2 Samuel 9

The account recorded in this chapter serves as an illustration of pure grace.
David asks if there is anyone to whom he can show the 'kindness of God' from the house of Saul 1-3. Only Mephibosheth is left. He is crippled in both feet 3b. He is one who may be considered not of much value from a humanistic point of view. Note: All of us in the eyes of the Lord are crippled by sin. Mephibosheth is brought before David. May be he feared for his life. David 4-6. David tells him to fear not and tells him of all he intends to do for him 7-10. He is to eat at the king's table as one of David's sons, all the land of Saul would be restored to him; it would be farmed on his behalf and the proceeds brought to him. Ziba was commanded to do this on his behalf as Mephibosheth's servants 11-12. Note: This is a picture of God's grace to us in the Gospel. For God takes us to be His sons and daughters through faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:26). We are adopted into His family and made fit for heaven to sit at His table and enjoy Him forever (Romans 8:14-17)

2 Samuel 10
David sends his sympathy to Hanun, king of the Ammonites, in light of his father's death. David's messengers are humiliated and sent back to David 1-4. The Ammonites hire 20,000 to go long with others to fight against David 5-6. Joab, captain of David's army, and Abishai (Joab's brother) lead the troops of Israel in two groups and fight the Arameans. They defeat them, thus the Ammonites also flee 13-14. They regroup and again engage David and the Israelites in battle. David is victorious and those defeated become subject to David 15-19. Out of fear, the alliance between the Ammonites and Arameans is broken. Note: I do not know the significance of this account. Here are just a few thoughts: David is victorious over his enemies because the Lord gave him the victory (we know this from past accounts); God's people can be confident that those who repay us evil for the good we show them (in Jesus name) will be brought to account by the Lord and His people will be vindicated (Romans 8:31-39, 1 Thessalonians 1:3-10). Other insights are here as well, that further study will yield with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

2 Samuel 11
This is no doubt a sad chapter in the life of David and a turning point in his reign as king. For what ever reason David chose to stay at home at the time of war. He is tempted as he looked at the woman he saw bathing. Note: Temptation to sin always follows this path: a look or thought 2, desire 3, action 4 (David sent messengers to get her and then he slept with her). An opportunity to escape this was made when the response came this 'is the wife of.' 3. However, David ignored this. Bathsheba became pregnant 5 and put a plan in motion to cover his sin. Uriah does not cooperate (ie. do what David expected) even when David makes several attempts 6-13. David gives orders to Joab so that Uriah will die in battle 14-17. Note: I wonder what Joab thought about the king giving such an order since Uriah appears to be a noble and a good man 11. After David's order is carried out, a full report is sent to him16-22. His reaction is cold, considering a number of men died at David's command 23-25. David then married Bathsheba, who had a son 26-27. A worldly and mere human reaction to this may be all is well, however 'the thing David had done displeased the Lord' 27b. Note: David is not excused, free from blame, or above the Law (of God). He, along with us all, must give an account to the Lord for all our actions and deeds.

2 Samuel 12
The Lord sends Nathan the prophet to confront David about his sin. He does this by telling a story of 'injustice' 1-4. David is angered by what he hears and pronounces the 'death sentence' and restitution four-fold 5-6. Nathan says 'You are the man !' 7 and then delivers the Lord's message of judgment on David and his house for his sin 7-12. David's response is confession 13. Note: Under God's Law he and Bathsheba should have been stoned, but the Lord granted David His mercy (not giving him what he deserved - death) and His grace (giving him what he does not deserve -forgiveness). Though the Lord forgave David his sin there were still consequences. The child born to them would die 14. Note: I do not know why the Lord chose to do this, maybe it served to illustrate the principle the an 'innocent' one dies in place of the guilty (see: 1 Peter 3:18), though the death of this child in no way made atonement for David's sins. This is just a thought and I will retract it, if it is poor Biblical application at this point. Also, just because a baby or child dies does not mean that this is somehow connected to sin or a judgment from the Lord. Many times the Lord does not chose to make known His purpose in these matters. It is then, as always, that we need to have faith in the Lord who always does what is right (see: 1 Peter 4:19)

