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Good for Evil

November 10, 2017 by John J. Grosboll

A man’s character is more clearly revealed by the manner in which he treats his enemies than by the way he treats his friends.

The divine instruction on how to treat those who are personal enemies is found in Luke 6:27, 28. Jesus said, “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.” We live in a world where many people, by their feelings or actions say, “He has slugged me once, I’ll slug him twice!” But Jesus said to love them and do good to those who hate you.

The apostle Paul, writing about this same subject gave this advice: “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. Therefore, ‘If your enemy is hungery, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink, for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:17–21.

This is often hard counsel for most to apply. It is far easier to pay back. After all, don’t they deserve it? Or at least, walk away and stay out of their lives, but return good for evil—that is way too hard! This world would be a much different place than it is today if there were more people trying to follow this counsel.

There have been men in the past who have lived by this rule. Many stories in the Bible tell of men who developed the ability to refrain from avenging themselves and, in return for evil, give good. One of those men who had developed this trait in an eminent degree was the man David. David is usually remembered by many other prominent things he did during his life—as a young teenager, fighting the giant Goliath, and later in his life committing that terrible sin against one of his mighty men of valor, Uriah the Hittite, as well as other things. He is not often considered for the tremendous patience that he developed during the many years of trial and suffering he experienced while being hunted for his life because of the insane jealousy of King Saul. Many times Saul attempted to kill him. In fact, once he took several thousand people with him to chase David and his men, who numbered only a few hundred, in order that he might kill him.

Something to think about is what you would do or how you would react if the person that was trying to kill you was all of a sudden in your power and you had the opportunity to kill that person if you so desired. In the book of I Samuel 24 we find a story about this same thing. It says, “Now it happened, when Saul had returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, ‘Take note! David is in the wilderness of En Gedi.’ Then Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel, and went to seek David and his men on the Rocks of the Wild Goats. So he came to the sheepfolds by the road, where there was a cave; and Saul went in to attend to his needs. (David and his men were staying in the recesses of the cave.) Then the men of David said to him, ‘This is the day of which the Lord said to you, “Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do to him as it seems good to you.” ’ And David arose and secretly cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. Now it happened afterward that David’s heart troubled him because he had cut Saul’s robe. And he said to his men, ‘The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord.’ So David restrained his servants with these words, and did not allow them to rise against Saul. And Saul got up from the cave and went on his way.” Verses 1–7.

And then here’s what happened. “David also arose afterward, went out of the cave, and called out to Saul, saying, ‘My lord the king!’ And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed down. And David said to Saul: ‘Why do you listen to the words of men who say, “Indeed David seeks your harm”? Look, this day your eyes have seen that the Lord delivered you today into my hand in the cave, and someone urged me to kill you. But my eye spared you, and I said, “I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord’s anointed.” Moreover, my father, see! Yes, see the corner of your robe in my hand! For in that I cut off the corner of your robe, and did not kill you, know and see that there is neither evil nor rebellion in my hand, and I have not sinned against you. Yet you hunt my life to take it. Let the Lord judge between you and me, and let the Lord avenge me on you. But my hand shall not be against you.’ ” Verses 8–12.

When Saul saw the corner of his robe in David’s hand he realized that David and his men had been back in the darkness of the cave, right there where he had been sleeping. He realized that his life had been spared, that David could easily have taken a sword and killed him while he slept, but he did not do it. Saul was humbled. He realized that David had returned to him good for evil. “So it was, when David had finished speaking these words to Saul, that Saul said, ‘Is this your voice, my son David?’ And Saul lifted up his voice and wept. Then he said to David: ‘You are more righteous than I; for you have rewarded me with good, whereas I have rewarded you with evil.’ ” Verses 16, 17.

O friend, there it is. David was being hunted. Saul was going to kill him, to take his life. David had an opportunity to take Saul’s life. How easy it is for the Lord God of heaven to switch circumstances around so that everything is up-side down and those that apparently are on the defensive and do not have the resources, those that are on the weaker side end up having the advantage. Saul, with his vast army, had the advantage against David and his small band of men, but David, when the tables turned, spared Saul’s life and proved to him that he had no intention to do him any harm. Saul left and let David go, but this was just a temporary relief and David was still afraid because of everything that Saul had done. He would not venture to put himself in the hands of Saul. After Saul left it appeared that David would be left alone for a while, but it was during this period of time that David had another interesting experience.

After the prophet Samuel died, David felt less secure than he had before. The life of Samuel had been a positive influence on the whole nation. When a leader is godly, he has an influence on the whole nation that he leads. However, when a leader is wicked, the Bible says, “The righteous take cover.” David felt less secure knowing that Saul would feel a freedom to wreak vengeance upon him without Samuel being around.

During this time while David was in the forest and in the wild country around Carmel, near the little village of Maon, there was a very wealthy man who lived there who was a descendant of Caleb. He had 3,000 sheep, 1,000 goats, and other livestock and large possessions, and of course, he had shepherds who took care of his livestock. Whenever David’s men were around where Nabal’s shepherds were, they took care of Nabal’s sheep. David was a shepherd and knew all about sheep and livestock, and he had his men take care that nothing happened to Nabal’s sheep while they were nearby.

