2 Samuel 19:24-30 – Pragmatic Choices
Next we have Ziba. And it’s definitely not the case that David pardons him. Having heard Ziba’s side of the story back in chapter 16, we now hear Mephibosheth’s. And Mephibosheth’s very appearance testifies to the fact that he’s telling the truth. He has not taken care of his feet or trimmed his beard or washed his clothes all the while David has been in exile. He hasn’t been living it up when the king has been away. Quite the opposite, he’s been mourning his absence. So clearly Ziba has been lying when he said that Mephibosheth had gone over to the other side. But even though Mephibosheth has clearly been loyal to David the whole time, David doesn’t completely reverse his decision to give Ziba the land. Rather he only gives Mephibosheth back half. It’s very surprising! And it’s hard not to see pragmatism at work. Why is it pragmatism? In verse 17, we’re told that Ziba has 15 sons and 20 servants. It seems that David thinks a man with those connections is worth having on board. Just as his actions in regard to Shimei may have been swayed by the fact that Shimei had 1000 men with him. People are divided about whether to bring David back as king or not, and so he needs all the support he can get.
David doesn’t actually come out of this chapter with a lot of credit. He makes peace with his enemies. But it’s a peace despite false repentance or no repentance from his enemies. His removal of Joab as army commander earlier on in the chapter also seems motivated by political considerations. He appoints Absalom’s army commander instead, to show that he is willing to welcome rebels into his kingdom. Perhaps some of the decisions David makes in this chapter are examples of wisdom and caution. But others are just pragmatism.
How different is the peace that Jesus Christ makes with his enemies! Unlike David, God doesn’t need us on his side. But he pardons us anyway. Unlike with Shimei and Ziba, he actually pardons our sin. Rather than just ignoring it or delaying judgement. And he does so in response to genuine repentance, that very repentance also being his gift. David, as we saw previously, would have died if he could have to save his son. But Jesus gave his life for his enemies.
Question
- What does David make the decisions he does?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks for the salvation we have in Christ.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.