QT 3/31/2023 2 Sam 18:5-8, Learning to love without partiality

2 Samuel 18:5–8 (ESV) —

5 And the king ordered Joab and Abishai and Ittai, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king gave orders to all the commanders about Absalom.

6 So the army went out into the field against Israel, and the battle was fought in the forest of Ephraim. 7 And the men of Israel were defeated there by the servants of David, and the loss there was great on that day, twenty thousand men. 8 The battle spread over the face of all the country, and the forest devoured more people that day than the sword.

 

NOTE: When it comes to his children, David is foolish. When it comes to anything else, David is very wise. Twenty-thousand men die, ten women are raped, and countless lives are turned upside down. The worst thing to do is not to deliver justice to Absalom. David's words are loving, merciful, and wrong. David's sons are not above the law. David's sons must also face justice. Absalom and his pride brought his ruin. David's actions removed partially God's hand of protection. Justice must be served or there is no such thing a justice but rather partiality depending upon your nearness to the King.

 

Why are we so blind when it comes to our own children? It has to be our deep love that warps our standards of right and wrong. The important point is that we do them an injustice when we show partiality. We do them no favors. They don't learn. They are destined for an even greater failure. We would show greater love if we dealt more harshly.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I show partiality to family or friends that I don't show to others?

 

PRAYER: Father, this is hard. It is just hard. We love our children so much, that we don't really know how to love. We end up teaching the wrong lessons when we allow our emotions to overcome our logic. Give me clear wisdom as I counsel and guide my children. Help to know when to support and when to leave them to the consequences of their own decisions.

QT 3/30/2023 2 Sam 15:24-37, Trust God with future and be prudent

2 Samuel 15:24–26 (ESV) —

24 And Abiathar came up, and behold, Zadok came also with all the Levites, bearing the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God until the people had all passed out of the city. 25 Then the king said to Zadok, “Carry the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the Lord, he will bring me back and let me see both it and his dwelling place. 26 But if he says, ‘I have no pleasure in you,’ behold, here I am, let him do to me what seems good to him.”

 

2 Samuel 15:32–37 (ESV) —

32 While David was coming to the summit, where God was worshiped, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat torn and dirt on his head. 33 David said to him, “If you go on with me, you will be a burden to me. 34 But if you return to the city and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king; as I have been your father’s servant in time past, so now I will be your servant,’ then you will defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel. 35 Are not Zadok and Abiathar the priests with you there? So whatever you hear from the king’s house, tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests. 36 Behold, their two sons are with them there, Ahimaaz, Zadok’s son, and Jonathan, Abiathar’s son, and by them you shall send to me everything you hear.” 37 So Hushai, David’s friend, came into the city, just as Absalom was entering Jerusalem.

 

NOTE: There are a number of interesting insights into David and his relationship with God. First, David sends the Priests and the ark back to Jerusalem. The ark is not a talisman in David's eyes, whereas it did seem to be that for Saul. And while the name and presence of God (which the ark represented) would have helped his argument that he was still king, David does the right thing. In fulfillment of prophecy, he sends the ark back.

 

Deuteronomy 12:5 (ESV) — 5 But you shall seek the place that the Lord your God will choose out of all your tribes to put his name and make his habitation there. There you shall go,

1 Kings 8:29 (ESV) — 29 that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you have said, ‘My name shall be there,’ that you may listen to the prayer that your servant offers toward this place.

1 Kings 11:36 (ESV) — 36 Yet to his son I will give one tribe, that David my servant may always have a lamp before me in Jerusalem, the city where I have chosen to put my name.

2 Kings 23:27 (ESV) — 27 And the Lord said, “I will remove Judah also out of my sight, as I have removed Israel, and I will cast off this city that I have chosen, Jerusalem, and the house of which I said, My name shall be there.”

 

While he shows trust in God by sending the ark back, he also acts prudently. Having the priests back in the city allows him an opportunity for intelligence. And he sends a close friend back to lie to Absalom and act as a spy. He puts the priests, their sons, and his friend in danger. But, it is a prudent act. It does not show a lack of trust. Throughout this event, David has left the outcome to God as seen in verse 15:25b.

 

Then the king said to Zadok, “Carry the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me back and let me see both it and his dwelling place.

 

Prudent, trust, and doing the right thing are hallmarks of David (at his best) and all men of God.

 

PONDER:

1. What are my prudent steps as I look to major changes?
2. Am I praying about everything and believing that God will work his best for me?

 

PRAYER: Father, I put into your hands my retirement. I ask you to smooth the way and provide as you see fit. I trust you. I am confident in you.

QT 3/29/2023 2 Sam 15:19-22, We all need friends to refresh us

2 Samuel 15:19–22 (ESV) —

19 Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why do you also go with us? Go back and stay with the king, for you are a foreigner and also an exile from your home. 20 You came only yesterday, and shall I today make you wander about with us, since I go I know not where? Go back and take your brothers with you, and may the Lord show steadfast love and faithfulness to you.” 21 But Ittai answered the king, “As the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king shall be, whether for death or for life, there also will your servant be.” 22 And David said to Ittai, “Go then, pass on.” So Ittai the Gittite passed on with all his men and all the little ones who were with him.

