� Reading 2 - 2 Sam 15-17

15 - Absalom’s bitterness is more than we can ever imagine. He hatches and executes a plan to take the kingdom from his father in 2 Samuel 15. Absalom begins by flattering people and complaining about the current administration (verses 1-6). Verse 11 tells that 200 men went along with Absalom innocently, but the effect will be devastating on David. He won’t be able to tell who is with him and who has joined Absa- lom. It would appear to David that the 200 were with Absalom! David’s hurried evacuation of his capital (verses 14-23) is a pathetic scene. Verse 25 stands out as a key marker of David’s character. Even in a na- tional emergency he won’t resort to treating God’s ark like a good luck charm (remember 1 Samuel 4?). David resigns himself to whatever God plans. Verses 31-35 treat us to a brilliant example of faith, prayer and action. David prays that God will frustrate Ahithiophel’s counsel (verse 31) but then sends Hushai to be a tool in God’s hands to answer that prayer (verse 34). Prayer for David was never an excuse for inac- tion. Success for David was never an excuse for self-glorification. He realized that God uses and blesses what we do to accomplish His ends and answer our prayers.

16 - The dramatic story continues in chapter 16. Could Mephibosheth really imagine he would receive the crown (verse 3) or is Ziba lying? We don’t know. Shimei’s cursing seems stupid (and could have cost him his life, verse 9) but David humbly accepts it, trusting in God again (verse 12). Ahithophel’s counsel proves to be as wise as “advertised” in verse 21. If Absalom claims the royal harem he is announcing his claim to the throne and ensuring the break between him and his father is permanent. Everyone can choose up sides now without fear that David and Absalom will suddenly reconcile leaving those who joined a now existent rebellion holding the bag. The rebellion is on in earnest! Ironically the story is now back on the palace roof where all the trouble started (verse 22).

17 - By chapter 17 we are wondering if David has a chance against Absalom’s rebellion. Ahithophel’s counsel is smart: David is no position to defend himself. He is on the run and without the support of the main army (verse 2). If David dies, all opposition to Absalom will collapse (verse 3). Hushai frustrates this good advice in verses 7-13. Notice the appeal to Absalom’s ego in verse 11: “be gathered to you.” Don’t let Ahithohphel go now and get all the glory, Absalom! You lead us in battle and you will be the glorious victor! The fatal flaw in Hushai’s plan is that it gave David time to organize and plan. Verse 16 may confuse the reader because we know Absalom will not pursue David at night, but Hushai obviously didn’t know who’s counsel would be listened to at the time he had to send the messengers to David. His only choice was to tell David to cross the Jordan at once (verse 21). Ahithiophel clearly knows that time is on David’s side and the rebellion is doomed, so he goes home and kills himself (verse 23). The next chapter will reveal that he was right.

Psalms 3

This lament psalm is the first psalm in the collection of psalms ascribed to David (psalms 3-41). It is also the first time we read the term “selah,” probably a musical notation perhaps meaning pause. The heading tells us this psalm was composed in a terrible time: the rebellion of Absalom (2 Samuel 15). David is sorting through turncoats and treachery as many joined with Absalom, and there is even talk that God has aban- doned him (verse 2). In it all, David vows to trust God (verse 3-4), and to keep trusting in God (verses 7-8). The beautiful imagery of God being “the lifter of my head” (verse 3) comes from the idea of being how when we get depressed and despondent our heads get down. God lifts David’s head up! The psalm ends by moving past David’s concerns to all the people (verse 8).

Psalm 63

This joyful song of deep devotion is unmatched in the psalter. Even as it concludes with a note of lament and call for help it is primarily centered on David’s desire for God and his relationship with his God. That this may be composed during the rebellion of Absalom makes it all the more remarkable. Instead of crying for military victories and a return to the capitol in triumph what David wants is more of God (verses 1-4). While “fat and rich food” (verse 5) isn’t on the menu for most of us the idea here is a banquet. Feasting is associated with happiness and good times - David says his relationship with God gives him that kind of contentment and joy. There is a special emphasis on past deliverance (verses 6-8) giving David great confidence for the fu- ture. Note the emphatic “shall” not “maybe” in the close (verses 9-10). David believes in God (verses 11)!

Introduction to Romans - Romans is unlike any book in the New Testament. It is the only epistle Paul wrote to a church he had never visited. It is common to view Romans as Paul’s great summary of his teachings on salvation. However, Paul never wrote long theological treatises. He wrote to churches in trouble to help them do right. The church in Rome had unity problems between Jews and Gentiles as revealed in chapter 14. Therefore, much of what Paul writes in this letter highlights the term “all” and “everyone” so that he can appeal for unity. Watch in the opening chapters how Paul will say that all of them, Jew and Gentile, are sinners, are saved the same way, and are servants of the Lord.

1 - Verses 8-15 reveal Paul’s desire to come see them. Note the three times Paul says “God gave them up” in verses 24, 26, 28. Although chapter 1 is usually applied to Gentiles only many of these sins can be found in Old Testament Israel (note verse 32 - an appeal to people who know something of God’s law).