David-A Time to Forgive Mephibosheth

By Mary Vee
II Samuel 19

From David's Journal

From the day my best friend Jonathan died I promised to care for his family. Some time later I found out he had a son named Mephibosheth.

photo courtesy of christianimagesource.com

Mephibosheth became crippled when he was young. HIs nurse dropped him the day they hurried to escape. His nurse assumed, since I was crowned king, I would want to cause the boy harm. She was mistaken.

Once Mephibosheth was found, I brought him to the palace, gave him a nice room to sleep in as if he was my own son. He ate at my table alongside my own children. 

But the day my oldest son Absalom took over the throne, Mephibosheth rebelled and did not go with me. He stayed back, hoping he could get his grandfather's throne in all the confusion. 

After the elders crowned me king the second time, Mephibosheth came to Jerusalem to speak with me. He hadn't cared for his feet, trimmed his mustache, or washed his clothes since the day I left.

He entered my chambers and bowed. "Mephibosheth, why didn't you go with me when I escaped?"

He answered, " My lord, O king, my servant deceived me. I told him I would saddle a donkey for myself and ride with the king. My servant said mean things about you to me. I wouldn't listen because you are like an angel of God.

He lowered his head, "Please, my lord, do what you think is right. Everyone from my father's house was dead, yet you brought me to your table and let me eat. What right do I have to cry out for help from you?"

I thought he took the whole situation a bit out of control. "Why are you talking like that? I already said you and Ziba, your head servant, should divide the land."

Mephibosheth shook his head. "No. I have all I need. Let Ziba take it all. My happiness comes from your return to the throne and that you have brought peace back to Israel."

It seemed to me that Mephibosheth's desires to become king had finally been settled. He will return to my table and finish his life in my household as I promised his father, my best friend, Jonathan.

It is important to forgive those who do mean things to us. The anger in an unforgiven person can destroy peace. When Mephibosheth realized peace returned the day I returned to the throne, he stopped wishing for to be king.

Here is a Psalm we sing. You call it Psalm 15

Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle?
Who may dwell in Your holy hill?

 He who walks uprightly,
    And works righteousness,
    And speaks the truth in his heart;
 He who does not backbite with his tongue,
    Nor does evil to his neighbor,
    Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend;
 In whose eyes a vile person is despised,
    But he honors those who fear the Lord;
He who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
 He who does not put out his money at usury,
    Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.

He who does these things shall never be moved.

****************

1. Who was Mephibosheth?
2. Why did he come to see David?
3. Why didn't he go with David in the first place?
4. David said he gave Saul's family land to Mephibosheth and ______ to divide in half.
5. What did Mephibosheth say?
6. Where did Mephibosheth end up living?

Hudson Taylor-Fighting to Serve Christ

The militia pounded on my head, arms, and chest. They pulled my hair. I shrank to the ground and became convinced this fifth missionary journey would be my last. I would die a martyr for the cause of Christ. If you missed the first part of this story click here.

photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

My partner, John Burdon, reached into his satchel and pulled out some New Testaments. If we had to die, it would be while we were witnessing. The leader yelled at his men to cuff John's arms to prevent him from doing anything with the books. Unfortunately, the handcuffs couldn't be found. Still, the leader's message had been communicated. Do not hand out the Testaments to the soldiers.

The soldiers pushed and dragged us where ever they wanted us to go. I understood some of their conversation. They fought over what should be done with us. A couple of the men wanted to kill us right there. The apostles Paul and Peter endured the same trials when they went out to preach the Gospel. 

Other soldiers said we should be taken to the city official. When I heard those words I remembered my identification card and hoped it would help. In between being pushed along the dirt road, I pulled my arm free and reached in my pocket and pulled out a Chinese card with my name. Once the soldiers saw the card they stopped shoving and hitting. They treated us better. Not well, but better.

Once I saw their attitude change, I demanded they take us to the city official's office. The soldiers consented. They dragged us through so many long winding streets. The city didn't seem that big on the outside. We needed something to drink, treatment for our injuries, and to rest.

At long last we arrived at the building housing the city official's office. John and I leaned against the wall, weary, sweaty, and thirsty from the day's journey. I turned to the soldiers and said, "We would like to have a chair."

He held his hand up to me and growled, "Wait." 

John looked at me. We would have to revive ourselves in order to share the Gospel with anyone. I turned to the soldiers again and said, "Can we have some tea. We are so thirsty." He gave the same answer.

