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THE FINAL YEARS OF DAVID’S LIFE
LORD’S DAY, SEPTEMBER 27
2 Samuel 23-24

Psalm 38:1-9

 

“O LORD,

rebuke me not in thy wrath…”

 

THE FINAL YEARS OF DAVID’S LIFE
 
Joab was the only person among David’s men who defied the king publicly and got away with it. He was the son of David’s sister and was appointed as the captain of the host. In the case of Absalom, David had given orders to spare the life of Absalom (King David’s son), but Joab slew him in defiance. There were other murders under Joab’s hand that the king disapproved of.
 
Abishai was a brother of Joab, and he was loyal to King David. When the king desired the water of the well of Bethlehem (which had its way blocked by the Philistines), Abishai and two others broke through the enemy lines and fetched the water for the king. David saw this act as a sacrifice of their lives, and thus he refused to drink that water but poured it out to the Lord. Both nephews of David served under him to his last days.
 
David depended on the Lord, and did not neglect to acknowledge Him. The Lord gives assistance the same way today as He did in David’s life. It is a desired legacy. When Jesus comes to reward His servants, will He find you watching?
 
It is also true that a high office can be deceptive, and leads one to disobey the Lord. This was what happened to David near the end of his reign. The command he gave to his officers to carry out a census in all Israel seemed legitimate at face value. Such an exercise is needful when it is done for a good purpose. In this particular case, there was no good reason. The Lord saw pride in the heart of David. David soon realised his sin, and repented. However, the consequences of that sin could not be avoided. The remedy was an offering made to the Lord. He was instructed through the prophet, Gad, and he did as he was commanded.
 
THOUGHT: The Lord is always ready to forgive.

PRAYER: Father, let me recognise my sins and repent of them.

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