JOAB REBUKES DAVID DAVID RETURNS TO JERUSALEM 2...

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JOAB REBUKES DAVID

DAVID RETURNS TO JERUSALEM

2 SAMUEL 19:1-43

Landmark Publications, Inc., 1045 Maynor Avenue, Nashville, TN 37216, U.S.A., John C. Sewell, Ph.D., Editor


Joab Rebukes David

David Returns to Jerusalem

Text: 2 Samuel 19:1-43, 1. Joab was told, "The king is weeping and mourning for Absalom." 2. And for the whole army the victory that day was turned into mourning, because on that day the troops heard it said, "The king is grieving for his son." 3. The men stole into the city that day as men steal in who are ashamed when they flee from battle. 4. The king covered his face and cried aloud, "O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!" 5. Then Joab went into the house to the king and said, "Today you have humiliated all your men, who have just saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and the lives of your wives and concubines. 6. You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead. 7. Now go out and encourage your men. I swear by the LORD that if you don't go out, not a man will be left with you by nightfall. This will be worse for you than all the calamities that have come upon you from your youth till now." 8. So the king got up and took his seat in the gateway. When the men were told, "The king is sitting in the gateway," they all came before him. Meanwhile, the Israelites had fled to their homes.

Landmark Publications, Inc., 1045 Maynor Avenue, Nashville, TN., 37216, John C. Sewell, Ph.D., Editor


9. Throughout the tribes of Israel, the people were all arguing with each other, saying, "The king delivered us from the hand of our enemies; he is the one who rescued us from the hand of the Philistines. But now he has fled the country because of Absalom; 10. and Absalom, whom we anointed to rule over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about bringing the king back?" 11. King David sent this message to Zadok and Abiathar, the priests: "Ask the elders of Judah, 'Why should you be the last to bring the king back to his palace, since what is being said throughout Israel has reached the king at his quarters? 12. You are my brothers, my own flesh and blood. So why should you be the last to bring back the king?' 13. And say to Amasa, 'Are you not my own flesh and blood? May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if from now on you are not the commander of my army in place of Joab.' " 14. He won over the hearts of all the men of Judah as though they were one man. They sent word to the king, "Return, you and all your men." 15. Then the king returned and went as far as the Jordan. Now the men of Judah had come to Gilgal to go out and meet the king and bring him across the Jordan. 16. Shimei son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim, hurried down with the men of Judah to meet King David. 17. With him were a thousand Benjamites, along with Ziba, the steward of Saul's household, and his fifteen sons and twenty servants. They rushed to the Jordan, where the king was. 18. They crossed at the ford to take the king's household over and to do whatever he wished. When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell prostrate before the king 19. and said to him, "May my lord not hold me guilty. Do not remember how your servant did wrong on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. May the king put it out of his mind.



20. For I your servant know that I have sinned, but today I have come here as the first of the whole house of Joseph to come down and meet my lord the king." 21. Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said, "Shouldn't Shimei be put to death for this? He cursed the LORD's anointed." 22. David replied, "What do you and I have in common, you sons of Zeruiah? This day you have become my adversaries! Should anyone be put to death in Israel today? Do I not know that today I am king over Israel?" 23. So the king said to Shimei, "You shall not die." And the king promised him on oath. 24. Mephibosheth, Saul's grandson, also went down to meet the king. He had not taken care of his feet or trimmed his mustache or washed his clothes from the day the king left until the day he returned safely. 25. When he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, the king asked him, "Why didn't you go with me, Mephibosheth?" 26. He said, "My lord the king, since I your servant am lame, I said, 'I will have my donkey saddled and will ride on it, so I can go with the king.' But Ziba my servant betrayed me. 27. And he has slandered your servant to my lord the king. My lord the king is like an angel of God; so do whatever pleases you. 28. All my grandfather's descendants deserved nothing but death from my lord the king, but you gave your servant a place among those who eat at your table. So what right do I have to make any more appeals to the king?" 29. The king said to him, "Why say more? I order you and Ziba to divide the fields." 30. Mephibosheth said to the king, "Let him take everything, now that my lord the king has arrived home safely." 31. Barzillai the Gileadite also came down from Rogelim to cross the Jordan with the king and to send him on his way from there.



32. Now Barzillai was a very old man, eighty years of age. He had provided for the king during his stay in Mahanaim, for he was a very wealthy man. 33. The king said to Barzillai, "Cross over with me and stay with me in Jerusalem, and I will provide for you." 34. But Barzillai answered the king, "How many more years will I live, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king? 35. I am now eighty years old. Can I tell the difference between what is good and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats and drinks? Can I still hear the voices of men and women singers? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king? 36. Your servant will cross over the Jordan with the king for a short distance, but why should the king reward me in this way? 37. Let your servant return, that I may die in my own town near the tomb of my father and mother. But here is your servant Kimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king. Do for him whatever pleases you." 38. The king said, "Kimham shall cross over with me, and I will do for him whatever pleases you. And anything you desire from me I will do for you." 39. So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzillai and gave him his blessing, and Barzillai returned to his home. 40. When the king crossed over to Gilgal, Kimham crossed with him. All the troops of Judah and half the troops of Israel had taken the king over. 41. Soon all the men of Israel were coming to the king and saying to him, "Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, steal the king away and bring him and his household across the Jordan, together with all his men?" 42. All the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, "We did this because the king is closely related to us. Why are you



angry about it? Have we eaten any of the king's provisions? Have we taken anything for ourselves?" 43. Then the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, "We have ten shares in the king; and besides, we have a greater claim on David than you have. So why do you treat us with contempt? Were we not the first to speak of bringing back our king?" But the men of Judah responded even more harshly than the men of Israel. (NIV) Introduction: I. David had weathered a very serious rebellion regarding Absalom. (Coffman)

A. Time would be required for the strife and confusion to settle. (Coffman)

II. “David was part of the problem because he made several stupid and even sinful decisions.” (Coffman)

A. Coffman wrote, “If it had not been for the heroic action of Joab, David might indeed have lost his kingdom to some other usurper.”

Commentary:

Joab Rebukes David

2 Samuel 19:1, Joab was told, "The king is weeping and mourning for Absalom." The men stole into the city that day as men steal in who are ashamed when they flee from battle. (NIV) I. “Joab was told, ‘The king is weeping and mourning for Absalom.’ ”



A. Joab was one of three (3) sons of Zeruiah, David’s sister or half-sister. Joab’s brothers were Asahel and Abishai. Joab was the “general” or commander-in-chief of David’s army. (Youngblood) B. Absalom was the arrogant and vain son of David and Maacah who tried to take the kingship from his father by force. (Youngblood)

2 Samuel 19:2, And for the whole army the victory that day was turned into mourning, because on that day the troops heard it said, "The king is grieving for his son." (NIV) I. “And for the whole army the victory (salvation) that day was turned into mourning, . . .”

A. The army that should have been celebrating a great victory was depressed, saddened because the king was grieving because of the death of his son Absalom. B. “Valiant soldiers who had risked their lives for the life and honor of their king were entitled to be appreciated and applauded for their deeds,” Coffman wrote. C. “Instead of rejoicing that a major victory had been won, the people mourned over their success because their king was weeping and wailing because of the death of his worthless son.” (See Clarke.) D. The Pulpit Commentary states the people did not understand the poignant emotions caused by David’s conscience, and were pained at his seeming ingratitude for their bravery and his apparent indifference to the welfare of the nation.



II. “because on that day the troops heard it said, ‘The king is grieving for his son.’ ”

A. “As the troops returned from the battle their joyous spirit was quickly turned to gloom by the news that David was grieving over his dead son.” (Smith) B. The fact that David was suffering extreme and even excessive self-reproach and mental anguish because of his past sins which produced these adversities was evidently not understood by his troops. (See The Pulpit Commentary.)

1. His question, “Is the lad safe?” meant, “Has the hand of justice again smitten me?” (See The Pulpit Commentary.)

2 Samuel 19:3, The men stole into the city that day as men steal in who are ashamed when they flee from battle. (NIV) I. “The men stole into the city that day as men steal in who are ashamed when they flee from battle.”

A. Smith wrote that the victorious soldiers slipped back into Mahanaim as if they had been deserters from the battlefield.

