Congratulations, we now have reached the tenth book in the Bible. By now, this should have become a habit. The desired progression is from task to chore to habit to hunger.
As we get deeper into the realm of King David, which is everlasting because Jesus, his descendent, will be on the throne forever, we should develop an insatiable passion for spending time with the Lord.
Saul’s Death and David’s Grief
As we begin 2 Samuel, King Saul is dead, and this Amalekite risks his life to tell David. Matthew Henry asserts the soldier’s undeniable guilt for taking Saul’s life, despite extenuating circumstances. (1) He had confessed because he believed it was justified.
We all like to justify our actions. Knowing they violate God’s Law, we think that applying our rationale will elevate the guilt. It does not.
Taking some food, because your children are hungry, doesn’t make it not stealing, nor does taking from someone with excess.
Lusting after someone who dresses provocatively, even if that was their intention, is still adultery. (see Matt 5:28).
Accidentally killing someone may get you a sentence of manslaughter, but it is still violating the sixth commandment (Ex 20:13).
Romans 6:26 tells us the wages of all sin is death.
David may have been acting out of resentment for the Amalekites, or vengeance, or grief. Either way, he was justified in doling out the judgement.
David’s Kingship and Dependence on God
Then, in chapter two, we see David seeking the Lord in all his decisions. This is what I am praying our current leaders will do.
David was king over all of Israel now. People would follow his edicts. The people loved him. He would not even go up to Judah without inquiring of the Lord. (v2:1)
Conflict and Reconciliation
Dropping to verse 2:14, we read that Abner and Joab decide to have a dozen of their men fight each other. Benson says this was for recreation and entertainment, much like boxing or cage-matches would be today (2).
It served a purpose, however, in eliminating the need for greater bloodshed or causing either to lose face.
Boxing used to be called the Sport of Kings.(3)
I recall watching some great boxing matches when I was younger. My friends and I would put on gloves and go a few rounds with each other. We were still friends, but for some unknown reason, we enjoyed trying to knock each other out.
The Cost of Unfocused Ambition
My third point of interest today is this example we have, culminating in 2 Sam 2:23. Asahel was fast and focused. He was chasing Abner and refused to give up. Ignoring the warnings Abner gave to him, he continued, until it cost him his life.
There are times I will have my mind set on obtaining something. I justify my coveting. I have worked hard, provided for my family (the Lord had provided), but I feel I have earned it. So I make it my mission to accomplish the task. To achieve the prize.
I can even twist scripture to say that I’m running the race, fighting the good fight, keeping my eye on the prize.
We forsake other areas of our lives. Time with family; Projects at work; Service to God; All while pursuing the goal we have.
Years later, we can’t remember the object of our affection. Maybe we got it, or not. It might not have lived up to our expectations, or we just tired of it.
I loved camping, but with my disability I knew it would be easier to sleep in an RV. Knowing I was of little help to my wife when we had to pack for a lake trip, I justified the expense, she wouldn’t have as much to do. It would all be ready when we wanted it.
After many years, and a lot of glorious memories, we had a nice used mobile home, rotting on the side of our house. We sold it to a friend. This is an example of how we justify our sin (coveting), lose focus on God, and end up with nothing.
We were more fortunate than Asahel, who loses his life.
What are you working toward right now that is drawing your energy away from what is most important?. Are you content with what God has given you? Will your sacrifices be worth it?
God sacrificed His very best so you could have fellowship with him. Are you using that time well? Or are you running away like Abner, or chasing something that is wrong, like Asahel?
