The Meaning Of Life

https://biblehub.com/nkjv/2_samuel/9.htm

I don’t know how long David mourned the death of Saul’s son Jonathon, but it had to have hit him hard. Jonathon was like a brother to him. And David hasn’t forgotten him, and wants to do something in his memory. David founds out that Jonathon named Mephibosheth, who we read about before and became lame when his nurse tripped and drop him as they were fleeing after the death of Saul and Jonathon. And David restored all that Saul had and gave it to Mephibosheth so he would be taken care of, and also guaranteed that he would sit at David’s table and dine for the rest of his life.

This shows the goodness of David, and a goodness we should all have. And as I’ve said before, hospitality was one of the best traits you could have; letting a traveler spend the night in your home, feeding them, sharing bread with a neighbor, being generous with others; that was what made a good person. Often you read in the Bible where a traveler stopped in a town, and someone invited them in, cooking a calf and having a big meal for them.

Chapter 10 discussed the goodness David showed towards a King named Nahash. The name is only mentioned a couple of other times in the Bible, but the passage suggests that he was kind to David at one time or another, so when Nahash died, he sent his respects to the family, delivered by some messengers. But Nahash’s son was now in charge, and one of his aids convinced him that the messengers were actually spies, and that David was planning an attack. So Nahash’s son took the messengers, cut half of their clothing off so their buttocks was hanging out, and shaved off half of their beards; to insult them. Then sent them on their way.

Today, there is a popular saying that I will clean up the language, but it basically means “mess around and find out”. In other words, is you stick your nose in someone else’s business, you might get a lesson. And that is what Nahash’s people (the Amorites) did. And when they found out the had made David angry, they hired some Syrians to help them defend themselves. And they battled Israel and lost.

If someone shows kindness to you, even if you suspect their intention isn’t genuine, accept their kindness. There is no need to start a feud unnecessarily. And always, always, if you find yourself in a situation you are suspicious of, turn to God, ask for guidance, and he will lead you to the best resolution.

! Chronicles 19 and 20 talk about the battle with Ammon and Syria, as well as other battles with the Philistines.

Play nice. That is the best advice to avoid conflict and to avoid making enemies, play nice. And God bless.