Whoever
is for David, let him follow Joab! (2 Samuel 20:11)
Maybe he felt bad for sending Absalom away
when he avenged his sister by killing her rapist (his half-brother Amnon) but
when it came to his favorite son, David was loyal to a fault.
Absalom had finessed the kingdom away from
his father, causing David and those loyal to him to run for their lives. Joab
had the opportunity, so out of loyalty to David, he killed Absalom. Joab knew
it had to be done if the king were ever to regain the throne. And how does
David reward him? He spitefully replaces him with none other than Amasa, the
general who had supported Absalom’s coup.
But being in trouble is a good way to find
out who your friends are. Amasa, sensing David’s vulnerability, drags his feet
allowing David’s enemies more time to strengthen their position. Joab, still
loyal to David, sees what Amasa is up to and executes him. He then chases down
his king’s other enemies, reuniting the kingdom under David.
Those seeking the advantage over us constantly
scrutinize us to find where we are weak. And once they discern a chink in our
armor, they use it against us. A friend loves us in spite of our shortcomings. A
friend sticks by us when the chips are down.
A
friend loves at all time, and a brother is born for adversity (Proverbs
17:17).
Who do you know that needs a friend?
David is not really a good man. He wrote beautiful poetry complaining about his enemies and so some people call him a prophet and a man of God. Don't you believe if he had simply behaved as decent human being he would not have had the trouble that he had? Peggy Carr
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