2 Samuel – Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

Rock, fortress, deliverer, and refuge

May 27, 2020

Are you ready for a song? In Second Samuel in the twenty-second chapter, David sings to us. He describes Jehovah as his rock, fortress, deliverer, refuge, shield, salvation, stronghold, and savior. Stop and meditate on these descriptions for a few minutes. Just a few thoughts about our rock who can be a stepping stone or stumbling block and corner or capstone.

The King’s description of Yahweh is full of terrifying and powerful words. He can do anything that He desires. Our safety and survival are dependent on Him. When David speaks of his righteousness and following God’s laws, we may be skeptical. He like all of us had his failures. The Lord’s forgiveness is what we all need.

His faithfulness lasts and David accredits all his success to Him. After a long life if trials, defeats, and victories his majesty knows who is majestic.

King David’s last words are given in 2 Samuel 23. He tells how Jehovah spoke through him and ruled the people by his hand. Was his house righteous and did God give him salvation because of his actions? No, like all of us it was his relationship with the Lord that that secured his eternal home.

The chapter ends with a list of the names of the mighty men that enabled the King to defeat his enemies and serve Israel as a mighty monarch. Note that Bathsheba’s first husband, Uriah is one of the thirty-seven men named. The exploits recounted here may be rerun from earlier in the books of Samuel. Reading the stories for the second time gives us the opportunity to reflect on the graciousness of Yahweh.

David is again Thanking Yahweh for saving him from Saul in Chapter 57. His praise is extended to his Lord for making the King appear as a fool. God is given the glory for his rescue. The young Psalmist sings praises to Jehovah after acknowledging the predicament he is in.

Absalom, Absalom, my son Absalom

May 18, 2020

David is a grieving father in 2 Samuel chapter 19. The soldiers know this and enter the city as if they are ashamed of being victorious. Joab goes into the King’s chamber and lets him know what he has done to the men who risk their lives for him. It is time to try to minimize the damage. He sits in the gate and all the men come to him as he praises their courage and gives his men the encouragement, we all need.

It is time to return to the throne that he fled when Absalom invaded. As they return, he is met by those that supported him during his flight. Those that had opposed him ask for forgiveness and it is given. David will have scores to settle someday. For today it is a day to celebrate life and not seek revenge.

Nathan had predicted that David’s rule would continue in bloodshed and in 2 Samuel 20 another Benjamite draws the rest of Israel from the King and only the tribe of Judah around Jerusalem remains faithful to their God-anointed leader. Bikri’s is pursued by Joab and the Judean army. Joab murders another of the King’s men for not being fast enough.

They chase Bikri’s son, Sheba, and follow him into a city. They are in the process of besieging it when one of the residents makes a deal with Joab to deliver Sheba in exchange for sparing the rest of the residents and their property.

David had attempted to put his hears of running from King Saul behind him but in 2 Samuel chapter 21, they are haunting him again. The land is suffering from a famine. God reveals that it is because of Saul trying to exterminate the Gibeonites.

To appease Jehovah, seven of his family are given to the descendants of Gibeon and they are murdered. The bodies are left out in the open. After a female relative protects them from being eaten by the birds and wild animals David takes pity on them and buries them with Saul, Jonathan, and the rest of their family.

Remember the five stones that David picked up when he went to face Goliath. Here we have a possible explanation. It is disguised in these verses that tell of continuing battles with the Philistines. Ishbi-Benob, Saph, Goliath’s brother, and another relative are casualties of these battles. That is four men that are described as being like Goliath in stature and with common relatives. Could this be the reason the shepherd needed four extra stones and it took thanks long to catch them when they ran?

Absalom defeated

May 15, 2020

Do you remember Ziba, the servant of Saul that took charge of the land for Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s crippled son? In 2 Samuel 16, he meets the fleeing king of Israel with food, wine, and transportation. When asked where his master is, he tells that he is waiting in Jerusalem for the Kingdom of his grandfather to be returned to him. David lets this ride.

Another man from the clan of Benjamin, Shimei, meets them along the road, but he does not have provisions. He is cursing the King and his people as they pass. Some of the men want to teach him a lesson, but David will not allow it. He is running from a son who wants to kill him. This man’s words are not a threat.

One of David’s own advisers is with Absalom and David has left another to help defeat the plans that Ahithophel comes up with. Hushai must be careful at first to gain the confidence of the interloper. Later, he will be of much more use to David than to his son.

Ahithophel has an idea in 2 Samuel 17 that they should go after King David and attack him while he is unprepared. Hushai is called for and reminds Absalom of the kind of fighting that David perfected while running from Saul. How he hid in caves and popped out where he was not expected. He was used to running from other enemies and fighting for his life.

