for Absalom. Joab came before the king with a rebuke. He told him why Absalom had to die. He persuaded David to speak to the people and made plans for his return to Jerusalem. Finally, the king was headed for Jerusalem to reclaim his palace and throne.
 
Joab, as the captain of the hosts of Israel, learned that David was still mourning for Absalom. The victory that day was turned to mourning. Since there was a national crisis, Joab saw that there was no time to waste. The matter needed immediate action. It had to be approached with wisdom. In his position, Joab was second to the king in order of seniority. Thus, he was in a position to take action when the king was incapacitated.
 
The nation was in a confused state on both sides. Those who supported Absalom were waiting to see what would happen next. David was incapacitated emotionally and could not direct the nation. Joab had to take upon himself to confront the king. Joab said, “Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines; In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well” (2 Sam 19:5-6).
 
These words overcame David as he was humbled. He was a leader and he knew that the words of Joab were true. He knew that there would be serious consequences if he did not put his personal sorrow aside. He yielded and obeyed.
 
THOUGHT: A leader considers to diverse opinions in making choices.

PRAYER: Father, show me when to seek help from others.

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