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Today’s reading, from 2nd Samuel 1–4, highlights the transition from Saul’s dynasty to David’s reign. The shift was not a smooth transition of powers; Judah supported David and initially the rest of Israel, while Benjamin as the dominant force, supported Ish-Bosheth the son of Saul.

A noteworthy pattern in these chapters is David’s restraint. Though he was a seasoned warrior with blood on his hands, he refused to fight against his fellow Israelites—regardless of whether they were for him or against him. Yet David had no hesitation when it came to executing judgment on those outside the covenant family of Israel. For instance, when a man—“the son of a sojourner, an Amalekite” (2 Samuel 1:13)—claimed to have killed Saul (contradicting the account in 1 Samuel 31:4), David ordered his execution without hesitation.

In contrast, when Joab murdered Abner, David did not retaliate directly. Instead, he publicly denounced the act and pronounced a curse over Joab and his descendants. Later, when Ish-bosheth was murdered by two brothers, Rechab and Baanah—foreigners grafted into Israel through the Gibeonite covenant—David had them executed for their treachery.

These decisions earned David widespread favor,

“All the people took notice of it, and it pleased them, just as everything the king did pleased all the people.” (2 Samuel 3:36)

These factors were all a part of David being a man after God’s own heart. David didn't seek vengeance for the disloyalty and distrustful actions from within his family but rather left vengeance to the Lord. As I was making these connections the words of Jesus from Matthew 12:25 came to mind,

“Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.”

David knew this all to well as is seen through his responses to the three murders found in these first four verses. His defense of all three individuals--Saul, Abner, and Ish-bosheth--proved in the hearts of all Israel that he was for Israel and against anyone who would come against them.

This is a powerful lesson for the church today. We should be unified. And when betrayal or unsettled hurt is experienced ultimately our response should be to trust that the Lord will correct His children. That doesn’t mean we remain silent—David clearly chastised Joab. Similarly, New Testament teachings call us to distance ourselves from those who persist in egregious, unrepentant sin.

But in the end, we must keep our hands clean from “the blood” of our own and trust God to be our defender. Just as David resisted the urge to seize power through violence, we are called to let the Lord fight our battles and preserve the unity of His people.

Takeaway: When unity is threatened—whether by division, betrayal, or sin—our call is to pursue righteousness without vengeance for healing and unity. Like David, we must trust the Lord to bring justice in His time and His way. In doing so, we reflect God’s heart.