2 Samuel 19 & 20 King Again

Absalom is defeated but David still waits across the Jordan. He waits to be brought back and made king again. But it’s not a smooth process.

Absalom’s defeat threw the people of Israel into confusion. They argued among themselves about their next course of action. For the first time ever, David put himself forward as king. He reached out, through Zadok the priest, to his own tribe and encouraged them to bring him back.

Not everyone welcomed him back. Another rebellion tries to rise us. Let’s rejoin our story and see where the Spirit takes us today.

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David takes his seat once again in the gate. His face is composed even if his heart isn’t. He still feels Absalom’s death deeply but his men need his support right now. One by one and in small groups his men approach him and bow deeply. David smiles and offers blessings to each one. He is truly a king of the people. When the last blessing has been spoken David speaks to the whole group; “Let’s feast to our victory!”

A cheer rises up long and loud. This is a standard occurrence for the returning victors but David’s original mood had halted all thoughts of a celebration. Men quickly trade their armor for instruments, at least those who play do, and the women begin setting out tables of food.

David makes the opening invitation once everything is ready. “For this battle, the glory belongs first to the Lord. He gave us the strength and cunning to defeat our adversaries. We will honor the loss of our brothers by reuniting Israel as soon as possible. Pray that day comes soon. As for now, let’s eat!”

The feast lasts well into the night. By morning, nothing remains except a few who have consumed too much wine and empty platters. It was a good celebration, filled with life.

As David’s men bow before him and feast, the Israelites who had followed Absalom reach their homes. They are discouraged. David’s forces were clearly outnumbered but they won. So many of Absalom’s army lay broken on the ground. This was a terrible state to leave their fallen in but there was no way to retrieve them without being killed too. Brothers, cousins, uncles, and even sons left behind.

On the road home discussion starts as to ‘why’ David’s forces prevailed. “I have never seen such skilled fighters. David only trained his own mighty men with those battle skills.” “His fighting tactics of drawing us into that accursed forest are to blame. I thought none of us would make it out of there alive.”

Finally the true reason for David’s victory is voiced. “The Lord fought for him. He is still the king the Lord has chosen for us.” This revelation stops all the groaning and complaining cold. The conversation then moves in another direction.

“What do we do then?”

“To start with, we repent.”

“But then what?”

“Then we take a hard look at our situation. We look at how we got here and what turned us against king David. Why we were so willing to follow Absalom.”

“But…”

“Not now, AFTER we have sought the Lord.”

That ended all conversation. Each man continues on to his own home without another word.

Prayers of repentance and soul searching happen in every tribe in Israel over the next few days. Men meet together informally to discuss their conclusions.

“David has always been a good king.”

“The king delivered us from the hand of our enemies and saved us from the hand of the Philistines, and now he has fled out of the land from Absalom. But Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle” (2 Samuel 19:9b-10a).

“He is the Lord’s anointed. And that means more than anything else.”

“Now therefore why do you say nothing about bringing the king back?” (2 Samuel 19:10b).

“But would he be willing to do it? Will he punish all those who stood with Absalom? How many more lives will be lost because of our blindness? We were used by Absalom for his own selfish pleasures and we fell for his words of loyalty.”

“We need to at least try. There is little hope of pleasing the Lord without him on the throne again.”

This discussion and decision to seek David’s return is transpiring throughout all of Israel but no one is taking the initiative to do anything.

David is a humble king. He doesn’t force himself onto the people but this waiting is getting old! It has been days since the death of Absalom. Israel is without a leader. David has also heard rumors floating around about many of the people wanting to reinstall him as king. This sentiment seems to be coming from everywhere, including Judah. The tribe of Judah is the one he holds most responsible for Absalom’s contention for the throne because it was in Hebron that Absalom was anointed king by the people. It could not have happened inside their borders without their consent.

