Year: 2023

03/10/2023

引言：

箴言16:33 签放在怀里，定事由耶和华。意思是我们所的事，最后的结果还得看神的旨意。因为谋事在人，成事在神！

一、神定意 破恶人良谋 (V1-14)

1. 亚希多弗 再献计谋（V1-5）
亚希多弗很有智谋，现在献第二计便要追杀大卫，速战速决。所以大家都以这计谋为美。

押沙龙既然有了亚希多弗这么好的策略，为什么还要想到听听户筛怎么说呢？这就是神奇妙的工作！就像箴言21:1所说：王的心在耶和华手中好像垄沟的水，随意流转。

2.神借户筛 破坏良谋（V6-13）
户筛刻意强调‘你父亲是英雄，跟随他的人也都是勇士’，让押沙龙不敢立即追击大卫，必须等大军聚集后再出击。户筛又知道押沙龙是一个虚荣的人，所以又强调押沙龙应当‘亲自率领他们出战’，成为得胜的王。

骄傲使押沙龙爱慕虚荣，没有足够的智慧去判断哪一个是‘良谋’，结果否决了亚希多弗的计谋。

3. 为要降祸在押沙龙（V14）
押沙龙会信任户筛，甚至觉得他的主意比亚希多弗更好，这都是出于神的决定！因为神的应许是要大卫作王。所以V14说：…这是因耶和华定意破坏亚希多弗的良谋，为要降祸与押沙龙。

这其实是神应许了大卫的祷告：使亚希多弗的计谋变为愚拙（撒下15:31）。这一切事情的发生都在神的旨意！

二、神掌权 保守报信人（V15-23）

户筛并不晓得押沙龙最后决定，所以他得到情报后，赶紧经过：祭司撒督和亚比亚他、使女、约拿单和亚希玛斯在巴户琳妇人的掩护逃出，才通知到大卫连夜过约但河，其中任何一步出错都不成。

虽然这一切是出于神的带领和掌权，但人也必须去做有自己该做的事。面对应该要做的，我们不要轻看或忽略，其实都很重要，即使只能做一点点，都是成就神事工的一块拼图！少了一块都不行！

三、神同在 旷野有恩待（V24-29）

大卫来到玛哈念，押沙龙很快也率领以色列全军追上来。这里提到三个人来见大卫，就是：朔比、玛吉和巴西莱。这几个外邦人和大卫之间，本来没有什么交情，甚至以前是仇敌，却在大卫落难的时候，给大卫带来生活上最基本的必需品。

大卫现在是在神的管教当中，但是我们仍然看见，神借着这些外邦人跟河东的以色列人，来向大卫显明神没有忘记他、没有放弃他。神仍然在那里看顾恩待大卫！与大卫同在！

总结：

我们看到神对大卫的保守，即使有天下第一谋士出了上好的计策，但押沙龙也无法伤害大卫，因为神保护大卫！愿神帮助我们，不只是做什么事情求主帮助，更是要明白我们要做的是否出于神的旨意，然后尽力做我们该做的事，并把结果交给神！因为谋事在人，成事在神！

2 Samuel 17 Man plans, but God accomplishes
GK611 Morning Devotion
3/10/2023
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Ps. Daniel Kew

Introduction：

Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. This means that the final result of what we do depends on God’s will. It’s up to man to plan, but it’s up to God to make it happen!

1. God had determined to defeat the evil man’s good plan (V1-14)

(1) Ahithophel presents another strategy (V1-5)

Ahithophel was very resourceful, and now he came up with a second plan to pursue David and kill him quickly. So, everyone thought this plan was a good idea.

Since Absalom had such a good strategy by Ahithophel, why would he want to listen to what Hushai said? This is the wonderful work of God! As Proverbs 21:1 says: The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.

(2) God uses Hushai to destroy good plans (V6-13)

Hushai deliberately emphasised that ‘you know your father and his men, that they are mighty men’ so that Absalom did not dare to pursue David immediately and had to wait for the army to gather before attacking. Hushai also knew that Absalom was a vain man, so he emphasised that Absalom should “lead them personally into battle” and become a victorious king.

