2 Samuel 18:1-2
Verse 1 David mustered the men who were with him and appointed over them commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds.
David knew his son and the army were coming. This must have torn his heart to know his son wanted the crown so much he was willing to go to war against his father. David also knew that while he had many of his closest men with him, some of the army coming with his son were his own soldiers who had either willingly joined Absalom’s cause or had figured if David had abandoned them, they may as well join Absalom’s army.
Knowing his son was coming, David did what any well trained and veteran military man would do, get his army ready for the coming battle. Since David was working with a new army with some different players than his usual team, he had to decide where each member fit best for the strongest military unit possible.
The truth was, David was realizing how little he knew about his son. He knew he wanted to take over the throne but with the lack of personal knowledge of his son, David had no true understanding of his opponent, which is a position no officer wants to find himself in. A man who doesn’t know his enemy has no good way of knowing how to counter their attack. David had a bonus problem, he didn’t want to be fighting his son.
In verse two we learn a few names of top army men which David had with him. Joab had been one of the king’s top men for some time. It was his going with David which caused Absalom to need a new commander to bring into this war. Joab’s brother, Abishai had also been with David for some time and so he was another natural leader for one of the king’s units.
The third fellow wouldn’t be a likely candidate for most military forces but David had a special force he was working with. You may remember Ittai from the passage we read recently about David and his entourage heading away from Jerusalem. This man was from Gath and was a Philistine. David had told him he didn’t have to come along but Ittai made the statement which seemed an echo of Ruth’s commitment to Naomi. This was the third man David knew he could trust in battle, a former enemy who was more trustworthy than the king’s own son.
Making It Personal
Who are the people in your life whom you can trust to have your back? How do you know you can trust them? Who knows they can trust you?
Making It Personal Kids
Do you have people in your life whom you trust? Why do you feel you can trust them? Are you making sure others can trust you?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for always being trustworthy. Help us know how to live like You and be found trustworthy in every situation. Help us to be a good friends. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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