One of Joab’s men stood beside Amasa and said, “Whoever favors Joab, and whoever is for David, let him follow Joab!” (2 Samuel 20:11 NIV) The United Tribes of Israel was a fragile reality after Absalom’s efforts. Even with David’s conciliatory actions, it only took one mischief maker called Sheba to upset it again by […]
Read More Sam’s 2nd Epic 20 – Rebellion SquashedHe won over the hearts of the men of Judah so that they were all of one mind. They sent word to the king, “Return, you and all your men.” (2 Samuel 19:14 NIV) The recent exploits of Absalom threatened to tear the Kingdom of Israel apart. When he died, there was no guarantee that […]
Read More Sam’s 2nd Epic 19 – A Conciliatory ReturnCharismatic though he was in gaining the support of the people of Israel, Absalom made a big mistake making an enemy of Joab. Joab’s disregard for the clear instructions of King David, showed again just how driven he was to put an end to the life of Absalom. What leads a man to behave in […]
Read More Sam’s 2nd Epic 18 – The Return of Joab’s RevengeAbsalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Arkite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the Lord had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom. (2 Samuel 17:14 NIV) Previously, when David was informed that his top advisor Ahithophel had defected […]
Read More Sam’s 2nd Epic 17 – Prayer and AdviceDavid then said to Abishai and all his officials, “My son, my own flesh and blood, is trying to kill me. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the Lord has told him to. It may be that the Lord will look upon my misery and restore to me […]
Read More Sam’s 2nd Epic 16 – How to Deal with the ScornfulI often love engaging with people about different scenarios in life. It’s great to hear them grapple with why people do certain things and why other people react the way they do. The grapple is interesting and the way it informs how we behave in life today can be invaluable. This means it is unwise […]
Read More Sam’s 2nd Epic 15 – Absalom in AscendancySo Joab went to the king and told him this. Then the king summoned Absalom, and he came in and bowed down with his face to the ground before the king. And the king kissed Absalom. (2 Samuel 14:33 NIV) There are many fascinating characters in scripture. Two particularly fascinating characters are Joab and Absalom. […]
Read More Sam’s 2nd Epic 14 – Absalom and the Long GameAbsalom fled and went to Talmai son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur. But King David mourned many days for his son. (2 Samuel 13:37 NIV) David had done wrong in plotting and scheming, it cost the life of a husband and a baby boy. Yet the punishment of God was to extend to his […]
Read More Sam’s 2nd Epic 13 – The Dysfunction of David’s DynastyReading the twelfth chapter of 2 Samuel is heavy. Did David really think he could get away with it? It’s intriguing that it takes a confrontation with God through Nathan for his misdeeds to be exposed and duly punished. The degree of David’s actions are taken very seriously indeed. God’s judgment on the matter is […]
Read More Sam’s 2nd Epic 12 – Conviction and GraceAfter the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing David had done displeased the Lord . (2 Samuel 11:27 NIV) The darkest episode of the life of David is a sad episode to read. It’s one thing […]
Read More Sam’s 2nd Epic 11 – David Displeases
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