Do human governments rely on God or military numbers? Does God often defeat a strong enemy using inferior numbers? Let’s look at 2 Samuel 24.
Was Israel relying on military numbers rather than God, who often defeated enemies by using inferior numbers?
Now the anger of the Lord burned against Israel again, and He [lit. there was who] incited David against them to say, “Go, count Israel and Judah.” (2 Samuel 24:1 NASB)
The Hebrew here is difficult grammatically, yet is there a clearer account?
Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. (1 Chronicles 21:1 NIV)
Did David ignore Joab’s good advice against a military census?
So the king said to Joab and the commanders of the army, “Take a census of all the tribes of Israel—from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south—so I may know how many people there are.” But Joab replied to the king, “May the Lord your God let you live to see a hundred times as many people as there are now! But why, my lord the king, do you want to do this?” But the king insisted that they take the census, so Joab and the commanders of the army went out to count the people of Israel. First they crossed the Jordan and camped at Aroer, south of the town in the valley, in the direction of Gad. Then they went on to Jazer, then to Gilead in the land of Tahtim-hodshi and to Dan-jaan and around to Sidon. Then they came to the fortress of Tyre, and all the towns of the Hivites and Canaanites. Finally, they went south to Judah as far as Beersheba. (2 Samuel 24:2-7 NLT)
Had David sinned by pride in human numbers rather than faith in God?
So when they had gone back and forth through all the land, they came to Jerusalem at the end of nine months and twenty days. Joab gave up the sum of the counting of the people to the king; and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men who drew the sword, and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men. David’s heart struck him after he had counted the people. David said to Yahweh, “I have sinned greatly in that which I have done. But now, Yahweh, put away, I beg you, the iniquity of your servant; for I have done very foolishly.” (2 Samuel 24:8-10 WEB)
What three choices did Gad the prophet say God gave to David because of this sin?
When David got up the next morning, the Lord’s word came to the prophet Gad, David’s seer: Go and tell David, This is what the Lord says: I’m offering you three punishments. Choose one of them, and that is what I will do to you. So Gad went to David and said to him, “Will three years of famine come on your land? Or will you run from your enemies for three months while they chase you? Or will there be three days of plague in your land? Decide now what answer I should take back to the one who sent me.” “I’m in deep trouble,” David said to Gad. “Let’s fall into the Lord’s hands because his mercy is great, but don’t let me fall into human hands.” (2 Samuel 24:11-14 CEB)
How many did one man’s sin affect? What happens when national leaders rely on military might rather than God?
So that morning, the Lord sent an angel to spread a horrible disease everywhere in Israel, from Dan to Beersheba. And before it was over, 70,000 people had died. When the angel was about to destroy Jerusalem, the Lord felt sorry for all the suffering he had caused and told the angel, “That's enough! Don't touch them.” This happened at the threshing place that belonged to Araunah the Jebusite. David saw the angel killing everyone and told the Lord, “These people are like sheep with me as their shepherd. I have sinned terribly, but they have done nothing wrong. Please, punish me and my family instead of them!” (2 Samuel 24:15-17 CEV)
Under the old system, what was required to make atonement for sins?
And Gad came that day to David and said to him, “Go up, raise an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.” So David went up at Gad's word, as the Lord commanded. And when Araunah looked down, he saw the king and his servants coming on toward him. And Araunah went out and paid homage to the king with his face to the ground. And Araunah said, “Why has my lord the king come to his servant?” David said, “To buy the threshing floor from you, in order to build an altar to the Lord, that the plague may be averted from the people.” Then Araunah said to David, “Let my lord the king take and offer up what seems good to him. Here are the oxen for the burnt offering and the threshing sledges and the yokes of the oxen for the wood. All this, O king, Araunah gives to the king.” And Araunah said to the king, “May the Lord your God accept you.” But the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. And David built there an altar to the Lord and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the Lord responded to the plea for the land, and the plague was averted from Israel. (2 Samuel 24:18-25 ESV)
Did God use many David versus Goliath type battles, to reveal His help to us? Did Paul realize this in his daily life?
I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13 HCSB)
Do human governments rely on God or military numbers? Does God often defeat a strong enemy using inferior numbers? You decide!
The David Conundrum (2 Samuel 23)
How could a man who pillaged whole villages, committed adultery and murder be declared righteous, and a man after God’s own heart? How could the Spirit of the Lord speak through such a man? Are genuine repentance and faith keys? Let’s begin in 2 Samuel 23.
Does the fear of God begin to explain this puzzle?
These are the last words of David: “The inspired utterance of David son of Jesse, the utterance of the man exalted by the Most High, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, the hero of Israel’s songs: “The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; his word was on my tongue. The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: ‘When one rules over people in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.’ If my house were not right with God, surely he would not have made with me an everlasting covenant, arranged and secured in every part; surely he would not bring to fruition my salvation and grant me my every desire. (2 Samuel 23:1-5 NIV)
Will the rebellious eventually be like thorns, thrown away and burned in a fire?