David lets that issue rest. It will do him little good to anger the people by pointing fingers. But since Judah is his tribe, he will appeal to them to be first again. They were the first to anoint him as king after Saul’s death. And they did so because of his connection to them and his deeds on their behalf. Those two foundational truths have not changed. It is time to remind Judah of this.

David will not bring this request to them personally for safety and propriety reasons. If there are those in Judah who would resist his return, they would be very happy to have a chance to do away with him if he were to appear before them in person. The request should go through the high priest, as God was the one who ordained him as king to begin with.

To spur Judah into action David plans out carefully what to say. He then calls Jonathan and Ahimaaz to take a message to Zadok and Abiathar. He hands them a parchment sealed with his signet ring. “Take this to the priests, Zadok and Abiathar. They will know what to do from there.”

Jonathan and Ahimaaz are pleased to be of service to David again. They quickly make their way back to Jerusalem. It is much easier going this time since they don’t have to be warry of Absalom’s guards. They quickly deliver their message and wait to see if there is a reply.

Zadok reads the parchment. “The king has asked us to appeal to the leaders of Judah on his behalf. He asks them to be the first to bring him back as king. I think that is a very good plan.”

“What would he have us say?”

“Let me read you his words. ‘Say to the elders of Judah, “Why should you be the last to bring the king back to his house, when the word of all Israel has come to the king? You are my brothers; you are my bone and my flesh. Why then should you be the last to bring back the king?” And say to Amasa, “Ae you not my bone and my flesh? God do so to me and more also, if you are not commander of my army from now on in the place of Joab”’ (2 Samuel 19:11b-13).

“So David appeals on the ground of kinship and priority. It is interesting that he displaces Joab with Amasa. What do you think the reason for this is?”

“It may be that there has been trouble between the king and Joab. It may also be that Amasa was the commander of Israel’s army in Joab’s absence. Maybe the king wants him to know that he will retain that post. He would essentially be rejoining the two forces as one.”

“A VERY good idea!”

The next day Zadok and Abiathar present David’s case to the leaders of Judah. The tribe of Judah are all in agreement with bringing David back. They sent a message back to him through Jonathan and Ahimaaz. “Return, both you and all your servants” are the words sent to David.

David is overjoyed to receive the good reply. He prepares his household immediately for the return trip. While David prepares his company, the tribe of Judah does more. They send a contingent of their own to meet David at Gilgal. They will personally escort David across the Jordan and back to Jerusalem.

The first rays of dawn find David and his contingent ready to begin their journey. The air is charged with excitement. The return journey is joyful as they are going home.

As they make their way from Mahanaim, they were escorted by Barzillai and his son Chimham. He was one of the three men who had sent supplies to David when he first arrived. Barzillai had provided well for David’s needs while he was in Mahanaim. Now he is seeing David safely home.

Several hours pass as the procession makes their way to the Jordan crossing. When they come to Abel-shittim they prepare for the crossing. Gilgal is just the other side of the river. There wait the men of Judah and Shimei with 1,000 men of the tribe of Benjamin. Before David’s company could even begin the process of loading the barges, many of the men of Judah moved toward him. With the men of Judah came also Shimei and Ziba with his fifteen sons and his twenty servants. These men cross over to David to assist his family on their return crossing.

Shimei has the distinction of being the man who cursed David all the way from Bahurim to the Jordan on his way out. He is the first to reach David when the barges reach the eastern shore. He falls at David’s feet. He is here to plead for forgiveness.

From his position on the ground Shimei speaks; “Let not my lord hold me guilty or remember how your servant did wrong on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. Do not let the king take it to heart. 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” (2 Samuel 19:19b-20).

Abishai is watching Shimei’s display with contempt. He speaks to David once Shimei’s pleas have ceased. “Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the Lord’s anointed?” (2 Samuel 19:21).

