AT LAST …. BUT!

2 Samuel 2:1 – 4:12

 

INTRODUCTION.

For most of us – or rather all of us – life never quite lives up to the expectations that we have. I don’t know about you, but when I was a school I always had the idea that life would be easier and more enjoyable when I didn’t have homework to do, or teachers telling me what to do – I could earn my own money and enjoy being free. I went from school to the army – my dreams were shattered. and so we could go on….

Maybe we have been through years of struggle – financial, healthwise, – or maybe after years of loneliness we enter marriage, or maybe after years of study we at last embark on own career — we emerge from these difficulties and think “These are going to be the best years of my life!”

God is going to use these years – he is going to bless us and give a sense of fulfilment in following him. BUT ….

Let’s hold off on the ‘BUT’ for a while and see what is happening in David’s life and what we can learn.

1. THE STORY SO FAR.

• When we began the story of David some time ago we saw how God chose David to be the future King of Israel. David was only about 17 years old.
• He rises to national prominence when he kills Goliath the Philistine giant.
• He becomes captain in the national army of King Saul and he is very successful as a soldier and leader of men. In fact, he is more successful than the King and the people know this and David becomes more popular than King Saul.
• Saul becomes insanely jealous and tries to kill David who is then forced to flee for his life.
• David makes some mistakes – he lies which results in the massacre at Nob – he takes refuge amongst the Philistines and has to feign madness to save himself from being killed.
• Then he takes refuge in the wilderness and here God molds David to depend whole on Him. David learns that God is his refuge and strength – that he will protect and provide and fulfil his purposes for David as he waits on God.
• During this time David builds up a significant band of followers.
• In spite of his military strength and opportunities to kill his enemy King Saul – David saves Saul’s life as he is God’s anointed and David will not try to force God’s hand – he has learned to wait on God.

2. A NEW ERA – “THE KING IS DEAD, LONG LIVE THE KING”

King Saul is now dead. Three of his sons, including Jonathan David’s dear friend are also dead. David has lamented these deaths. Not just of Jonathan his friend but also his enemy, Saul – but he laments nevertheless because Saul is God’s anointed king and David is a man after God heart.

But now Saul is dead. The way is open for David to become king. For a decade he had been on the run, hiding and living by his wits, relying on God to be his protection and refuge and provider.

Now that things look easier will there be any need for God?

If we are honest I guess we are all guilty of thinking we don’t need God so much when things are going well for us. When we are in a scrap, yes, we need him then but when things are going well for us then we don’t need God’s help – or so we delude ourselves! (Often unconsciously – we simply drift along)

3. THE DOOR IS OPEN – WHAT’S THERE TO PRAY ABOUT?

Look at the situation – God has promised David he will be King. The people know that David will be king. Saul is dead. Surely the logical thing to do is take the throne. “David the door is open, what are you hesitating about? Get on with it!”

As Christians we are under the Lordship of Christ / under God’s rule. To live our lives for Him. To follow a lifestyle that is according to the principles Jesus taught.

YET often we can be guilty of jumping the gun // of rushing ahead with things because we see that the door is open. “What’s there to pray about? Surely it is obvious?” // “I am in love with this guy, he is a Christian – why ask God surely it is what he wants?” // I have been offered promotion surely it must be the right thing to do – why pray about it? It will be more money!”

“Other Churches have used an evangelistic programme and it worked for them – we have the opportunity – let’s do it – it is obvious isn’t it why ask God?”

The door was wide open for David to become king BUT notice what David does…

• He remains calm and unhurried. 2 Samuel 2:1

1 In the course of time, David enquired of the LORD. ……..              Haste is often a sign of self-will. When we are not sure that something is God’s will but we want to do it regardless, we are generally in a hurry. BUT when we are sure we are in God’s will we can wait for God’s timing. David was willing to wait on God – he had learned that in the wilderness. [We will see how he later forgets this lesson]

• He prayerfully seeks God’s guidance.

2 Samuel 2:1

1 In the course of time, David enquired of the LORD. “Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” he asked. The LORD said, “Go up.”

David asked, “Where shall I go?” “To Hebron,” the LORD answered. (NIV)

A new phase of life requires new guidance. He might have thought that he didn’t new God’s guidance / that ‘commonsense’ was enough to know that Hebron would be the best place for a capital. BUT David doesn’t take for granted that he knows God’s will.

The longer I am a Christian the more difficult I find knowing the will of God for my life. Oh I know God’s general principles revealed in scripture and those are difficult enough to obey / BUT I become uneasy when Christians glibly claim to knows God’s will / “God told me!”

If David, who was anointed to be king by the prophet Samuel had to come to God for guidance, how much more do I?

2 Samuel 2:2-4

2 So David went up there with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. 3 David also took the men who were with him, each with his family, and they settled in Hebron and its towns. 4 Then the men of Judah came to Hebron and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah.

