Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: 2 Samuel 17 and Psalm 93

Absalom had successfully seduced the hearts of the men of Israel. He had turned them against the king who had made their nation great, his own father, David. And now, on the sound military advice of Ahithophel, he was ready to set out in pursuit of David and his few loyal fighting men and overwhelm them before they could find a fortified position and reinforcements. If he had done so, it would likely have been a massacre.

But David had sent Hushai back to Jerusalem as a “double agent”. He had hoped, prayed and believed that the Lord would defeat the advice of Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15:32-35). Now, with the anointing of the LORD, Hushai managed to present his militarily foolish advice in such an emotive and convincing way that Absalom and all the leading men of Israel chose to follow it. “For the Lord had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.” (v.14) Ahithophel was convinced that this folly would lead to Absalom’s defeat and the return to power of king David (whom he had betrayed). So he went home and hanged himself, rather than facing the shame of defeat and the wrath he believed would be meted out on him by David later. It was a tragic and cowardly end to the story of his betrayal!

Many characters in this passage risked a great deal, because they were faithful to king David. Hushai, Jonathan, Ahimaaz, an unnamed female slave and an unnamed wife, Shobi, Makir and Barzillai all risked their lives in significant ways to help David, their beloved king. Herein lies the discipleship lesson for us today: In each of our lives, moments will arise when we need to choose where our allegiance lies. Am I most committed to my comfort or to my King? Am I most committed to my profit or to my Great High Priest? Do I most love myself or my Lord? All of the little-known heroines and heroes in this passage chose their love for their King. What will I choose today?

LORD Jesus, I pray for the strength to choose You. In every moment, and in every way, grant me the power and courage of the Holy Spirit to be able to risk my comfort, my reputation, my profit, or anything else I hold dear, for the sake of You, my Beloved King. Amen.