Pride made Absalom love vanity, and he did not have enough wisdom to judge which one was a “good plan”, so he rejected Ahithophel’s plan.

(3) To bring disaster upon Absalom (V14)

Absalom would trust Hushai and even think that his idea was better than Ahithophel’s. This was all due to God’s decision! Because God’s promise was to make David king. Therefore, V14 says: …This is because the Lord had purposed to defeat the good advice of Ahithophel, to the intent to bring disaster on Absalom.

This was God’s answer to David’s prayer: He turned Ahithophel’s advice into foolishness (2 Samuel 15:31). All these things happen according to God’s will!

2. God is in control and the messenger is safe (V15-23)

Hushai did not know Absalom’s final decision, so after he got the information, he hurried escaped under the cover of Zadok and Abiathar the priests, the female servant, Jonathan and Ahimaaz with the Bahurim woman. Only then did they inform David that he had to cross the Jordan River overnight, and there was no way he could go wrong in any step.

Although all of this is under the guidance and control of God, people must also do what they should do. When faced with what we should do, we should not underestimate or ignore it. In fact, it is all very important. Even if we can only do a little bit, it is a piece of the puzzle to accomplish God’s ministry! Not even be short of one piece!

3. God with us, there is kindness in the wilderness (V24-29)

David came to Mahanaim, and Absalom soon followed him with the Israelite army. Three people are mentioned here who came to see David: Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai. There was no friendship between these foreigners and David. They were even enemies in the past. However, when David was in trouble, they brought him the basic necessities.

David is now under God’s discipline, but we still see that God used these foreigners and the Israelites east of the river to show David that God had not forgotten him or given up on him. God was still there to care for David! Be with David!

Conclusion：

We see God’s protection of David. Even if the best counsellor in the world came up with a good plan, Absalom could not harm David because God protected David! May God help us, not only to ask the Lord for help with what we do but also to understand whether what we want to do is according to God’s will, then try our best to do what we should do and leave the results to God! Because it’s up to man to plan, but it’s up to God to make it happen!

29/09/2023

引言：种瓜得瓜、种豆得豆的原理！

一、逃难之中遇贵人？（16:1-4）

洗巴是扫罗家的仆人，扫罗死后，大卫恩待扫罗仅存的孙子米非波设，并把扫罗王的产业赐了给他。不料当大卫再次落难时，却蒙了洗巴的恩待。到底洗巴是好人吗？不！他诬告米非波舍背叛大卫，仿佛扫罗家只有他是唯一对大卫忠心的人。如此一来不是可以得着扫罗的产业吗？

大卫在此时也缺了分辨力，落难中还遭到恶人蒙骗。落难是因为当问题出现时，大卫沉默，没有按照真理说出该说的话，所以事情才恶化了。

二、虎落平阳被犬欺？（16:5-8）

大卫是个可以杀死万万的战士，示每这小子算得了什么？竟然敢百般羞辱的咒骂大卫。而且大卫虽然是在逃难中，但是身旁仍然不缺大能的勇士。只要大卫不拦阻部下，示每早就死了，哪里有机会咒骂大卫。但是大卫逆来顺受，因为他看这一切为神所给他的刑罚，这是先前犯罪的后果。得罪神又伤害人的结果，神已经算是非常恩待他了，没有要了他的命。明白律法的大卫知道自己所犯的是死罪啊！如今只要不至于死，其他遭遇都算小事了。

三、忍气吞声听凭主！（16:9-14）

谁敢攻击大卫王？他的部下作为贴身护卫，是愿意挺身而出，为王制服敌人的。但是大卫深知自己犯罪得罪神，所以不敢作任何反抗。因着以上的认知，如今这么被人羞辱，遭遇儿子的背叛造反，他都默然承受。正如大卫在诗篇 39:9所说的：“ 因我所遭遇的是出于你，我就默然不语。”如今即使被羞辱，他也都默默忍受，不作任何回应，知道神在看着。这样的谦卑不也是另一种属灵的力量吗？

