2 Samuel 3:36-39
Verse 36 All the people took note and were pleased; indeed, everything the king did pleased them.
Having seen David’s response to Abner’s death, they can’t help but admire their king. He was showing more grace and compassion to this man who had been part of the army hunting him and that showed the character of their leader. To know that David still cared about what happened to the man who had not only taken part in the chasing of he and his men but who had also set Ish-Bosheth as king so that David couldn’t take control of the whole nation, must have made a big impression on them.
God had chosen David and given him a heart that was not like the average man in the tribes of the times. Though God had called His people out of Egypt and given them many laws that could set them apart from the surrounding nations. Sadly, the Israelites of that time were not much different than churches of today, they know what God requires of them but enjoy the ways of the world more than what pleases the Lord. God had chosen David because He knew He could hone David into a man after His own heart. David wasn’t perfect but he did seem more intentional about living as God wanted.
As they grew in understanding of their king they couldn’t help but be pleased with their choice of leader. He didn’t seem to do anything that caused them to not like him, because of this everyone knew that he had nothing to do with Abner’s death. But then he said something quite unexpected, “I am weak.”
This comment from the king would have caused them to stop and really listen to what he was talking about. Though they may not have expected what he was saying they understood when they took in the whole of his comments. These men, Joab and Abishai, were no longer under the king’s control. They had usurped his authority by sneaking behind his back to kill Abner and that meant they were no longer to be trusted. So the king curses them, asking that God repay them for their dirty deed. In other words he was asking God to take their lives as they had taken Abner’s.
Making It Personal
Who do you know that lives a life which you would say is set apart for God? Do you live that kind of life? What parts of your life are not set apart for God?
Making It Personal Kids
What does it mean to live a life that is set apart for Jesus? Do you live like that? When is it hard to live like Jesus?
Closing Prayer
Father, we confess that we don’t always desire to live set apart as You have commanded. Please give us the wisdom we need to make choices that are in alignment with Your commands so that we can live for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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