God blessed what Hushai said by having the young men around Absalom agree that it was good advice. Two people who were loyal to David were dispatched to warn the fleeing Monarch. They were forced to hide in a well to avoid the King’s son’s men. Their friends were where Ahithophel had predicted, but moved immediately, in case the other advisor got his way.

Ahithophel was so upset because his advice was ignored that he apparently knew they were doomed and went home and took his own life. Absalom sets out with the troops the next morning as advised and begins what turns out to be a fatal mistake.

In 2 Samuel 18, David is about to make one mistake and makes another one. The first error was going with one of the three groups which he intended to do. He was convinced not to be on the front lines with the soldiers. He stayed behind in the walled city. He then requests his men to not hurt Absalom.

As the battle ensues, the trees in the forest cause more casualties than the weapons. The King’s son is one of them. His long hair is caught in the branches of an oak tree. Joab violates David’s request and kills the young man. And now the King must be advised of his son’s death.

Two men run to tell the news to everyone in the city. David is waiting and has a watchman on the wall. They see the first one and then another messenger. The first one tells that they have won. When asked about Absalom he leads The King to believe that he does not know. The second runner repeats the news of the first and adds that the King’s son is dead. This leads to a huge mistake for David when he cries for his son and vocally wishes that he could have given his life for the boy.

Absalom attacks the government

May 14, 2020

As we begin, we need to define love and lust before moving on to 2 Samuel 13. Love is patient, kind and I can go through the rest of the list from 1 Corinthians 13 if you want me to. We need to understand that what Amnon felt for Tamar was lust. Looking at the way he treated her after he raped her, rules out love. Love is never self-seeking.

Jonadab is often overlooked as an enabler. He helped his cousin to seduce the girl. According to modern law, he was an accomplice. Would you accept his help as just one guy encouraging another to win a woman’s love? Once again, compare love and lust. Lust, when dead becomes hate.

Absalom learns of this attack and decides to bide his time and ultimately can murder his half-brother. His sympathy is with his sister and not her assailant. The violence Nathan predicted is starting.

David is confronted with a dilemma in 2 Samuel 14 about Absalom. Joab wants the King to bring his son back to Jerusalem. He devises a plan to get his boss to talk about the problem. It’s time to put these things behind them and move on. David agrees and the prince returns.

Once again, he is a favorite of the Israelites. He has three children, but his father continues to avoid seeing him. Eventually, Absalom destroys a field that belongs to Joab to get his attention and the soldier convinces David to reunite with his boy. They do not live happily ever after, though.

Absalom begins a plan to depose his father in 2 Samuel 15. He was as charismatic as the king was when he was younger. Almost everyone admires him. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. Four years of preparation and the time is right.

When David is made aware of the young man’s intentions he flees with his most loyal men and most of his family. They travel lightly and move as fast as they can. Even as they run the former shepherd leaves strategic friends in the palace to provide intelligence he will need later. The displacement has just begun.

David, Bathsheba, and Uriah

May 13, 2020

In the day of King David, the main way to grow your kingdom was to attack another country and take a portion or all their property for yourself. In 2 Samuel 11, this is what is happening. It is the time of year that wars take place. Joab goes and the King stays home. This was the first bad decision that turned into a tragedy for him. The Ammonites are destroyed, and they move onto the next battle.

He sees a beautiful woman bathing on a rooftop. She has just finished her period. David had many wives. He decided he wanted Bathsheba as well. She was brought to him. Mistake number two. Later she let the monarch know that she was pregnant. Her husband was brought home. He was more dedicated to Israel than his King. He refused to go into his house and see Bathsheba.

David makes mistake number three by sending a note to Joab with Uriah. The instructions are to have the messenger die in battle. Not only does he perish, but others are also casualties as well. When word reaches the King, he sends back a message of encouragement to the commander. David not only killed Uriah but these men as well.

After a period of mourning, Bathsheba becomes the King’s wife and the son that is born is considered as David’s, but many knew the truth. Most importantly Jehovah disapproved of this behavior.

Would you like to be the one to tell the King that Yahweh is going to punish him for this sin? 2 Samuel 12 tells about Nathan doing just that. To do so, God gave him a story to tell David. It was about two men. One was wealthy and the other poor. The second man had only one lamb. When the rich man had a visitor arrive, he took the other’s sheep and had it prepared for his guest to eat.

Nathan’s audience became extremely angry when he heard this. He passes the death penalty sentence and adds that he must pay four times what the lamb was worth. “You are the man!” is how the prophet answers the King. All the things that Yahweh gave him are enumerated and then the penalty for David’s sin is given.