In fact, the Bible records that the shepherds appreciated this help very much. As long as David and his men were around, they didn’t lose any stock. David heard that Nabal was shearing his sheep and thought that since they had done all of this service for him maybe he would help with some provisions, so he sent ten young men to Nabal with the following instructions:

“Go up to Carmel, go to Nabal, and greet him in my name. And thus you shall say to him who lives in prosperity: ‘Peace be to you, peace to your house, and peace to all that you have! Now I have heard that you have shearers. Your shepherds were with us, and we did not hurt them, nor was there anything missing from them all the while they were in Carmel. Ask your young men, and they will tell you. Therefore let my young men find favor in your eyes, for we come on a feast day. Please give whatever comes to your hand to your servants and to your son David.’ ” I Samuel 25:5–8. When David’s men went with this request to Nabal, they received a terrible response. It says, “Then Nabal answered David’s servants, and said, ‘Who is David, and who is the son of Jesse? There are many servants nowadays who break away each one from his master. Shall I then take my bread and my water and my meat that I have killed for my shearers, and give it to men when I do not know where they are from?’ So David’s young men turned on their heels and went back; and they came and told him all these words.” Verses 10–12.

When they told him all these things, David became indignant; in fact, he became outraged that Nabal was returning him evil for good. David was human; he had not yet learned all the lessons in patience that God’s children must learn if they are going to enter the kingdom of heaven. “Then David said to his men, ‘Every man gird on his sword.’ … And about four hundred men went with David, and two hundred stayed with the supplies.” Verse 13. There was no question as to what was going to happen to Nabal and his houshold. However, there was a person who intervened. What happened next shows how God intervenes in the lives of His children when they are about to make a terrible mistake.

One of Nabal’s servants, recognizing they were in a dangerous situation and that David could destroy the entire household in order to get what he needed, if he so chose, went and told Nabal’s wife Abigail what had happened. “Now one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, saying, ‘Look, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master; and he reviled them. But the men were very good to us, and we were not hurt, nor did we miss anything as long as we accompanied them, when we were in the fields. They were a wall to us both by night and day, all the time we were with them keeping the sheep. Now therefore, know and consider what you will do, for harm is determined against our master and against all his household. For he is such a scoundrel that one cannot speak to him.’ Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five sheep already dressed, five seahs of roasted grain, one hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and loaded them on donkeys. And she said to her servants, ‘Go on before me; see, I am coming after you.’ But she did not tell her husband Nabal.” Verses 14–19.

“Now when Abigail saw David, she hastened to dismount from the donkey, fell on her face before David, and bowed down to the ground. So she fell at his feet and said: ‘On me, my lord, on me let this iniquity be! And please let your maidservant speak in your ears, and hear the words of your maidservant. Please, let not my lord regard this scoundrel Nabal. For as his name is, so is he: Nabal is his name, and folly is with him. But I, your maidservant, did not see the young men of my lord whom you sent. Now therefore, my lord, as the Lord lives and as your soul lives, since the Lord has held you back from coming to bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hand, now then, let your enemies and those who seek harm for my lord be as Nabal. And now this present which your maidservant has brought to my lord, let it be given to the young men who follow my lord. Please forgive the trespass of your maidservant. For the Lord will certainly make for my lord an enduring house, because my lord fights the battles of the Lord, and evil is not found in you throughout your days.

“ ‘Yet a man has risen to pursue you and seek your life, but the life of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of the living with the Lord your God; and the lives of your enemies He shall sling out, as from the pocket of a sling. And it shall come to pass, when the Lord has done for my lord according to all the good that He has spoken concerning you, and has appointed you ruler over Israel, that this will be no grief to you, nor offense of heart to my lord, either that you have shed blood without cause, or that my lord has avenged himself. But when the Lord has dealt well with my lord, then remember your maidservant.’ ” Verses 23–31.

In this speech from Abigail is seen a man who was irritated and a woman who had wisdom to speak words that would be soothing and calm the wounded spirit. She addressed David with as much reverence as if she were speaking to a crowned monarch. She gave him kind words to soothe his irritated feelings and pled with him on behalf of her husband. We see in this woman a person who is full of wisdom and the love of God. She was what Jesus referred to as a peacemaker. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9. Abigail was full of kindness and peace and she shed upon David and his men a heavenly influence soothing their irritated feelings which prevented them from committing a rash impulse. If there were more people like Abigail, much evil in the world could be stopped. When David listened to this gentle, kind reproof, he accepted it with a humble heart. Later he wrote, “Let the righteous strike me; it shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; it shall be as excellent oil.” Psalm 141:5.

David gave thanks and blessings because she had advised him righteously. He said, “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me! And blessed is your advice and blessed are you, because you have kept me this day from coming to bloodshed and from avenging myself with my own hand.” I Samuel 25:32, 33. So many people refuse to receive a rebuke well, and some, if they are reproved, and do receive the rebuke without becoming impatient, think that they have done something wonderful. But how few there are who take a rebuke with gratitude of heart and thanksgiving, blessing those who seek to save them from pursuing an evil course.

This was a second time where David showed an unusual characteristic, the ability not only to receive a rebuke but to thank the one who was rebuking him for keeping him from doing something he should not do.

The world needs more people like Abigail, more peacemakers, more people who have wisdom to soothe the feelings of those that have become irritated, to stop the evil consequences. The Bible says that the person who has love in his heart does not become irritated. (See I Corinthians 13.)

