2 Samuel 16
In times of harshness, a man’s heart is revealed; and the heart reveals a man.
David, with his entire household was fleeing from Absalom, and in this chapter, we can see some characters revealing their ugly hidden selves.
How many ugly characters can you see in this chapter?
Bible Passage: 2 Samuel 16
The liar and opportunist – Ziba
- He lied to David about his master, Mephibosheth’s intention of taking back the kingdom from David.
- Taking advantage of Mephibosheth’s handicap and the urgency in David to flee, David made a careless judgment without finding out the truth, David “rewarded” him with all that belonged to Mephibosheth. (16:4)
It was only when David returned from hiding (chp. 19), that he heard from Mephibosheth’s side of the story and realized Ziba was an unfaithful servant and he lied to David.
This character, Ziba, gives us a reminder of the 9th and 10th Commandments, not to bear false witness against your neighbor, and not to covet your neighbor’s house.
The “double-faced” accuser – Shimei
- He thought David was being “ousted” by Absalom for good, so he cursed David and his men vehemently. By doing this he had gone against the instruction of God in Exodus 22: 28 that cursing a ruler of the people was forbidden.
- The way he cursed David seemed to show his strong loyalty to King Saul and his household, but was he really so? He reacted differently because he feared for his own life when David returned to Jerusalem, and he asked for forgiveness. (2 Samuel 19: 16 – 20).
In this incident of Shimei’s cursing, David took it all. David allowed Shimei to curse him as he thought this cursing and reprimands could have been “approved” by God. Had David not endured but took the advice of Abishai to kill Shimei, the situation at that time could have been disastrous.
This character, Shimei, gives me the warning of the foolishness of being hypocritical, i.e. taking advantage of the favorable situation to take sides during disputes but not standing on the grounds of righteousness.
We must not react in such manner either in church or in our work places, but we must have the integrity to stand on the grounds of righteousness according to the teachings of the Bible.
Whereas for David, his endurance is worth our emulation, as a Chinese saying goes, “百忍成金” aptly described David’s reaction to Shimei’s curses.
But I believe it was David’s steadfast faith in God that he could endure the cursing. This is also something that we must take note, and that is to always allow God’s words to keep us calm in times when we are being wrongly accused.
But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek,
turn the other to him also.
Matthew 5:39
The stinky traitor – Ahithopel
- He was David’s counselor (15: 12), a counselor could be a counselor because the king trusted in him, but he defected from David and became a traitor.
- He gave a very outrageous and abhorring advice to Absalom to have sexual relation with David’s concubines in public! This act greatly strengthened Absalom’s followers by making it clear that he was claiming the throne.
Such a character like Ahithopel is indeed terrible, for the betrayal of one’s trust is outright, simply evil!
Hushai, even called as a friend of the king (v 17), also falls into this category of a betrayer of trust.
There may come a time that we have to face dire situations, and as such we may be pushed to make certain decisions.
Our decisions that we have to make and the action that we have to take can affect not only ourselves, but also the people around us.
So it is good that in times of peace, we must take the opportunity to prepare ourselves by spiritually nurturing ourselves through the Word of God.
And constantly ask the Lord to search our hearts, just like how David prayed,
Examine me, O LORD, and prove me;
Try my mind and my heart.
Psalms 26:2
May God help us to avoid falling into becoming any of the negative characters mentioned in this chapter, but to learn from His wonderful attributes and to grow in His image.
Shalom!
4 Comments
appleofHiseye
Hushai is interesting character…
called “friend” of king, David’s friend…
Hushai may have appeared to be a betrayer when
he said all these things about serving Absalom (2 Sam 16:18-19).
But Hushai had to say these things because
David commanded him to do so (2 Sam 15: 33-34),
because he needed to pretend to be faithful to Absalom
so that he could tell David of the situation there.
It was through Hushai that
God answered David’s prayer (2 Sam 15:31).
Hushai who had prepared to go with the king,
became the vessel of God whom God would use to fulfill the prayers of David.
In situations like that,
I imagine it would be hard to remain a loyal friend,
or even a trustworthy friend,
but it was all part of God’s plan.
…a character that is a good friend, a true friend.
PS
Read 2 Sam 16:23 slowly, its implication is frightening:
Now the advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if one had inquired at the oracle of God. So was all the advice of Ahithophel both with David and Absalom.
David had heeded the advice of Ahithophel too!!!
What had become of David? Unlikely that Ahithophel turned into such a horrible person overnight.
Does this mean that he might have given “outrageous and abhorring advice” to David previously too?
2 Sam 12:11 Thus says the LORD: “Behold I will raise up adversity against you from your own house; and I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbour, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun.”
Were Ahithophel and Absalom blameless bec they were merely fulfilling the will of God (2 Sam 16:21-22)?
Please read carefully: I will take your wives and give them to your neighbour, not your son!
Ahithophel and Absalom had to bear their own sins.
More importantly, God is holy.
Unholiness is the consequence of sins. “However, because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme… “(2 Sam 12:14). Take heed always.
(:
Why would committing such a great sin as to go in to his father’s concubines cause Israel to follow him?
biblereadingcompanion
Hi (:
The act of Absalom going into his father’s concubines served to make a great statement to all of Israel – that David was no longer in charge (i.e. the king).
David was no where to be seen. David was powerless against Absalom in that he could not even prevent this from happening. It also showed that those closest to David were now ‘supporters’ of Absalom.
These actions signalled a change in the power stakes and it was clear to all Israel that Absalom was now the main guy – the king. And that was why Israel followed him.
Very much like the people of the world today isn’t it? We judged and accept who is in charge by their actions and show of power – and fail to examine in the light of God whether this is right or accepted by God or not.
May we be discerning all the days of our lives using the Word of God as our guide.