The wait lasted longer than we expected. Around the corner, a crowd had gathered. John smiled and pulled out a handful of Testaments. "Let's go, Hudson." We walked around the corner and called out to the crowd. They immediately turned toward us. John preached one of the most compelling messages that afternoon. 

As he preached, our cards and New Testaments were taken in to the city officer. Hours later the a messenger said the official wanted to refer us to his superior officer. Apparently he hardly had any rank and planned to release us to the crowds to do whatever they wanted.

I remembered what the Apostle did in a similar situation and refused to move a single step until John and I had a chair to sit for a while. The soldiers complained and fussed but got the chairs and carried us to the superior's office.

Being a Christian doesn't mean we have to allow others to mistreat us. We can fight when the law is being violated.

This story will continue next week.

J. Hudson Taylor
Servant of God in China

Do you have any questions?


Photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

Research resources: J. Hudson Taylor, An Autobiography by J. Hudson Taylor; It is Not Death to Die, a new biography of Hudson Taylor by Jim Cromarty; Hudson Taylor Founder, China Inland Mission by Vance Christie; J. Hudson Taylor, A Man in Christ, by Roger Steer, and Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret by dr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor.

David-A Time to Forgive Shimei

By Mary Vee
II Samuel 19

From David's Journals

courtesy of christianimagesource.com

There were those in my kingdom who went against me, choosing to side with my son, Absalom, as he swept away my throne. Many fought in Absalom's army against their own brothers who served in my army. They also searched for me to end my life.

My army defeated Absalom's soldiers, and sadly my son lost his life in the battle. I listened to the words of my captain, Joab and went to the people at the gate to listen to their concerns. Once all the matters had been settled the elders asked me to take the throne again.

My army and their families marched back to the river Jordan and prepared to cross over to the west side and return to our homes. While I stood at the river's edge, Shimei rushed from his home to the shores on the other side and crossed to the east side of the river. 

He fell to the ground before me and said, "Please, my lord, forget the evil I have committed against you by following Absalom. I know I have sinned. See, I am the first one from my tribe, the tribe of Joseph to come down to the river and meet you."

Abishai the priest leaned close to me. "Don't listen to him, David. Put Shimei to death for cursing your name by following Absalom."

I shook my head and held up my hand. "You have no right to give me advise on this matter, Abishai. Why should anyone be put to death in Israel today? I don't need to kill any Israelite to prove I am king. Enough blood has been shed."

I turned to Shimei. "You shall not die." 

Shimei thanked me several times and stayed to help us cross. 

There is a time to punish and a time to forgive. Today we need to help our kingdom become one.

Here is a Psalm we sing. You call it Psalm 14

The fool has said in his heart,
“There is no God.”
They are corrupt,
They have done abominable works,
There is none who does good.

 The Lord looks down from heaven upon the children of men,
To see if there are any who understand, who seek God.
 They have all turned aside,
They have together become corrupt;
There is none who does good,
No, not one.

 Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge,
Who eat up my people as they eat bread,
And do not call on the Lord?
 There they are in great fear,
For God is with the generation of the righteous.
 You shame the counsel of the poor,
But the Lord is his refuge.

 Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion!
When the Lord brings back the captivity of His people,
Let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad.

************
1. Where were David and his men going?
2. Who came down to the river?
3. What did he say to David?
4. What did Abishai want to do?
5. What did David say?

David- The Gathering Time

By Mary Vee 
II Samuel 19

From David's Journal

This has been a difficult season for me. I love all the children God has given to me. My son, Absalom, though, turned away from me, won the heart of the people, and overthrew my thrown. 

Those who remained loyal to me had to hide or risk death. I gathered my followers and took them to a safe place where Absalom and his army could not harm them. The soldiers who came with me wanted to settle the matter in battle, overthrow Absalom's army, and return the kingdom to unity. One king, one people. 

photo courtesy of christianimagesource.com

I agreed. God's chosen people should be one, but I didn't want my son to be harmed in the process. Unfortunately, not everything can be what we desire. The report of Absalom's death broke my heart. I couldn't stop my grief to perform my duties.

My soldiers returned to the city after the winning battle with shamed faces. Why? Because they respected me and knew I grieved for Absalom. 

Joab, captain of my army, requested to speak to me. He was angry. "Your sorrow is hurting the people. I think you would have been happier if the entire army had been killed and Absalom alive to continue ruining the country. If you do not go out and talk with the people, not one will stay loyal to you."