But the sons of rebellion shall all be as thorns thrust away, Because they cannot be taken with hands. But the man who touches them Must be armed with iron and the shaft of a spear, And they shall be utterly burned with fire in their place.” (2 Samuel 23:6-7 NKJV)
Who were Jashobeam, Eleazar, and Shammah among David’s warriors?
These are the names of David’s mightiest warriors. The first was Jashobeam the Hacmonite, who was leader of the Three—the three mightiest warriors among David’s men. He once used his spear to kill 800 enemy warriors in a single battle. Next in rank among the Three was Eleazar son of Dodai, a descendant of Ahoah. Once Eleazar and David stood together against the Philistines when the entire Israelite army had fled. He killed Philistines until his hand was too tired to lift his sword, and the Lord gave him a great victory that day. The rest of the army did not return until it was time to collect the plunder! Next in rank was Shammah son of Agee from Harar. One time the Philistines gathered at Lehi and attacked the Israelites in a field full of lentils. The Israelite army fled, but Shammah held his ground in the middle of the field and beat back the Philistines. So the Lord brought about a great victory. (2 Samuel 23:8-12 NLT)
What were some other exploits of the three? How loyal was David to them?
Three of the thirty chief men went down, and came to David in the harvest time to the cave of Adullam; and the troop of the Philistines was encamped in the valley of Rephaim. David was then in the stronghold; and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem. David said longingly, “Oh that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!” The three mighty men broke through the army of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate and took it and brought it to David; but he would not drink of it, but poured it out to Yahweh. He said, “Be it far from me, Yahweh, that I should do this! Isn’t this the blood of the men who risked their lives to go?” Therefore he would not drink it. The three mighty men did these things. (2 Samuel 23:13-17 WEB)
What are some of the deeds of the thirty lesser ranked warriors of David?
Now Zeruiah’s son Abishai, the brother of Joab, was chief of the Thirty. He raised his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and made a name for himself along with the Three. He was the most famous of the Thirty. He became their commander, but he wasn’t among the Three. Jehoiada’s son Benaiah was a hero from Kabzeel who performed great deeds. He killed the two sons of Ariel from Moab. He once went down into a pit and killed a lion on a snowy day. He also killed a giant Egyptian who had a spear in his hand. Benaiah went against him armed with a staff. He grabbed the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear. These were the kinds of things Jehoiada’s son Benaiah did. He made a name for himself along with the three warriors. He was famous among the Thirty, but he didn’t become one of the Three. David placed him in command of his own bodyguard. (2 Samuel 23:18-23 CEB)
What were the names of the thirty mighty warriors of David?
Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem, Shammah of Harod, Elika of Harod, Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh of Tekoa, Abiezer of Anathoth, Mebunnai the Hushathite, Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai of Netophah, Heleb the son of Baanah of Netophah, Ittai the son of Ribai of Gibeah of the people of Benjamin, Benaiah of Pirathon, Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash, Abi-albon the Arbathite, Azmaveth of Bahurim, Eliahba the Shaalbonite, the sons of Jashen, Jonathan, Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Hararite, Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai of Maacah, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite, Hezro of Carmel, Paarai the Arbite, Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite, Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai of Beeroth, the armor-bearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah, Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, Uriah the Hittite: thirty-seven in all. (2 Samuel 23:24-39 ESV)
If David committed great sins, how is he declared righteous, a man after God’s own heart? Does this begin to reveal a righteousness apart from the law?
But now, apart from the law, God’s righteousness has been revealed—attested by the Law and the Prophets —that is, God’s righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, to all who believe, since there is no distinction. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:21-23 HCSB)
Was Abraham justified by perfect works or belief in God? Is there a righteousness imputed to Abraham because of his faith in God?
For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness… He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. (Romans 4:2-3, 20-22 KJV)
Can a man who committed gross sins repent? Who is God pleased with, someone like Saul who made excuses, or someone like David who repented? Can a repentant sinner teach?
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity And cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, And my sin is ever before me… Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners will be converted to You. (Psalm 51:2-3, 10-13 LSB)
How could a man who pillaged whole villages, committed adultery and murder be declared righteous, and a man after God’s own heart? How could the Spirit of the Lord speak through such a man? Are genuine repentance and faith keys? You decide!
Does the fear of God begin to explain this puzzle?
These are the last words of David: “The inspired utterance of David son of Jesse, the utterance of the man exalted by the Most High, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, the hero of Israel’s songs: “The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; his word was on my tongue. The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: ‘When one rules over people in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.’ If my house were not right with God, surely he would not have made with me an everlasting covenant, arranged and secured in every part; surely he would not bring to fruition my salvation and grant me my every desire. (2 Samuel 23:1-5 NIV)
Will the rebellious eventually be like thorns, thrown away and burned in a fire?
But the sons of rebellion shall all be as thorns thrust away, Because they cannot be taken with hands. But the man who touches them Must be armed with iron and the shaft of a spear, And they shall be utterly burned with fire in their place.” (2 Samuel 23:6-7 NKJV)
Who were Jashobeam, Eleazar, and Shammah among David’s warriors?
