Continuation

2 Samuel Chapter 20 opens with the continuation of David's return from an attempted coup, in which his son Absalom attempted to overtake his father's kingdom. Absalom tries to assert himself as king, but he is now dead because Joab, David’s general, has killed him.

Now David is returning to Jerusalem to his place on the throne. He had vacated the throne because he didn't want war with his son, so he acquiesced, humbly, and contritely left Jerusalem and crossed the Mount of Olives. Today, what is modern Jordan is where he stayed until this coup died down.

It died down because Absalom, the leader, had been killed, and that broke David's heart. His son had been killed. Joab, who killed his son, David’s general, had defied the king's order, and he was going to suffer for it later, but now David is ready to return to Jerusalem. Yet, not everybody is pro-David. Some people were like, we still wanted Absalom, and Sheba was one of those who was not happy that David was returning to his place on the throne.

In 2 Samuel 20, Sheba emerges as a figure driven by ambition, rebellion, and opportunism. He is portrayed as a cunning and charismatic individual who seizes upon the chaos following Absalom's rebellion to further his agenda. Sheba's character is marked by a desire for power and influence, as evidenced by his decision to rebel against King David's authority.

Sheba's rebellion is driven by a combination of factors, including personal ambition and a desire to exploit the discontent and division within Israel following Absalom's failed coup. He capitalizes on the grievances of specific population segments to rally support for his cause, demonstrating his ability to manipulate public sentiment for his gain.

Sheba's actions reveal a willingness to sow discord and division for his benefit, regardless of the consequences for the nation. His rebellion threatens to undo the fragile peace that David has worked to restore following Absalom's uprising, highlighting the destructive nature of his ambition.

Overall, Sheba's character in 2 Samuel 20 is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the havoc it can wreak on individuals and communities. His drive for power and influence ultimately leads to his downfall, underscoring the importance of humility, integrity, and submission to rightful authority in pursuing authentic leadership.

Our principle takeaway this coming Sunday: There's a principle here that we can glean from Sheba. He's not a good example, but chapter 20 reminds us that, like Sheba, there will always be those who oppose healing and reconciliation.

Look, in your own life where there is, you know, where there's been betrayal and some wounding, not everybody is happy about reconciliation or wants to heal. You know, some people are just happy to be miserable. And that's how they like it, so it's unfortunate, but that is reality.

You can do the best you can to try to build bridges and reconcile and bring peace within your family or whatever the situation is, maybe the company or whatever, but there are just some people who are bent on rebellion. They don't want to reconcile, and they don't want to heal. And you can't do anything about them; you must go on. Don't let that stop you; it didn't stop David.

Lastly, there is Joab; there will always be vengeful, bitter people to beware of. He has been a central character in this portion of 2 Samuel. In 2 Samuel 20, Joab's character is portrayed as complex and deeply flawed, a cautionary example of the dangers of unchecked vengeance and bitterness. While Joab is a skilled military leader fiercely loyal to King David, his actions in this chapter reveal a darker side to his personality, marked by vengefulness and ruthlessness.

Joab's pursuit of Sheba, the rebel leader, reflects his commitment to preserving David's kingdom and upholding his authority. However, his motivations appear to be driven by loyalty to the king, personal vendettas, and a desire for retribution. Joab's decision to kill Amasa, his rival for army leadership, while pursuing Sheba demonstrates his willingness to eliminate anyone who stands in the way of his ambitions, even at the expense of loyalty and honor.

Furthermore, Joab's actions throughout the chapter highlight the destructive nature of bitterness and resentment. His deep-seated animosity towards Amasa and his past grievances with Abner and Absalom are underlying motivations for his ruthless behavior. Joab's vengeful nature blinds him to the potential consequences of his actions, leading to further bloodshed and division within the kingdom.

For Christians today, Joab serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of harboring bitterness and unforgiveness in our hearts. His story challenges us to examine our attitudes and motivations, urging us to seek healing and reconciliation rather than allowing resentment to fester and consume us. Joab's character is a cautionary tale, reminding us of the importance of cultivating a spirit of forgiveness, humility, and grace in our relationships.

You know, there are some things in the Bible that we might find primitive, wicked, and weird. Not all of it has been ordered or orchestrated by God, but it is preserved in scripture for our benefit. Sometimes, it can be ruthless. However, we should be thankful that God is a merciful God. Otherwise, we would be in a much worse condition than Amasa or Sheba.