1. “The men were acting like they were sorry they had won the battle,” Smith also wrote. 2. David’s “troops sulked back into the city as though they had lost the battle.” (Smith)

B. These events occurred on the day of the battle.



1. This indicates the battle was fought in the vicinity of Mahanaim.

2 Samuel 19:4, The king covered his face and cried aloud, "O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!" (NIV) I. “The king covered his face and cried aloud, . . .”

A. 2 Samuel 15:30, But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went; his head was covered and he was barefoot. All the people with him covered their heads too and were weeping as they went up. (NIV) B. David “was bawling out loud like a baby,” Coffman wrote.

1. Covering the face was customary for mourners, (Clarke). 2. Coffman said the troops understood by this that David was displeased with them.

C. Coffman noted that the Psalms David composed at this time show that David “was suffering extreme and even excessive self-reproach and mental anguish over his past sins.”

1. Coffman wrote, “The fact is that David’s earthly life at this juncture reads almost like an anthology of evil.”

II. “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!”

A. This prolonged intense grief was contrary to David’s personal and political interests and contrary to God’s will as well. (See Coffman.)



B. In a somewhat similar situation, God told Samuel not to prolong his grief regarding Saul. (See Coffman.)

1. 1 Samuel 16:1, The LORD said to Samuel, "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; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king." (NIV)

C. When the sons of Aaron the high priest were slain for their sins, Moses told Aaron not to “bewail them.” (See Coffman.)

1. Leviticus 10:6, Then Moses said to Aaron and his sons Eleazar and Ithamar, "Do not let your hair become unkempt, and do not tear your clothes, or you will die and the LORD will be angry with the whole community. But your relatives, all the house of Israel, may mourn for those the LORD has destroyed by fire. (NIV)

D. David may well have blamed himself for Absalom’s death believing that Absalom’s rebellion and death were punishment for David’s sins. (See The Pulpit Commentary.)

E. The repetitions here and in 2 Samuel 18:33 “accentuate the depth of David’s grief and anguish. Such a stylistic feature may be part of the usual language of funeral lamentations,” Anderson wrote.

2 Samuel 19:5, Then Joab went into the house to the king and said, "Today you have humiliated all your men, who have just saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and the lives of your wives and concubines. (NIV)



I. “Then Joab went into the house (residence) to the king and said,” . . .

A. Joab went to David and spoke to David as might be expected of a hardened and unsympathetic old veteran of many battles. B. Joab sensed that a major morale problem was in the making and set about to address this urgent problem. C. Joab saw things more objectively although he was obviously upset and angered by David’s lack of expressed appreciation for the valiant performance of the troops. (See The Pulpit Commentary.)

II. “Today you have humiliated all your men, who have just saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and the lives of your wives and concubines.

A. The actions of David had humiliated, disappointed his loyal soldiers. (See Smith.)

1. David was clearly wrong in this matter!

B. Joab reminded David that his men had risked their lives to save David and the royal family. (See Smith.)

1. Joab understood the position, view of his troops.

C. The slaughter would have been much more far reaching than stated here, had Absalom been victorious. D. Joab’s speech was rude, insolent, firm and full of common sense and necessary to bring David to the performance of his



duty. However, he did not show respect for his king. (See Clarke.) E. “Joab,” Clarke wrote, “was a good soldier, but in every respect a bad man, and a dangerous subject.” F. Anderson wrote that Joab may have somewhat exaggerated certain consequences of David’s inaction.

1. 1 Kings 16:11, As soon as he began to reign and was seated on the throne, he killed off Baasha's whole family. He did not spare a single male, whether relative or friend. (NIV) 2. 2 Kings 10:6-8, Then Jehu wrote them a second letter, saying, "If you are on my side and will obey me, take the heads of your master's sons and come to me in Jezreel by this time tomorrow." Now the royal princes, seventy of them, were with the leading men of the city, who were rearing them. When the letter arrived, these men took the princes and slaughtered all seventy of them. They put their heads in baskets and sent them to Jehu in Jezreel. When the messenger arrived, he told Jehu, "They have brought the heads of the princes." Then Jehu ordered, "Put them in two piles at the entrance of the city gate until morning." (NIV)

2 Samuel 19:6, You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead. (NIV) I. “You love those who hate you and hate those who love you.”



A. “Joab accused David of not knowing who his real friends were,” Smith wrote.

1. It appeared David loved his enemies and hated his friends, Smith wrote. 2. “His troops had gotten the impression that David would have preferred that they had been slain in battle, and that Absalom had survived,” Smith wrote.

B. Joab must have been extremely angry with David. (Coffman)

1. “Joab’s rebuke of David was totally lacking of any respect for the king,” Coffman wrote. 2. Coffman stated that David was “apparently deeply offended by Joab’s rebuke.”

II. “You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you.”

A. Joab saw the situation as most urgent as indicated by the repeated use of the word today in verses 5-6. (See Smith.)

III. “I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead.”

A. It certainly must have seemed that way to Joab and the troops. B. The Pulpit Commentary says, “David really was condemning himself for having brought lust and murder into his own house by abominable sin.”



2 Samuel 19:7, Now go out and encourage your men. I swear by the LORD that if you don't go out, not a man will be left with you by nightfall. This will be worse for you than all the calamities that have come upon you from your youth till now." (NIV) I. “Now go out and encourage your men.”

A. If David did not do as Joab said and that quickly, the troops would disperse, David would be left alone and would be fair game to other aspirants to the throne of Israel. (See The Pulpit Commentary.) B. David had many enemies and the troubles he would face if he did not retain and rebuild the morale of his troops would be worse than anything he had previously experienced. (See The Pulpit Commentary.)

II. “I swear by the Lord that if you don’t go out, not a man will be left with you by nightfall.”

A. “David’s soldiers would not continue to serve a king who allowed private grief to outweigh his gratitude for their services,” Smith wrote. B. Smith stated, “Joab may have been threatening to lead the troops away from David.”

1. If so, Joab was himself now threatening to undermine David’s rule, government, a most serious course of action. 2. Coffman wrote, “Joab, the military commander, could have easily engineered such a desertion.”



a. Joab could have led an insurrection against David had he not honored the troops who had saved David’s life and kingdom. (See Coffman.)

IV. “This will be worse for you than all the calamities that have come upon you from your youth till now.”

A. Joab shocked David into action! B. Was this a threat or Joab’s best judgment of the results of David’s continued failure to express appreciation to his troops for their loyal service.

2 Samuel 19:8, So the king got up and took his seat in the gateway. When the men were told, "The king is sitting in the gateway," they all came before him. Meanwhile, the Israelites had fled to their homes. (NIV) I. “So the king got up and took his seat in the gateway.”

A. Kings were accustomed to give audience to their people and there the troops came before him. (See Smith.)

1. 2 Samuel 15:2, He would get up early and stand by the side of the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone came with a complaint to be placed before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out to him, "What town are you from?" He would answer, "Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel." (NIV) 2. David thanked the troops for their military services.



3. It was at the city gate that “justice was administered to the people.”

II. “When the men were told, ‘The king is sitting in the gateway,’ they all came before him.”

A. Smith wrote, “Joab’s advice to David had probably saved the nation from years of anarchy and perhaps a fresh civil war.” B. The troops were assured of the king’s recognition, gratitude and approval, Coffman wrote. C. Probably the troops passed in review before him, and received his thanks. (See The Pulpit Commentary.)

David Returns to Jerusalem

III. “Meanwhile, the Israelites had fled to their homes.

A. Absalom’s forces, having been defeated, fled to their homes (literally, “tents”), residences.

1. 2 Samuel 18:17, They took Absalom, threw him into a big pit in the forest and piled up a large heap of rocks over him. Meanwhile, all the Israelites fled to their homes. (NIV)

B. The collapse of Absalom’s army allows the occurrences that follow. (See Smith.) C. Absalom has certainly enjoyed wide popular support.



