The Wise Ruler

2 Samuel 19:8b-43

Immanuel – 9/24/23

After the adultery, conspiracy, murder, all of it wicked injustice, the Lord said to David,

“ Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house…Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house.” -2 Samuel 12:10,11

How terribly we saw that fulfilled when Absalom rebelled against his own father and sparked civil war in Israel. David had only just escaped Jerusalem, fleeing across the Jordan River, when battle erupted. When the fighting ceased, 20,000 of Israel’s sons lay dead. David’s own son, Absalom, among the slain.

Though Absalom sparked civil war, he did not create the divisions within Israel; he was merely the spark. Divisions among the 12 tribes were older than Israel’s monarchy. But when the monarchy was established with king Saul, it was impossible to separate it from the contours of division. For Saul was from the north and favored by the north – the north which is increasingly identified as Israel. But David was the king from the south, from Judah.

After Saul died the north crowned Saul’s son, Ishbosheth, and the south crowned David king. Earlier in the sermon series we saw the terrible civil war that followed. But through his commitment to Yahweh, through his generosity, military tactics, and politically astute maneuvers, the 12 tribes of Israel were eventually united under David.

It was a true unification, but it was a tenuous one. The fractures were just beneath the surface. This is what Absalom had capitalized upon and why he was able to raise a significant faction against his father. But he is dead now.

Though Absalom is gone, the fractures are not. In fact, they have only grown deeper. And we the readers, and David the king, are beginning to see just how true were Yahweh’s words: “Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house.” To put it in other words: As much as he wants it, as much as we want it for David, he will never again know true and lasting peace.

Even in this passage today we see it: The civil war sparked by Absalom has not ended, it has only paused.

Purpose

David’s return to Jerusalem is marked by uncertainty and division.

David’s return is a clear contrast to Christ’s return.

There is a clear sandwich structure to our passage today, and this sandwich has purpose. Verses 8b-15 and verses 40-43 are like the two pieces of bread. They spotlight the divisions of the kingdom. Not only do they show us that David holds a tenuous unity among the 12 tribes, but they also set up the next chapter where the civil war erupts yet again. They show us that David’s reign is not enough to overcome Israel’s divisions.

In between these two pieces are three encounters. Just like David had a series of meetings as he was fleeing Jerusalem, now he has a series of meetings as he returns. Each one of these three meetings is marked by some serious human deficiency. Each time David is ultimately unable to overcome those deficiencies.

Read vs 8b-10

Divisions

After Absalom fell and his rebellious faction was conquered, everyone went home. But within all the 10 tribes of the north there was everywhere arguing. Those who had rejected the Lord’s anointed, and followed rebellious Absalom, many of them are now realizing that opposing David is futility. David is a conqueror and a deliverer. “Now that he has conquered Absalom, let us return to him who is the true king.” Perhaps pro-David voices join this chorus.

Many others are not ready to return to David who had spilled injustice from his throne. Back and forth they argue – discord in the land. It doesn’t take long for the contention to get loud enough that it reaches David’s ear.

Read vs 11-12

After hearing about Israel’s arguing, David promptly dispatches a message to the elders of Judah, hoping they will unify under his rule.

See how David says in the first part of his message, “All Israel (meaning the northern tribes) has agreed to rejoin me.” Of course, we know David is playing a political game. The north has not agreed to rejoin David; far from it. They’re arguing about whether or not they even want David as king.

But like politicians in Washington, David isn’t afraid to offer fake news and then immediately attempt to manipulate emotions with it: “You are my brothers, my bone and my flesh.” This is language of family and covenant. And it’s no coincidence David uses the exact words the northern tribes used when they pleaded with David to become their king.

Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Behold, we are your bone and flesh”…So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel. -2 Samuel 5:1,3

David’s message to Judah is effectively communicating this: “I am from the south. I am a son of Judah. You first anointed me king and there are covenantal bonds between us. The north is ready to have me, why are you so slow to bring me back to the throne?”

And then David makes another political move – a rather stunning one.

Read vs 13-15

Amasa was Absalom’s general. For decades Joab had been David’s general, but almost out of nowhere David gives Joab’s job to Amasa. It’s an amazing appointment because not only does David suddenly turn his back on his fiercely loyal friend, but as the most recent battle proved, Amasa’s military prowess was far inferior to Joab’s.

