Milo

2 Samuel

INTRODUCTION
First and 2 Samuel were originally a single book in the Hebrew Bible. They tell the story of the historic transition of Israel from a group of scattered tribes ruled by judges to a united and powerful nation. The time spanned by the two books is roughly 120 years, from about 1050 to 931 B.C.
Second Samuel continues the story of David, once a fugitive but now king, first of Judah, and then of the whole Hebrew nation. This book about David reports his many accomplishments, but just as honestly relates his personal failures and family problems. Through this story we come to a greater appreciation of David as a human being, and to a much greater appreciation of David’s gracious God.

DAVID BEGINS HIS REIGN
2 Samuel 1–5

“David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years” (2 Sam. 5:4).

Even with the fugitive years behind him, David’s first years as ruler were filled with tension. Don’t expect life to be without struggle despite victories along the way.

Overview
David lamented the death of Saul and Jonathan (1:1–27). His affirmation as king in Judah (2:1–7) led to lengthy civil war (v. 8–3:5). Abner, commander of the enemy army, decided to go over to David (vv. 6–21). David was innocent of two assassinations, of Abner and of Saul’s son Ish-Bosheth (v. 22–4:12). Nevertheless these deaths ended the war, and David was at last confirmed as king over a united Israel (5:1–5). David captured Jerusalem and made it his capital (vv. 6–16). When the Philistines attacked, David handed them the first in a series of devastating defeats (vv. 17–25).

Understanding the Text
“Go, strike him down!” 2 Sam. 1:1–16 The account of Saul’s death here differs from that in 1 Samuel 31. Why the conflict? This account reports what the Amalekite who brought Saul’s crown to David said, not necessarily what happened. The Amalekite told his story, expecting some reward from David for killing his enemy. Instead David ordered him executed, for by his account he was guilty of murdering the Lord’s anointed.
David’s reaction showed proper respect for both God and Saul, and clearly indicated that despite his persecution by Saul, David had wished the monarch no personal harm.

“David took up this lament” 2 Sam. 1:17–27. David expressed the pain he felt at the death of Jonathan and Saul in a poem intended to honor them. The poem speaks of his love for “Jonathan my brother,” and also honors Saul for his accomplishments.
Like David we need to be big enough to appreciate the good qualities of persons who may be personal enemies.

“The commander of Saul’s army. . . . made [Ish-Bosheth son of Saul] king” 2 Sam. 2:8–3:5. The name Ish-Bosheth means “son of shame.” His name was actually Esh-Baal, “Baal lives” (cf. 1 Chron. 8:33; 9:39). The biblical writer was unwilling to honor the name of the pagan deity, and substituted “shame.”
Ish-Bosheth was actually a figurehead, even though acclaimed king by the northern tribes. The real power belonged to Abner, the army commander. In the civil war that followed, Abner killed a brother of David’s commander, Joab. Gradually David’s forces gained strength, while the northern armies grew weaker.
In this case it is possible to fix responsibility for the civil war on the ambition of one man, Abner. In view of the many lives lost and the disruption of the whole kingdom, Abner deserved the death he would soon receive at the hand of Joab. Abner’s fate illustrates the principle of natural consequences stated by Jesus, when he said to Peter, “All who draw the sword will die by the sword” (Matt. 26:52).

“Abner was very angry” 2 Sam. 3:1–21. Abner’s defection to David was precipitated by Ish-Bosheth’s accusation that Abner had slept with one of Saul’s concubines. Such an act would have had political implications in the ancient world, suggesting that Abner intended to claim Israel’s throne. The army commander did not deny the accusation, but was furious at the implied charge of disloyalty (v. 8).
In his anger Abner determined to turn the kingdom over to David, and began negotiations to that end. Abner’s words to the elders of Israel are significant. “For some time you have wanted to make David your king” (v. 17). Apparently only fear of Abner and the Benjamites, Saul’s own tribe, had kept Israel’s elders from acting before now (cf. vv. 19–21).
Fear often keeps people from doing what they believe is right. Had the elders of Israel feared God more than mere human beings the tragedy of civil war might have been avoided.

“Give me my wife Michal” 2 Sam. 3:13–16. Was it love or politics that led David to demand the return of Michal, the daughter of Saul? The chances are politics played a part, for his marriage to Saul’s daughter strengthened David’s claim to Saul’s throne.
In any case, note that Michal was not asked if she wished to return to David or not. On David’s demand she was taken away from her weeping second husband, Paltiel, and marched off to rejoin David. Michal had been used by her father (1 Sam. 18:20–25). Here she was apparently used by David. It’s no wonder that later she became hardened and bitter.
We need to be especially careful not to use other people for our own ends. Human beings are to be valued, not used, and their interests are to be considered as well as our own.