These are the names of David’s mightiest warriors. The first was Jashobeam the Hacmonite, who was leader of the Three—the three mightiest warriors among David’s men. He once used his spear to kill 800 enemy warriors in a single battle. Next in rank among the Three was Eleazar son of Dodai, a descendant of Ahoah. Once Eleazar and David stood together against the Philistines when the entire Israelite army had fled. He killed Philistines until his hand was too tired to lift his sword, and the Lord gave him a great victory that day. The rest of the army did not return until it was time to collect the plunder! Next in rank was Shammah son of Agee from Harar. One time the Philistines gathered at Lehi and attacked the Israelites in a field full of lentils. The Israelite army fled, but Shammah held his ground in the middle of the field and beat back the Philistines. So the Lord brought about a great victory. (2 Samuel 23:8-12 NLT)
What were some other exploits of the three? How loyal was David to them?
Three of the thirty chief men went down, and came to David in the harvest time to the cave of Adullam; and the troop of the Philistines was encamped in the valley of Rephaim. David was then in the stronghold; and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem. David said longingly, “Oh that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!” The three mighty men broke through the army of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate and took it and brought it to David; but he would not drink of it, but poured it out to Yahweh. He said, “Be it far from me, Yahweh, that I should do this! Isn’t this the blood of the men who risked their lives to go?” Therefore he would not drink it. The three mighty men did these things. (2 Samuel 23:13-17 WEB)
What are some of the deeds of the thirty lesser ranked warriors of David?
Now Zeruiah’s son Abishai, the brother of Joab, was chief of the Thirty. He raised his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and made a name for himself along with the Three. He was the most famous of the Thirty. He became their commander, but he wasn’t among the Three. Jehoiada’s son Benaiah was a hero from Kabzeel who performed great deeds. He killed the two sons of Ariel from Moab. He once went down into a pit and killed a lion on a snowy day. He also killed a giant Egyptian who had a spear in his hand. Benaiah went against him armed with a staff. He grabbed the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear. These were the kinds of things Jehoiada’s son Benaiah did. He made a name for himself along with the three warriors. He was famous among the Thirty, but he didn’t become one of the Three. David placed him in command of his own bodyguard. (2 Samuel 23:18-23 CEB)
What were the names of the thirty mighty warriors of David?
Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem, Shammah of Harod, Elika of Harod, Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh of Tekoa, Abiezer of Anathoth, Mebunnai the Hushathite, Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai of Netophah, Heleb the son of Baanah of Netophah, Ittai the son of Ribai of Gibeah of the people of Benjamin, Benaiah of Pirathon, Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash, Abi-albon the Arbathite, Azmaveth of Bahurim, Eliahba the Shaalbonite, the sons of Jashen, Jonathan, Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Hararite, Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai of Maacah, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite, Hezro of Carmel, Paarai the Arbite, Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite, Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai of Beeroth, the armor-bearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah, Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, Uriah the Hittite: thirty-seven in all. (2 Samuel 23:24-39 ESV)
If David committed great sins, how is he declared righteous, a man after God’s own heart? Does this begin to reveal a righteousness apart from the law?
But now, apart from the law, God’s righteousness has been revealed—attested by the Law and the Prophets —that is, God’s righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, to all who believe, since there is no distinction. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:21-23 HCSB)
Was Abraham justified by perfect works or belief in God? Is there a righteousness imputed to Abraham because of his faith in God?
For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness… He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. (Romans 4:2-3, 20-22 KJV)
Can a man who committed gross sins repent? Who is God pleased with, someone like Saul who made excuses, or someone like David who repented? Can a repentant sinner teach?
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity And cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, And my sin is ever before me… Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners will be converted to You. (Psalm 51:2-3, 10-13 LSB)
How could a man who pillaged whole villages, committed adultery and murder be declared righteous, and a man after God’s own heart? How could the Spirit of the Lord speak through such a man? Are genuine repentance and faith keys? You decide!
The Lord is My Rock (2 Samuel 22)
Do we look to God for protection, for deliverance? Do we sing God’s praise? What is the purpose of praise? Let’s look at 2 Samuel 22.
Would a former shepherd like David see a high rock as a safe place for sheep from predators? Is the Lord our refuge from violent people?
David sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—from violent people you save me. (2 Samuel 22:1-3 NIV)
In times of distress do we trust the Lord to hear our prayers for deliverance?
I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies. “When the waves of death surrounded me, The floods of ungodliness made me afraid. The sorrows of Sheol [the grave] surrounded me; The snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called upon the Lord, And cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, And my cry entered His ears. (2 Samuel 22:4-7 NKJV)
How great is our God? Do we trust that He will scatter our enemies?
Then the earth quaked and trembled. The foundations of the heavens shook; they quaked because of his anger. Smoke poured from his nostrils; fierce flames leaped from his mouth. Glowing coals blazed forth from him. He opened the heavens and came down; dark storm clouds were beneath his feet. Mounted on a mighty angelic being, he flew, soaring on the wings of the wind. He shrouded himself in darkness, veiling his approach with dense rain clouds. A great brightness shone around him, and burning coals blazed forth. The Lord thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded. He shot arrows and scattered his enemies; his lightning flashed, and they were confused. Then at the command of the Lord, at the blast of his breath, the bottom of the sea could be seen, and the foundations of the earth were laid bare. (2 Samuel 22:8-16 NLT)
Do we trust that God will rescue us from extreme situations and strong enemies?
