Today’s passage: 2 Samuel 19
Helpful thoughts:
- Through David’s example, the victors returned as though they had been defeated.
- Leaders lead by example even when they don’t desire to do so.
- Joab had a great deal of power himself. It could be argued that his words to David, though appearing to be quite threatening, were an expression of loyalty and love.
- Israel needed a leader. Joab alerted David to his responsibility and window of opportunity to reclaim his role.
- Sitting at the gate to judge was David’s act/communication of his return to the throne.
- Mephibosheth wasn’t actually giving all his land to Ziba. His response to David was a way of saying thank you and being happier about the safety of David than the return of any land.
- We might be right to think that dividing the land between Ziba and Mephibosheth was unjust. What is apparent is that Mephibosheth truly exemplified his overall gratitude toward David by accepting the judgment.
Questions to consider:
- Why would it make sense for David to mourn for the death of Absalom? Why would it make sense for him to extend gratitude to his supporters and protectors? How could we compare the response of the people to Paul’s instruction to the church at Corinth to, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)? When does following a leader become dangerous and even sinful?
- How many further consequences are we seeing of people’s sinful actions? (Deaths, rivalries, jealousy, etc.) Do we get to control the consequences of our sin? What kinds of positions are people put in when sin is happening all around? What will Heaven be like where there is no sin!?
- Now that David’s back, is everyone living happily ever after? What is still happening? How will King Jesus’ return be different than this return of King David?