There was still another time when David demonstrated that the way a man treats his enemies reveals more clearly his character than the way he treats his friends. The Bible records that after Samuel died, Saul arose and he went into the wilderness of Zif with 3,000 men, having decided again that he was going to kill David. Remember, David had already had an opportunity to kill him in the cave and he had not done it. At that time Saul was humbled and wept saying he was sorry. But now, some time later, his jealousy and envy again got the best of him. The Bible says, “Who can stand in front of envy?” Saul decided again to go after David. David sent out spies to find out what Saul was doing. “So David arose and came to the place where Saul had encamped. And David saw the place where Saul lay, and Abner the son of Ner, the commander of his army. Now Saul lay within the camp, with the people encamped all around him.” I Samuel 26:5.

It’s interesting how easy it is for the Lord to turn upside-down the counsels of men so that the strongest are weak, and the most prudent and the wise do not have the skill that they thought they had. Saul and his army were out to kill David again. David finds out where they are and sneaks up there with his men in the dark and sees, of all things, that there were no watchmen. Even in ancient times armies had night watchmen that were supposed to watch over the army, but the whole of Saul’s army was asleep; there wasn’t anybody awake or watching. David said, “I’m going to go down there. Will one of you go with me?” And Abishai said, “Yes, I’ll go with you.”

So they went down into the camp. It says, “Then Abishai said to David, ‘God has delivered your enemy into your hand this day. Now therefore, please, let me strike him at once with the spear, right to the earth; and I will not have to strike him a second time!’ ” I Samuel 26:8. Here was the second opportunity for David, if he had wanted, to kill the one who was seeking to kill him.

It is a natural reaction to think that if you try to kill me, I’ll kill you first. Many murders have been committed because of that reasoning. Twice David had the opportunity to kill the person that was trying to kill him. “But David said to Abishai, ‘Do not destroy him; for who can stretch out his hand against the Lord’s anointed, and be guiltless?’ David said furthermore, ‘As the Lord lives, the Lord shall strike him, or his day shall come to die, or he shall go out to battle and perish. The Lord forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the Lord’s anointed. But please, take now the spear and the jug of water that are by his head, and let us go.’ ” Verses 9–11.

So they took the spear that was stuck in the ground right by Saul, and they took the cruse of water, the jar of water, which was right by it and they slipped out silently just as they had come. And when they got on a hill, a sufficient distance away, so that they could not easily be chased and over run, David cried out to Abner and said: “ ‘This thing that you have done is not good. As the Lord lives, you deserve to die, because you have not guarded your master, the Lord’s anointed. And now see where the king’s spear is, and the jug of water that was by his head.’ Then Saul knew David’s voice, and said, ‘Is that your voice, my son David?’ ” Verses 16, 17. David suggests that one of Saul’s men come and fetch those things that David had taken. This time Saul was more impressed than he was the time before, saying, “I have sinned. Return, my son David. For I will harm you no more.” Verse 21. However, David knew better than to trust himself with Saul, so he left.

David, the man described as the man after God’s own heart, demonstrated the principle of “do good to those who hate you.” How is it with you? Jesus said, “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Matthew 5:44. The apostle Paul said, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21. That is the rule we must follow if we are to reflect the character of Jesus.

(Bible texts are from the New King James Version.)

Pastor John J. Grosboll is Director of Steps to Life and pastors the Prairie Meadows Church of Free Seventh-day Adventists in Wichita, Kansas. He may be contacted by email at: historic@stepstolife.org, or by telephone at: 316-788-5559.

Terrible Consequences

November 10, 2017 by John J. Grosboll

There is little space given in the Bible to recounting the virtues and wonderful qualities of even the very best men who have ever lived. This silence is not without a purpose and the reason is that all the good qualities men possess are the gift of God. Their good deeds are performed by the grace of God through Christ, and since we owe to God whatever glory or whatever we have or do, we are just instruments in His hand to do His work. In addition to this, it is a perilous thing to praise or exalt men. The reason for this is that if one comes to lose sight of his entire dependence upon God and begins to trust in his own strength, he is absolutely sure of falling.

We need God’s strength because we are contending with foes that are stronger than we are. The Bible says in Ephesians 6:12, 13, “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

The Bible is very clear that before this world was created, a leading angel in heaven called Lucifer, rebelled against the government of God and persuaded one third of the angels to follow him in his rebellion. “War broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Revelation 12:7–9. Satan personated a serpent when he spoke to Eve, deceiving her and causing the fall of Adam and Eve and all of their subsequent descendants.

Notice what the Bible says about this in Romans 5:12: “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men.” So, death came upon all the descendants of Adam and Eve because of the sin of one person. It is impossible for any of us in our own strength to maintain the conflict. And whatever diverts our minds from God, whatever leads us to self-exaltation or to self-dependence, is assuredly preparing the way for our overthrow. The entire tenor of Bible instruction is to inculcate distrust in human power and to encourage trust in divine power.

It was when David had been flattered, when he had been successful, winning many wars and victories, when he had become one of the most prominent kings on the face of the earth, that he fell. It was the spirit of self-confidence and self-exaltation that caused his fall. The whole story of what happened is recorded in the Bible in 11 Samuel 11. Some people have asked why God records in the Bible the awful things that good men have done. These records are to show man’s weakness and his liability to fall, making the most dreadful mistakes. In fact, the greater man’s position of power and authority, the bigger the sin it is possible to commit.

