How pleasant for brothers to dwell in unity (Ps. 133). Selfishness and unreconciled relationships cause death, bitterness and conflicts. But obedience to God, love and friendship lead to reward, exaltation and victory. I have experienced both sides of the equation. There is no comparison between the two. Unfortunately, Israel and Judah became enemies and both suffered as a result. However, David was a shining exception who benefited from close relationships with God and others.
David learned of Saul and Jonathan’s death from a man who said he killed Saul after he was severely wounded. The man said he took Saul’s crown and bracelet and brought them to David. He and his men tore their clothes, mourned, wept and fasted until evening over the deaths of Saul, Jonathan and house of Israel. After David asked the young man why is he was not afraid to destroy the Lord’s anointed, he was killed (2 Sam. 1:1-16). Seeking reward for selfish purposes leads to death.
David chanted a lament over Saul and Jonathan and told them to teach Judah this song. “Your beauty , O Israel, is slain on your high places! How have the mighty fallen! Tell it not in Gath, . . . lest the daughters of the uncircumcised exult. . . . I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; you have been very pleasant to me. Your love to me was more wonderful than the love of women. . . .” (2 Sam. 1:17-27). Friendship and love are life’s greatest reward.
The Lord told David he should go to Hebron after asking what He should do. David, his two wives and men with him, all lived in the cities of Hebron. Men of Judah anointed David king over house of Judah. David sent messengers to Jabesh-gilead to bless them for burying Saul (2 Sam. 2:1-7). Obedience to God leads to exaltation.
Abner, Saul’s commander, made Ish-bosheth, son of Saul, king over Israel, for two years. House of Judah followed David in Hebron for seven years and six months. Abner’s men met Joab’s men and had a contest with 12 each for Benjamin & Ish-bosheth and David’s servants. The battle was severe and David’s servants defeated Abner and Israel’s men (2 Sam. 2:8-17). Obedience to God leads to victory.
The brothers, Joab, Abishai and Asahel, were present with the latter pursuing Abner. When he didn’t listen to Abner’s warning to stop following him, Asahel was killed. Joab and Abishai pursued Abner and he asked whether the sword would devour forever resulting in bitterness. Joab blew the trumpet to stop the fighting. Twenty of David’s servants and 360 of Abner’s men (Israel) were killed (2 Sam. 2:18-32). Unreconciled relationships lead to bitterness and conflicts.
Answer the following questions to access whether you will experience reward, exaltation and reward:
1. Are you prioritizing your relationship with God?
2. Do you listen to God’s instructions from His word?
3. Do you refuse selfishness in your pursuit of reward?
4. Do you have close friends?
5. Do you seek to reconcile relationships in the midst of conflict?
For any “no” answers, ask God to transform you so you can answer “yes”.
