Grandpa's Reflections

This is a gruesome chapter in the history of Israel that vividly illustrates the violence of the times. David is returning from across the Jordan to Jerusalem while attempting to reunify his kingdom. The king and the kingdom are vulnerable, and an opportunist named Sheba rises up to take advantage of this weakness. David wisely…

In the previous chapter we left David mourning for his son who had been killed in battle. The fact that his son Absalom determined to kill him seems to have no impact on David’s emotional response to his death. Fortunately, Joab understood the impact this would have on attempts to reunify the nation. Joab is…

Hushai’s advice to Absalom provides David with the opportunity to organize his troops. David has much practice in preparing for war. He divides the troops under his three commanders and announces that he will lead them out to battle. We are not told who speaks up, but David’s men suggest that he stay behind. Their…

The last chapter ended with Absalom sleeping with David’s concubines in public view. Having solidified his position with the people of the city Ahithophel has a second recommendation. I had always thought of Ahithophel as a wise old man, but in this story, he shows himself to be a warrior. He recommends that Absalom allow…

Crisis amplifies character and David’s kingdom is in crisis. As David flees Jerusalem, we are presented with a diverse cast of characters. Ziba Saul’s son Jonathan has a son named Mephibosheth, who was crippled as a boy. David brings the boy into his palace and appoints a servant, Ziba, to watch over Mephibosheth’s lands and…

This has been an interesting chapter to work through. While writing my comments I noticed that I assumed motives for the characters that are never described in the text. I am certain that most of us do this most of the time when reading scripture. As you read through the text and this blog notice…

This is one of the most disgusting chapters in the Bible. In it, Amnon, the oldest son of David, rapes his half-sister, Tamar. David becomes furious and does nothing. Absalom, her brother, becomes furious, initially does nothing, and waits for an opportune moment to take revenge. Absalom murders his half-brother Amnon, and David overwhelmed by…

It is amazing how fast things can change in scripture. In the previous chapter we focused on Uriah because looking at David only provides an example of everything we should never do. However, in this chapter David lets God get his attention. He then provides an excellent example of how to respond to God’s discipline….

A Familiar Story Most of us are familiar with the story of David and Bathsheba. David stays home rather than going to war. The resulting boredom leads him to the roof of his palace where he sees a woman bathing on her rooftop. David requests that his servants bring her to the palace where he…