2 Samuel 4 - The Ark Brought to Jerusalem | Bible Podcast, David Alley, Peace Christian Church

In this video listen to 2 Samuel Chapter 4, read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.

In 2 Samuel Chapter 4 Ishbosheth, the king of Israel is assassinated in cold blood by two of his own military officers. They travel through the night and bring the head to David in Hebron thinking they are bringing wonderful news. Israel now has only one remaining heir to the throne, which is Mephibosheth, the lame and crippled grandson of Saul.

The two assassins declared to David that “God had delivered him of his enemies.” This is an interesting thing depending on one’s perspective. What they had done was cold-blooded murder and deserved to be punished. The Lord can hardly be endorsed as the motivator for this. From the men’s perspective they were glory-seeking and didn’t care about David’s deliverance, or the Lord’s honor, only their own advancement.

From David’s perspective these men had to be punished for their crime, and to show he had no part in it. This was both the righteous thing to do, and also the right political thing to do too. But strangely what they said was actually true. The death of Ishbosheth was a deliverance, despite being at the hands of evil men, that David needed.

The Lord used this to bring about his plan, despite its origination in the hearts of evil men. Incredibly the Lord often brings about his purposes despite the evil intentions of people. Is there anyone that you know with certainty is not in the will of God. Is there a so called king like Ishbosheth that you know of. It could be a leader of any type.

If it is clear to you that they do not belong… even still, do not raise your hand against them. What does Christ say? Love your enemies. Do good to those who persecute you.