25. Return to Jerusalem ( 2Samuel 19:9 – 43)

When David returned to Jerusalem, various figures of people came and welcomed and begged pardon. Everyone had their own reason.

👉 Read 2Samuel 19:9 - 43

Q1. What was the message of David to the men of Judah? (vv 11–13)

ANS:
• Act before the men of Israel bring the king back
• You are my brothers
• Amasa will become the army commander

Verse 11 meant: “The king knew that the men of Israel were considering bringing him back. Therefore, act before the Israelites call David as their king, so that you may save your lives for having led the rebellion and even gain reward when the king settles the rebellion and restructures the government.” By also offering Amasa the position of commander, David intended to remove any possibility of another rebellion (note that Amasa had been Absalom’s army commander; in fear of execution or punishment, he might otherwise start another revolt. By confirming his appointment, David removed the chance of the insurrection for self-preservation) and, at the same time, use Amasa as leverage to restrain Joab’s presumptuousness.

Q2. As David crossed the Jordan River to return to Jerusalem, (    ) the Benjaminite and (     ) the servant of Saul’s household came and helped David and his people. As Shimei begged for pardon from David for what he had done, (    ) wanted to kill him. But David rebuked him and said, ( "              ”).

ANS: As David crossed the Jordan River to return to Jerusalem, (Shimei) the Benjaminite and (Ziba) the servant of Saul’s household came and helped David and his people. As Shimei begged for pardon from David for what he had done, (Abishai) wanted to kill him. But David rebuked him and said, (“Should anyone be put to death in Israel today? Don’t I know that today I am king over Israel?”).

TODAY: David’s concern was to reconcile the nation. It was not good to kill anyone at this moment. Also, if David wanted to repay his curse, he could do it later as king. Additionally, David was unhappy that Abishai spoke out while the king remained silent.

Q3. When Mephibosheth came and explained what had happened as David fled, what did David say? Was it fair?

ANS: “Why should you continue speaking like this? You and Ziba will inherit the field together.”

David wasn’t happy that he had mistakenly given Saul’s inheritance to Ziba.

Q4. (     ) supported David in his stay in (     ). David asked him to go to Jerusalem, but he refused. Instead, he asked that his son (     ) go with the king and serve him.?

ANS: (Barzillai) supported David in his stay in (Mahanaim). David asked him to go to Jerusalem, but he refused. Instead, he asked that his son (Kimham) go with the king and serve him.

Q5. Why were the Israelites unhappy with what the Judahites did? (v.41)

ANS: The people of Judah didn’t inform the men of Israel and brought the king themselves.

This could become an issue of reward and punishment later when David settled the matter of rebellion. Verse 43 hints that the men of Israel had first suggested inviting David back to the throne. But the Judahites seemed hesitant because many of them were involved in the rebellion and might lose their lives and property. Note that Absalom was David’s son, and the army commander Amasa was his nephew and Joab’s cousin. Many officials in Absalom’s regime must have been David’s relatives and family members, naturally from Judah. At such a moment, David sent a word of encouragement to the men of Israel. Because of this background, the men of Judah vigorously defended themselves (v.43).