26 And Israel and Absalom encamped in the land of Gilead.
27 When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi the son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, and Machir the son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim, 28 brought beds, basins, and earthen vessels, wheat, barley, flour, parched grain, beans and lentils, 29 honey and curds and sheep and cheese from the herd, for David and the people with him to eat, for they said, “The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.”
Where God Allows Suffering, He Provides Sustenance!
In the above passage we have the final chapters in the story of David and his rebellious son, Absalom. Absalom had turned the hearts of the people away from David and toward his leadership (2 Samuel 15:1-3). As a result, David is forced to leave Jerusalem and Absalom appoints himself as king. The son is not in hot pursuit of the father. David, in his older age, has come to the realization that God allows in our life what God allows. He does not want to go against God’s plan for him ... no matter the suffering. Even in the cursing he received he acknowledged God’s hand in his life:
2 Samuel 16:10-11 (ESV)
10 But the king said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the LORD has said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’” 11 And David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my own son seeks my life; how much more now may this Benjaminite! Leave him alone, and let him curse, for the LORD has told him to.
In the above passage we see that Absalom is bearing down on David. David is on the run and had to leave in haste. Three men from relationships he had in the past have come to his aide with refreshments and provision. This is an amazing part of the story that could be overlooked if we are not careful. God allows suffering into our lives. God often uses suffering as the chiseling tool to shape us into His image and refine our love for Him. During that suffering-chiseling-refining process, God sends refreshment and provisions to sustains us along the way. That is the God we love and honor and serve ... even in the midst of suffering.
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