1. 2 Samuel 15:13, A messenger came and told David, "The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom." (NIV) 2. 2 Samuel 16:15, 18, Meanwhile, Absalom and all the men of Israel came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel was with him. Hushai said to Absalom, "No, the one chosen by the LORD, by these people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and I will remain with him. (NIV)

3. 2 Samuel 17:14-15, Absalom and all the men of Israel said, "The advice of Hushai the Arkite is better than that of Ahithophel." For the LORD had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom. Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, "Ahithophel has advised Absalom and the elders of Israel to do such and such, but I have advised them to do so and so. David went to Mahanaim, and Absalom crossed the Jordan with all the men of Israel. The Israelites and Absalom camped in the land of Gilead. (NIV)

4. 2 Samuel 18:6-7, The army marched into the field to fight Israel, and the battle took place in the forest of Ephraim. There the army of Israel was defeated by David's men, and the casualties that day were great—twenty thousand men. Then Joab sounded the trumpet, and the troops stopped pursuing Israel, for Joab halted them. They took Absalom, threw him into a big pit in the forest and piled up a large heap of rocks over him. Meanwhile, all the Israelites fled to their homes. (NIV)



2 Samuel 19:9, Throughout the tribes of Israel, the people were all arguing with each other, saying, "The king delivered us from the hand of our enemies; he is the one who rescued us from the hand of the Philistines. But now he has fled the country because of Absalom; (NIV) I. “Throughout the tribes of Israel, the people were all arguing (quarreling, complaining) with each other, saying, . . .”

A. “The return of the king became an issue of protocol, and a highly contentious one at that,” Smith wrote.

1. The people were “hurling recriminations at each other,” Smith further wrote, saying, “They were angry with their leaders for the delay in restoring David.” 2. Smith suggested they may have delayed fearing recriminations from David for having favored Absalom’s rebellion.

B. This was a time of great national uncertainty. (Coffman)

II. “The king delivered us from the hand of our enemies; he is the one who rescued us from the hand of the Philistines.”

A. The northern tribes conveniently now recalled how David had repeatedly delivered them from their enemies, especially the Philistines. B. Without a strong king, these enemies might again invade Israel. C. “Anarchy and chaos threatened the nation; and a spontaneous cry for the restoration of David to the throne was heard throughout the land.” (Coffman)



D. The Philistines were an aggressive nation that occupied part of southwest Palestine from about 1200 to 600 B.C. The Philistines and Israelites were major rivals over many years. Saul and his son Jonathan died by the hands of the Philistines on Mount Gilboa.

III. “But now he has fled the country because of Absalom; . . .”

A. David had done many wonderful things for the nation, but he was now in need of help having fled because of Absalom’s rebellion.

2 Samuel 19:10, and Absalom, whom we anointed to rule over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about bringing the king back?" (NIV) I. “and Absalom, whom we anointed to rule over us, has died in battle.”

A. The Israelites may have been concerned about reprisals that may have been forthcoming from David because they had supported Absalom.

1. They were well aware of their part in David’s difficulties having anointed Absalom king.

B. Israel was in somewhat of a dilemma, predicament! C. This is the only biblical reference to the anointing of Absalom which may have taken place in Hebron, a city of Judah. (Coffman)

1. Ahithophel was from Gilo, a neighboring city of Hebron. (Coffman)



2. Judah was the leader in Absalom’s rebellion. (Coffman)

II. “So why do you say nothing about bringing the king back?”

A. David was evidently waiting for a ground swell to develop calling for his return to Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 19:11, King David sent this message to Zadok and Abiathar, the priests: "Ask the elders of Judah, 'Why should you be the last to bring the king back to his palace, since what is being said throughout Israel has reached the king at his quarters? (NIV) I. “King David sent this message to Zadok and Abiathar, the priests: . . .”

A. “David could have marched on Jerusalem and reclaimed his throne by force, but he preferred to return peacefully at the invitation of his subjects,” Smith wrote. B. While the northern tribes were considering how to re-instate David as king, Judah was making no moves in that direction, Smith wrote.

1. Coffman attributed this to the fact that Judah had been the seat of Absalom’s rebellion.

C. David contacted his faithful supporters, Zadok and Abiathar, and asked that they contact the elders of Judah and encourage them to work for David’s return to Jerusalem. D. Zadok and Abiathar were allies of David and served as high priests during David’s reign. Zadok was a descendant



of Aaron through Eleazar while Abiathar was a descendant of Aaron through Ahimelech of the priestly clan of Eli of Shiloh. (Youngblood)

II. “Ask the elders of Judah, ‘Why should you be the last to bring the king back to his palace, since what is being said throughout Israel has reached the king at his quarters?”

A. In this message there are elements of a reprimand. (See Smith.)

1. “Certainly his tribe should take the lead in” bringing David back to his palace in Jerusalem.

B. David did not wish to be permanently estranged from his native tribe which occupied the capital, Jerusalem. (See Clarke.)

1. These people had supported Absalom in his rebellion and their regained loyalty was vital to David’s continued reign. (See Clarke.) 2. Those of Judah who had supported Absalom may have delayed rushing out to welcome David back for fear of reprisals. (The Pulpit Commentary.)

a. David assured these people there was no need to fear, that he was kindly disposed toward them. (See The Pulpit Commentary.)

2 Samuel 19:12, You are my brothers, my own flesh and blood. So why should you be the last to bring back the king?' (NIV) I. “You are my brothers, my own flesh and blood.”



A. Therefore, Judah should be the first, the leaders, in restoring David to the throne in Jerusalem. B. “At this point David was apparently exploiting the north-south jealousy in order to force the hand of the men of Judah to take the lead in restoring him to his throne. This in turn provoked a heated response by Israel, i.e., the northern tribes,” Anderson wrote.

II. “So why should you be the last to bring back the king?”

A. David was obviously saying his closest relatives should be taking the lead in his return to the throne.

2 Samuel 19:13, And say to Amasa, 'Are you not my own flesh and blood? May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if from now on you are not the commander of my army in place of Joab.' " (NIV) I. “And say to Amasa, ‘Are you not my own flesh and blood?’ ”

A. Amasa was David’s nephew, the son of David’s sister or step-sister Abigail, (Smith wrote.), but his father was not even an Israelite. (See Coffman.)

1. 2 Samuel 17:25, Absalom had appointed Amasa over the army in place of Joab. Amasa was the son of a man named Jether, an Israelite who had married Abigail, the daughter of Nahash and sister of Zeruiah the mother of Joab. (NIV) 2. Joab was also David’s flesh and blood.

B. Zadok and Abiathar were to tell Amasa he would replace Joab as military commander.



1. Smith stated, “This popular and diplomatic move united the men of Judah behind David.” 2. This was a totally unwarranted change in command and may have been made in part to secure Judah’s support of David’s return to the throne in Jerusalem. 3. Joab’s being the one who had killed Absalom and Joab’s stern, even rude, rebuke of David may have been two of the reasons David decided to replace him as commander of the army. (See Coffman.)

C. Amasa was David’s nephew, the son of Jether and Abigail. Amasa was the cousin of Joab, Asahel and Abishai. He served as commander of Absalom’s army and later of David’s army replacing Joab. (Youngblood) D. The Pulpit Commentary states plainly that Joab was a man of numerous faults, but it was definitely not the wisest political thing to do to appoint Amasa as David’s military commander.

1. Joab had been unwaveringly loyal to David while Amasa’s last job was commander of the military set on David’s defeat and death.

II. “May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if from now on you are not the commander of my army in place of Joab.’ ”

A. By killing Absalom, Joab had disobeyed a direct command of the king, a thing that could not be tolerated.



1. However, in killing Absalom, Joab did what was best for the nation and thereby brought peace to the nation and restored David to the throne. 2. Joab was loyal to David.

B. Amasa had done a “lousy” job as commander-in-chief of Absalom’s army.

1. Why would David chose a traitor, an incompetent, a “loser” as his commander?

a. 2 Samuel 20:4-5, Then the king said to Amasa, "Summon the men of Judah to come to me within three days, and be here yourself." 5 But when Amasa went to summon Judah, he took longer than the time the king had set for him. (NIV)

2. Perhaps, Smith suggested, the appointment of Amasa would let all Absalom’s former supporters know there would be no recriminations against them for aligning themselves with Absalom. 3. Amasa had been David’s enemy.

