II Samuel 20
Sheba rebels against Davidverses 1-2
And there happened to be there a man of Belial
whose name was Sheba – the son of Bichri a Benjamite
and he blew the trumpet and said
We have no part in David
neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse
every man to his tents O Israel
So every man of Israel went up from after David
and followed Sheba the son of Bichri
BUT the men of Judah clave unto their king
from Jordan even to Jerusalem
David sets the left behind concubines in seclusionverse 3
And David came to his house at Jerusalem
and the king took the ten women his concubines
whom he had left to keep the house – and put them in ward
and fed them – BUT went not in unto them
So they were shut up unto the day of their death – living in widowhood
David orders Amasa to assemble the troopsverses 4-5
Then said the king to Amasa
Assemble me the men of Judah within three days
and be you here present
So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah
but he tarried longer than the set time which he had appointed him
David assigns Abishai to go to battleverse 6
And David said to Abishai
Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom
take you your lord’s servants – and pursue after him
lest he get him fenced cities – and escape us
Joab meets with Amasaverses 7-8
And there went out after him Joab’s men – and the
Cherethites – Pelethites – the mighty men
and they went out of Jerusalem
to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri
When they were at the great stone which is in Gibeon
Amasa went before them
And Joab’s garment that he had put on was girded unto him
and upon it a girdle with a sword fastened upon his loins
in the sheath thereof
and as he went forth it fell out
Joab kills Amasaverses 9-10
And Joab said to Amasa
Are you in health – my brother?
And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him
BUT Amasa took no heed of the sword that was in Joab’s hand
so he smote him therewith in the fifth rib
and shed out his bowels to the ground
and struck him not again – and he died
So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri
Amasa’s body had to be removedverses 11-13
And one of Joab’s men stood by him – and said
He that favored Joab – and he that is for David – let him go after Joab
And Amasa wallowed in blood in the midst of the highway
and when the man saw that all the people stood still
he removed Amasa out of the highway into the field
and cast a cloth upon him
when he saw that every one that came by him
stood still
When he was removed out of the highway
all the people went on after Joab
to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri
Joab besieged Shebaverses 14-15
And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel – and to Beth-maachah
and all the Berites – and they were gathered together
and went also after him
And they came and besieged him in Abel of Beth-maachah
and they cast up a bank against the city – and it stood in the trench
and all the people that were with Joab battered the wall
to throw it down
Wise woman negotiates for peaceverses 16-19
Then cried a wise woman out of the city
Hear – hear – say – I pray you – unto Joab
Come near hither – that I may speak with you
And when he was come near unto her – the woman said
Are you Joab?
And he answered
I am he
Then she said unto him
Hear the words of your handmaid
And he answered
I do hear
Then she spoke – saying
They were wont to speak in old time – saying
They shall surely ask counsel at Abel
and so they ended the matter
I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel
you seek to destroy a city and a mother in Israel
Why will you swallow up the inheritance of the LORD?
Joab wants Shebaverses 20-21
And Joab answered and said
Far be it – far be it from me – that I should swallow up or destroy
The matter is not so – BUT a man of mount Ephraim
Sheba the son of Bichri by name
hath lifted up his hand against the king
even against David
DELIVER him only – and I will depart from the city
And the woman said unto Joab
BEHOLD – his head shall be thrown to thee over the wall
Sheba’s head thrown from cityverse 22
Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom
and they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri
and cast it out to Joab
And he blew a trumpet – and they retired from the city
every man to his tent
And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king
Officers of David’s reignverses 23-26
Now Joab was over all the host of Israel
and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites – Pelethites
and Adoram was over the tribute
and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder
and Sheva was scribe
and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests
and Ira also the Jairite was a chief ruler about David
COMMENTARY:
DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers
: 1 And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tent, O Israel. (1100 “Belial” [baliya’al] mean worthlessness, the quality of being useless, good for nothing, wicked, ungodly, evil, naughty, unprofitable, or base fellow)
DEVOTION: Almost immediately there was a rebellion against David as he set up his kingdom again after the rebellion of Absalom. Here is a man from the tribe of Benjamin who thought the king should be someone from the tribe of Saul instead of from the tribe of Judah.
He called for all the men of the other tribes to follow him instead of David. He wanted to end the dynasty of David. The men of Israel followed him. Those who didn’t follow him went back home without showing loyalty to David.
David had to deal with this second rebellion as soon as he tried to get his house in order again. So he had to call his new general into action to gather the troops and go after Sheba.