David looks to Abishai and shakes his head. “What is it with Joab and Abishai” thinks David. “They always seem to be out for blood.” His answer to Abishai is laced with enough rebuke to sting and also assert David’s own authority. “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should this day be an adversary to me? Shall anyone be put to death in Israel this day? For do I not know that I am this day king over Israel?” (2 Samuel 19:22)

Abishai lowers his head and steps back from David. David turns his attention back to Shimei. “You shall not die” (verse 23b). This was David’s oath to the man. David would not kill him for his sin.

The men of Judah and Ziba help David’s family to cross the Jordan. What little they brought with them is loaded onto the barges. The barges are then held steady as David’s family members are helped aboard. Guards are loaded and stationed on each barge, to ensure David’s family’s safety. No one is expecting trouble, but it is best to be prepared. One group at a time is loaded, ferried across the Jordan, and then unloaded on the western banks of the Jordan; home.

The size of David’s group meant that it takes most of the day to complete this process. As David was the last one out of Jerusalem he wants to be the last one across the Jordan. He will see his people safely on the other side before he crosses over.

Before David crosses over he turns to Barzillai. He has been blessed by this man’s generosity and loyalty. These are things David will never forget and longs to repay. “Come over with me and I will provide for you with me in Jerusalem” (2 Samuel 19:33b), entreats David.

Barzillai is touched by David’s offer of loyalty but he declines. He is old and has no use for the gifts that David is offering. “How many hears have I still to live, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem? I am this day eighty years old. Can I discern what is pleasant and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or what he drinks? Can I still listen to the voice of singing men and singing women? Why then should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king? Your servant will go a little way over the Jordan with the king. Why should the king repay me with such a reward? Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the grave of my father and my mother. But here is your servant Chimham. Let him go over with my lord the king, and do for him whatever seems good to you” (2 Samuel 19:34b-37).

David smiles at Barzillai. He is indeed a humble man. “Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do for him whatever seems good to you, and all that you desire of me I will do for you” (2 Samuel 19:38, emphasis added).

All three men board the last barge and cross the Jordan together. Once they reach the other side, David kissed Barzillai and blessed him. Barzillai takes the barge back across the Jordan and watches from its banks as David and Chimham rejoined the group making their way back to Jerusalem. Barzillai will likely not see his son again but his future is secure. More secure that even his vast wealth can buy.

As Barzillai and David are saying their final good-bye’s there is another preparing for a new ‘hello’. That person is Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth. He cannot travel all the way to Gilgal because of his crippled feet. But he wants to be one of the first to welcome David back home. He has been in near mourning since David left. He wanted to go with him but his servant tricked him. As a sign of solidarity he has not cared for his feet, clipped his beard or even washed his clothes since the day David left. He longs for David’s return and will ensure David knows this.

Back in Gilgal the men of Judah regroup David’s people and prepare to be their escort and guard, if need be, the rest of the way to Jerusalem. Before even making it out of sight of the city they are met by men from every tribe in Israel. They wanted to bring the king back. Their plan was to do so as a whole nation, but the tribe of Judah acted on this desire before the rest of the people.

They are angry and they take their grievances to the king. “Why have our brothers the men of Judah stolen you away and brought the king and his household over the Jordan, and all David’s men with him?” (2 Samuel 19:41b).

Before David can even answer, the men of Judah speak. “Because he is our close relative. Why then are you angry over this matter? Have we eaten at all at the king’s expense? Or has he given us any gifts?” (2 Samuel 19:42b).

No longer are the men of Israel speaking to David, but directing their accusations to the men of Judah directly. “We have ten shares in the king, and in David also we have more than you. Why then did you despise us? Were we not the first to speak of bringing back our king?” (2 Samuel 19:43b).

David watches as the men square off. He could tell them that he sent word to Judah to have them be the first, but he wonders how that would look. For now, he holds his tongue.

The men of Judah stand tall as the men from the other tribes accuse them of stealing the king. “He is our kin. We are well within our rights to carry him home.” There is no argument that can dispute this fact or sway the men from their duty.

