*WISDOM FOR TODAY.*
*DAVID; IF NOT, WHY NOT?*
*Scripture Treasure.*
2 Sam 18:5, 14
v5 *And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.*
v14 *Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak.*
*lnsight and Highlight.*
We often give importance to people who ignore us, and we ignore people who pay attention to us.
*Scripture Commentaries.*
David gave attention to Absalom, who ignored him, but David ignored Joab, who paid attention to him.
Joab was King David's Chief of General Staff. He was the son of David's sister, 2 Sam, 1 Chron 2:13-17.
He was head of his army and was often a good adviser to the king, 2 Sam 24:1-17.
He was a faithful lieutenant. He did everything for his master, David.
He was at times unbecoming. Notable was his dirty job on Uriah, 2 Sam 11:14.
Part of his good works was his advice to David on the census. David paid a dear cost for ignoring Joab's counsel.
David's refusal resulted in the death of many people, 2 Sam 24:1-7. He never ignored David, but David ignored him here where it most mattered.
David had passed an instruction to Joab, Abishai, and lttai that they spared his rebellious son, Absalom, 2 Sam 18:5.
Absalom was a bad son to David and a nation's tragedy, 2 Sam 18:31
Joab, knowing how dangerous and treacherous Absalom was, killed him.
It was at an astonishing surprise and dismay to David's army when David reacted to mourn his son in spite of his evil against the king.
Joab lambasted David saying David had
*".....shamed this day the faces of all...."* his servants, 2 Sam 19:5.
It almost affected David's vote of confidence and control as king.
Yes, one would expect David to mourn over his son. At least a son is a son, but a better approach was expected of him.
A personal interest was over a national interest. Absalom was not only a threat to David's family but also to the nation of Israel as a whole.
He wanted to change the course of God's plan. No wonder Joab said in 2 Sam 19:6 *In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well.*
Joab was right.He advised David and David heeded and pleaded with the people so as to establish his tentacles on the kingship, 2 Sam 19:7.
We must be careful and be reasonable not to ignore people who are important to us in fulfilling God's plan for our lives.
Remember, Joab was not against David mourning Absalom. He was only feeling that Absalom was a danger to David and the people. David should at least mourn but also show some feelings for national interest. This was God's concern, too.
The question all the people must have been asking David who did not want Absalom to die must have been "David, if not Absalom,
who else? If not Absalom, why not him?
May God love you and your entire household in Jesus name.
*Remorse corner.*
Eli, if not Hophi and Phineas, why not?
Eli personal interest was over God's interest.
Eli fell and died. His sons were slayed. The glory departed Israel, 1 Sam 4:11, 18, 22.
*Call to Word action.*
Genesis 18:19 *For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.*
*The Christian clarion duty.*
It is never God's interest to allow our family interest ignored. God, however, warns us ahead so that we can avoid our personal interest clashing with His Kingdom interest, 1 Sam 2:23-25
Lord, please help me and my household to please You, in Jesus name.
Good morning all and have a blessed day today.
God bless you.
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