四、逆子篡位显恶行！（16:15-23）

这些臣仆与亲信的叛变，儿子的篡位，对大卫来说都是早有预备的事；因为当他与拔示巴犯罪的时候，神已经警告他（撒下 12:11-12）耶和华如此说：‘我必从你家中兴起祸患攻击你，我必在你眼前把你的妃嫔赐给别人，他在日光之下就与她们同寝。你在暗中行这事，我却要在以色列众人面前、日光之下报应你。’因此，大卫可以很冷静的忍受一切可怕和悲惨的后果。因为大卫只期待神怜悯宽恕他，他知道只有神才得以让他重新站立。

尽管环境和四围的遭遇都对自己不利，但是神是万事的掌权者，只有当人完全回转到神面前，按照神的法则做事，神的祝福才会全然恢复。因此，大卫一再的从祸患苦难中反省再反省，只能默默等候神施恩。

总结：当发声的时候要说话！

家庭孩子出问题的时候，大卫原本很需要站出来说话时，但是大卫默然不语，结果事情就恶化了。后来神施行管教，一连串的祸患临到，这时大卫在神面前也是默然不语。这是一种忏悔、默默承受神的管教。这是一种在神面前的自卑、悔过、懊恼。但是，有没有更积极的行动和出声表达呢？

2 Samuel 16: David was silent
GK611 Morning Devotion
28/9/2023
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Rev David Tan

Introduction: The principle that you reap what you sow!

1. Meeting a benefactor in the midst of escape? (16:1-4)

After the death of Saul, David treated Mephibosheth, Saul’s only remaining grandson, with favour and gave him King Saul’s inheritance. But when David was in trouble again, he was treated kindly by Ziba. Was Ziba a good man? No! He falsely accused Mephibosheth of betraying David, as if he was the only one in Saul’s house who was loyal to David. Wouldn’t this be a way to gain access to Saul’s inheritance?

David also lacked discernment at this point and was deceived by evil men in his trouble times. David faced trouble was due to the fact that when the problem arose, David was silent and did not speak out in accordance with the truth, and so things deteriorated.

2. A Fall of a Warrior and is deceived by a villain? (16:5-8)

David was a warrior who could kill ten thousand, what was this boy from Shimei? He dared to curse David in a humiliating manner. And even though David was on the run, he was still surrounded by mighty warriors. If only David hadn’t stopped his men, Shimei would have been dead long before he had a chance to curse David. But David took it in stride, for he saw it as God’s punishment for him, a consequence of his earlier sin. As a result of sinning against God and hurting people, God had been very gracious to him and had not taken his life. David, who understood the law, knew that what he had committed was a capital offence! Now, as long as he didn’t die, all the other things that happened to him were trivial.
Remained silent and listen to the Lord! (16:9-14)

Who dared to attack King David? His men, as personal guards, were willing to stand up for the king and subdue his enemies. But David knew that he had sinned against God, so he dared not make any resistance. Because of this knowledge, he was now humiliated and suffered the betrayal of his son, but he suffered in silence. As David said in Psalm 39:9, “I was mute, I did not open my mouth, because it was You who did it.” Now even when he is humiliated, he suffers in silence, not responding in any way, knowing that God is watching. Isn’t such humility another kind of spiritual power?

3. Remained silent and listen to the Lord! (16:9-14)

Who dared to attack King David? His men, as personal guards, were willing to stand up for the king and subdue his enemies. But David knew that he had sinned against God, so he dared not make any resistance. Because of this knowledge, he was now humiliated and suffered the betrayal of his son, but he suffered in silence. As David said in Psalm 39:9, “I was mute, I did not open my mouth, because it was You who did it.” Now even when he is humiliated, he suffers in silence, not responding in any way, knowing that God is watching. Isn’t such humility another kind of spiritual power?

4. The rebellious son’s usurpation of the throne reveals his wickedness! (16:15-23)

The defection of these servants and confidants, and the usurpation of the throne by his son, were all in preparation for David; for God had already warned him when he sinned with Bathsheba (2Sa 12:11-12) Thus says the LORD, ‘Behold, I will raise up adversity against you from your own house; and I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun.’ Thus David could endure all the terrible and tragic consequences with great equanimity. For David looked only to God for mercy and forgiveness, and he knew that God alone was able to put him back on his feet.