 

NOTE: David seems caught off guard by the series of events. While David was good at sensing things, he seems blind to his children's faults. Possibly, it is related to some of God's protection being withdrawn from David because of his sin. In the retreat, a Philistine officer travels with David. I like Bergen's commentary on this part:

 

David was certainly aware that foreign forces sometimes switched loyalties in the heat of battle (cf. 1 Sam 14:21); he himself had once been sent away from a military confrontation for fear that he would do the same (cf. 1 Sam 29:4–7). Knowing that such a change in loyalties would only compound his woes, David ordered Ittai and his forces to “go back and stay with King Absalom.” It seems strange that David would use the title “king” with reference to Absalom; perhaps, as Gordon suggests, it was a test. If Ittai obeyed the king’s command, he would go with the king’s blessing.

 

However, Ittai confounded David by rejecting the king’s command. Instead, he bound himself with a loyalty oath sworn on the lives of both Yahweh and David. In a commitment rivaling that of Ruth toward Naomi (cf. Ruth 1:16–17), Ittai indicated that “wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be” (v. 21). Taking the Philistine general at his word, David reversed his decision and ordered Ittai to “march on” (v. 22) with his own forces “and the families that were with him.”

 

The book of Ruth is a moving story of God's goodness and blessing in the midst of great pain. In this passage, God gives David one of those glimpses of heaven, one of those glimpses that he has not forgotten, one of those reminders that he still cares. Ittai swears an oath to God and David of his loyalty even to death. It is good during those times of great pain to know that people care, that God cares.

 

God created us for relationships and it is those relationships that take us to another level in our faith in God. We need true friends to refresh us and support us. God does things through friends.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I looking for those glimpses of God's love through others?
2. Is God calling me to be that representation of God's love to another?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for what you given to me and how I can give it to others to encourage them. It also blesses me when I know that my obedience (however poor) has somehow blessed another. Thank you!

QT 3/28/2023 2 Sam 15:1-6, Too much leisure can give the enemy a foothold in your life

2 Samuel 15:1–6 (ESV) —

1 After this Absalom got himself a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him. 2 And Absalom used to rise early and stand beside the way of the gate. And when any man had a dispute to come before the king for judgment, Absalom would call to him and say, “From what city are you?” And when he said, “Your servant is of such and such a tribe in Israel,” 3 Absalom would say to him, “See, your claims are good and right, but there is no man designated by the king to hear you.” 4 Then Absalom would say, “Oh that I were judge in the land! Then every man with a dispute or cause might come to me, and I would give him justice.” 5 And whenever a man came near to pay homage to him, he would put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him. 6 Thus Absalom did to all of Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

 

NOTE: This story and the next story of Sheba will consume 5 chapters. It is a painful time with a lot of tumult, not from external enemies, but from within. My first impression is that David failed early on to detect what was happening and to put a stop to it. But it is not enough just to stop something, it is important to replace it with something else. David should have given Absalom a job. He was not training him to be king by letting him squander each day in leisure. Work is important. Absalom needed a task to make himself feel useful. Otherwise sin is crouching at the door, waiting for that opportunity to snare you. As I contemplate retirement, it must not be a time of leisure, but it must be disciplined and it must include work. There is much I can do and should do so as not to give the enemy a foothold. This can be a great time in my life if I manage it well.

 

PONDER:

1. How do I use my days? Leisure is good but only in moderation.

 

PRAYER: Father, help me as I spend some time planning to use my days wisely. This can be a great new time in my life if I am wise. Lead me and guide me. Make your will clear to me.

QT 3/27/2023 2 Sam 14:22-24, Dealing with sin before it becomes a bigger problem and brings death

2 Samuel 14:22–24 (ESV) —

22 And Joab fell on his face to the ground and paid homage and blessed the king. And Joab said, “Today your servant knows that I have found favor in your sight, my lord the king, in that the king has granted the request of his servant.” 23 So Joab arose and went to Geshur and brought Absalom to Jerusalem. 24 And the king said, “Let him dwell apart in his own house; he is not to come into my presence.” So Absalom lived apart in his own house and did not come into the king’s presence.

 

NOTE: This is a difficult thing to parse out. On one side, Absalom has committed murder and has not been judged, other than exile for three years. So, bringing him back without some penalty does not seem right. Yet, on the other side of the coin, relationships require closure, and David's refusal to reconnect is not right. In the end, Absalom will revolt against his father and die in battle.

 

There is no perfect answer for these human problems. Technically, Absalom should have faced justice, but because Ammon did not face justice, he was partially justified. Maybe if David had acted against Ammon, this story line could have been different. But with God having withdrawn his hand (to a degree) because of David's sin, it is hard to know.

