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Meditative Reflection
Brothers against Brothers

“Abner called out to Joab, ‘Must the sword devour forever? Don’t you realize that this will end in bitterness? How long before you order your men to stop pursuing their fellow Israelites?’.” (2 Sam. 2:26)

Even in the early life of David after his being anointed by God through Samuel (1 Sam. 16:13), he had demonstrated to all Israel by his refusal to lay hand on Saul that...

- He would not lay claim to his reign (though given by God) by his own means;

- Nor would he use unethical means like assassination even though it might appear that the opportunities were given by God (1 Sam. 24 and 26); and

- He would not lay hands on the God-anointed Saul; this in fact also signified his understanding that all Israel belonged to God — all tribes within Israel were brothers!

Therefore, although in terms of casualties, the loss of 20 men from David and 360 men from Abner appeared to be a small number (2 Sam. 2:31), it was a sad picture because lives were lost not from combating their common enemies, but while combating against each other within the family of God’s people!

Although, lives are not actually lost in church fights, it is a far more tragic picture to see how two sides combat one another — yelling, banging tables, buying votes with bitter and pervasive sniping behind the scene and even suing one another before the secular courts!

When will we learn that we are fighting against other brothers and sisters in Christ? That we are bringing shame to the name of the Lord in front of the outside world? That we are, in actual fact, aiding Satan in being accusers of our brothers (Rev. 12:10)?

Why do we blatantly overlook passages like 1 Corinthians 6:7?: “The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?”.

Why do we not leave it to the Lord as Romans 12:19 commands us?: “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”

At least, Joab had the decency to stop once he was reminded of what he was in fact doing — but not the church of God! (2 Sam. 2:28)

Meditative Reflection
We Reap What We Sow

“Sons were born to David in Hebron…the third, Absalom the son of Maacah daughter of Talmai king of Geshur…These were born to David in Hebron.” (2 Sam. 3:2-5)

Of the many biblical characters, I have to admit, I like David a lot: Not only was he called a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22), his many psalms have been a tremendous help to me in my spiritual journey, especially during times of trials. I know his eventual sins of murder and adultery were so grave that one might even wonder if he should still be called a man after God’s own heart. However, from the reading of Psalm 51, we know that his heart was truly contrite and broken before the Lord who has undoubtedly forgiven him. However, signs of lustful weakness were quite plentiful even in these early years of his reign.

The Bible is telling us that even though Abner, out of ulterior motives, set Saul’s surviving son, Ish-Bosheth as king over Israel, “David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker” (3:1). Then out of the blue, the Bible tells us that while David was king over Judah in Hebron, he had six sons, or rather, he had six wives, and each bore him a son (3:2), as if the Bible were condoning polygamy since it also says, “Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court” (Ps. 127:5).

Of course, the Bible never condones the taking of many wives, in fact the Law of Moses specifically warns future kings in Israel with these words, “He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray…” (Deut. 17:17).

David had to know this warning; Samuel had to have told him this decree of the Lord. And yet, David chose to follow the culture of his time, and worse, he followed the practice of the kings of the nations around him and married Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur (a small kingdom in the north-east of Bashan) most likely out of political expediency. But the result could not have been more tragic, because out of this union prohibited by God, Absalom was born. “Absalom denotes ‘father of peace’ or ‘father’s peace’. The name was a complete misnomer, for the bearer became the disturber of David’s happiness and a rebel to his government” (JFB, 222).

David’s many wives and sons directly resulted in rape and murder among siblings, and finally David had to flee for his life in his old age, for fear of Absalom. Unfortunately, the old adage is always true, “we reap what we sow!”. (See Job 4:8 also)

Meditative Reflection
A King of Integrity

“So on that day all the people there and all Israel knew that the king had no part in the murder of Abner son of Ner.” (2 Sam. 3:37)

As much as Abner probably deserved to die — being such a savage leader who played with the lives of his people (2:14), and was full of selfish ambition to grab power (3:6) first by ignoring God’s will of appointing David as king over Israel (3:9), then by betraying the king he helped enthrone in Ish-Bosheth (3:12) — his murder by Joab was a crime clearly condemned by the Law of Moses (Exod. 21:14).

It is true that he killed Asahel, the brother of Joab and Abishai (2:23), but he did it in an open manner during a battle. Even given the setting of a battle, Abner tried to avoid killing him, warning him several times to stop his pursuit, because he knew he was the brother of Joab, the right-hand man of David (2:20-22).

One can certainly sympathize with Joab’s desire to avenge the death of his brother, but the Law of Moses clearly condemns the killing through murder. Therefore, Joab could only wait for a formal combat or battle setting to settle his scores, or better still, learn from David to wait for the Lord to repay evil with evil (3:39).