“Wicked men have killed” 2 Sam. 3:22–4:12. Two assassinations cleared the way for David to become ruler of a united Israel; however, he had no part in either, for each was unjustified. Joab’s main objective in killing Abner was revenge for his brother Asahel, whom Abner had killed in battle. Ish-Bosheth’s assassins hoped to be rewarded for bringing David “good news!”
David quickly acted to show his people he had nothing to do with either death. He publicly mourned and honored Abner, and he executed the two men who assassinated Ish-Bosheth.
We may profit from the sinful acts of others. But we should never rejoice in them.

“They anointed David king over Israel” 2 Sam. 5:1–16. Seven years of civil war were over, and David began a 33-year reign over a United Hebrew Kingdom.
His choice of Jerusalem as capital was astute. The city, then occupied by a Canaanite people, lay on the border of the north and south. Its choice showed no favoritism to either section of David’s country. The city was also relatively secure—so easily protected that the Canaanites scornfully predicted the lame and blind could hold it against any attacking force. They were wrong.

“The Philistines . . . went up in full force” 2 Sam. 5:17–25. During the long civil war Israel posed no threat to the Philistines. Now, however, they attacked, determined to kill or capture David. The Lord guided David to a decisive victory.
It is significant that David did not attack first. He had lived for a time near Gath, and had obligations to its ruler, Achish. When the Philistines attacked first, David was free to carry on warfare with them.

DEVOTIONAL
By Their Works
(2 Sam. 3–4)
Ever notice how easily people are swayed by words? “It’ll be different when we’re married,” the abusive or jealous suitor pleads. “I’ll never do it again if only you come back to me,” is another popular pledge. “I’m not guilty of any such sin,” is something we’ve learned to question, even when uttered by contemporary TV evangelists.
No. Words don’t mean much. What really counts is what a person does.
It was the same in those turbulent years of internal strife when David was king in Judah, and Saul’s son ruled in the north. “I’m no traitor!” Abner shouted at Ish-Bosheth (see 3:8–11), and then proceeded immediately to negotiate with David (v. 12).
Then Abner himself was deceived when Joab sent him a message in David’s name. Abner returned to Hebron only to be murdered by David’s army commander (vv. 22–28).
Back in Israel two more high army officers pretended to visit Ish-Bosheth in friendship, entered his house, and stabbed him in the stomach. The two then hurried to David, announcing a religious motive for their actions. “The LORD has avenged my lord the king” (4:1–8).
When there is turmoil in our lives, we can easily become confused. Especially if the people partly responsible glibly confuse issues with words. When that happens, we need to remember that words can be deceitful. The evidence we need to rely on is what a person does, not what he or she says.

Archeologists believe the city of Jerusalem looked like this in the time of David and Solomon. The city probably had a population of 3,000–3,500.

Personal Application
In a trustworthy person, words and actions coincide.

Quotable
“Faith is a living and unshakable confidence, a belief in the grace of God so assured that a man would die a thousand deaths for its sake. This kind of confidence in God’s grace, this sort of knowledge of it, makes us joyful, high-spirited and eager in our relations with God and with all mankind. That is what the Holy Spirit effects through faith. Hence the man of faith, without being driven, willingly and gladly seeks to do good to everyone, serve everyone, suffer all kinds of hardships, for the sake of the love and glory of the God who has shown him such grace. It is impossible, indeed to separate works from faith, just as it is impossible to separate heat and light from fire.”—Martin Luther

DAVID THE FUGITIVE
1 Samuel 21–25

“Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God” (1 Sam. 23:16).

The fugitive years were some of the most important to David spiritually. Out of the painful experiences recorded in these chapters came some of David’s most beautiful psalms.

Overview
In flight, David lied to obtain help from a family of priests at Nob (21:1–9). He escaped from Philistia only by pretending madness (vv. 10–15). David gathered some 400 fighting men and settled in a wilderness area (22:1–5). There he learned that Saul had murdered the priests who helped him (vv. 6–23). David’s force saved a Judean city (23:1–6), but fled when Saul set out with an army to kill him (vv. 7–29). David spared Saul’s life, and the king called off pursuit (24:1–22). The intelligent and beautiful Abigail prevented David from taking revenge on her foolish husband, and later became David’s wife (25:1–44).