 

So, what do we learn? We need to deal with sin and we need to be consistent. Lies and sins come back to haunt us. And sin only grows. As a speaker said this week, "the wages of sin is death." If we do not break the patterns of sin, we are bringing a sort of death to us. We can't lose our salvation, but we can lose our witness, and our usefulness for the kingdom.

 

PONDER:

1. What are the sins that I have not dealt with?

 

PRAYER: Father, search me and know me and reveal to me my hidden sins. I want to use my remaining years to bring you glory, not shame.

QT 3/24/2023 2 Sam 14:12-21, Listen with consideration

2 Samuel 14:12–13 (ESV) —

12 Then the woman said, “Please let your servant speak a word to my lord the king.” He said, “Speak.” 13 And the woman said, “Why then have you planned such a thing against the people of God? For in giving this decision the king convicts himself, inasmuch as the king does not bring his banished one home again.

2 Samuel 14:18–21 (ESV) —

18 Then the king answered the woman, “Do not hide from me anything I ask you.” And the woman said, “Let my lord the king speak.” 19 The king said, “Is the hand of Joab with you in all this?” The woman answered and said, “As surely as you live, my lord the king, one cannot turn to the right hand or to the left from anything that my lord the king has said. It was your servant Joab who commanded me; it was he who put all these words in the mouth of your servant. 20 In order to change the course of things your servant Joab did this. But my lord has wisdom like the wisdom of the angel of God to know all things that are on the earth.”

21 Then the king said to Joab, “Behold now, I grant this; go, bring back the young man Absalom.”

 

NOTE: One of the things about leadership is that you do not like people telling you what to do unless you ask, especially in personal areas. It is hard to hold back the pride and listen. When you have sat in seats of honor, there is a danger in thinking that your thoughts and ideas are better than everyone else around you. Of course that is nonsense, but the sinful flesh can convince us otherwise. David is in that position. And this old wise women is challenging him. Fortunately David does the right thing. One, he allows her to speak her mind. Two, he just doesn't let her speak, but he listens such that he can even ask questions. Three, he looks for the source of the wisdom. What do I mean by that? Is it spiritual or worldly or someone's opinion? Apparently David had heard the same thing from Joab before but had not listened. He had dismissed it. Coming from a different direction, he hears it again. He guesses where it comes from but this time does not dismiss it, but considers it. He does not do quite what Joab wanted but, the fourth principle is that he takes action on what is true. It was from Joab, but the principle was based within scripture -- he needed to reconcile.

 

PONDER:

1. What am I dismissing without giving it its proper thought?
2. Where do I show arrogance in my interaction with others? It is not enough to listen but I need to consider.

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to hear others. I don't want to placate but I want to give people consideration. Which is a very nice word since it has "consider" and also the idea of reward. When we consider other's words, it shows thoughtfulness to others and is a type of reward. Help me to make that a goal today -- consideration.

QT 3/23/2023 2 Sam 14:1-13, Need for God's leading in difficult decisions

2 Samuel 14:1–3 (ESV) —

1 Now Joab the son of Zeruiah knew that the king’s heart went out to Absalom. 2 And Joab sent to Tekoa and brought from there a wise woman and said to her, “Pretend to be a mourner and put on mourning garments. Do not anoint yourself with oil, but behave like a woman who has been mourning many days for the dead. 3 Go to the king and speak thus to him.” So Joab put the words in her mouth.

2 Samuel 14:12–13 (ESV) —

12 Then the woman said, “Please let your servant speak a word to my lord the king.” He said, “Speak.” 13 And the woman said, “Why then have you planned such a thing against the people of God? For in giving this decision the king convicts himself, inasmuch as the king does not bring his banished one home again.

 

NOTE: There are at least four interesting things happening in this passage. First, this fictitious story that is then judged by David and then turned back on David is the same thing Nathan did (God did) to David in the Bathsheba incident. Secondly, the story has a lot of similarities to Cain and Abel where God spared the life of Cain after the murder of his brother Abel. Third, the story illustrates the power of a story (acted out) in influencing our emotions and causing us to act in some new or different way. My fourth thought is below.

 

Stories can be very powerful, but they must also end in a way that provides direction. Unchecked emotion is not good and usually leads to anger, violence or excessive depression. It is important to provide wisdom. This woman ends up giving wisdom to the king, the piece that must always follow a good story -- so, what do I do with this emotion? In this case, the application was to reconcile.

 

Was reconciliation the best advice? Ultimately it leads to Absalom revolting against the King and a number of people are killed. The biblical principle is two-fold. On one hand, love is a fulfillment of the law and reconciliation is extremely important. On the other hand, he committed murder and the law required death. David offered mercy, but could he do that? He was not the only one offended in the matter. This was a royal issue that affected all the people.

 

In the end, I do not know what is the right choice. Only prayer can help.