C. David swore that this would be his lasting committment.

1. “It was not only unwise but unjust to give to the traitors’ general a promise with an oath that he should be commander-in-chief instead of Joab,” Coffman wrote. 2. Coffman also observed that, by making this appointment, “David sealed the doom of Amasa,



because there was no way that Joab would have let him live to supplant him.” 3. Anderson wrote that David’s oath was in the form of a self-cursing, common in the Old Testament.

a. 1 Samuel 3:17, "What was it he said to you?" Eli asked. "Do not hide it from me. May God deal with you, be it ever so severely, if you hide from me anything he told you." (NIV) b. 2 Samuel 3:35, Then they all came and urged David to eat something while it was still day; but David took an oath, saying, "May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if I taste bread or anything else before the sun sets!" (NIV) c. 1 Kings 2:23, Then King Solomon swore by the LORD : "May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if Adonijah does not pay with his life for this request! (NIV) d. 2 Kings 6:31, He said, "May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if the head of Elisha son of Shaphat remains on his shoulders today!" (NIV)

2 Samuel 19:14, He won over the hearts of all the men of Judah as though they were one man. They sent word to the king, "Return, you and all your men." (NIV) I. “He (David) won over all the hearts of all the men of Judah as though they were one man.”



A. David’s former enemies were now once again his supporters. B. “Judah assembled at Gilgal to assist the king in crossing the river,” Smith wrote. C. David was returned to the throne in Jerusalem by the popular will of the people, a very astute movement on the part of David.

II. “They sent word to the king, ‘Return, you and all your men.’ ”

A. As this result evidences, David was an accomplished politician! B. David’s return to the throne had to be accomplished expeditiously, but with all deliberate speed to avoid giving opponents an opportunity to mount another rebellion.

2 Samuel 19:15, Then the king returned and went as far as the Jordan. Now the men of Judah had come to Gilgal to go out and meet the king and bring him across the Jordan. (NIV) I. “Then the king returned and went as far as the Jordan.”

A. David, in view of these political changes, started his journey back toward Jerusalem and went as far as the Jordan River.

II. “Now the men of Judah had come to Gilgal to go out and meet the king and bring him across the Jordan.”

A. Gilgal, on the west bank of the Jordan River, was the first campsite of Israel after crossing the Jordan River. The first Passover in Canaan was held at Gilgal. Gilgal was the base



of operations during the conquest of Canaan. King Saul was coronated at Gilgal. It was there that David crossed the Jordan on his return to Jerusalem following his defeat of Absalom. In later years it became a center of idolatry. (Youngblood)

2 Samuel 19:16, Shimei son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim, hurried down with the men of Judah to meet King David. (NIV) I. “Shimei son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim, . . .”

A. Shimei had cursed David and had thrown stones at him as he fled Jerusalem in great distress.

1. 2 Samuel 16:5-14, As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the same clan as Saul's family came out from there. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and he cursed as he came out. He pelted David and all the king's officials with stones, though all the troops and the special guard were on David's right and left. As he cursed, Shimei said, "Get out, get out, you man of blood, you scoundrel! The LORD has repaid you for all the blood you shed in the household of Saul, in whose place you have reigned. The LORD has handed the kingdom over to your son Absalom. You have come to ruin because you are a man of blood!" Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, "Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head." But the king said, "What do you and I have in common, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the LORD said to him, 'Curse David,' who can ask, 'Why do you do this?' " David then said to Abishai and all his officials, "My son, who is of my



own flesh, is trying to take my life. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the LORD has told him to. It may be that the LORD will see my distress and repay me with good for the cursing I am receiving today." So David and his men continued along the road while Shimei was going along the hillside opposite him, cursing as he went and throwing stones at him and showering him with dirt. The king and all the people with him arrived at their destination exhausted. And there he refreshed himself. (NIV) 2. Now he says, “Oops! Sorry about that.”

B. Shimei was a son of Gera of Saul’s family and of the tribe of Benjamin who became bitter because David had taken the throne from the family of Saul. He cursed David as he fled Jerusalem from Absalom. When David was victorious over Absalom, David spared Shimei. After David died, Solomon confined Shimei to Jerusalem. Later he violated this restriction and was executed. (Youngblood) C. Little is known of Gera except that he was the father of Shimei. (Youngblood)

1. 1 Kings 2:8, "And remember, you have with you Shimei son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim, who called down bitter curses on me the day I went to Mahanaim. When he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the LORD : 'I will not put you to death by the sword.' (NIV)

D. Bahurim was a village near the Mount of Olives, located east of Jerusalem in the territory of Benjamin. (Youngblood)



II. “hurried down with the men of Judah to meet king David.”

A. Shimei had greatly insulted David as he fled Jerusalem and, now that David had been victorious, found himself in dire straits and even in danger of execution.

2 Samuel 19:17, With him were a thousand Benjamites, along with Ziba, the steward of Saul's household, and his fifteen sons and twenty servants. They rushed to the Jordan, where the king was. (NIV) I. “With him were a thousand Benjamites, along with Ziba, the steward of Saul’s household, and his fifteen sons and twenty servants.

A. Shimei was evidently a man of considerable influence, a powerful chieftain, in view of the fact that a thousand (1,000) Benjamites came with him to greet David. (See Smith.)

1. Shimei was remarkably able to influence one thousand (1,000) men to support David.

B. Ziba, a man of influence, may also have been concerned about his future under David’s continuing reign having lied to David about Mephibosheth. (See Smith.) C. Shimei, Ziba and the one thousand (1,000) Benjamites assured David the tribe of Banjamin and the house of Saul would not oppose David’s continuing rule. (See Smith.)

1. Shimei was a man of considerable influence who was able to muster a thousand men of Benjamin to David’s support. (See Coffman.) 2. Could this have influenced David to pardon Shimei?



3. Ziba represented virtually the entire house of Saul, and his presence on this crucial occasion was important, (Coffman stated) and indicated that the house of Saul now supported David. (Pulpit Commentary) 4. “The motives of both Shimei and Ziba were clearly selfish and their actions hypocritical; but David was correct in receiving all actions toward reconciliation, because it was a day of rejoicing and not a day of bloodshed,” Coffman wrote.

D. Ziba was a servant of King Saul who also assisted Mephibosheth. When Absalom rebelled against David, Ziba provided provisions for David. Although he lied about Mephibosheth’s devotion to David, he was given part of Mephibosheth’s property. (Youngblood)

II. “They rushed to the Jordan, where the king was.”

A. They were now urgent to meet with David.

2 Samuel 19:18, They crossed at the ford to take the king's household over and to do whatever he wished. When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell prostrate before the king (NIV) I. “They crossed at the ford to take the king’s household over and to do whatever he wished.”

A. While Judah waited on the west bank, Benjamin rushed across the Jordan to do whatever the king needed or wanted; that is, they wanted to do what was good in the eyes of the king. (See Smith.)



B. Coffman quoted The Jerusalem Bible as reading, “Ziba and his men worked manfully ferrying the king’s family across.” C. The AKJV refers to “a ferry boat to carry over the king’s household.”

1. The ferry boat went back and forth across the river until David’s household had reached the west bank. (The Pulpit Commentary.)

II. “When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell prostrate before the king, . . .”

A. His sins were serious and he rightly feared for his life.

2 Samuel 19:19, and said to him, "May my lord not hold me guilty. Do not remember how your servant did wrong on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. May the king put it out of his mind. (NIV) I. Why not? He was for a fact guilty. II. “Do not remember how your servant did wrong on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem.”

A. Shimei begged the king for forgiveness for the way he acted when David fled from Jerusalem. B. Shimei had cursed the king, a very serious crime.

1. Exodus 22:28, "Do not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people. (NIV)



III. “May the king put it out of his mind.”

A. This was wishful thinking!

1. David did not execute Shimei on this occasion because of political reasons. 2. However, David on his death bed directed Solomon, his son and heir to the throne, to deal with Shimei.

a. 1 Kings 2:8-9, "And remember, you have with you Shimei son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim, who called down bitter curses on me the day I went to Mahanaim. When he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the LORD : 'I will not put you to death by the sword.' But now, do not consider him innocent. You are a man of wisdom; you will know what to do to him. Bring his gray head down to the grave in blood." (NIV)

1 Samuel 19:20, For I your servant know that I have sinned, but today I have come here as the first of the whole house of Joseph to come down and meet my lord the king." (NIV) I. “For I your servant know that I have sinned, . . .”

A. Shimei admitted he had sinned in cursing David, but was he truly penitent? . . .had he really changed his allegiance to David? . . .would he again oppose David if he should have the opportunity?

