2 Samuel 20
SO bitter was the dispute mentioned at the close of the last chapter that at the appearance of a leader, howbeit a tool of Satan, all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba of Benjamin. Amasa, the new army head, was directed by David to bring the men of Judah before him within three days, but he took more time, and David, fearing that the insurrection might grow, sent Abishai, Joab’s brother with an armed force after Sheba. On the way Amasa took the lead, and Joab craftily killed him, unwilling to see him take the place that he, Joab, had held, and from which David had removed him. The pursuit of Sheba went on nevertheless, and ended when his head was thrown over the wall of the city whither he had gone. Joab once more went unpunished, through David’s weakness; he was put to death when Solomon came to the throne.
Chapter twenty closes the general history of David’s career. What we get in the twenty first and twenty fourth chapters is of earlier date, but introduced separately in the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. David’s “song” and “last words” occupy the twenty second and twenty third chapters, and the First Book of Kings, which follows, introduces Solomon, with David’s charges to him, and David’s death occurs in chapter 2.
What rich and varied experiences this servant of God passed through, in his course from the sheepfold to the throne. and onward to his death! He is named among the faith-worthies of Hebrews 11, without reference to any particular incident in his life, but the Psalms which bear his name, are deeply instructive, telling as they do, not only of the sufferings and joys of David, but of the afflictions and glory of Israel, and of Israel’s rejected King, the Lord Jesus Christ.
ML 03/13/1927