Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule:
2 Samuel 20-24
Capitalizing on the intense anger generated by the conflict between the rival military groups present at David’s return, Sheba used it to set off a second revolt against David. The writer of 2 Samuel refers to Sheba as a “son of Belial,” a phrase that elsewhere refers to people who reject authority and lack moral integrity. Sheba called all the men of Israel, accept those in the tribe of Judah, to take no part in returning David as their king. Sheba urged every man to return to his tent instead. Therefore, the day that had started out so well for David spiraled off into chaos and danger. Rebellious people always need the support of those that they can rally around their “cause.” Rebellion loves company!
David’s first order of business after returning to his palace in Jerusalem was to deal with the problems created there by Absalom’s rebellion. This required thoughtful attention to the ten concubines David had left to take care of the palace.Though they were technically part of David’s harem, their status had been altered by Absalom’s abuse of them. To guarantee that the women would never again be subject to physical abuse, the women were placed in a house under guard.As was required of a husband, David provided for them. Perhaps he considered them to have been married to Absalom, so he treated them as widows of his son and never had relations with them again.
David then turned his attention to the challenge to his authority posed by Sheba. He ordered Amasa,the former commander of Absalom’s troops, to summon the men of Judah.The men were to report to Jerusalem and be ready for war within three days.David’s appointment of Amasa as his top military officer was probably designed to help bring about a reconciliation between the king and Absalom’s former supporters, as well as to punish Joab for his insubordination. Or it could have simply been a way to expose his heart to see if he was truly supportive of David.
David’s hopes for a rapid response to Sheba’s rebellion were jeopardized when Amasa took too long to mobilize the troops. Therefore, David hastily appointed Amasa’s cousin Abishaias commander of his army. Joab wasted no time executing Amasa as being clearly supportive of Sheba’s rebellion and set out after Sheba. Joab, knew he needed to do something to try to get back into the good graces of both King David and his devout mighty men. Bringing back the head of Sheba and removing the secretly rebellious Amasa accomplished this task, at least in the eyes of David’s courageous followers.
Prayer Requests:
Personal
- Lord, please help me to be a leader who deals properly and quickly with rebellion.
- Lord, please help me to be gracious and tender to those who have suffered at the hands of rebellious people.
- Lord, please help me to walk close to you, and to keep my heart from selfishness that so often leads to rebellion.
Political
- Senator Curtis Hertel – District 023 – Meridian Twp.
- Representative Jon Hoadley – District 060 – Kalamazoo
- Representative Michele Hoitenga – District 102 – Manton