David is only King over Judah / just the southern part of the country. It will be another 7½ years before he is King over the whole of Israel.

David was going to have to overcome his enemies and rivals AND he was going to have to unite a divided people. These are the problems that face the leaders of God’s people in every generation. Jesus faced these problems and through his church still faces these problems today. Some within his professing church are more his enemies than his friends.

It is his purpose to unite the Church. Ephesians 4:13 13 … unity in the faith …

This was his prayer in John 17:21 21 that all of them may be one, ………

David’s task was not going to be easy – he had people around him who claimed to be on his side // who even believed they were on his side but would make his life difficult. They were doing their best to help but the problem was they were not interested in God’s interests. They believe that God is God – well sort of! BUT following God is not a way of life. They will do things, even ‘serve’ God, their own way.

4. “WITH FRIENDS LIKE THAT WHO NEEDS ENEMIES?”

A brief sketch of these chapters is necessary …    [MAP]

TWO KINGS.

• David becomes king in Hebron – over the southern tribe of Judah.
• Ishbosheth becomes king in Mahanaim – over the northern tribes. His name means “son of shame”. He was 41 – he was Saul’s only surviving son and heir. He was not a strong leader – in fact he was really a puppet king.

TWO SIDES.

• Two armies – led by Abner in the North and Joab in the South.
• The two armies meet at the pool of Gibeon – Abner and Joab each put forward 12 men to engage in a contest of arms. {like Goliath and David – this time 12 on each side}. Things get out of hand – what started as a contest turned into a riot and ended in a massacre. At the end of the day the body count was Israel 360 – Judah 20! David’s men, under Joab, won the day – although there are seldom winners in a civil war!
• Asahel is killed – He is Joab’s brother – Asahel is ambitious he goes after Abner and catches up with him but Abner warns him to go back – he doesn’t listen and Abner being the older and more cunning soldier kills Asahel.
• Joab wins the day but the death of his brother leaves a deep scar of resentment.
• Through this time David continues to grow stronger. (3:1-5)

TWO MURDERS.

• Ishbosheth is weak – Abner is the King maker – things don’t go well. Ishbosheth and Abner have a fall out over a woman – (What’s new!!) In his anger Abner promises to hand the North over to David. (He acknowledges that this is God’s will anyway)
• Abner wastes no time and goes to negotiate with David – and they come to an agreement.
• When Joab hears of it he is furious and goes after Abner and murders him – Revenge for his brother, Asahel.
• The second murder is that of Ishbosheth – With the death of Abner there is no real leader in the North – Two brothers, the Sons of Rimmon, murder Ishbosheth in his bed and take his head to David thinking that they will be rewarded – David is not impressed with their treachery and has them executed.
• The way is now open for David to become king over all Israel!

It is a messy, unsettled 7 years from the Death of Saul until David finally becomes King over all Israel.

The main players in this section are Joab and Abner. Both would have claimed to be for David. Joab from the beginning and Abner became a supporter later on.

ABNER is an opportunist. He is really the leader of the North – he is the King-maker – Ishbosheth is a puppet king! Abner is astute enough to realise that the future is with David and he works out diplomatic ways to hand the North over to Israel so he, Abner, can have a leading role in the new government.

He bullies Ishbosheth with God-talk. 2 Samuel 3:9-10 9 May God deal with Abner, be it ever so severely, if I do not do for David what the LORD promised him on oath 10 and transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and establish David’s throne over Israel and Judah from Dan to Beersheba.” (NIV)

He woos the elders and leaders of Israel with God-talk .. 2 Samuel 3:18 18 Now do it! For the LORD promised David, ‘By my servant David I will rescue my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies.’ ” (NIV)

Abner is a smooth operator – he knows how to use the name of God when it serves his purposes.

We all have that potential – to use God as a front to get what we want – it is so easy to say “God told me …” or if we come from a different theological stable to say “I sense God is leading me to ….” or “I have really prayed about this and I am sure God wants me to …”

We need to be on our guard so that we wait on the Lord like David and don’t use the Lord’s name like Abner!

JOAB – David’s commander-in-chief – he is David’s nephew, the son of his sister Zeruiah – he is the typical strong man. He acts first and thinks later. He is loyal – he serves the idea that he believes to be right – in this case David as God’s anointed. If you get in the way of his ideal or are a threat to it he will remove you by fair means or foul!

He is a combination of hot-headedness, dogmatism and muscle.

Both of these men know that David will be king – both are jockeying for position, maneuvering and manipulating to claim positions of political and military prominence.

Why are they here in the story – we want to here about David a man after God’s heart. Why do we have to have these selfish, self-ambitious, hard-headed men in the story. We get wars and murders and political scandals in our newspapers and on our TVs everyday – why in the Bible? Why are people like Abner and Joab allowed to take up so much space? Why does David’s story get so messed up with these people?

