David Returns to Jerusalem

2 Samuel 19:1-43

Key verse 30

Mephibosheth said to the king, “Let him take everything, now that my lord the king has returned home safely.”

Introduction.

What would be the most important thing in our earthly lives? Someone may say that money is most important. Others may argue that our career is more important because money follows. But this passage shows what is truly valuable. It is to welcome our Lord and the King Jesus Christ into our hearts. May the Lord help us to accept one word deeply through this passage. 

1. Read verses 1-8. What was Joab told about the king? (1-4) What does Joab say to King David? (5-7) How does David respond? (8)

1-1) Read verses 1-8. 

Joab was told, “The king is weeping and mourning for Absalom.” 2 And for the whole army the victory that day was turned into mourning, because on that day the troops heard it said, “The king is grieving for his son.” 3 The men stole into the city that day as men steal in who are ashamed when they flee from battle. 4 The king covered his face and cried aloud, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!”

5 Then Joab went into the house to the king and said, “Today you have humiliated all your men, who have just saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and the lives of your wives and concubines. 6 You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead. 7 Now go out and encourage your men. I swear by the Lord that if you don’t go out, not a man will be left with you by nightfall. This will be worse for you than all the calamities that have come on you from your youth till now.”

8 So the king got up and took his seat in the gateway. When the men were told, “The king is sitting in the gateway,” they all came before him.

Meanwhile, the Israelites had fled to their homes.

1-2) What was Joab told about the king? (1-4) 

Joab was told, “The king is weeping and mourning for Absalom.” 2 And for the whole army the victory that day was turned into mourning, because on that day the troops heard it said, “The king is grieving for his son.” 3 The men stole into the city that day as men steal in who are ashamed when they flee from battle. 4 The king covered his face and cried aloud, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!”

1-3) What does Joab say to King David? (5-7) 

5 Then Joab went into the house to the king and said, “Today you have humiliated all your men, who have just saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and the lives of your wives and concubines. 6 You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead. 7 Now go out and encourage your men. I swear by the Lord that if you don’t go out, not a man will be left with you by nightfall. This will be worse for you than all the calamities that have come on you from your youth till now.”

Joab even threatened David in this matter. Maybe it may be necessary to do so for David was so sad that he had hard time listening others. 

David was overwhelmed with his sorrow for his son and did not care about his men who won the battle. At that moment David needed to deny himself and encourage his men. 

Here we can think about David’s reall problem. He knows that Absalom is dead. And he was at a loss and nothing but cried for him. He called him again and again!

But he forgot what God had done for him. 

He prayed that God would do according to his covenant blessing in chapter 16 and he asked God to deliver him out of enemies in Psalm 3. 

But now he forgot how God graciously answered his prayers. So the problem would be that he forgot how God showed great mercy and love for him through victory. 

1-4 ) How does David respond? (8)

8 So the king got up and took his seat in the gateway. When the men were told, “The king is sitting in the gateway,” they all came before him. Meanwhile, the Israelites had fled to their homes.

Thank God that David received wake up call from Joab and listened him. He could learn the fact that what is right is better than what is being felt. His heart is flexible and teacheable. 

2. Read verses 9-15.   What are the tribes of Israel arguing about among themselves? (9-10) What message does King David send to the priests and the elders of Judah? (11-12) What does David say to Amasa? (13)  What message do the men of Judah send back to David? (14-15) 

2-1) Read verses 9-15.   

9 Throughout the tribes of Israel, all the people were arguing among themselves, saying, “The king delivered us from the hand of our enemies; he is the one who rescued us from the hand of the Philistines. But now he has fled the country to escape from Absalom; 10 and Absalom, whom we anointed to rule over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about bringing the king back?”

11 King David sent this message to Zadok and Abiathar, the priests: “Ask the elders of Judah, ‘Why should you be the last to bring the king back to his palace, since what is being said throughout Israel has reached the king at his quarters? 12 You are my relatives, my own flesh and blood. So why should you be the last to bring back the king?’ 13 And say to Amasa, ‘Are you not my own flesh and blood? May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if you are not the commander of my army for life in place of Joab.’”

14 He won over the hearts of the men of Judah so that they were all of one mind. They sent word to the king, “Return, you and all your men.” 15 Then the king returned and went as far as the Jordan.

Now the men of Judah had come to Gilgal to go out and meet the king and bring him across the Jordan. 