Understanding the Text
“David went to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest” 1 Sam. 21:1–9. David lied to Ahimelech, telling him that David was on a mission for Saul. The lie seemed innocent enough, as David was desperate for food and a weapon. David was soon to learn that even “little” lies can have tragic consequences.
Later Jesus commented on the fact that Ahimelech gave David some of the consecrated bread that was to be eaten only by priests (cf. Ex. 25:30; Lev. 24:5–9). Jesus commended Ahimelech, who realized that the moral obligation to help a person in need was more important than ritual regulations (Matt. 12:3–4; Mark 2:25–26).
David was wrong to ignore his moral obligation to be truthful with Ahimelech. But Ahimelech was right to give his moral obligation to David higher priority than a ritual obligation.

“David . . . went to Achish king of Gath” 1 Sam. 21:10–15. David was also given a weapon by Ahimelech the priest—the sword of Goliath. We can sense something of David’s mental state when we’re told that he went from there to Gath, the giant’s hometown, where the weapon was sure to be recognized! It was recognized, and David escaped only by pretending to have gone insane.
We can probably account for both David’s lie to Ahimelech and his flight to Gath by remembering that David was still very young. His life was in danger, and he was alone and helpless. Yet out of this experience of panic and uncertainty David forged an unshakable faith in God. The truths learned in this period sustained David all his life, and are reflected in Psalms 34 and 56.
Only a person who has known fear grasps the necessity of trust.

“You will surely die, Ahimelech” 1 Sam. 22:6–23. When Saul learned that Ahimelech had helped David, he accused the priest of conspiracy. Ahimelech answered reasonably. Everyone knew David was loyal—wasn’t he the king’s son-in-law, and captain of the king’s bodyguard? The paranoid Saul may have been further enraged by this implied praise of David. On Saul’s orders 85 priests and their entire families were murdered!
One son, Abiathar, escaped. When David heard what had happened he immediately confessed, “I am responsible for the death of your father’s whole family.” David could never have imagined that Saul would be so wicked as to kill the priests of Nob. But David realized that his lie had led to the tragedy.
There is no such thing as a “little” lie. Speaking or acting with intent to deceive others is wrong.
Without excusing David’s sin, it’s important to see again how his character contrasts with that of Saul. At an earlier time Saul had refused to admit a sin of his, even when he was obviously guilty, and he was confronted by Samuel! (15:13–20) David immediately accepted responsibility for the consequences of his lie, even though there is no hint that Abiathar blamed him.
If we remain as honest with ourselves, with God, and with others, we too will grow toward spiritual maturity, as David did.

“David and his men . . . kept moving from place to place” 1 Sam. 23:1–29. David used his growing force of men to aid the Israelite city of Keilah against the Philistines. Yet the people remained loyal to Saul, perhaps out of fear. This left David no place to go but into wilderness areas where he might hide from Saul’s army. Saul’s army was closing in when a rumor that the Philistines were attacking drew Saul away. Psalm 54 reflects David’s fears and his faith in this critical situation.
Again we remember that it is when we find ourselves in desperate situations that we learn, “God is my help; the Lord is the One who sustains me” (Ps. 54:4).

“Jonathan . . . helped him find strength in God” 1 Sam. 23:16–18. This final meeting of the two friends reminds us how significant Jonathan was in the life of the younger David. Jonathan had saved his life. Now, when David seemed to have no future, Jonathan expressed his conviction that the Lord would one day make David king. Jonathan also expressed his own willingness to take second place. Jonathan would have made a great and godly ruler. But his role in life was to be a great and godly friend.
Few of us will achieve greatness in this life. But each of us can be the kind of friend who helps others find strength in God.

“You have treated me well, but I have treated you badly” 1 Sam. 24:1–22. David did not kill Saul when he had the opportunity, but spared his life. Later David stood at a distance and showed Saul a piece of his robe to prove that he could have killed the king. In calling himself “a dead dog” and a “flea” David used images to convey the idea that he was harmless, and no threat to Saul.
Saul, deeply moved, admitted he was wrong. He asked that David not kill his family when the Lord made David king. David promised and later kept his word.
Saul may have been sincere at that moment, but David knew that Saul was fickle and untrustworthy. Don’t rely on what a person says or feels at the moment. Rely on what he or she does over a long period of time.

“Think it over and see what you can do” 1 Sam. 25:1–44. Abigail’s wisdom in defusing David’s anger over the insults of her husband Nabal provides a model we can follow (vv. 23–31). Notice that Abigail (1) admitted that Nabal had done wrong to David, (2) brought the provisions that Nabal had refused to provide, (3) and asked David’s forgiveness.
Abigail also led David to consider the long-range consequences of acting in anger. David intended to become king. Killing some of his future subjects was hardly wise, for it would create fear and hostility. Why should David have the burden of needless bloodshed on his conscience?
If we want people we wrong to set aside their anger, we need to take the three steps taken by Abigail.
It’s no wonder that when God struck down Abigail’s husband a short time later, David wanted her for a wife.