2 Samuel 13
The account of Amnon and Tamar shows how sin in the family of David spread and caused trouble for him and the kingdom. Amnon, half brother to Tamar is 'love sick' over her. In reality he is filled with his own selfish lust 1-10. His request becomes a demand and he violates Tamar, bringing disgrace to both of them 11-14. The fact that he hated her and put her out  after raping her indicates the selfishness of his heart 15-18. Note: Did he learn by observing David to act on his desires ? Tamar is humiliated and Absalom takes her in. She lives in disgrace as a result of this 19-20. David is furious, Absalom hates Amnon 21-22. Note: Sin never just effects the individual, others are also caused suffering and pain. Absalom waits two years before he acts with revenge, killing Amnon 23-29
David is informed and grieves the death of Amnon 30-36. Absalom flees to Geshur, where he lives for three years 37-39. Note: Was this plot known before hand since Jonadab explains the details of this 32-35 ? If so, did David know or suspect it (see: v 26-27). The Lord, in His grace can heal the wounds that sin brings into our lives but many times the scars remain. Their removal, through Christ awaits the believer's glorification in eternity.

2 Samuel 14
Joab enlists the help of a woman that he send to David with a 'case' needing justice. The intent is to reconcile David and Absalom. I wonder if David was so troubled by Absalom's exile that he was 'preoccupied' with him and was failing to rule as he should. David sees through this and tells Joab to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem 19-23. He is placed on 'house arrest' when he arrives 24. Absalom was very striking in appearance with a head of hair unmatched 25-26. Note: How did they know how much his hair weighed unless he, himself weighed it ? This was, no doubt, a source of his great pride. Absalom lives in exile for two years and has three sons and a 'beautiful' daughter 27. Note: Outward appearance is what tripped David up and resulted in sin. Here we again see a focus on the external which ultimately became a downfall (18:9). Absalom demands to see the king (his father). His request is granted 28-33. Nothing is recorded about what was said during that meeting. It appears David forgave him and set him free. Note: Why did David not follow the law of the Lord and have Absalom put to death ? After all he murdered his half brother. Was this a failure on David's part or was he showing grace ? (since he, himself was not put to death, having killed Uriah ?)

2 Samuel 15
Absalom plots and carries out a conspiracy against David. He makes himself look important, promises the justice, and portrays himself as a 'people person'. This he does for four years and thus, steals the hearts of the people away from David 1-7. Was David 'blind' to all this or do we have another consequence to his sins ? Absalom requests of David permission to go the Hebron (where David was 'crowned' king) in order to sacrifice to the Lord. His real intent is an overthrow of the throne. He is proclaimed king and gains a following 8-12. Note: It matters not what a man plans to do, only the counsel of the Lord will stand. David out of fear flees 13-18. David is on the run, this time with no assurances from the Lord. (Can this be another consequence that sin brings ?) David urges some of those with him, including the Levites with the Ark to return to Jerusalem 19-29. Ittai makes a pledge to remain with David 21. Zadok and Abiathar return as David's informants 27-29. David is weeping as he ascends the Mount of Olives, being broken over the events that are unfolding 30. Note: Sin brings sorrow and brokenness. This is part of repentance (see: Psalm 51:17). David prays that Ahithophel's counsel would be foolishness to Absalom 31. Hushai is sent back to Jerusalem, being one of David's friends. He is to be a help to David 32-37. Note: I do not sense that David has given in to Absalom, but is praying and plotting Absalom's defeat and demise. Note: Sin begets more sin and the troubles that come with it multiply.

2 Samuel 16
David is met by Ziba, Mephibosheth's servant with provisions for the David's men1-3 . David learns that Mephibosheth remained in Jerusalem thinking that the kingdom would be restored to Saul's house 3. David gives Ziba all that belonged to Mephibosheth 4. Note: This appears odd, but considering all else that is happening David acts on the knowledge he has. David continues and Shimei curses David and throws stones at him 5-8. He refuses to take action against him, accepting the curses (which may be from the Lord) 9-12. David knows that the Lord can turn a curse into a blessing 13. Note: We see in David a brokenness that is godly; for he accepts whatever the Lord brings to him, knowing that his deeds deserve much worse. It is at this place in a believer's life that the Lord can begin a restoration process; when broken and fully surrendered to Him and His will. Absalom comes to Jerusalem and Hushai offers to serve him as king 15-19. Ahithophel counsels Absalom to sleep with David's concubines 20-21. This he does in a public way and thus shows his contempt for David humiliating him while establishing own  his rule. The Lord told David He would bring this calamity upon him (12:11-12). Thus the sin of sexual immorality once again happens in David's house (figuratively and literally). Note: Do you again see how sin multiplies and spreads in kind ? I also notice in these chapters that the Lord appears absent. David still had a relationship with the Lord, but his fellowship was broken by sin and clouded by the consequences his sin brought. Like David, everyone of us can have similar dark times in our walk with the Lord due to our own sin. The good news is that the Lord remains faithful to us even when we are unfaithful. Consider that David wrote in two great Psalms (32 & 51) during the period in his life. He exalts the Lord God and praises Him for grace and forgiveness. All who are in Christ can claim these portions by faith with the same blessed assurances granted by the Lord.