II. “but today I have come here as the first of the whole house of Joseph to come down and meet my lord the king.”



A. “The house of Joseph” is used here to refer to the Ten Northern Tribes. (Coffman)

1. “The house of Joseph” can also be used to refer to “the tribe of Ephraim.” 2. Amos 5:6, Seek the LORD and live, or he will sweep through the house of Joseph like a fire; it will devour, and Bethel will have no one to quench it. (NIV) 3. The animosity between the northern and southern tribes had long festered. (See Coffman.) 4. Judges 1:22, Now the house of Joseph attacked Bethel, and the LORD was with them. And the Amorites were determined also to hold out in Mount Heres, Aijalon and Shaalbim, but when the power of the house of Joseph increased, they too were pressed into forced labor. (NIV) 5. Psalm 78:67, Then he rejected the tents of Joseph, he did not choose the tribe of Ephraim; (NIV) 6. 1 Kings 11:28, Now Jeroboam was a man of standing, and when Solomon saw how well the young man did his work, he put him in charge of the whole labor force of the house of Joseph. (NIV) 7. 1 Chronicles 5:1-2, The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (he was the firstborn, but when he defiled his father's marriage bed, his rights as firstborn were given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel; so he could not be listed in the genealogical record in accordance with his birthright, and



though Judah was the strongest of his brothers and a ruler came from him, the rights of the firstborn belonged to Joseph)- (NIV)

2 Samuel 19:21, Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said, "Shouldn't Shimei be put to death for this? He cursed the LORD's anointed." (NIV) I. “Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this?”

A. General Abishai, true to his nature, insisted on executing Shimei.

1. 1 Samuel 24:6, 10, He said to his men, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD's anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the LORD." This day you have seen with your own eyes how the LORD delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, 'I will not lift my hand against my master, because he is the LORD's anointed.' (NIV) 2. 1 Samuel 26:9, But David said to Abishai, "Don't destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the LORD's anointed and be guiltless? (NIV) 3. Abishai legally speaking was correct, but his advice was not politically the wisest course of action at that time. 4. Coffman wrote, “Shimei was a weak and selfish hypocrite; and there is no doubt that, ‘His reviling the



king expressed his real thoughts.’ ” (See International Critical Commentary.) 5. Killing Shimei on this occasion would have precipitated great bloodshed and would have complicated David’s peaceful return to the throne in Jerusalem. 6. Coffman stated, “Abishai is another example of how satanic temptations are able to reach any of us through our loved ones and associates.”

B. Abishai was the oldest son of Zeruiah, David’s half-sister, and brother of Joab and Asahel. While headstrong and impulsive, he was unswervingly loyal to David. He was one of David’s mighty men. (Youngblood)

II. He cursed the LORD’s anointed.”

A. Abishai was exactly right legally speaking because cursing “the LORD’s anointed” was a very serious offense.

2 Samuel 19:22, David replied, "What do you and I have in common, you sons of Zeruiah? This day you have become my adversaries! Should anyone be put to death in Israel today? Do I not know that today I am king over Israel?" (NIV) I. David replied, “What do you and I have in common, you sons of Zeruiah?”

A. David’s attitude was very different than that of Abishai and Joab.

1. 2 Samuel 16:10, But the king said, "What do you and I have in common, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is



cursing because the LORD said to him, 'Curse David,' who can ask, 'Why do you do this?' " NIV)

B. David was asking, “What do you have against me?”

1. That is, your advice is not in my best interest.

II. “This day you have become my adversaries!”

A. Joab and Abishai had become David’s adversaries (tempters, satan) by encouraging him to act against his better judgment, Smith stated.

1. To have killed Shimei and others would have caused anarchy throughout the nation.

a. Zechariah 3:1, Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. (NIV)

2. Abishai appears to have been well intentioned toward David, but his advice was politically unwise. 3. Adversaries were those who would do another harm. 4. There also would have been no celebration for the returning king if Shimei and others had been executed.

a. 1 Samuel 11:13, But Saul said, "No one shall be put to death today, for this day the LORD has rescued Israel." (NIV)



B. The phrase, “. . . you have become my adversaries,” literally in Hebrew is translated, “that you be to me for satan.” (Coffman)

1. Matthew 16:23, But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. (KJV)

III. “Should anyone be put to death in Israel today?”

A. This is a time of celebration, not of reprisal. B. David had to gain the support of his former enemies if he were to resume his reign in Jerusalem and this was likely a major consideration here. (See Anderson.)

IV. “Do I not know that today I am king over Israel?”

A. What else could David hope for? B. He was richly blest!

2 Samuel 19:23, So the king said to Shimei, "You shall not die." And the king promised him on oath. (NIV) I. “So the king said to Shimei, ‘You shall not die.’ ”

A. Willis via Coffman wrote, “As long as David lived, he kept his oath not to put Shimei to death; but near the end of his reign he instructed Solomon to take vengeance on Shimei.”

1. 1 Kings 2:8-9, 36-46, "And remember, you have with you Shimei son of Gera, the Benjamite from



Bahurim, who called down bitter curses on me the day I went to Mahanaim. When he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the LORD : 'I will not put you to death by the sword.' But now, do not consider him innocent. You are a man of wisdom; you will know what to do to him. Bring his gray head down to the grave in blood." Then the king sent for Shimei and said to him, "Build yourself a house in Jerusalem and live there, but do not go anywhere else. The day you leave and cross the Kidron Valley, you can be sure you will die; your blood will be on your own head." (NIV)

B. As judge, did David believe in and practice “equal justice under law?”

II. “And the king promised him an oath.”

A. David called God to witness what he had promised and to judge him should he violate his word to Shimei.

1. David did not personally kill Shimei. 2. He left that to Solomon. 3. Talking about loopholes!

B. Shimei was a continuing threat to David and his dynasty and had to be controlled, eventually executed.

2 Samuel 19:24, Mephibosheth, Saul's grandson, also went down to meet the king. He had not taken care of his feet or trimmed his mustache or washed his clothes from the day the king left until the day he returned safely. (NIV)



I. “Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, also went down to meet the king.

A. Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson by Jonathan whom David had befriended, went down (Jerusalem was at a higher elevation than the Jordan.) to meet David at the Jordan River.

II. “He had not taken care of his feet or trimmed his mustache or washed his clothes from the day the king left until the day he returned safely.”

A. This lapse in personal hygiene indicated Mephibosheth “was in morning for what had happened to his king.” (Smith)

1. Ezekiel 24:17, 22, Groan quietly; do not mourn for the dead. Keep your turban fastened and your sandals on your feet; do not cover the lower part of your face or eat the customary food of mourners ." And you will do as I have done. You will not cover the lower part of your face or eat the customary food of mourners . (NIV)

B. This should have been the only proof David needed to know Mephibosheth, not Ziba, was truthful in this matter, Coffman wrote. C. This was more than adequate proof of Mephibosheth’s loyalty to David and of the fact that Ziba had lied to David regarding Mephibosheth’s alleged defection.

2 Samuel 19:25, When he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, the king asked him, "Why didn't you go with me, Mephibosheth?" (NIV)



I. “When he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, the king asked him, . . .”

A. David came directly to the heart of the matter. B. Some versions (AKJV) included read “to Jerusalem,” suggesting, if this is the correct reading, that Mephibosheth and David met in Jerusalem.

II. “Why didn’t you go with me, Mephibosheth?”

A. Mephibosheth remained in Jerusalem when David fled for his life.

1. It had been reported by Ziba to David that Mephibosheth had stayed in Jerusalem because he favored Absalom in the rebellion.

B. David gave Mephibosheth an opportunity to speak for himself.

2 Samuel 19:26, He said, "My lord the king, since I your servant am lame, I said, 'I will have my donkey saddled and will ride on it, so I can go with the king.' But Ziba my servant betrayed me. (NIV) I. “He said, ‘My lord the king, since I your servant am lame, I said, ‘I will have my donkey saddled and will ride on it, so I can go with the king.’ ”

A. Mephibosheth re-affirmed his loyalty to David and stated he had intended to have his donkey saddled and to leave Jerusalem with David.



1. Mephibosheth could not make preparations for this rapid departure without help. 2. His servant Ziba would not help because he was looking out for his own selfish interests.