 

PONDER:

1. Do my stories have a practical ending?
2. Emotions are powerful and need direction to prevent irrational actions -- Am I careful with the use of stories?

 

PRAYER: Father, the story here is a narrative of a true event. This is what really happened. Since it is prose and not didactic, it has no command attached to it. Give me wisdom in these situations to seek you and to listen to your voice. I don't want to act without your direction. Some decisions are just too hard to know what is right. Lead me and guide me.

 

QT 3/22/2023 2 Sam 13:34-39, How shall we then live?

2 Samuel 13:34–39 (ESV) —

34 But Absalom fled. And the young man who kept the watch lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, many people were coming from the road behind him by the side of the mountain. 35 And Jonadab said to the king, “Behold, the king’s sons have come; as your servant said, so it has come about.” 36 And as soon as he had finished speaking, behold, the king’s sons came and lifted up their voice and wept. And the king also and all his servants wept very bitterly.

37 But Absalom fled and went to Talmai the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son day after day. 38 So Absalom fled and went to Geshur, and was there three years. 39 And the spirit of the king longed to go out to Absalom, because he was comforted about Amnon, since he was dead.

 

NOTE: Jonadab started this mess and here he appears as one of the good guys announcing that the King's sons are okay. Jonadab is that lever that might have changed everything if he had not noticed Ammon's depression (and given evil advice) or had not been around that fateful day. God could have also brought a spiritual friend to Ammon who might have given him good advice. There are so many things that could have gone differently, but without God's hand of protection, things very quickly tumble out of control.

 

I think that is evident in our country. Sin has gone from hidden to tolerated to celebrated to law. God's hand of protection is gone. Things will get worse, there is no one to turn the levers in different directions. This is what happens when God is despised, and men believe that they are their own gods. The smallest shreds of decency are slipping away. Morality will be given some lip service, if not redefined. It won't be anarchy everywhere but it will feel like it.

 

What do we do? We share our faith in Jesus for it is the only hope for the individual. The nation is not important but individuals who are lost are important.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I still cling to my lifestyle and things?
2. Do I believe my faith is more important than my lifestyle? How do I show it? What do I say?

 

PRAYER: Father, give me boldness to say the right things. Help me to be in the places that matter. I don't want to shun evil people or else I will have no ministry. Help me to understand your purpose for me in these last few decades of my life.

QT 3/21/2023 2 Sam 13:23-29, We have a better hope

2 Samuel 13:23–29 (ESV) —

23 After two full years Absalom had sheepshearers at Baal-hazor, which is near Ephraim, and Absalom invited all the king’s sons. 24 And Absalom came to the king and said, “Behold, your servant has sheepshearers. Please let the king and his servants go with your servant.” 25 But the king said to Absalom, “No, my son, let us not all go, lest we be burdensome to you.” He pressed him, but he would not go but gave him his blessing. 26 Then Absalom said, “If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us.” And the king said to him, “Why should he go with you?” 27 But Absalom pressed him until he let Amnon and all the king’s sons go with him. 28 Then Absalom commanded his servants, “Mark when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon,’ then kill him. Do not fear; have I not commanded you? Be courageous and be valiant.” 29 So the servants of Absalom did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king’s sons arose, and each mounted his mule and fled.

 

NOTE: Why does evil happen? Because evil men do evil things. Amnon committed an evil act. Absalom commits an evil act. And there is no justice, David does nothing. Why does God allow evil? That was our choice when we rejected him as God in the garden and chose the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, so that we could be like God. We wanted to be our own gods and run our own lives. And God gave us what we asked for. He warned us that life would be frustrating, painful, and relationally difficult.

 

God can and does intervene against evil. That protection was removed from David's life when he chose to commit adultery and murder. This is what life looks like when God is "despised" (David's words to describe his actions).

 

In the OT, there was clear linkage between cause and effect in the law. This is not so in the new covenant. Our rewards are not promised here on earth. There will be pain, evil, and injustice. But we have the hope that the world needs. It does not matter who is the President. It does not matter how many lies are spread. It does not matter that our government is corrupt. Because only a relationship with Jesus can cure the disease of our heart, and give us the joy we desperately seek.

 

PONDER:

1. Where am I placing my hope? Is it my 401? Is it a new election? Is it on earth?
2. Or do I focus on the hope (and assurance) I have in Jesus, and my future home, and the eternal life I now own?

 

PRAYER: Father, I already have hope in my heart because of what Jesus did on the cross for my sin, and in his rising from the dead. His fulfillment of prophecies and his miracles only cement the fact that he is the son of God, and everything he said is the word of God. I have a wonderful future that does not depend on government or freedom or money or corruption. That is where I place my hope.