Sheba, one of the men from Benjamin who had accompanied Shimei, takes matters into his own hands. He is a scoundrel and unafraid to stir up trouble. He grabs a ram’s horn trumpet from his belt and sounds a loud blast.

Every man in Israel knows this sound. It is a call to attention. Orders are sure to follow. They are not disappointed as Sheba’s voice rises up as the notes die on the breeze.

“We have no portion in David, and we have no inheritance in the son of Jesse; every man to his tents, O Israel” (2 Samuel 20:1b).

Sheba has been listening well to the argument that arose and he means to use it to drive a wedge between Judah and the rest of the tribes. Many of the men of Israel accept Sheba’s cry and withdrew from David and followed Sheba instead.

David’s heart is deeply troubled by this turn of events but, at the moment, there is little he can do. He has not yet even been back on his throne for a day. He must put things to rights at home before dealing with Sheba. He continues on to Jerusalem with the tribe of Judah surrounding him.

When David reaches Jerusalem, the first person to greet him is Mephibosheth. He is eager to welcome David home. His clothes are dirty and his hair is unkempt, including his beard. The bandages on his feet are also in tatters. David takes in his appearance but doesn’t comment on it. Instead he welcomes his presence. This is Jonathan’s son, a man David loved with his whole heart.

“Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?” (2 Samuel 19: 25b) asks David.

With tears in his eyes Mephibosheth answers the man who lifted his life out of the depths of despair. “My lord, O king, my servant deceived me, for your servant said to him, ‘I will saddle a donkey for myself, that I may ride on it and go with the king.’ For your servant is lame. He has slandered your servant to my lord the king. But my lord the king is like the angel of God; do therefore what seems good to you. For all my father’s house were but men doomed to death before my lord the king, but you set your servant among those who eat at your table. What further right have I, then, to cry to the king?” (2 Samuel 19:26-28).

David remembers Ziba meeting him on the way out of Jerusalem with donkeys and provisions. He also remembers the words Ziba spoke regarding Mephibosheth. Is it possible there was a misunderstanding between the two men? No matter. Mephibosheth seems genuine in his love for David. David cannot rightly take all he has given Ziba and return it again to Mephibosheth. He settles for something in between.

“Why speak any more of your affairs? I have decided: you and Ziba shall divide the land” (2 Samuel 19:29).

Mephibosheth is overjoyed to have David’s favor once again. His joy of having David home in Jerusalem overshadows all else. “Oh, let him take it, since my lord the king has come safely home” (2 Samuel 19:30).

David continues on to his palace with his family surrounding him. He has things to set to rights when he gets home. The first task will be attending to the destruction Absalom wreaked on his home while he was away.

News of Absalom’s acts with David’s concubines had reached him at Mahanaim. Remedying this will be his first order of business.

David settled himself on his throne after he has dismissed his family to their own homes. He calls for the ten concubines who were left behind. They were brought before him right away. Their heads were bowed in shame and they covered their faces, as they stood in his presence. David’s heart was moved by their plight.

“You have served me well and I regret deeply the shame that has been visited on you. You need not be concerned for your futures. You will be well provided for. You will be given a home to share and guards to ensure your safety. You will remain there the rest of your lives. But because of Absalom’s acts I will not come into you again nor will you see my face again. You will live as widows from this day forward. Any needs that arise among you will be met by my servants.”

As women of Israel they each understood the damage that has been done to them by Absalom. They could have been put to death but their king spared their lives and pledged to see that they were cared for as long as they lived. They dutifully follow the guards from the room without a sound and are escorted to their new home. At least they have one another for companionship.

The next order of business is to deal with the rebellion that now threatens the very fabric of Israel. David turned to Amasa who had accompanied him back to Jerusalem with the men of Judah. As promised, Amasa is now the commander of David’s army.

“Call the men of Judah together to me within three days, and be here yourself” (2 Samuel 20:4a).

