David's Exhaustion

"2 Samuel 15:13-16:14

Refreshed in the midst of troubles

David’s own son Absalom has turned against him, and David is told that the ‘hearts of the people of Israel are with Absalom’ (15:13). This must have been devastating news. David, a great man of God, a king for God’s people and a ‘type’ of Christ (indeed, an ancestor of Christ), faced many troubles in his life.

Tears

We see just how upset David was. He ‘continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went; his head was covered and he was barefoot’ (v.30). All the people were also ‘weeping as they went up’ (v.30). Indeed, ‘The whole countryside wept aloud’ (v.23).

Disappointment

Not only did David’s own son turn against him, but Mephibosheth was also disloyal to him even though David had gone out of his way to help him. He stayed in Jerusalem because he thought ‘Today the house of Israel will give me back my grandfather’s kingdom’ (16:3). Disloyalty is always so disappointing.

Criticism

Shimei shouted insults, threw rocks and cursed David. David does not seek revenge. Rather, he chooses to leave the matter in God’s hands (vv.11–12).

Exhaustion

David ‘and all the people with him arrived at their destination exhausted’ (2 Samuel 16:14). We often say that we are ‘exhausted’. However, we probably don’t know the meaning of the word. When we read of what David went through it is not surprising that he was genuinely ‘exhausted’.

The Christian life is never without troubles, tears, sadness and disappointments. However, what distinguishes the people of God is their relationship with God.

In the midst of all his troubles, David prays, ‘O Lord, turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness’ (15:31). His prayer is answered – but not in the way he expects. Ahithophel gives good advice, but it is rejected. So God answered the spirit of the prayer (see 2 Samuel 17:14).

In the midst of his exhaustion, David ‘refreshed himself’ (16:14). As The Message puts it: ‘There they rested and were revived’ (v.14). Sometimes you just need to take a break and rest to be revived and refreshed physically, spiritually and emotionally. We are not told how David did this exactly. However, if the psalms are anything to go by, we know it was through his close relationship with God that he found refreshment.

No doubt David was emotionally refreshed by the loyalty of his friends Zadok (15:24 onwards), Hushai (v.37), Ziba (16:1–4) and Ittai, who said to him, ‘Wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be’ (15:21).

Lord, thank you that there is no trouble that this life can bring from which you do not rescue me, ultimately with eternal life in your presence. Thank you that, in the middle of my troubles, I can pray to you and be refreshed by the presence of God (Act 3:19)."

1. Thank You for the eternal life and Your promises. May I always look forward to this and not be discouraged while I am here.

2. You have indeed talked to me tonight, O God. Straight to the heart. Please work within me.

3. Thank You for the fellowship and for the church friends.