Peter Barnes | 2 Samuel 19:9-43
SERMON NOTES
PICKING UP THE REINS AGAIN
2 Samuel 19:9-43
Recriminations are always an issue e.g. after World War II in Germany or after the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa.
1. Expedient mercy.
– 19:9-12. David needs to make a political appointment, which he does – 19:13. It worked, in the short term at least – 19:14-15 (but note 20:9-10a).
– 19:16-23 (note 16:5-7). Arthur Pink thinks that Shimei’s repentance is genuine, but it could well be a boot-licking exercise (see 1 Kings 2:8-9).
2. Incomplete justice.
– 19:24-30; see 2 Sam.16:3-4. Walter Chantry simply writes of David: ‘Having no further information, even-handedness was the best that he could do.’ But the justice that he administers is incomplete; the peace that he achieves is not exactly a just peace.
3. Generosity rewarded.
– 19:31-39; recall 17:27-29. Chimham could be Barzillai’s son (1 Kings 2:7 and Jer.41:17). Christ rewards His people – Matt.19:29.
4. Tensions continue.
– 19:40-43. Like 1 Cor.1:10-13. Harsh words lead to harsh words – Prov.15:1.
The forgiven man is never quite the same man.