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2 Samuel 19:9-10, Throughout the tribes of Israel, all the people were arguing among themselves, saying, “The king delivered us from the hand of our enemies; he is the one who rescued us from the hand of the Philistines. But now he has fled the country to escape from Absalom;  and Absalom, whom we anointed to rule over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about bringing the king back?”

Once Absalom’s troops go back to their clans, there is much talk throughout Israel about what would happen next.  Would David be welcomed back as king?  After all, they needed a king. The people reminisced about the times in which David took care of Israel and rescued them from the hands of their enemies.  Here we begin to see a greater divide between Israel and Judah.  The people of Israel pretty quickly decide to recommit themselves to David.  The people of Judah are another story.  For some reason, Judah had overwhelmingly lent their support to Absalom.  David decides to take some very specific steps to win back their commitment to him.

His first step is to ask Zadok and Abiathar, two popular priests, to lobby for his support among the elders of Judah. Second, he asked the priests to request the services of Amasa, David’s nephew who had a high position in Absalom’s regime.  He promises to make Amasa commander over all his troops, both building a bridge between the disenfranchised group of Absalom supporters and punishing Joab (be sure to read the first part of this chapter, while Joab probably saved David’s kingship, David still sought to punish Joab.)

David’s plan proves successful and he is invited back to Jerusalem.  There is quite the welcoming party waiting for him.  People who previously opposed him (or he thought opposed him) met him at the Jordan and walked with him into the city as a sign of support and solidarity. But when they arrive, it’s obvious the people of Israel are enraged at the tribe of Judah.  They accuse them of all kinds of offenses.  The rumblings of division are strong.  Nathan’s prophetic words of judgment (after David’s rape/murder incident in 2 Samuel 12) are coming to fruition.  David’s family is a mess and now his nation is beginning to crack as well. 

All of this is happening and the Scripture never mentions David inquiring of the Lord. 

Let’s pray…Lord, How easy it is to drift away from you.  We get distracted and self-consumed.  Help us to stay firmly connected to you in all we do.  You are Lord of our whole life.  We belong to you.  In Your Name, Amen.