In spite of the circumstances and the encounters around him, which were not favourable to him, God is the Ruler of all things, and God’s blessings are fully restored only when a man fully turns back to God and works according to His laws. Therefore, David repeatedly reflected and re-reflected from his woes and sufferings, and could only wait silently for God to show His grace.

Conclusion: when it comes to speaking up, need to speak up!

When there was a problem with a family child, David was silent when he needed to stand up and speak out, and as a result, things worsened. Later on, when God administered discipline and a series of woes came, this is when David was also silent before God. This is a kind of repentance and silent bearing of God’s discipline. It was a kind of humbling himself before God, repentance, and remorse. But was there a more positive action and express by speaking up?

28/09/2023

引言：时间是疗愈剂？

有人说，时间是最好的疗愈剂，把问题放一边不去管它，时间久了问题自然解决。 但读圣经却让我们看见，时间绝对不会是疗愈剂。把问题拖久了不去管，到最后不但问题没有解决，反而是自己被问题‘咔嚓！解决了’！

今天撒下15，正是很好的例子。自从大卫犯了奸淫和杀人的罪后，心中应该有许多自责、被控诉定罪、甚至不知道怎么面对。所以在许多事上都抱以沉默不表态、只一味逃避的态度。尤其是在父亲当有职责上，更是疏于管教，放纵儿女。结果为押沙龙的造反预备了条件和机会。

一、离家逃避的结果（v1-12）

大卫和押沙龙虽然和好了，但因过往的罪和曾经纵容暗嫩，对押沙龙心存内疚，所以始终没有责备和纠正孩子的过犯。这导致押沙龙不但不知悔改，反而更变本加厉的开始处心积虑，图谋篡位。

1. 收买人心，密谋造反（v1-6）

押沙龙假装关心民情，其实是要指出大卫对百姓的失责，煽动百姓的不平，并表示自己会做的更好。此外他也表现屈尊降卑，与民亲善，以此收买人心，密谋造反。

在今天的许多选举中，甚至是在职场上，争夺名利地位的人，为了满足自己的私欲和虚荣之心，都在重复着押沙龙的伎俩。挖在上掌权者做得不足的地方然后放大，丑化一般。

2. 发动政变，自立为王（v7-12）

押沙龙花了四年时间收买民心后，就骗大卫说要回到希伯仑去还六年前向耶和华所许的愿。但实际上是发动政变。他不但在耶路撒冷带了二百人与他同去，也把大卫的谋士亚希多弗拉拢过来，并在希伯仑公开立自己作王！

大卫作为父亲、一国之君，没有尽当尽的责任。因为没有回家，生命不整合，结果不但给机会押沙龙怂恿百姓起来叛变，最终把这孩子送往灭亡的道路。这也是为什么我们一直在讲男人要回家。因为他不但关系到男人本身、更是影响到家庭和后代。

二、起来回家得忠臣（v13-23）

1. 放下权益，看重生命（v13-17）

神很爱大卫，用政变来逼他起来回家。
知道押沙龙叛变，也知道他为人心狠手辣，一定会进行杀戮。大卫宁可落跑也不肯动刀兵，爱惜百姓的性命甚过自己的王位、权利，也在患难中看见他爱民如自的真情！

2. 体恤下属，得着忠臣（v18-23）

大卫是体恤下属的好领袖。不愿他们跟着自己颠沛流离地受苦。所以就建议迦特人以太，带着他的弟兄回去留新王那里，或是回到他之前居住的外邦地。大卫的这份心意，大大的激励了以太，以至他立下了生死相随的誓言。大卫眼见他如此赤诚忠义，便让以太继续同行！以太后来被立为统帅，与约押等人并肩率军作战，是大卫的猛将。