2 Samuel 17
Absalom is given counsel from Ahithophel to attack and kill David 1-6. Hushai advises against this since David and his men are trained, brave fighting men 7-13. Absalom goes with Hushai's counsel and this was from the Lord 14. David is informed and acts accordingly 15-22. Note: The Lord is protecting David through these means evening allowing the 'spies' to escape 18-20. Ahithophel could not take the 'blow' of having his counsel rejected, so he kills himself 23. David and his men come to Mahanaim and are given provisions 24,27-29 (Again, the Lord provides through the hands of these named). At the same time, Absalom and the Israelites camp at Gilead 25-26. Note: Even when the Lord disciplines us, He still provides for our needs. What great grace ! Also, how weak spiritually must the people of Israel have been to follow a rebel and set out to kill the true king, who still was the Lord's anointed one !

2 Samuel 18
It is the Lord right to disciple the one who sins, but this does not give the right for others to rebel (like we see in Absalom). Therefore the Lord puts this rebellion down and does so through the hands of men. David gave clear and direct orders to the leaders and the troops not to harm Absalom 1-6. It was a day of many deaths 7-8. Absalom is caught by his head in the trees and is hanging there 9-10. Joab wants him dead, yet the one he orders to kill him refuses, having heard the king's command 11-13. Joab, annoyed, takes a javelin and plunges it into Absalom's heart and others finish him off 14-15. The retreat I sounded and the Israelites flee home 16-17. We are given some insight into Absalom's character in that he makes a monument to himself and names it after himself 18. Yet he had three sons (14:27). I think the key is that he wanted his name known, not just his family name. He was a self focused man and this motivated him in life and brought about his tragic death. God has a way of dealing with such arrogance. Note: Pray; Lord, rid from my life any trace of an 'Absalom attitude' in my character. David is informed of Absalom's death and mourns him 19-33. Why does David wish that he was dead instead ?

2 Samuel 19
David continue to mourn Absalom, so much so, that his men (the troops) are humiliated 1-4. Joab sternly warns David and tells him to stop and encourage the troops or he will have no one left to follow him. David does so. 5-8. The Israelites want David to come back as king 9-10. David approaches the people of Judah to lead the way in reinstating him as king 11-15. As he makes the journey back to Jerusalem he is meet by several different people. Shimei, who cursed him, asks for forgiveness, which David grants despite objections 16-23. Mephibosheth tells David he was betrayed by Ziba and left in the city 24-28. David orders the fields, he gave Ziba to be divided equally 29-30 Note: Why he does this with the deception involved I do not know ? Barzillai provided for David and is invited to join him in Jerusalem. Barzillai refuses, because of his age. David blesses him 31-39. The men of Israel and the men of Judah feud over who was first to want to bring David back as king 40-43. Note: We again see their shallowness in these matters. Note: The Lord has a way of restoring relationships and restoring what was lost due to sin and rebellion. In this life, we only experience this restoration and healing in part. The completion and perfection awaits our glorification through Jesus Christ !

