19:9:43

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David returns to Jerusalem

(2Sa 19:9-43)

Because the nation was still deeply divided as a result of Absalom’s revolt, David did not return to Jerusalem immediately.

He was waiting for the people to give an indication that they wanted him restored as king.

Some people of the northern tribes had suggested they invite David back, but the people of Judah, David’s own tribe, had apparently said nothing (2Sa 19:9-10).

Knowing the rivalry that existed between Judah and the other tribes, David cunningly suggested that Judah quickly show its support for him, otherwise it would be outdone by the other tribes.

Also, in an effort to win the allegiance of those Judahites who had followed Absalom, he made Amasa, Absalom’s commander, chief of his army.

This was clearly unfair to Joab, who had remained loyal to David and won him the victory (2Sa 19:11-14).

(Absalom, Joab and Amasa were cousins; see 1 Chron 2:13-17.)

As he was returning to Jerusalem, David was greeted by some of the people who had met him earlier when he was fleeing (2Sa 19:15-18a).

Shimei, who had previously cursed him, now begged his favour, and David promised not to execute him (2Sa 19:18b-23; cf. 2Sa 16:5-14; but see 1 Kings 2:8-9).

Mephibosheth contradicted Ziba’s earlier statement to David about Mephibosheth’s supposed disloyalty.

It seems that David did not know whom to believe, so he divided Saul’s property between the two of them (2Sa 19:24-30; cf. 2Sa 16:1-4).

By taking Barzillai’s son into the royal court, David rewarded Barzillai for his former kindnesses (2Sa 19:31-38; cf. 2Sa 17:27-29).

The party then crossed the Jordan and headed for Jerusalem (2Sa 19:39-40).

Judah responded so vigorously to David’s call to bring him back to Jerusalem, that it outdid the other tribes (see 2Sa 19:11, 40).

Unfortunately, the whole affair further stirred up those inter-tribal jealousies which one day would result in the breaking up of the kingdom (2Sa 19:41-43).