2 Samuel 17
G. Campbell Morgan · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Samuel 17
Morgan says it this way "This is one of the great principles of life which every page of the Bible emphasizes and illustrates. Men cannot escape God. They go their own way, but that way never sets them free from the authority and the invincible power of God." For - This is a strategic term of explanation, explaining why Hushai's plan was a "slam dunk!" If you say that something is a slam dunk, you mean that a success or victory will be easily achieved. The LORD had ordained (determined, resolved, appointed) to thwart (parar ; Lxx - diaskedazo = scatter to the winds) the good counsel (shrewd advice) of Ahithophel - This is the ultimate reason the advice of Ahithophel was rejected. Notice the juxtaposition of Yahweh's sovereignty in thwarting the good counsel of Ahithophel and man's responsibility, with Hushai presenting the alternative plan (and all woven together with David's prayer that Ahithophel's plan be thwarted 2Sa 15:31). Yahweh had supernaturally arranged for Ahithophel's plan to be rejected (even though it was in fact the better plan from a military standpoint - a quick, strategic surprise attack). God's will will be accomplished on earth and He usually uses people (willing and not willing, believers and non-believers) to accomplish His will (e.g., Moses Ex 3:7-10 who was not so willing at the outset!).
2 Samuel 17
Morgan - Suicide is always the ultimate action of cowardice. In the case of Saul, and in many similar cases, it is perfectly natural; but let it never be glorified as heroic. It is the last resort of the man who dare not stand up to life. Mattoon - He could not bear the rejection of his advice. Playing second fiddle, being put on the back burner was too humiliating for this man who was a victim of pride and vanity. His pride leads to his destruction and fall. He terminates his brilliant career. Ahithophel was a slave to the opinions of the crowd and the praise of men. This was very important to him and lead to his downfall. God gives a warning about being addicted to the favor of the crowd. Jeremiah 9:23, 24, 1Sa 15:30. It is interesting to note that most of the things that Ahithophel said he would do to David ended up happening to him. He was going to make David afraid and ended up afraid himself. He became weary and weak emotionally and very depressed. He was broken by the back burner. Instead of smiting David, he ended up smiting himself. God’s Word teaches in Psalm 7:16.… “His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.” His mischief fell back on himself. Ahithophel might have been great, but was not! He had the opportunity to be one of the greats of Hebrew history. Instead, he fades into insignificance. He could not play second fiddle. He was broken by the back burners because he felt he had to be number one.All of this could have been avoided if Ahithophel knew how to forgive. He would not forgive David for what he did to Bathsheba and Uriah. This was the root problem of the matter. (ED: Ahithophel allowed a root of unforgiveness and bitterness to spring up and fester in his heart. The writer of Hebrews gives us a strong warning against this "poisonous root" - "See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled." - Hebrews 12:15+). THOUGHT - How do you (I) respond to rejection? We (all) need to learn that we should seek to daily live to be pleasing to an audience of One, the Lord God. If we please Him, then truly nothing else matters and rejection by men is much easier to handle. A good prayer to pray for one another in this regard is Colossians 1:9-10+ praying and asking "that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that (PURPOSE OF BEING FILLED) you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." Ryrie - Ahithophel, perceptive to the end, realized that his cause was lost. Other suicides recorded in the Bible are those of Abimelech (Jdg 9:54), Samson (Jdg. 16:30), Saul (1Sa 31:4), Zimri (1Ki 16:18), and Judas (Mt. 27:5). Walton - Ahithophel’s actions. Suicide is not condemned in the Hebrew Bible. The six examples (Abimelech, Samson, Saul, his armorbearer, Ahithophel and Zimri) that appear in the text even suggest a measure of honor and courage is attached to the act, in much the same way as it is described in Seneca (70th Epistle). The Roman philosopher says, “The wise man will live as long as he ought, not as long as he can.” Thus Ahithophel’s departure is a reasoned journey. He clears up his affairs at home, presumably writing a will and insuring orderly transference