QT 3/20/2023 2 Sam 13:15-22, Remembering our place and the devastating consequences of lack of self-control

2 Samuel 13:15–22 (ESV) —

15 Then Amnon hated her with very great hatred, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, “Get up! Go!” 16 But she said to him, “No, my brother, for this wrong in sending me away is greater than the other that you did to me.” But he would not listen to her. 17 He called the young man who served him and said, “Put this woman out of my presence and bolt the door after her.” 18 Now she was wearing a long robe with sleeves, for thus were the virgin daughters of the king dressed. So his servant put her out and bolted the door after her. 19 And Tamar put ashes on her head and tore the long robe that she wore. And she laid her hand on her head and went away, crying aloud as she went.

20 And her brother Absalom said to her, “Has Amnon your brother been with you? Now hold your peace, my sister. He is your brother; do not take this to heart.” So Tamar lived, a desolate woman, in her brother Absalom’s house. 21 When King David heard of all these things, he was very angry. 22 But Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad, for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had violated his sister Tamar.

 

NOTE: This section is the very definition of lust -- when you want something so much that after you have it, you hate it. Lust is sin and as such it also affects others. Tamar's life changed forever. Absalom hated Ammon. Ammon hated Tamar. David was very angry. Jonadab, son of Shimeah fueled the sin, but ultimately is was Ammon's sin. Like David, he destroyed multiple lives because of his inability to control his lust.

 

We are all guilty of sexual sins by Jesus' definition ("whoever looks at a woman lustfully has committed adultery in his heart"). But Ammon and David let it go too far. Maybe, when you are the King's son, you believe you can do as you please. Pampered children are dangerous when they are left without controls or consequences. It does not say what David did, but it appears he did nothing. Much like the situation with Joab, David does not act against those closest to him. He has no problems judging a stranger, but a friend or a family member seems to be his weakness.

 

The best thing we can do for our children is let them face consequences for their actions. No one is above God's law. It is hard, but hopefully the lessons given when they were young are enough to keep them from the poor decision as an adult.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I see myself any different than others?
2. Do I hold myself to a higher or lower standard than to others?

 

PRAYER: Father, protect me from the attacks of Satan. Protect me from money. Protect me from pride. Help me to maintain a sane estimation of myself -- a sinner, unworthy of salvation, but still saved by unmerited favor.

 

QT 3/17/2023 2 Sam 13:10-14, When will there be justice?

2 Samuel 13:10–14 (ESV) —

10 Then Amnon said to Tamar, “Bring the food into the chamber, that I may eat from your hand.” And Tamar took the cakes she had made and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother. 11 But when she brought them near him to eat, he took hold of her and said to her, “Come, lie with me, my sister.” 12 She answered him, “No, my brother, do not violate me, for such a thing is not done in Israel; do not do this outrageous thing. 13 As for me, where could I carry my shame? And as for you, you would be as one of the outrageous fools in Israel. Now therefore, please speak to the king, for he will not withhold me from you.” 14 But he would not listen to her, and being stronger than she, he violated her and lay with her.

 

NOTE: This is a very evil story of lust, rape, and selfishness. It does not matter how much your father seeks God, it is no protection from evil. Each person stands before God on their own, not on the basis of their parents. Tamar's story is one of suffering. She does not do anything wrong and yet suffers without reason. That is also true of the world since the fall. There is no promise of justice in this life. There will be justice and there will be the removal of sin, but not until this age has ended. We might say, "it is not fair." Well, God warned Adam and Eve that they would not like the consequences of eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Life is not what God intended or originally created. Life is full of injustice and 'apparently evil people succeeding.' But someday, there will be judgment and an accounting of all the evil in the world. Jesus' reply to all of this, the evil in the world, was simple (Luke 13:1-5), "unless you repent you will all likewise perish."

 

Luke 13:1–5 (ESV) — 1 There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

 

The is no real answer to evil and injustice in the world today, except to repent so that you are not part of the judgment that is coming on the world. Only eternity can make sense of this thing we call life.

 

PONDER:

1. Where am I looking for justice?
2. And whose justice am I seeking, God's or the world's?

 

PRAYER: Jesus, you paid the justice required for my sins. And you will lead the Army that will judge the earth. There can be no justice until you rule on earth physically.

QT 3/16/2023 2 Sam 12:26-31, Work versus laziness

2 Samuel 12:26–31 (ESV) —

26 Now Joab fought against Rabbah of the Ammonites and took the royal city. 27 And Joab sent messengers to David and said, “I have fought against Rabbah; moreover, I have taken the city of waters. 28 Now then gather the rest of the people together and encamp against the city and take it, lest I take the city and it be called by my name.” 29 So David gathered all the people together and went to Rabbah and fought against it and took it. 30 And he took the crown of their king from his head. The weight of it was a talent of gold, and in it was a precious stone, and it was placed on David’s head. And he brought out the spoil of the city, a very great amount. 31 And he brought out the people who were in it and set them to labor with saws and iron picks and iron axes and made them toil at the brick kilns. And thus he did to all the cities of the Ammonites. Then David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.

