Day 116, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): 2Samuel 2:1-4:3; 4:5-5:5; 1Chronicles 3:1-4a; 1Chronicles 11:1-3
Defusing Power Struggles with Diplomacy
In America, we have a political primary season every two years. Then we watch the power struggles between the political parties for supremacy. But there are other types of power struggles. We see them in our homes between siblings or between parents and their children, and we see them at our jobs. The good news is that diplomacy can settle some factions.
Definition of Diplomacy
Diplomacy is the art of handling conflicts or potential conflicts with people with sensitivity and grace. Diplomacy is skill and tact in dealing with people. This skill may require giving honor, exercising restraint, and dealing with injustice.
Tough Situations Require Tact
In a competitive spirit, many encourage taking advantage of other people’s weaknesses to capitalize on opportunities. We do this in sports or games and in business. We consider it smart or savvy, but is this always good? What should we do when the previous manager of a company or organization was popular with his co-workers and customers, or the former parent was well-loved? To take advantage of these situations can backfire on us.
Sometimes, it is difficult to be diplomatic and to show honor and restraint. During times of stress or transition, we may want to take advantage of someone’s downfall or unpopularity. We may despise and speak abusively of that person, and promote our ideas and methods as being superior. We may even become manipulative. All of this is human nature.
In Jewish history, David, the newly crowned king of Judah, shows us a different, more godly way of handling power struggles and how to defuse them.
David's Diplomacy
In our recent Bible studies, we read that King Saul and three of his sons died in battle. An Amalekite reports his death to David, saying he helped to slay his enemy and brought his crown to him. In a pretense of honoring David, the Amalekite saw an opportunity to be rewarded. Instead, David grieves for King Saul and kills the Amalekite. In this, he shows honor and respect for God’s anointed. He doesn’t rejoice over Saul’s death, even though Saul (in his mad jealousy) always tried to kill him. David loved his father-in-law, the king. He grieves Saul’s death.
Is our love more than our hurt? How can we love our enemies like David?
Jesus said we must love our enemies and do good to those who despitefully use and abuse us (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27). Obeying that command is challenging. We need God’s help!After Saul’s death, Abner, the commander of his armies, installs one of Saul’s remaining sons on the throne of Israel. Ishbosheth is a weak king, however, and Abner strengthens his position in the realm. Perhaps to shore up his image, King Ishbosheth accuses Abner of sleeping with one of Saul’s wives. Abner is so offended by the attack on his integrity that he tells the new king that he will turn the entire kingdom of Israel over to David. Ishbosheth fears Abner and is silent after that.
Abner loses no time in meeting with David and trying to convince the elders of Israel to appoint him as their next king. When Joab, the head of David’s armies, returns from battle and hears about the meeting, he is irate that David let his enemy go—he thinks him a spy.
To avoid trouble, and to prevent David from allying with Abner, Joab and his brother Abishai pursue Abner and kill him. “Joab and his brother Abishai murdered Abner because he had killed their brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon” (2Samuel 3:30, NIV).
Does David seize this opportunity to attack Ishbosheth and gain the kingdom for himself? Not at all. He holds a public funeral for the outstanding commander of Israel’s forces. And, ironically, Joab leads the procession, the one who killed Abner! David also follows the casket to its burial place.
By showing genuine grief and honor for Abner, David shows his esteem for the armies of Israel, who followed him into battle. There was no malice in David’s heart—he had no part in the death of Abner. David even curses his commander Joab for his wrongful deeds.
Putting loyalties aside, we must stand with the righteous and rebuke the wicked, even if they are on our team or in our own family. Rebuking those who are wrong can be challenging, but it is right.
How were David’s actions toward Abner received? “All the people took note and were pleased; indeed, everything the king did pleased them. So on that day all the people and all Israel knew the king had no part in the murder of Abner son of Ner” (2 Samuel 3:36-37, NIV).
How we behave under challenging circumstances shows our character. Do we treat people with honor, or are we manipulative? Do we have the wisdom to show restraint? Can we wait for God to work, or do we feel we have to help him?
When King Ishbosheth hears Joab killed Abner, he loses all confidence to lead. This alarms all the Israelites, and some Benjamites kill Ishbosheth. Thinking they might gain favor with David, they cut off his head and bring it to him.
Like the Amalekite, who tried to deliver “good news” to David about Saul’s death, David kills him for murdering Ishbosheth while asleep on his bed. In doing this, David shows to all Israel that he has a regard for the family of King Saul, as he promised Prince Jonathan by an oath (1Samuel 20:15-17).David then gives Ishbosheth a proper burial.
We, too, need to defend the defenseless and give proper honor to those in power.
David is a man of God and also a good diplomat. When the Israelites observe King David honoring them as a nation, they ask him to be king over all of Israel and Judah. This decision unites their countries. David’s action brings peace and unity by showing honor, respect, and restraint.
Are any of us in a power struggle with God? If we will humble ourselves and receive God’s gift of salvation, he will be on our side, not against us. He will give us forgiveness, peace, and spiritual life (more...).
Webster’s New World Dictionary, 2nd College Edition, ©.1980, p.398
Focus Verse
Psalm 37:34 (NIV) “Wait for the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.”
Discussion
What is diplomacy?
How can we defuse power struggles in our homes, church, or on the job?
What is the way that God wants us to get ahead?
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to mtbiblestudies@gmail.com
Looking Ahead: Now that Israel is a united nation, how do they secure God's favor? Find out how we can Secure God's Favor in our Next Lesson.
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