DEVOTIONAL
Striking Back
(1 Sam. 24)
Maybe it’s when that crazy driver cuts you off at a corner, making you jam on the brakes to avoid an accident. Maybe it’s when the boss takes credit just one time too many for your work or ideas. Maybe it’s when your abusive spouse belittles you in front of friends. But it happens to all of us sometime. We get tired of being a victim. And we want to strike back.
I suppose it’s all right to be angry when people turn us into victims. God understands that rush of adrenaline, the flushed face, and the sudden feeling of fury. But no anger-even justified anger-gives us the right some people claim. The right to strike back. “Don’t get mad,” the world says. “Get even.”
Once David himself might have felt that way. But when Saul unknowingly entered a cave where David and his men were hiding, David had grown spiritually. David’s men were excited. “Look, David,” they whispered. “Here’s your chance! God’s handed Saul over to you! You’ve got him now. Kill him!”
David’s response teaches us how you and I as believers are to deal with those who victimize us. David did not allow his men to harm Saul. Later he told the king, “May the LORD avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you” (v. 12).
How do we deal with those who wrong us? First, we turn them over to the Lord, asking Him to avenge any wrongs they may have done to us. This is a positive action, and relieves us of the feeling of being victims. We have actually “taken them to court.” Not a human court, but the highest court of all. Then we simply wait for God to judge.
At the same time, we make a personal commitment. David said, “My hand shall not touch you.” For us this means we determine not to take revenge, or try to repay others for the wrong they do to us.
The choice David made isn’t an easy one. When we’re wronged, when we’re angry, we want so much to strike back and hurt the person who hurt us. But the choice David made is the right choice. This is what counts with God and what should count with us too.

Personal Application
In what relationship do you need to apply the lesson of this incident?

Quotable
“Nothing is more to be feared than too long a peace. You are deceived if you think that a Christian can live without persecution. He suffers the greatest persecution of all who lives under none. A storm puts a man on his guard and obliges him to exert his utmost efforts to avoid shipwreck.”—Jerome

DAVID IN SAUL’S COURT
1 Samuel 18–20

“When Saul saw how successful [David] was, he was afraid of him” (1 Sam. 18:15).

Character is often revealed in how a person reacts to success. Especially the success of others!

Biography: Jonathan
Jonathan is one of the most attractive of Old Testament characters. Though heir to Saul’s throne, Jonathan remained close to David and confronted his father for treating David unjustly. When Jonathan learned that Saul had made up his mind to kill David, Jonathan warned his brother-in-law. Aware that God intended to strip the throne from his father’s house because of Saul’s sins, Jonathan pledged to support David, and David promised to do good to Jonathan and his family. After Jonathan was killed in battle and David became king, David kept that promise. Jonathan’s unselfish love for David continues to serve Christians as a model for friendship.

Overview
The success of David, now an officer in Saul’s army, made the king jealous and fearful (18:1–19). Saul attempted to use his daughter Michal’s love for David to get him killed in battle, but David again succeeded and married into the royal family (vv. 20–30). David avoided several attempts on his life by Saul (19:1–24). When Prince Jonathan, David’s friend, realized Saul was determined to kill his son-in-law, he helped David flee (20:1–42).

Understanding the Text
“Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had left Saul” 1 Sam. 18:1–16. The defeat of Goliath won David high rank in Saul’s army. David’s military successes were so spectacular, and his popularity so great, that Saul became intensely jealous.
Earlier Saul had shown that he was more concerned with being honored by his people than with being faithful to God (15:30). David’s popularity made Saul intensely jealous. When Saul realized that David’s success was due to his relationship with the Lord—a relationship which Saul had forfeited—Saul also feared David. Terrified that David might supplant him as king, Saul himself twice tried to kill David (18:11).
When Saul offered David his eldest daughter, as he had pledged before the battle with Goliath, David realized this would place him in even greater danger and refused.