So we find that one rebellion is followed by another rebellion. This can happen in our life as we see one challenge followed by another challenge to see if we are depending on the LORD instead of ourselves to help us out of each challenge HE allows in our life.
We have to face each challenge with the knowledge that our strength comes from the LORD. Many human beings will let us down but the LORD will never let us down. HE keeps HIS promises to us.
We will see that even his generals were fighting with one another during this time period. He had to turn to the LORD for help. There are men and women who are not following the LORD even in the church. Our goal is to try to even help them if they are willing to be helped.
CHALLENGE: We have to do the same each day. Our hope is in the LORD!!!
DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers
: 5 So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah: but he tarried longer than the set time which he had appointed him. (309 “tarried” [achar] means defer, slack, delayed, hinder, hinder, to take longer to do something than planned, scheduled, or required, prove hesitant, or hesitate)
DEVOTION: Not fulfilling our responsibility in a timely manner can be a problem for many believers. We can be given a assignment of service to the LORD but we delay getting it done. Sometimes we can come up with excuses for not getting it done but usually the only excuse is that we didn’t put our whole heart into the project that needed to be done.
This was an important project for Amasa. There was a rebellion that had to be put down quickly or there would be not kingdom of Israel. The tribes would be divided and the enemies would use this against the different tribes of Israel. United they were a strong force but divided they might not be able to stand up against the enemy that might be coming against them.
David knew that time was important to end the rebellion. Amasa seemed to be taking his time and didn’t get the job done, so David gave the assignment to Abishai. He knew that something had to happen fast.
When you are given an assignment that is within your power to complete to help the family or church or community to move forward, how fast do you act when asked? That is a question each of us has to answer when given an assignment. It is part of our testimony. We establish a reputation of someone who can get the job done or not get it done.
CHALLENGE: We should be ones who know how to get something done in a timely manner. It is not always easy but with the help of the LORD we can do all things that bring glory to HIM.
9 And Joab said to Amasa, Are you in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him. (5401 “ kiss” [nashaq] means to touch with the lips, gesture of mutual relationship, gesture of submission, or respect)
This gesture of submission was given by Joab to Amasa with the thoughts that they were going to be friends. Joab didn’t like the idea that Amasa was the leader of Absalom’s army and then became the leader of David’s army to keep the peace. Joab was a rebellious general. He didn’t want to give up his authority to anyone including a relative. So he pretended to submit to him and give him a gesture of peace with the sign of respect only to use his sword to kill him. We find in the New Testament that Judas came up to Jesus in the garden and gave him a kiss but it was a sign to the army of the priests that HE was the one they were seeking. It was the kiss of deception, just like this kiss that was given by Joab.
People can deceive one another by pretending to like someone and yet be plotting their destruction. This sign of a mutual relationship of love and respect should mean something between individuals. Today we use the handshake or hug to show that we care for someone. Sometimes even a kiss is given but all of this showing of affection should be genuine and not fake like Joab did here to Amasa.
It is rare today in America for men to kiss men. I kiss my sons on the neck because it is a sign of my genuine love for them. I want the LORD to bless them and keep them safe. The same is true with my relationship with their families. It is genuine with no evil intent.
Our relationship with fellow believers should be one of mutual respect and the desire to see them blessed of the LORD. We should do everything in our power to help them mature in the faith and receive the help they need to live the life the LORD wants each of us to live in community with one another.
Our family should include those in our local body of believers. There should be a closeness that nothing can separate except sin. When this happens there should be a desire to restore the relationship after confession of sin. This should be done as soon as possible between believers.
There should be no deception of relationship between believers. There should be no desire to hurt a fellow believer by pretending to be a friend. Those who pretend are just looking for a reason to hurt the other person when they get a chance. This is not a Christian attitude or action.
CHALLENGE: Be aware that some people who act like your friend might be looking for an excuse to hurt you. Choose your friends wisely)
DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers
: 19 I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel: you seek to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why will you swallow up the inheritance of the LORD? (517 “mother” [’em] means metropolis, chief town of a district, important city of Israel, capital, honored city, or helps and protects an object (Israel).
Rebellion against God’s appointed leader is always a sin. One of the problems of our human nature is that we all want to be number one. This fact has caused problems throughout the ages. In the nation of Israel everyone wanted to be the king, even when there already was one. Each city in Israel was important. Each city had to make a choice on whom they would follow after the rebellion of Absalom. Here was Sheba rebelling against King David. He thought that he was a better man than David.
