Reader’s Guide: “The Word for Today” Friday, November 16, 2012 Read – 2 Samuel 19 & 20 Chapter 19 wraps up the fateful story of Absalom and relates how David is able once again to return to Jerusalem and reestablish his kingdom. David is pictured as one who bestows mercy and kindness even on some of those who had opposed him. Unfortunately, we will learn that David remembers, and some of those who are treated kindly will meet there demise when Solomon rises to power – and it will be David who tells Solomon to avenge these very detractors who David appears to pardon. This is not a very pleasant story! Chapter 20 reveals that even in David’s time there were cracks in the alliance between the North and the South. The rebellion of Sheba is quickly put down, but the seeds of division are still germinating and growing. Solomon will manage to keep the kingdom together, but his son Rehoboam will prove unable to sustain the united kingdom. As we step back and think about this whole story we can’t help but wonder what might have been if God had not relented and given the people the king they wanted. We need to remember that having a king was not God’s idea. The story we are reading bears out God’s wisdom. But God works with God has to work with. That is the amazing thing about this whole story. God finds a way!