He sent from on high and he took me. He drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. They came on me in the day of my calamity, but Yahweh was my support. He also brought me out into a large place. He delivered me, because he delighted in me. (2 Samuel 22:17-20 WEB)
Do we trust that the Lord will reward us for keeping His ways?
The Lord rewarded me for my righteousness; he restored me because my hands are clean, because I have kept the Lord’s ways. I haven’t acted wickedly against my God. All his rules are right in front of me; I haven’t turned away from any of his laws. I have lived with integrity before him; I’ve kept myself from wrongdoing. And so the Lord restored me for my righteousness, because I am clean in his eyes. (2 Samuel 22:21-25 CEB)
Is God always loyal to the loyal and faithful to the faithful? Will He defeat our enemies?
You are always loyal to your loyal people, and you are faithful to the faithful. With all who are sincere you are sincere, but you treat the unfaithful as their deeds deserve. You rescue the humble, but you look for ways to put down the proud. Our Lord and God, you are my lamp. You turn darkness to light. You help me defeat armies and capture cities. (2 Samuel 22:26-30 CEV)
Is God’s way perfect? Is His word true? Is He our strong refuge?
This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. “For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? This God is my strong refuge and has made my way blameless. He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. (2 Samuel 22:31-34 ESV)
Are we at war against evil? Do we take the shield of salvation?
He trains my hands for war; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have given me the shield of Your salvation; Your help exalts me. You widen a place beneath me for my steps, and my ankles do not give way. I pursue my enemies and destroy them; I do not turn back until they are wiped out. I wipe them out and crush them, and they do not rise; they fall beneath my feet. (2 Samuel 22:35-39 HCSB)
Do we have strength from God to face life’s battles? Can we defeat life’s enemies?
You strengthened me with valor sufficient for the battle; you made those who rebelled against me fall beneath me. You made my enemies turn and run—that is, those who hate me—and I destroyed them! They looked around, but there was no one to save them—they looked to the Lord, but he paid no attention! I pulverized them to powder, like the dust of the earth; I crushed them, stomping on them like mud on a street. (2 Samuel 22:40-43 ISV)
Will God deliver us from the attacks of false friends and strangers?
Thou also hast delivered me from the strivings of my people, thou hast kept me to be head of the heathen: a people which I knew not shall serve me. Strangers shall submit themselves unto me: as soon as they hear, they shall be obedient unto me. Strangers shall fade away, and they shall be afraid out of their close places. (2 Samuel 22:44-46 KJV)
Does God deliver us from enemies and will He place us above them? Do we sing God’s praises? Are we of Christ, David’s seed?
Yahweh lives, and blessed be my rock; And let God, the rock of my salvation, be lifted high, The God who executes vengeance for me, And brings down peoples under me, Who also brings me out from my enemies; You even lift me above those who rise up against me; You rescue me from the violent man. Therefore I will give thanks to You, O Yahweh, among the nations, And I will sing praises to Your name. He gives great salvation to His king, And shows lovingkindness to His anointed, To David and his seed forever.” (2 Samuel 22:47-51 LSB)
What is the purpose of praise, insincere flattery or acknowledging the truth about God?
But a time is coming, and even now has arrived, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. (John 4:23-24 NASB)
Do we look to God for protection, for deliverance? Do we sing God’s praise? What is the purpose of praise? You decide!
Would a former shepherd like David see a high rock as a safe place for sheep from predators? Is the Lord our refuge from violent people?
David sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—from violent people you save me. (2 Samuel 22:1-3 NIV)
In times of distress do we trust the Lord to hear our prayers for deliverance?
I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies. “When the waves of death surrounded me, The floods of ungodliness made me afraid. The sorrows of Sheol [the grave] surrounded me; The snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called upon the Lord, And cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, And my cry entered His ears. (2 Samuel 22:4-7 NKJV)
How great is our God? Do we trust that He will scatter our enemies?
Then the earth quaked and trembled. The foundations of the heavens shook; they quaked because of his anger. Smoke poured from his nostrils; fierce flames leaped from his mouth. Glowing coals blazed forth from him. He opened the heavens and came down; dark storm clouds were beneath his feet. Mounted on a mighty angelic being, he flew, soaring on the wings of the wind. He shrouded himself in darkness, veiling his approach with dense rain clouds. A great brightness shone around him, and burning coals blazed forth. The Lord thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded. He shot arrows and scattered his enemies; his lightning flashed, and they were confused. Then at the command of the Lord, at the blast of his breath, the bottom of the sea could be seen, and the foundations of the earth were laid bare. (2 Samuel 22:8-16 NLT)
Do we trust that God will rescue us from extreme situations and strong enemies?
He sent from on high and he took me. He drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. They came on me in the day of my calamity, but Yahweh was my support. He also brought me out into a large place. He delivered me, because he delighted in me. (2 Samuel 22:17-20 WEB)
Do we trust that the Lord will reward us for keeping His ways?