5. A SLICE OF LIFE.

They are in the story because whether we like it or not this is the context in which God chooses to work out his story!

We find wonderful companions along the way of faith – those who encourage and help – men and women of grace and beauty, loyalty and prayer: – Jonathans and Abigails, Samuels and Ahimelechs. BUT we also find ourselves in the company of Abners and Joabs.

They are not fundamentally enemies – Joab and Abner would have claimed to be on David’s side; interested in God’s work in David. BUT really they are only interested in how David can further their work. Religion is a front to their self-interest.

David found these to be a constant thorn in his side — and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: [2 Samuel 3:39]

Zeruiah, David’s sister, had three sons, Joab, Asahel and Abishai: Although Joab was no blood relative he was like them in character.

Abner Killed Asahel and then Joab killed Abner in revenge – the two remaining sons Joab and Abishai would continue to be a thorn in David’s side for the rest of his life.

These men are fiercely loyal to David’s political interests but they comprehend nothing of David’s spirit; they don’t have David’s heart for God.

David is attempting to lead God’s people but amongst them are these sons of Zeruiah who are making life difficult. Pursuing their own agendas while they jockey for position.

BE AWARE THAT THERE WILL ALWAYS BE ABNERS AND SONS OF ZERUIAH

Some people don’t like to read the Bible, esp. the OT because they say there is too much fighting and brutality. BUT we must read it – because it is very similar to the kind of world we wake up to every morning – a world of shabby morality, opportunists, religious propaganda, …. and on and on … the many, many sons of Zeruiah that are too hard for us!

The kind of stories that we have looked at this morning point to the nature of sin – self-absorbed and no room for the Lord and both his righteousness and his blessings.

BEWARE THAT WE ARE NOT LIKE THE ABNERS AND SONS OF ZERUIAH

They also come as a warning to all of us – to our need of self-knowledge and humility before the measure of the Word of God.

There is something of the nature of Abner and the Sons of Zeruiah in all of us – we all have the potential, while pretending to put God first, to actually be using God and his people for our own selfish ends. And so we need to examine our own hearts before the Lord.

BUT THERE IS ALSO DAVID – “A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART”

In the midst of all this turmoil David is waiting on God and seeking God’s direction. We observe that David is acting honestly, peacefully and graciously; even towards his enemies…….

I said at the beginning that sometimes we enter a new phase of life thinking these are going to be the best years of my life. And Yes, some years may seem better that others.

BUT we must accept that this life in never without its problems and troubles – and if we are waiting for a better day, an easier time to serve God – it won’t come! There will always be circumstances and people to complicate life and make it messy. Life is never neatly packaged with no loose ends!

The challenge for David was to live for God surrounded by messy circumstances.

We live in the same world – and God calls us to live for him in this world!

Titus 2:11-14        11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope — the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. (NIV)

AT LAST …. BUT!

2 Samuel 2:1 – 4:12

 

INTRODUCTION.

For most of us – or rather all of us – life never quite lives up to the expectations that we have. I don’t know about you, but when I was a school I always had the idea that life would be easier and more enjoyable when I didn’t have homework to do, or teachers telling me what to do – I could earn my own money and enjoy being free. I went from school to the army – my dreams were shattered. and so we could go on….

Maybe we have been through years of struggle – financial, healthwise, – or maybe after years of loneliness we enter marriage, or maybe after years of study we at last embark on own career — we emerge from these difficulties and think “These are going to be the best years of my life!”

God is going to use these years – he is going to bless us and give a sense of fulfilment in following him. BUT ….

Let’s hold off on the ‘BUT’ for a while and see what is happening in David’s life and what we can learn.

1. THE STORY SO FAR.

• When we began the story of David some time ago we saw how God chose David to be the future King of Israel. David was only about 17 years old.
• He rises to national prominence when he kills Goliath the Philistine giant.
• He becomes captain in the national army of King Saul and he is very successful as a soldier and leader of men. In fact, he is more successful than the King and the people know this and David becomes more popular than King Saul.
• Saul becomes insanely jealous and tries to kill David who is then forced to flee for his life.
• David makes some mistakes – he lies which results in the massacre at Nob – he takes refuge amongst the Philistines and has to feign madness to save himself from being killed.
• Then he takes refuge in the wilderness and here God molds David to depend whole on Him. David learns that God is his refuge and strength – that he will protect and provide and fulfil his purposes for David as he waits on God.
• During this time David builds up a significant band of followers.
• In spite of his military strength and opportunities to kill his enemy King Saul – David saves Saul’s life as he is God’s anointed and David will not try to force God’s hand – he has learned to wait on God.

