WHEN GOD RESTORES…

2 Samuel 19:9-23

Monday, 27 October 2025

So he swayed the hearts of all the men of Judah, just as the heart of one man, so that they sent this word to the king: “Return, you and all your servants!”  -2 Samuel 19:14

Here is David who was dethroned by his rebellious son Absalom and had fled, now returning to Jerusalem to be reinstated to his rightful kingship. There had been mixed reactions to Absalom having taken over the throne; but once he had died in battle, all the people were ready to welcome back David. Usually, the king would have wanted to act in vengeance to his enemies and those who opposed him—not so with David. He had learnt to trust God all through his life and let God do His work in restoring him. 

As David won the confidence of his people, a process of restoration came about. When God reinstates things as He did for David, we see the following happen:

1. He helps us establish relationships

David reached out in forgiveness to the people of Judah and so won their hearts to him so that they were all of one mind (Vs.12-14). The divided nation had to be united to move forward, 2 Timothy 2:22 tells us to pursue right living, faith, love, peace along with people who call upon the Lord with a pure heart. When the believers in a church forge such relationship in unity they can accomplish a great deal as a church. Eph. 4:3 says: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

2. He makes enemies to be at peace

Shimei, a Benjamite had spoken rudely to David and pronounced curses on him (2Samuel 16) and others belonging to Saul’s household were not loyal to him. David’s response to Shimei’s cursing was remarkable: “It may be that the LORD will look on my affliction, and that the LORD will repay me with good for his cursing this day.” (2Sam.16:12). AsDavid was returning to Jerusalem, Shimei is again on the scene, apologetic and seeking David’s forgiveness (2Sam.19:19,20). And he did! We too were enemies with God at one time when we lived in sin and ignorance of His ways. But God has reconciled us through Christ (Rom.5:10)and put His love in our hearts. Romans 5:1 says: “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

3. He helps us extend the grace we experience from Him

David’s loyal men wanted to see the downfall of his enemies and even the death of Shimei who had cursed the Lord’s anointed. But David would see nothing of that—he was quick to extend grace and mercy to one who had wronged him. David had received God’s grace and mercy in the forgiveness he received when he had sinned against God; therefore he could do the same for his former foe. Col.3:13 reminds us.  “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Haven’t we received the Lord’s forgiveness in our lives too? Are we willing to extend that grace to others who speak ill of us, annoy or conspire against us? Jesus’s words are to be brought to our mind often: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. (Luke 6:27-28). By this we allow God to work in our adverse situations.

Friend, are you feeling abandoned, suffering the ill effects of offence or rejection? The life of David points to his trust in the Lord at such painful times, looking to Him to restore , and to put things right. Can you trust the Lord to do the same as you pray for those who have mistreated you and extend the grace you received from the Lord? The LORD will one day restore!

To Act on: I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,

                  and in his word I put my hope. (Psalm 130:5)

Listen: 'I will wait for You'