David, Ziba, and Shimei

2 Samuel Chapter 16

As David neared the top of the hill of the Mount of Olives, Ziba, Mephibosheth's servant (remember King Saul was Mephibosheth's grandfather)caught up with him. He led two donkeys loaded with two hundred loaves of bread,one hundred clusters of raisins, one hundred bunches of summer fruit and a skin of wine. He told the King that the food was for his people on their journey. When David asked him where Mephibosheth was, the servant replied that his master had stayed in Jerusalem. So David gave Ziba everything that Mephibosheth owned.

As David's party passed Bahurim a man came out cursing them and throwing stones. It was Shimei, son of Gera,a member of Saul's family. He shouted that the Lord was paying David back for murdering Saul and his family and stealing his throne. When one of David's men offered to kill the cursing man, David stopped him and said that the Lord may have told the man to curse David. And David reminded him that his own son was trying to kill him, so this relative of Saul's had good reason to do so. He urged his men to leave the curser alone and Shimei the curser kept pace with the group, throwing stones at David.

Meanwhile Absalom and his men were in Jerusalem and Husai the Arkite approached them and gave his allegiance. When Absalom questioned his loyalty, Hushai replied that he worked for the man who was chosen by the Lord and by Israel and was there to help. Then Absalom turned to Ahithophel and asked him what to do next. Ahithophel told Absalom to go sleep with his father's concubines, then all of Israel would know Absalom had insulted his father beyond hope of reconciliation and everyone would give him their support. And Absalom followed Ahithophel's advice, just as David had done, for he believed that every word from Ahithophel seemed as though it came directly from God.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: David did not question Ziba's charge against Mephibosheth, but he should have been skeptical of someone who hoped to profit from another's downfall.
Shimei keep up the tirade and David chose to tolerate it. Being composed in the face of unjustified criticism can be draining, but if it can't be stopped, then just ignore it. God knows what is going on and will vindicate those who are in the right.
Verses 21,22 fulfilled Nathan's prediction that because of David's sin, another man would sleep with his wives (12:11,12).
Advisers to the kings had many duties and helped in governmental decisions and even arranging marriages. But this time, Ahithophel's advice for Absalom to sleep with the concubines was foolish, just as David had prayed.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? Are you like Shimei throwing stones and cursing politicians? Do think his methods got him anywhere? Do you sit on your couch or recliner and curse your leaders for their wrongs? Are you one of the many who forward unjust criticisms by e-mail? Do you ever try to research the problems for the true answers? Shimei could have been headless in a moment because David had the courage to ignore him. Your criticism from the comfort of your home does nobody good. If you seriously disagree with the system, why not get involved and change it. If you have just cause, the Lord will be beside you.

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH: Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents, and Arlene’s nephew David. Update on Lori: she sheds her back brace soon and can drive. She thanks God for healing her. Please continue to pray for her during recovery. Pray for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer. Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with MS.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has 90 percent of her speech back and is home from the hospital and having rehab for the paralysis on one side of her body. Continue to pray for her recovery.
Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues. Update on Stella: She has shed the feeding tube and is taking formula on her own! But breathing problems are still with her, though improving all the time. She continues to have a long road, so prayers are still needed. She has been moved to a St. Louis hospital.
Update on Craig: he ended up having a stent put in and is back to work. Keep him and his family on your list for prayers. Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake,those who need jobs, those who are about to lose or have lost their homes. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.