However, his wickedness prompted him to seize the chance of Abner being not far from Hebron to lure him back and kill him in cold blood. His action, however, carried far-reaching consequences:

a. For one, it was, as we have said, an act of murder is clearly condemned by the Law of Moses.

b. But it also gave the impression to all people of Israel that David was a co-conspirator, or even the mastermind behind it.

Of course, David’s subsequent actions clearly showed that he had no part in it, but I believe it was not for political reasons lest the other tribes would not come over to him, but for the sake of integrity — showing respect and upholding the Law of Moses. This was of utmost importance to David as a king to show that no one was above the law, except that he was not powerful enough to execute Joab at this time (3:39); but his open curse on Joab and his family (3:29) had sent a powerful message to all Israel of his abhorrence against such a heinous crime, and also of his dependence on God in repaying such evil (3:39).

Meditative Reflection
Upholding the Law

“But they took the head of Ish-Bosheth and buried it in Abner’s tomb in Hebron.” (2 Sam. 4:12)

Some commentators see David’s treatment of the death of Saul, Jonathan, Abner and now Ish-Bosheth as nothing more than political ploys. On the contrary I believe they revealed David’s unwavering commitment to please God and obey His commandments.

Whether it was the self-confessed killing of Saul by the young man (2 Sam. 1); the killing of Abner by Joab (2 Sam. 3) or the killing of Ish-Bosheth by the two Benjaminites (2 Sam. 4), to David they had committed cold-blooded murder and that was clearly prohibited by the Law of Moses (Exod. 21:14). While the victims might have happened to be his foes, it did not change the commandments laid down by God.

His approach towards the young man in Saul’s death might be confusing to his own men at the time, but with the same approach he continued to adopt against the sins of Joab and now Recab and Baanah, such consistency sent a very clear message across Israel that no matter how heinous a crime was being committed, no one could take matters into his own hand and use murder to exact revenge, even for some holy ends. All have to be dealt with according to the law laid down by God; and no private execution was permitted.

Once again, we see why, even with all his flaws, David is still called a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22).

Meditative Reflection
The Virtue of Patience

“David was thirty years old when he became king and reigned forty years. In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months; and in Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah thirty-three years.” (2 Sam. 5:4-5)

Of all the lessons of virtue that we can learn from the life of David, it seems that patience has to be a very notable one, especially in the early part of David’s adult life.

I looked at the definition of patience in various dictionaries and found that while endurance and perseverance under difficult circumstances seem to be the prevalent motif, most convey a rather passive or even negative sense for the word. As I looked at the word from the early Greek philosophical mindset, I came to understand why.

TDTNT explains that “makroqumia” is found even from the time of Homer, and it carries a certain element of resignation: “For men, as distinct from the blessedness of the gods who know no suffering, the only option is makroqumia, the patience which must be resigned.” (375)

However, the biblical view of patience is quite different. First of all, it is an attribute of God whose patience carries the sense of “long-suffering”. Quite alien to the Greek mindset, Yahweh does suffer and He often asks, “How long” as He waits for the repentance of His Chosen People (Num. 14:11, 27; Ps. 4:2 etc.). And, the Son of God demonstrates clearly to us that even God suffers, not passively but purposefully and willingly (Heb. 12:2).

And so when it is applied to Christians, TDTNT explains,

“But this cannot be a virtue attained among other virtues. It is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). Far from being one among other forms of ethical conduct, it grows from the common root and bears fruit only along with all others. Love (agape) takes precedence in the list of manifestations of the Spirit. But his supremely makroqumia is controlled, though also by friendliness (kindness, according to NIV), which Paul likes to relate to makroqumia” (383-4).

David certainly exhibited this kind of patience, as he must have waited a good 20 years after his initial anointing by Samuel before he eventually ascended to the throne of Israel. When he was first anointed, he was described as only a boy (1 Sam. 17:33), utmost in his late teens. It was not until he was 37 years old that he was crowned king over all Israel (2 Sam. 5:4-5). During this period of waiting to see God’s promise fulfilled, we never get a sense that David had ever complained to God for the apparent delay, nor did he ever try to speed up the process by himself, even when he was given the opportunities. And TDTNT is right, the reason why David was able to be patient was because his patience was grounded in agape love — love for God and love for men, and thus his patience was not “one among other forms of ethical conduct”, it grew from his love relationship with God.

Meditative Reflection
God cannot be Taken Lightly Even in the Midst of Joy

“The Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act, therefore God struck him down and he died there beside the ark of God.” (2 Sam. 6:7)

The return of the ark to Jerusalem ought to be an extremely joyous occasion, and one cannot really blame David for being upset at the death of Uzzah which basically destroyed all the excitement of this otherwise joyous occasion. However, to be upset is one thing, to be angry especially with God is another, and David had an important lesson to learn, even in his zeal to bring back the ark of God, undoubtedly out of love of the Lord.

The biblical author specifically reminds us of what the ark is all about: “the ark of God, which is called by the Name, the name of the LORD Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim on the ark” (6:2). It represents not only God’s presence, but it signifies the presence of that name — the LORD Almighty — and the fact that He is enthroned between the cherubim on the ark. The presence of the ark signifies that presence of the One and Only God who is not only the Almighty, but He who rules over heavens and earth, and is to be revered with utmost holiness.

Unfortunately, in the absence of Samuel, the priests were totally ignorant of the stipulation in Numbers 4 in that “the ark was not only to be moved by none but Levites but it was to be carried on the shoulders, not in a carriage…even the Levites were expressly forbidden to touch it on pain of death” (K&D, 591). David followed the example of the Philistines and moved it simply on a new cart, and by non-Levites.

I believe the stumbling of the oxen was not an accident, nor was the touching by Uzzah, presumably out of good intentions. However, the Bible makes clear that what Uzzah did was an “irreverent act”, meaning that it was probably not just the act itself that caused his death, but rather the fact that he had adopted an irreverent attitude toward the ark which was revealed to all through this incident.

I do not blame David for getting upset and even angry with God; we all have moments like this in our life. However, when David had time to calm down and reflect on the matter, he should come to understand that ...

a. As much as he loved the Lord and got excited about the return of the ark to Jerusalem, he still had to treat the Lord, whom he loved, with utmost reverence, because He is the Lord Almighty!

b. As he consulted the Lord on his every move (or at least on every important move), he should also consult the Lord about the return of the ark and how it should be done. This, at least from what we can tell, was not the case.

c. The striking dead of Uzzah was not only according to the decree declared already in Numbers, but like the rejection of Cain by the Lord, if he did right, would he not be accepted by the Lord? (Gen. 4:7). That means Uzzah’s irreverent act was only an expression of his irreverent sin that was “crouching” at his door (Gen. 4:7), waiting for the chance to express it.

Although David’s anger was not justified at all, God, being long-suffering, enabled David to calm down and get over his negative feeling; in fact, through the expressed blessings He poured on the entire household of Obed-Edom (a Levite of the family of Korahites — 1 Chr. 13:14), He helped him understand that if he approached the ark with reverence and transported it according to His law, the Lord would not change His promise and would continue His blessings upon him, especially the blessings of His very presence in Jerusalem. The world always turns a joyous celebration into a time of unholy, uncontrolled licentiousness, but never should the children of God!

Meditative Reflection
Michal-A Wife who held a grudge

“And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him in her heart.” (2 Sam. 6:16)

When Michal was first introduced to us, she was probably, like David, a young person, perhaps even in her late teens. She was romantically in love with David. Just as she thought it was not meant to be, the betrothal of her older sister to David fell through and her wish was granted. As much as it was a political ploy or even an evil plot on the part of her father, she was married to the one she was madly in love with (1 Sam. 18:20).

As wonderful as it was, her love for David was soon put to test, but she passed this test in flying colors as she risked the wrath of her father (who could even take her life) in helping her husband flee for his life (1 Sam. 19:12). However, what did she get in return for her faithfulness to her husband? She was given to another man as his wife by Saul (1 Sam. 25:44).

As unfortunate as it was, we read in the Bible that at least this new husband of hers, Paltiel, loved her dearly (2 Sam. 3:16). In other words, if she wanted to hold a grudge, she should hold it against her father and no one else!

However, just as she might be contented with her fate, David was not. He used his influence and took the opportunity of Abner’s betrayal to demand her back. If David did it out of love, we can understand. But by then he had other wives, in fact six of them already (2 Sam. 3:2-5), while Paltiel presumably had only Michal. By then, whatever love Michal had for David could have turned into hatred and scorn, perhaps rightfully.

Yet, David remained the king anointed by God, and he remained, as flawed as he was, totally committed to reign after God’s heart. As a king who sought to enquire of the Lord on his every move, the return of the ark was meant to ensure that such a dependency on God would continue even after his reign (1 Chr. 13:3). And, the return of the ark of God also signified His blessings on His people and the restoration of the centrality of the worship life of God’s people. It was indeed an occasion which called for great celebration. Unfortunately, Michal allowed her own misfortune to rob her even of her relationship with God, putting her personal grudge before the plan of God and the blessings of her people!

Yes, I have come across many servants of the Lord who have neglected their families and especially their wives, and some of these wives have adopted Michal’s attitude. One such woman said to her husband after many years of marriage, “I have had enough of you and your God!”.

I would entreat you, if you happen to be a Michal: Set aside your own grudge, do not let it rob you of your relationship with God and blind you to the plan and will of God in you and your spouse. Do not turn God’s blessing into a curse! (2 Sam. 6:23)