Get the appUnification: A Study in 2 Samuelনমুনা
What does it say?
Joab encouraged David to reconcile with Absalom. Father and son were finally reunited.
What does it mean?
Absalom’s role in Amnon’s murder caused him to run, leaving David overwhelmed by his losses. Despite Joab’s efforts to reconcile the two, David refused to restore his son completely. God’s mercy and forgiveness that had been extended to David should have prompted a quicker reunion; however, David struggled with being reunited with Absalom. Allowing his son to return to Jerusalem, David kept Absalom at a safe distance and determined that partial restoration was good enough. Absalom’s persistent demands to have an audience with the king finally resulted in his reunion with his father.
How should I respond?
Broken relationships and unresolved conflict will leave you distracted and wounded. The temptation to play those events over and over in your mind sets the perfect stage for bitterness and revenge. How do you avoid the negative effects of conflict? When you separate the sin from the person, you can move past hurts and offer the same forgiveness that God has extended to you. By releasing the events and trusting God to restore the relationship, you are free to move on. Is there someone in your life that you need to forgive? What steps can you take to honor God with that relationship?
Scripture
About this Plan
2 Samuel depicts the ascension and reign of King David following the death of Saul and Jonathan. David united the kingdom, established Jerusalem as the capital city, and extended the territory of Israel. At the crescendo of the book, God promises David that "your throne shall be established forever" (2 Samuel 7:16). Despite David's wickedness, God ultimately fulfills his promises to David through the person and work of Jesus Christ.
More