 

NOTE: Although it is not a given, there appears to be a relationship between the story of Bathsheba and the siege of Rabbah. The obvious one is chronological, not thematic in this case. While David was struggling with sins, Joab was in the process of defeating the Ammonites and taking the capital city. Work continued even as David dallied. Now, for any variety of reasons, David resumes his roles on the battlefield, not only finishing the siege, but capturing all the cities of the Ammonites. The result is a number of forced labor, "slaves," for work projects (defenses) in Israeli cities. The stories, Bathsheba and the Ammonite war, contrast each other. One caused great pain in David's life (and ultimately Israel), and the other resulted in material blessings in David's life and all of Israel's. While we may disagree with "slaves," the concept of cheap labor has been practiced around the world. The biblical issue is more the treatment rather than the issue of freedom. Israel even used slaves of their own people, although the contracts were limited to no more than seven years. But the point here, is that there are blessings in work and danger in laziness.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I work at my job with all my heart?
2. Am I a quiet quitter? This is a new term for remote workers who put little work into their job.

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to put the extra effort into my job in terms of planning, organizing, and executing our mission. Help me to deliberately train my people. Help me to be a good employee and a good employer.

QT 3/15/2023 2 Sam 12:19-23, I am not God

2 Samuel 12:19–23 (ESV) —

19 But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David understood that the child was dead. And David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” They said, “He is dead.” 20 Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes. And he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. He then went to his own house. And when he asked, they set food before him, and he ate. 21 Then his servants said to him, “What is this thing that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive; but when the child died, you arose and ate food.” 22 He said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ 23 But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.”

 

NOTE: So we could say, David was not a "name it and claim it" advocate. Some would argue that the reason his prayer was not answered was his sin. But the sin was previous and forgiven, and who is not guilty of sin at least once in any given day? No, David's response is a mature response. God is in charge. God can choose to be gracious, but God is not controlled by our prayers --

 

"God is God and I am not … for only God is God … I can only see a part of the picture he's painting … Let us worship before the throne … So, I'll never understand it all" (Steven Curtis Chapman).

 

Faith is not getting what you want.  Faith is believing that you got exactly what God planned for you (Heb 11:6). Faith is believing God loves me and has my (true and eternal) best interests at heart.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I have faith? Or do I just want to control God to make my world work?

 

PRAYER: Father, forgive me for trying to control you to make my kingdom work. I am not you. I must trust you. I must believe you are aware and are working to bring good in the situation. Forgive my lack of faith.

QT 3/14/2023 2 Samuel 12:10-15, Always be sensitive to the Spirit's conviction of sin

2 Samuel 12:10–15 (ESV) —

10 Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.’ 11 Thus says the Lord, ‘Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house. And I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. 12 For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.’ ” 13 David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die. 14 Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the Lord, the child who is born to you shall die.” 15 Then Nathan went to his house.

And the Lord afflicted the child that Uriah’s wife bore to David, and he became sick.

 

NOTE: God fulfills his judgment word for word. His neighbor (also translated friend or companion) would be his son Absalom who would have sexual relations on the roof of the palace with the wives left behind. Also, three sons of  David would die because of the sword, as well as the child. As for David, he did not defend himself. He did not dispute the accusations. He was not angry with God. He accepted God's word. He says very little except, "I have sinned against the Lord." Six words in English which we would be advised to you often.

 

Sometimes we feel defeated by the same sin over and over again. Usually they are sins similar to David's (at least according to the Sermon on the Mount: lust equal to adultery; anger equal to murder; and envy or theft for what another owns). We must not give up in our battle against sin. We must always repent (I have sinned against the Lord), ask for his forgiveness (1 John 1:9), and ask for his mercy …

 

Psalm 51:1–2 (ESV) —

1 Have mercy on me, O God,

according to your steadfast love;

according to your abundant mercy

blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,

and cleanse me from my sin!

 

PONDER:

1. Are we still sensitive to our secret sins?
2. Do we still confess our sins to God?

 

PRAYER: Father, it seems like each day there is something that causes me to say "I have sinned against the Lord." Usually, they are in my thoughts more often than any action, but it is still sin. Forgive me, have mercy on me, please show me your grace.

QT 3/13/2023 2 Sam 12:4-9, Remember who you are

2 Samuel 12:4–9 (ESV) —

4 Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was unwilling to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the guest who had come to him, but he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him.” 5 Then David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As the Lord lives, the man who has done this deserves to die, 6 and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.”

7 Nathan said to David, “You are the man! Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul. 8 And I gave you your master’s house and your master’s wives into your arms and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were too little, I would add to you as much more. 9 Why have you despised the word of the Lord, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites.

 

NOTE: I believe that this is the problem of wealth and power. You never really understand it until you live in it for a while. You begin to think you can do whatever you want. You begin to think the rules don't apply to you. You begin think you are special. David, in fact, was special but not because of his wealth and power and victories. David was special because he set his heart to know God and please God. Where is that young boy who was so angry that a Philistine would dare to challenge the armies of God?