of property to his heirs, and then hangs himself. He also cheats the executioner, since his support of Absalom would be interpreted as treason against the Lord’s anointed. (See page 346 IVP Bible Background Commentary) DIGGING OUT THE ROOT OF BITTERNESS - Alan Carr (excerpted) Now, I am not much of a gardener, but I do know this: some plants, especially some weeds, will never die unless you dig out their roots and utterly destroy them. You can cut them off at the surface time after time, but they just keep coming back. However, when the root is exposed and removed from the soil, the plant is gone. It takes work to dig out roots, but it is worth the effort, since it protects the other plants in the garden. Resentful....has the idea of brooding anger over that which has happened in your life. This anger produces a bad spirit within a person. It is a spirit of hostility and coldness toward God or others. Where does bitterness come from? Bitterness can come about as the result of what others do to us or say about us. Sometimes, bitterness can result from the events of life themselves, as we blame God or others for our troubles. Bitterness will affect every relationship within your life, but it will affect your relationship with the Lord most of all. The Bible talks about this “root of bitterness” that is a possibility in our lives. Notice: Heb. 12:15 and Deut. 29:18. These verses refer to that “root of bitterness”. It is called a root because it begins hidden within the soil of your heart. From there, its roots will entwine themselves around your heart and mind, until they choke the life out of you emotionally and spiritually. If allowed to grow unchecked, this “root of bitterness” will spring up into a plant that will cast a shadow over everything you are and do. A “root of bitterness” in your life will literally come to dominate your very existence. In our text, we are presented with a man who was in the strangle hold of a massive “root of bitterness”. Ahithophel met a tragic end because he allowed a root of bitterness to flourish in his life. I. THE TESTIMONY OF AHITHOPHEL’S LIFE A. He Had The Testimony Of A Saved Man – Many things in this man’s life give the indication that he was a saved man. 1. He Sacrificed To God – 2Sa 15:12 – The very first time Ahithophel appears in the Bible, he appears engaged in the act of worship. This indicates that he was a keeper of the Law and a worshiper of the Lord. 2. He Spoke For God – 2Sa 16:23 – Ahithophel had the reputation as a man who gave good, godly counsel. In fact, this verse says that hearing a word from Ahithophel was just like getting the word directly from the mouth of God. B. He Had The Testimony Of A Serving Man – Reading about this man’s life teaches us that he did not just believe in God, but he also served God by serving others. 1. He Was A Counselor To God’s Man – 2Sa 15:12 – Great leaders have always surrounded themselves with good counselors and David was no exception. Ahithophel was one of the men David trusted for advice and direction as he governed the nation of Israel. 2. He Was A Companion Of God’s Man – Ps 41:9 – In this Psalm, which looks back on the treachery of Ahithophel’s life, David refers to him as “my familiar friend”. The word “familiar” comes from the same root that is often translated “peace”. These men were at peace on with another. They were as close as men could be. The word “friend” comes from a word that can be translated “great champion or husband”. (Which, by the way, is how my wife sees me!) I think that in using these two words, David is saying, “Ahithophel and I were closer that brothers. Our hearts were wedded together as one and we walked together in peace.” He was a friend to the man of God! In spite of the fact that Ahithophel gave every outward indication that all was well between himself and the Lord and between himself and David, there was something working in his heart that would destroy everything. Even during these times of his life, Ahithophel was being eaten alive, from the inside out, by an event that had happened years earlier.) I pointed out all those positive things from the life of Ahithophel to say this to you: You cannot always tell from the outward signs what is happening in a person’s heart! You may be thinking: “Preacher, no one here has a root of bitterness in this heart. After all, we are at church on a Sunday evening. We have a smile on our faces; we are joyous; we are worshiping together; everything is alright.” I think Ahithophel is about to teach us that what you see on the outside does not always show you the