Today I read 2 Samuel 19, in which Joab rebukes David and David returns to the promised land and faces issues even as he is escorted home. Today I considered that a leader needs to consider how their reaction impacts those following them and leaders face issues to address before they can even get to their destination.
Winning and Almost Losing
David won the war but almost lost the hearts of some of his people (2 Samuel 19:1-8). David started crying and weeping at Absalom’s death to the point that people told Joab, felt ashamed at their victory in the battle, and even creped by to their tents. Joab told David we saved you and you don’t care about anyone but the son that died. You don’t even care about your servants, wives, concubines, other sons and daughters. Joab told David to go talk nicely to his servants or no one would want to follow him later. David went to sit at the gate and the people came before him.
Internal Conflicts
There were issues in the land because they had no leader thus David returned and there were issues of who should escort David as he returned (2 Samuel 19:9-43). There was turmoil and arguing in the land without a leader. David had Zadok and Abiathar speak to the elders about them being the ones to bring the king back. David had them also tell Amasa he was David’s blood relative and should bring back the king. David won their hearts and then began the journey to return. When David came through Shimei’s town, Shimei fell before David and asked for forgiveness. David spared him. Mephibosheth came before David not having bathed since David left. Mephibosheth explained he did not go with him because his servant said he would go see David because Mephibosheth’s feet were lame. David said Mephibosheth and Ziba will divide the land. David was escorted for a little while by the 80 year old Barzillai, who previously provided for David when he was fleeing. David wanted Barzillai to come back with him but Barzillai was old, said his ability to taste and hear was bad, wanted to stay, and had Chimham escort David instead. Judah and half of Israel went to escort David. Then the men of Judah and of Israel argued about being the ones that should escort David back.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
David’s reaction was so strong at Absalom’s death that he brought shame to the people that risked their lives for him. Joab was honest in his words concern people not wanting to follow someone that made them feel like they failed even when they won the victory.
Do you think David realized he not only hurt others following him but probably hurt Joab with his reaction?
David could not even make it home without people arguing over who should escort him. Sometimes leaders face turmoil before they can even get back to the location they rule from. Leaders have to be continuously ready for what comes their way.