The child will die. One of his family will punish him by seizing his wives. Violence will never leave the King’s family and he will be disgraced publicly. The death of the newborn son distresses David and throws the palace into confusion. The bad decisions, like ours, cause irreparable damage in the land. Eventually, another child is born to Bathsheba and David. Even this does not stop the pain of their loss.

The story of David and Bathsheba is not given in 1 Chronicles 20, even though it details Joab’s attack of Rabbah. 2 Samuel 11 lists the attack on Rabbah as the battle where Uriah is killed. The King of Israel celebrates the victory by wearing the crown of Rabbah. Nothing is mentioned here about the affair, pregnancy, or murder.

Again, we have the recounting of the defeat and death of three Philistines that are like Goliath in size. One of them was his brother. The fourth man that was listed in 2 Samuel is deleted for some reason.

The mistake Ammon made

May 12, 2020

David had created a truce with the Ammonites, but in 2 Samuel chapter 10, their King has died. As is usual, when a new monarch listens to his contemporaries, it is a mistake. They humiliate the Hebrew representatives by sending them back with their beards mutilated and their rears showing through the robs.

The Israelite King is angered enough to return to Ammon and take revenge. The Arameans join forces against Jehovah’s Kingdom. Through great strategy, God gives the battle to Joab and his forces. Both enemies fled and eventually returned to their homelands and remained there for some time.

Have you noticed how little wisdom is shown by people in the Bible? 1 Chronicles 19 is another example of this. The son of the king of Ammon listens to his advisors and sends David’s men away in shame and disgrace. Israel retaliates by destroying the city. Not one of the smartest things they ever did.

Even the Arameans were helping the Ammonites. Joab and the Army showed such wisdom in strategy, they were able to defeat both foes. The wisest thing said in this chapter was that the Arameans did not fight with the Ammonites again when they went to war against God’s chosen people.

King David lists things that he asks Jehovah for the readers of Psalm 20. These include answering us, granting all our requests, sending help, give us the desires of our hearts, and make all our plans succeed. This Psalm includes the famous line, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

David conquers the other nations

May 12, 2020

The new King of all of Israel returns to opposing all the enemies that have not been exterminated from the land as they were instructed. 2 Samuel 8 tells about the Philistines, Moabites, Arameans, and others. The horrors of war are illustrated in these passages. Jehovah warned His people to destroy those who worshiped other gods. Even David doesn’t go as far as he might.

The odd thing in this chapter is the final statement that David’s sons were priests. Priests were to be from the Levitical clan. Jesse was a Judean. Appointing his sons as additional priests violated this part of the law of Yahweh. Even a man after God’s own heart violated the Lord’s statutes at times.

Despite his being human, David does something almost Godlike in 2 Samuel 9. He remembers his pledge to Jonathan and asks about Saul’s descendants. Mephibosheth is a cripple and is summoned to the palace. The restoration of the family land is typical behavior for an Israelite king.

The symbolism of eating at the King’s table is significant. Prophecy tells of the marriage supper of the lamb. Feasts were special occasions for Jehovah’s chosen people, just as they are today for Christians. Nothing shows the family connection like sharing a meal. Jonathan’s only surviving child is honored as a member of David’s family.

We receive a list of nations conquered by the King in 1st Chronicles chapter 18. The Philistines, Moabite, Hadadezer, and the Arameans are named. This included many cities and villages that were plundered, and all the occupants captured and enslaved or killed.

What would you do with all the gold, silver, precious metals, and gemstones that he accumulated? They are stored to be used for the construction of a house for The Ark of the Covenant. These were some of the first materials given for the Temple, Solomon would build years later.

A house of stone for God

May 11, 2020

Peace reigns in 2 Samuel 7 and the King talks to Nathan about building a temple for the Ark of the Covenant to be placed in. At first, the prophet thinks it is a good idea. After Jehovah speaks to him, he returns to the King and tells him that he will not be the one to construct God’s permanent dwelling.

It is David who will have a house established for him. He will become the patriarch of a line of Kings in Israel and Judah. Despite the evil done by other kings, he will remain as the most important monarch in the entire history of God’s chosen nation. He acknowledges his love and respect for Yahweh in a prayer of thanksgiving and humility. This prayer reads like one of the psalms.

The book 1st Chronicles in chapter 17 elaborates on David’s contribution to the building of the Temple. At this time, the son who would eventually build the structure to house Jehovah’s presence had not been born. As we read in 2nd Samuel, the prophet Nathan originally agreed with the King. The next day he had to present the words of Yahweh to him. God did not want the sanctuary for the creator of the universe created by a man of war.

David’s desire to honor Yahweh was returned in the form of the establishment of an eternal kingdom ruled by his offspring. The final king also being the Son of the living God.