true condition of the heart! Have you ever heard of the word “hypocrite”? It was how Jesus referred to the scribes and Pharisees, Matt. 23:13-15; 23, 25, 27. It is an interesting word! It was originally used to refer to “an actor, or one who plays a part.” In the famous Greek tragedies, one actor would often play many parts. This actor would have a different mask for each part he was to play. As he transitioned from part to part, he would simply switch one mask for another. Hence, hypocrisy came to refer to someone who “plays different parts by hiding behind different masks.” Someone who wears their church face on Sunday and lives like the world on Monday is a hypocrite. By the same token, someone who loves you to your face, but secretly despises you in their hearts is also a hypocrite. They are merely playing a part and hiding behind a mask. What is the bottom line? What you see is not always what you get! People tend to try and hide a lot of themselves from others. But, we all need to remember, God sees it all, even that which you think you have hidden, Heb. 4:13.) II. THE TRAGEDY OF AHITHOPHEL’S LIFE The bitterness that was hidden within the heart of Ahithophel finally came out. Notice how it manifested itself in his life. A. A Tragic Conspiracy – When David’s son Absalom rebelled against his father, Ahithophel saw his chance to enact his revenge upon King David. Ahithophel joined the rebellion and stood against God’s anointed, 2 Sam. 15:31; Psa. 41:9. B. A Tragic Counsel – Out of his hatred for David, Ahithophel gave Absalom two words of counsel. The first recommendation he made was designed to Disgrace King David, 2 Sam. 16:20-23. By having Absalom go into his father’s concubines, he publicly disgraced David and created a rift between father and son that could never be healed. The second recommendation was designed to Destroy King David, 2 Sam. 17:1-4. Had this second piece of advice been followed, it is possible that David would have been defeated. C. A Tragic Conclusion – Thankfully, David had a true friend in Absalom’s court, a man by the name of Hushai. Hushai had originally planned to go with David when he fled from Absalom, but at David’s request, he stayed behind in the city to try and overthrow the counsel of Ahithophel, 2 Sam. 15:32-37. Hushai comes to Absalom and professes his loyalty, 2 Sam. 16:16-19. After he has gained Absalom’s confidence, Hushai contradicts the wise counsel of Ahithophel, 2 Sam. 17:1-22, which resulted in Absalom accepting Hushai’s counsel and David being warned of what is about to take place and thus David is spared. Of course, the key verse is 2 Sam. 17:14. God was behind all this intrigue, because David, not Absalom, was the king of Israel! When Ahithophel sees that his counsel has been rejected and that his plans to defeat and destroy David have failed, he returns to his house, puts everything in order and commits suicide! What a tragic end to what had been a good life! Ahithophel did all these evil things because there was a root of bitterness in his life. He hated David and had merely pretended to be his friend all those years. As that root of bitterness grew in his life, Ahithophel lost sight of his former friendship with David. He lost sight of his walk with the Lord. Everything of value in his life had been choked out and he was left with nothing but bitterness and hatred. The root of bitterness had utterly consumed this man.) As tragic as these events may be, I would like to point out that there are many in our Baptist church who are also afflicted with a root of bitterness. Because of some events in your past; because of what someone said to you or about you; because you didn’t get your way at some point, your feelings are hurt and nothing means as much to you as getting your pound of flesh. You are angry at someone else and you want revenge. You are hurt and you want them to hurt. You are offended and so you give them the cold shoulder, or purposely go out of your way to avoid having to speak to them. You think you are hurting them, but in reality, you are hurting no one but yourself! How? Friend, your bitterness will kill no one but you! When you and I allow bitterness over the hurts, slights and events of life to control us, we are committing slow, spiritual suicide. We are allowing our very spiritual life to be strangled right out of us! When we allow our hurts to linger, they will grow into a root of bitterness that will stifle anything spiritual within our lives. It is a tremendous tragedy when saved; spiritual people allow their lives to be consumed by hate, anger and