A Greater Forgiveness (2 Samuel 19)
Read 📖
Today’s reading is the whole of 2 Samuel 19
"Mephibosheth said to the king, 'Let him take everything, now that my lord the king has returned home safely.”
2 Samuel 19:30 (NIV)
Reflect ❤️
David has just returned to power after his son Absalom's failed attempt to rebel against the kingdom, ending in his death.
The chapter starts off with Joab's rebuke of David after he finds out that David has been mourning and weeping over the death of his son, Absalom. The king's people and troops heard this news, and the victory of the day turned into mourning. All the men in the army are experiencing feelings of loss, even though they won the battle they needed to win in order to restore the rightful king. There are mixed messages coming from David, confusing the people and creating uncertainty throughout the kingdom.
Joab, the commander of the army, speaks to David, bringing words that are wise, truthful, and helpful, but—at the same time—very hard for David to hear. He tells David that he is making his troops feel ashamed by mourning the death of his son, when these are the people who saved his life. He instructs David to go out and congratulate his troops; otherwise, not one of them will remain loyal. So, David took his seat at the town gate, creating an image of love and support for his people.
As David comes back to Jerusalem and takes back the throne, there is a moment of reckoning for people who have turned against him, but David seeks restoration and unity. Amasa, who was the commander of Absalom’s rebel army, is forgiven and honoured by being appointed commander of David's army. Shimei, the son of Gera, who once cursed David, falls down before him, pleading for forgiveness, and David spares his life. However, later this changes, as this forgiveness was temporary.
The final restoration we’ll look at is Mephibosheth. The last David had heard was from Ziba, who had claimed Mephibosheth stayed behind in order to reclaim Saul's kingdom—which he now discovered was false. David decided that they needed to split the land equally, but Mephibosheth told him to give it all to Ziba, as he was fully content with just having the king safely back again.
We are reminded through the forgiveness of Amasa that even though we have sinned against God by not living the lives we should, His amazing grace is extended to us. While we were sinners, Christ died for us; while we were His enemies, His grace was extended to us, and we are forgiven. This wonderful truth is expressed in Romans 5:8–10.
With Shimei, David's forgiveness towards him was temporary. Jesus does what David cannot, as David provides forgiveness here but takes it back later. Our forgiveness through Jesus is eternal, which no person could ever offer us.
When Mephibosheth rejects David's offer of dividing the land, all he cares about is his relationship with the king. He doesn't care about his possessions or resources; he just wants to be in the presence of David at his table. As Christians, we desire a relationship with God above all else. No possession or amount of money can compare with the value of being in the presence of Jesus. As Philippians 3:8 teaches, everything else is a loss compared to "the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord."
Pray 🙏
Thank you for Your grace,
Thank You that through Jesus we are forgiven and have the gift of eternal life.
Thank you for Your presence and personal relationship.