In II Samuel 11:2–5 it says, “It happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king’s house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold. So David sent and inquired about the woman. And someone said, ‘Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?’ Then David sent messengers, and took her; and she came to him, and he lay with her, for she was cleansed from her impurity; and she returned to her house. And the woman conceived; so she sent and told David, and said, ‘I am with child.’ ” Now, David was in trouble.

It is interesting that the work of the great tempter of mankind does not begin in an abrupt or crude fashion. The temptations are not, at the onset, sudden or startling but a secret undermining of the strongholds of principle. This undermining begins when a person is apparently unfaithful in small things like controlling his or her thoughts. It begins in a neglect to be true to God and to rely upon Him completely. It begins with a disposition to follow the customs and practices of the world.

Previous to this, David, while being hunted by King Saul, had been protected by the Lord from unnumbered snares and traps. But now, he was trapped on his own. He had become guilty; he was unrepentant; he did not ask help from the Lord, and he did not ask guidance from heaven. He was now desperate to extricate himself from the dangers in which he found himself.

Uriah the Hittite, Bathsheba’s husband, was one of David’s officers in the army. He was one of his most faithful solders, and nobody could foresee the problems that would be the result if this crime should become known. The law of God pronounced then and now that the adulterer is guilty of the death sentence. Had Uriah, the proud-spirited soldier who had been so shamefully wronged known, he could decide to avenge himself by killing the king or by exciting the whole nation to revolt. David made every possible effort to conceal his guilt even having Uriah called home so that he could be with his wife. But Uriah was a faithful soldier and refused to seek any pleasure with his wife while his soldiers were still in battle.

David had betrayed himself into the power of Satan and now danger surrounded him and dishonor, more bitter than death, was before him. This is not the first or last time something like this has happened. Perhaps you know of someone who has committed suicide in order to avoid the shame which they were afraid would come upon them because of an illicit connection. David was now desperate and there appeared to be no way to escape so, hurried on by the tempter, he added one more sin to the one he had already committed. Murder was added to his adultery.

The same tempter who had compassed the destruction of Saul was now attempting to lead David to ruin. And Uriah the Hittite was made the bearer of his own death warrant. David wrote a letter, sealed it and gave it to Uriah the Hittite to give to Joab, the head general. The letter told Joab to put Uriah in the front of the battle where he knew that there were valiant men, then retreat from him so that he would be killed.

Joab should not have obeyed such an order. The Bible is very explicit about these things. We are to obey human law. We are to obey kings and governments. Christians are never to be disobedient or disrespectful to the government. The apostle Paul had this to say: “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.” Romans 13:1, 2. Peter brings forth the same principle in I Peter 2:13, 14: “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.”

The Christian is to be subservient to the government and not to rebel against its authority. But there is one time when the Bible teaches that a person is to exercise civil disobedience and not obey the laws of man. This one exception is found in Acts 5:29. We are told what the apostle Peter said when they were commanded that they were not to preach anymore about Jesus. Peter and the other apostles said, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). If the laws of men tell us, or require us, to break the law of God, then we cannot obey those laws. We must keep the higher law. But as long as we do not have to disobey the higher law of God, we are to keep the lower laws of men, the lower laws of government.

Joab had already violated his conscience, which had been stained and seared by more than one unjust murder and as a result he listened to the words of David. Uriah the Hittite was killed. It was interesting how the report of Uriah’s death was worded when sent back to David. Joab said in 11 Samuel 11:20, 21, “If it happens that the king’s wrath arises, and he says to you: ‘Why did you approach so near to the city when you fought? Did you not know that they would shoot from the wall? Who struck Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? Was it not a woman who cast a piece of a millstone on him from the wall, so that he died in Thebez? Why did you go near the wall?’—then you shall say, ‘Your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.’ ” The message was worded so that it looked like an accident. Nobody could blame either Joab or the king for what had been done. They were in a war and it looked like an accident that Uriah the Hittite had been killed. But of course, like so many other things in this world, what looked like an accident wasn’t an accident at all. It was a premeditated murder, a murder ordered by the king.

The Bible says that there is nothing that is hidden from the Lord. Notice what it says in Hebrews 4:12, 13: “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

God knows everything. God knew exactly what happened. He knew what David intended, what Joab had done and why it was that Uriah had died. The Bible says that what David had done was displeasing to the Lord. That’s what we need to think about in our daily life. Is what you are doing or the way you are living, pleasing or displeasing to the Lord? Have you ever thought about the fact that the things people think are covered up and that nobody will ever find out? The Bible says, in Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.”

Nothing can be hid from God. Everything will be revealed. Jesus said, in Matthew 10:26, “Do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.”

Many people excuse their sins by saying, “Well, look what David did.” However, they have usually forgotten to read and find out the consequences of what he did. The consequences brought terrible trouble over David, not only for the rest of his life, but also over the nation of Israel that has lasted from that time on and has never ceased. How could this be? Remember, Jesus said, “There is nothing covered that won’t be revealed.” Everything is going to be brought into judgment. This time the judgment didn’t wait until the end. Judgment was going to come to David within about a year.

