This chapter describes David’s encounters while fleeing Jerusalem, and Absalom’s arrival in Jerusalem.
“…there came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei… and as he came he cursed continually. And he threw stones at David and at all the servants of King David… Then Abishai… said to the king, ‘Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and take off his head.’ But the king said, ‘…If he is cursing because the Lord has said to him, “Curse David,” who then shall say, “Why have you done so?” Behold, my own son seeks my life… Leave him alone, and let him curse… It may be that the Lord will look on the wrong done to me, and that the Lord will repay me with good for his cursing today.’ ” (v5-12 abr)
One encounter is Shimei, a distant relative of Saul’s. This man curses David and throws stones toward the King’s companions. Though the mighty men with David could easily have killed him, David won’t allow them to. Similar to how David treated Saul’s household in the past, he offers grace and mercy to this relative and leaves him alone.
This moral high-ground David takes is astounding. Shimei accuses David of being a bloodthirsty monster (paraphrased), yet David shows he’s the opposite by sparing Shimei’s life. David also looks for what God may be saying through this cursing man. It’s true God has allowed these circumstances upon David’s entourage, so David is seeking God’s lessons within these trying times.
Have you ever been bad-mouthed by someone? I think most of us probably have at one point or another, or will be at some time in the future. It’s normal to encounter people who are adamantly opposed to you – or rather adamantly opposed to God, whom we serve. When we encounter those who would belittle or curse us/God, I would encourage us to not take it personally (though I realize that’s easier said than done).
Just as David sought God’s lessons in his trials, I would encourage us to do the same. One of my favorite passages says: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (Jas 1:2-4)
Scripture encourages us to find joy and God’s lessons in the midst of trials and persecution, because we will learn perseverance and grow stronger. If we kill/destroy the source of the trial, as Abishai wished to do, we will strengthen the wrong character traits. By enduring life’s trials (which God has allowed in our lives for a reason), we can strengthen the character traits God desires. Don’t worry, God will be there with us as we endure difficult times – He will not let us face the trials on our own.
Father God, our Beloved Lord and King, great and mighty are Your ways. Father we don’t always understand the reasons You allow specific circumstances, however, we trust that You have our best interests and development at heart. May we learn to partner with You through life’s trials, and weather the hardships with Your Spirit. In doing so may we learn the lessons You wish to teach us, and grow firmer in our faith. May we be examples to those around us, as David was to his household, so that they too may be strengthened by our perseverance. In the name of Jesus our Savior and King, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training