The Lord rewarded me for my righteousness; he restored me because my hands are clean, because I have kept the Lord’s ways. I haven’t acted wickedly against my God. All his rules are right in front of me; I haven’t turned away from any of his laws. I have lived with integrity before him; I’ve kept myself from wrongdoing. And so the Lord restored me for my righteousness, because I am clean in his eyes. (2 Samuel 22:21-25 CEB)
Is God always loyal to the loyal and faithful to the faithful? Will He defeat our enemies?
You are always loyal to your loyal people, and you are faithful to the faithful. With all who are sincere you are sincere, but you treat the unfaithful as their deeds deserve. You rescue the humble, but you look for ways to put down the proud. Our Lord and God, you are my lamp. You turn darkness to light. You help me defeat armies and capture cities. (2 Samuel 22:26-30 CEV)
Is God’s way perfect? Is His word true? Is He our strong refuge?
This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. “For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? This God is my strong refuge and has made my way blameless. He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. (2 Samuel 22:31-34 ESV)
Are we at war against evil? Do we take the shield of salvation?
He trains my hands for war; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have given me the shield of Your salvation; Your help exalts me. You widen a place beneath me for my steps, and my ankles do not give way. I pursue my enemies and destroy them; I do not turn back until they are wiped out. I wipe them out and crush them, and they do not rise; they fall beneath my feet. (2 Samuel 22:35-39 HCSB)
Do we have strength from God to face life’s battles? Can we defeat life’s enemies?
You strengthened me with valor sufficient for the battle; you made those who rebelled against me fall beneath me. You made my enemies turn and run—that is, those who hate me—and I destroyed them! They looked around, but there was no one to save them—they looked to the Lord, but he paid no attention! I pulverized them to powder, like the dust of the earth; I crushed them, stomping on them like mud on a street. (2 Samuel 22:40-43 ISV)
Will God deliver us from the attacks of false friends and strangers?
Thou also hast delivered me from the strivings of my people, thou hast kept me to be head of the heathen: a people which I knew not shall serve me. Strangers shall submit themselves unto me: as soon as they hear, they shall be obedient unto me. Strangers shall fade away, and they shall be afraid out of their close places. (2 Samuel 22:44-46 KJV)
Does God deliver us from enemies and will He place us above them? Do we sing God’s praises? Are we of Christ, David’s seed?
Yahweh lives, and blessed be my rock; And let God, the rock of my salvation, be lifted high, The God who executes vengeance for me, And brings down peoples under me, Who also brings me out from my enemies; You even lift me above those who rise up against me; You rescue me from the violent man. Therefore I will give thanks to You, O Yahweh, among the nations, And I will sing praises to Your name. He gives great salvation to His king, And shows lovingkindness to His anointed, To David and his seed forever.” (2 Samuel 22:47-51 LSB)
What is the purpose of praise, insincere flattery or acknowledging the truth about God?
But a time is coming, and even now has arrived, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. (John 4:23-24 NASB)
Do we look to God for protection, for deliverance? Do we sing God’s praise? What is the purpose of praise? You decide!
Gibeonite Justice (2 Samuel 21)
Did David do what the Lord really wanted to atone for the atrocity committed against the Gibeonites or did God bless the land despite David’s inadequacy? Let’s look at 2 Samuel 21.
Why was there a famine? Had Saul violated a peace treaty with the Gibeonites that Joshua had made? Were others in Saul’s house also guilty of this atrocity? Did David pray about this action, or just rush in without prayer?
Now there was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year. And David sought the face of the Lord. And the Lord said, “There is bloodguilt on Saul and on his house, because he put the Gibeonites to death.” So the king called the Gibeonites and spoke to them. Now the Gibeonites were not of the people of Israel but of the remnant of the Amorites. Although the people of Israel had sworn to spare them, Saul had sought to strike them down in his zeal for the people of Israel and Judah. And David said to the Gibeonites, “What shall I do for you? And how shall I make atonement, that you may bless the heritage of the Lord?” The Gibeonites said to him, “It is not a matter of silver or gold between us and Saul or his house; neither is it for us to put any man to death in Israel.” And he said, “What do you say that I shall do for you?” They said to the king, “The man who consumed us and planned to destroy us, so that we should have no place in all the territory of Israel, let seven of his sons be given to us, so that we may hang them before the Lord at Gibeah of Saul, the chosen of the Lord.” And the king said, “I will give them.” (2 Samuel 21:1-6 ESV)
Were the seven executed among the guilty? Does sin affect whole communities? How is Jesus’ death a more perfect justice for sin?
David spared Mephibosheth, the son of Saul’s son Jonathan, because of the oath of the Lord that was between David and Jonathan, Saul’s son. But the king took Armoni and Mephibosheth, who were the two sons whom Rizpah daughter of Aiah had borne to Saul, and the five sons whom Merab daughter of Saul had borne to Adriel son of Barzillai the Meholathite and handed them over to the Gibeonites. They hanged them on the hill in the presence of the Lord; the seven of them died together. They were executed in the first days of the harvest at the beginning of the barley harvest. (2 Samuel 21:7-9 HCSB)
Did God want David’s specific actions or were they actually against God’s law? Did God answer the people’s prayers despite David’s questionable solution? What did David do after noticing Rizpah’s care for her deceased sons?
