READING: 2 Samuel 16-18
TEXTS AND APPLICATION: Today’s reading continues the story of Absalom’s rebellion against David, ending with Absalom’s death at the hands of Joab. This tragic narrative is also a reminder that God keeps His Word.
In 2 Samuel 12, Nathan announced God’s judgment on David for his sin with Bathsheba and his murder of Uriah:
2 Sam. 12:10-12 Now therefore, the sword will never leave your house because you despised Me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own wife.’ This is what the Lord says, ‘I am going to bring disaster on you from your own family: I will take your wives and give them to another before your very eyes, and he will sleep with them publicly. You acted in secret, but I will do this before all Israel and in broad daylight.’”
In Absalom’s rebellion, not only does Absalom sleep with David’s concubines publicly (2 Sam. 16:22 So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel), but the sword does ultimately bring disaster to David’s house (2 Sam. 18:15-15 He [Joab] then took three spears in his hand and thrust them into Absalom’s heart while he was still alive in the oak tree, and 10 young men who were Joab’s armor-bearers surrounded Absalom, struck him, and killed him).
All that God said would happen after David’s sin did indeed happen. I am reminded today that there is no wisdom in ignoring the Word of God — it is truth, and it warnings about sin must be heeded. Even if the consequences of sin are not immediate, they are still sure to happen.
PRAYER: It is the enemy who wants us to focus on the temporary pleasure of sin and ignore the long-term consequences. Ask God to give us a long-term vision so we choose wisely when temptation occurs.
TOMORROW’S READING: Psalm 26, 40, 58, 61-62, 64
Chuck Lawless
Dean of Graduate Studies
Southeastern Seminary
Global Theological Education Consultant
International Mission Board
Dean of Graduate Studies
Southeastern Seminary
Global Theological Education Consultant
International Mission Board