2-2) What are the tribes of Israel arguing about among themselves? (9-10) 

9 Throughout the tribes of Israel, all the people were arguing among themselves, saying, “The king delivered us from the hand of our enemies; he is the one who rescued us from the hand of the Philistines. But now he has fled the country to escape from Absalom; 10 and Absalom, whom we anointed to rule over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about bringing the king back?”

The tribes of Israel remembered how the king David had done for them. 

When they said that the king delievered them from the hand of their enemies and from Philistines and now from Absalom, they could notice the hands of God through him. 

In particular when we failed with our false kings or husbands in this world, we ended up yearning for a true king and shepherd again like the tribes of Israel. 

Whenever we go out fishing, we have to remember the fact that there are surely those who are in this kind of situation. 

They failed in one area or another such as broken up with their girl or boy friends. 

And they are ready to come back to the true husband or the King, Jesus Christ. 

2-3) What message does King David send to the priests and the elders of Judah? (11-12) 

11 King David sent this message to Zadok and Abiathar, the priests: “Ask the elders of Judah, ‘Why should you be the last to bring the king back to his palace, since what is being said throughout Israel has reached the king at his quarters? 12 You are my relatives, my own flesh and blood. So why should you be the last to bring back the king?’

David was entitled to deal with the tribes of Israel because they joined the treason with Absalom. But he sent priests to the elders of Judah. 

David is a shadow our Lord Jesus Christ who is knocking the door of our hearts before entering into our hearts. 

David wants their willingness to welcome the king with their open arms again. 

God never force us to do this and that. Rather he honored our freewill to exercise our will to welcome him. 

2-4) What does David say to Amasa? (13)  

 13 And say to Amasa, ‘Are you not my own flesh and blood? May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if you are not the commander of my army for life in place of Joab.’”

David placed Amasa as the new commander and wanted to show his forgiveness for Israel tribes. It was a great jesture to welcome them as forgiven sinners. 

 

2-5) What message do the men of Judah send back to David? (14-15) 

14 He won over the hearts of the men of Judah so that they were all of one mind. They sent word to the king, “Return, you and all your men.” 15 Then the king returned and went as far as the Jordan.

Now the men of Judah had come to Gilgal to go out and meet the king and bring him across the Jordan. 

David earned their hearts through sending two influential priests.

Now they unanimously agreed to welcome the king. Although God is a creator God, he gently persuade us with his Words and the Spirit. 

3. Read verses 16-23.  Who rushed to the Jordan?(16-18) What does he say to David? (19-20) What does Abishai say about Shimei? (21) What does David say to Abishai? (22-23) What do you think we learn here from David?

3-1) Read verses 16-23.  

16 Shimei son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim, hurried down with the men of Judah to meet King David. 17 With him were a thousand Benjamites, along with Ziba, the steward of Saul’s household, and his fifteen sons and twenty servants. They rushed to the Jordan, where the king was. 18 They crossed at the ford to take the king’s household over and to do whatever he wished.

When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell prostrate before the king19 and said to him, “May my lord not hold me guilty. Do not remember how your servant did wrong on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. May the king put it out of his mind. 20 For I your servant know that I have sinned, but today I have come here as the first from the tribes of Joseph to come down and meet my lord the king.”

21 Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this? He cursed the Lord’s anointed.”

22 David replied, “What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? What right do you have to interfere? Should anyone be put to death in Israel today? Don’t I know that today I am king over Israel?” 23 So the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king promised him on oath.

3-2) Who rushed to the Jordan?(16-18) 

16 Shimei son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim, hurried down with the men of Judah to meet King David. 17 With him were a thousand Benjamites, along with Ziba, the steward of Saul’s household, and his fifteen sons and twenty servants. They rushed to the Jordan, where the king was. 18 They crossed at the ford to take the king’s household over and to do whatever he wished.

When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell prostrate before the king

3-3) What does he say to David? (19-20) 

19 and said to him, “May my lord not hold me guilty. Do not remember how your servant did wrong on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. May the king put it out of his mind. 20 For I your servant know that I have sinned, but today I have come here as the first from the tribes of Joseph to come down and meet my lord the king.”

Shimei was in great trouble because of what he had done in chapter 16. David was cursed the most and be stoned by him. 

He could have been spotlighted first and stoned to death for his sins(21). But he repented humbly before David by confessing his sins squarely. 

In his repentance, he honored David. Most importantly he put into action instead of lip service by saying, “today I have come here as the first from the tribes of Joseph to come down and meet my lord the king”

3-4) What does Abishai say about Shimei? (21) 

21 Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this? He cursed the Lord’s anointed.”

