Today I read 2 Samuel 16, where David is in the process of fleeing. Ziba brings supplies to David and his men. Shimei curses David as he passes. Ahithophel gives bad counsel on the treatment of David’s concubines. Today I considered some will help you and some will hurt you while you are down.
Supplies and Curses
While David is fleeing, Ziba brings supplies and Shimei curses him (2 Samuel 16:1-14). David and his people had just made it over the top of a hill when Mephibosheth’s servant Ziba brought them donkeys, fruit, bread, and wine. Ziba told them Saul’s son Mephibosheth was staying in Jerusalem to get the kingdom back. David said Ziba would get Mephibosheth’s property. David and his people made it to Bahurim and Saul’s relative Shimei cursed and threw rocks at David, his servants, and the mighty men. Shimei said David was receiving this for killing Saul’s household. David refused to let anyone respond saying God may have let him say this and God may look upon him be good to him for enduring this hardship. David and his people recharged while there.
Hushai Staying and Absalom with the Concubines
Absalom accepts Hushai and defiles David’s concubines (2 Samuel16:15-23). When Absalom and Ahithophel arrive in Jerusalem they ask Hushai why he stayed behind. Hushai said he would serve whichever king the Lord and the people chose. Ahithophel advised Absalom to sleep with the 10 concubines David left to take care of the house. Absalom did so in a tent on the roof so everyone could see, believe he is hated by his father David, and make the people following him feel strong.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
When a person is facing a difficult situation, there will be people who take the opportunity to help you and others will take the opportunity to hurt you. David and his people had just climbed over a hill and were probably tired when Ziba brought them supplies so they could keep going. David and his people had traveled a distance and just made it to a city they could rest in when Shimei was cursing them and throwing rocks at them.
Which person would you be a helper or someone causing hurt?
Absalom did not learn from the story of Rueben. Rueben slept with his father’s concubine, lost his birthright, and was cursed to be unsuccessful (Genesis 35:22, Genesis 49:4, and1 Chronicles 5:1).
What do you think is going to happen to Absalom?