Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: 2 Samuel 18 and Psalm 94

What catches your attention in today’s chapter of 2 Samuel?

David’s continued love for the son who is trying his best to kill him is heart-rending. Many of us know all too well the pain caused by schisms between parents and their children, whom they never stop loving. Absalom’s hateful rebellion was first born when his pride was wounded, and he nursed that grudge against his father for years. Eventually his pride led him to rebel and stage a coup. And now, in the forest, the hair of which he was so proud (2 Samuel 14:25-26) becomes his downfall. It’s a deeply symbolic moment as Absalom’s pride leaves him hanging helplessly in a tree. But David’s grief at learning of his son’s death left him wishing he had died instead! Surely this story drives home to us the lesson that relationships harmed by pride can only be restored when we choose the path of forgiveness and grace, instead of harsh and unyielding discipline (which is often also born of injured pride) such as David had given to Absalom in 2 Samuel 14:24.

There is an equally powerful and convicting lesson about pride hidden in plain sight in this chapter. Joab knew very well the custom of killing the messenger (quite literally) who brought bad news. He anticipated that when news reached David that Absalom had died in battle (despite David’s firm command that he should be spared at all costs) David would have the messenger put to death. So instead of allowing Ahimaaz, son of Zadok the priest, to take the message, Joab sent an unnamed Cushite.

The kingdom of Cush was south of Egypt – in Africa. An African’s life seems to have been dispensable to Joab. Pridefully seeing others as less valuable because of their race is nothing new. By God’s grace, David did not put the messenger to death. But the event confronts one with the challenge to look deeply inside one’s own heart, and ask the Lord to purify any racial prejudice from its recesses.

LORD of all nations, purify my heart today. Cleanse me of any pride, prejudice or racism You find in me, and make my heart like Yours – a heart of humble love for all. Amen.