This chapter describes a dark day for Israel – Absalom leads the army of Israel against David and his mighty men. David’s troops defeat Israel, and 20,000 men die that day, including Absalom, who is executed by Joab (David’s general).
“And the king ordered Joab and Abishai and Ittai, ‘Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.’ And all the people heard when the king gave orders to all the commanders about Absalom. Absalom was riding on his mule, and the mule went under the thick branches of a great oak, and his head caught fast in the oak, and he was suspended between heaven and earth, while the mule that was under him went on. Joab… took three javelins in his hand and thrust them into the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the oak. And ten young men, Joab’s armor-bearers, surrounded Absalom and struck him and killed him.” (v5,9b,14-15)
Joab, against David’s explicit instructions, executes Absalom when he meets him. It’s interesting that David keeps on trusting Joab and Abishai – these two brothers have disobeyed David’s orders on more than one occasion, yet David still keeps letting them command his armies. Either David is oblivious to their disregard for his wishes, or he knows, and keeps giving them more chances to be obedient.
I like to think that David is a well-informed and wise man, and that he gives people multiple chances to get it right. Perhaps that’s a trait he learned from God. After all, God gave David multiple chances for obedience, so it would make sense that David would extend the same courtesy to the sons of Zeruiah (Joab and Abishai).
Virtually every person in the Bible was given multiple chances at obedience – Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Jonah, Peter, etc. God extends you and I that same mercy and grace.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 Jn 1:9) “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lm 3:21-23)
I encourage us to embrace God’s grace and mercy, no matter where we are today, and no matter what we did yesterday. Let’s confess any sin, truly turn back to Him, and seek to obey His voice. His mercies are new every morning, and He will faithfully forgive us if our repentance is real. Just like David granted Joab and Abishai multiple chances to obey his commands, God gives us multiple chances as well. A song lyric I appreciate says that with God “there’s a room full of second chances”. I plan to embrace one of those second chances today – how about you?
Father God, Lord of abundant grace and mercy, holy and praiseworthy is You name. Father we have sinned against You, falling prey to our own self-interests. Father please forgive us, and extend another chance for us to obey You. We love You, and long to obey You, yet we are weak. Please have mercy on us, and allow us opportunities to become stronger, so we may obey You more consistently. Thank you for the gift of second chances made possible through Your Son’s sacrifice. In His name we honor, praise and adore You, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training