Amasa bows and then leaves the throne room. He will begin on the king’s mission, but he is in no hurry with this task. He still feels conflicted over his new position. He had served Absalom when he rose up against David and now he is in David’s service after Absalom’s death. He wonders what would have happened if he had been by Absalom’s side when he became entangled in the tree. Would he have been able to save Absalom’s life? Would he have been killed as well? He is under no illusion that Absalom would have been successful, as the battle was clearly won by the Lord. But does he truly deserve this position? Will David’s men respect him in this place?

The three days had come and gone. Amasa and the men of Judah have not arrived. David cannot wait any longer. He will use his own faithful men. He sends them out under the direction of Abishai, not Joab. David KNOWS that it was at Joab’s hand that Absalom died. He cannot rightly accuse him, as it was done in the throes of battle, but Joab’s disobedience to David’s commands forever alters their relationship.

David calls Abishai. Once he arrives, David shares his deep concern with him and sets him about correcting the situation.

“Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, lest he get himself to a fortified cities and escape from us” (2 Samuel 20:6b).

Abishai gathered all David’s men. These men included Joab, the Cherethites, the Pelethites and all David’s mighty men. This is a force to be reckoned with.

David’s forces set out on the trail of Sheba. When they reached the great stone that is in Gibeon they encountered Amasa. He was coming to meet them.

Joab, who was dressed as a regular soldier, comes toward him. Under his garment Joab has hidden a sword in a sheath fastened to his thigh. As he comes towards Joab the sword ‘fell out’ and into Joab’s hand. Amasa doesn’t think anything of this as it is happening. He is simply approaching Joab as another of David’s warriors.

Joab has evil intent in his heart. This is the man the king has chosen to replace him with. And he can’t even be counted on to complete a simple task. “This man is beneath contempt” thinks Joab. Joab keeps his true feelings and intentions in his heart and concealed behind a smile.

“Is it well with you, my brother” (2 Samuel 20:9b) asks Joab as he meets Amasa. Joab then takes Amasa by the beard as if to kiss him and draws him in close. In his other hand though is the sword. As Amasa readies to embrace his cousin, Joab thrust his sword into Amasa’s stomach with such force and twisting that Amasa’s entrails spill out on the ground with the first blow. Joab pulls his sword free from Amasa’s body and looks down on him with a venom. Amasa is left there to bleed out and die.

Joab rejoined Abishai, his brother, and continues the pursuit of Sheba. One of Joab’s special soldiers stands by the body of Amasa, where it lays.

The men who are following Abishai and Joab are stunned to inactivity by the sight of Amasa lying in the middle of the highway in a pool of his own blood. Finally Joab’s man called out to them. “Whoever favors Joab, and whoever is for David, let him follow Joab” (2 Samuel 20:11b).

This snaps the men out of their stupor and they set off behind Joab and Abishai. Each subsequent man that passed Amasa though stops to gawk. Joab’s men decided to remove Amasa from view. Two men pick him up and carried him into a field beside the road and cover him with a cloak. Now all the men proceeded easily after Joab and Abishai.

Sheba has been on the run for several days while David was mounting a response. He has made his way throughout all Israel and finally ended up in the city of Abel of Beth-maacah. All his clan have joined him; the Bichrites.

Joab and all those who are with him come to the city where Sheba has found refuge.

“He thinks to hide behind the skirts of the city’s women” spit Joab.

“Then we will part those skirts and drag him out from between them” answered Abishai.

Joab’s forces began building siege hills beside the wall. They also fall the largest trees they can find to construct battering rams to use against an exposed portions of the walls and the gates. It takes several hours to complete all the preparations. A portion of Joab’s men stand guard around the perimeter to ensure that Sheba and his men don’t escape.

While the siege works were being constructed those, inside the city are keeping close watch. This city is famous for resolving disputes between parties without excessive bloodshed. They do not want to see their city fall over this dispute that had nothing to do with them.