三、归正靠神必得胜（v24-37）

1. 不是约柜，乃是真神（v24-26，30-32a）

撒督、亚比亚他是祭司长，当大卫逃亡时，他们情愿放弃安逸的生活，抬着神的约柜来跟随大卫逃往旷野。
在撒母耳时代，大卫已经学到了一个重要的属灵原则：人要跟着神走，而不能要求神跟着我们走。因此，大卫不要神的约柜跟着自己逃走。他要撒督、亚比亚把约柜抬回耶路撒冷去。更重要的是大卫深知，他要依靠的不是眼所能见的约柜，而是神自己。

在每一场的争战中，得胜不是建立在外在的事物或礼仪上，而是我们的生命里是否有肉眼看不见的神？还有我们的生命是否归正对准神、讨神喜悦？不然就算把约柜抬出来，也会像以利的两个儿子，不但死在战场上、连约柜都被掳去。

2. 上下一心，得胜在望（v27-29，32b-37）

当大卫归正紧紧的依靠神后，我们看到神就赐下战略良策，教导他如何布局，里应外合。

对比跟随押沙龙背叛大卫的以色列百姓，跟在大卫身边的人是极少。但这一小群的人与大卫是肝胆相照，顺服追随权柄。所以在不久的将来，我们就看到因着他们的上下一心，大卫很快就得胜了押沙龙，得回政权。

总结：回家是出路

任何再困难、再糟糕的环境中，不要放棄、更不要逃避。什么时候我们选择站起来回家，什么时候就有出路。

2 Samuel 15: Retun home and realign, no running away
GK611 Morning Devotion
28/9/2023
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Ps. Deborah Tan

Introduction: Is time a healer?

Some people say that time is the best healer. If you put the problem aside and ignore it, the problem will be solved naturally over time. But reading the Bible allows us to see that time will never be a healer. If you put off the problem for a long time and ignore it, in the end, not only will the problem not be solved, but you will be “broken” by the problem! solved’!

Today’s 2 Samuel 15 is a good example. Ever since David committed adultery and murder, he must have felt a lot of self-blame, been accused, and convicted, and didn’t even know how to deal with it. Therefore, in many matters, he adopted an attitude of silence and avoidance. Especially when it comes to the father’s responsibilities, he neglects to discipline but indulges his children. As a result, this created opportunities for Absalom’s rebellion.

1. The consequences of running away from home (v1-12)

Although David and Absalom reconciled, he felt guilty towards Absalom for his past sins and for having indulged Amnon, so he never rebuked or corrected his children’s transgressions. This caused Absalom not only not to repent, but to intensify his efforts to plot to usurp the throne.

(1) Win people’s hearts and plot rebellion (v1-6)

Absalom pretended to care about the people, but in fact, he wanted to point out David’s negligence towards the people, incite the people’s injustice, and say that he would do better. In addition, he also showed condescension and kindness to the people, thereby winning people’s hearts and plotting rebellion.

In many elections today, and even in the workplace, those vying for fame, fortune and status are repeating Absalom’s tactics in order to satisfy their own selfish desires and vanity. It digs into the areas where those in power have not done enough and then magnifies and vilifies them.

(2) Launch a coup and establish himself as king (v7-12)

After Absalom spent four years to win over the people, he lied to David and said that he would return to Hebron to fulfil the vow he made to the Lord six years ago. But it was a coup. Not only did he take 200 men with him to Jerusalem, but he also gathered David’s counsellor Ahithophel and publicly established himself as king in Hebron!

David failed to fulfil his responsibilities as a father and king of a country. Because he did not return home and his life was not integrated, not only gave Absalom the opportunity to encourage the people to rebel but ultimately sent the child to the road of destruction. This is why we keep talking about men returning home. Because it not only affects the man himself but also affects the family and future generations.

2. Get up and go home to gain loyal ministers (v13-23)

(1) Put aside your rights and value your life (v13-17)

God loved David very much and used a coup to force him to get up and go home.

Knowing that Absalom was rebellious, he also knew that he was ruthless and would definitely kill. David would rather run away than use weapons. He cherished the lives of the people more than his own throne and rights. We also saw his true love for the people as himself in the midst of adversity!