His words were harsh, but true. I wiped my eyes and went to the city gate where the people could see me and know they could talk with me. 

Those who came argued who should be king. The ones who followed Absalom said, "David may have saved us from the hand of our enemies and delivered us from the Philistines, but he fled the land because of Absalom. We crowned Absalom king because he showed how much he cared about us. Still, Absalom died in battle and we need a new king. Should we crown David king again?"

After listening to the people both their comments and arguments, I sent for Zadok and Abiathar the priests. "Go to the elders of Judah and say, 'Why are you the last to bring David back to the throne since the people have said the want him as their king?' When you finish the message turn to Amasa and say, 'David asks, are you not his relative? You will be commander of the army in place of Joab.'"

The two priests delivered my message to the elders. The elders held a meeting and decided to restore the throne to me. The hearts of all Judah became as one asking me to return to the throne along with my servants.

The kingdom has gathered together again, we will ask the Lord's blessing, and unite as one people thankful for what God has done for us.

May the Lord be praised for His goodness and mercy.

Here is a Psalm we sing. You call it Psalm 13

How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
 How long shall I take counsel in my soul,
Having sorrow in my heart daily?
How long will my enemy be exalted over me?

 Consider and hear me, O Lord my God;
Enlighten my eyes,
Lest I sleep the sleep of death;
 Lest my enemy say,
“I have prevailed against him”;
Lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved.

 But I have trusted in Your mercy;
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
 I will sing to the Lord,
Because He has dealt bountifully with me.

******************
Did you notice what David did after his captain yelled at him? He didn't say a word. He didn't get angry or say anything back in his defense. He simply went out to the city gate where the people came and listened. And this is why David is considered a king chosen by God. :)

1. Why did David cry?
2. What didn't David do?
3. What did Joab, his captain tell him he should do?
4. In the city gates, the people came and talked about what?
5. Because of their conversation David sent two priests to tell the elders what?
6. What did the elders decide?
7. What happened to the kingdom of Israel?

Hudson Taylor-Obeying God's Call, No Matter What Happens

By Mary Vee

From J. Hudson Taylor's Notes

Last week I started to tell you about our fifth missionary journey but ran out of time. If you missed part one click here.

The two Chinese teachers who came with us on the first part of our journey refused to go any closer to the large city of Tunchow. Over and over they warned, "It is not safe." John Burdon and I talked about the situation at the dock and decided, no matter what harm may come to us, the people of the city needed to know God loves them and that He sent His son, Jesus to die for their sins.

Looking at the teacher's faces, we understood the road would be extremely dangerous and took a while to pray for safety. We were able to hire a Chinese man to push a wheelbarrow carrying our supplies the seven miles from the river to Tunchow.

A man dressed in business clothes stopped us on the road. He said, "Honorable sirs, I need to warn you of the dangers in Tunchow where you travel. Their army is cruel. You will only find great unhappiness there. Please turn back."

I must admit, at first John and I did not know if this was God's protective warning spoken through the man, or if Satan wanted to scare us away from the mission God sent us. 

We stopped and prayed again. God reminded us he sent us to China to do a work. We felt willing to obey His command and face whatever came our way. We thanked the man and continued our journey to the city. 

Our wheelbarrow man became frightened after hearing the businessman's warning and refused to go another step. He dropped the handles of the wheelbarrow and ran away. We looked around and found another man. He agreed to take over the job. 

As John and I walked, we quoted scriptures and sang hymns to encourage each other to keep going. Not far ahead was the western gate of the city. We didn't want to cause harm to the man who pushed the wheelbarrow. I said, "Stay here and wait for us." John and I gathered as many New Testaments as we could hold and walked to the west gate.

The closer we walked to the gate, the more people we saw. No one caused any harm, but we heard their words. "Black devils." Neither one of us knew why they called us that. Was it our clothes?  

We kept walking past a few soldiers. None of them touched us, although they squinted and had angry faces. I said, "These must be the soldiers. They look angry but haven't harmed us. Let's keep going."

I spoke too soon. A tall soldier, who stank of alcohol pushed behind John and grabbed him by the shoulders. John tried to shake himself free. Within in seconds John and I were surrounded by a whole company of soldiers, angry and smelling of alcohol.

They pushed and dragged us faster than we could walk. My bag of books grew heavier with each step, but I couldn't switch the bag to my other arm since the soldiers held us captive.

"We demand to be taken to the chief magistrate!" The more we cried out for help, the tighter the soldiers grip grew, and the speed they made us run. 

