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2 Samuel 10-12 and Psalm 47

Before diving into the main theme today, chapter 10 recounts the foolish behavior of Hanun, the son of the king of the Ammonites. David sent an envoy to show kindness, but Hanun was advised by his commanders, “David sent them to you only to explore the city and spy it out” (2 Samuel 10:3). They decided to humiliate the men and send a signal to David,

So Hanun seized David’s envoys, shaved off half of each man’s beard, cut off their garments at the buttocks, and sent them away. 2 Samuel 10:4

From the narrative, David did not overreact to this ridiculous behavior. He sent messengers to his envoys and had them go to Jericho until their beards grew back. I suppose he replaced their robs and gave them grace. Hanun, however, knew he was an idiot and continued his foolish ways by hiring an army to attack Israel. David dispatched Joab to handle the aggression. Suffice it to say, it didn’t go well with Hanun and the Arameans no longer took contracts with the Ammonites!

Chapters 11 & 12 contain the narrative that describes David’s great sin. His lust for Bathsheba dominates his thinking and demonstrates what can happen when leaders’ actions go unchecked, the shameful abuse of royal powers. This should be required reading for any in leadership positions.

Similar to the account in chapter 10, David sends Joab out to deal with the Ammonites. I’ve heard sermons suggest David was getting lazy in his old age, but reading this today, it seems like the normal course of events: send Joab, if he needs help (doubtful), David will join the battle. In any case, David and his wandering eyes survey the city beneath him and sees Bathsheba bathing herself on a rooftop. She’s bathing because her menstrual cycle is over and she is now able to rejoin society (from unclean to clean). Clearly, she is not pregnant.

David sends for her. No pretense here. It’s not like he’s looking for a partner to play cards with. It didn’t take long to discover she was pregnant. David’s first plan is to get Bathsheba’s husband home from the battle so he would sleep with her and conceal David’s affair. Uriah, however, is an honorable soldier,

How could I go to my house to eat and drink and make love to my wife? As surely as you live, I will not do such a thing! 2 Samuel 11:11

How can Uriah lead his men in battle if he gets a break from war while they’re out fighting? He knows his men will hear about this, so he chastens himself and sleeps at the palace entrance.

The second plan was to get Uriah drunk, so he stayed another day, but still refused to go home. Now considering David was watching Bathsheba from the palace, it’s not far to his house. Bathsheba, on the other hand, probably knew Uriah was there, but dared not go to him. This was probably a cultural breech of protocol (my guess), but certainly didn’t want him to detect she was pregnant. Anyway, as close as home was, Uriah refused.

The third plan was outright cruel. In a letter to Joab he wrote, “Put Uriah out in front where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from his so he will be struck down and die.” 2 Samuel 11:15 Joab doesn’t blink and it’s no surprise that Uriah was killed that day. Joab sends a messenger with a warning that the king might overreact, so he reminds the messenger about Samson’s son being killed under similar battle conditions, blah, blah, blah. Joab is not fool. He knows that David had a plan to murder Uriah and he is playing along. David continues the drama by responding with words to “encourage Joab.” Seriously!

Bathsheba is told about Uriah’s death. After a period of obligatory morning, she becomes one of David’s wives.

Nathan Rebukes David

“The Lord sent Nathan to David.” (2 Samuel 12:1) David has no clue what’s about to unfold. Nathan tells a story that pits a rich man against a poor man. The rich man acts outrageously in the story and David’s anger is aroused, “As surely as the Lord live, the man who did this must die!” (2 Samuel 12:5)

Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. I gave your master’s house to you, and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you all Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more…” 2 Samuel 12:7-8

The words then get specific, revealing the secret actions of David. David immediately confesses, “I have sinned against the Lord.” You don’t say.

Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But because by doing this you have shown utter contempt for the Lord, the son born to you will die.” 2 Samuel 12:13-14

The sin is forgiven. Sadly, the child dies, but David’s confession is heartfelt, he is sincere.

Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and made love to her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. 2 Samuel 12:24

Solomon is the son of David and Bathsheba. That is remarkable, a detail that should not be overlooked. The relationship began with sin: David’s lust for Bathsheba and no signs of her complaining that the king wanted her. Both sinned, though clearly David’s was far greater. God still forgives as we know Solomon will rise to great power.

