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 20-22.

After defeating Absalom, David gave the post of commander of the army to Amasa in order to get Amasa to convince the elders of Judah to make David their king once more.  Amasa had been Absalom’s commander of the army, while Joab had been David’s.  Like Joab, Amasa was a nephew to David.  Despite the fact that Amasa was his cousin, Joab killed him at the first opportunity.  After that. one of Joab’s men made clear to the army of Judah that their choice was to follow Joab, or rebel against David a second time (this time without a leader).  The story ends by showing us another time that Joab was a skilled political operative.  When Joab and the army of Judah managed to corner Sheba, Joab made it clear that he, and by implication David, would hold only Sheba responsible for the rebellion.

The rest of 2 Samuel following the account of Sheba’s rebellion contains stories about King David which the compiler wanted to relate but could not easily fit into the timeline up to that point.  I struggle with understanding what to make of the story about the Gibeonites.  On the other hand, I have always loved the images in the song which David composed when he was rescued from King Saul.  I suspect that he originally composed this song after the time where King Saul had to return to fight the Philistines when he had been on the verge of catching David and his men.  David used amazing imagery to portray the power which God has to rescue us.  David’s imagery lets us know that even if we are far from any apparent source of rescue, God can reach us even there.  Those who are faithful will discover God’s faithfulness. Those with integrity will discover God’s integrity.  Those who are pure will learn that God is pure.  But those who are crooked and deceitful will discover that God is shrewd.