 

The parable God gave Nathan was a parable of David in more ways than it appears. David was the selfish rich man who had forgot where he came from. And this is the danger to all of us. A few flights in first class, and we begin to see ourselves differently and expect to be treated so. I've seen it over and over again. Power rots the soul.

 

We need to take some time and remember our humble beginnings. We need to remember Jesus, who emptied himself of some of what it means to be God, to live among us. He was born in a barn -- he learned to work with his hands -- he had no place to call home. The most important thing we can do is to spend time with Jesus, whether poor and homeless, or rich. And ask ourselves the question each day, what is the right thing to do today?

 

PONDER:

1. What is the right thing to do today?
2. Where have I come from? Who am I without the stuff? Who am I without the titles? Who am I without the fancy sheets of paper that hang on the wall? Who am I really, especially when standing in the light of God's awesome holiness?

 

PRAYER: Father, forgive me for thinking of myself more highly than I ought. I am nothing without Jesus. I never deserved, nor do I now deserve to be a child in the family of God. I am the son who found himself in the pig pen unworthy of being made in the image of God. But in your grace, you lifted me up and embraced me. Thank you for your unbelievable mercy and grace.

QT 3/9/2023 2 Sam 11:1-5, Taking work seriously

2 Samuel 11:1–5 (ESV) —

1 In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.

2 It happened, late one afternoon, when David arose from his couch and was walking on the roof of the king’s house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful. 3 And David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, “Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” 4 So David sent messengers and took her, and she came to him, and he lay with her. (Now she had been purifying herself from her uncleanness.) Then she returned to her house. 5 And the woman conceived, and she sent and told David, “I am pregnant.”

 

NOTE: In the previous year's battle, David did not go with the troops either. So, it is not clear that is the issue, although the text does draw attention to the fact. Work is important for us spiritually and in other ways. When we don't work, our free time opens us up to temptation. It is not 'going to work' that protects us, but the actual process of working. One can go to work and be tempted by a co-worker. The problem is not the co-worker, but that we are not working and keeping our focus on the task before us.

 

There is a process shown in this passage. David is not busy. "He arose from his couch." He is bored and his mind wanders -- he has created opportunity by not working. He sees a woman bathing -- he is tempted. At this point he has a choice. He chooses poorly by inquiring about the woman. Now he has engaged his mind in the woman and not in an appropriate task such as work. He continues to take actions that lead to him committing adultery and then later murder. Sin is a ravenous animal. Satan is a roaring lion.

 

His twin sins of adultery and murder rent the tapestry of blessing woven so carefully in the previous narratives. Although David repented of the sins he had committed, irreparable damage had been done; the dynastic covenant promises graciously given to David remained, but the Torah blessings resulting from obedience vanished. [Bergen, R. D. (1996). 1, 2 Samuel (Vol. 7, p. 361).]

 

These actions cause irreparable harm to himself and the kingdom. Actions have consequences. God will forgive but God will also judge him.

 

A lifetime of respectable behavior can be ruined by a moment of foolishness. And some of it is only because we gave the enemy a foothold.

 

PONDER:

1. What is(are) the foothold(s) that I am giving to the enemy?
2. Where am I not focused on working as I should be?
3. How can I work harder to keep my focus on that which is good?

 

PRAYER: Lord, your words "and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" are so apropos. One little sin can destroy a lifetime of good. There are irrevocable decisions which incur heavy consequences. Keep me from those stupid choices. Help me to maintain busyness in the right things.

QT 3/8/2023 2 Sam 10:9-14, In important tasks, start with the easiest

2 Samuel 10:9–14 (ESV) —

9 When Joab saw that the battle was set against him both in front and in the rear, he chose some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Syrians. 10 The rest of his men he put in the charge of Abishai his brother, and he arrayed them against the Ammonites. 11 And he said, “If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come and help you. 12 Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him.” 13 So Joab and the people who were with him drew near to battle against the Syrians, and they fled before him. 14 And when the Ammonites saw that the Syrians fled, they likewise fled before Abishai and entered the city. Then Joab returned from fighting against the Ammonites and came to Jerusalem.

 

NOTE: As a former military commander and a wargame hobbyist all my life, I would not have placed a lot of hope on the strategy, yet it was really all they could do once they found themselves surrounded. Scouts should have discovered this potential encirclement sooner and so maybe that was included in the lessons learned. But Joab makes the strategy better, by employing his best men against the Syrians, and attacking first. The Syrians were paid soldiers (mercenaries) and most likely to break first (they were not protecting their homelands). Facing the best warriors, the Syrians broke rather quickly. The Syrians were the ace in the hole, the Ammonites knew they could not defeat Israel alone, which is why they bought mercenaries. They probably could have won still, but emotions got the better of them and they fled when they saw the Syrians fleeing.

 

There are some good principles here. Attack the easiest thing first. Get it out of the way, so you can focus on the tougher problem. Not sure if this works in all things. If it is easy and unimportant, I think I would ignore it. But this case was easier and still important, so get those out of the way first.