The soldiers growled. "Be quiet. We know what to do with you." The lead soldier stopped, released John and came over to me, pounding my head, arms, and chest. He yanked my hair and my collar, choking me.

The situation looked pretty bad. This could be the day God chose to take us home to be with Him. No matter what happens next, I am glad we obeyed God and came to this city.

I'll finish the story next time, after I take a breather.

J. Hudson Taylor

Do you have any questions?


Photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

Research resources: J. Hudson Taylor, An Autobiography by J. Hudson Taylor; It is Not Death to Die, a new biography of Hudson Taylor by Jim Cromarty; Hudson Taylor Founder, China Inland Mission by Vance Christie; J. Hudson Taylor, A Man in Christ, by Roger Steer, and Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret by dr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor.

David-Joab's Rebuke

By Mary Vee
II Samuel 19

From Joab's Journal

I have served King David for a long time. I've worked my way up the ranks until I became captain of his army. 

Not long ago David's son, Absalom, stole the throne from his father. I must admit, I went with Absalom even though I shouldn't have. . .

But I left the moment Absalom gave my position to someone else. That's when I realized my mistake. I went back to David's camp, he accepted me and gave me back my position as captain. What a forgiving man. 

Absalom sent his army after David's soldiers. Two other men and I were appointed by king David to lead his army against Absalom. During the battle, Absalom's hair became caught in a tree. He dangled there like a puppet. To save the kingdom and restore David to the throne, I ran Absalom through with my sword. 

When messengers brought word of Absalom's death to David, he burst into tears, crying for his son endlessly. The entire army should have been celebrating a victory, instead, we all felt like we committed a crime. If David doesn't resolve the issue soon, his army will walk out on him. 

The soldiers crept back into the city, ashamed. Enough, I thought. The kingdom will fall apart if David continues to cry. 

I went to king David's chamber and asked to speak with him. As soon as I had permission I spoke my mind. "Today you have disgraced all your soldiers who saved not only your life but the lives of you wives, sons, and daughters. Your men think you love your enemy more than them. 

"It would seem, my lord, that you if all of us had died and Absalom had lived you'd be happier. I suggest, my lord, you go at once and speak comfort to your army. I promise, if you do not go out and speak with them this very night, it will be worse for you than all the evil that has come to you from your childhood to this day."

David rubbed tears from his eyes and stood. "Very well, Joab."

He went to the city gate and sat there, where the people could come and speak with him. When word went out to the people that David sat in the gate where they could come and speak with him, they were pleased. 

Here is a Psalm we sing, you know it as Psalm 12. NKJV

Help, Lord, for the godly man ceases!
For the faithful disappear from among the sons of men.
 They speak idly everyone with his neighbor;
With flattering lips and a double heart they speak.

 May the Lord cut off all flattering lips,
And the tongue that speaks proud things,
 Who have said,
“With our tongue we will prevail;
Our lips are our own;
Who is lord over us?”

 “For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy,
Now I will arise,” says the Lord;
“I will set him in the safety for which he yearns.”

 The words of the Lord are pure words,
Like silver tried in a furnace of earth,
Purified seven times.
 You shall keep them, O Lord,
You shall preserve them from this generation forever.

 The wicked prowl on every side,
When vileness is exalted among the sons of men.

************************ 
1.  What upset Joab?
2.  How did David's army return to the city?
3.  What did Joab say to David?
4.  What did David decide to do?
5.  Did his choice please the people?

David-O Absalom, my son, Absalom

By Mary Vee
II Samuel 18

 From Ahimaaz, the Priest's Journal

photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

David is going to be furious when he hears his son is dead. And even more angry when he hears Joab disobeyed orders and killed him.

The soldiers gathered in the tents celebrating the victory. David had to be told. This matter could not wait until we returned to the city. I approached Joab. "Let me run and take the news to the king, how the Lord has avenged him of his enemies."

Joab laughed. "No. You will not take the news today, maybe another time. Definitely not today because you will tell David his son is dead."

A Cushite servant stood nearby. Joab turned to him. "Go, tell the king what you have seen." The servant bowed and ran toward the city as instructed.

I know the servant hadn't seen what happened. He will obey and say only what he saw and not what actually happened. David won't learn the truth from that servant. 

Not being able to go frustrated me. David needed to hear the news. I wanted to be with him when he heard. I asked again, "Whatever happens, please let me run behind the Cushite."