Two things are happening here; one is obvious, and one is implied. First, by giving command to Amasa, it signals to the Absalom party that forgiveness is available. Rejoin David and find clemency. Remember, Absalom, and therefore Amasa, launched their rebellion from Hebron. Hebron was something like the capital of Judah at the time. Amasa was very likely in Hebron, with the elders of Judah, when the message arrived from David.

Second, and more implicit, by giving Amasa Joab’s job, David may be punishing Joab for killing his son. This seems even more likely since, in chapter 20, Joab doesn’t hesitate to murder Amasa in cold blood and retake command.

But when David makes Amasa commander of the army, it has its intended effect: The men of Judah returned wholeheartedly to David. Without reservation, they want David to be king again.

They leave Judah to meet David on the western side of the Jordan River. Leaving Mahanaim, David arrives at the eastern bank of the Jordan.

Now, we’re going to skip ahead to get to the other piece of bread in this sandwich.

Read vs 40-43

David crosses the Jordan at Gilgal, and all of Judah is there to greet him, the entire south. But Israel, the north, only half of them have come. Truly the north is divided over whether they want David or not. You can’t help but see the north is a house divided.

But there is also division between north and south, for as soon as David is across the Jordan, they break out in an argument. The men of Israel are upset that Judah helped David to cross the river. The north has 10 tribes, they should get priority. They south counter with, “But David is from the south, we are blood!”

Though he is king of Israel once again, the nation seems to be convulsing with layered divisions. The return of the king brings little healing, and discord only deepens.

But there is another one which we await: the Prince of Peace, the Light of the world, the hope of nations, the King of all kings. When He returns things will be altogether different. Every division is reconciling in Him; even heaven and earth are drawing together.

For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through [Christ] to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross. -Colossians 1:19-20

Christ brings peace, and all who come to him find peace with God and peace with each other. How can there be division when no one people can claim to be Christ’s bone and flesh, for by faith we all are eternally united in the blood of Christ. Our differences and disagreements dissolve as we worship with one, wholehearted, joyful voice.

I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” -Revelation 7:9-10

David’s return was marked by division and frustrations. When Christ returns, people from every tribe and language will together rejoice that Salvation has come!

One great reason that all peoples will ultimately unite under Christ is that He satisfies every need, heals every wound, reconciles every division. Christ entirely swallows every human deficiency. On the other hand, when David returns to his kingdom, he is entirely unable to overcome human deficiencies.

We return to him still on the other side of the Jordan River and confronted with a deficiency of forgiveness.

Read vs 16-23

Deficiencies: Forgiveness

Though we didn’t look at it in this sermon series, when David fled Jerusalem, he had a dramatic encounter with Shimei, a relative and loyalist of Saul. Shimei threw rocks and hurled curses at David, saying among other things, “Get out, you man of blood, you worthless man!” (2 Samuel 16:7).

Now that the political tide has turned Shimei is no longer throwing rocks, he rushes to the eastern bank of the Jordan River and throws himself at David’s feet (verse 18). And there, before the king he cursed, Shimei now pleads for forgiveness:

“I know I’ve cursed you, thrown stones at you, but don’t take it to heart – don’t take it personally. Forgive me for sinning against you, lord David. Forget my wrongs.” He’s truly asking David to forgive and forget. But how can you forget a man disrespecting you in such a dramatic way: screaming curses and mocking and throwing rocks!

Shimei continues, “Look, I’m the first of all the men of the north to greet you. See how quick I am to repent!” If it’s not clear, Shimei’s deficiency is that he has sinned against the king and desperately needs forgiveness. He knows he deserves death. No one insults the king in such a way and lives. He pleads and begs for forgiveness knowing his very life is at stake.

If you were in David’s shoes, would you really believe Shimei to be sincere? Or might you think that he’s just another manipulative politician?

Abishai, Joab’s brother, is not convinced. He’s ready to cut Shimei down right then and there. But David will not have it; another wise act of political prowess. He then makes an oath that he will not put Shimei to death.

But it is an empty promise; for here again, David is not like Jesus. David has forgiven but he has not forgotten, and that forgiveness only reaches so far. In 1 Kings 2:8, the very last words spoken by David were instructions for Solomon to put Shimei to death. David’s forgiveness was temporary, and he could not forget the grievous offense hurled against him. And Shimei, who thought he was forgiven, found a merciless sword in the end.

