David is a fascinating Old Testament character, worthy of much study. I love his humanity.  He experienced the very highs and lows of life.  One minute slaying the mighty Goliath and next arranging a murder so he could have an adulterous relationship with Bathsheba. We know from the story in earlier chapters of Samuel (2 Sam 11:1 – 12:14) that nothing is hidden from God.  Sending the prophet Nathan, God let David know that he had sinned, and when David confessed (2 Sam 12:13-14) Nathan told David that he was forgiven but there would be consequences resulting from that sin.  This is a key concept that we must understand about our relationship with God.  We must not take sin lightly, or indeed the forgiveness we receive from God for granted (see 1 Jn 1:5 – 10). Sin always has consequences!

For David, the consequence of his sin caught up with him.  Absolom’s four-year campaign to supplant David had seen Absolom acclaimed as king in Hebron, the very site where David was crowned king of Judah.  Having focused on wining the northern tribes of Israel he had amassed a massive army of support.   We read today that there was a very real threat that his son, Absolom, would track him down and kill him, so it is no wonder that David decided to flee. (2 Sam 15:14).

David was humbled and in submission to God, he sent the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem. David confessed his willingness to submit to God’s will and his uncertainty about his fate.  David had sinned with Bathsheba, and failed to discipline his sons (1 Sam 8:1-3), just as Eli had done before him (1 Sam 2: 12-36).  David’s doubts are powerfully expressed in Psalm 3, written during his flight from Absolom.

However, his actions remind us never to give up when we have doubts. He creates a spy network, arranges for couriers to bring him news, and infiltrates his adviser Hushai to sabotage Absolom’s plans (2 Sam 15: 27-37).  Being uncertain about God’s will for the future does not mean we should hesitate to prepare for it!

Our reading concludes with a strange account of Shimei pelting David with stones and calling out curses upon him, a crime under O.T. law (Ex 22:28).

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Prayer:  Heavenly Father, forgive me for taking my sin lightly.  I praise and worship you that there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus, but recognise my actions have consequences.  Help me to keep short accounts with you, and deal with the sin in my life quickly, so that my relationship with you is restored.  For your praise and glory. Amen.