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DAVID HUMBLED IN YIELDING TO JOAB
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
2 Samuel 19

Proverbs 22:1-5

 

“By humility and
the fear of the LORD are

riches, and honour, and life.”

 

DAVID HUMBLED IN YIELDING TO JOAB
 
Joab followed up his confrontation by asking the king to go out and speak to his servants. He strongly asserted that if the king would not go, there would be none among them who would support him. David was a king and a soldier, and he had many experiences. It was only at the death of his son Absalom that he was incapacitated. When he ordered the war to confront Absalom’s rebellion, he would have known that there would be casualties. Notwithstanding, he was hoping that Absalom, the ring leader of the rebellion, would be spared.
 
Joab had hastened to slay Absalom because he knew his death would end the war. Absalom would have died a natural death on the branch of the tree that he was caught in, but Joab wanted to ensure his death. David surely understood the situation, but he was overcome by strong parental love. Joab had to step in to correct the predicament.
 
Joab as the captain of his host had told David that if he would not go and speak with the people, he would have no loyal servants left with him. The situation would be worse for him than any of the evil that had befallen him. His words were powerful, and the king yielded. So, David arose and sat at the gate in readiness to speak to his servants.
 
The people came to hear their king. They were wondering what had happened to David, one who had fought many wars and had delivered the nation from their enemies, mainly the Philistines. However, the king had to flee from his son Absalom. They spoke well of him though he was humbled. The main task now was to bring the king back to Jerusalem. The restoration of the king to his throne was needful and all officers had to be in their rightful place. Those who had opposed David turned loyal, and desired the king to return to Jerusalem. The government could function effectively only when the king was on the throne and all officers in their places.
 
THOUGHT: True friends are known in times of crisis.

PRAYER: Father, let Thy sovereignty rule in my life always.

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