bitterness! The best thing you can do is build a bridge and get over it before it kills you!) III. THE TEACHING OF AHITHOPHEL’S LIFE As we look at Ahithophel’s life, I think you would agree with me that his life is a tragedy. His life is a lesson in foolishness. This man truly lives up to his name. Ahithophel means “Brother of Folly; or Brother of Ruin”. Knowing what happened to him, I think we would all confess that we do not want the same thing to happen to us. So, what lessons can we take away from this study tonight? There are a couple.) A. The Reasons That Produced His Fall – I have talked a lot about Ahithophel’s bitterness, but I have not yet told you what he was bitter over. I think we need to know. There are three passages that reveal the reasons behind this man’s bitterness and hatred toward David. They are: 2 Sam. 11:1-27; 2 Sam. 23:34. Looking at these two passages together you can see that Bathsheba was the grand-daughter of Ahithophel. David had treated his grand-daughter like she was a plaything and had arranged the murder of her husband Uriah the Hittite. Considering what David did to Bathsheba, it is no wonder that Ahithophel was angry! And, he allowed his anger to burn for some 9 years, all the while feigning friendship toward David, biding his time until he could exact revenge. This bitterness ate Ahithophel alive until he was brought to the point of intrigue and murder, 2 Sam. 17:1-4. Then, when he saw that his plans had failed and the man he hated would return to the throne, Ahithophel took his own life, rather than face David. Can you see the danger in allowing a root of bitterness to flourish in your life? Yet, in all of this, Ahithophel forgot two important truths. 1. God is sovereign and He is able to deal with the sins of His children, 2Sa 17:14; Rev. 3:19. 2. David had already paid dearly for his indiscretion with Bathsheba, 2Sa 12, and he would continue to pay for the murder of Uriah for the rest of his life, 2 Kings 12:9-10. God’s children never get away with sin! B. The Remedies That Prevent Our Failure – With all this in mind, what can we do to avoid being consumed by a root of bitterness? Thankfully the Bible holds the answer to this question. 1. Acknowledge you own sin in allowing a root of bitterness to flourish. When you harbor resentment in your heart and fail to extend forgiveness to those who hurt you, then you are just as guilty as they are in the eyes of the Lord. Your first step is to admit your own wrong before the Lord, 1 John 1:9. 2. People must be forgiven! This is not an option; it is a necessity, Matt. 18:15-17; Matt. 18:21-35; Luke 17:1-5; Eph. 4:32. It is better to confront those who have offended you and get things settled than it is to allow bitterness to consume from the inside out! Remember, God knows how to take care of His Own children, Heb. 12:6-12; Rev. 3:19; Rom. 12:17-21. 3. Past events must be forgotten! What happened yesterday can never be changed. But, you do hold the key to tomorrow. You should never allow the hurts of yesterday to control your life today. It is a shame when we drag around the baggage of what someone said, what someone did or how we were hurt. It does nothing but strangle the spiritual life right out of you! You say, “I can’t forget it!” Jesus says, “Come unto me, all ye who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”, Matt. 11:28. He also says, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”, 2 Cor. 12:9. Where we fail, He prevails! He will give you the grace to forgive and He will give you the grace to forget, if you will bring it to Him, 1 Pet. 5:7! If you will bring it to Him, He can really make the past the past! 4. Hatred and anger must be forsaken! Eph. 4:26-27, give serious warning concerning anger within our lives. It allows our adversary, the devil, a foothold, or a beachhead from which he can attack every area of our lives! You must bring your bitterness to the Lord! Conclusion - Friend, are you afflicted with a root of bitterness? If so, then let me challenge you to bring it before the Lord and let Him dig it out of your life tonight. If you will honestly confess your hurt to the Lord, seek to forgive the offending party, and then God will give the grace needed to make that a reality in your life. You don’t need to let that root of bitterness live another minute! Of course, some are bitter against others and maybe even against God and they know it, but they have no intentions of forgiving or forgetting, choosing rather to seethe in their anger and to feel sorry for themselves. If that describes you friend, then you are