Here’s David’s specific command. II Samuel 18:5 “And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.” And, then, when Absalom’s head had gotten caught in the low hanging branch of an oak tree, it was Joab who took three arrows and shot him in the heart.
Now I’m quite sure I know the reason why Joab took the life of Absalom. Here it is. David had once asked Joab to make sure that the life of a man named Uriah be taken. He asked that Uriah, the husband of a woman David had taken to his own bed, Bathsheba by name, Uriah be placed at the forefront of the battle and then be slain. Since that day, Joab must have had reason to hold this over David’s head.
So, when it came to abiding by the king’s command to quote “deal gently” with Absalom, Joab surely felt no qualms about disobeying him. Now, notwithstanding the actions of men; and in conjunction with the prayers of King David, Hushai’s counsel was followed. And the result was that Absalom’s life was taken.
Here’s what we can see here and learn from this sad story.
First, it’s good and it’s natural to weep.
Second, it’s best to turn to the One Who is The God of All Comfort.
Third, it’s always time to pray. True prayer must include confidence that God’s will stands before man’s will. Grief is a normal and natural means of dealing with the pain of loss and heartache. And, no one is exempt from it. And when God allows a seeming “tragedy” to occur, it is best to go directly to Him for help and comfort. If we do not go to Him for help, we will likely incur greater spiritual losses. But when we do go to Him in our times of greatest need, we find that He will comfort and help us through it.
Now fourth and finally, when we are persecuted by those who have chosen to become our enemies, pray for them. Bless them. Love them to God at a distance. And believe that He indeed will answer your prayer. Jesus says to do this. Matthew 5:44 “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;…” He is worthy of our prayers and our praise. Let’s trust ourselves completely to Him today.
“God is more concerned about you than you will ever know. He’s fully aware of you and your situation and your needs. And He’s in this continual love relationship with you. He only has your best interests at heart. So, you can trust Him and pray today. He’s waiting to you’re your voice and to supply your need.”
Jesus went to the Cross, not for His sins, but for yours and mine. Will you repent of your sins today and receive Him as your Savior and LORD? If not, why not?
Here’s the wonderful Good News. We are sinners by nature, by choice, and by habit. Yet, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” He’s a God of complete and glorious love – for you and me.
And He has called each one of us to repentance and faith. Will you repent and believe today?
“I Repent” = “I change my mind about truth, God, Christ, my sin, and God’s free gift of salvation.”
“I Believe” = “I simply trust Jesus Christ alone as the One Who paid the entire penalty for my sins.”
“LORD, thank you for your forgiveness. Thank you that Your forgiving me is full and complete. Thank you for the work of Jesus Your Son who paid the entire debt so that I can enjoy the full debt cancelled.”
Then, as a child of God, the prayer of surrender is always in order. Prayer of Surrender: “LORD, right now I submit all that I am to you, my spirit, my soul, and my body. Do with me what is most pleasing to you. Work out Your blessed will upon me today. I trust you and I know you love me. Amen” The End
Now I’m quite sure I know the reason why Joab took the life of Absalom. Here it is. David had once asked Joab to make sure that the life of a man named Uriah be taken. He asked that Uriah, the husband of a woman David had taken to his own bed, Bathsheba by name, Uriah be placed at the forefront of the battle and then be slain. Since that day, Joab must have had reason to hold this over David’s head.
So, when it came to abiding by the king’s command to quote “deal gently” with Absalom, Joab surely felt no qualms about disobeying him. Now, notwithstanding the actions of men; and in conjunction with the prayers of King David, Hushai’s counsel was followed. And the result was that Absalom’s life was taken.
Here’s what we can see here and learn from this sad story.
First, it’s good and it’s natural to weep.
Second, it’s best to turn to the One Who is The God of All Comfort.
Third, it’s always time to pray. True prayer must include confidence that God’s will stands before man’s will. Grief is a normal and natural means of dealing with the pain of loss and heartache. And, no one is exempt from it. And when God allows a seeming “tragedy” to occur, it is best to go directly to Him for help and comfort. If we do not go to Him for help, we will likely incur greater spiritual losses. But when we do go to Him in our times of greatest need, we find that He will comfort and help us through it.
Now fourth and finally, when we are persecuted by those who have chosen to become our enemies, pray for them. Bless them. Love them to God at a distance. And believe that He indeed will answer your prayer. Jesus says to do this. Matthew 5:44 “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;…” He is worthy of our prayers and our praise. Let’s trust ourselves completely to Him today.
“God is more concerned about you than you will ever know. He’s fully aware of you and your situation and your needs. And He’s in this continual love relationship with you. He only has your best interests at heart. So, you can trust Him and pray today. He’s waiting to you’re your voice and to supply your need.”
Jesus went to the Cross, not for His sins, but for yours and mine. Will you repent of your sins today and receive Him as your Savior and LORD? If not, why not?
Here’s the wonderful Good News. We are sinners by nature, by choice, and by habit. Yet, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” He’s a God of complete and glorious love – for you and me.
And He has called each one of us to repentance and faith. Will you repent and believe today?
“I Repent” = “I change my mind about truth, God, Christ, my sin, and God’s free gift of salvation.”
“I Believe” = “I simply trust Jesus Christ alone as the One Who paid the entire penalty for my sins.”
“LORD, thank you for your forgiveness. Thank you that Your forgiving me is full and complete. Thank you for the work of Jesus Your Son who paid the entire debt so that I can enjoy the full debt cancelled.”
Then, as a child of God, the prayer of surrender is always in order. Prayer of Surrender: “LORD, right now I submit all that I am to you, my spirit, my soul, and my body. Do with me what is most pleasing to you. Work out Your blessed will upon me today. I trust you and I know you love me. Amen” The End