2 Samuel 19
THE weeping king of Israel reminds us of that occasion in the life of Christ (Matthew 19:41) when He also wept over his enemies, brings before us, too, Himself as the One who for His enemies was slain. If David loved his enemies, how far beyond his love is that of Jesus!
David did as his general bade him (verses 7, 8), and took his seat in a public place, though his heart was yet deeply pained. The people wanted him back at Jerusalem, for he was still at Mahanaim, east of the Jordan, but their leaders did not at first respond to their wishes. Perhaps we rightly judge that the memory of their deserting David at his son’s call, made them slow to present themselves to him. Conscience makes cowards of us all. The king then took the first step (verses 11-14), and selected Amasa to succeed Joab, the man of blood, at the head of his army.
Shimei, who had cursed David (chapter 16:5-8), and cast stones at him and at his servants, now fearful that his life would be taken, came hastily to greet the king, to seek his pardon; Ziba, too, the unworthy servant of Mephibosheth, came with his fifteen sons and his twenty servants. It was a time now to seek David’s favor, but one of those who went to meet him was not moved by selfish desires; Mephibosheth mourned during the whole time of his master’s absence, and now that he was returning in peace, this delivered son of an enemy cared for nothing else: David was everything to him. Ziba had deceived Mephibosheth, and slandered him to the king, but Mephibosheth was willing for Ziba to have, not only half, but all the land of Saul. David was all he wanted. This was true devotion.
Should they not mourn His absence here, and be marked by real separation from the world, which in fact disowns Him still; be, as it were, counting the hours till He comes? (Revelation 22:2020He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. (Revelation 22:20)). Shame upon us who are Christ’s, that Mephibosheth’s lamp of testimony shines so much brighter than our own!
The aged Barzillai had given to David at Mahanaim; and now went with him a little way over the Jordan, —another of those who were devoted to the king.
The chapter closes with discord among brethren; they seem to have almost forgotten their delight in David’s return, in an angry dispute. Such, we may say, is man.
ML 03/06/1927