2 Samuel 18-20; Psalm 34; Romans 2
In the battle against Absalom, David finds himself in a tough position. Despite Absalom being his enemy and driving him out of Jerusalem, he remains David's son. Thus, David requests his soldiers to spare Absalom's life. However, Joab, understanding Absalom's betrayal and the threat he poses to the king, decides to kill him.
David's internal turmoil is evident as, instead of rejoicing in victory, he mourns and weeps for Absalom (2 Samuel 19:1-2). This leads to tension between David and his loyal commander, Joab. David even attempts to replace Joab with Amasa (2 Samuel 19:13). However, Joab and his brother Abishai have greater influence in the army during Sheba's rebellion. Consequently, Joab and his men suppress the rebellion, killing Amasa in the process (2 Samuel 20:9-11). Joab remains the commander of the army (2 Samuel 20:23).
David remains a victor, but his sin with Bathsheba complicates his life and creates ongoing difficulties. This pattern continues until the end of his life.
Psalm 34
Psalm 34 reflects David's brokenness while being pursued by his enemies. He magnifies the Lord, acknowledging his complete dependence on Him. In difficulties, he seeks the Lord and finds help only from Him (Psalm 34:5-8). David encourages others to trust in God - "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him" (Psalm 34:8). Related to this theme, David writes several profound truths characterizing the life of the righteous: "Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord" (Psalm 34:11). Verses 13-17 are quoted verbatim by the apostle Peter in 1 Peter 3. Another important truth is - "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18). All these reflections come from David's deep meditations in his dire circumstances.
Romans 2
The second chapter of Romans is dedicated to explaining that religious people need the Gospel just as much as the Gentiles, who lead openly sinful lives. Paul emphasizes this point repeatedly in different ways - "So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment?" (Romans 2:3), "You, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal?" (Romans 2:21-22). The answer to this problem is presented in the next chapter.
Another important element of this chapter is the teaching about conscience. Paul writes that everyone has a conscience - "…their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them" (Romans 2:15). This does not mean that Gentiles will be saved if they follow their conscience (as clarified in the next chapter - "…there is no one righteous, not even one" (Romans 3:10)). Paul mentions conscience to show the Jews that Gentiles also live by some moral system which they strive to follow. Sometimes, their moral principles align with the law's principles. But neither group "…obey the truth but follow evil…" (Romans 2:8).
The presence of conscience is one of the proofs that humans are more than just products of evolution. They are created in the image and likeness of God, and thus, deep inside, they have an inherent understanding of what is good and evil, right and wrong. The fall has disrupted the standards of good and evil, but the concept itself indelibly lives within humans.
David's internal turmoil is evident as, instead of rejoicing in victory, he mourns and weeps for Absalom (2 Samuel 19:1-2). This leads to tension between David and his loyal commander, Joab. David even attempts to replace Joab with Amasa (2 Samuel 19:13). However, Joab and his brother Abishai have greater influence in the army during Sheba's rebellion. Consequently, Joab and his men suppress the rebellion, killing Amasa in the process (2 Samuel 20:9-11). Joab remains the commander of the army (2 Samuel 20:23).
David remains a victor, but his sin with Bathsheba complicates his life and creates ongoing difficulties. This pattern continues until the end of his life.
Psalm 34
Psalm 34 reflects David's brokenness while being pursued by his enemies. He magnifies the Lord, acknowledging his complete dependence on Him. In difficulties, he seeks the Lord and finds help only from Him (Psalm 34:5-8). David encourages others to trust in God - "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him" (Psalm 34:8). Related to this theme, David writes several profound truths characterizing the life of the righteous: "Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord" (Psalm 34:11). Verses 13-17 are quoted verbatim by the apostle Peter in 1 Peter 3. Another important truth is - "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18). All these reflections come from David's deep meditations in his dire circumstances.
Romans 2
The second chapter of Romans is dedicated to explaining that religious people need the Gospel just as much as the Gentiles, who lead openly sinful lives. Paul emphasizes this point repeatedly in different ways - "So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment?" (Romans 2:3), "You, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal?" (Romans 2:21-22). The answer to this problem is presented in the next chapter.
Another important element of this chapter is the teaching about conscience. Paul writes that everyone has a conscience - "…their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them" (Romans 2:15). This does not mean that Gentiles will be saved if they follow their conscience (as clarified in the next chapter - "…there is no one righteous, not even one" (Romans 3:10)). Paul mentions conscience to show the Jews that Gentiles also live by some moral system which they strive to follow. Sometimes, their moral principles align with the law's principles. But neither group "…obey the truth but follow evil…" (Romans 2:8).
The presence of conscience is one of the proofs that humans are more than just products of evolution. They are created in the image and likeness of God, and thus, deep inside, they have an inherent understanding of what is good and evil, right and wrong. The fall has disrupted the standards of good and evil, but the concept itself indelibly lives within humans.
Posted in Reading Bible Together