in danger tonight. You need to lead the charge to this altar, seeking the Lord for your own forgiveness and restoration, so you can begin the healing process. Others need to get up and go to another Brother or Sister and say, “I’m sorry for what I said or what I did. Please forgive me!” That would be a blessing! Still others are harboring a hurt and nursing a wounded spirit and the person you are hurt at doesn’t even know they have done anything to you. The best thing you can do is to get before the Lord and deal with that matter in your own life. If you can’t get over, then do what the Bible says and go to that Brother or that Sister and talk it over in a spirit of humility and love. I have done what the Lord asked me to do tonight. I have delivered the mail. Now, it is up to you to read it and to do what the Lord is speaking to your heart. My friends, let’s be honest with our own hearts and with one another tonight. Until we deal with our roots of bitterness, the power of God and the ability of the Spirit of God to convict hearts, save sinners and move in power will be hindered. NECKTIE PARTY 2 Sam. 17:23… Ahithophel … put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died.… (by Eric Hayden) The last week, Sunday, or weekday of the year is a time of great spiritual opportunity. It is a time for taking inventory in shops and warehouses; it should also be a time for taking spiritual stock. It is a solemn time, the end of another twelve months. The books are closed, the figures added up and audited. It is as dramatic a time as the incident described in 2 Samuel 17. We might call it a drama in two acts. Like many plays it begins with a Prologue A prologue is a preliminary speech outlining the events to be enacted in a play. Our prologue is the context, the description of the brief career of a man whose name means “brother of foolishness” (although he himself was the foolish person). He led a rebellion that backfired and came to a sticky end (a “necktie party”—a hanging). Ahithophel took his own life to avoid the embarrassment of shameful, public dishonor. He was a man of keen perception, a master of diplomacy, farseeing, and cautious. He had been counselor to King David for a long time and then decided to change sides and join the popular party (Absalom’s). But the latter would not follow his advice! So he hurried home, and knowing that all was lost, arranged his affairs and hung himself. We must recognize that there is an Ahithophel in every one of us. Act 1 The scene is set in Ahithophel’s house. He is busy with his deed box and private papers. Now imagine what you have to put in order at the end of another year. Perhaps it is the house of friendship. Maybe your friends have let you down during the past year. (Remember, the best friend to have is Jesus, the Friend “who sticks closer than a brother.”) Perhaps it’s the house of one-up-manship. Maybe you have been unsuccessfully trying to keep up with the Joneses during the past year. Your goal has been the top rung of the ladder, a larger house, a bigger car; and in the race you have forgotten that “a man’s life consists not in the abundance of things which he possesses.” Act 2 The scene is now an outbuilding or barn. A rope is dangling from a beam and a body has finished twitching with death throes. This is not being morbid. Life ends for all in one way or another as “it is appointed unto man once to die.” We may call the mortician and lay out the bodies in chapels of rest; but “all flesh is as grass.” It grows, then withers, then ends up on a bonfire. Of the death of Gladstone it was said, “On the morning of the nineteenth, his family all kneeling around the bed on which he lay, … without a struggle he ceased to breathe. Nature without—wood and wide lawn and far-off sky—shone at her fairest.” In other words, the great statesman lay dead but life went on. Death is not the end for the Christian, for Jesus said, “Because I live, ye shall live also. I am the resurrection, and the life.” Epilogue The epilogue is a speech addressed to the audience at the end of a play. In other words, it is the punch line, the moral, the application of the message of the play. Ahithophel died on a homemade gibbet. He took his own life. Centuries later Jesus Christ died on a Roman gibbet, but He yielded up His own life, saying, “No man taketh it [Christ’s life] from me.” Ahithophel’s death meant his end; Christ’s death meant the beginning for all who put their faith in Him. Queen Victoria was once given a tour of a paper mill. While she was there, she saw and remarked on a pile of filthy old