March 29, 2025 - 2 Samuel 19-21

The rebellions against David were not yet over.  Sheba was “a worthless man” (20:1) who sought to stir up the northern tribes against David.  David gathered his men, pursued Sheba, and “they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri and threw it out to Joab.” (20:22).  A king has to do that occasionally, that is, remove his enemies.  But another matter stands out, one that speaks so highly of David, that is, his willingness to forgive.  Shimei had turned against David but, now, he pleaded, “For your servant knows that I have sinned.  Therefore, behold, I have come this day, the first of all the house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king” (20:21).  David’s reply:  “You shall not die” (20:23).  Also, Mephibosheth, the crippled son of Saul, might have made a legitimate claim to the throne; rather, he acknowledged David’s care of and provision for him.  David blessed him by giving him a place at his table for as long as he lived.  Here is a picture of a good and wise and gracious leader.  But here, also, is a picture of how God forgives.  We who have no legitimate claim on God’s goodness, in Christ we have been forgiven.  Furthermore, “God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6).

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 (1572)