March 10, 2022 - 2 Samuel 19-24
David wept for Absalom, the son who had rebelled against him and pursued him in order to kill him. That's the heart of a father. Even in the face of rebellion such as this, David's heart breaks. What love! A picture of God’s love toward us!
David returned to Jerusalem and was restored as king. Saul's crippled son, Mephibosheth, met him, and David promised him a great gift of land, along with Barzillai. Mephibosheth: “Oh, let him take it all, since my lord the king has come safely home” (19:30). What loyalty, and what joy in the return of the king!
Barzillai, who was accompanying David, recognizing his age (80 years old), wished not to be a burden for David. And so, he asked David to allow Chimham to go on with the king to Jerusalem. What humility and willingness to step aside for another!
There followed all this: Sheba's rebellion, David's avenging of the Gibeonites, war with the Philistines, David's gratefulness for God's provisions, etc. Remember this portion of David's song on thanksgiving to the Lord? “The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be my God, the rock of my salvation” (22:47). What a life David lived! And with all its ups and downs, how he trusted God, as do we!
Who trusts in God, a strong abode
in heav’n and earth possesses;
who looks in love to Christ above,
no fear his heart oppresses.
In you alone, dear Lord, we own
sweet hope and consolation:
our shield from foes, our balm for woes,
our great and sure salvation. -- Joachim Magdeburg (16th century)