2 Samuel 1-6

The beginning of 2 Samuel continues the narrative from the last chapters of 1 Samuel. In chapter 1, David has finished his campaign against the Amalekites when a messenger appears:

“The men fled from the battle,” he replied. “Many of them fell and died. And Saul and his son Jonathan are dead.” 2 Samuel 2:4

This messenger is a scoundrel, and a fool, groveling to win David’s favor. His lips deceive him as he fabricates the story of Saul’s death and his flippant statement that Jonathan is dead weighs heavily on David. While there’s no indication that David knows the truth, perhaps there is some divine discernment in this Amalekite’s testimony. In any case, David’s verdict is swift.

Then David called one of his men and said, “Go, strike him down!” So he struck him down, and he died. For David had said to him, “Your blood be on your own head. Your own mouth testified against you when you said, ‘I killed the Lord’s anointed.’” 2 Samuel 1:15-16

David grieves for Saul and Jonathan. True to form, he expresses his emotion in song. He demonstrates great respect for “the Lord’s anointed” and his great love for his “brother” Jonathan. David is not looking forward to this day and he does not rejoice that the crazy man is dead.

“In the course of time,” chapter 2 begins, David asks the Lord for direction and is told to go to Hebron where he is officially crowned King of Judah. Meanwhile, Abner is executing his plan on Saul’s side and appoints Ish-Bosheth king of Israel since he is one of Saul’s sons.

Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, had taken Ish-Bosheth son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim. He made him king over Gilead, Ashuri and Jezreel, and also over Ephraim, Benjamin and all Israel. 2 Samuel 2:8-9

The bulk of the next chapters in this reading is all about the shifting of power in the kingdom. This was a time and age when kings won war by brutal force and women were taken as possessions to quickly expand the king’s offspring. The narrative provides details that are not easy to read, honestly, but part of the story of our ancestors.

We are introduced to Joab at the beginning of this narrative. He’s a mighty warrior that will appear time and time again throughout the course of David’s history. It will be interesting to note his actions as we read through 2 Samuel. It seems Joab is a necessary evil when controlled, but bridling him is beyond anyone, or so it seems.

Abner and Joab meet and decide to have 12 men fight from each camp. “Then each man grabbed his opponent by the head and thrust his dagger into his opponent’s side, and they fell down together.” 2 Samuel 2:16 The battle begins. Abner kills Joab’s brother Asahel after a chase and Joab is ticked! (Not a good thing for anyone near!!).

Abner called out to Joab, “Must the sword devour forever? Don’t you realize that this will end in bitterness? How long before you order your men to stop pursuing their fellow Israelites?” 2 Samuel 2:26

David’s position continued to grow stronger during the civil war between the Israelites. I can only think the Philistines are watching as the tribes of Israel fight each other, hoping they will kill each other off to the point that they can take over when the time is right.

In chapter 3, while the war rages, Abner continues to strengthen his position when we run across an odd encounter between Abner and Ish-Bosheth, “Why did you sleep with my father’s concubine?” 2 Samuel 3:7. Ish-Bosheth is calling Abner out…not a good idea! He has to let Ish-Bosheth continue as king and hold his anger inside.

It seems Abner has a plan to position himself with David, so he sends a message to David to begin negotiations. David responds to Ish-Bosheth, the puppet-king, and demands Michal be returned to him as his betrothed. Yep, David wants another wife. Chapter 3 began listing six sons born to David through six wives, now he gets Michal back.

Her husband, however, went with her, weeping behind her all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go back home!” So he went back.2 Samuel 3:16

Abner is in control, let there be no doubt. This is all part of his ploy to maintain his powerful position as head of the army. He goes over to David and is greeted in peace. Joab, on the other hand, is looking for an opportunity to avenge his brother.

Now when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into an inner chamber, as if to speak with him privately. And there, to avenge the blood of his brother Asahel, Joab stabbed him in the stomach, and he died. 2 Samuel 3:27

David finds out what Joab did and curses his family, but doesn’t remove him from his position. Hmmm. The subtleties of war? I don’t understand why Joab remains, but his value to David must be greater than his liability. The story continues.

Then the king said to his men, “Do you not realize that a commander and a great man has fallen in Israel this day? And today, though I am the anointed king, I am weak, and these sons of Zeruiah are too strong for me. May the Lord repay the evildoer according to his evil deeds!” 2 Samuel 3:38-39

Ish-Bosheth is not much of a leader, one who is referred to as “frightened” several times. Chapter 4 recounts his assassination by Beenah and Rekab. When these two idiots cut off Ish-Bosheth’s head and present it to David, he has them executed, cuts off their heads AND feet and sends a clear signal to those watching, don’t mess with the royal family!

