Restoration, Justice, and the Weight of Leadership

Welcome to Day 86 of The Glory Team Bible Reading plan and we are continuing the book of 2 Samuel. In 2 Samuel 18-21, the aftermath is highlights Absalom’s rebellion, King David’s emotional turmoil, and the challenges of restoring his reign. Absalom meets his tragic end in battle despite David’s orders to spare him, leaving the king in deep mourning. David’s return to Jerusalem is marked by political tensions and acts of mercy, but also lingering divisions within the kingdom. A new rebellion by Sheba threatens David’s rule, but it is swiftly quelled. Finally, a famine in Israel prompts David to seek God’s guidance, leading to an act of justice for the Gibeonites and a renewed recognition of David’s warriors who protected Israel. These chapters illustrate the complexity of leadership, the consequences of past decisions, and the necessity of justice and reconciliation.

2 Samuel Chapter 18: The battle between David’s forces and Absalom’s army reaches its climax. David, though deeply torn, prepares for war but commands his men to spare Absalom. However, Absalom is caught in a tree during the battle and is killed by Joab, despite David’s wishes. The news of Absalom’s death devastates David, and he grieves intensely for his son. This chapter demonstrates the painful consequences of rebellion and the difficulty of leadership when personal and political responsibilities collide.

2 Samuel Chapter 19: David’s sorrow over Absalom dampens the victory celebration, prompting Joab to rebuke him for neglecting the loyalty of his men. Realizing his duty as king, David returns to Jerusalem, navigating political challenges along the way. He reconciles with Shimei, who had cursed him earlier, and honors Mephibosheth despite suspicions of betrayal. David also rewards Barzillai for his loyalty and kindness. This chapter highlights the delicate balance of mercy, justice, and political wisdom in leadership.

2 Samuel Chapter 20: A new crisis arises as Sheba, a Benjaminite, leads a rebellion against David. Joab takes charge and pursues Sheba to the city of Abel Beth Maacah. A wise woman from the city negotiates with Joab, ultimately leading to Sheba’s execution and the rebellion’s swift end. The chapter also records the continued restructuring of David’s administration. This event underscores the dangers of division within a nation and the value of wisdom in resolving conflicts.

2 Samuel Chapter 21: A famine in Israel prompts David to seek God’s guidance, revealing that Saul’s past mistreatment of the Gibeonites must be addressed. To atone, seven of Saul’s descendants are handed over to the Gibeonites and executed. Rizpah, a grieving mother, mourns and protects the bodies until David ensures their proper burial. The chapter concludes with accounts of battles against the Philistines, highlighting the bravery of David’s warriors. This chapter reinforces the importance of justice, honoring past covenants, and remembering those who fight for God’s people.

*Restoration, Justice, and the Weight of Leadership*

Origin & Meaning of the Name:

The book of 2 Samuel is the continuation of Israel’s history, primarily focusing on the reign of King David and the establishment of his kingdom. The name "Samuel" comes from the Hebrew (Shemu’el), meaning "God has heard" or "Name of God." Though Samuel himself dies in 1 Samuel 25, the book of 2 Samuel retains his name because it continues the narrative of Israel’s transition from judges to monarchy, a process that Samuel played a significant role in initiating.

Purpose of the Book:

The primary purpose of 2 Samuel is to document the rise and reign of David, Israel’s greatest king, showing how God establishes his covenant with David, securing his dynasty. The book highlights David’s victories, his failures (such as his sin with Bathsheba), and his deep repentance. It also demonstrates God’s justice and mercy while reinforcing the theme of divine sovereignty in establishing Israel’s leadership.

Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:

The authorship of 2 Samuel is traditionally attributed to the prophet Nathan and the seer Gad, as suggested by 1 Chronicles 29:29, which states:

"As for the events of King David’s reign, from beginning to end, they are written in the records of Samuel the seer, Nathan the prophet, and Gad the seer."

This passage indicates that multiple prophetic figures documented the history of David’s reign. Jewish tradition, as found in the Talmud (Baba Bathra 14b-15a), also supports this view, suggesting that Samuel wrote 1 Samuel until his death, while Nathan and Gad completed the history, which includes 2 Samuel.

Additionally, archaeological sources and ancient Jewish historical writings, such as those of Flavius Josephus (Antiquities of the Jews), acknowledge Nathan and Gad as contributors to David’s historical record. However, since 2 Samuel was likely compiled later using various prophetic sources, the final editor remains uncertain.

Key People:

David – The central figure of the book, Israel’s second king, who unifies the nation, establishes Jerusalem as the capital, and receives God’s covenant.
Joab – David’s military commander, known for his strategic brilliance but also for his ruthless actions, including the murder of Abner and Absalom.
Abner – Saul’s former general who initially supports Ish-bosheth but later defects to David before being assassinated by Joab.
Ish-bosheth – Saul’s son who is briefly king over Israel before being betrayed and killed.
Nathan – The prophet who delivers God’s covenant promise to David and later rebukes him for his sin with Bathsheba.
Bathsheba – The woman with whom David commits adultery, leading to immense consequences. She later becomes Solomon’s mother.
Uriah the Hittite – Bathsheba’s husband, who is unjustly killed in battle due to David’s scheme.
Absalom – David’s rebellious son who leads a coup against him but ultimately perishes.
Mephibosheth – Jonathan’s crippled son, whom David honors out of loyalty to his late friend.
Zadok and Abiathar – Priests who serve during David’s reign and play significant roles in maintaining religious order.

Conclusion

2 Samuel is a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness, the consequences of sin, and the fulfillment of His promises through David’s lineage, which ultimately leads to Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1).

What is God's Name in these Chapters?

In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.

Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.

"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.

Looking for the Names of God from the previous chapters? Due to the overwhelming amount of names we had to dedicate a special place for them for the sake of space. Click the link to see them:

REVIEW GOD'S NAMES FROM PREVIOUS CHAPTERS

In 2 Samuel 18, God’s justice and sovereignty are evident. Though David desires to spare Absalom, God allows justice to prevail, demonstrating that sin and rebellion have consequences. God is also compassionate, as seen in David’s grief over his son, showing how God Himself mourns over His children’s waywardness. This chapter reveals God as both just and merciful, balancing discipline with deep love.

One of the Hebrew names of God that reflects this is El Shaphat (God the Judge), as His divine justice is carried out against Absalom despite David’s pleas. Another relevant name is El Roi (The God Who Sees), as God is aware of every action, motive, and consequence. The lesson in this chapter is that God’s justice cannot be overridden by human emotions, and His righteousness always prevails. It also teaches that rebellion against God’s authority leads to destruction, but His heart still longs for repentance.

In 2 Samuel 19, God’s justice and sovereignty are evident. Though David desires to spare Absalom, God allows justice to prevail, demonstrating that sin and rebellion have consequences. God is also compassionate, as seen in David’s grief over his son, showing how God Himself mourns over His children’s waywardness. This chapter reveals God as both just and merciful, balancing discipline with deep love.

In 2 Samuel 20, God’s sovereignty is highlighted as He allows Sheba’s rebellion to unfold, yet He also ensures swift justice through wise intervention. The rebellion serves as a reminder that God’s plans cannot be thwarted, and He uses even unexpected sources, like the wise woman of Abel Beth Maacah, to bring about His will. God is also a protector, preserving David’s throne despite opposition.

A significant Hebrew name of God in this chapter is Jehovah Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts), emphasizing His power over nations and battles. Another is El Elyon (God Most High), reminding us that His authority is above all human conflicts. The lesson in this chapter is that rebellion against God’s chosen leadership leads to destruction, and wisdom often plays a key role in God’s deliverance. He calls His people to trust His authority and seek His wisdom in resolving conflict.

In 2 Samuel 21, God’s character is seen in His faithfulness to justice and covenant-keeping. The famine in Israel is a result of Saul’s broken promise to the Gibeonites, revealing that God takes covenants seriously. Yet, He also honors righteousness, as seen in how David seeks to make things right and how Rizpah’s love is ultimately recognized. God is both just and compassionate, ensuring that past sins are addressed while also restoring blessing to the land.

The Hebrew names of God that reflect this chapter include El Emunah (The Faithful God), showing His commitment to His promises and justice. Another is Jehovah Jireh (The Lord Who Provides), as God lifts the famine once justice is restored. The lesson in this chapter is that God does not forget broken covenants, and unrepented sin can have lasting consequences. However, He is also a God of restoration, and when His people seek His guidance, He brings healing and renewal.

Christ in Every Book of the Bible

Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.

Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.

The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!

Questions:

Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.

Questions About God's Character:

How does God’s justice and mercy both appear in the events of Absalom’s death and David’s response?
In what ways does God demonstrate His sovereignty over leadership and national events in these chapters?
How does God’s faithfulness to His promises play a role in David’s decision to atone for Saul’s broken covenant with the Gibeonites?
What can we learn about God’s wisdom in the way He allows both discipline and restoration to take place?
How does Rizpah’s devotion in 2 Samuel 21 reflect God’s compassion and care for those who are hurting?

Questions About Themes:

How do these chapters highlight the consequences of rebellion and the importance of obedience to God?
In what ways do mercy and justice intersect in David’s interactions with his people, and how does this reflect God’s nature?
How does the theme of restoration play out in David’s return to Jerusalem and his efforts to bring peace?
What do these chapters teach us about leadership and the challenges of making difficult decisions?
How does the resolution of Sheba’s rebellion demonstrate the importance of wisdom in conflict resolution?

Reflective Application Questions:

Are there areas in your life where you struggle to balance justice and mercy as God does? How can you grow in this?
How do you respond when faced with rebellion or opposition? What can you learn from David’s handling of Absalom and Sheba?
In what ways do you see God working through difficult circumstances in your life, even when the outcome isn’t what you expected?
Are there any broken relationships or unresolved conflicts in your life that God is calling you to address with wisdom and humility?
How can you better trust God’s faithfulness in times when past mistakes or sins seem to have lingering consequences?

These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.

Reference Guides:

Life Application Study Guide

A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler

The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans