These chapters make it apparent why many of the Psalms are constructed the way they are.
David was a wartime king – there was trouble from surrounding nations as well as within the ranks of Israel itself. In addition to this, David’s life looks significantly different from preceding years. His family life seems to be struggling and the issues related to his sin with Bathsheba and Uriah are taking their toll. The treachery of his son Absalom is lost on his father, and even his right hand commander has had enough of David’s sniveling. Dark days in the reign of David – and yet God prevails in his heart. Encouraging. Sad. Realistic.
We, too, are kings with authority over our own parts of the world. David’s experiences can be helpful as we encounter our own trials within our own kingdom.
“Then it was told Joab, “Behold, the king is weeping and mourns for Absalom.” The victory that day was turned to mourning for all the people, for the people heard it said that day, “The king is grieved for his son.” So the people went by stealth into the city that day, as people who are humiliated steal away when they flee in battle. The king covered his face and cried out with a loud voice, “O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!”
Then Joab came into the house to the king and said, “Today you have covered with shame the faces of all your servants, who today have saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters, the lives of your wives, and the lives of your concubines, by loving those who hate you, and by hating those who love you. For you have shown today that princes and servants are nothing to you; for I know this day that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today, then you would be pleased.
“Now therefore arise, go out and speak kindly to your servants, for I swear by the LORD, if you do not go out, surely not a man will pass the night with you, and this will be worse for you than all the evil that has come upon you from your youth until now.” – 2 Samuel 19:1-7
It certainly makes this ring true (again):
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.” – 1 Peter 5:6-11
Live and learn.
Dave & Burnadette