(2) Be considerate of subordinates and win loyal ministers (v18-23)

David is a good leader who is considerate of his subordinates. He doesn’t want them to follow him and suffer. Therefore, it was suggested to Ittai the Gittite to take his brothers back to stay with the new king, or to return to the foreign land where he lived before. David’s intention greatly inspired Ittai, so much so that he made an oath to accompany him in life and death. When David saw how sincere and loyal he was, he allowed Ittai to continue with him! Ittai was later appointed as the commander-in-chief and led the army to fight alongside Joab and others. He was David’s ferocious general.

3. If you realign and rely on God, you shall win (v24-37)

(1) Not the ark of God, but the true God (v24-26, 30-32a)

Zadok and Abiathar were the chief priests. When David fled, they were willing to give up their comfortable life and follow David into the wilderness carrying the ark of God.

During the time of Samuel, David had already learned an important spiritual principle: Man must follow God but cannot ask God to follow us. Therefore, David did not want the ark of God to escape with him. He asked Zadok and Abiathar to carry the ark of God back to Jerusalem. More importantly, David knew that what he had to rely on was not the visible ark of God, but God Himself.

In every battle, victory is not based on external things or rituals, but on whether is there an invisible God in our lives? And are our lives aligned with God and pleasing to Him? Otherwise, even if the ark of God is taken out, it will be like Eli’s two sons. Not only did they die on the battlefield, but the ark of God was also taken away.

(2) With one heart and one mind, victory is in sight (v27-29, 32b-37)

When David realigned and relied closely on God, we saw that God gave him strategic advice and taught him how to lay out the plan and coordinate with the help inside.

Compared to the people of Israel who followed Absalom and betrayed David, there were very few people who followed David. But this small group of people were in the same heart as David and obeyed and followed authority. So, not long later, we will see that because of their united efforts, David quickly defeated Absalom and regained power.

Conclusion: Return home is the way out

No matter how difficult or bad the environment is, never give up, let alone escape. When we choose to stand up and return home, there is a way out.

27/09/2023

引言：认真的人只错一次

一、生活的次序要再次摆对

1. 勿体贴肉体大于神 (V1-20)

体贴肉体的约押看见大卫肉体的需要，自己用了自己的方式，用人的聪明满足大卫的需要。他找了一位聪明的妇人来劝王，叫她假装居丧的寡妇到王面前说一个比喻，好让押沙龙可以回来。

2. 勿爱儿子大于爱神 (V21- 24)

大卫因为很爱和想念押沙龙，所以抵挡不过肉体的感情，想把他带回来。但回来了又不想见他，因为见了押沙龙若不处理他，在神、在人面前都说不过去。

大卫的纠结不是因为无知，而是因为明知故犯。他明明知道神的律法是故杀人的必被治死，但又舍不得父子情深，结果就在挣扎之中，埋下了家国灾难的祸根。

二、要知人知面更需要知心 （V25-27）

押沙龙和扫罗一样俊美，一样都得人的称赞。也生养众多，表面看来具备王位继承人的条件，使大卫没有动手惩罚他。押沙龙的女儿名叫他玛，和他被暗嫩玷污的妹子同名；他和妹子紧紧相连。

虽然人是俊美，但他内心的仇恨也很深，甚至把暗嫩杀害。甚至后来他追捕大卫像追捕猎物一样，大卫被押沙龙的俊美抓住了，也被押沙龙的气势盖过了。

三、站在对的位置要摆对位 （V28-33）

大卫爱子心切，没有站对位置拿起父亲的威严，而是用肉体去体贴和包容孩子。即便他杀了人、放火烧人的田、威迫约押，但大卫什么都没说就和他亲嘴。

大卫作为父亲，面对儿子如此软弱无力，其实是纵容儿子走上死路，也让自己的王位不保。

总结：一错再错，祸患无穷；知错悔改，必有后福

无论过去如何，让我们不要重复“错”，而是让 “错”成为过去。一起进入神恩典的门，在认真悔改的时刻，神一定会给我们机会回转。

2 Samuel 14 Serious Repentance, Stop the Woe
GK611 Morning Devotion
27/9/2023
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Co-Worker Asher Chang

Introduction: Serious people only makes mistakes once.