Then Aiah’s daughter Rizpah grabbed some sackcloth and spread it out for herself on the rock where her children had been hanged from the beginning of harvest until the first rain fell from the sky. She would not allow any scavenger birds to land on them during the day nor the beasts of the field to approach them at night. When David was informed what Rizpah, the daughter of Saul’s mistress had done, David had Saul’s bones and the bones of his son Jonathan removed from the custody of certain men from Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the public square in Beth-shan, where the Philistines had hanged them—that is, back on the day when the Philistines had killed Saul on Mount Gilboa. He brought the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan from there along with the bones of those who had been hanged, and they buried Saul’s bones and his son Jonathan’s bones in the territory of Benjamin in Zela, in the tomb of Saul’s father Kish. After they had done everything that the king commanded, God responded to prayers for the land. (2 Samuel 21:10-14 ISV)
Did Israel again battle with the Philistines and a giant? Because of his age, was David told to stay home?
Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines: and David waxed faint. And Ishbibenob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David. But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel. (2 Samuel 21:15-17 KJV)
Did Israel have three more battles against the Philistines that included giants? Did others follow David’s faith and also become giant slayers?
Now it happened afterwards that there was war again with the Philistines at Gob; then Sibbecai the Hushathite struck down Saph, who was among those born to the giants. There was war with the Philistines again at Gob, and Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim the Bethlehemite struck down Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. Then there was war at Gath again, and there was a man of great stature who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot, twenty-four in number; and he also had been born to the giants. And he reproached Israel, so Jonathan the son of Shimei, David’s brother, struck him down. These four were born to the giants in Gath, and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants. (2 Samuel 21:18-22 LSB)
Is Old Testament history always a prescription for us to do likewise or a description of both righteous and unrighteous acts? Were any of the patriarchs and matriarchs completely adequate in their faith? Are we? How is the old covenant transformed in the new?
Such is the confidence we have toward God through Christ. Not that we are adequate in ourselves so as to consider anything as having come from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (2 Corinthians 3:4-6 NASB)
Did David do what the Lord really wanted to atone for the atrocity committed against the Gibeonites or did God bless the land despite David’s inadequacy? You decide!
Why was there a famine? Had Saul violated a peace treaty with the Gibeonites that Joshua had made? Were others in Saul’s house also guilty of this atrocity? Did David pray about this action, or just rush in without prayer?
Now there was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year. And David sought the face of the Lord. And the Lord said, “There is bloodguilt on Saul and on his house, because he put the Gibeonites to death.” So the king called the Gibeonites and spoke to them. Now the Gibeonites were not of the people of Israel but of the remnant of the Amorites. Although the people of Israel had sworn to spare them, Saul had sought to strike them down in his zeal for the people of Israel and Judah. And David said to the Gibeonites, “What shall I do for you? And how shall I make atonement, that you may bless the heritage of the Lord?” The Gibeonites said to him, “It is not a matter of silver or gold between us and Saul or his house; neither is it for us to put any man to death in Israel.” And he said, “What do you say that I shall do for you?” They said to the king, “The man who consumed us and planned to destroy us, so that we should have no place in all the territory of Israel, let seven of his sons be given to us, so that we may hang them before the Lord at Gibeah of Saul, the chosen of the Lord.” And the king said, “I will give them.” (2 Samuel 21:1-6 ESV)
Were the seven executed among the guilty? Does sin affect whole communities? How is Jesus’ death a more perfect justice for sin?
David spared Mephibosheth, the son of Saul’s son Jonathan, because of the oath of the Lord that was between David and Jonathan, Saul’s son. But the king took Armoni and Mephibosheth, who were the two sons whom Rizpah daughter of Aiah had borne to Saul, and the five sons whom Merab daughter of Saul had borne to Adriel son of Barzillai the Meholathite and handed them over to the Gibeonites. They hanged them on the hill in the presence of the Lord; the seven of them died together. They were executed in the first days of the harvest at the beginning of the barley harvest. (2 Samuel 21:7-9 HCSB)
Did God want David’s specific actions or were they actually against God’s law? Did God answer the people’s prayers despite David’s questionable solution? What did David do after noticing Rizpah’s care for her deceased sons?
Then Aiah’s daughter Rizpah grabbed some sackcloth and spread it out for herself on the rock where her children had been hanged from the beginning of harvest until the first rain fell from the sky. She would not allow any scavenger birds to land on them during the day nor the beasts of the field to approach them at night. When David was informed what Rizpah, the daughter of Saul’s mistress had done, David had Saul’s bones and the bones of his son Jonathan removed from the custody of certain men from Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the public square in Beth-shan, where the Philistines had hanged them—that is, back on the day when the Philistines had killed Saul on Mount Gilboa. He brought the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan from there along with the bones of those who had been hanged, and they buried Saul’s bones and his son Jonathan’s bones in the territory of Benjamin in Zela, in the tomb of Saul’s father Kish. After they had done everything that the king commanded, God responded to prayers for the land. (2 Samuel 21:10-14 ISV)
Did Israel again battle with the Philistines and a giant? Because of his age, was David told to stay home?
Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines: and David waxed faint. And Ishbibenob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David. But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel. (2 Samuel 21:15-17 KJV)
Did Israel have three more battles against the Philistines that included giants? Did others follow David’s faith and also become giant slayers?
Now it happened afterwards that there was war again with the Philistines at Gob; then Sibbecai the Hushathite struck down Saph, who was among those born to the giants. There was war with the Philistines again at Gob, and Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim the Bethlehemite struck down Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. Then there was war at Gath again, and there was a man of great stature who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot, twenty-four in number; and he also had been born to the giants. And he reproached Israel, so Jonathan the son of Shimei, David’s brother, struck him down. These four were born to the giants in Gath, and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants. (2 Samuel 21:18-22 LSB)
Is Old Testament history always a prescription for us to do likewise or a description of both righteous and unrighteous acts? Were any of the patriarchs and matriarchs completely adequate in their faith? Are we? How is the old covenant transformed in the new?
Such is the confidence we have toward God through Christ. Not that we are adequate in ourselves so as to consider anything as having come from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (2 Corinthians 3:4-6 NASB)
Did David do what the Lord really wanted to atone for the atrocity committed against the Gibeonites or did God bless the land despite David’s inadequacy? You decide!
Stopping a Rebel (2 Samuel 20)
When reconciliation cannot be had, how can a rebel’s destructive influence be stopped? Let’s begin in 2 Samuel 20.
Did a rebel named Sheba, son of Bikri, stir up division among the tribes?
Now a wicked [worthless] man, a Benjaminite named Sheba son of Bichri, happened to be there. He blew the ram’s horn and shouted: We have no portion in David, no inheritance in Jesse’s son. Each man to his tent, Israel! So all the men of Israel deserted David and followed Sheba son of Bichri, but the men of Judah from the Jordan all the way to Jerusalem remained loyal to their king. (2 Samuel 20:1-2 HCSB)
How did David care for the ten concubines that had been raped by Absalom?
When David arrived at his palace in Jerusalem, the king took the ten mistresses whom he had left behind to keep the palace in order and placed them in a separate house, providing for them under the care of a protective guard. He never visited them again, so they were under care until they died, living as if their husbands had died. (2 Samuel 20:3 ISV)
What did David do about the rebel Sheba son of Bikri?
Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and be thou here present. So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah: but he tarried longer than the set time which he had appointed him. And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us. And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri. (2 Samuel 20:4-7 KJV)
What did Joab do to Amasa when he finally arrived on the scene?
They were at the large stone which is in Gibeon, and Amasa came to meet them. Now Joab was dressed in his military attire, and over it was a belt with a sword in its sheath fastened at his waist; and as he came out, it fell out. Then Joab said to Amasa, “Is it well with you, my brother?” And Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him. But Amasa was not on guard against the sword which was in Joab’s hand so he struck him in the belly with it and poured out his inward parts on the ground, and did not strike him again, and he died. Then Joab and Abishai his brother pursued Sheba the son of Bichri. (2 Samuel 20:8-10 LSB)
What happened to Amasa’s body after Joab killed him?
Now one of Joab’s young men stood by him and said, “Whoever favors Joab and whoever is for David, follow Joab!” But Amasa was wallowing in his own blood in the middle of the road. And when the man saw that all the people stood still, he removed Amasa from the road to the field and threw a garment over him when he saw that everyone who came by him stood still. As soon as he was removed from the road, all the men went on after Joab to pursue Sheba the son of Bichri. (2 Samuel 20:11-13 NASB)
How was Sheba the rebel son of Bichri finally cornered and killed?
Sheba passed through all the tribes of Israel to Abel Beth Maakah and through the entire region of the Bikrites, who gathered together and followed him. All the troops with Joab came and besieged Sheba in Abel Beth Maakah. They built a siege ramp up to the city, and it stood against the outer fortifications. While they were battering the wall to bring it down, a wise woman called from the city, “Listen! Listen! Tell Joab to come here so I can speak to him.” He went toward her, and she asked, “Are you Joab?” “I am,” he answered. She said, “Listen to what your servant has to say.” “I’m listening,” he said. She continued, “Long ago they used to say, ‘Get your answer at Abel,’ and that settled it. We are the peaceful and faithful in Israel. You are trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why do you want to swallow up the Lord’s inheritance?” “Far be it from me!” Joab replied, “Far be it from me to swallow up or destroy! That is not the case. A man named Sheba son of Bikri, from the hill country of Ephraim, has lifted up his hand against the king, against David. Hand over this one man, and I’ll withdraw from the city.” The woman said to Joab, “His head will be thrown to you from the wall.” Then the woman went to all the people with her wise advice, and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bikri and threw it to Joab. So he sounded the trumpet, and his men dispersed from the city, each returning to his home. And Joab went back to the king in Jerusalem. (2 Samuel 20:14-22 NIV)
Who were some of David’s government officers at that time?
And Joab was over all the army of Israel; Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; Adoram was in charge of revenue; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder; Sheva was scribe; Zadok and Abiathar were the priests; and Ira the Jairite was a chief minister under David. (2 Samuel 20:23-26 NKJV)
What are we to do with people who cause such divisions in the church?
