Compassion

Based on 2 Samuel 1-3, Psalm 58

"Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men? Yea, in heart ye work wickedness; ye weigh the violence of your hands in the earth."
Psalms 58:1‭-‬2

David questions people's motives in the above Psalm. He wonders what is going on in their hearts...what kind of violence are they imagining? David was someone who faced many unfair situations. He was someone who could have given up the opportunity to be king because of how demanding the job was. But he didn't give it up! He knew he was anointed by God to be there, and that was enough to bring him through his unfair situations. It was even enough to allow him to have compassion on those who were once against him! Compassion is a humble quality, but one which made David the most noble kind of king!

"Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel. How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places." 2 Samuel 1:23-25

David was a man of honor because he gave honor to others! He had compassion, even when it was hardest to show it. I'm sure there were replays in David's mind of the hardships he went through with Saul, but even still, David had compassion. He always kept the mindset that Saul was The Lord's anointed. His mind was always focused on the godly principle behind his circumstances, so he was able to have that compassion.

"And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabesh–gilead were they that buried Saul. And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabesh–gilead, and said unto them, Blessed be ye of the Lord , that ye have shewed this kindness unto your Lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him. And now the Lord shew kindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing." 2 Samuel 2:4‭-‬6

David remembered the acts of compassion of others, and rewarded them too!

"Ish–bosheth Saul's son was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David." 2 Samuel 2:10

The kingdoms were divided, and David did experience some conflict with Abner the captain of Saul's host. They were against one another, but then they decided to have peace. This did not stop the vengeful hearts of some of the men who wanted to kill Abner for his previous acts...

"And Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David's servants nineteen men and Asahel. But the servants of David had smitten of Benjamin, and of Abner's men, so that three hundred and threescore men died. And they took up Asahel, and buried him in the sepulchre of his father, which was in Beth–lehem. And Joab and his men went all night, and they came to Hebron at break of day." 2 Samuel 2:30‭-‬32

"And they buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up his voice, and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept. And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth? Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou. And all the people wept again over him."
2 Samuel 3:32‭-‬34

David STILL had so much compassion at Abner's death! All the people even wept with him. His compassion sparked some compassion in others. We need strength & boldness in our compassion, too! Let's not be afraid to show it in Jesus' Name!