Though David prefigures Christ, this is not like Jesus. For with offenses far more severe, even while humanity nailed Him to the cross, Jesus cried out, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

You see the difference? You can plead for forgiveness at the feet of David, and not actually get it. But you can plead for forgiveness at the feet of the cross, and without reservation, without ever changing His mind, Christ will utterly, entirely, forgive you – though you have cursed Him, though you have driven spikes through His hands – forgiven!

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. -1 John 1:9

And His forgiveness is not capricious like David’s, He was so serious about it, so committed, that He lay down His own life that in forgiveness you may take yours up and live. Freedom and forgiveness are found in King Jesus! May the mountains of guilt that ride upon your shoulders melt like wax before the Lord. He promises to separate you from your sins as far as the east is from the west. And His oath will never be broken.

When Shimei threw himself at David’s feet, seeking forgiveness, he was not alone. With him came a sizable contingent, with Ziba among them. Remember Ziba was a servant of Saul’s, and David had appointed him to become Mephibosheth’s servant. Mephibosheth is the next person that Daivd will meet, and you might expect that Zeba be with his master.

Deficiencies: Justice

With Mephibosheth we will find a deficiency of justice.

Read vs 24-30

Mephibosheth was the grandson of Saul, the crippled son of Jonathan. When we read in verse 24 that he was the son of Saul, it’s a way to say that he was Saul’s descendant. In chapter 9 David had taken Mephibosheth into his own home, making him like a son, and restored to him the extensive lands of Saul.

Then, in chapter 16, as David was leaving Jerusalem, another of David’s encounters was with Ziba. Ziba brought abundant provisions to David, but when David asked where Mephibosheth was, Ziba said that Mephibosheth had betrayed him. Ziba claimed that Mephibosheth stayed in Jerusalem wanting Absalom to prevail, hoping that Saul’s kingdom would be restored – a kingdom that Mephibosheth was heir to.

When David heard that, his knee jerk reaction was to take away all of Mephibosheth’s land and give it to Ziba; because there was Ziba, generously supplying David in a time of need.

But now headed back to Jerusalem, David next encountered the disheveled, unsightly Mephibosheth. The explanation for such an appearance is that Mephibosheth has been protesting the expulsion of David. As long as David was gone, he did not trim his beard or clip his toenails or wash his clothes.

But wasn’t there time enough between Absalom’s death and David coming to the Jordan for Mephibosheth to clean up? There was time in Israel for arguing and for messages to get sent to the other side of the kingdom. Was Mephibosheth putting on a show or was he sincere in this display?

This uncertainty is why David asks, “Why didn’t you leave Jerusalem with me, Mephibosheth?”

Then Mephibosheth tells a story of how Ziba had deceived him. He was about to go with David, but then Ziba took off with his donkey. Then, Ziba slandered Mephibosheth to David. But Mephibosheth claims that it’s not true, he wants vindication. But your left asking, really? Even though Mephibosheth was lame, he was part of David’s court - he was a man of means and power. Could he really not find any other ride out of Jerusalem?

It’s unclear. This is a classic he-said, she-said kind of situation; or he-said, he-said. It’s impossible to know if Mephibosheth or Ziba is telling the truth, especially when everyone seems eager to ride the shifting tides of power. So, without true clarity, David says, “I’ve had enough. Half of the land will go to Ziba and half to Mephibosheth.”

Though there is a lack of clarity, the narrative attributes more gratitude and more humility to Mephibosheth, and we are prone to take his side. But for whatever reason, David is not able to truly vindicate Mephibosheth.

And isn’t that Mephibosheth’s deficiency? He has been unjustly slandered and shamed and needs vindication. It’s a need for justice. But David’s wisdom is not able to penetrate through the surface and see the heart of the matter. All he can offer is an unsatisfying judgment.

But this is not like King Jesus. This world will shame us for our loyalty to Christ, and beat us down, and make the saints feel that we are as ugly and smelly as Mephibosheth in this passage. Jesus even promised that we will be slandered/reviled/persecuted for His name’s sake.

