Day 9 Reviewed

2 Samuel 12 - 1 Kings 14

     So far, I've pretty much gathered that people were at peace / ease with God, themselves, others, the land, etc., when they trusted God and were obedient in all things - that is, right in their actions.

• David

     Well, King David brings to light some questions for me regarding this theory.
     David seemed a bit rocky in doing right by God. But what always seemed right was his heart. Is heart more important than actions?
     David was a repentant man and acknowledged when he did wrong. When his lust overcame him, and he stole another man's wife, and was finally approached by the prophet Nathan about it, he says without any argument, "I have sinned against the Lord," and the prophet replies, "The Lord has taken away your sin, you shall not die." That did not mean there were not consequences for his actions. David himself determined there should be actions against anyone who sins against God and his fellow man in this way.
     Then suddenly, it seems, David is restored to loving intimacy with his God, bears another son with Bathsheba, now (rightfully) his wife. Solomon - for whom God clearly demonstrates his love and favor.

• Absalom

     I don't have a whole lot to say about this particular son of David and their saga together, but I found it interesting and worth noting. What a terrible situation for David to have one son rape a daughter, another son kill that brother, and then try to forcefully take over David's reign. I'm sure David fretted about what to do. In the end, all was made right, and Solomon succeeds David, possibly one of David's finest 'accomplishments.' On his death bed, David tells his son to:

 "...keep the charge of the Lord your God to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, commandments, his ordinances, and His testimonies, according to what is written in the law of Moses, that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn..." (1 Kings 2:3)

• Solomon

     Oh Solomon, the man who sought first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and was given everything! ..."So give Thy servant an understanding heart to judge Thy people to discern between good and evil," (1 Kings 3:9) and God gave in abundance!
     ..."So Judah and Israel lived in safety, every man under his vine and his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the day of Solomon," (1 Kings 4:25).
     His own palace was plush, and...
     He was chosen to build the very dwelling place of God!!!