The Journey 11-12-13 Morning People! 2 Samuel 8:1 – 10:19 An Incredible Act of Grace & David Reaches His Pinnacle Take a read. . . ( Second Samuel 8:1-14 records David’s amazing victories over the Philistines, Moabites, Edomites, Aramaeans, and the king of Zobah and his dedication of plunder to God.) Let’s pick up at verse 14. . . “God gave David victory wherever he marched. Thus David ruled over all of Israel. He ruled well—fair and evenhanded in all his duties and relationships. Joab son of Zeruiah was head of the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was clerk; Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was secretary; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Kerethites and Pelethites; And David’s sons were priests. (Now, jump to chapter 9:1 – 7 ) “One day David asked, ‘Is there anyone left of Saul’s family? If so, I’d like to show him some kindness in honor of Jonathan.’ It happened that a servant from Saul’s household named Ziba was there. They called him into David’s presence. The king asked him, ‘Are you Ziba?’ ‘Yes sir,’ he replied. The king asked, ‘Is there anyone left from the family of Saul to whom I can show some godly kindness?’ Zeba told the king, ‘Yes, there is Jonathan’s son, lame in both feet.’ ‘Where is he?’ ‘He’s living at the home of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar.’ When Mephibosheth son of Jonathan (who was the son of Saul), came before David, he bowed deeply, abasing himself, honoring David. David spoke his name: ‘Mephibosheth.’ ‘Yes sir?’ ‘Don’t be frightened,’ said David. ‘I’d like to do something special for you in memory of your father Jonathan. To begin with, I’m returning to you all the properties of your grandfather Saul. Furthermore, from now on you’ll take your meals at my table.’ (Just think about that people. Let that sink in.) Shuffling and stammering, not looking him in the eye, Mephibosheth said, ‘Who am I that you pay attention to a stray dog like me?’ David then called in Ziba, Saul’s right-hand man and told him, ‘Everything that belonged to Saul and his family, I’ve handed over to your master’s grandson. You and your sons and your servants will work his land and bring in the produce, provisions for your master’s grandson. Mephibosheth himself, your master’s grandson, from now on will take all his meals at my table.’ Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. ‘All that my master the king has ordered his servant,’ answered Ziba, ‘your servant will surely do.’ And Mephibosheth ate at David’s table, just like one of the ROYAL family. Mephibosheth also had a small son named Mica. All who were part of Ziba’s household were now the servants of Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, taking all his meals at the king’s table. He was lame in both feet. What an ACT OF GRACE. Let that Marinate awhile. (Chapter 10 then recounts a conflict between Israel and the Ammonites, into which the Ammonites also draw the Aramaeans. First Joab, David’s military commander, and then David himself rout the Aramaeans, and the Ammonites withdraw.) Reflections • In these chapters of 2 Samuel, David reaches (in my opinion), the HEIGHT of his achievements. I love that line in the Message where it says. . . “God gave David victory WHEREVER he marched.” Wow! These chapters are the HIGHPOINT in his story with regard to his: Religious, Military, Economic, & Political accomplishments. (remember in I Samuel, a key factor in the people’s desire for a monarchy was the pressure of the Philistines as the Israelites and the Philistines were vying for control of Canaan. David has brought that conflict to a successful conclusion. The Philistines do not cease to exist, but they become a minor people down on the Mediterranean coast who no longer have such ambitions and are not a particular threat to Israel. • These chapters are a HIGH point in another way. Look again at the description of his rule. Would it not be an incredible affirmation of our life? “David ruled over all of Israel. He RULED: Well, Fair, & EVENHANDED in all his duties and relationships. Wow! • GRACE to the son of David’s best friend and one he loved beyond all others, Jonathan. What a moment, what an act. Mephibosheth’s sad story of how he became lame is told in 2 Samuel 4 remember. It sounds like he was SCARED STIFF when summoned by David, and he had good reason. We have noted that after a “coup” the new regime may well think it wise to dispose of people associated with the previous regime. In a sense, one could say David’s actions achieves the same end while doing the “right” thing by Jonathan’s commitment to him. His action might win some grudging approval from people who still supported Saul and who had yearned to have someone from Saul’s family as king. There will be some footnotes to the story of Ziba and Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 16, 19, & 21. • In CONCLUSION, it is sad, because what comes next is a HARD fall and it looks downhill from here. Tune in tomorrow for a “glance downward from David’s balcony.” Love you gals and guys, Pb p.s. Don’t ever give up!
Posted on: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 11:47:07 +0000
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