1. The order of life must be set right again

(1) Don’t treasure flesh before God (V1-20)

Considerate Joab saw the need of David’s flesh and used his own way to fulfill David’s need with human cleverness. He found a wise woman to persuade the king that she should pretend to be a widow in mourning to tell a parable before the king so that Absalom could return.

(2) Do not love your son more than God (V21- 24)

David couldn’t resist his fleshly feelings and wanted to bring him back because he loved and missed Absalom so much. But when he came back, he did not want to see him because if he saw Absalom and did not deal with him, he would not be able to explain before God or men.

David’s entanglement was not out of ignorance, but out of knowing. He knew that God’s law was that a murderer would be put to death, but he could not let go of his father’s love for his son. As a result, in the midst of his struggle, he planted the root of disaster for his family and his nation.

2. Knowing a man is more important than knowing his heart (V25-27)

Absalom was as handsome as Saul and as praised by the people. He also had many children and appeared to have the qualifications of an heir to the throne, which prevented David from punishing him. Absalom’s daughter’s name was Tamar, the same name as his sister who had been defiled by Amnon; he and her were closely related.

Though the man was handsome, the hatred of his heart ran deep, even to the point of murdering Amnon. Even later he pursued David like a prey, and David was seized by Absalom’s handsomeness and overshadowed by Absalom’s manner.

3. Standing in the Right Position to Set the Right Position (V28-33)

David loved his son so much that he did not stand in the right position to take up the majesty of a father, but used his flesh to be considerate and tolerant of his child. Even though he killed a man, set fire to a man’s field, and intimidated Joab, David kissed him without saying anything.

By being so weak as a father in the face of his son, David actually condoned his son’s path to death and put his own throne at risk.

Conclusion: Repeated mistakes will lead to endless trouble; repentance of mistakes will lead to future blessings

Regardless of what happened in the past, let us not repeat our “mistakes”, but let them become the past. Let us enter the door of God’s grace together, and in the moment of serious repentance, God will surely give us the opportunity to turn around.

26/09/2023

引言：养不教，父之过。

一、不可疏忽 儿女的管教（V1-21）

1. 留意孩子 结交之友（V1-5）

大卫长子暗嫩爱上同父异母的妹妹她玛，相思成病。暗嫩的堂兄弟就给他出主意，装病要妹妹服侍而亲近妹妹。

当一个人心存恶念，加上损友投其所好，就会被蒙骗而选择听信坏注意，任恶者摆布！如有良朋从旁劝劝诫，或许悲剧不致发生！所以父亲要留意孩子，结交的是猪朋狗友，还是良朋益友。