One of the elders of the city is an older woman. She is known for her wisdom and ability to get to the heart of the matter. She cannot stand by and watch her city be destroyed. She calls out to one of the soldiers near the wall. “Listen! Listen! Tell Joab, ‘Come here, that I may speak to you’” (2 Samuel 20:16b).

Her insistent tone compelled the soldiers to summon Joab. He comes over to where they can see one another.

“Are you Joab?” (2 Samuel 20:17b) she asked.

“I am” (2 Samuel 20:17c).

“Listen to the words of your servant” (2 Samuel 20:17d).

“I am listening” (2 Samuel 20:17e), replied Joab.

“They used to say in former times, ‘Let them but ask counsel at Abel,’ and so they settled a matter. I am one of those who are peaceable and faithful in Israel. You seek to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why will you swallow up the heritage of the Lord?” (2 Samuel 20:18-19).

“Far be it from me, far be it, that I should swallow up or destroy!” (2 Samuel 20:20) exclaimed Joab. “This is not true. But a man of the hill country of Ephraim, called Sheba the son of Bichri, has lifted up his hand against King David. Give up him alone, and I will withdraw from the city” (2 Samuel 20:21a).

The old woman nods wisely. “Behold, his head shall be thrown to you over the wall” (2 Samuel 20:21b).

Joab watches as the woman joins a group of people waiting nearby. As she speaks with them, they nod and point. Finally, they moved off deeper into the city where Joab can no longer see them.

Within an hour the woman is back. With her is a man carrying the head of Sheba. He draws back his arm and brings it forward in an arc, launching the head from his hand. It sails over the top of the city wall with ease. The head is quickly gathered up and examined. It is indeed that of Sheba the son of Bichri.

Joab blew the trumpet as soon as the confirmation is made. David’s men disperse from the city and make their way back to their own homes. The rebellion is over. Israel will stand united again.

With the death of Amasa, Joab is once again in charge of all the army of Israel.

(to be continued)

I’m wondering how long David was absent from the throne. I have heard of stretching ‘bath days’ but Jonathan’s son truly stretched it. Not because he was trying to avoid the bath, but because he was in mourning. His own servant tricked him, prevented him from going with David, and slandered his name to David. Mephibosheth truly loved David.

Joab appears to love David too. He can say things to him that no other man can. But he has a vindictive streak in him. His OWN sense or ‘right and wrong’. And he is quick to use his own judgment. He did so now on three different occasions. I, personally, don’t see why David continued to rely on him. Did he expect Joab would come after him next?

David will instruct Solomon to kill Joab after his own death. And in the reasoning, Absalom’s murder isn’t mentioned as a reason. Only Abner and Amasa. Maybe because Absalom’s death was carried out during a time of war.

Maybe Joab is a recipient of David’s heart; along with Shimei. Neither would receive their just judgment from the hand of David. But neither’s acts were completely forgiven. Did David carry a small root of bitterness towards these two men, or was it simply a final accounting that cost them their lives?

Unlike Joab and Shimei, when God forgives us, our sins are as if they never happened. They are cast into “the sea of forgetfulness.” We may still have earthly consequences for our actions, but God doesn’t hold a ‘tally sheet’ in heaven to carry out just judgments FOR THOSE WHOSE SIN IS COVERED UNDER THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST. For those whose sins aren’t, they WILL receive God’s just judgment. ONLY the blood of Jesus can truly wash away sin; atone for it in God’s ‘balance sheets’.

Father God, THANK YOU that my sins are washed away. THANK YOU Jesus for paying the debt I can NEVER pay. I know my sins deserve, and require, death as their payment. YOU paid it for me. Help me live the life of one who is forgiven. One who is willing to forgive others, because I recognize the AMAZING gift of forgiveness I have received.

Help me to choose wisely those whom I surround myself with. Not that there is anyone I’m in doubt about, but let me gather those who truly love You, instead of those simply trying to ‘use’ Your name as a way to improve their ‘status.’ And KEEP ME for EVER doing the same!