2 Samuel 15:1-17:14

In our reading today we see the fulfillment of God’s words to David from Nathan in 2 Samuel 12:11 (WEB): “This is what Yahweh says: ‘Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house; and I will take your wives before your eyes, and give them to your neighbor, and he will lie with your wives in the sight of this sun.'” Absalom has been working from the inside to foment rebellion, and we see the fulfillment of his plans here. But this is all a part of God’s plan; this is David’s punishment because of his sin. Even though both treachery and faithfulness are ongoing motifs in our passage, we see that God uses both those who are false and those who are faithful to accomplish His purpose!And, even in the midst of his trouble, David recognized God’s sovereignty:

2 Samuel 15:25-26 (WEB) “The king said to Zadok, ‘Carry God’s ark back into the city. If I find favor in Yahweh’s eyes, he will bring me again, and show me both it, and his habitation; but if he says, “I have no delight in you;” behold, here I am. Let him do to me as seems good to him.’”

Didn’t David contribute to his trouble by his attitude towards his children? Certainly, and God knew this as well. But just because God takes into account earthly matters doesn’t mean sovereignty is denied! God allowed the natural consequences of David’s sin and shortcomings to come to fruition in order to punish him for his actions. And, if we’re honest with ourselves, we’ll admit that there are times that God doesn’t have to do much to punish us for our sins, because the natural consequences of our behavior is often disaster. However, here’s an important reminder: when something does happen to us that we believe the Lord allows or actively causes because of our sinfulness, we need to remember that it’s because He loves us and wants us to be more like Him.

Hebrews 12:5-6 (BTV) “And you have completely forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: ‘My son, do not think lightly of the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he punishes every son he receives.’”