David had fallen so far that he could murder one of his most faithful and most valiant soldiers, then take his wife, and hope to enjoy undisturbed the reward of his sin. From the beginning, Satan has portrayed to men the gains to be won by transgression. In this same way he seduced angels. Thus he tempted Adam and Eve to sin and in this way he is leading multitudes today away from obedience to God. The path of transgression is made to appear desirable and better than following in the way of God’s commandments. But the Bible says that “the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12.

As time passed on, David’s sin toward Bathsheba became known and suspicion was excited that maybe he planned the death of Uriah the Hittite. Well, of course, God knew everything that had happened. The Bible says, in II Samuel 11:27, that what David had done was displeasing to the Lord. And so the Lord sent Nathan the prophet to give a stern message to the king.

Ordinarily, especially in those days, it would be impossible for anyone to give a message like this to a king without incurring the death sentence himself. But Nathan faithfully gave the message, clothing it in a parable so the king would end up passing sentence upon himself. Here is the way it went; beginning at II Samuel 12:1–12 it says: “Then the Lord sent Nathan to David. And he came to him, and said to him: ‘There were two men in one city, one rich and the other poor. The rich man had exceedingly many flocks and herds. But the poor man had nothing, except one little ewe lamb which he had bought and nourished; and it grew up together with him and with his children. It ate of his own food and drank from his own cup and lay in his bosom; and it was like a daughter to him. And a traveler came to the rich man, who refused to take from his own flock and from his own herd to prepare one for the wayfaring man who had come to him; but he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him.’

“So David’s anger was greatly aroused against the man, and he said to Nathan, ‘As the Lord lives, the man who has done this shall surely die! And he shall restore fourfold for the lamb, because he did this thing and because he had no pity.’ Then Nathan said to David, ‘You are the man!’ Thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. I gave you your master’s house and your master’s wives into your keeping, and gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if that had been too little, I also would have given you much more! Why have you despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in His sight? You have killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword; you have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the people of Ammon.’

“ ‘Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me, and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.’ Thus says the Lord: ‘Behold I will raise up adversity against you from your own house; and I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, before the sun.’ ”

When David heard this message, he said, “I have sinned.” Verse 13. Some people wonder why it is that David was forgiven when he committed a worse crime even than had Saul, yet Saul was not forgiven. The difference is, David repented, and confessed his sin whereas Saul did not. Notice what David said after this in Psalm 51:1–7, 11, 12: “Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight. … Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. … Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.”

David was afraid he had committed the unpardonable sin. He was afraid he could be struck down in judgment, in an unsaved condition, and he repented and pleaded for forgiveness.

Ellen White says, “I present before you the fifty-first psalm, a psalm filled with precious lessons. From it we may learn what course to follow if we have departed from the Lord. To the king of Israel, exalted and honored, the Lord sent a message of reproof by His prophet. David confessed his sin and humbled his heart, declaring God to be just in all His dealings [Psalm 51:1–17 quoted].” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 3, 1147.

Chief Guilt Is Sin Against God

“Sin is sin, whether committed by one sitting on a throne, or by one in the humbler walks of life. The day is coming when all who have committed sin will make confession, even though it is too late for them to receive pardon. God waits long for the sinner to repent. He manifests a wonderful forbearance. But He must at last call the transgressor of His law to account.” Ibid.

How is it with you? The Bible says we have all sinned. It is not a question of whether you have sinned or not. We have all sinned. The question is, what are you doing about it? David repented and he confessed his sin. You can read in Psalm 51, the entire chapter, giving the story of his confession. Now David was not excused from earthly punishment. Even though he was forgiven and will be in heaven, he had to suffer the consequence of his sin in this world. There are always consequences with sin. None of us are promised that we can escape those consequences. Sometimes we don’t perceive clearly what they are, but there are always consequences. Here were just some of the consequences that happened to David:

First of all, by transgression his relationship to God changed. God could no longer exercise His power to protect David from the results of the sin that he had done as He had protected him previously from the enmity of Saul. So, events were going to take their natural cause. Not only that, but there was a great change in David himself. He was broken in spirit by the consciousness of his sin. He felt humbled in the eyes of his subjects. His influence was weakened. His subjects and his sons were led to think of sin in an even lighter manner, and to commit sin. His authority over his own household was lessened. His claim to reverence and obedience by his children was weakened. His sense of guilt kept him silent when he should have condemned sin and made him feeble to execute justice. His evil example exerted an influence that was demoralizing to the whole nation and the terrible consequences went on and on. However, he himself, because of his repentance and his confession, was forgiven. This is the Bible promise to people who have fallen in sin, and who would like to be delivered from the guilt and power of sin. The Bible says, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:7.

All have sinned, but the question is, have you repented? Have you confessed your sins? Have you decided to forsake sins and follow the Lord that you might be forgiven?

(Unless appearing in quoted references or otherwise identified, Bible texts are from the New King James Version.)

Bible Study Guides – David’s Repentance and Retribution

October 30, 2017 by Reformation Herald Publishing

August 16, 2015 – August 22, 2015

Key Text

“Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.” Isaiah 27:5.

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 727–745.

Introduction

“Whoever under the reproof of God will humble the soul with confession and repentance, as did David, may be sure that there is hope for him or her.” To Be Like Jesus, 383.

1 “THOU ART THE MAN”

How did God suddenly disturb the false sense of peace that David had after committing great sins? II Samuel 12:1–4. In response, what sentence did David unwittingly pronounce upon himself? II Samuel 12:5, 6.
What straight testimony did Nathan the prophet give to David, and how did David respond? II Samuel 12:7–10, 13, first part; Psalm 51:4.

