“Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Look, my son [Absalom] who came from my own body, is seeking my life; how much more [reason] now [does] this Benjamite [have to curse me]? Let him alone and let him curse, for [it could be that] the Lord has told him [to do it]. Perhaps the Lord will look on the wrong done to me [by Shimei, if he is acting on his own]; and [in that case perhaps] the Lord will this day return good to me in place of his cursing.” So David and his men went on the road; and Shimei went along on the hillside close beside David and cursed as he went and threw stones and dust at him. The king and all the people who were with him arrived [at the Jordan River] weary, and he refreshed himself there.”
2 Samuel 16:11-14 AMP
David continues his escape with thousands following him. Not everyone was a fan of David as we see in this portion. One of David’s followers wanted to attack Shimei – the man who was cursing David and throwing stones at him – but David’s response was to let him alone and endure it.
When David finally arrived at the Jordan River, it said that he and all who were with him were weary – ʿāyēp̄ – literally faint from hunger and exertion and they nāp̄aš – took a breath, rested, refreshed themselves.
The word nāp̄aš appears 3 times the Old Testament – Exodus 23:12 and 31:17 and this verse above. In the verses in Exodus, it’s used to describe the restoration one receives during Sabbath rest. Mind blown!
Wilderness seasons are exhausting. Cursing from the hands of others is devastating. But – even IN those places – He provides a place for us to take a breath. Sabbath REST is our portion in all seasons.
In the midst of the battle, in whatever season we are in – nāp̄aš- pausing to catch our breath- just stopping – has the same impact on our souls as Sabbath rest. He designed us to rest, to pause, to wait.
And – He provides. In the chapters today, we see radical provision for the people. One brings donkeys, fruit, bread and wine and later in the journey another brings bread, food, and cooking pots.
The wilderness may seem lonely but the truth is, we are not alone here. Radical rest and radical provision are our portion. May we trust Him today in the sun and in the rain, in the valley and in the desert.
Father – thank You for Your provision and promise. Thank You for Your encouragement through Your Word. Refresh weary hearts today. You are good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 16-18