2. A NEW ERA – “THE KING IS DEAD, LONG LIVE THE KING”

King Saul is now dead. Three of his sons, including Jonathan David’s dear friend are also dead. David has lamented these deaths. Not just of Jonathan his friend but also his enemy, Saul – but he laments nevertheless because Saul is God’s anointed king and David is a man after God heart.

But now Saul is dead. The way is open for David to become king. For a decade he had been on the run, hiding and living by his wits, relying on God to be his protection and refuge and provider.

Now that things look easier will there be any need for God?

If we are honest I guess we are all guilty of thinking we don’t need God so much when things are going well for us. When we are in a scrap, yes, we need him then but when things are going well for us then we don’t need God’s help – or so we delude ourselves! (Often unconsciously – we simply drift along)

3. THE DOOR IS OPEN – WHAT’S THERE TO PRAY ABOUT?

Look at the situation – God has promised David he will be King. The people know that David will be king. Saul is dead. Surely the logical thing to do is take the throne. “David the door is open, what are you hesitating about? Get on with it!”

As Christians we are under the Lordship of Christ / under God’s rule. To live our lives for Him. To follow a lifestyle that is according to the principles Jesus taught.

YET often we can be guilty of jumping the gun // of rushing ahead with things because we see that the door is open. “What’s there to pray about? Surely it is obvious?” // “I am in love with this guy, he is a Christian – why ask God surely it is what he wants?” // I have been offered promotion surely it must be the right thing to do – why pray about it? It will be more money!”

“Other Churches have used an evangelistic programme and it worked for them – we have the opportunity – let’s do it – it is obvious isn’t it why ask God?”

The door was wide open for David to become king BUT notice what David does…

• He remains calm and unhurried. 2 Samuel 2:1

1 In the course of time, David enquired of the LORD. ……..              Haste is often a sign of self-will. When we are not sure that something is God’s will but we want to do it regardless, we are generally in a hurry. BUT when we are sure we are in God’s will we can wait for God’s timing. David was willing to wait on God – he had learned that in the wilderness. [We will see how he later forgets this lesson]

• He prayerfully seeks God’s guidance.

2 Samuel 2:1

1 In the course of time, David enquired of the LORD. “Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” he asked. The LORD said, “Go up.”

David asked, “Where shall I go?” “To Hebron,” the LORD answered. (NIV)

A new phase of life requires new guidance. He might have thought that he didn’t new God’s guidance / that ‘commonsense’ was enough to know that Hebron would be the best place for a capital. BUT David doesn’t take for granted that he knows God’s will.

The longer I am a Christian the more difficult I find knowing the will of God for my life. Oh I know God’s general principles revealed in scripture and those are difficult enough to obey / BUT I become uneasy when Christians glibly claim to knows God’s will / “God told me!”

If David, who was anointed to be king by the prophet Samuel had to come to God for guidance, how much more do I?

2 Samuel 2:2-4

2 So David went up there with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. 3 David also took the men who were with him, each with his family, and they settled in Hebron and its towns. 4 Then the men of Judah came to Hebron and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah.

David is only King over Judah / just the southern part of the country. It will be another 7½ years before he is King over the whole of Israel.

David was going to have to overcome his enemies and rivals AND he was going to have to unite a divided people. These are the problems that face the leaders of God’s people in every generation. Jesus faced these problems and through his church still faces these problems today. Some within his professing church are more his enemies than his friends.

It is his purpose to unite the Church. Ephesians 4:13 13 … unity in the faith …

This was his prayer in John 17:21 21 that all of them may be one, ………

David’s task was not going to be easy – he had people around him who claimed to be on his side // who even believed they were on his side but would make his life difficult. They were doing their best to help but the problem was they were not interested in God’s interests. They believe that God is God – well sort of! BUT following God is not a way of life. They will do things, even ‘serve’ God, their own way.

4. “WITH FRIENDS LIKE THAT WHO NEEDS ENEMIES?”

A brief sketch of these chapters is necessary …    [MAP]

TWO KINGS.

• David becomes king in Hebron – over the southern tribe of Judah.
• Ishbosheth becomes king in Mahanaim – over the northern tribes. His name means “son of shame”. He was 41 – he was Saul’s only surviving son and heir. He was not a strong leader – in fact he was really a puppet king.

TWO SIDES.

• Two armies – led by Abner in the North and Joab in the South.
• The two armies meet at the pool of Gibeon – Abner and Joab each put forward 12 men to engage in a contest of arms. {like Goliath and David – this time 12 on each side}. Things get out of hand – what started as a contest turned into a riot and ended in a massacre. At the end of the day the body count was Israel 360 – Judah 20! David’s men, under Joab, won the day – although there are seldom winners in a civil war!
• Asahel is killed – He is Joab’s brother – Asahel is ambitious he goes after Abner and catches up with him but Abner warns him to go back – he doesn’t listen and Abner being the older and more cunning soldier kills Asahel.
• Joab wins the day but the death of his brother leaves a deep scar of resentment.
• Through this time David continues to grow stronger. (3:1-5)

TWO MURDERS.

