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.

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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?