Joab laughed again. "You run? What good is that? You have no news to share."

"If anything small, anything, allow me to run to report the news."

Joab rolled his eyes. "Fine. Go ahead and run."

I didn't stop to do anything before leaving. The Cushite had the lead. I figured out a shortcut across the plain. 

I saw the watchman in the tower. He leaned over as if reporting something. They saw me coming. Good. 

By the time I reached the gate I was out of breath. Through gasps I called, "All is well." The guards took me to the king. I bowed low to the ground. "Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delivered up the men who raised the hand against my lord the king."

David signaled for me to stand. "Is my son, Absalom safe?"

I took a few more deep breaths and answered. "When Joab sent me as a messenger, there was quite a problem but I didn't know what it was."

David looked at my eyes. He wanted to know right away. "Stand over here."

A guard stepped into the room. "My lord, a second messenger has arrived."

David nodded. "Send him in."

The Cushite waltzed happily into the room. "Good news, my lord, the king! The Lord has avenged you this day of all those who rose against you."

David said, "Is my son, Absalom safe?"

The Cushite smiled, "May all your enemies get the same punishment as that young man."

This was not the best way to tell him. David practically melted on the floor. He closed his eyes. "Leave me. Everyone. Leave me." He climbed the stairs to the room over the gate and wept. "O my son, Absalom--my son Absalom--if only I had died in your place. O Absalom my son, my son!"

Here is a Psalm we sing. You call it Psalm 11: NKJV

In the Lord I put my trust;
How can you say to my soul,
“Flee as a bird to your mountain”?
 For look! The wicked bend their bow,
They make ready their arrow on the string,
That they may shoot secretly at the upright in heart.
 If the foundations are destroyed,
What can the righteous do?

 The Lord is in His holy temple,
The Lord’s throne is in heaven;
His eyes behold,
His eyelids test the sons of men.
 The Lord tests the righteous,
But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates.
 Upon the wicked He will rain coals;
Fire and brimstone and a burning wind
Shall be the portion of their cup.

 For the Lord is righteous,
He loves righteousness;
His countenance beholds the upright.

***************************
1. Who wanted to tell David the news about his son Absalom?
2. Joab was one of the captains of the army for this battle. Who did he choose to report the news?
3. After the Cushite left what did Ahimaaz do?
4. Who arrived first?
5. How did David respond to the news?

Hudson Taylor-Needed Money, Wanted a Wife

By Mary Vee

From J. Hudson Taylor's Notes

courtesy visualbiblealive.com

If you don't mind, I'd like to give you an update. Dr. Parker, his family and I have been the only missionaries sent to China from the China Evangelism Society. I know I've complained a lot about not receiving the promised funds from them, but matters have worsened. 

I didn't think our financial situation could get any worse. But it has. We have sent many letters begging for our support funds. All we've received has been an apology letter saying the society had received fewer donations and therefore couldn't send anything else. Fortunately, William Berger chose to send money directly to Dr. Parker and me. Without his help we would have starved.

The second problem has been my great desire to have a wife. I've wanted to marry Elizabeth Sissons for a long time and have sent several proposals. All have come back unanswered. I refused to give up. I wrote her father begging him to let sweet Elizabeth sail to China and become my wife. Now I wait.

Now back to my next adventure. I have written you about my first four missionary journeys.  John Burdon and two Chinese teachers left with me on April 17 for my fifth missionary journey. We hired two junks to sail up the Yangtze River instead of taking my own boat, which was too small for a journey with rough waters.

After four missionary journeys, we'd learned the best place to go to attract the biggest crowd. The temples housed large crowds that visited regularly. The gathering place usually had more people that could freely move. Five to six hundred men and women bumped into each other trying to get from one place to another. 

In one of those crowded temples, someone stole our satchel full of New Testaments, my hat and my glasses.  I never received my glasses back. Still, we went on with our work preaching the Gospel message to the people.

We visited Chongming, where the only place for me to stand high enough for all the people to hear and see me was a huge incense urn. I balanced myself carefully and spoke as loud as I could to the people hungry to hear what the foreigners had to say. 

We wanted to go to Tongzhou next. The two Chinese teachers who travelled with us warned us not to go there. There were gangs, cruel people and the soldiers were known to be wicked to everyone, even visitors.

The Chinese teachers said, "We cannot go with you. That place is dangerous."

Burdon and I suggested the teachers stay with the junks and guard them. If we didn't return in a reasonable time, they should take one of the junks back to Shanghai to report our absence, leaving the second junk for us in case we returned late. The two men seemed happy with the arrangements.

