Monday 18th November
Read 2 Samuel 18:1-4a
“David mustered the men who were with him and appointed over them commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. 2 David sent out his troops, a third under the command of Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. The king told the troops, ‘I myself will surely march out with you.’
3 But the men said, ‘You must not go out; if we are forced to flee, they won’t care about us. Even if half of us die, they won’t care; but you are worth ten thousand of us. It would be better now for you to give us support from the city.’
4 The king answered, ‘I will do whatever seems best to you.’” (NIVUK)
At first glance this looks like David is keen to go on the offensive, march out at the head of his troops, and take back his kingdom but, when the wisdom of this is questioned, meekly acquiesces to remain in safety in Mahanaim. It is only when we understand what has transpired with Absalom that we begin to understand what is happening here.
Absalom also has advice, the best advice possible. Ahithophel’s advice was to send out troops quickly and fall upon David, cut off the head of the enemy, and bring those who follow him back into the fold as quickly as possible. Strike whilst he is on edge, tired and unsettled, but minimise the bloodshed and unify Israel. It is excellent advice. But Absalom also asks for advice from Hushai, who counsels delay in order to gather overwhelming odds against David. He advises that Absalom himself should lead the army out in a comprehensive victory (2 Samuel 17). God had decided to thwart Absalom in response to David’s prayer on the Mount of Olives, so Hushai’s advice was taken. Like Judas after him, Ahithophel took his life when his wisdom was spurned.
When we read of David’s intention to remain in Mahanaim we should not see meek acquiescence, but a willingness to keep his ego in check and accept advice from those around him. There is a time for boldness, but equally, a time for humility. Wisdom knows the difference and acts accordingly. It is found in prayer.
“Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” (Ephesians 6:19-20) (NIVUK)