II. “But Ziba my servant betrayed me.”

A. This was absolutely true! B. Regrettably, David had believed Ziba’s story.

1. 2 Samuel 16:1-4, When David had gone a short distance beyond the summit, there was Ziba, the steward of Mephibosheth, waiting to meet him. He had a string of donkeys saddled and loaded with two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred cakes of raisins, a hundred cakes of figs and a skin of wine. The king asked Ziba, "Why have you brought these?" Ziba answered, "The donkeys are for the king's household to ride on, the bread and fruit are for the men to eat, and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the desert." The king then asked, "Where is your master's grandson?" Ziba said to him, "He is staying in Jerusalem, because he thinks, 'Today the house of Israel will give me back my grandfather's kingdom.' " Then the king said to Ziba, "All that belonged to Mephibosheth is now yours." "I humbly bow," Ziba said. "May I find favor in your eyes, my lord the king." (NIV)

C. Let us be extremely careful about believing unsubstantiated slanderous reports.



1. By all means, let us be extremely careful not to speak harmfully about others.

2 Samuel 19:27, And he has slandered your servant to my lord the king. My lord the king is like an angel of God; so do whatever pleases you. (NIV) I. “And he has slandered your servant to my lord the king.”

A. Mephibosheth was speaking the truth. B. On the other hand, Ziba had cast his lot with David at the risk of his own life when the outcome of the Absalom-David conflict was yet to be determined.

II. “My lord the king is like an angel of God; so do whatever pleases you.”

A. This was a statement by Mephibosheth expressing his confidence that David would do right by him in this matter. B. As David’s decisions in regard to Bethsheba and Absalom clearly show, claiming the king was as wise as an angel was quite a stretch (exaggeration), more courtly flattery than fact.

1. 2 Samuel 14:17, 20, "And now your servant says, 'May the word of my lord the king bring me rest, for my lord the king is like an angel of God in discerning good and evil. May the LORD your God be with you.' "Your servant Joab did this to change the present situation. My lord has wisdom like that of an angel of God—he knows everything that happens in the land." (NIV)



2. 1 Kings 3:28, When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe, because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice. (NIV)

C. Regrettably, Mephibosheth’s confidence in David’s judicial skills and fairness was misplaced.

1. Mephibosheth stated his case plainly and honestly and relied on David to make the right decision. (See Clarke.)

D. David faced a real dilemma because David had given “all of Saul’s property” to Ziba, seen now to be a liar! (Coffman)

1. So much for David’s being “like an angel of God” when making judicial decisions! 2. David now decides to divide all of what once belonged to Mephibosheth between Mephibosheth and Ziba.

2 Samuel 19:28, All my grandfather's descendants deserved nothing but death from my lord the king, but you gave your servant a place among those who eat at your table. So what right do I have to make any more appeals to the king?" (NIV) I. “All my grandfather’s descendants deserved nothing but death from my lord the king, . . .”

A. Ordinarily, all the family of a prior competing king would have been killed in those days by his successor. (Smith)



1. David had, up to the time of his departure from Jerusalem, done right by Mephibosheth in part because of David’s great friendship with his father Jonathan. 2. 2 Samuel 21:7, The king spared Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the oath before the LORD between David and Jonathan son of Saul. (NIV) 3. 2 Kings 10:6-11, Then Jehu wrote them a second letter, saying, "If you are on my side and will obey me, take the heads of your master's sons and come to me in Jezreel by this time tomorrow." Now the royal princes, seventy of them, were with the leading men of the city, who were rearing them. When the letter arrived, these men took the princes and slaughtered all seventy of them. They put their heads in baskets and sent them to Jehu in Jezreel. When the messenger arrived, he told Jehu, "They have brought the heads of the princes." Then Jehu ordered, "Put them in two piles at the entrance of the city gate until morning." The next morning Jehu went out. He stood before all the people and said, "You are innocent. It was I who conspired against my master and killed him, but who killed all these? Know then, that not a word the LORD has spoken against the house of Ahab will fail. The LORD has done what he promised through his servant Elijah." So Jehu killed everyone in Jezreel who remained of the house of Ahab, as well as all his chief men, his close friends and his priests, leaving him no survivor. (NIV)

II. “but you gave your servant a place among those who eat at your table.”



A. This was a gracious thing for David to have done. B. David cared for Mephibosheth because of his love for his father, Jonathan, and Mephibosheth was grateful, prepared to accept David’s disposition of the case, whatever that decision might be.

III. “So what right do I have to make any more appeals to the king?”

A. Mephibosheth said he would not appeal David’s ruling. (See Clarke.)

2 Samuel 19:29, The king said to him, "Why say more? I order you and Ziba to divide the fields." (NIV) I. “The king said to him, ‘Why say more? I order you and Ziba to divide the fields.’ ”

A. This appears to be quick cessation to presentation of evidence followed by an arbitrary decision. B. David here revoked both his original promise to Mephibosheth and his promise to Ziba. (Smith) C. This present decision was “a compromise between the rival parties. Ziba now owned more than he did originally, but less than David had granted him during his flight from Jerusalem.” Mephibosheth’s holdings had been reduced from his holdings from before David’s flight from Jerusalem. (See Smith.) D. Smith suggests possible reasons for this compromise:



1. David may have had some doubt about who was telling the truth. 2. David may have been unwilling for political reasons to offend Ziba. 3. David may have been testing Mephibosheth’s sincerity. 4. The Pulpit Commentary states that Ziba had helped David in his time of need and should have been rewarded, but not with Mephibosheth’s property.

E. Ziba had committed treachery against his master Mephibosheth, but he had been a great help to David in his time of need. F. Smith stated, “David was not sure whether Ziba or Mephibosheth had told him the truth” and “decided that they would split the land which once had belonged to Saul.”

1. Was this fair? . . . just?

G. On the other hand, Clarke wrote, “Now he (David) finds that he has acted too rashly, and therefore confirms the former grants; i.e., that Ziba should cultivate the land, and still continue to give to Mephibosheth, as the landlord, half the produce. This was merely placing things in status quo, and utterly annulling the gift that he had made to Ziba.”

2 Samuel 19:30, Mephibosheth said to the king, "Let him take everything, now that my lord the king has arrived home safely." (NIV)



I. Mephibosheth said to the king, “Let him take everything, now that my lord the king has arrived home safely.”

A. Mephibosheth claims to regard the loss of property with indifference, Smith sated.

1. The Pulpit Commentary suggests that they betray a feeling of resentment by Mephibosheth.

B. Was this the way he really felt?

1. Did David on this occasion treat Mephibosheth, the son of his friend Jonathan, fairly? 2. Mephibosheth said all that mattered to him was that David had returned safely.

a. Is this the way Mephibosheth really felt? b. . . . or was it just the wise thing to say under the circumstances?

3. These words are typical of Eastern courtesy procedures and were never intended to be taken literally.

2 Samuel 19:31, Barzillai the Gileadite also came down from Rogelim to cross the Jordan with the king and to send him on his way from there. (NIV) I. “Barzillai the Gileadite also came down from Rogelim to cross the Jordan with the king and to send him on his way from there.”

A. Smith wrote, “The kindly old Barzillai – he was eighty – came down to the Jordan to see David off.”



1. Barzillai as the host saw his guest on the first stage of his journey. (Smith)

a. Genesis 18:16, When the men got up to leave, they looked down toward Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them on their way. (NIV)

2. Barzillai had supplied David with his necessities while he was in Mahanaim. (Smith)

a. Barzillai helped David in his greatest hour of need, and David was grateful.

B. Barzillai provided supplies for David and his men at Mahanaim where David had fled from Absalom. (Youngblood) C. Rogelim was a city in East Gilead probably near the River Jabbok.

1. 2 Samuel 17:27, When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, and Makir son of Ammiel from Lo Debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim. (NIV)

D. Gileadites were descendants of Gilead. (Youngblood)

1. Numbers 26:29, The descendants of Manasseh: through Makir, the Makirite clan (Makir was the father of Gilead through Gilead, the Gileadite clan. (NIV)



2. Judges 10:3, He was followed by Jair of Gilead, who led Israel twenty-two years. (NIV) 3. Judges 11:1, 40, Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty warrior. His father was Gilead; his mother was a prostitute. Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty warrior. His father was Gilead; his mother was a prostitute. (NIV)

2 Samuel 19:32, Now Barzillai was a very old man, eighty years of age. He had provided for the king during his stay in Mahanaim, for he was a very wealthy man. (NIV) I. “Now Barzillai was a very old man, eighty years of age.”