As usual, the Shepherd King prayed to his Lord. He expressed his humility and gratitude for what had been done for him and what would be done for his family. The man after God’s own heart used words that told how he felt about Jehovah.

God moves to Jerusalem

May 10, 2020

The presence of Jehovah was what David desired most in his life. In 2 Samuel 6, he attempts to bring the Ark of the Covenant, which represents the presence of the Lord, to Jerusalem. They have difficulties on the road, and it is left with a Levite.

What did they do wrong? They put the Ark on a cart. Yes, it was a new cart probably built just for the purpose of transporting this precious item. That was not the command of Yahweh. He told Moses that it would be carried by the Levites with the specially made poles. Then the King was angry with God for taking the life of the man who tried to protect it. Moses recorded that no one was to touch it.

David is depressed because he was not able to accomplish what he set out to do. He failed because, this time, he did not listen to God. In the Law, the procedures for carrying the presence of God is given. David, like many of us, did not bother to consult the Word before attempting what he wanted to do. Obed-Edom cared for it while the Israelites regrouped.

After a while, they try again. This time the Word of the Lord is followed. Another problem comes about when Micah, David’s wife, criticizes him for dancing and celebrating as the Ark is brought into Jerusalem. She is ostracized and left childless because of this.

How often have you been disappointed with God? In chapter thirteen of First Chronicles, King David is disappointed, when his attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem ends in failure. When we read this story in Second Samuel, we saw that one of the priests died because he touched the Ark.

We mentioned the errors that the King made in the transportation of the presence of Jehovah at that time. Mistakes are made by everyone. Often, they are due to the lack of information that is easy to attain. God’s will is often as close as The Bible. You just need to read it.

The interesting thing about 1 Chronicles, is the stories that are shortened from the other books about the rulers of Israel. In the fourteenth chapter, David begins the construction of his palace and continues the war with the Philistines. Remember that in Second Samuel we read about his hiding in Philistia for a while. That is not mentioned here.

Again, I will ask you to note the fact that David goes to Jehovah for advice before most of the battles. We pray when everything falls apart. To follow this example, we would pray before every test, business meeting, or any other event in our lives. Prayer is the first thing we should do, not the last.

David has done more research and in 1 Chronicles 15, he decides to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. A place for the Tabernacle is cleared. The Priests and Levites are prepared. Each has an assigned duty. They are consecrated for their service.

Do you ever notice names in the Bible that remind you of something? There used to be a cartoon called the Masters of the Universe. The main character was Heman. Heman is one of the musicians that served in the sanctuary.

David is so excited about having Jehovah’s presence in Jerusalem, he dances in the street with the Levites. His wife, Michal, sees this display and does not like his less than majestic behavior.

Who is better prepared to establish the worship of Yahweh in Jerusalem? 1 Chronicles 16 gives all the names of those charged to lead music and songs at the Tabernacle.

An example of the words that were sung by the people is given. Praise music was here as much as at any modern church. That is why many of our current praise songs include verses taken directly from the Psalms. In addition to music, there are sacrifices to be offered.

David crowned king of all Israel

April 29, 2020

After Abner and the son of Saul that he had supported are both killed, the rest of Israel comes to David in 2 Samuel 5. They now want him to be their king. They knew that Samuel had anointed him, but they wanted to do things the way everyone else does them. The next monarch is the son of the last one. That was not Jehovah’s way.

David is still in Hebron but decides that Jerusalem would be a better sight to rule from. Although their fortress was thought to be impenetrable, David and his men conquered it and destroyed the Jebusites that had lived there. It became “the city of David.”

Then the new King went after the Philistines again. They came after him and he defeated them. Notice as you read, that David is enquiring to see if God wants him to go to battle. When Yahweh says yes, the Israelites strike as they have been told and they are victorious. If you are not being successful in your endeavors, are they what God wants you to do, or what you want to do?

I hope you like reminders. 1 Chronicles 11 continues our look at previously studied material. After Saul and his sons are killed by the Philistines, David becomes King of Judah in Hebron. When Israel asks him to become their King, he and his men attack the stronghold of the Jebusites. It becomes the capital city of Jerusalem. Joab becomes the leader of the army by conquering the city.

The stories that are shared here, show the mighty men of the Israelite army. The one that tells the most about the King is when David wants water from the well in his hometown of Bethlehem which is held by the Philistines. When three of his warriors bring it, he pours it out. He will not drink water they risked their lives to obtain.

Some of the mighty men that are mentioned in 1 Chronicles 12 are Benjamites and Gadites. David’s strength of character drew strong men to him. When he went to Hebron, even more, joined him. His troops became over 300,000 strong as he was moving into the role vacated by Saul’s death.

Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

Walk With a Servant

Tag: 2 Samuel