As any student of history will testify, the end of a war often brings a fresh set of problems; peace is not easy to negotiate and not always easy to live with. In 2 Samuel 19 we see that Absalom’s rebellion has ended with the death of the king’s son, but there are still plenty of disputes to be settled before David can resume peaceful ruling. At first, he does not help the situation: he is so grief-stricken by his son’s death that even his own army feel humiliated and ashamed. It takes the blunt speaking of Joab to remind David that he has a duty to the whole nation and not just his son. As Prov 27:15 reminds us, ‘Better is open rebuke than hidden love.’
David demonstrates to us in this chapter how to deal with former enemies and allies and anyone in between! It’s only natural that Abishai wants Shimei to be killed for his open rebellion, but David listens to the man’s change of heart and shows forgiveness and compassion to him, refusing to follow the world’s need for revenge. He shows the benefit of the doubt to Mephibosheth, whose actions Ziba had condemned, allowing half his lands to be restored to him. He is generous without fault to Barzillai, an 80-year-old who used his wealth to help David in times of need. David consistently shows us that those who have been forgiven much can forgive freely, live graciously and generously and show mercy to all.
Sadly, the people of Israel don’t find it as easy to get along with each other, and we see complaining, bickering and arguing throughout this chapter. This very human tendency is seen repeatedly in the people of God throughout their wilderness wanderings as well, and it’s no wonder that Paul tells the Galatians, ‘If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. (Gal 5:15) We have to learn from our humble Saviour as well as from David if want to live at peace with each other. (Phil 2:1-11)