21 Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said, "Shouldn‘t Shimeibe put to death for this? He cursed the LORD‘s anoint-ed." 22 David replied, "What does this have to do withyou, you sons of Zeruiah? What right do have tointerfere? Should anyone be put to death in Israel today?
Don‘t I know that today I am king over Israel?" 23 Sothe king said to Shimei, "You shall not die." And theking promised him on oath. - P102
26 He said, "My lord the king, since I your servant amlame, I said, ‘I will have my donkey saddled and will rideon it, so I can go with the king.‘ But Ziba my servantbetrayed me. 27 And he has slandered your servant tomy lord the king. My lord the king is like an angel ofGod; so do whatever you wish. 28 All my grandfather‘sdescendants deserved nothing but death from my lordthe king, but you gave your servant a place among thosewho eat at yourtable. So what right do I have to makeany more appeals to the king?"
29 The king said to him, "Why say more? I order youand Ziba to divide the land." - P103
Shimei hurries to meet David at the Jordan. He asks for the king‘s forgiveness.
David pardons him and spares his life. Mephibosheth also comes. When Davidasks why he did not go with him, he replies that Ziba had betrayed him. - P103
So,
David orders for him and Ziba to divide the land, but Mephibosheth says Zibacan have everything. - P103
On his return to Jerusalem, David meets some of the people who hadacted in treasonous ways when he was fleeing from Absalom. - P104
Now thathe is in a strong position once more, he has the choice to either seek re-venge or forgive. - P104
One of his commanders, Abishai, argues that Shimei,
who had insulted the king, should be put to death but David rebukesAbishai and rejects his suggestion. - P104
Forgivenessmay go against our first instinct, but it is the example Jesus set for us.
When we forgive, we break the vicious cycle of bitterness, revenge, andacrimony. - P104
We embrace the grace of God to heal and rebuild relationships and cultivate
a community of peace. - P104
He chooses to forgive. - P104
Mephibosheth, Saul‘s grandson, comes to greet David, looking un-kempt. He has not taken care of himself since the king left. - P104
This isperhaps a reflection of his sadness over David‘s absence. Mephiboshethinforms David that his servant Ziba double-crossed him, which is whyhe was unable to join David in his escape. - P104
The king offers to divideSaul‘s estate between Mephibosheth and Ziba, but Mephibosheth leaveshis portion to Ziba because the king‘s return is reward enough for him.
- P104
Just like Mephibosheth, our love for our Savior makes us long for Hisreturn. And as we wait for Him, our hearts are not anxious to grab theriches of this world, for we anticipate the far greater joy of seeing ourKing face to face. - P104
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