rags. The next day she was presented with a gift of fine note paper, complete with royal crest, made from the old rags. So Christ can take the dregs of humanity such as drug addicts or alcoholics, and He can take decent, moral men and women with the greatest of all sins in their lives (“because they believe not on me”) and turn them into saints. Related Resources: What is the Christian view of suicide? What does the Bible say about suicide? | GotQuestions.org If a Christian commits suicide, is he/she still saved? | GotQuestions.org Why should I not commit suicide? | GotQuestions.org GotQuestions.org Podcast Episode 29, Parts 1 and 2 - What about suicide? How can I help someone who is suicidal? | GotQuestions.org What are some Bible verses about suicide? | GotQuestions.org SPECIAL TOPIC: SUICIDE 2 Samuel 17:24 Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom crossed the Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him. Mahanaim: 2Sa 2:8 Ge 32:2 Jos 13:26 2 Samuel 17 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries ABSALOM'S VANITY ENSURE HIS RUIN Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom crossed the Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him - Absalom's pride cause him to desire to lead his troops to victory and attain the associated acclaim! But as G Campbell Morgan quipped "Absalom’s vanity ensured his ruin.” Presumably Absalom did not cross the Jordan until some time after David had left the fords and traveled to Mahanaim, about thirty-five miles from the fords at Jericho. The land in this area was fertile and flourishing, watered with heavy dews and ten inches of rainfall. It had rich farmland, grazing land, and wheat fields and also contained forests of great oak trees and thick shrubs and bushes, steep cliffs and hills. Mahanaim (means two camps or two hosts) and was a place near the Jabbok and east of the Jordan River, where Jacob was met by the "angels of God," and where he divided his retinue into "two hosts" on his return from Padan-aram (Ge. 32:1-2). This name was afterwards given to the town which was built at that place. It was the southern boundary of Bashan (Josh. 13:26, 30), and became a city of the Levites, specifically the town with its "suburbs" was allotted to the service of the Merarite Levites. (Joshua 21:38, 39; 1Ch 6:80). Mahanaim was within the territory of Gad, (Joshua 21:38,39) and therefore on the south side of the torrent Jabbok. Mahanaim had become in the time of the monarchy a place of mark. Here Saul's son Ishbosheth reigned (2Sa 2:8, 12), while David reigned at Hebron. Here also, after a troubled reign, Ishbosheth was murdered by two of his own bodyguard (2Sa 4:5-7), who brought his head to David at Hebron, but were, instead of being rewarded, put to death by him for their cold-blooded murder. Many years after this, when he fled from Jerusalem on the rebellion of his son Absalom, David made Mahanaim, where Barzillai entertained him, his headquarters, and here he mustered his forces which were led against the army that had gathered around Absalom (2Sa 17:24; 1Ki 2:8). It was while sitting at the gate of this town that tidings of the great and decisive battle between the two hosts and of the death of his son Absalom reached him, when he gave way to the most violent grief (2Sa 17:24-27). The only other reference to Mahanaim is as a station of one of Solomon's purveyors (1 Kings 4:14). 2 Samuel 17:25 Absalom set Amasa over the army in place of Joab. Now Amasa was the son of a man whose name was Ithra the Israelite, who went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister of Zeruiah, Joab's mother. Amasa: 2Sa 19:13 20:4,9-12 Ithra: 1Ch 2:16,17, Jether the Ishmaelite Nahash: or, Jesse. 1Ch 2:13,16 2 Samuel 17 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Click to Enlarge David's Family Tree Source: Bibletales.online AMASA ASSIGNED COMMANDER IN CHIEF Absalom set Amasa over the army in place of Joab. Now Amasa was the son of a man whose name was Ithra the Israelite, who went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister of Zeruiah, Joab's mother - The family interrelationships associated with David can be very confusing (thus the well done family tree above). That said, Amasa, son of David's sister Abigail, was a cousin of Absalom as well as cousin of Joab, Abishai and Asahel (who were sons of David's other sister Zeruiah). Ithra an Israelite in 1 Chronicles 2:17 says Amasa's father was "Jether the Ishmaelite." Aside from the two different forms of the same name, the probable explanation of this difference is that Jether (or Ithra) was an Ishmaelite proselyte to the faith of Israel. Here is one key point the consequences of David's sin in 2Sa 11 that result in a civil war also completely divided the family of David, several times fatally! (e.g., Absalom's and Amasa's deaths both at the hands of their cousin Joab!). 