Chapter 4 also introduces Mephibosheth, Saul’s son, who escapes with his nurse, but crippled in the process. We’ll come back to that part of the story later.

Chapter 5 finally crowns David as king, the civil war is over.

When all the elders of Israel had come to King David at Hebron, the king made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel.2 Samuel 5:3

David goes on to capture Jerusalem and defeats the Philistines in several battles as he wisely inquires of the Lord for guidance.

Chapter 6 includes two particularly interesting points: 1) the ark mishandled and 2) Michal’s displeasure with David’s behavior. David is settling into his new palace and decides to relocate the ark. Apparently, those who got the message didn’t understand the process for handling the ark and they put is on a cart (it’s supposed to be carried with poles, etc.):

When they came to the threshing floor of Nakon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. The Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down, and he died there beside the ark of God. 2 Samuel 6:6-7

David is now scared of the ark, so he lets it stay at the house of Obed-Edom for a while. It doesn’t take long for Obed-Edom to begin to prosper (it appears God’s favor is upon them), so David sends for the ark to come to Jerusalem. He’s still frightened of the ark, so he has a parade stop every 6 steps while he dances like a crazy man to show his commitment to the Lord and reverence for the ark. Here’s the second point, Michal is not impressed.

As the ark of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him in her heart. … “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, going around half-naked in full view of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!” 2 Samuel 6:16, 20

David is not so pleased with her words,

I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor.” And Michal daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.2 Samuel 6:22-23

And so the story of King David begins.

1 Samuel 16-17 and Psalm 43

Chapter 16 has a great start:

How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way 1 Samuel 16:1

Samuel was moping about, so God shakes him up and sends him on a mission. Samuel is concerned that Saul will kill him, so the plan is to take a heifer to make a sacrifice, but the real objective is to meet Jesse.

When Samuel arrives at Bethlehem the people start to panic. He assures them he comes in peace and takes Jesse with him to offer a sacrifice. Samuel saw Eliab and was impressed with his size and stature. The Lord was not so moved!

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

I’m grateful the Lord looks at the heart! Samuel has Jesse call each of his sons until they get to the last one, the least one: David.

So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah.1 Samuel 16:13

“In the presence of his brothers…” reminds me of Joseph and makes me wonder if they remembered the story. It had to be one of the favorite stories to tell until it came to be their story.  Samuel departs and David returns to the sheep.

Goliath

In the last few chapters we see how this dance was set up. The Israelites are trembling because of the massive Philistines army, that army is sent into confusion by Jonathan’s brave tactical strike, then they regroup and the Israelites begin to fear again. It’s a very tense time. Both sides are afraid to a great extent. The Philistines enlist their giant. In modern times, size has little to do with fighting ability–weapons have changed all of that. But in ancient times (not that I’m that old!) it seems like a man the size of Goliath with the strength and agility, along with military training, could clear a swath of Israelites with a single sweeping blow. Also recall, the Israelites have few weapons of any consequence. The Philistine leaders decide this is the time to make their stand, so the dance begins.

Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.1 Samuel 17:11

David

The older brothers were following Saul, members of the army, while David was back tending sheep. Jesse sends David to take some food to his brothers. When David hears the taunts of Goliath, he asks,

“What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” 1 Samuel 17:26

Eliab, the oldest brother hears David and calls him out:

I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle. 1 Samuel 17:28

Now it really does sound like Jacob’s sons in Genesis 37, but the situation is much different. The armies are poised at each other, a single catalytic interaction is all that’s need to set off an explosion. Eliab is infuriated! Don’t poke the bear! Stop trying to agitate people baby brother!!

David gets an audience with Saul, but since he’s young, Saul essentially tells him to go away and let the grown-ups handle these matters. David, however, has lived with the power of the Lord within him and done some mighty acts in the wilderness where he explains how he has killed a lion and a bear–Goliath will be no different. Saul is convinced!

Saul’s men outfit David in armor and accoutrements of a soldier, but David takes them off explaining that he is not used to them and will be unable to fight. The physical aspect of taking on unfamiliar armor makes sense, but I wonder if this is also a metaphor. David needs nothing from Saul. It seems it would be better if David has no help from Saul at all, nothing that Saul can turn around and suggest that he helped in the battle. No. This is God with David against Goliath.

