Tuesday, August 13 – Psalms 64, 2 Samuel 19 – Additional reading, Desire of Ages, chapter 33, “Who are My Brethren,” Patriarchs and Prophets, chapter 71, ”David’s Sin and Repentance”

1. What is your opinion on David and the mourning of his son versus Joab’s insistence for David to perform his kingly duties? 2 Samuel 18:15; 2 Samuel 19:5-7

2. Why do you believe that David appointed Amasa, Absalom’s former commander, to the post of general? 2 Samuel 19:13

3. Compare Psalm 64:2-4 with Psalm 64:7. Is it not comforting to know that with God, no weapon formed against you can prosper? Isaiah 54:7

Commentary and Reflection:

David is often referred to as an antitype of God and Christ. (A person whose qualities, character, or comportment reminds us of Christ and/or God, the Father). This is evident in 2 Samuel 19. Here, we see the end of the rebellion and of the civil war that was actualized by the death of Absalom in the previous chapter. The death of his son Absalom completely breaks David. Absalom made himself an enemy of his father, David… and yet David’s love for him is evident.

Our Heavenly Father loves us and mourns when we turn away from Him or rebel against Him. Ezekiel 33:11 “Say to them: `As I live,’ says the Lord GOD, `I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’ (Eze 33:11 NKJ). Our Father in Heaven loves us so much that the further we turn from Him, the more He tries to bring us back into reconciliation with Him. “But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant.” (Rom 5:20 NLT)

David’s actions after the death of Absalom exemplify true mercy and kindness. David (1) mourns his son (2) appoints Amasa, Absalom’s former commander, to the post of general (3) proclaims a day of general amnesty in Israel (4) shows forgiveness to hostile individuals (5) demonstrates grace towards Shimei, Mephibosheth, and Ziba. This was all done in the spirit of unity, forgiveness, and grace.

Serving as king is no easy task. In Psalm 64, David begins with a plea for God to hear him. David continues by describing the evil plotting that is taking place by those around him. David’s description uses imagery containing military weaponry. With this concept in mind, he describes God suddenly entering the scene and shooting an arrow that wounds David’s enemies. (vs 7) That’s what I like about my God: He shows up suddenly, exactly when we need Him! Then, those using their tongues to plot evil against David will now use that same tongue to declare the work of God. (vs 9) This reminds me of Jesus and that today, the world seems to be against Him. However, one day, Jesus will be exalted, and every knee shall bow “and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Phi 2:11 NKJ)

David showed mercy and kindness. He chose peace, unity, and forgiveness over vengeance (2 Samuel 19). David pleaded with God and trusted Him to handle his enemies (Psalm 64). May this be an inspiration to us today.

My prayer today: “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Col 4:6 NKJ). “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14 NLT). Amen.