While Judah and Israel were struggling over who should have brought David back to Jerusalem, a rebel by the name of Sheba declared himself king and denied David’s right to be king. Many of Israel followed him, but Judah remained loyal to David. David went into his house, put away his concubines which Absalom had defiled, and provided for them as if they were widows for the rest of their lives. David then asked Amasa to assemble his men within three days for a plan to take care of Sheba. Amasa delayed, so then David called for Abishai, Joab’s brother and sent him after Sheba. So Joab’s men, and the mighty men of David, went after Sheba. While at Gibeon, Amasa showed up, and Joab greeted him, but then cut open his stomach and killed him. Joab and Abishai continued to pursue Sheba, and one of Joab’s men pulled Amasa out of the road and covered him with a garment. Then the people followed Joab to pursue Sheba. They caught up with Sheba at Abel of Beth Maachah. They built a siege mound and began to attack the city. A wise woman of the city asked for Joab, and they struck a deal. Rather than the whole city dying, she would have them throw the head of Sheba over the wall. Once they did, Joab sounded retreat and they returned to David.
By the facts of this story, it would seem that Israel was a bloodthirsty nation, and–in truth–it was. That is part of why David was not allowed to build a temple for God in Jerusalem. However, one thing is for sure, and that is that David’s leadership was strong, and his men would do anything to protect and defend him. This type of devotion (with a little less bloodshed) is the type of devotion we need to have with our king. Be sold out to Jesus the King, and follow Him to the ends of the earth if necessary to show your faithfulness to Him. He is the only leader worthy of such loyalty!
Devoted To You 