2 Samuel 19:31-43 – The Return of the King
In David’s final action that we’re going to look at this week, he’s a better picture of Jesus. Because he rewards someone who hadn’t been ashamed of him the first time round. That is Barzillai, in verses 31-40. You might remember Barzillai and his ministry of refreshment at the end of chapter 17. Now he’s rewarded for it. What an encouragement that is for us, that if we spend our lives seeking to refresh God’s people – even by giving them a cup of cold water at times – that we will not lose our reward. If we are not ashamed of Christ and his people on earth, he won’t be ashamed of us in heaven. And unlike Barzillai, we won’t have to pass that reward on to someone else, because in heaven we will be able to enjoy it.
So we’ve seen the return of the king. It’s what the people need – even if David falls far short of what he could be. Yet despite David’s flaws and shortcomings, this chapter points us to the need of our society to bring back the true King. And it warns us – and encourages us – that how we respond to King Jesus now will determine how he responds to us on the day of judgement.
Question
- How does David reward Barzillai?
- What does this passage teach about Christ’s return?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.