He had to be removed. He was hiding in the city of Abel. Joab was beating on the walls of the city. The wise woman met with Joab to tell him that he was about to destroy a city that cares for Israel. It was a city that was noted for discerning which action should be followed. It was an honored city that was about to be completely destroyed.
She stated that this city was peaceable and faithful to Israel. Joab told her that he just wanted Sheba’s head and he would leave. She went back to the people of the city and told them their choices. She provided the head and they left.
Sometimes one member of a family, can cause problems. Sometimes one person in a city can cause problems. Sometimes one member of a church, can cause problems. There has to be a solution to the problem. Joab saw only one solution to this problem. The rebellion was to end.
The followers of Christ need to deal with problems in their personal life and in the life of the church. Sometimes a whole church can be destroyed over one person in the congregation. One person can cause division in the church. The LORD does not want division in the church. HE wants us to worship in a Biblical church led by Biblical leaders who are doctrinally sound.
These matters must be resolved Biblically. Too often we want to resolve them our way and not the LORD’S way. Too often gossip is used or some call them “prayer requests” which is always a sin. We need to be wise in our battles. We must discern who the real enemy is to the church. Division is an enemy. Satan loves to see the church members divided.
The Gospel of Matthew is one text that deals with how we are to deal with personal matters involving the church. The process has to be followed. If it is not followed, we are not acting Biblically.
CHALLENGE: Search the Word of God for answers to questions that arise in our Biblical institutions: Family, Church and Nation. Watch for good leader)
DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:
BODY
Chastity (Purity in living)
Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)
Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)
Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)
Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)
SOUL
Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)
Frugality (wise use of resources)
Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)
Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)
Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)
SPIRIT
Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)
Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)
Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)
Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)
Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group)
DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:
Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)
God the Father (First person of the Godhead)
LORD – Jehovah (Covenant keeping, Personal)verse 19
Inheritance of the LORDverse 19
God the Son (Second person of the Godhead – God/man, Messiah)
God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter)
Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)
Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)
Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation)
Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)
Man of Belialverse 1
Killing of Amasaverse 10
Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)
Peaceableverse 19
Faithfulverse 19
Inheritanceverse 19
Wisdomverse 22
Israel (Old Testament people of God)
Rebellion by Shebaverses 1-22
Death of Amasaverses 4-12
Church (New Testament people of God)
Last Things (Future Events)
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QUOTES regarding passage
A new and ominous figure—Adoniram—makes his appearance in the royal cabinet (v.24). He is in charge of the corvee, the age-old institution (cf. ANET, p. 485 n. 7) that involved impressing prisoners of war into “forced labor” (mas) on such projects as the building of highways, temples, and palaces. Foreseen as early as the time of Moses (cf. Deut 20:10–11), it was apparently inaugurated in Israel’s monarchy by David at least partially in anticipation of the construction of a temple by his son Solomon (see 7:12–13 and comments). In choosing Adoniram, however, “David had appointed a man who was to play a prominent part in the apostasy of the Northern Kingdom, 1 Kings 12:18 f.” (Carlson, p. 180). (Youngblood, R. F. (1992). 1, 2 Samuel. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel (Vol. 3, p. 1049). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.)
20:23–26. Apparently, David tolerated Joab’s assassination of Amasa for Joab appears in this list of David’s royal administrators. Joab was over Israel’s entire army. Benaiah son of Jehoiada was leader of David’s special troops, the Kerethites and Pelethites (see comments on 8:15–18). Benaiah eventually replaced Joab at the beginning of Solomon’s reign (1 Kings 2:35; 4:4). Adoniram (Heb. “Adoram“) was in charge of conscripted labor gangs, a position he retained in the government of Solomon. (In 1 Kings 4:6 and 5:14 the Heb. has “Adoniram,” a longer form of his name.) Jehoshaphat … was the recorder (or chronicler). Sheva was official scribe, evidently having succeeded Seraiah (2 Sam. 8:17). Zadok and Abiathar remained as chief priests. Finally Ira the Jairite was David’s special minister, having succeeded the king’s own sons in that capacity (see comments on 8:18 for the meaning of ḵōhēn in 20:26, usually rendered “priest”). (Merrill, E. H. (1985). 2 Samuel. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, pp. 475–476). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
The chapter closes with a second listing of David’s officers (8:15–18), and two new officers are added: Adoram (or Adoniram) was in charge of the forced labor, and Ira the Jairite served as David’s chaplain. The “forced labor” was done by prisoners of war, but Israelites were occasionally conscripted to assist with government building projects. During Solomon’s reign and after, the officer in charge of these labor projects didn’t have an easy time of it (1 Kings 4:6; 5:14; 12:18ff; 2 Chron. 10:18–19).Now we must back up a bit to discover how Joab regained the command of David’s army. (Wiersbe, W. W. (2002). Be restored (p. 129). Colorado Springs, CO: Victor.)
