As As King David and his people fled from Jerusalem, he encountered an enraged man who showered him with accusations, curses, and condemnation.

Today on Truth for Life, we will hear David's surprising response

and learn how God sometimes reveals his plan and purpose

through such unlikely sources.

Alistair Begg is teaching from the opening verses

in 2 Samuel chapter 16.

Now you know Ziva because we met him before. We were introduced to him way back in Chapter 9. In the encounter with Maphibiseth, you remember, the son of Jonathan who was lame

in his feet and needed somebody to care for him. And here we find him showing up on this occasion, essentially with a

picnic. And there's something about his gesture, a gesture of generosity, that doesn't quite

meld with the fact that his loyalty, his generosity is expressed here to David, but his loyalty lies

with Saul. He is the servant of Saul. And so this a strange little encounter with Zeba has to

be set within the wider framework. And I wonder, isn't that why? David then says, and where is your master's son? And Ziba said to the

king, behold, he remains in Jerusalem. True. Today, he said, the house of Israel will give me back

the kingdom of my father. In other words, he says, this is what Maphibishath is saying.

Now, that's not what David wants to hear, and it's certainly not what he expects, and he makes

a snap decision. I find this one of the most interesting little pieces in all that I've

read. And he said, well, then, behold, all that belong to Maphibisheth is now yours. It's quite

amazing, isn't it? I'm not sure I fully understand what's going on here.

David makes a snap decision.

He has made some snap decisions in the past, but this is an interesting one.

And Zeba says, well, I pay homage.

You bet your life he paid homage.

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