This chapter describes David’s return as king. Some enemies are pardoned, and some conflict arises between Judah and Israel (the two main provinces of God’s people).
“And Shimei… hurried to come down with the men of Judah to meet King David… And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, as he was about to cross the Jordan, and said to the king, ‘Let not my lord hold me guilty or remember how your servant did wrong on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. Do not let the king take it to heart. For your servant knows that I have sinned. Therefore, behold, I have come this day, the first of all the house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king.’ And the king said to Shimei, ‘You shall not die.’ And the king gave him his oath.” (v16,18b-20,23 abr)
Shimei, the man who cursed David and others as they left Jerusalem (ch16), humbles himself and asks for forgiveness. The sons of Zeruiah (Abishai and Joab) again want him put to death, yet David is willing to forgive and let him live.
The sons of Zeruiah have a habit of holding grudges and desiring revenge – they executed Absalom (ch18) and Abner (ch3) despite David’s wishes, and twice have desired to execute Shimei as well.
David on the other hand was willing to love and forgive his enemies – a trait more in alignment with God’s and Jesus’ moral will: ” ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven… You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.’ ” (Mt 5:43-45a,48)
David loved Saul’s entire household, despite the fact Saul & Ish-bosheth both tried to kill him. David still loved and mourned Absalom even after his attempted coupe. David truly understood God’s heart for forgiveness, and loving everyone, including his enemies.
I encourage us to forgive anyone who has wronged us, and to seek forgiveness from those whom we have wronged. Jesus calls us to love everyone, including all of our neighbors and enemies, just as our heavenly Father loves everyone. This means we are to forgive, and seek forgiveness, in an attempt to be at peace with everyone.
If we harbor anger or vengeance in our heart, such as the sons of Zeruaih did, we limit our capacity to love others. If we fail to ask forgiveness of others, we limit their ability to forgive, and by extension their ability to love others. Personally, I don’t want to be knowingly responsible for limiting someone else’s ability to obey God (of course I have unknowingly sinned against people, and I have to rely on God’s grace to make that know to me).
Father God, our Wise and Honorable King, great and mighty is Your name. Father You have given us many wise commands, such as ‘love our neighbors’ and ‘love our enemies’. These commands, if followed, help maintain a level of peace in this world. Father please help us to truly embrace these commands, consistently offering forgiveness and apologies. May we seek reconciliation over our own pride, and seek obedience to You over our own will. Would You please grant us knowledge of the wrongs we have committed, and the grace to forgive those around us. In the name of Jesus, who modeled love and forgiveness so well, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training