 

PONDER:

1. What are the important things to do today? What is the easiest -- get it out of the way first.

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to use my day wisely. Give me grace and wisdom to work hard and honor you with my work.

QT 3/7/2023 2 Sam 10:1-5, Doing the right thing

2 Samuel 10:1–5 (ESV) —

1 After this the king of the Ammonites died, and Hanun his son reigned in his place. 2 And David said, “I will deal loyally with Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father dealt loyally with me.” So David sent by his servants to console him concerning his father. And David’s servants came into the land of the Ammonites. 3 But the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, “Do you think, because David has sent comforters to you, that he is honoring your father? Has not David sent his servants to you to search the city and to spy it out and to overthrow it?” 4 So Hanun took David’s servants and shaved off half the beard of each and cut off their garments in the middle, at their hips, and sent them away. 5 When it was told David, he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, “Remain at Jericho until your beards have grown and then return.”

 

NOTE: This is a good example of trying to do the right thing, and having others misinterpret it or intentionally use it in an evil way. It is quite possible that certain Ammonites saw David's delegation as a means to end the treaty and force a conflict to their liking. By humiliating the delegation, they all knew it meant war. The Ammonites prepared for this eventuality by hiring a very large force and positioning them in a strategic location. That story will be tomorrow's quiet time.

 

When circumstances do not turn out well despite our best intentions, that does not mean we reevaluate our strategy of doing the right thing. We represent the God who calls us to live in righteousness which means doing the right thing even when you are rebuffed. Doing the right thing is not a guarantee of a positive outcome, but it shows obedience to God and a love for other people. David was particularly sensitive to the shame incurred upon the delegation, and asked them to remain away for a time. He could have used them to gather support for a war by showing them off to the people, but that would have been an abuse of their humanity. Instead, David does the right thing. Sometimes the right thing will not help your agenda.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I do the right thing or the thing that advances my desires?
2. Do I ask the question -- what is the right thing to do in this situation?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for your insight into life. I want to be a good witness to you in my life by doing the right thing. But sometimes I forget to ask that question before I choose an action. Help me to evaluate my decisions in light of that truth.

QT 3/6/2023 2 Sam 9:3-8, Grace illustrated

2 Samuel 9:3–8 (ESV) —

3 And the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.” 4 The king said to him, “Where is he?” And Ziba said to the king, “He is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.” 5 Then King David sent and brought him from the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar. 6 And Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and paid homage. And David said, “Mephibosheth!” And he answered, “Behold, I am your servant.” 7 And David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.” 8 And he paid homage and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?”

 

NOTE: The picture is one of salvation. Man was born into this world perfect. But he fell and the fall crippled him. He went into hiding for fear of his King. But the King seeks him out, pulls him out of his cave, and restores him. He now eats at the table of the King. This is each one of us in every aspect. Undeserving in every way. We are dead dogs and don't deserve the grace that has been bestowed upon us. But when we place our faith in Jesus, we are sons and daughters of the King, and born again into a new family, where we sit at God's table.

 

The story is also a beautiful example of David following through on his promise to Jonathan. Ultimately, this decision probably resulted in Benjamin joining Judah when the ten tribes split away to form a new group.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I appreciate my salvation?
2. Do I see myself as a dead dog without Jesus?

 

PRAYER: Father, I am unworthy and you have been so kind. Thank you so much for your salvation and the grace that you show to me. Thank you for pulling me out of my hole. Thank you for inviting me to be your friend.

QT 3/3/2023 2 Sam 8:15-18, What does justice and righteousness mean?

2 Samuel 8:15–18 (NIV84) —

15 David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people. 16 Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was recorder; 17 Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was secretary; 18 Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Kerethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were royal advisers.

 

NOTE: Justice and righteousness are two key attributes for a leader. There are many references in scripture to these two key words. My favorite is the prophecy of Jesus' kingdom in Isaiah.

 

Isaiah 9:7 (NIV84) —

7 Of the increase of his government and peace

there will be no end.

He will reign on David’s throne

and over his kingdom,

establishing and upholding it

with justice and righteousness

from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the Lord Almighty

will accomplish this.

 

How do I apply these characteristics in my own life? Righteousness is doing the right thing, which is easy to say but what does that mean? [Sometimes it is better to focus on the negative in order to bring out the meaning.] The opposite of doing the right thing is doing things for the wrong reason. Wrong reasons include doing things for your own benefit and not others. An example is trying to look good or to save face or to profit.

 

Similarly,  we can look at justice. The opposite of justice is when our decision favors one party over another for the wrong reason.  Wrong reasons include favoritism, overt biases, currying future favor, and bribes.

 

Our leaders must address these issues in their governing and leading.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I act in righteousness and justice?
2. Are my decisions made for the right reasons? Or am I fooling myself in some area?

 

PRAYER: Father, open my eyes so that I may see where I am acting selfishly and not in accordance with your Word. Most of the wrong reasons revolved around selfishness.