If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. (Titus 3:10 NLT)
What are we to do with very serious infractions inside the church?
If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother. But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly. If he refuses to hear the assembly also, let him be to you as a Gentile or a tax collector. (Matthew 18:15-17 WEB)
What kinds of sins are serious enough to warrant avoiding fellowship?
But now I’m writing to you not to associate with anyone who calls themselves “brother” or “sister” who is sexually immoral, greedy, someone who worships false gods, an abusive person, a drunk, or a swindler. Don’t even eat with anyone like this. (1 Corinthians 5:11 CEB)
When reconciliation cannot be had, how can a rebel’s destructive influence be stopped? You decide!
Did a rebel named Sheba, son of Bikri, stir up division among the tribes?
Now a wicked [worthless] man, a Benjaminite named Sheba son of Bichri, happened to be there. He blew the ram’s horn and shouted: We have no portion in David, no inheritance in Jesse’s son. Each man to his tent, Israel! So all the men of Israel deserted David and followed Sheba son of Bichri, but the men of Judah from the Jordan all the way to Jerusalem remained loyal to their king. (2 Samuel 20:1-2 HCSB)
How did David care for the ten concubines that had been raped by Absalom?
When David arrived at his palace in Jerusalem, the king took the ten mistresses whom he had left behind to keep the palace in order and placed them in a separate house, providing for them under the care of a protective guard. He never visited them again, so they were under care until they died, living as if their husbands had died. (2 Samuel 20:3 ISV)
What did David do about the rebel Sheba son of Bikri?
Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and be thou here present. So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah: but he tarried longer than the set time which he had appointed him. And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us. And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri. (2 Samuel 20:4-7 KJV)
What did Joab do to Amasa when he finally arrived on the scene?
They were at the large stone which is in Gibeon, and Amasa came to meet them. Now Joab was dressed in his military attire, and over it was a belt with a sword in its sheath fastened at his waist; and as he came out, it fell out. Then Joab said to Amasa, “Is it well with you, my brother?” And Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him. But Amasa was not on guard against the sword which was in Joab’s hand so he struck him in the belly with it and poured out his inward parts on the ground, and did not strike him again, and he died. Then Joab and Abishai his brother pursued Sheba the son of Bichri. (2 Samuel 20:8-10 LSB)
What happened to Amasa’s body after Joab killed him?
Now one of Joab’s young men stood by him and said, “Whoever favors Joab and whoever is for David, follow Joab!” But Amasa was wallowing in his own blood in the middle of the road. And when the man saw that all the people stood still, he removed Amasa from the road to the field and threw a garment over him when he saw that everyone who came by him stood still. As soon as he was removed from the road, all the men went on after Joab to pursue Sheba the son of Bichri. (2 Samuel 20:11-13 NASB)
How was Sheba the rebel son of Bichri finally cornered and killed?
Sheba passed through all the tribes of Israel to Abel Beth Maakah and through the entire region of the Bikrites, who gathered together and followed him. All the troops with Joab came and besieged Sheba in Abel Beth Maakah. They built a siege ramp up to the city, and it stood against the outer fortifications. While they were battering the wall to bring it down, a wise woman called from the city, “Listen! Listen! Tell Joab to come here so I can speak to him.” He went toward her, and she asked, “Are you Joab?” “I am,” he answered. She said, “Listen to what your servant has to say.” “I’m listening,” he said. She continued, “Long ago they used to say, ‘Get your answer at Abel,’ and that settled it. We are the peaceful and faithful in Israel. You are trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why do you want to swallow up the Lord’s inheritance?” “Far be it from me!” Joab replied, “Far be it from me to swallow up or destroy! That is not the case. A man named Sheba son of Bikri, from the hill country of Ephraim, has lifted up his hand against the king, against David. Hand over this one man, and I’ll withdraw from the city.” The woman said to Joab, “His head will be thrown to you from the wall.” Then the woman went to all the people with her wise advice, and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bikri and threw it to Joab. So he sounded the trumpet, and his men dispersed from the city, each returning to his home. And Joab went back to the king in Jerusalem. (2 Samuel 20:14-22 NIV)
Who were some of David’s government officers at that time?
And Joab was over all the army of Israel; Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; Adoram was in charge of revenue; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder; Sheva was scribe; Zadok and Abiathar were the priests; and Ira the Jairite was a chief minister under David. (2 Samuel 20:23-26 NKJV)
What are we to do with people who cause such divisions in the church?
If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. (Titus 3:10 NLT)
What are we to do with very serious infractions inside the church?
If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother. But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly. If he refuses to hear the assembly also, let him be to you as a Gentile or a tax collector. (Matthew 18:15-17 WEB)
What kinds of sins are serious enough to warrant avoiding fellowship?
But now I’m writing to you not to associate with anyone who calls themselves “brother” or “sister” who is sexually immoral, greedy, someone who worships false gods, an abusive person, a drunk, or a swindler. Don’t even eat with anyone like this. (1 Corinthians 5:11 CEB)
When reconciliation cannot be had, how can a rebel’s destructive influence be stopped? You decide!
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