2 Samuel 20

n 2 Samuel 20, a troublemaker named Sheba incites a rebellion, persuading the Israelites to abandon King David in favour of following him. The ongoing turmoil in David’s reign continues, as seen in prior conflicts. I love how God assures us in these times that ‘He never leaves us nor forsakes us.’ The book of Psalms 34:19 states, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers them out of them all.” David’s life exemplifies this- moving from one challenge to another, yet God continually delivers him, showcasing His power to save.

You see child of God, in some cases, if you didn't go through that situation, you wouldn't have the experience or know His ability to save the way you do now. However, after quelling Sheba’s rebellion with the help of Joab and his forces, David returns to his palace in Jerusalem. He decides to isolate his concubines, who had been defiled by Absalom. Remember in (2 Samuel 12:11, God foretold that one close to David would sleep with his wives publicly). David provides for their needs but refrains from sexual relations with them, leaving them to live as widows till death although he's alive. This decision aligns with biblical principles on sexual purity and spiritual unity. For instance, 1 Corinthians 6:16 notes that sexual union creates a “one flesh” bond, even with a prostitute, (Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.”) and Matthew 19:9 permits divorce only in cases of sexual immorality. (I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”

David’s choice reflects a commitment to spiritual purity, as his concubines, having been united with Absalom, carrying that spiritual bond, which David cannot partake in. We cannot undermine the importance of maintaining spiritual purity, especially in marriage. David’s actions demonstrate his effort to honour God’s standards, even amidst personal and political chaos. His trials, including Sheba’s rebellion and the consequences of Absalom’s actions, provide opportunities for God’s deliverance to manifest, reinforcing trust and faith in God's protection.

QUESTION

How do the challenges David faced, and his response to them, encourage us to trust in God’s deliverance and maintain spiritual purity in our own lives, especially when confronted with personal or relational trials?