2 Samuel 19:9-23
Thursday, 22 October 2020
2 Samuel 19: 22 -23 “…… why have you become my adversary today? This is not a day of execution but for celebration! Today I am once again the king of Israel!” Then turning to Shimei, David vowed, “Your life will be spared.”
To understand what happened in 2 Samuel 19, we must first look at some events that occurred earlier. The movement to restore David to kingship after he was ousted by his son Absalom, was not unanimous. Some Israelites thought that because he had fled from the land, David lost his right to rule, while others would have feared that David would avenge himself on those who had supported Absalom. Apparently, he did not want to come to Jerusalem without public support for his rule. David knew that he needed the support if his own tribe and its leaders to resume his leadership over the nation. Without their full support, there was no hope for the renewal of his kingship and we see how David effectively united his people as they invited him to return as king. The fact that David was anointed of the Lord meant God would ensure that David would be restored.
During this time, David was attacked by a man named Shimei (of the same family as King Saul) who had opposed the accession of David to the throne of Israel. We first meet him on one of the darkest days in King David’s life when fleeing his son. Shimei had some harsh words for the broken king as he fled the city of Jerusalem during the rebellion of Absalom. David’s son had gained the upper hand in his bid to replace his father on the throne. The humility of David in this instance shines out when Shimei humiliated him! Not only did he take Shimei’s critical words kindly, but he attributed it to the Lord permitting him to do so (2 Samuel 16:10). It is one thing for us to accept criticism when offered graciously, but quite another not to react when attacked publicly and in an unkind way. David also rejected the counsel of his nephew Abishai, and graciously forgave the distressed Shimei who confessed his mistake. He refused to spoil the joy of his triumphant return with a display of vengeance on his enemies.
The account of Shimei teaches us few important lessons:
To graciously deal with those who spitefully use us and persecute us. "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you…" (Matt. 5:42).
Do not expect sins to go acquitted unless confessed. “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.” (Matt. 12:36)
We also learn from the life of David that he cried out to God in his brokenness. In his broken condition, God began to restore David to the man once he was, the man after His own heart. And David regained his steadfastness to lead his country and leave a worthwhile legacy. In many ways, David matured to a new level as a leader through his distressing season of brokenness. We see here that maturity comes when God leads a Christian— especially a leader, through brokenness.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to pray sincerely as David prayed: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17)
Listen: ‘Faithful One’
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