2 Samuel 17:26 And Israel and Absalom camped in the land of Gilead. land of the Gilead, Nu 32:1-42 De 3:15 Jos 17:1 2 Samuel 17 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries And Israel and Absalom camped in the land of Gilead - Absalom's army is now on the east side of the Jordan, probably south of where David and his men are at Mahanaim 2 Samuel 17:27 Now when David had come to Mahanaim, Shobi the son of Nahash from Rabbah of the sons of Ammon, Machir the son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim, the son of Nahash: 2Sa 10:1,2 12:29,30 1Sa 11:1 Machir: 2Sa 9:4-5 Barzillai: 2Sa 19:31-32 1Ki 2:7 Ezr 2:61 2 Samuel 17 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 2 Samuel 9:4-5+ So the king said to him, “Where is he (MEPHIBOSHETH)?” And Ziba said to the king, “Behold, he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel in Lo-debar.” (WHICH WAS NOT FAR FROM MAHANAIM) 5 Then King David sent and brought him from the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, from Lo-debar. Mahanaim is in NE corner of the pink-shaded area of Gad (click to enlarge) MEN BRING SUPPLIES FOR DAVID Now when David had come to Mahanaim (Wikipedia) - It is fascinating that this same town was the refuge for another king, Ish-bosheth (2Sa 2:8), David's competitor for rule over Israel! Shobi the son of Nahash (an Ammonite) from Rabbah of the sons of Ammon, Machir (an Israelite) the son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai (an Israelite) the Gileadite (see Gilead from the tribe of Manasseh) from Rogelim - Wealthy Machir supported Mephibosheth (2Sa 9:4-5+) who of the family of Saul (Jonathan's son) and now willingly supports his succession from the tribe of Judah, King David! Clearly he has a kind, compassionate, generous heart! It is interesting that of these 3 men (Shobi...Machir...Barzillai) we only read of David rewarding Barzillai after his victory over Absalom. Of course this does not mean the others were not also rewarded. Barzillai's home territory was Gilead (Wiki) and Rogelim was his residence probably located near Mahanaim, David's home base in exile. Barzillai was old (80), rich and generous as shown by the following verses. After David's victory he sought to reward Barzillai who said he was too old for court life and wanted to die in his hometown (see 2Sa 19:31-39+) Friends in the time of need are friends indeed. Shobi is interesting because (1) he is son of Nahash, the man who apparently showed kindness to David when he was a fugitive from Saul, (2) he is an Ammonite from Rabbah, the chief city of the Ammonites which David had defeated in 2Sa 12:26-29 and (3) Shobi is apparently the brother of Hanun who went to war with David in 2Sa 10:2-19+. David Guzik makes an excellent point that "These helpers of David were not dramatic warriors, but they helped David in this crisis as much as the bravest soldier. They were specially sent by God to comfort David in his affliction." SHOBI - An Ammonite prince, son of King Nahash; one of those who assisted David during the rebellion of Absalom (2Sa 17:27). He was a brother of Hanun, who succeeded his father Nahash as king of the Ammonites and whose shameful treatment of David’s envoys produced the wars between Israel and Ammon (2Sa 10:2-19). It appears that David, following his capture of the royal city of Rabbah (2Sa 12:26–31), appointed Shobi to rule in his brother’s place. Shobi then returns the blessing by supplying David in his time of need while fleeing from Absalom. Rod Mattoon - THE PROVISIONS FOR THE KING—2 Sa 17:27-29 David finds that circumstances are not as bad as they look. At a critical, desperate time, God brings three musketeers into David's life to meet his needs of food, filth, fatigue, and fellowship. God is very much concerned about your needs. Philippians 4:19+ But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. God brings these men, all from different areas, to this place to encourage David. They saw people with needs, were moved with compassion, and motivated to action. Their example teaches important lessons to us. These men... • Rallied to David's side. • Responded to his shortage. • Refreshed his spirit. • Replenished his supplies. These men were.... 1. Shobi = "Restore" (ED: BUT MEANING IS UNCERTAIN) He was an Ammonite, the son of Nahash. (ED: possibly the king of the Ammonites who replaced Hanum by David's command) God uses him to restore David. When David was a fugitive early in his life, his father king Nahash befriended David. When Nahash died, David sent servants to Ammon to pay respect to the son. Hanun (Shobi's brother) was cruel to the servants. He thought they were spying. War develops and Hanun was conquered. Shobi is in charge now. He was gracious. He could have given the excuse, "David fought our people so we won't help him." He shows kindness and love to David. 