The Life & Times of King David | Dr. Randy White
2 Samuel 19:1-43 | Restoration And Reconciliation | Sermon 38
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Mourning for Absalom (2 Samuel 19:1-8)
The king felt a mix of emotions but ultimately won. However, his mourning for Absalom made the victory seem like a defeat. His followers returned to Jerusalem quietly rather than in a parade.
Joab, who killed Absalom, confronted David, accusing him of loving enemies and hating friends, suggesting David would prefer Absalom alive and his own men dead. Joab insisted that personal feelings must be hidden as a king.
Joab advised David to act like a king or face more problems than ever. David heeded the advice and displayed himself as King at the gate.
David's Return and the Reconciliation Process (2 Samuel 19:9-15)
David's problems continue. Despite resuming his duties, Israel remains divided. The tribes argue, "The king saved us but fled from Absalom. Now he's back; what should we do?" (v. 9, paraphrased).
They acknowledge Absalom is dead and question why David hasn't been reinstated (v. 10).
David, aware of the people's support, speaks to Judah's elders, urging them through Zadok and Abiathar to invite him back (vv. 11-12).
David then unexpectedly appoints Amasa, Absalom's army captain, to replace Joab (v. 13). This could be a strategic move to unify both sides.
How does the intrigue with Amasa and Joab unfold? Stay tuned for the next chapter!
In verses 14-15, reconciliation efforts succeed. Judah's men unite in inviting David back. He crosses the Jordan River, ending the division and uncertainty.
Encounters on the Way Back (2 Samuel 19:16-39)
Shimei And Ziba Come Groveling (vv. 16-23)
Verses 16-17 reintroduce Shimei, who now hurries with the men of Judah to meet King David. Shimei, who once cursed David and pelted him with stones (2 Samuel 16:5-13), now seeks forgiveness as David returns to power. He brings a thousand men from Benjamin, showing his influence. Ziba, the servant who deceived David about Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 16:1-4), also comes to meet the king.
Verses 18-20 detail Shimei’s groveling before David.
Verses 21-23 introduce Abishai, who recommends executing Shimei for cursing the king. David rejects this, emphasizing healing and unity over executions. Abishai, brother of the recently demoted Joab, is a loyal but quick-to-violence warrior, contrasting with David’s need for peace on this turbulent day.
Mephibosheth’s Defense (vv. 24-30)
Mephibosheth, Saul's grandson and Jonathan's son, meets David. He hadn't cared for himself since the king left, showing his mourning and loyalty. Ziba, his servant, had deceived David by claiming Mephibosheth stayed in Jerusalem to take the throne, leading David to give Ziba all Mephibosheth’s possessions (2 Samuel 16:1-4).
Mephibosheth explains to David that he was deceived by Ziba and expresses gratitude for David’s kindness, leaving the king to decide his fate. In response, David splits the land between Ziba and Mephibosheth, balancing justice and mercy, while also maintaining his integrity.
This event concludes Mephibosheth’s significant role in the biblical narrative. His loyalty to David is evident when he refuses the land. Although mentioned again in 2 Samuel 21, no further stories involve him after this point.
Barzillai’s Farewell (vv. 31-39)
Barzillai the Gileadite, from 2 Samuel 17:27-19, escorts King David across the Jordan River. At eighty years old, Barzillai is wealthy and had provided for David in Mahanaim. David invites Barzillai to Jerusalem, but he declines, preferring to stay in his city. He suggests his son, Chimham, go instead. David agrees and promises to care for Chimham as Barzillai wishes.
In 1 Kings 2:7, David instructs Solomon to show kindness to Barzillai's sons for their support during Absalom's rebellion.
Chimham is mentioned in Jeremiah 41:17, where a place near Bethlehem is called the "habitation of Chimham," possibly granted by David. Some speculate that "Chimham’s Inn" in Luke 2 is the inn with no room, but this is unconfirmed.
Contention Between Judah and Israel (2 Samuel 19:40-43)
The final verses of the chapter highlight the growing contention between the tribes of Judah and Benjamin and the rest of Israel. As David returns to Jerusalem, tensions flare between the men of Judah and the northern tribes, who feel slighted in the celebration of the king's return. This tension is not new; there has been a longstanding rift between the northern and southern kingdoms, as seen in the early days of David’s reign when Ishbosheth reigned over the northern tribes.
The northern tribes felt particularly aggrieved because they had been the first to suggest David's return as king (v. 11), yet it seemed that the men of Judah had taken over the rejoicing and the honor of bringing the king back. This slight was enough to stir up resentment and conflict.
This division foreshadows the eventual split of the united monarchy into two separate kingdoms: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. While this division would take many years to fully manifest, the seeds of discord were already being sown in these moments of perceived injustice and rivalry.
Conclusion
Chapter 19 of 2 Samuel covers the aftermath of Absalom's rebellion and David's return. David mourns Absalom, but Joab advises him to resume his duties. David addresses divisions among the tribes, replaces Joab with Amasa, and starts reconciliation. Shimei and Ziba seek forgiveness, and Mephibosheth defends his loyalty. Barzillai bids farewell, while contention grows between Judah and Israel, hinting at future divisions. Themes include reconciliation, loyalty, and leadership challenges amid personal loss and political strife.
