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Today's reading was from 2 Samuel 19–21, outlining the return of the king—David’s return after Absalom’s defeat. It was a precarious time for Israel and for David. “All” of Israel had gone up against David by throwing their support to Absalom, but now that he had been defeated, the people were jockeying for position to be on the right side of David.

David was initially in mourning because of the death of Absalom (a parent is always ready to forgive). And though he heeded Joab’s counsel to appear before the people and avoid turning victory into shame, David seemingly held Joab responsible for Absalom’s death by appointing Amasa over him as commander of the army.

The tension of this season is captured in David’s words when he pardons Shimei (the foolish stone-thrower) in 2nd Samuel 19:22,

“Shall anyone be put to death in Israel this day? For do I not know that I am this day king over Israel?”

Even among those who should have been loyal, there remained uncertainty. Mephibosheth’s return raised questions, for me, of sincerity—had he truly remained faithful to David, or was Ziba’s telling lies for his own personal gain? David’s decision to divide the land between them feels more like an act of surrender to God’s judgment than confident discernment on David’s part.

Then, in chapter 20, we see new rebellion. The ten tribes, offended that Judah took the lead in restoring the king, follow Sheba of Benjamin in defiance. Joab seizes the chaos to murder Amasa and reestablish his own command. Despite David’s attempts at peace, the instability still prevails.

Finally in chapter 21, we’re told of a famine caused by Saul’s sin against the Gibeonites. David seeks God’s direction, makes restitution by sacrificing His own people—those with whom he currently had no favor. What a difficult action to take. And yet, only then does Israel’s blessing return. Once again, David learns that restoration with God often involves desperate dependence on Him—acknowledging sin, accepting consequences, and submitting to divine justice.

Through it all, we see David’s character being developed into one who knows and yields to God’s sovereignty. He pardons enemies because he’s been shown mercy. He leaves judgment to God rather than demanding his own. He obeys God’s voice in righting Saul’s wrongs.

Takeaway: Even after forgiveness, sin carries consequences—but grace reshapes how we respond. Like David, we can choose to rest in God’s sovereignty rather than resist it, extend mercy where we once demanded justice, and trust that God restores favor through surrender and Spirit-led movement.