• Ishbosheth is weak – Abner is the King maker – things don’t go well. Ishbosheth and Abner have a fall out over a woman – (What’s new!!) In his anger Abner promises to hand the North over to David. (He acknowledges that this is God’s will anyway)
• Abner wastes no time and goes to negotiate with David – and they come to an agreement.
• When Joab hears of it he is furious and goes after Abner and murders him – Revenge for his brother, Asahel.
• The second murder is that of Ishbosheth – With the death of Abner there is no real leader in the North – Two brothers, the Sons of Rimmon, murder Ishbosheth in his bed and take his head to David thinking that they will be rewarded – David is not impressed with their treachery and has them executed.
• The way is now open for David to become king over all Israel!

It is a messy, unsettled 7 years from the Death of Saul until David finally becomes King over all Israel.

The main players in this section are Joab and Abner. Both would have claimed to be for David. Joab from the beginning and Abner became a supporter later on.

ABNER is an opportunist. He is really the leader of the North – he is the King-maker – Ishbosheth is a puppet king! Abner is astute enough to realise that the future is with David and he works out diplomatic ways to hand the North over to Israel so he, Abner, can have a leading role in the new government.

He bullies Ishbosheth with God-talk. 2 Samuel 3:9-10 9 May God deal with Abner, be it ever so severely, if I do not do for David what the LORD promised him on oath 10 and transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and establish David’s throne over Israel and Judah from Dan to Beersheba.” (NIV)

He woos the elders and leaders of Israel with God-talk .. 2 Samuel 3:18 18 Now do it! For the LORD promised David, ‘By my servant David I will rescue my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies.’ ” (NIV)

Abner is a smooth operator – he knows how to use the name of God when it serves his purposes.

We all have that potential – to use God as a front to get what we want – it is so easy to say “God told me …” or if we come from a different theological stable to say “I sense God is leading me to ….” or “I have really prayed about this and I am sure God wants me to …”

We need to be on our guard so that we wait on the Lord like David and don’t use the Lord’s name like Abner!

JOAB – David’s commander-in-chief – he is David’s nephew, the son of his sister Zeruiah – he is the typical strong man. He acts first and thinks later. He is loyal – he serves the idea that he believes to be right – in this case David as God’s anointed. If you get in the way of his ideal or are a threat to it he will remove you by fair means or foul!

He is a combination of hot-headedness, dogmatism and muscle.

Both of these men know that David will be king – both are jockeying for position, maneuvering and manipulating to claim positions of political and military prominence.

Why are they here in the story – we want to here about David a man after God’s heart. Why do we have to have these selfish, self-ambitious, hard-headed men in the story. We get wars and murders and political scandals in our newspapers and on our TVs everyday – why in the Bible? Why are people like Abner and Joab allowed to take up so much space? Why does David’s story get so messed up with these people?

5. A SLICE OF LIFE.

They are in the story because whether we like it or not this is the context in which God chooses to work out his story!

We find wonderful companions along the way of faith – those who encourage and help – men and women of grace and beauty, loyalty and prayer: – Jonathans and Abigails, Samuels and Ahimelechs. BUT we also find ourselves in the company of Abners and Joabs.

They are not fundamentally enemies – Joab and Abner would have claimed to be on David’s side; interested in God’s work in David. BUT really they are only interested in how David can further their work. Religion is a front to their self-interest.

David found these to be a constant thorn in his side — and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: [2 Samuel 3:39]

Zeruiah, David’s sister, had three sons, Joab, Asahel and Abishai: Although Joab was no blood relative he was like them in character.

Abner Killed Asahel and then Joab killed Abner in revenge – the two remaining sons Joab and Abishai would continue to be a thorn in David’s side for the rest of his life.

These men are fiercely loyal to David’s political interests but they comprehend nothing of David’s spirit; they don’t have David’s heart for God.

David is attempting to lead God’s people but amongst them are these sons of Zeruiah who are making life difficult. Pursuing their own agendas while they jockey for position.

BE AWARE THAT THERE WILL ALWAYS BE ABNERS AND SONS OF ZERUIAH

Some people don’t like to read the Bible, esp. the OT because they say there is too much fighting and brutality. BUT we must read it – because it is very similar to the kind of world we wake up to every morning – a world of shabby morality, opportunists, religious propaganda, …. and on and on … the many, many sons of Zeruiah that are too hard for us!

The kind of stories that we have looked at this morning point to the nature of sin – self-absorbed and no room for the Lord and both his righteousness and his blessings.

BEWARE THAT WE ARE NOT LIKE THE ABNERS AND SONS OF ZERUIAH

They also come as a warning to all of us – to our need of self-knowledge and humility before the measure of the Word of God.

