2 Samuel 19

1-8a 8b-15 16-23 24-30 31-40 41-43

1-8a Joab’s Rebuke

Joab was still out where the battle was fought gathering his men and caring for the wounded when someone from the city came to him and told him how David was overcome with grief for Absalom and shut himself in the chambers over the gate of the city. Not just Joab heard this news all of David’s army heard it as well

As the men of the army made their way back to the city they returned not as victors but as ones who had lost and fled the battle in shame as David continued to weep and wail over Absalom

Joab severely rebuked David for his behavior about Absalom’s death and the lack of regard he was showing his men. Joab was a very powerful man and openly killed Absalom with out hesitation or remorse despite David’s command not to harm him. Joab threatens David that he would lose all of his support from his men and his kingdom if he did not go out and speak to the men and be a grateful king to his people.

David realizes that he is in danger and gets up and takes his seat at the gate to the city of Mahanaim, David sitting in the gate is a return to him exercising his kingly authority.

8b-15 David’s path to Return

All of Israel meaning all but David and his army, all of the army that Absalom had. They were all arguing whether or not David should return as king of Israel. David’s supporters reminded everyone of his victories over all of their enemies and now his defeat of Absalom and were questioning why they were not calling for David to return to his rightful place on the throne in Jerusalem.

David sends commands for the priests who stayed in Jerusalem at his command go and talk to the leaders of Judah about him returning to the throne.

He also told them to go to Amasa, who Absalom appointed general over his forces, that he would now be the leader of David’s army. He did this to persuade the tribe of Judah to return him to Jerusalem and the throne. He may have also wanted Joab out of leading the men for fear of his sway and power, or because he killed Absalom. This causes great animosity with Joab as we will see in the next chapter.

David’s pleas work and all of Judah and they sent word back to David for him and all that were with him to return to Jerusalem. As David and his people came back towards the Jordan river the men of Judah went to meet him in Gilgal to escort him back over the river and to Jerusalem.

While his pleas swayed Judah, his own kin, it also created animosity with the other tribes of Israel as we will see later in this chapter.

16-23 David Pardons his Enemies

Shimei was the man who cursed continuously at David on his flight from Jerusalem and who David refused Abishai wanting to have him killed.

Shimei confesses his sin of cursing David and ask for forgiveness.

Abishai once again wants to kill Shimei for cursing the king even though Shimei was on his face asking for forgiveness.

David admonishes Abishai on his blood lust and rhetorically asks if anyone in Israel be put to death, meaning all of Israel, for all of Israel rebelled against David. Thus pardoning all of his enemies that rebelled.

24-30 David’s Second Unkindness to Mephibosheth

Mephibosheth comes out to meet the king on his return and is exhibiting all of the customary signs of mourning, unwashed feet and clothes and untrimmed beard.

David having been fooled by Ziba during his flight out of Jerusalem on Mephibosheth’s loyalty asks him, a man who cannot walk, why he did not come with David when he fled the city in fear.

Mephibosheth tells David that Ziba deceived him and David both by telling Mephibosheth that he would saddle a donkey for him to ride and didn’t and then telling David that Mephibosheth was joining with Absalom.

Mephibosheth goes on to adore David for all that he has done for him and tells him to do whatever he thinks is right.

David decides to divide the land between him and Ziba, still uncertain who was being truthful and not bothering to inquire about the matter. It probably would have been easy for David to get the truth by asking any of the people who stayed in Jerusalem especially those he charged with staying behind.

Mephibosheth tells David to let Ziba have it all, more concerned that David thought he was disloyal and it was all that he needed just to have David back.

31-40 David’s Attempt to Reward Barzillai

Barzillai being an old man does not want to join David in Jerusalem as his guest, he would rather spend his last days at his home and be buried with his father and mother.

Barzillai offers for David to take Chimham, probably his son, in his place so that David’s offer is not totally rejected.

41-43 Tensions Between the Tribes and Judah

The 10 northern tribes of Israel accuse Judah of stealing or kidnaping David, more literally stealing his attention or his favor.

Judah remind them that David is from the house of Judah and tell them that they have not taken advantage of their familial relationship and are questioning why they are upset with them.

The norther tribes tell Judah that they are ten tribes and should have 10/12ths of David’s attention instead of Judah just being one tribe.

This tension between Judah and the rest of Israel will lead to a rebellion next chapter and ultimately the division of the united kingdom of Israel.