Day 139- The Bible Recap

Today's reading is 2 Samuel 19-21. Here's what stood out to me:

While it seemed a little cruel of a response to me, Joab was angry with David because he was mourning the loss of Absalom when he thought he should've been congratulating and welcoming home the men who fought for him. Joab explained that it was an insult to the men who risked their lives for David to be weeping over their enemies.

There was division among Judah and Israel as to whether David should remain king. David sent his messengers out and, in a shocking turn of events, demoted Joab and promoted Amasa, Absalom's past general. But in doing so, "he swayed the hearts of all the men of Judah."

I thought it was very humbling that David pardoned several men who had earlier turned their backs on him. This definitely could've turned out much differently if he had been prideful and followed his own emotions.

Then along came Sheba. A man God's Word made very clear was worthless. Claiming they owed no loyalty to David, he led many men of Israel away.

Joab killed Amasa while pretending to greet him. And then, after having a conversation with a woman from Sheba's city, Sheba's head ended up being thrown over the city wall. I find it amazing that this woman prevented her entire city from being destroyed in the hunt for Sheba.

When David asked the LORD why famine continued in the land, He answered and said it was due to Saul going against the covenant he made with the Gibeonites, even though it was made through deceit. But I found it interesting that David didn't ask the LORD how to rectify this wrong and instead took advice from the Gibeonites themselves, who we already witnessed practicing deceit.

Towards the end of chapter 21 it seemed as though David's strength was beginning to weaken. His men told him, "You shall no longer go out with us to battle, lest you quench the lamp of Israel."

~Ann Mays