Ver. 23. Now Joab was over all the host of Israel, &c.] Established in the post in which he formerly was; either having been never displaced, which though David thought to do, he was not able to effect it, because of his power and influence with the people; or if he had displaced him, which by some things in this chapter seemed to be the case, yet Amasa being dead, and the rebellion crushed by Joab, which still made him more haughty, and increased his popularity, David saw it most advisable to replace him; and because mention is made of him, as established in his office as general over the whole army, an account is given of the rest of David’s officers; and the rather, as it was a sort of beginning his reign anew, after quelling the above rebellions: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites, and over the Pelethites; was continued in his post, see ch. 8:18. (Gill, J. (1810). An Exposition of the Old Testament (Vol. 2, p. 653). London: Mathews and Leigh.)
FROM MY READING:
(Remember the only author that I totally agree with is the HOLY SPIRIT in the inerrant WORD OF GOD called THE BIBLE! All other I try to gleam what I can to help me grow in the LORD!!)
Jesus is perceived as an earthly king as He rides into the city of Jerusalem on a donkey.
INSIGHT
When Jesus rides into the city of Jerusalem on a donkey, why does the crowd rush out to greet Him? The answer is found in Jewish culture and history. In Old Testament times, one of the ways a king was inaugurated was to get on a donkey and have a large retinue of people walk along behind him shouting, “Long live the King!”
The crowd in the temple wants to make Jesus king. When they see Him riding toward them on a donkey, they use it as an opportunity to precipitate a coronation. That He was crucified shortly afterward indicates that they were looking
only for a national leader rather than a personal Savior. How do you see Him?
Life by Death
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)
This profound confidence comes at the conclusion of a threefold summary of Paul’s experience while serving the Lord Jesus, as well as his deep bond with the church at Philippi. The “salvation” of which Paul speaks references victory in this life as much as the eternal rescue at the end.
Initially, the confidence comes “through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:19). Christian leaders covet the prayers of those with whom they serve. Twice, Paul specifically asked the Thessalonian church to pray for him (1 Thessalonians 5:25; 2 Thessalonians 3:1). Most of us are familiar with the promise that the “effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). Should we be surprised when such prayer brings boldness?
There is also the experience that the “supply” of the Spirit of God engenders faith. God’s providential care, experienced during the testing of our life, produces a growing hope and confidence (Romans 5:4-5). It is most often true that we learn more of God’s faithfulness in times of need than in times of plenty.
Then there is an “earnest expectation and…hope” that result in “boldness” (Philippians 1:20). Growing confidence in the Lord’s provision and protection undergirds an anticipation for God’s direction and wisdom. Expecting something to happen is the flip side of hope. Experience in kingdom work brings spiritual joy and peace (Romans 15:13).
Thus, the confident statement “now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:20- 21). (HMM III, The Institute for Creation Research)
Hosting Royalty
So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.
Galatians 3:26
After meeting the Queen of England at a ball in Scotland, Sylvia and her husband received a message that the royal family would like to visit them for tea. Sylvia started cleaning and prepping, nervous about hosting the royal guests. Before they were due to arrive, she went outside to pick some flowers for the table, her heart racing. Then she sensed God reminding her that He’s the King of kings and that He’s with her every day. Immediately she felt peaceful and thought, “After all, it’s only the Queen!”
Sylvia is right. As the apostle Paul noted, God is the “King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15) and those who follow Him are “children of God” (Galatians 3:26). When we belong to Christ, we’re heirs of Abraham (v. 29). We no longer are bound by division—such as that of race, social class, or gender—for we’re “all one in Christ Jesus” (v. 28). We’re children of the King.
Although Sylvia and her husband had a marvelous meal with the Queen, I don’t anticipate receiving an invitation from the monarch anytime soon. But I love the reminder that the highest King of all is with me every moment. And that those who believe in Jesus wholeheartedly (v. 27) can live in unity, knowing they’re God’s children.
How could holding onto this truth shape the way we live today?
By Amy Boucher Pye, Our Daily Bread
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