A. (This scribe is presently seventy-nine (79) years of age and will admit to being a senior citizen, but he has never regarded himself as “a very old man” yet. His mother lived to be ninety-eight (98) years of age. Now she was “a very old lady!” Then there was Methuselah!) B. Psalm 90:10, The length of our days is seventy years— or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. (NIV)

II. “He had provided for the king during his stay in Mahanaim, for he was a very wealthy man.”

A. 2 Samuel 17:27, When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, and Makir son of Ammiel from Lo Debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim. (NIV)



B. Mahanaim was an ancient town in Gilead, east of the Jordan River in the vicinity of the River Jabbok, located on the border between the tribes of Manasseh and Gad. Mahanaim was significant at certain times in the lives of Jacob, Ishbosheth and David. (Youngblood) C. David’s offer to Barzillai was very much in order, and both noble and liberal. (See Clarke.)

1. David had a friend in Barzillai and wanted to keep his friendship and show his appreciation for his kindnesses at Mahanaim. (See Clarke.)

2 Samuel 19:33, The king said to Barzillai, "Cross over with me and stay with me in Jerusalem, and I will provide for you." (NIV) I. “The king said to Barzillai, ‘Cross over with me and stay with me in Jerusalem, and I will provide for you.’ ”

A. David invited Barzillai to go to Jerusalem where he would provide for him as long as he lived. (See Smith.) B. This offer was greater than it may appear at first because it included all of his family as well, Coffman wrote quoting the New Layman’s Bible Commentary.

2 Samuel 19:34, But Barzillai answered the king, "How many more years will I live, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king? (NIV) I. “But Barzillai answered the king, “How many more years will I live, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king?”



A. Barzillai graciously thanked David for his generous offer, but politely declined to accompany David to Jerusalem due to age and health considerations.

1. Barzillai could not enjoy the pleasures of David’s court due to his age and circumstances.

2 Samuel 19:35, I am now eighty years old. Can I tell the difference between what is good and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats and drinks? Can I still hear the voices of men and women singers? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king? (NIV) I. “I am now eighty years old.”

A. Barzillai graciously gave reasons he could not go with David to Jerusalem. B. First, he was advanced in age.

II. “Can I tell the difference between what is good (pleasant) and what is not?”

A. Second, Barzillai’s senses of sight, taste and hearing were declining. (Smith)

1. This meant that Barzillai would not be able to enjoy the “high courtly life” David was offering him.

III. “Can your servant taste what he eats and drinks?”

A. The sense of taste had become greatly diminished.

IV. “Can I still hear the voices of men and women singers?”



A. Auditory acuity was greatly reduced.

V. “Why should your servant be an added burden to my Lord the king?”

A. Evidently, Barzillai’s care would require much time and effort and, in return, could do nothing further for David.

1. He would become, Barzillai said, a burden to David.

2 Samuel 19:36, Your servant will cross over the Jordan with the king for a short distance, but why should the king reward me in this way? (NIV) I. “Your servant will cross over the Jordan with the king for a short distance, but why should the king reward me in this way?”

A. Barzillai graciously, even in his infirm condition, agreed to cross the Jordan with David and proceed with him a short distance afterward.

2 Samuel 19:37, Let your servant return, that I may die in my own town near the tomb of my father and mother. But here is your servant Kimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king. Do for him whatever pleases you." (NIV) I. “Let your servant return, that I may die in my own town near the tomb of my father and mother.

A. Barzillai thought his remaining days on earth were few and requested permission to return home which was near his burial plot, where he expected soon to be buried in the tomb of his father and mother.



B. Third, Barzillai wanted to end his life in his homeland and be buried with his fathers.

1. Genesis 49:29-31, Then he gave them these instructions: "I am about to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my fathers in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite, the cave in the field of Machpelah, near Mamre in Canaan, which Abraham bought as a burial place from Ephron the Hittite, along with the field. There Abraham and his wife Sarah were buried, there Isaac and his wife Rebekah were buried, and there I buried Leah. (NIV) 2. 2 Samuel 2:32, They took Asahel and buried him in his father's tomb at Bethlehem. Then Joab and his men marched all night and arrived at Hebron by daybreak. (NIV) 3. 2 Samuel 17:23, When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his house in order and then hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father's tomb. (NIV)

II. “But here is your servant Kimham.”

A. Kimham (Chimham) may have been Barzillai’s son.

1. 1 Kings 2:7, "But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai of Gilead and let them be among those who eat at your table. They stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom. (NIV)



2. Kimham was a friend and political supporter of David who, following Absalom’s insurrection, crossed the Jordan with David as he returned to Jerusalem. (Youngblood) 3. Kimham may have been given land near Bethlehem.

a. Jeremiah 41:17, And they went on, stopping at Geruth Kimham near Bethlehem on their way to Egypt (NIV)

III. “Let him cross over with my Lord the king.”

A. Barzillai was a good and generous man who provided for both his friend David and his son Kimham . . .even as “a very old man.”

IV. “Do for him whatever pleases you.”

A. Barzillai here expressed absolute confidence that David would do right by his son.

2 Samuel 19:38, The king said, "Kimham shall cross over with me, and I will do for him whatever pleases you. And anything you desire from me I will do for you." (NIV) I. “The king said, ‘Kimham shall cross over with me, and I will do for him whatever pleases you.’ ”

A. David graciously changed the wording slightly, but significantly.

1. David promised to do regarding Kimham not what David wanted, but what Barzillai wanted, what the father thought appropriate.



II. “And anything you desire from me I will do for you.”

A. David further promised to do for Barzillai anything he requested.

2 Samuel 19:39, So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzillai and gave him his blessing, and Barzillai returned to his home. (NIV) I. “So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed over.”

A. David’s return to the west bank was far different than his departure from Jerusalem. B. David was returning in honor.

II. “The king kissed Barzillai and gave him his blessing, and. . .

A. “David kissed, blessed and dismissed Barzillai thus relieving the old man of making the crossing over the river,” Smith stated.

1. The kiss was the token of friendship and farewell; the blessing was a prayer to God for his prosperity, probably a prophetical benediction.

III. “Barzillai returned to his home.”

A. Barzillai must be remembered as richly blest with long life, wealth and a loving family who was to David a true friend in his time of great need and to Israel one who contributed to the saving of the nation.



B. As Barzillai turned toward home we mentally say to him. “The LORD bless you and keep you: the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

2 Samuel 19:40, When the king crossed over to Gilgal, Kimham crossed with him. All the troops of Judah and half the troops of Israel had taken the king over. (NIV) I. “When the king crossed over to Gilgal, Kimham crossed with him.”

A. David crossed over the Jordan, probably at Adam where the Jabbok flows into the Jordan, Smith wrote. B. Gilgal was the first campsite of the Israelites upon their entrance into the Promised Land and served as the base of operation during the conquest of Canaan. Saul was anointed king in Gilgal. Later Gilgal became a center of idolatry. (Youngblood)

II. “All the troops of Judah and half the troops of Israel had taken the king over.”

A. Coffman wrote, “These are ominous words, indicating the fundamental separation of the two Israels, Judah and Joseph.”

1. This schism “did not begin here but was present in the days of Joshua, the Judges and in the period of David’s rise to the throne,” Coffman wrote. 2. In fact, “it reached all the way back to the rivalry between Rachel and Leah and to the partiality of Jacob for Joseph,” Coffman stated.



B. Israel decided to restore David to the throne before Judah came to this same conclusion.

2 Samuel 19:41, Soon all the men of Israel were coming to the king and saying to him, "Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, steal the king away and bring him and his household across the Jordan, together with all his men?" (NIV) I. “Soon all the men of Israel were coming to the king and saying to him, . . .”

A. It appears that David may have been well advised to have waited until all Israel and Judah were present to unanimously return David to the throne. B. The smoldering tension between Israel and Judah was serious!

II. “Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, steal the king away and bring him and his household across the Jordan with all his men?”

A. As representatives of other tribes arrived, David already having been brought across the Jordan by Judah and half the troops of Benjamin, contentions were evident between Judah and Israel. B. This reminds us of similar events regarding the tribe of Joseph, Gideon and later Jephthah.

1. Judges 8:1-3, Now the Ephraimites asked Gideon, "Why have you treated us like this? Why didn't you call us when you went to fight Midian?" And they criticized him sharply. But he answered them, "What have I accomplished compared to you?



