David Returns to Jerusalem

Absalom was dead, but his rebellion was not. So David invited those who were loyal to Absalom to come into his courts, receive forgiveness, and have positions of influence fit for their skills. Just as God was giving him the ability to govern the people into unity, a man named Sheba began a rebellion of his own. David, seeing that this rebellion could be worse than the one they just went through, sent his commanders to deal with it swiftly.

In yesterday’s episode, Absalom’s army was quickly defeated by David’s men, and Absalom himself met an early end as he tried to flee from capture. David’s was devastated by the death of his son, even though Absalom had sought to take away the throne and kill the king. When David’s commander and closest friend Joab saw how David’s sorrow overshadowed his gratitude for all that his people had done to restore their king, he called him out on it. David recognized that Joab was right and finally rose up to speak to his people. Today we’ll hear about David returning to Jerusalem to restore his kingship. It would not be all smooth sailing, as the effects of the divisions Absalom had brought about continued to be felt throughout the kingdom. But David will demonstrate what a good king looks like, seeking peace with those who opposed him.