So, your reputation may be smeared, your position or possessions taken, your hopes crushed; but Jesus sees a heart loyal to Him with crystal clarity. For He does not look upon outward appearances, but upon the heart. And when He returns, you shall be vindicated.

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. -1 Peter 1:6-7

At the revelation of Jesus Christ, upon His return and for your faith, He will bestow upon the righteous praise and glory and honor! It’s a praise, glory, and honor that you will joyfully return to Him in awesome, vindicated, worship.

And every unrighteous person that has slandered or persecuted the people of Christ, never having repented from their ways, these will face the fury of the King and His fiery condemnation. There will be no flaw in such justice for He has heard every word, witnessed every act, and knows the inner workings of every heart.

Now we come to David’s final encounter, and here we shall see a particular deficiency that comes with mortality.

Read vs 31-39

Deficiencies: Life

Just before war broke out with Absalom, Barzillai showed up in Mahanaim and supplied David and his troops with an abundance of provisions. We see this at the end of chapter 17. Here Barzillai is again, and now we learn that he is a very old man, 80 years old (vs 32) – exceedingly old for that era.

He was clearly deeply loyal to David, and he had come to escort David across the Jordan River. So far in chapter 19, he is the only one who has not come looking for something. Rather, he is freely offered things – to live with David in Jerusalem, to become a part of the royal court.

But just as Barzillai has not come seeking anything, nor does he want what is offered to him. See how he responds in verses 34-37. “Why do I want position and prominence, I’ll soon be dead. What good will it do me? Food and drink all taste bland now, I am too deaf to enjoy the royal singing, and I walk so poorly that I’d only be a burden to you. Release me and let me die at home.” Barzillai is too old to enjoy the good things of the king.

I wonder if anyone in this room can relate to Barzillai’s words. Psalm 90:10 says that, “The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty.” Barzillai is pushing such a limit. Some here are too. And yet the Lord has numbered our days. Death will come neither too early nor too late. Even still, death need not be the end, and eighty years is only a breath measured against eternity. But more on this shortly.

In something of a compromise, Barzillai says he will go just a little way past the Jordan, towards Jerusalem. Then, instead of him, he offers Chimham instead. There may be an indication in 1 Kings 2:7 that Chimham was Barzillai’s son. Barzillai knows it’s time for the next generation to take the torch.

But make no mistake, Barzillai’s generosity, his faithfulness to the king, his activity of loyalty, has set up the next generation to be able to take the torch. Barzillai has not entered old age and become lazy; not at all! He was there before battle erupted, just as old, and with provision only a lifetime of hard word could have produced. Now he’s here, again having traveled far from home, ready to help facilitate getting David’s things across the river. Barzillai has carried the burden of his generation as far as his strength would allow him.

They cross the river, David kisses Barzillai, he goes home, and Chimham goes on with the king. What a picture! Do we not all long that our children would go on with the King; that we have positioned them for a faithful life in the court of Christ? On Chimham goes with the king. And you read in Jeremiah 41:17 that Chimham was given a city that eventually bore his name, located just outside of Bethlehem.

Do you see the deficiency with Barzillai? His life is almost entirely spent. His mortality is his undefeatable deficiency, and David can do nothing in the face of it except kiss Barzillai and acknowledge that death will soon take him.

But Jesus is a far greater king than David. King Jesus proclaimed:

“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” -John 11:25-26

Jesus’ resurrection was the death of our death, if we believe. 70 years, 80, 90, 100; this is only the beginning. This is the darkness of the womb. This is the pain of the birth canal. Death has been swallowed up in victory! And at the last trumpet, when Christ returns, we shall live and be transformed!

As Paul writes:

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. -1 Corinthians 15:51-57

Though you die, yet shall you live in immortal, righteous, victory! Only one king can make this offer. Only one king has secured such a future. Just as he has swallowed death with His immortal life, so has he also swallowed every human deficiency with His abounding provision and grace. We can cross the river Jordan and go on with our king, into pleasures forevermore. They will never diminish, they will never vanish.

How sad it is then, when the church begins to look for solutions from government institutions. At best they give what David has given: frustrating division, empty promises, unsatisfying justice, and by the time anything good comes you’ll be too old to enjoy it anyway.

The world, and your problems, will not be fixed by the best of this world’s leaders. What we all need, what this world needs, is to find their salvation in Jesus Christ, King of kings!