Note: “Conscience was uttering bitter and humiliating truths to David. While his faithful subjects wondered at his sudden reverse of fortune, it was no mystery to the king. He had often had forebodings of an hour like this. He had wondered that God had so long borne with his sins and had delayed the merited retribution. …

“Many a wrongdoer has excused his own sin by pointing to David’s fall, but how few there are who manifest David’s penitence and humility. How few would bear reproof and retribution with the patience and fortitude that he manifested.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 737.

2 BITTER CONSEQUENCES

How was the personality of David affected by his sins? Psalm 51:3, 17.

Note: “There was a great change in David himself. He was broken in spirit by the consciousness of his sin and its far-reaching results. He felt humbled in the eyes of his subjects. His influence was weakened.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 723.

How did David, through his sinful behavior, loose the respect of the people and, in particular, of his sons? Psalm 27:6, 7. What consequence followed immediately, and why? II Samuel 12:14.

Note: “Now his subjects, having a knowledge of his sin, would be led to sin more freely. His authority in his own household, his claim to respect and obedience from his sons, was weakened. A sense of his guilt kept him silent when he should have condemned sin; it made his arm feeble to execute justice in his house. His evil example exerted its influence upon his sons, and God would not interpose to prevent the result.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 723.

“God and His word have been blasphemed, souls have been hardened in unbelief, and many, under a cloak of piety, have become bold in sin.” Ibid.

Why did God permit the story of David’s fall to be included in the Bible? I Corinthians 10:12.

Note: “Those who, by pointing to the example of David, try to lessen the guilt of their own sins, should learn from the Bible record that the way of transgression is hard. Though like David they should turn from their evil course, the results of sin, even in this life, will be found bitter and hard to bear.

“God intended the history of David’s fall to serve as a warning that even those whom He has greatly blessed and favored are not to feel secure and neglect watchfulness and prayer.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 724.

3 RETRIBUTION THROUGH REBELLION

How did David’s son Absalom avenge the crime committed against his sister by Amnon? II Samuel 13:28, 29. What happened three years after Absalom had fled from David? II Samuel 13:37–39; 14:23, 24, 28.
After an apparent reconciliation with his father, how did Absalom then “steal the hearts” of the people of Israel? II Samuel 14:33; 15:1–6. What attitude on David’s part lay at the heart of Absalom’s rebellion? Ecclesiastes 8:11.

Note: “Through the influence of Joab, Absalom was again admitted to his father’s presence; but though there was an outward reconciliation, he continued his ambitious scheming. He now assumed an almost royal state, having chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. And while the king was more and more inclined to desire retirement and solitude, Absalom sedulously courted the popular favor.

“The influence of David’s listlessness and irresolution extended to his subordinates; negligence and delay characterized the administration of justice. Absalom artfully turned every cause of dissatisfaction to his own advantage.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 729.

What instruction did Absalom’s spies carry to all the tribes of Israel? II Samuel 15:10. When David received news of Absalom’s rebellion, rather than bring bloodshed into Jerusalem, what did David decide to do? II Samuel 15:13, 14.

Note: “David was suddenly aroused, to see rebellion breaking out close beside his throne. His own son—the son whom he had loved and trusted—had been planning to seize his crown and doubtless to take his life. In his great peril David shook off the depression that had so long rested upon him, and with the spirit of his earlier years he prepared to meet this terrible emergency. …

“His decision was taken. The horrors of war should not fall upon the chosen city. He would leave Jerusalem, and then test the fidelity of his people, giving them an opportunity to rally to his support.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 731.

4 THE REBELLION QUELLED

As David and his company were fleeing, why did he send various friends back to Jerusalem?

The men who were carrying the ark. II Samuel 15:24, 25, 29.

Hushai. II Samuel 15:32–37. What was his advice, and why? II Samuel 17:7, 14–16, 23.

Note: “God, who dwelt between the cherubim, had said of Jerusalem, ‘This is My rest’ (Psalm 132:14); and without divine authority neither priest nor king had a right to remove therefrom the symbol of His presence.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 732.

“Again David was forced to recognize in his calamities the results of his own sin. The defection of Ahithophel, the ablest and most wily of political leaders, was prompted by revenge for the family disgrace involved in the wrong to Bathsheba, who was his granddaughter. …

“At David’s request Hushai returned to Jerusalem to offer his services to Absalom and defeat the crafty counsel of Ahithophel.” Ibid., 735.

What did David say to one of his soldiers who wanted to kill the man who was cursing David? II Samuel 16:9, 11, 12.

Note: “The spirit that leads man to triumph over, to revile or distress, one who is in affliction is the spirit of Satan.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 736.

With a chance to further escape, how did David divide his forces, and what instruction did he give them concerning Absalom his son? II Samuel 17:24; 18:1, 2, 5.

5 A NEW LESSON FOR MODERN ISRAEL

What was the outcome of the battle between the loyal forces and the rebel army? II Samuel 18:7, 8.
What was the end of Absalom, the instigator of the rebellion? II Samuel 18:9–11, 14, 16, 17.
What lesson may we learn from Absalom’s history in our work as evangelists today? Romans 15:4.