3-5) What does David say to Abishai? (22-23) 

22 David replied, “What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? What right do you have to interfere? Should anyone be put to death in Israel today? Don’t I know that today I am king over Israel?” 23 So the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king promised him on oath.

What a remark it is from the mouth of David? He could have put him to death right there and nobody could argue with him. But he forgave him and let him go. 

3-6) What do you think we learn here from David?

David even promised him on oath. This shows what David’s heart was. David is secure before God. Those who are insecure in their position likes to revenge. 

Like a young leader in North Korea ended up killing his uncle mercilessly when he was being threatened by his influence. 

When David knows that God secures his throne, he does not have to fight flesh and blood battle. But he freely forgave him. 

4. Read verses 24-30  What kind of condition is Mephibosheth in when he comes to see King David? (24) What does David ask him?(25) What does Mephibosheth say to David? (26-28)  What do you think about Mephibosheth’s answer to King David? (29-30)

4-1) Read verses 24-30  

24 Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, also went down to meet the king. He had not taken care of his feet or trimmed his mustache or washed his clothes from the day the king left until the day he returned safely. 25 When he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, the king asked him, “Why didn’t you go with me, Mephibosheth?”

26 He said, “My lord the king, since I your servant am lame, I said, ‘I will have my donkey saddled and will ride on it, so I can go with the king.’ But Ziba my servant betrayed me. 27 And he has slandered your servant to my lord the king. My lord the king is like an angel of God; so do whatever you wish. 28 All my grandfather’s descendants deserved nothing but death from my lord the king, but you gave your servant a place among those who eat at your table. So what right do I have to make any more appeals to the king?”

29 The king said to him, “Why say more? I order you and Ziba to divide the land.”

30 Mephibosheth said to the king, “Let him take everything, now that my lord the king has returned home safely.”

4-2) What kind of condition is Mephibosheth in when he comes to see King David? (24) 

24 Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, also went down to meet the king. He had not taken care of his feet or trimmed his mustache or washed his clothes from the day the king left until the day he returned safely. 

It seemed to me that he lost his meaning and purpose without the king David. 

He lost desire to take care of his body. Only he cleaned his body in order to be with David on the table. 

When we lost our true king, nothing matters. 

May the Lord help us to not lose our true King and his living word daily. 

4-3) What does David ask him?(25) 

25 When he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, the king asked him, “Why didn’t you go with me, Mephibosheth?”

4-4) What does Mephibosheth say to David? (26-28)  \

26 He said, “My lord the king, since I your servant am lame, I said, ‘I will have my donkey saddled and will ride on it, so I can go with the king.’ But Ziba my servant betrayed me. 27 And he has slandered your servant to my lord the king. My lord the king is like an angel of God; so do whatever you wish. 28 All my grandfather’s descendants deserved nothing but death from my lord the king, but you gave your servant a place among those who eat at your table. So what right do I have to make any more appeals to the king?”

4-5) What do you think about Mephibosheth’s answer to King David? (29-30)

29 The king said to him, “Why say more? I order you and Ziba to divide the land.”

30 Mephibosheth said to the king, “Let him take everything, now that my lord the king has returned home safely.”

This passage shows that Mephiboseth set a good example in valuing the fellowship with Jesus. Others like the tribes of Israel and Judah were motivated politically. 

But Mephiboseth’s motive is pure enough to show his color. He never forget what David had shown his grace and mercy on himself(2 Samuel 9). 

Nothing is more important than being together with David and his reign. 

It was everything to him that his king should come into the possession of his kingdom in peace. Others then follows. 

Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. (Mattnew 6:33)

Often we are too worry about our rights and privileges.

But it is to be our normal attitude to have personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ be secure above all. 

5. Read verses 31-43. Who is Barzillai? (31-32) What does David ask him to do? (33) What does Barzillai say to David? (34-37) What is David’s reply?(38) What happens next?(39-40)  What happens between the men of Israel and the men of Judah? (41-43)

 5-1) Read verses 31-43. 

31 Barzillai the Gileadite also came down from Rogelim to cross the Jordan with the king and to send him on his way from there. 32 Now Barzillai was very old, eighty years of age. He had provided for the king during his stay in Mahanaim, for he was a very wealthy man. 33 The king said to Barzillai, “Cross over with me and stay with me in Jerusalem, and I will provide for you.”