2 Samuel 20
David's troubles continue with the rebellion of Sheba. All Israel follows him Sheba, but Judah remains faithful to David 1-2. I thought they wanted David back as king ? So much for 'who wanted him more or first (see: 19:41-43). Amasa is made leader of the troops by David 4-8. Joab still has his command of men 8. Joab kills Amasa and all the men then follow him 9-13. Joab is a heartless man who thinks nothing of killing an enemy or revival. This might make for a good military leader from the world's viewpoint, however God's people were to be just in their dealings with others. Joab repeatedly failed in this way. He did continue to pursue Sheba to Abel Beth Maacah. As Joab and the troops besiege the city, a woman pleads for the city known for its peaceful dealings 14-19. Joab wants only Sheba 20-21. The people of the city throw Sheba's head to Joab 22. Joab then returns to Jerusalem 22b. Note: Individuals can protest, rebel, and express their dislike for the powers that be, however with each of these there is a consequence. Sometimes it ends with death. Note: Even under David's reign there were still many injustices. Only the perfect reign of the perfect king (Jesus) will bring true justice and holiness to the peoples and nations of the world.
David's administration is listed for us in 23-26. Note: David had his own personal priest. He wanted the man who was to be a teacher of the things of God near him (to teach him, counsel him, and pray for him).

2 Samuel 21
The land experiences a famine for three years and the Lord reveals to David the cause (Saul's execution of the Gibeonites) 1-2. Note: The consequences of sin can be far reaching and last a long time. David goes to the Gibeonites and asks how this could be cared for. They ask for seven of Saul's male descendants to be put to death. David agrees to this and they are handed over and put to death 3-9 Note: I do not understand how this is justice unless it is further judgment from the Lord upon Saul. David gives a proper burial to the bones of Saul and Jonathan 10-14. Once this is all cared for the Lord answers prayer 14b. There are several wars with the Philistines and the Israelites are victorious over them 15-22. Those who were champions and boasted of greatness were all defeated by the hands of David's men. Note: David was not the only one who was able to defeat a giant. God will use every person who is given to Him and His will.

2 Samuel 22
This psalm of David is also recorded in Psalm 18:2-50. This may have been written earlier in David's life but is placed here, after the record of the victory over the Philistines, to give the Lord the glory and the praise for victory in this battles. It also reflects the focal pint of David's life which is the Lord who is his rock, refuge, shield, and horn (strength) of his salvation 2-3.  The summary of this entire psalm can be found in verse 51. David here exalts the greatness of the Lord who saves him from his enemies 8-20. David expresses his integrity before the Lord 21-25 and rests in the response of the Lord to him 26-30. God's way is perfect 31 and he makes David's way perfect 33. The Lord trains David and give him victory of his enemies 34-46. David recognizes the hand of the Lord and praises him all the more 47-51. Note: David wrote this and many other psalms to express his praise and faith in the Lord. In like manner, express these words back to the Lord in prayer and add your your thoughts as you reflect on the greatness and goodness of the Lord.

2 Samuel 23
David declares his faith in the Lord who exalted him and anointed him to be ruler over His people. God chose him to make this covenant with him, but evil men will be rejected 1-7. In verses 8-23 various exploits of David's mighty men are recorded. I see that each one stood their ground and did not give up or lose heart and the Lord gave the victory. We are called to the same in Galatians 6:9. Further study of these men will yield more insights and lessons. Thirty of David's mighty men are listed in 24-39. Note: Uriah, the Hittite is listed among these men. The Lord knows each of these by name and all the exploits they undertook. God also knows us by name and notes all that we do in His name (Hebrews 6:10).

2 Samuel 24
The final chapter in this book has David taking a census of the fighting men 1-2. This was against the law of the Lord. Joab, not known for being too concerned for the things of the Lord tries to discourage David from doing this 3. David's word prevails 4 and Joab and commanders spend nine plus months taking a census 5-9. The total was 800,000 men able to go to war. Note: One reason the Lord did not want the king to do this was so that he would not be proud and depend on his perceived strength in numbers. David is convicted and begs the Lord forgiveness 10. (He acted foolishly). The Lord sends Gad with three options for judgment 11-13. David wants to fall into the hands of the Lord 14. The Lord sends a plague and 70,000 of the people die 15-16. David asks for God's hand to fall on him not on anyone else 17. David is commanded to build an altar at the threshing floor of Araunah, which he does 18-23. David pays for it himself or it would not be true sacrifice 24. After paying for the land and offering the sacrifices, the Lord answered prayer and the plague was stopped 24-25. Note: This became the place where the temple was built by Solomon. The 'temple mount' belongs to Israel and the Jews. The record of God's eternal word has recorded the 'title transfer' for all who may dispute the rightful owners. 2 Samuel ends with sin, sacrifices, and the forgiveness and grace of the Lord.