One Year Bible Readings and Commentary for Monday, May 30th
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David Escapes from Jerusalem
The rest of chapter 15 is about David leaving Jerusalem under the mounting pressure and threats of his son, Absalom. There is a lot of mourning going on for the king. It is a sad day in the life of Israel. Notice David brought the Ark of the Covenant, a sign of obedience on David's part, and a sign of God's presence. David sent the priests and their sons back to Jerusalem and also his trusted advisor Hushai, who was also an advisor to King Saul. The plan was that they would greet Absalom when he arrived in Jerusalem, and then have the sons come and tell David what was going on.
David and Ziba
Near the Mount of Olives, David ran into Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth, Saul's grandson that David had protected. David had promised Ziba he would inherit everything that Saul owned. Ziba met David with donkeys and food, which seemingly was of great help to David and his men. But Ziba said something curious. He said the Mephibosheth wanted to restore the kingdom to his father Saul.
Basically Ziba tricked David into getting Mephibosheth's inheritance by telling him he had turned against him as well.
"This was a “shameless and senseless slander, uttered by a false and faithless sycophant.” (Trapp)
All that belongs to Mephibosheth is yours: David – acting on the only information he had – assumed that Ziba told the truth. Therefore, he rewarded Ziba’s loyalty and punished Mephibosheth’s reported disloyalty. his was exactly the response Ziba wanted. Ziba was an example of someone who wickedly used a crisis for his own benefit. - Guzik
Shimei Curses David
David ran into Shimei, who was a relative of Saul's. Shimei cursed him and called him all kinds of names. One of David's men wanted to retaliate, but David told him to leave it alone. Another instance of David avoiding rash and unnecessary behavior. After avoiding the conflict with Shimei, David and his me sat down, ate, and rested.
David was not without hope or comfort. God allowed comfort to find him, even if it was in the small things. David was able to receive the comfort because he was at peace and he knew that God was in control of Israel. - Guzik
Ahithophel Advises Absalom
Hushai, David's counselor, goes back to tell Absalom he will now support him as king. Absalom is suspicious knowing that he had been his dad's trusted advisor. So he asks Ahithophel what to do. Instead of dealing with Hushai, Ahithophel advises Absalom to go and sleep with David's comcubines as an insult to his father, and thus showing everyone David was not the boss anymore. Not only did he have sex with the concubines but did it in public. This act shows not only the depravity of Absalom, but the character of Ahithophel. It makes especially disgusting when the people regard him as speaking the voice of God.
This is a reminder that who we ask for advice is a very important decision. Just because someone says they are from God doesn't guarantee anything. In this case Absalom should have realized by Ahithophel's advice that he was not from God. But Absalom goes right along with it showing his true character as well.
Click Here to Read John 18:25-19:22
Peter’s Second and Third Denials
Just as Jesus had predicted, Peter denied Jesus a second and third time. After the third time the rooster crowed.
Luke tells us that Peter denied this third time with cursing and swearing, hoping that this would make them think even more that he was not associated with Jesus. We could say that at this point it was not the faith of Peter that failed, but his courage.
Jesus Before Pilate
We see so much irony in this passage. First, the Jews wanted to avoid uncleanness of the Sabbath, so they don't go into the Roman palace when they drop off Jesus! The tenor of Jesus throughout this whole trial is one of humble submission. He could have easily called down a hundred angels to deliver himself in dramatic fashion, but he submitted to the trial, though he was innocent. The climax comes when Pilate is willing to let one Jewish person go because of the Passover, but instead the people shout "Give us Barabbas" a known criminal. The innocent man goes to the cross, the guilty man is set free.
What an image of the great exchange for us. We are guilty ones who deserve judgment, but Jesus dies in our place!
Click Here to Read Psalm 119:113-128
Click Here to Read Proverbs 16:10-11
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