Note: “Again and again was ancient Israel afflicted with rebellious murmurers. … In many cases, men of renown, rulers in Israel, turned against the providential leading of God and fiercely set to work to tear down that which they had once zealously built up. We have seen something of this repeated many times in our experience. …

“The church will yet see troublous times. She will prophesy in sackcloth. But although she must meet heresies and persecutions, although she must battle with the infidel and the apostate, yet by the help of God she is bruising the head of Satan. The Lord will have a people as true as steel, and with faith as firm as the granite rock.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 594.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 When prophet Nathan said to King David, “Thou art the man,” what reproach did he bring against the king?

2 How did David, through his sinful behavior, lose the respect of the people and, in particular, of his sons?

3 How has the serious stain on King David’s reputation brought reproach upon the Judean-Christian religion?

4 For what purpose did God permit the story of David’s fall to be included in the Bible?

5 In what sense was the history of Absalom recorded as a warning for church leaders, evangelists, and for the believers in general?

Bible Study Guides – King David

October 30, 2017 by Reformation Herald Publishing

August 9, 2015 – August 15, 2015

Key Text

“The Lord said unto Samuel, … I have provided me a king among [Jesse’s] sons.” I Samuel 16:1.

Study Help: Conflict and Courage, 160.

Introduction

“No outward beauty can recommend the soul to God. The wisdom and excellence revealed in the character and deportment express the true beauty of the man; and it is the inner worth, the excellency of the heart, that determines our acceptance with the Lord of hosts.” Conflict and Courage, 160.

1 DAVID IN THE COURT OF KING SAUL

What lesson did God want to teach Samuel when a replacement was needed for the rejected King Saul? I Samuel 16:7, second half.
What providential event enabled David to gain experience in royal court life prior to his coronation? I Samuel 16:17–21. Why did God give him this experience?

Note: “In the providence of God, David, as a skillful performer upon the harp, was brought before the king. …

“He [David] had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he now set his heart more fully to do the will of God than ever before. He had new themes for thought. He had been in the court of the king and had seen the responsibilities of royalty. He had discovered some of the temptations that beset the soul of Saul and had penetrated some of the mysteries in the character and dealings of Israel’s first king. …

“God was teaching David lessons of trust. As Moses was trained for his work, so the Lord was fitting the son of Jesse to become the guide of His chosen people.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 643, 644.

2 SAUL’S MURDEROUS DESIGN AGAINST DAVID

How did God inspire David to meet Goliath’s challenge against Israel? I Samuel 17:23, 24, 37, 45–49. What can we learn from this experience in our own efforts to evangelize the world today?

Note: “Our ministers should not defy and provoke discussion. … They [some ministers] have not, like humble David, trusted in the God of Israel, and made Him their strength. They have gone forth confident and boastful, like Goliath, magnifying themselves and not hiding behind Jesus. …

“Young preachers should study the practical teachings of Christ as well as the theoretical, and learn of Jesus, that they may have His grace, His meekness, His humility and lowliness of mind.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 219, 220.

When and how did Saul begin to reveal one of the weakest points in his character? I Samuel 18:6–9.

Note: “No man is safe who lives that he may please men, and does not seek first for the approbation of God. It was the ambition of Saul to be first in the estimation of men; and when this song of praise was sung, a settled conviction entered the mind of the king that David would obtain the hearts of the people and reign in his stead.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 650.

What incidents show that Saul was now controlled by an evil spirit? I Samuel 19:11, 17; 20:27–31.

Note: “Saul opened his heart to the spirit of jealousy by which his soul was poisoned. … The monarch of Israel was opposing his will to the will of the Infinite One. Saul had not learned, while ruling the kingdom of Israel, that he should rule his own spirit. He allowed his impulses to control his judgment, until he was plunged into a fury of passion. He had paroxysms of rage, when he was ready to take the life of any who dared oppose his will.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 650.

3 DAVID A FUGITIVE

What were some of the various places David looked to for refuge after he realized his life was in danger? I Samuel 21:1, 10; 22:1. Was his fear justified? I Samuel 22:16–18, 20, 21. Should he have feared Saul at all? I John 4:18.

Note: “Every failure on the part of the children of God is due to their lack of faith. When shadows encompass the soul, when we want light and guidance, we must look up; there is light beyond the darkness. David ought not to have distrusted God for one moment.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 657.

In fleeing from his father-in-law, King Saul, what acts of dishonesty demonstrated David’s lack of faith in God’s protection? I Samuel 21:2, 8, 13–15.

Note: “David told the priest that he had been sent by the king on a secret errand, one which required the utmost expedition. Here he manifested a want of faith in God, and his sin resulted in causing the death of the high priest. Had the facts been plainly stated, Ahimelech would have known what course to pursue to preserve his life. God requires that truthfulness shall mark His people, even in the greatest peril.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 656.

Though we should never unnecessarily bring persecution upon ourselves, how may David’s experience be repeated in our own day? Matthew 10:22, 23.

Note: “Between righteousness and sin, love and hatred, truth and falsehood, there is an irrepressible conflict. When one presents the love of Christ and the beauty of holiness, he is drawing away the subjects of Satan’s kingdom, and the prince of evil is aroused to resist it. Persecution and reproach await all who are imbued with the Spirit of Christ. The character of the persecution changes with the times, but the principle—the spirit that underlies it—is the same that has slain the chosen of the Lord ever since the days of Abel.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 29.