There is something of the nature of Abner and the Sons of Zeruiah in all of us – we all have the potential, while pretending to put God first, to actually be using God and his people for our own selfish ends. And so we need to examine our own hearts before the Lord.

BUT THERE IS ALSO DAVID – “A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART”

In the midst of all this turmoil David is waiting on God and seeking God’s direction. We observe that David is acting honestly, peacefully and graciously; even towards his enemies…….

I said at the beginning that sometimes we enter a new phase of life thinking these are going to be the best years of my life. And Yes, some years may seem better that others.

BUT we must accept that this life in never without its problems and troubles – and if we are waiting for a better day, an easier time to serve God – it won’t come! There will always be circumstances and people to complicate life and make it messy. Life is never neatly packaged with no loose ends!

The challenge for David was to live for God surrounded by messy circumstances.

We live in the same world – and God calls us to live for him in this world!

Titus 2:11-14        11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope — the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. (NIV)

Enemy – Love!

 

2 Samuel 1

 

INTRODUCTION.

 

ILLUS.: Imagine in business – you are young and you are reasonably successful. Because of your popularity and success some older and more powerful person – a person who you respect and have a close relationship with – becomes jealous and feels threatened although as far as you know you have done nothing that should cause him/ her to feel that way. The result: pressure is brought to bear – the business rug is pulled out from under your feet – you suffer tremendous loss financially, your family suffers and for 10 years you are in the economic wilderness but you know that if that person was out the way you would be able to recover and be successful again.

Then one Day the news reaches you that this person has died …. What is your reaction?

 

The normal human response would no doubt be one of relief, pleasure, satisfaction (he/she got his/her just-desserts).

We naturally like to see those who have made our lives miserable or difficult in some way  get a taste of their own medicine.

 

ILLUS.: May be at school you were bullied – then the bully got sorted out by someone and you cheered them on.

If I am honest I would be on the cheering side.

 

David was in a much worse position than any of us have ever been in – Not only did he loose everything he had but he was then pursued by King Saul who want to kill him. For about 10 years David was on the run for his life!

The comes the news that King Saul is dead – not only is David’s enemy Dead BUT the way is now open for David to become King. We would expect him to be over-joyed or at least a little pleased.

BUT first he has the bearer of the news killed and then he laments Saul’s death and instructs his men and the nation to do the same!! What an extra-ordinary response to the death of a bitter enemy.

 

Why did David have the Amalekite, who brought the news of Saul’s death, killed?

 

 

 

1. DEATH OF AN OPPORTUNIST.

 

What do we make of David’s response to the messenger who brought the news of Saul’s death?

The Amalekite’s story is different to the account given in 1 Sam.31. –

After David and his followers had mourned and fasted for Saul and Jonathan- David questions the Amalekite messenger.

He asks two questions … 2 Samuel 1:13-14

13 David said to the young man who brought him the report, “Where are you from?”

“I am the son of an alien, an Amalekite,” he answered.

14 David asked him, “Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?” (NIV)

 

• Where are you from?

His answer -“I am the son of an alien, an Amalekite,” – an alien was a foreign resident in the nation and had certain privileges – he might even have been a believer. Whether this is true or a cover up we will never know BUT if it is true he MUST have known about Israelite religion and society — esp. the status and role of the king as the Lord’s anointed. The office of the King of Israel was held in very high honour by the people of Israel. If he was a resident alien as he claimed to be he must have known that!!

 

• Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?

The Amalekite messenger was without excuse – it was not enough to plead that Saul requested it, or that it was euthanasia — still less could he admit to murdering Saul to help David onto the throne.

This man was an opportunist – he claimed to kill Saul [which was a lie but unknown to David at the time] so out of his own mouth he condemned himself for murder and treason.

By killing the king he had usurped the prerogative of God himself; something which David himself had refused to do.

 

2. DAVID’S “LAMENT OF THE BOW”

                   – equivalent of “Candle in the Wind!”.

 

We are not unfamiliar with the picture of national mourning. The images of  Kensington gardens carpeted with flowers in the wake of the death of Princess Diana are still fresh in our minds.  The route of the funeral cortege lined with 1000’s of people standing in silent tribute.

 

How does David respond to Saul’s death – and Jonathan’s.

We have this wonderful song of Lament to Saul and Jonathan..

It is not surprising that we have a beautiful statement about Jonathan. He was David’s best friend. He was deeply grieved at the loss of his friend.

2 Samuel 1:25-26

25 “How the mighty have fallen in battle!

Jonathan lies slain on your heights.

26 I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother;

you were very dear to me.

Your love for me was wonderful,

more wonderful than that of women. (NIV)

 

David’s love for Jonathan is not indicative of a homosexual relationship as some modern defenders of that practice like to imagine. This is an expression of covenant brotherhood, and masculine affection without any sexual overtones whatever.

