2 Samuel 17:15-29
Psalm 3
Psalm 63
2 Samuel 18:1-19:30
David, his family, and his army escaped across the Jordan River from
the dangers of Absalom’s rebellion. Though he had pressed David to the very end
of his kingdom, Absalom was not satisfied until he had killed him. He would
never truly be the rightful king while David was still alive.
Thus, we had a showdown between the two armies in the forest of
Ephraim, a forest so dangerous that “more men died because of it than were
killed by the sword” (18:8). Even Absalom himself was caught by the forest when his long hair
was snatched by the low-hanging branches of a great oak, which lifted him off
of his mule. When Joab found him dangling there, he and his men promptly ended
his life. Thus, the very symbol of Absalom’s pride, his beautiful hair (14:25, 26), led to his
ultimate downfall.
Once Absalom was gone and the threat to David’s kingdom averted, the
King arranged to return to Jerusalem. Once they arrived back at the Jordan
River, David, his family, and his army were welcomed and celebrated all the way
to the holy city. God had been merciful, and Israel’s true King had been
restored.
In the midst of this terrible ordeal, I was impressed with those men
and women who came forward to help the King in his distress. Is it
not when we experience hardship and turmoil that we discover who our true
friends are? In such a time of tribulation, it is quickly discovered where people’s
loyalties lie; and, David found out that he was blessed to have such a
fantastic network of loyal friends.
Abiathar and Zadok, the priests, remained loyal to David; and, Hushai,
David’s trusted advisor returned to Jerusalem to spy on Absalom and thwart his
plans. Ittai, the captain of the Gittite army, a guest in Israel, a foreigner
in exile,
vowed
to stay with David and defend his cause. Then, when David arrived in Mahanaim,
he was greeted warmly by Shobi, Makir, and Barzillai, who demonstrated great
hospitality in taking care of the royal family. Of course, who can forget Joab,
who, when David needed it most, demonstrated tough love and spoke sternly to
his king after his men saved him and his family from Absalom’s threat?
Daily Reflection
Friends are truly a gift from God, to encourage you
when you are in distress, to comfort you when you experience loss, and to speak
truth to you when you need it most.
Which of your friends has proven to be a comfort or an encouragement
during times of turmoil? What exactly have they done?
Which of your friends loves you enough to speak truth into your life
when you need it most?
Are you a friend like this to others? Can you be counted on to comfort
or are you too quick to criticize? Are you bold enough to speak truth to your
friends or do you tend to flatter? Just as you appreciate faithful
friends, so do others, especially in times of need.
BiAY.org | Day 119 — 246 Days to Go
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