34 But Barzillai answered the king, “How many more years will I live, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king? 35 I am now eighty years old. Can I tell the difference between what is enjoyable and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats and drinks? Can I still hear the voices of male and female singers? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king? 36 Your servant will cross over the Jordan with the king for a short distance, but why should the king reward me in this way? 37 Let your servant return, that I may die in my own town near the tomb of my father and mother. But here is your servant Kimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king. Do for him whatever you wish.”

38 The king said, “Kimham shall cross over with me, and I will do for him whatever you wish. And anything you desire from me I will do for you.”

39 So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzillai and bid him farewell, and Barzillai returned to his home.

40 When the king crossed over to Gilgal, Kimham crossed with him. All the troops of Judah and half the troops of Israel had taken the king over.

41 Soon all the men of Israel were coming to the king and saying to him, “Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, steal the king away and bring him and his household across the Jordan, together with all his men?”

42 All the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, “We did this because the king is closely related to us. Why are you angry about it? Have we eaten any of the king’s provisions? Have we taken anything for ourselves?”

43 Then the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, “We have ten shares in the king; so we have a greater claim on David than you have. Why then do you treat us with contempt? Weren’t we the first to speak of bringing back our king?”

But the men of Judah pressed their claims even more forcefully than the men of Israel.

5-2) Who is Barzillai? (31-32) 

31 Barzillai the Gileadite also came down from Rogelim to cross the Jordan with the king and to send him on his way from there. 32 Now Barzillai was very old, eighty years of age. He had provided for the king during his stay in Mahanaim, for he was a very wealthy man. 

He used his wealth well to provide David. Although he is 80 years old, he is very sensitive to the need of David. Luke 12:21

5-3) What does David ask him to do? (33) 

33 The king said to Barzillai, “Cross over with me and stay with me in Jerusalem, and I will provide for you.”

David wanted to pay back to him and his favor. 

5-4) What does Barzillai say to David? (34-37) 

34 But Barzillai answered the king, “How many more years will I live, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king? 35 I am now eighty years old. Can I tell the difference between what is enjoyable and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats and drinks? Can I still hear the voices of male and female singers? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king? 36 Your servant will cross over the Jordan with the king for a short distance, but why should the king reward me in this way? 37 Let your servant return, that I may die in my own town near the tomb of my father and mother. But here is your servant Kimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king. Do for him whatever you wish.”

He did a right thing instead of anticipating reward from others. 

His motive turned out to be pure, that is in great contrast with that of Ziba who was an opporunist to survive in both Saul’s and David’s reign.

But he accepted David’s offer partially for his son with the hope that his son may grow by learning from him.

5-5) What is David’s reply?(38) 

38 The king said, “Kimham shall cross over with me, and I will do for him whatever you wish. And anything you desire from me I will do for you.”

5-6) What happens next?(39-40)  

39 So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzillai and bid him farewell, and Barzillai returned to his home.

1 kings 2:7-David later never forgot his promise made to him. 

5-7) What happens between the men of Israel and the men of Judah? (41-43)

40 When the king crossed over to Gilgal, Kimham crossed with him. All the troops of Judah and half the troops of Israel had taken the king over.

41 Soon all the men of Israel were coming to the king and saying to him, “Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, steal the king away and bring him and his household across the Jordan, together with all his men?”

42 All the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, “We did this because the king is closely related to us. Why are you angry about it? Have we eaten any of the king’s provisions? Have we taken anything for ourselves?”

43 Then the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, “We have ten shares in the king; so we have a greater claim on David than you have. Why then do you treat us with contempt? Weren’t we the first to speak of bringing back our king?”

But the men of Judah pressed their claims even more forcefully than the men of Israel.

This competitive mode between Judah and the ten tribes sets the stage for civil war later and the eventual division of the nation into two.

So nothing is more important than loving, obeying, and promoting relationship with our King out of pure heart instead of political or selfish motive.

In conclusion.

This passage shows what’s right attitude in welcoming our Lord Jesus Christ who is coming again. People are not changing overnight. Today we are able to learn from Mephibosheth the most who highly valued of the relationship with David, a shadow of Jesus Christ. Our true King Jesus can truly satisfy our soul and like Jacob in Genesis, we are truly satisfied and set free from any insufficiency as long as we have our true husband and the King. In this way God is able to dwell in our hearts as his home(it reminds me of “today’s daily bread key verse”- Ezekiel 48:35)

One word: The Lord is there!

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