October 14, 2021
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in 2 Samuel? Here’s today’s reading:
2 Samuel 18 (NIV)
1David mustered the men who were with him and appointed over them commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. 2 David sent out his troops, a third under the command of Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. The king told the troops, “I myself will surely march out with you.”
3 But the men said, “You must not go out; if we are forced to flee, they won’t care about us. Even if half of us die, they won’t care; but you are worth ten thousand of us. It would be better now for you to give us support from the city.”.........Continue Reading
The irony of Absalom’s fantastic hair being the cause of his demise! Joab does what he thinks is in the best interest of David and kills Absalom even though it was not what David wanted.
David was working so hard to protect his son and his mourning was understandable just unfortunate that his protection and guidance wasn’t there earlier when he really needed it.
2 Samuel 18
I hate to admit this but no matter how intimate we are with God, it is not a guarantee that our kids will follow suit. In fact, all I see is dysfunction here. I also wonder if some of these tragedies in David’s life has anything to do with his sins of adultery and murder. Nevertheless, we all need a Savior because life stinks.
I think that is the case Jill!…..that it is in reference to David suffering the consequences of his passivity, lust and blood shed……otherwise we can all see the good and bad that life has to offer, but every aspect is better with God’s presence and provision!
2 Samuel 18
It is important that we not take matters into our own hands, especially when someone in leadership has given clear direction as to what to do. Personal initiative is often valued, but here Joab thinks he knows better than David as to what should happen to Absalom. How sad that a regular soldier remembers and internalizes the king’s wishes more than the general. One could argue that Joab was doing David a favor and David was being too soft on Absalom, but it wasn’t for him to decide.
I was also struck by the number of fighting men that were dedicated to David and one can see the Lord’s hand in the victory that David’s forces attained.
2 Samuel 19
The last verse is so poignant. I remembered it’s the lyrics of a Sacred Harp song . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktO_-8Owe7M
David the king was grieved and moved
He went to his chamber, and wept;
And as he went he wept, and said,
“Oh my son! Would to God I had died
For thee, Oh Absalom, my son.”
wow Steve, that’s a blast from the past, huh?
This whole situation makes me wonder what would have happened to Absalom if Joab had just let him be, hanging in that tree? or taken him and brought him to David.
My heart hurts for David. Even though these are the consequences of his own passivity, there was still opportunity for him to forgive Absalom and Absalom to forgive David. It is sad that even when he was restored to his father, Absalom chose to betray him. The fighting men had more honor for David than his son did.