4 THE MAGNANIMITY OF DAVID

In what way did the local people of Ziph offer to betray David and his men? What happened to disrupt their plan? I Samuel 23:19, 20, 25–28.
When Saul, after driving out the Philistines, returned to pursue David, how did David demonstrate his magnanimity? I Samuel 24:1, 3, 4, 8, 10, 15. What was Saul’s response? I Samuel 24:16–20.

Note: “[I Samuel 24:9–11 quoted.]

“When Saul heard the words of David he was humbled, and could not but admit their truthfulness. His feelings were deeply moved as he realized how completely he had been in the power of the man whose life he sought. David stood before him in conscious innocence. …

“The enmity that is cherished toward the servants of God by those who have yielded to the power of Satan changes at times to a feeling of reconciliation and favor, but the change does not always prove to be lasting. After evil-minded men have engaged in doing and saying wicked things against the Lord’s servants, the conviction that they have been in the wrong sometimes takes deep hold upon their minds. The Spirit of the Lord strives with them, and they humble their hearts before God, and before those whose influence they have sought to destroy, and they may change their course toward them. But as they again open the door to the suggestions of the evil one, the old doubts are revived, the old enmity is awakened, and they return to engage in the same work which they repented of, and for a time abandoned.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 662, 663.

In preaching the gospel today, what lessons should the soldiers of the cross learn from the magnanimity of David? Romans 12:17–21.

Note: “God works out His plans, though to human eyes they are veiled in mystery. Men cannot understand the ways of God; and, looking at appearances, they interpret the trials and tests and provings that God permits to come upon them as things that are against them, and that will only work their ruin.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 672.

5 A TIMELY LESSON

What continued fault did David manifest after he spared Saul’s life a second time? I Samuel 27:1.

Note: “God was dishonored by David’s unbelief. The Philistines had feared David more than they had feared Saul and his armies; and by placing himself under the protection of the Philistines, David discovered to them the weakness of his own people. … By this act he gave [his brethren] occasion for misconstruing his motives, and many were led to hold prejudice against him. The very thing that Satan desired to have him do he was led to do; for, in seeking refuge among the Philistines, David caused great exultation to the enemies of God and His people. David did not renounce his worship of God nor cease his devotion to His cause; but he sacrificed his trust in Him to his personal safety, and thus tarnished the upright and faithful character that God requires His servants to possess.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 672, 673.

How patiently do we have to struggle, with many hours spent on our knees, when we are working for the restoration of those who have become the enemies of the truth? Hebrews 12:3, 12–14.

Note: “Then let us take heed lest we deal with the erring in a way that would say to others that we have no need of redemption. Let us not denounce, condemn, and destroy as though we were faultless. It is the work of Christ to mend, to heal, to restore.” In Heavenly Places, 291.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 Why was David put providentially in the court of Saul?

2 What was one of the weakest points in the character of Saul, and when did he begin to reveal it?

3 What warning of Jesus should come to our mind when we think of the persecution suffered by David?

4 Why did not David believe Saul’s confession at Engedi?

5 What lessons should the soldiers of the cross learn from the magnanimity of David?

Q & A – Why did Ahithophel, one of David’s top counselors, turn traitor and defect to Absalom (2 Samuel 15)?

October 4, 2017 by Jana Wagner

Question & Answer – Why did Ahithophel, one of David’s top counselors, turn traitor and defect to Absalom (2 Samuel 15)?
By

Again David was forced to recognize in his calamities the results of his own sin. The defection of Ahithophel, the ablest and most wily of political leaders, was prompted by revenge for the family disgrace involved in the wrong to Bathsheba, who was his granddaughter.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 735.

“Upon arriving at Hebron, Absalom immediately summoned Ahithophel, one of the chief counselors of David, a man in high repute for wisdom, whose opinion was thought to be as safe and wise as that of an oracle. Ahithophel joined the conspirators, and his support made the cause of Absalom appear certain of success, attracting to his standard many influential men from all parts of the land.” Ibid., 730, 731.

“Ahithophel had been held in high esteem for his wisdom, but he was destitute of the enlightenment which comes from God.” Ibid., 739.

“Ahithophel urged upon Absalom the necessity of immediate action against David. … This plan was approved by the king’s counselors. Had it been followed, David would surely have been slain, unless the Lord had directly interposed to save him. But a wisdom higher than that of the renowned Ahithophel was directing events. …

“… Hushai (sent by David as a spy) saw that if the proposed plan were followed, David would be lost. And he said, ‘The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time’ (2 Samuel 17:7) … He suggested a plan attractive to a vain and selfish nature, fond of the show of power. … ‘And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel’ (verse 14). But there was one who was not deceived—one who clearly foresaw the result of this fatal mistake of Absalom’s.

“Ahithophel knew that the cause of the rebels was lost. And he knew that whatever might be the fate of the prince, there was no hope for the counselor who had instigated his greatest crimes. Ahithophel had encouraged Absalom in rebellion; he had counseled him to the most abominable wickedness, to the dishonor of his father; he had advised the slaying of David and had planned its accomplishment; he had cut off the last possibility of his own reconciliation with the king; and now another was preferred before him, even by Absalom.

“Jealous, angry, and desperate, Ahithophel ‘gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died’ (verse 23). Such was the result of the wisdom of one, who, with all his high endowments, did not make God his counselor.” Conflict and Courage, 183.