“She may be a snare to him” 1 Sam. 18:20–30. As David’s popularity grew, Saul hesitated to attack him directly. Learning that Michal, his youngest daughter, was in love with David, Saul had court officials tell David that the king truly wanted him as a son-in-law. Saul waved the normal dowry, or bride price, which for a king’s daughter would have been extremely high. Instead Saul said he would settle for trophies proving David had killed a hundred Philistines. Saul’s whole purpose in this was to get David killed by Israel’s enemy so that he could not be blamed. When David succeeded, Saul could do nothing but keep his promise. Yet this added evidence of God’s blessing made Saul an even more determined enemy.
What is sometimes overlooked is Saul’s cruel use of Michal. He cared nothing for the fact that she loved David, and thought nothing of the misery David’s death would cause his youngest girl. Later, after David fled, Saul married Michal off to another. The brutal disregard of her father, as well as of others, undoubtedly contributed to the bitterness and anger she later exhibited toward David and toward God (cf. 2 Sam. 6:20–23).
Actions motivated by jealousy and anger always are harmful—to the individual and to everyone around him or her.

“Jonathan spoke well of David” 1 Sam. 19:1–7. A reconciliation affected by Jonathan was short-lived, despite Saul’s promise not to put David to death. It’s not uncommon in intimate relationships for a person who strikes out and hurts another to show remorse and promise, “I’ll never do it again.” But when a pattern develops, with repeated apologies followed by repeated fits of jealousy and rage, be warned.

“Michal let David down” 1 Sam. 19:9–17. At last Saul determined to murder David openly and have done with it. Michal got word of the plot and helped David escape. Recent research suggests that teraphim, the object Michal laid on David’s bed and covered with blankets, does not necessarily mean “idol” in this context.
How significant that two of Saul’s children took sides with David against their own father. We too need to act on what we believe is right, whatever the cost.

“Is Saul also among the prophets?” 1 Sam. 19:18–24 When Saul heard that David had gone to Samuel and that the two were together at Ramah, he sent men to capture David. However, when Saul’s men approached Samuel, they were overcome by God’s Spirit and “prophesied.” Many believe that here “prophesy” is some form of ecstatic speech, perhaps a corollary to the New Testament gift of tongues.
Saul himself went to Ramah, and he too experienced the Spirit of the Lord coming on him. Remember the limited meaning in the Old Testament of the Spirit “coming upon” a person. This was no sign of spirituality, or even of faith. After all, the Spirit once enabled a donkey to speak to the pagan seer, Balaam (Num. 22).

“We have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD” 1 Sam. 20:1–42. In an angry confrontation with his father, Jonathan was at last convinced that Saul would never stop trying to kill David. Jonathan warned David, and the two pledged eternal friendship.
What an example these two are for Christians. Potential rivals for the same throne, each set aside personal interests out of the deep affection they had for each other. Jonathan risked his father’s anger, and even his life, on behalf of David. Later David restored the fortunes of Jonathan’s youngest son, despite the fact that Jonathan’s line had a claim to the throne and might produce a rival. These two each display the attitude that Paul later exhorted all Christians to have. “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Phil. 2:4).

DEVOTIONAL
Dealing with Jealousy
(1 Sam. 18)
Insecure people are likely to be threatened by the success of others. What David experienced isn’t uncommon at all. Some husbands are threatened when their wives are promoted at work or earn a college degree. Bosses are frequently threatened by bright, competent employees. Others are threatened when a friend proves popular, or is attractive, or even dresses well. Like Saul, such insecure people are likely to express their jealousy as anger and strike out. Usually they strike with words intended to humiliate or belittle, or to rob another of credit.
In a way we should be sorry for the person who is so insecure that he or she has to cut others down in an effort to build himself up. But it still hurts when someone strikes out at us. So the question is, what can we do in a situation where we, like David, are innocent victims of another’s vindictiveness? First Samuel 18 suggests three principles.
(1) Keep on trying to do well. David didn’t let Saul’s antagonism rob him of his enthusiasm for his work as an army officer or destroy his effectiveness.
(2) Stay close to the Lord. Part of Saul’s antagonism was rooted in his awareness that the Lord was with David. David’s success grew out of that relationship, as God blessed David’s efforts. Staying close to the Lord when victimized by others will comfort us. And it will enable us to keep on living successfully.
(3) Maintain a humble demeanor. David wisely refused to become Saul’s son-in-law when first offered the privilege. David was honestly humble. But he was also wise enough to realize that Saul was insincere in his offer. The best way to avoid traps others may set for us is to be honestly humble.
Later David set this principle aside and married a daughter of the king. God protected David, but the marriage did nothing to bring David to the throne. It only confirmed Saul’s hostility toward David.
There is little we can do to change a person who is determined to be hostile toward us. But if we follow David’s example, we can keep our own hearts pure, and limit the damage a hostile person may do.

Personal Application
It’s usually wiser to avoid hostile individuals than battle them.

Quotable
“If people speak ill of you, live so that no one will believe them.”—Plato