The Later Years

A Man After God’s Own Heart
Lessons from the Life of David

Part 10: The Later Years

Last week, we studied the feuding that went on in the family of David including the rebellion of his son Absalom. We pick up now after that rebellion has been crushed and Absalom has been killed. David is grieving for his son.

Returning to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 19)
David’s men had crushed the rebellion, but their King was crying over the loss of his son rather than congratulating his soldiers. Joab convinced David to greet his men, lest they too rebel against him (19:1-8a). David made some strategic moves to re-unite the people (19:11-15, 22-23, 29-30, 38-40). Nevertheless, another conflict was already brewing (19:41-43)

Sheba’s Rebellion (2 Samuel 20)
Sheba was a troublemaker who took this opportunity to build his own following (20:1-2). David’s men pursued him and, through the help of a wise woman, were able to end this latest rebellion without destroying a significant city (20:15-22). Israel now experienced some stability (20:23-25).

Foreign Relations (2 Samuel 21)
When a 3-year famine came upon the land, David sought the Lord for an explanation. It turned out that the famine was the result of Saul’s previous injustice toward the Gibeonites (21:1). David righted this wrong and the land began to flourish again (21:6, 14b). While David grew older and weaker, his men continued to experience military victories against the Philistines (21:15-22).

David’s Legacy (2 Samuel 22-23)
Chapter 22 records a song that David wrote near the end of his life. The song highlights God’s protection of David through the years of conflict and gives credit to God for David’s successes. Chapter 23 records the last words of David, which speak to God’s promises to the king. The end of the chapter lists and describes David’s mighty men.

David’s Census (2 Samuel 24)
Compare 2 Samuel 24:1, 10 and 1 Chronicles 1:7-8. It’s difficult to determine exactly how this census came about (prompted by the Lord, Satan, David etc?). In any case, David eventually admits it was a sinful thing to do. David was given the opportunity to choose between three consequences to his sin. He chose the one that depended most directly on God’s mercy (24:14). The punishment was significant, but God eventually did relent and 2 Samuel ends with the purchase of a piece of land that eventually would host the Temple of the Lord!

David’s Charge to Solomon (1 Kings 1-2)
As David’s death neared his son Adonijah set himself up to be King, but not everyone followed him since Solomon had already been chosen for that role (1:5-8, 13). Once made aware of the situation and reminded of his promises, David declared Solomon the King of Israel. David commissioned Solomon to be strong and obedient to the Lord. He also gave him some specific instructions about how to deal with certain individuals. David died after being king for 40 years (2:10-12)