The ending of 2 Samuel 19 left us with strange happenings between the men of Judah and the men of Israel. This chapter picks up on the bickering and focuses on one man Sheba, a Benjamite. Within the chapter Joab, David’s nephew, killed Amasa, another nephew of David, while posing as a friend. In chapter nineteen, it appeared as if Amasa may take Joab’s place as commander of the king’s army. In this chapter, Joab insures that he will not by murdering him (4-13). He killed him while pretending to greet him as friend (9-10). Does this sound familiar? Think of Judas in the Garden with Jesus.
Verse three has been seen as harsh treatment of the ten concubines (2 Samuel 15.16) by David according to some commentators (i.e., Matthew Henry). However, David chose to care for these women for the remainder of their lives. Although Absalom brought them shame and disgrace in an act of rebellion against his father, David; David acted in a kind and just way to them.
The ending of this chapter (23-26) is another catalogue of whom David appointed to lead various parts of the kingdom.
This chapter presents people taking opportunities for good or for evil when presented. Sheba saw an opportunity for evil when the tribes were arguing and he began a rebellion. Amasa had an opportunity to become one of David’s great men but was slow to act. Joab saw opportunity to take his old position back by force and took it (he killed Abner, Absalom, and Amasa and will revolt with Adonijah–He must not have liked the “A”s). The woman of Abel saw a needful opportunity and devised a plan to make it happen. What opportunities for good have come you way that you have delayed acting on? Repent and seek the opportunity again. What opportunity for good have you been given that you have turned for evil? Repent. What opportunities have you been given to do good in which you followed the opportunity? Rejoice for you have blessed God.