What does EGW write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Detailed explanation of 2 Samuel 20"
Answer
The 20th chapter of the Second Book of Samuel describes a time of political instability and internal unrest in David's kingdom, immediately after Absalom's rebellion. At its center is the uprising of Sheba, a Benjaminite who tried to exploit the division between the northern tribes and the tribe of Judah. David responded with military determination, with the ruthless Joab violently retaking command of the army by murdering his rival Amasa. The crisis finally ended in the city of Abel‑Bet‑Maachah through the wise mediation of a clever woman, who arranged the surrender of Sheba to prevent the city's destruction. The chapter highlights the fragile nature of David's rule and the ongoing tensions within God's people.
Divine Authority and Human Disobedience
And Samuel said to Saul: You have acted foolishly; you have not kept the command of the Lord, your God, that He gave you; for now the Lord would have established your kingship over Israel forever. But now your kingship will not endure: the Lord has sought a man after His own heart, and the Lord has appointed him as leader over His people.
With a painful heart, the prophet set out the next morning to meet the erring king. Samuel hoped that after some reflection Saul would recognize his sin and, through repentance and humility, be restored to divine favor. Yet once the first step on the path of transgression is taken, the road becomes easy. Saul, disgraced by his disobedience, approached Samuel with a lie on his lips. He cried out, 'Blessed be you by the Lord; I have fulfilled the Lord's command.
An act of justice, strict and dreadful, still had to be carried out. Samuel had to publicly defend the honor of God and rebuke Saul's actions. He ordered that the king of the Amalekites be brought before him. Among all who had fallen by the sword of Israel, Agag was the most guilty and merciless... Samuel declared, 'As your sword has made women childless, so shall your mother be childless among women.' And Samuel struck Agag to pieces before the Lord.
Samuel said to the children of Israel: 'Now stand still here, that I may with you before the Lord set forth all the righteous deeds of the Lord that He has done to you and to your fathers.
- Sheba uprising significance
- Joab and Amasa conflict
- King David political crises
Original Sources (English)
Loading...
