Absalom is killed and David returns to Jerusalem.

• Pardon – As David returns to Jerusalem he pardons those who had sided with Absalom. He even makes Absalom’s general Amasa his new general.  Do you pardon those who hurt you?  Who do you need to forgive and reconcile with?
• Revenge – Joab has a different heart than David. Rather than spare Absalom, he kills him.  Later he will kill Amasa who was to take his place as general.  What do you do when people cross you?  Are you seeking vengeance on someone?

Absalom proclaims himself king.  Note:

• Pride – Absalom wants everyone to be impressed with him – riding a chariot with 50 men running before him. He proudly seeks to take the kingdom from his own father.  What does your pride look like?  What will you do about it?
• Loyalty – Absalom proclaims himself king, and many of David’s officials follow him. Yet many also remain loyal to David.  Are you loyal toward your leaders?  Associates?  Friends?  Family?  Church?  Can they count on you?

David’s sin had dire consequences for himself and his family:

• Consequences of sin – David confesses his sin, and God forgives him, but the consequences of his sin remain. His family and all of Israel will suffer because of his sin.  God will forgive your sin when you confess it to him, but the consequences of your sin may remain to hurt you and your loved ones.  Again – guard your life!
• Following their father – Amnon follows his dad’s example by taking Tamar. Absalom responds by following his dad’s example and killing Amnon.  David’s adultery and murder are passed on to the next generation.  What sins do you need to overcome lest you pass them down to the next generation?

Our passage today is the turning point of the book, as David begins in triumph, but then yields to temptation and sins against God.

• Triumph – The Lord gave David victory after victory over his enemies. With what triumphs has God blessed you?  How do you think you should respond?
• Temptation and sin – David goes for a walk and sees a woman bathing. At that point, he should have just turned away.  Instead he pursues it, and by the end he has committed adultery and murder.  How quickly we can fall!  Do you toy with temptations or do you run?  Are you on guard?

David brings the ark to Jerusalem and receives a covenant promise from God.  Consider:

• Proper Worship – Uzzah touches the ark which was not to be touched. God kills him, and the worship service is done.  We must worship God according to his commands.  Later they finish moving the ark.  David is dancing and rejoicing before the Lord.  Do you worship with this kind of joy and enthusiasm?
• Davidic Covenant – God promises David that his kingdom and throne will never end. Ultimately this promise is fulfilled in Jesus, the Son of David, who receives the same promises in Luke 1:32-33.  Have you bowed your life before your king?

With Saul dead, David becomes king of Judah, and then over all Israel.  Observe:

• Attitude towards leaders – Saul has been hunting David for several years, but David doesn’t rejoice when he hears that Saul died. Instead he mourns.  Saul was God’s anointed leader, and even though he didn’t follow the Lord, his death was a tragedy.  What is your attitude towards your leaders?
• Seeking direction – When the Philistines hear that David is king, they prepare for battle. David seeks the Lord’s direction and follows it, and wins the battle.  For what in your life do you need to seek God’s direction?  As you read his Word, are you seeking to follow his directions?