Day 148 – 2 Samuel 17:22-29
Scripture Review
2 Samuel 17:22-29
"Then David arose, and all the people that were with him, and they passed over Jordan: by the morning light there lacked not one of them that was not gone over Jordan."
(2 Samuel 17:22)
David gets up after receiving the warning and all the people with him pass over Jordan before morning light. What stands out to me is that "there lacked not one of them." Not one was left behind. Not one was lost in the crossing. The people were tired, pressed, and in danger, but the LORD preserved them through the night.
"And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father."
(2 Samuel 17:23)
Ahithophel, who had been treated almost like an oracle, realizes that his counsel has been rejected. The Bible says he saddles his ass, goes home, puts his house in order, and takes his own life. This is very tragic and dark. His pride could not bear being set aside. Wisdom without humility can destroy a man. Ahithophel had great counsel, but he did not have a surrendered heart. When his influence fell, he fell with it.
"Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him."
(2 Samuel 17:24)
Mahanaim had been important before in Israel's history, and now it becomes a place of refuge for David. But Absalom is still coming as he now crosses Jordan with all the men of Israel. So David is safe for the moment, but still being pursued.
"And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab: which Amasa was a man's son, whose name was Ithra an Israelite, that went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab's mother."
(2 Samuel 17:25)
Absalom organizes his rebellion. He appoints Amasa as captain of the host instead of Joab, showing he is not just angry, but building a full government and army against David. He replaces David's commander with his own man. He is trying to make the rebellion look established and official.
"So Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of Gilead."
(2 Samuel 17:26)
Absalom and Israel set up camp in Gilead. They have crossed the Jordan and are now closer to David. David must not mistake temporary relief for the end of the trial. Sometimes the LORD gives strength for the next step before He gives final deliverance.
"And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,"
(2 Samuel 17:27)
Three men come to David as he arrives in Mahanaim: Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai. This is encouraging. David has been betrayed by Absalom, cursed by Shimei, and lied to by Ziba. But now the LORD sends helpers. Shobi comes from Rabbah of the children of Ammon, a place tied to old conflict. Machir comes from Lodebar, the place connected with Mephibosheth before David brought him to the king's table. Barzillai comes from Gilead.
"Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse,"
(2 Samuel 17:28)
The men bring practical help. They bring beds, basons, earthen vessels, wheat, barley, flour, parched corn, beans, lentiles, and parched pulse. Another real provision from God. David and his people need rest, food, and supplies. These men see the need and meet it. For me, sometimes encouragement comes in the form of bread, a bed, a bowl, and something warm to eat.
"And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness."
(2 Samuel 17:29)
The list continues with honey, butter, sheep, and cheese of kine. These supplies are brought for David and all the people with him. Then I see why they brought it, "The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness." These men understood the condition of David's people. They did not simply admire David from a distance. They noticed the hunger, weariness, and thirst, and they did something about it. This teaches me to receive help with humility and reminds me that the LORD often strengthens His people through the hands of others.