2. 有求必应 宠成任性（V6-14）

大卫对暗嫩有求必应，虽然暗嫩很任性，装病要求妹妹她玛到自己的屋做饼，但是大卫毫不辨别就应允了。结果暗嫩放纵欲望，施暴奸污了妹妹。

许多父亲因为没时间与孩子相处，为了满足孩子的欲求，就有求必应，导致孩子任性妄为，甚至犯下重罪！

3. 犯罪恶果 罪上加罪（V15-20）

强暴了她玛，满足了肉体的欲望，暗嫩马上就由爱变恨，把她玛赶出去，完全不顾妹妹的伤害。这种行为真是罪上加罪！

4. 失职父亲 敢怒不教（V21）

大卫是一个失职的父亲。知道暗嫩强奸她玛，他甚发怒却没有管教和惩罚，也没有安慰她玛。而且由于大卫对这件事情的处理不当，造成了后来押沙龙为妹妹报仇的事件。

家里发生了重大的恶性事件，父亲必要起来管教，而不是以‘溺愛’去姑息孩子，这其实是在縱容罪惡，造成更多的恶果！神的爱，从不会放任和不去管教犯罪的孩子！

二、引导儿女 走当行的道 （V22-39）

1. 押沙龙因恨杀兄弟（V22-29）

押沙龙等了两年，大卫都没有惩罚暗嫩，结果押沙龙设计杀了暗嫩。显然，大卫要为这个家庭悲剧负责任！　　

作为父亲的，是要让家里充满爱！如果知道孩子之间存有芥蒂仇恨，一定要用爱引导儿女，化解仇恨，和睦相处。

2. 杀兄逃亡 偏行己路（V30-39）

大卫应该是对孩子疏于教导，没有从小教养孩子走当行的道，以致孩子多偏行己路。就像押沙龙选择杀兄为妹妹报仇，杀人之后选择逃亡。大卫只能天天为儿子悲哀！

虽然三年后，大卫渐渐从暗嫩身亡的痛苦中走出来，开始想念押沙龙，却无意纠正押沙龙的罪恶。大卫对暗嫩的纵容又重复在押沙龙身上，最终押沙龙也难逃死亡的结局！

总结：

让我们从大卫的家庭得到借镜。身为父亲，不但要以身作则，不但疼爱孩子，也要适当的管教孩子。我们才能成为称职的父亲，为神教养出合神心意的孩子！

2 Samuel 13 Father comes home to fulfill his fatherly duties
GK611 Morning Devotion
26/9/2023
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Ps. Daniel Kew

Introduction: It is the fault of the father to raise but not teacheable.

1. Do not neglect the discipline of your children (V1-21)

(1) Pay attention to children and their friends (V1-5)

David’s eldest son Amnon fell in love with his half-sister Tamar and became lovesick. Amnon’s cousins gave him advice, pretending to be sick so that his sister could serve him and get close to her.

When a person harbours evil thoughts and has bad friends who want to do what he wants, he will be deceived and choose to listen to the evil thoughts and be at the mercy of the evil ones! If there were good friends to advise and guide, perhaps the tragedy would not have happened! Therefore, fathers should pay attention to their children and their children’s friends, whether they are friends who cannot share adversity, or good friends who are trustworthy.

(2) Agree to requests easily and act presumptuously(V6-14)

David responded to Amnon’s requests easily. Although Amnon was very act presumptuously and pretended to be sick and asked his sister Tamar to come to his house to make cakes, David agreed without any discernment. As a result, Amnon indulged his lust and violently raped his sister.

Because many fathers do not have time to spend time with their children, in order to satisfy their children’s desires, they respond to their requests, causing their children to act willfully and even commit serious crimes!

(3) The consequences of crime adding yet more sin (V15-20)

After raping Tamar and satisfying his physical desires, Amnon immediately changed from love to hatred and drove Tamar out, completely ignoring the harm to his sister. This kind of behaviour is added yet more sin!

(4) A negligent father who dares to get angry but refuses to teach (V21)

David is a failed father. Knowing that Amnon raped Tamar, he was very angry but did not discipline or punish her, nor did he comfort Tamar. And because of David’s improper handling of this matter, Absalom later takes revenge for his sister.

When a serious and vicious incident occurs in the family, the father needs to get up and discipline him, instead of appeasing his children with “pampering”. This is condoning sin and causing more evil consequences! God’s love will never let go or fail to discipline children who sin!

2. Guide children in the way they should go (V22-39)

(1) Absalom killed his brother out of hatred (V22-29)

Absalom waited for two years, but David did not punish Amnon. As a result, Absalom planned to kill Amnon. Obviously, David is responsible for this family tragedy!

As a father, you should fill your home with love! If you know that there is grudges between children, you must guide them with love, resolve the hatred, and live in harmony.

(2) Flee after killing his brother and go on his own way (V30-39)

David probably neglected to teach his children and failed to educate them in the way they should go. As a result, the children tended to go their own way. Just like Absalom chose to kill his brother to take revenge for his sister, and then chose to flee after the murder. David could only mourn for his son every day!

Although three years later, David gradually got over the pain of Amnon’s death and began to miss Absalom, he had no intention of correcting Absalom’s sins. David’s connivance with Amnon was repeated on Absalom, and in the end, Absalom could not escape death too!

Conclusion：

Let’s take a lesson from David’s family. As a father, you must not only set an example, not only love your children but also discipline them appropriately. Only then can we become competent fathers and raise children who are in line with God’s will!