2. Machir = "To Give One's Self Up" This man had a servant's attitude. He gave of himself to David. He helped the underdogs. He cared for crippled Mephibosheth before David started doing this. In gratefulness, he cares for David now. He could have given the excuse, "I've paid my dues. David is on his own now." He doesn't do this at all. David reaps the kindness he has sown. He had also helped Mephibosheth in 2Sa 9:4. 3. Barzillai = It means "Made of Iron." (ED: "iron" [strong], "man of iron," and one reference "iron hearted") He was a godly man who gave strength to David. He was loyal to David and used of God in a great way. He demonstrates that you are never too old to be used of God (ED: SEE THOUGHT). You are never too sick to help others. 2 Samuel 19:35—He is 80 years old. He was struggling with deafness, partial blindness (? text), and insensitive to taste. He did not let these setbacks stop him. He could have given the excuse, "I'm too old; my health is bad; I'm retired." Instead, we find this guy was a man of iron. He sharpens David. Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. (Rod Mattoon - Treasures from 2 Samuel) 2 Samuel 17:28 brought beds, basins, pottery, wheat, barley, flour, parched grain, beans, lentils, parched seeds, NET 2 Samuel 17:28 brought bedding, basins, and pottery utensils. They also brought food for David and all who were with him, including wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils, CSB 2 Samuel 17:28 brought beds, basins, and pottery items. They also brought wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils, ESV 2 Samuel 17:28 brought beds, basins, and earthen vessels, wheat, barley, flour, parched grain, beans and lentils, NIV 2 Samuel 17:28 brought bedding and bowls and articles of pottery. They also brought wheat and barley, flour and roasted grain, beans and lentils, NLT 2 Samuel 17:28 They brought sleeping mats, cooking pots, serving bowls, wheat and barley, flour and roasted grain, beans, lentils, beds: These no doubt consisted of skins of beasts, mats, carpets, and such like. 2Sa 16:1,2 1Sa 25:18 Isa 32:8 basins: or, cups, {Sappoth,} probably wooden bowls, such as the Arabs still eat out of, and knead their bread in. pottery: literally, "vessels of the potter." 2 Samuel 17 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries brought beds, basins, pottery, wheat, barley, flour, parched grain, beans, lentils, parched seeds - In these days the armies were supplied by local residents. NET NOTE - The Masoretic Text adds “roasted grain” וְקָלִי (vqali) ("parched") at the end of v. 28, apparently accidentally repeating the word from its earlier occurrence in this verse. With the LXX, the Syriac Peshitta, and an Old Latin manuscripts the translation deletes this second occurrence of the word. (ED: NOTE THE LAST "PARCHED" IS ALSO DELETED FROM ESV, NIV, NLT, NRSV, NJB. Walton - Once again David receives provisions for himself and his men (see Abigail’s supplies in 1 Sam 25:18 and Ziba’s proffered provisions in 2 Sam 16:2). In each of these cases, these foodstuffs could be construed as tribute or as the duty expected of a vassal. The Ammonites had been subdued by Saul (1 Sam 11) and later by David (2 Sam 10). Thus the king is acknowledged by his allies with hospitality and respect despite his forced departure from Jerusalem. (See page 346 IVP Bible Background Commentary) 2 Samuel 17:29 honey, curds, sheep, and cheese of the herd, for David and for the people who were with him, to eat; for they said, "The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness." cheese of the herd: 1Sa 17:18 for David: Lu 8:3 Php 4:15-19 to eat: 2Sa 17:2 Ps 34:8-10 84:11 The people: Jdg 8:4-6 Ec 11:1,2 Isa 21:14 58:7 in the wilderness: 2Sa 16:2,14 2 Samuel 17 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NOURISHMENT FOR THE WEARY EXILES honey, curds, sheep, and cheese of the herd, for David and for the people who were with him, to eat; for they said, "The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness