Rebellious Enemies

O. T. #736  "Rebellious Enemies"
April 18, 2016
2 Samuel 20-Part 3
The trouble they make for others backfires on them. Psalm 7:16 NLT

LET IT GLOW

This is my third year to be the director of our Vacation Bible School. It takes everyone on our team to make it a successful one. I am so thankful for all who have served and will serve this year. I couldn't do it without them, this I know. I feel that I am there to serve them as they work for God in sharing His Word and love with the children and youth. When all are in their right place of service, God honors it.
After the end of Sheba's revolt, David established his second administration, of which we will look.

Reviewing, Joab's men attacked the city of Abel, it looked as though they would destroy it. The city of Abel was located in the extreme northern part of Israel near Dan. (They were pursuing Sheba, who lead the revolt against King David in Israel, and found refuge inside.) 
However, a  woman of the city stopped it with her wise words and unusual plan-Sheba's head was thrown over the city wall. The siege was called off once Sheba was killed. Everyone returned to their homes and Joab went back to Jerusalem.

Psalm 7 is inserted between chapters 20 and 21, in The One Year Chronological Bible, NLT. David had some encouraging things to say for us. They are too good to pass by:

• David came to his God for protection. (verse 1)
• He believed God could save him from his persecutors. (verse 1) 
• If David had done wrong, was guilty of injustice, betrayed a friend, plundered an enemy without cause, then he relented for God to allow his enemies to capture him. (verse 3)
• He asked God to stand against the fury of David's enemies, to rule over and judge the nations. (verses 6-7)
• David knew that his righteous God looked deep within the mind and heart. (verse 9b)
• He proclaimed God as his shield, saving those whose hearts are true and right. (verse 10)
• God is an honest judge. (verse 11)
• If a person does not repent, God will prepare His deadly weapons and shoot His flaming arrows. (verses 12-13)
• The troubles that the wicked make for others backfires on them. The violence they plan falls on their own heads. (verse 16)
• David declares that he will thank the LORD because He is just; he will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High. (verse 17)

When God gets ahold of David's enemies, they are caught by their hair, stabbed in the heart and the gut, and have their head cut off.  Rebellion against God's anointed does not pay.

Friend, do you have any enemies? Are there those who try to shoot down the good you are trying to do for the work of the Lord? Who do you consider a discourager to you? It is very difficult, but we must allow God to protect us from them and treat them justly. We are to let Him take revenge, not us. In fact, Jesus told us to pray for our enemies and those who despitefully use us.

Is God your protector, Righteous Judge, shield, just, the One to whom we sing praises? Is He your Most High God, El Shaddai?

I will sing of Your love forever, Lord God. I will thank Jesus for all He has done for me, and for His salvation to me.


LET IT GROW

With the rebellious ones, Absalom and Sheba gone, it was time for things to get back to normal. Now in verses 23-24, we read of a list of David's second administration. David's kingdom became so great, not due to his abilities alone, but he knew how to assemble an effective team. (Guzik)
His officers included:

• Joab was commander over all the armies of Israel, although he gained the position because he had committed murder. Joab regained his position, which he retained until he participated in Adonijah's rebellion (1 Kings 1-2).
• Benaiah became captain of the king's bodyguard.
• Adoniram was in charge of the hard labor force. He was a member of a special group of mighty men called "the Thirty." (23:24) He had been faithful to David during Absalom's rebellion. Later he established Solomon as king and eventually replaced Joab. Adoniram was overseer f building projects such as highways, temples, and houses by the forced labor of subjugated (conquered) peoples. 
• Jehoshaphat was the royal historian.
• Sheva was the court secretary.
• Zadok and Abiathar were the priests.
• Ira was David's personal priest, chaplain. He assisted David in matters of private worship, but not replacing the Torah.

[Resources: Life Application Study Bible, The MacArthur Bible Commentary, The Jeremiah Study Bible, Holman Illustrated Bible Commentary]

LET IT GO

Trust God to take care of my enemies His way, not mine and in His time.

Praise God through my songs.

Thank God or being my God.

Keep my heart true and right.