Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, open my ears to hear what you have to say to me; open my heart to love your word, and open my mind to understand your truth.
David is not yet secure on his throne, and risks alienating his supporters by his grief over Absalom. Joab, his key ally, is forced to rebuke him (verses 5–8). The loyalty of the northern tribes, who would rebel against David's grandson and become the separate kingdom of Israel, was still shaky. David seeks to conciliate them by replacing Joab as head of the army by Amasa, his cousin, who had commanded Absalom's rebels; it's a striking demonstration of trust which also punishes Joab for his disobedience.
In this chapter David aims for reconciliation rather than revenge. He tells Joab and his brother Abishai that 'no Israelite shall be put to death today' (verse 22); he can't sort out the rival claims of Ziba and Mephibosheth, so is merciful to both of them (verse 29).
So here, we can see David acting as a healer rather than as a victor. He doesn't press home his advantage by destroying his enemies; he wants instead to win them over to his side.
In our own time, society and politics can be very polarised. On social media there's very little meeting of minds as we exist within our own bubbles of opinion and belief, and 'cancel culture' can lead to a full-scale assault on those who don't fit the prevailing narrative. In churches, too, those whose views don't fit those of the majority can risk being excluded; there are 'winners' and 'losers'.
David's treatment of the vanquished offers a different model. He wants to build, not destroy.
God, help me to see those with whom I disagree not as enemies to be destroyed, but as friends yet to be won.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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