2Sa 17:27-29 | KingComments | STEP | Here we see who David’s friends are. Again, they are mainly heathen. David has made friends among the enemies. When he arrives in Mahanaim, others meet him with soothing and strengthening means, such as beds and food. There is enough for David and the people. Machir, the son of Ammiel from Lo-debar is also present. He lovingly cared for Mephibosheth ( ). Thus in the time of the Lord Jesus there are also people who have something for Him and His disciples ( ). They have an eye for the Man after God’s heart and for those who go with Him and share in His reproach. They can empathize with the hardships they have suffered (cf. ). How important it is to feel what the Lord’s servants are experiencing, to give them things that invigorate and strengthen them. It is withheld once from Gideon, when he is in battle and pursuing the enemy ( ). Later he returned to punish this negative attitude ( ). What we learn in this chapter is that we can ask the Lord for wisdom to counsel others in a way that promotes His work. This happens when we acknowledge and stimulate those who are involved in His work. It is important for all time to choose His side, which we can show by helping others in what they need so they can persevere in their way with Him.

‏ 2 Samuel 17:27-29

Friendship Service

Here we see who David’s friends are. Again, they are mainly heathen. David has made friends among the enemies. When he arrives in Mahanaim, others meet him with soothing and strengthening means, such as beds and food. There is enough for David and the people. Machir, the son of Ammiel from Lo-debar is also present. He lovingly cared for Mephibosheth (2Sam 9:3-5).

Thus in the time of the Lord Jesus there are also people who have something for Him and His disciples (Lk 4:39 ; Lk 5:29-30 ; Lk 10:38-40). They have an eye for the Man after God’s heart and for those who go with Him and share in His reproach. They can empathize with the hardships they have suffered (cf. Heb 13:3).

How important it is to feel what the Lord’s servants are experiencing, to give them things that invigorate and strengthen them. It is withheld once from Gideon, when he is in battle and pursuing the enemy (Jdg 8:5-6). Later he returned to punish this negative attitude (Jdg 8:15-17).

What we learn in this chapter is that we can ask the Lord for wisdom to counsel others in a way that promotes His work. This happens when we acknowledge and stimulate those who are involved in His work. It is important for all time to choose His side, which we can show by helping others in what they need so they can persevere in their way with Him.