David and Goliath

Armed with a sling and five stones, David approaches Goliath. The taunting begins. First Goliath has a mouth full of curses from his gods, then David provides his rebuttal,

“You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:45-47

I didn’t want to include that much text in this blog, but it’s difficult to decide what to take out. The comparison of David’s words versus Goliath’s is significant. The bolded text shows how David gives all the honor to God while Goliath claims his personal victory by his own strength. Yes, “I’ll strike you down and cut off your head” is pretty personal, but it is surrounded by statements of honor and glory to God, not David.

David’s sling and stone skills would have won gold in the Olympics. He knocks Goliath to the ground, then decapitates him with his own oversized sword. The fuse ignited, the men of Israel pursued the fleeing Philistines.

The battle is always the Lord’s whether we recognize it or not. God help us to remember!

1 Samuel 12-15

Samuel addresses the people as Saul begins to rule as king. He summarizes the history of the Israelites and exonerates himself with full support of the people. He is now old and gray and has served faithfully his entire life. What an example.

But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will perish.” 1 Samuel 12:24-25

Chapter 13 begins with Jonathan attacking a Philistine outpost and Saul tooting his horn. All this seems to have done is stir up the Philistines so they assemble a massive army. Saul’s contingent is not nearly enough, so he calls for help, but the people are clearly frightened.

Saul’s Legacy Begins

Saul knew he had to do something, his credibility was on the line, not to mention the lives of Israel.Saul couldn’t text Samuel, he couldn’t send and email or make a call. He had to wait, but he didn’t know if it would be an hour or a month. Saul is probably thinking, Samuel is traveling about the land doing what he does, so who knows when he will arrive. The people are seriously afraid. He gets impatient and decides to make himself priest and offer sacrifices to please the Lord. Samuel arrives immediately after this decision and confronts Saul,

“You have done a foolish thing,” Samuel said. “You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command.” 1 Samuel 13:13-14

You would think this blunder early on in his career as king would serve as a solid course correction, but we know the rest of the story of Saul and that is certainly not the case. The challenge for leaders of leaders is to know when to call out the next generation. The requirement of the next generation is to listen to the old and gray leaders that have gone before–NOT because they are old and gray, we all become old and gray, but with a discerning ear that hears the voice of experience.

Moses made a remarkable blunder in striking the rock (twice), but took the rebuke well and led the people while mentoring Joshua. It was possible for Saul to learn from that example–they knew the history. However, it appears that he didn’t catch on.

Samuel departs and Saul’s “army” dwindles down to 600 men. Not a good sign. Even worse, they have few weapons, “So on the day of the battle not a soldier with Saul and Jonathan had a sword or spear in his hand; only Saul and his son Jonathan had them.” 1 Samuel 13:22

The Philistine tactic was to send out raiding parties to provoke the Israelites. The strategy was working well, so Jonathan talks to his armor bearer and devises a plan to attack an outpost.

If they say to us, ‘Wait there until we come to you,’ we will stay where we are and not go up to them. But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ we will climb up, because that will be our sign that the Lord has given them into our hands.” 1 Samuel 14:9-10

The Philistines arrogantly invite Jonathan to their whipping party, but discover Jonathan is a fighter and they lose 20 men in half an acre (like my front yard!). God was with Jonathan and the Philistines panic: a panic sent by God 1 Samuel 14:15.

Jonathan Eats Honey

Saul apparently came up with this clever idea that no soldier should eat before evening, so his army was losing energy. Jonathan didn’t hear this crazy command and has some honey to give him a boost of energy. The men let him know about Saul’s edict. Instead of doing what was logical, we see a trial and verdict where Jonathan is guilty. However, Jonathan’s men stand with him so he is spared that day. It seems pursuing the Philistines is off the agenda, so they settle for maintaining their boundaries.

Chapter 15 is an important chapter for leaders to read and understand, especially those of large and growing organizations. Saul was given clear instructions from the Lord, but he heard what he wanted to hear and though he had great success, his ego got the best of him. Instead of destroying all of the Amalikites, he captured the king and kept the best cattle. Samuel hears about this and confronts Saul. Saul is in complete denial, but Samuel is on point:

“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord?
To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.” 1 Samuel 15:22-23

Saul admits he has sinned and begs Samuel for forgiveness, to stay with him, but Samuel has had enough! As he leaves, Saul grabs his robe and tears it at them hem. This becomes a metaphor for Israel being torn from Saul’s hands.

The chapter ends with Samuel taking charge and executing the captured king of the Amalikites, something apparently Saul was not able to do.

Samuel leaves Saul as the problems are just beginning.