I'll finish the adventures of my fifth missionary journey next time. I can tell you this, the two Chinese men were right.

J. Hudson Taylor

Do you have any questions?


Photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

Research resources: J. Hudson Taylor, An Autobiography by J. Hudson Taylor; It is Not Death to Die, a new biography of Hudson Taylor by Jim Cromarty; Hudson Taylor Founder, China Inland Mission by Vance Christie; J. Hudson Taylor, A Man in Christ, by Roger Steer, and Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret by dr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor.

David-Joab Kills Absalom

By Mary Vee
II Samuel 18

From the Journals of a Servant

courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

The battle waged in the woods for hours. We, the army of David, fought the army of Absalom who came to attack us.

The causalities were great. Over twenty thousand lay dead in the woods. Absalom road a mule toward the front, his long, thick black hair flowing in the wind. His horse took him under branches of a terebinth tree that reached down to the height of his head. His hair tangled in the limbs, holding his body captive. The mule kept moving forward leaving Absalom dangling in the air.

I stood beside one of David's three captains, Joab when one of a soldiers came and reported the news.  Joab was furious and yelled, "Why didn't you kill him? I would have given you ten shekels and a belt?"

The soldier stood firm and didn't not falter when he replied. "You could have offered me one thousand shekels and I still wouldn't have raised a hand against the king's son. I heard the king say to you and the other two captains, 'Beware, if anyone touches Absalom.' To do what you said would be to risk my own life. Nothing is held secret from the king. You, yourself would have come after me."

Joab huffed. "I can't waste my time being near you." He grabbed three spears and with his ten armor bearers went to the place where Absalom dangled. I followed to report the events. Absalom thrashed, trying to free himself from branches he couldn't reach. The more he moved the more his hair tangled.

He begged Joab not to kill him, he offered him the captain position. "Too late, Joab yelled. You had your chance to choose me and didn't take it." Joab plunged all three spears into Absalom's heart. His ten armor bearers joined him by beating and finishing the kill. 

Joab blew the trumpet, signaling victory to David's army. The soldiers stopped their fighting and came to Joab's position. The men took Absalom's body and threw it in a pit in the woods covering it with a big rock.

Once the body had been buried the men ran back to the camp and hid in their tents. I am witness to these events should David ask, and he will. He won't be happy with Joab for disobeying his orders.

Here is a Psalm we sing. You call it Psalm 10:

Why do You stand afar off, O Lord?
Why do You hide in times of trouble?
 The wicked in his pride persecutes the poor;
Let them be caught in the plots which they have devised.

 For the wicked boasts of his heart’s desire;
He blesses the greedy and renounces the Lord.
 The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God;
God is in none of his thoughts.

 His ways are always prospering;
Your judgments are far above, out of his sight;
As for all his enemies, he sneers at them.
 He has said in his heart, “I shall not be moved;
I shall never be in adversity.”
 His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and oppression;
Under his tongue is trouble and iniquity.

 He sits in the lurking places of the villages;
In the secret places he murders the innocent;
His eyes are secretly fixed on the helpless.
 He lies in wait secretly, as a lion in his den;
He lies in wait to catch the poor;
He catches the poor when he draws him into his net.
 So he crouches, he lies low,
That the helpless may fall by his strength.
 He has said in his heart,
“God has forgotten;
He hides His face;
He will never see.”

 Arise, O Lord!
O God, lift up Your hand!
Do not forget the humble.
 Why do the wicked renounce God?
He has said in his heart,
“You will not require an account.”

 But You have seen, for You observe trouble and grief,
To repay it by Your hand.
The helpless commits himself to You;
You are the helper of the fatherless.
 Break the arm of the wicked and the evil man;
Seek out his wickedness until You find none.

 The Lord is King forever and ever;
The nations have perished out of His land.
 Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble;
You will prepare their heart;
You will cause Your ear to hear,
 To do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed,
That the man of the earth may oppress no more.

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1. What did the soldier under Joab's command report?

2. Who side was Joab on, David or Absalom's?

3. What happened to Absalom?

4. Why did Joab yell at the soldier?

5. What did Joab and his ten armor bearers do?

6. What and who's rule did Joab violate?

7. Afterwards, Joab blew the trumpet to call all the army. What did they do?

8. Since they went back and hid in their tents can we say the soldiers knew the did right or wrong?