I am using the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading.

Today, I am reading and commenting on 2 Samuel 14-15.

This passage contains elements which have always confused me.  In particular, Joab works to get David to bring Absalom back, but then does not join Absalom in Absalom’s attempt to seize the throne.  Yet some years later, Joab joined with the attempt by Absalom’s brother to do the same thing.  I have a theory that Joab recognized that David was getting older and wanted to ensure an orderly succession by bringing Absalom back as heir to the throne.  However, Joab did not support a violent overthrow of King David.  Later, when King David was no longer able to rule, but had refused to name an heir, Joab supported David’s oldest living son taking the throne.

That being said the rest of this passage shows us why David was a successful king.  First, we have the men from Gath who want to join David in going into exile.  David tries to convince them to stay out of this dynastic dispute, but they insist, out of loyalty to David, on joining him (it would be interesting to know why these Philistines became so loyal to David).  So, we have the loyalty which David inspired in others.  Second, we have the plans which David made to keep himself informed of Absalom’s actions and to sow disruption among his advisers.  David sent the priests who chose to join him back to spy on Absalom’s councils with instructions on how they could get word to him of Absalom’s plans without anyone noticing.  Then, when one of his civilian advisers came to join him, David sent him back to offer his services to Absalom in order to give Absalom bad advice.  So, we see that King David inspired loyalty in others and knew how to use the abilities of his supporters to undermine the success of his enemies.