Keddie “David speaks here of the camaraderie of youth and war, of the brotherhood of adventure and the risk of death, of the confidence of men in each other when their lives depend on the faithfulness and courage of the other.”

 

What is surprising is David’s response to the death of Saul. We might expect him to be pleased – after all Saul had made David’s life pretty miserable for a whole decade – in fact he had tried to kill him. As long as Saul was alive David would not be king.

 

But all the tough years in the wilderness – on the run – living in caves – have taught David something. Rather God has taught David something. David had learned to view Saul, not as the deranged maniac who want to kill him BUT rather to see him as God’s anointed. In spite of Saul’s ill-treatment of David, he loved Saul, so when he hears of Saul’s death he is in great anguish of heart and laments.

 

It is right and proper to lament in the face of death. This is what David did.

Death and loss and disappointment are part of life and when we try to push it to one side, not think about it, soft-pedal it … we deprive ourselves of an essential part of life.

Is it not interesting that 70% of the Psalms are laments? Is it any wonder that when we are going through tough times we so often find comfort in the Psalms? WHY? Because here is someone who is expressing what we feel. Most of these are written by David – “The man after God’s own Heart!”

 

David did not have a stiff upper lip – he had a soft heart and he knew how to cry.

It is so contrary to the culture in which we live …

 

 

Listen to Eugene Peterson

.. this is good …

“We have a style of print and television journalism that reports disaster endlessly and scrupulously: crime and war, famine and flood, political malfeasance [depravity] and societal scandal. The one virtually foolproof way for getting noticed in our culture is to do something bad. The worse the act, the higher the profile. In the wake of whatever has gone wrong or whatever wrong has been done, commentators gossip, reporters interview, editors pontificate, Pharisees moralize; then psychological analyses are conducted, political reforms initiated, and academic studies funded. But there is not one line of lament.”

 

David lamented because he choose to view Saul from a divine perspective

 

 

3. DAVID’S ATTITUDE:

 

Divine perspective.

NB how David in this chapter [in previous chapters] refers to Saul as the “Lord’s anointed” – This is the key to David loving the one who was his enemy.

And this is the Key for us – How are we to love those who are unlovely, difficult, a pain-in-the-neck, who go out of their way to make life miserable for us – how are we to love them. The first step, like David, is to see them as God sees them.

 

The foundation upon which David based this attitude was his love for God. The foundation upon which we can built love for friends and enemies is a love for God.

David had a heart for God – he loved the Lord beyond all else!

The love we are talking about here is not “long-stemmed roses, candle-lit dinners and boxes of chocolate”. – as wonderful as such things are – these romantic / sentimental things are good but NOT a foundation for the kind of Love God requires.

 

Our memory verse at the moment is … Mark 12:30 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ (NIV) [cf.Dt.6:5 MIGHT = mind+strength]

 

THE HEART – to Jewish thinking the heart is the centre of the being – the part that knows. To us heart is the emotions NOT so in Jewish thought.

So truth and heart are closely connected.

We cannot love God as we should unless we know the truth about him.

The truth about God is not what people think God is like  – that is why there are so many misconceptions about God ….

ILLUS.: Someone may say “I don’t believe in God”  Ask “Tell me about this God you don’t believe in!”  RESPONSE “I don’t believe in that kind of God either!”

 

The reason people don’t know the truth about God is because they don’t expose themselves to God’s revelation in Scripture and ultimately through Jesus Christ whom scripture reveals.

BUT we can only love God with all our hearts  when there is obedience and worship.

We can only worship God to the extent that we know Him – the truth about him – if our concept of God is false our worship will be false – SO having a heart for God is having a desire to know the truth about him AND to know him as he really is — and then bowing to him as Lord over all in obedience and worship.

 

THE SOUL – the soul is the centre of the will – it is wanting / desiring the Lord … as the Psalmist …

Psalm 116:12 12 What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? (KJV)

Psalm 116:12    12 How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me? (NIV)

 

With the HEART I know the truth of God

With the SOUL I desire to please and thank him.

A desire to know him completely and to bring all that I have and am under his Lordship / control.

 

As expressed in another Psalm 86:4 …..for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. (NIV)

 

OUR MIGHT – speaks of action. “We discern who he is, we desire to respond and then will our might we do whit is his will.” [Briscoe]

Our obedience to his commands is the core / essence of our showing that we love him.

John 14:15        15 “If you love me, you will obey what I command. (NIV)

More than just trusting him for salvation ~ it is life-long obedience …

Psalm 116:2      ……..        I will call on him as long as I live. (NIV)

 

He calls us to love Him “with heart, soul and might” …….

1 John 4:19       19 We love because he first loved us. (NIV)

 

Jesus asks us the same question he asked Simon Peter after his resurrection …

John 21:16        …. Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?”

Forget everything else for that moment … “Do you really love Jesus Christ?”

If you do tell him so and commit yourself to him “heart soul and might”

 

Enemy-love.

The extent to which we love God with all our heart soul and might will be the extent to which are able to love the unlovely / and our enemies, like David was able to love Saul. Because David had a heart for God.

 

From a human point of view David should have hated Saul and been delighted at his death – BUT he wasn’t because he love God with all his heart and he had a divine perspective on the situation.

David understood what Jesus would later say in .. Matthew 5:43-44

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (NIV)

 

 

NB – Jesus often said “You have heard it said….” or “It is written …” .

“It is written …” refers to OT scripture….

“You have heard it said….” – refers to the oral teaching / traditions –

The popular teaching by the rabbis was “Love your neighbour and hate your enemy”  BUT that is not what God said – David knew that!!

 

BUT Jesus statement is unambiguous “Love your enemies!” This is one of the greatest challenges and greatest opportunities for Christian disciples — If Christian don’t love their enemies who on earth will??

 

What does David teach us about enemy love??

 

ENEMY LOVE – [love for your enemy]

** refuses to take advantage. – Remember the time David could have killed Saul and he refused … 1 Samuel 26:9       9 But David said to Abishai, “Don’t destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless? (NIV)

David understood the Lord’s instructions in Deuteronomy 32:35

35 It is mine to avenge; I will repay……

Is there someone who has hurt you and you would just love to “get even” – God calls us to a different approach!!

 

** respects the enemy’s dignity.

When David heard what the Philistines had done to Saul – beheaded him and nailed his body to the wall of Beth Sahn and then how the brave men of Jabesh had rescued the bodies of Saul and his sons – David commended them for their bravery – He had respect for the dignity of Saul.

Are there those we would love to see shamed of degraded in some way??

 

** regrets the enemy’s downfall.

2 Samuel 1:19   19 “Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights. How the mighty have fallen! (NIV)

 

Look how David refers to Saul the mighty – Your glory, O Israel [the beauty of Israel].

There is something about human nature – when we have been knocked down we love to see that enemy fall… “At last they got what was coming to them!!”

1 Corinthians 13:5-6 5 [LOVE] …. keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil …..

 

** avoids triumphalism.

2 Samuel 1:20

20 “Tell it not in Gath, proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines be glad, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised rejoice. (NIV)

 

David didn’t have an army of spin-doctors ready to pounce on and exploit every weakness and failure of his opponents!! He put down a news blackout! He was not going to trumpet the fall of his enemy to satisfy the tabloid readers of his day!!

 

** recounts the enemy’s strengths.

2 Samuel 1:22

22 From the blood of the slain, from the flesh of the mighty,

the bow of Jonathan did not turn back, the sword of Saul did not return unsatisfied. (NIV)

 

David could have said many negative, but true, things about Saul. Instead he choose to focus on his strengths – his courage, / skill as a warrior and military strategist!

It is easy to criticise and cut down BUT enemy-love, as hard as it is, does the exact opposite. It capitalizes on the strengths and gives credit where it is due.

 

 

** restrains criticism.

2 Samuel 1:23

23 “Saul and Jonathan — in life they were loved and gracious,

and in death they were not parted.

They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. (NIV)

Saul and Jonathan had their problems in the father/son relationship BUT David choose to draw and veil over them and to forgo criticism — it wasn’t necessary!!

 

** reveres the enemy’s well-being.

2 Samuel 1:24

24 “O daughters of Israel, weep for Saul,

who clothed you in scarlet and finery, who adorned your garments with ornaments of gold. (NIV)

What was left of Saul? – an urn of charred ashes. …. and his memory!  So David asks the people to remember with gratitude the things they can remember with gratitude. He wants whatever is left of his enemy to be revered!!

 

JESUS … Matthew 5:43-44

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (NIV)

God himself did … Romans 5:8 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (NIV)

Jesus did it … “Father forgive them, they don’t know what they are doing.”

David did it  … “How the mighty have fallen!”

 

And us … we are called to be like Christ.

Think about the one who has harmed you / disgraced you / cut you down /  abused you ///

Jesus calls us to love / forgive such people — not to wait for nice warm feelings towards them and then act BUT in faith and in dependence on him to act towards them in love ..

 

ILLUS.: From the Life of Corrie Ten Boom “The Hiding Place” {last two pages} –  when after the war she meets the SS guard from Ravensbruck – the first of her captor she met since her time in the Nazi concentration camp.

As Christians we have an incredible opportunity to show the love of Christ – to live christianly before God and others.

 

Take my life and let it be

all you purpose, lord, for me.

…

Take my motives and my will,

all your purpose to fulfill;

take my heart – it is your own,

it shall be your royal throne.

 

…

 

Take my love – my Lord, I pour

at your feet its treasure store…