2 Samuel 21:1-11
At the end of 2 Samuel 19, we saw a confrontation developing between Judah and the tribes of Israel. Sheba, a new enemy, took advantage of it to lead the people in revolt (2 Samuel 20). This is how Satan makes the most of our quarrels and rejoices in the differences that crop up between God’s children.
Sheba being dead, order is restored. The structure of the kingdom (see 2 Samuel 8:15-18) is then restated (2 Samuel 20:23-26), with this difference, that David’s sons are no longer the principal officials. After the affair of Absalom, we can well understand why this is.
Our reading once again introduces a sad tale. Saul had violated the oath formerly sworn by Israel to the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:15). Long afterwards his crime is called to remembrance and expiation is demanded in accordance with Numbers 35:19. Time, make no mistake, does not efface the guilt of sins that have been committed; God always has them before Him. But, for the believer, the blood of Christ has entirely blotted out all our sins. Hanged on a tree (Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39), bearing the curse, Jesus has purged our sins, the Just for the unjust (1 Peter 3:18). To Him be our gratitude and our worship now and for ever!