Aren't the gleanings of Ephraim's grapes better than the full grape harvest of Abiezer? God gave Oreb and Zeeb, the Midianite leaders, into your hands. What was I able to do compared to you?" At this, their resentment against him subsided. (NIV) 2. Judges 12:1-6, The men of Ephraim called out their forces, crossed over to Zaphon and said to Jephthah, "Why did you go to fight the Ammonites without calling us to go with you? We're going to burn down your house over your head." Jephthah answered, "I and my people were engaged in a great struggle with the Ammonites, and although I called, you didn't save me out of their hands. When I saw that you wouldn't help, I took my life in my hands and crossed over to fight the Ammonites, and the LORD gave me the victory over them. Now why have you come up today to fight me?" Jephthah then called together the men of Gilead and fought against Ephraim. The Gileadites struck them down because the Ephraimites had said, "You Gileadites are renegades from Ephraim and Manasseh." The Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan leading to Ephraim, and whenever a survivor of Ephraim said, "Let me cross over," the men of Gilead asked him, "Are you an Ephraimite?" If he replied, "No," they said, "All right, say 'Shibboleth.' " He said, "Sibboleth," because he could not pronounce the word correctly, they seized him and killed him at the fords of the Jordan. Forty-two thousand Ephraimites were killed at that time. (NIV)

2 Samuel 19:42, All the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, "We did this because the king is closely related to us.



Why are you angry about it? Have we eaten any of the king's provisions? Have we taken anything for ourselves?" (NIV) I. “All the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, . . .”

A. Judah defended their actions quickly.

II. “We did this because the king is closely related to us.”

A. David was of the tribe of Judah and they had shown their support for one of their own people. (See Smith.)

III. “Why are you angry about it?”

A. Judah had received no particular benefit from what had been done.

1. Therefore, Israel had no reason for being upset.

B. The actual point of this disagreement was not all that important, Anderson observed, but this severe friction over a minor matter was indicative of the deep dissension that eventually permanently divided the nation.

IV. “Have we eaten any of the king’s provisions?”

A. The people of Judah had misappropriated no royal provisions or property.

V. “Have we taken anything for ourselves?”

A. The implied answer is clearly, “No.”

2 Samuel 19:43, Then the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, "We have ten shares in the king; and besides, we have a



greater claim on David than you have. So why do you treat us with contempt? Were we not the first to speak of bringing back our king?" But the men of Judah responded even more harshly than the men of Israel. (NIV) I. “Then the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, . . .”

A. Israel gave its rebuttal.

II. “We have ten shares in the king; and besides, we have a greater claim on David than you have.”

A. The tribal conflicts, already smoldering, would erupt at the death of Solomon into a national division that lasted for many generations. B. The men of Israel claimed they were ten tribes and, therefore, had ten times more claim to David than did Judah. (Smith)

III. “So why do you treat us with contempt?”

A. This longstanding smoldering animosity gave rise to the rebellion of Sheba, as will be seen in a future lesson. (See Coffman.)

IV. “Were we not the first to speak of bringing back our king?”

A. Coffman observed that what the northern tribes said was true and that they could have added that Absalom’s rebellion had centered in Judah.

V. “But the men of Judah responded even more harshly than the men of Israel.”



A. “While the Israelites stated their case calmly, the men of Judah met their complaint with harsh and bitter rejoinders,” Smith commented. B. Tribal rivalry and animosity were intense! (See Smith.) C. Coffman surmised that Judah got the better of the argument, but this only further annoyed the Northerners.

1. The matter was not settled by debate. 2. In this situation Sheba saw his opportunity!

D. “While the Israelites debated the matter calmly, the men of Judah met their complaint with harsh and bitter rejoinders,” The Pulpit Commentary states.

Conclusion: I. The severe problems faced by David in regard to Absalom could have been avoided.

A. If David had not sinned in regard to Bathsheba, if he had acted decisively following Absalom’s murder of Amnon, if. . . B. What changes can be made in our lives to avoid future calamities in our lives?

II. Tribal conflicts made ruling the nation difficult for David and others.

A. Opposition to David from various elements certainly complicated David’s reign.



B. If the nation had been solidly united behind David, Absalom would not have been able to mount such a powerful rebellion. C. Don’t unnecessarily alienate people because they may do you future harm.

III. True friends are priceless!

A. We should be thankful for all true friends including those who bluntly tell us things we had rather not hear. B. We should treat all our true friends honorably and respectfully.

IV. Jesus, and David, teach us much regarding how to treat our enemies. V. In all our decisions and actions let us, with God’s help, do what is right, prudent and, by way of attitude, godly.



Questions

on

2 Samuel 19:1-43

(Questions based on NIV text.)

1. In what ways did David contribute toward the serious rebellion involving Absalom? _____________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. What did Joab say to David when David failed to praise his troops upon their victory and continued to grieve for Absalom? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Did Joab do the right thing in rebuking David? Explain your answer. What could he have done better? ____________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



4. What were the long term effects of this meeting of Joab and David? _______________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. What motivated Joab to speak to David as described in verses 5-7? _________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. Why did David grieve so deeply for rebellious Absalom? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. In regard to what is said in 2 Samuel 19, what did David do right? What did he do wrong? _____________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 8. What was David’s response to Joab’s rebuke? What were the results of this response? __________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________



__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 9. Describe Joab’s character. ______________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. What would have happened if David had not followed Joab’s advice? _______________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 11. Give evidence that, in his rebellion, Absalom enjoyed wide popular support. ________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 12. What were the tribes of Israel arguing about? (See 19:9) _____ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



13. Describe the political situation facing the nation at that time? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 14. What had David done for the nation? (See 19:9) ____________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 15. Give evidence to support the statement, “The people of Israel and Judah were fickle.” __________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 16. What did David ask Zadok and Abiathar to do for him? ______ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 17. What purposes were to be served by these requests? ________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



18. Why did David appoint Amasa as his military commander? Was this a wise thing for David to do? Why or why not? _______ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 19. Why did David “fire,” discharge Joab? Was this a wise thing for David to do? Why or why not? _________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 20. When Judah sent word to David, “___________________, you and all your _____________________,” David _______________ and went as far as the ___________________. David’s return to the _____________________ had to be _____________________ _____________________, but with all _____________________ to avoid giving _________________ an ____________________ to ____________________ another ________________________. 21. What significant Old Testament events occurred at Gilgal? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 22. Who was Shimei? How did he sin against David? __________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 23. When David’s forces defeated Absalom, what did Shimei do and say? What was David’s response to Shimei’s speech? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 24. Where was Bahurim, Shimei’s residence, located? __________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 25. Who was Ziba? What did he do to help David? Was he honest? Explain your answer. _____________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 26. How did David and his household cross the Jordan River? ____ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 27. Did David truly forgive Shimei? Explain your answer. ______ ______________________________________________________



________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 28. To be forgiven, is knowing we have sinned and confessing our sins all that is required to be pardoned? Why or why not? _______ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 29. Provide evidence that animosity between the northern and southern tribes had existed for a long time and would continue until the nation divided. __________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 30. What advice did Abishai give David regarding Shimei? Who was Abishai? __________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 31. Did David follow Abishai’s advice? Why or why not? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 32. Review all of David’s judicial decisions addressed in 2 Samuel 19. Were his decisions right? Explain decision by decision. Did David believe in and practice “equal justice under law?” Explain your answer. ___________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 33. Did David act properly when he “promised on oath,” swore? Why or why not? _______________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 34. Why did Mephibosheth not go with David when he fled from Jerusalem? ____________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 35. Was Mephibosheth unwaveringly loyal to David during this crisis? Give reasons for your answer. _______________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 36. How had Ziba mistreated Mephibosheth; that is, according to Mephibosheth? _________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 37. How was the Ziba-Mephibosheth controversy resolved? Was this resolution just as fair to all concerned? Give reasons for your answer. _______________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 38. What was the final resolution of the Ziba-Mephibosheth matter? Be specific. _____________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 39. Read 2 Samuel 19:30. In saying this, was Mephibosheth honest and sincere, sarcastic or . . . Give reasons for your answer. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



40. Who was Barzillai? Describe his character. Where did he live? What had he done for David? _________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 41. What did David offer Barzillai? Why did he not accept this offer? ________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 42. What did Barzillai accept from David? What does this say about Barzillai? ________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 43. What was the point of contention between Israel and Judah in verses 41-43? Who won the debate? ________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



44. How could David’s problems with Absalom have been avoided? ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 45. What lessons have you learned from 2 Samuel 19 which will impact your life? _______________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


JOAB REBUKES DAVID DAVID RETURNS TO JERUSALEM 2...

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