WHEN THE WOLF HOWLS – Chapter 75

WHEN THE WOLF HOWLS

 

© by Ross Cochrane

Chapter 75

No-one dared to stop Joab. The door was nearly unhinged as he thrust it open and roared at David with the gravelly voice more like that of a war-cry, “Today you have covered this city with shame. Everywhere I go the faces of the warriors who saved your life and the lives of your family are filled with a sense of regret. Your sons and daughters, your wives and your concubines are alive today because of them but it seems that you love your enemies who hate you and use you, and you hate those who proved their love by killing your enemies. I don’t understand you at all. You have shown today that those who serve you mean nothing to you. If Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead, maybe then you would be pleased.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. How am I supposed to feel about the death of my son? What do you expect of me?”

“I expect you to go out to your servants who fought hard to save you today and have some kind things to say to them, instead of heaping guilt upon them. I swear by the Lord, if you do not go out to them now there will not be one man left to stand with you by the time this night is through. You don’t seem to realise that if they leave you now this could be the worst thing that has ever happened to you.”

“All right, Joab! Leave me!” It seemed that the spirit of Absalom still had the power to wrest a kingdom from David’s hand, this time by using his grief.

David came to his senses and despite the ache in his heart, he went out and sat between the inner and outer gate of the city. The news travelled quickly and everyone came to see their king and to share their victory with him.

Many people were already making their way back to Jerusalem. Absalom was dead. They wondered what the future held for them but they could do no more than to return to their homes.

Zadok and Abiathar wasted little time with preliminary greetings but said, “King David has sent word to us. He has told us to speak with you. His message is, ‘Why is it that you are the last to bring your king back to Jerusalem and to his palace. All of Israel waits for you. You are my brothers; bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh. Why then should you be the last ones to take action?’” Relief swept across the elder’s faces as sat together at the gate of Jerusalem, except for Amasa, Shimei and Mephibosheth who were among them.

Zadok continued, “King David also says to you, Amasa, ‘You are my own flesh and blood, my nephew. May God deal with me severely if I do not appoint you to be commander of the army in place of Joab.’” David intended to replace Joab because he had disobeyed him concerning his son, but to place such trust in the man who led the opposing army against him was almost more than these men could comprehend.

Humbly, Amasa gave voice to their thoughts. “What kind of king could forgive in such a way as this? King David bears no malice. He truly is a man after God’s own heart.”

“Perhaps he will find it in his heart to forgive me also.” said Shimei.

A message was sent to the king immediately, inviting him to return.

There were no stones in Shimei’s hands this time as he met king David at the Jordan. “Forgive me, my lord. Please do not remember the wrong I did to you when you left Jerusalem. Please don’t take these things to heart. I know that I have sinned. That’s why I am here. I wanted to be the first to meet with my lord the king.”

Abishai had no sympathy. He said, “This scoundrel deserves to die! He has cursed the Lord’s anointed! What reason do we have for not putting him to death, my lord? What would you have me do with him?”

David spoke directly and firmly to Abishai, “You have also opposed me when you all disobeyed me concerning Absalom. Perhaps the question you should be asking is what will I do with you? Let me make it quite clear that it is not a good idea for you sons of Zeruiah to make mention of the death sentence concerning those who have cursed the Lord’s anointed.”

Looking out at a sea of serious faces, David smiled and said, “Why should any man be put to death in Israel today? This is a day to celebrate! This day I am king over Israel!” There was much cheering and a shout went up that seemed to echo in eternity and down the corridors of time, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

The king crossed the Jordan with his people. David forgave those who had opposed him such as Amasa, acknowledged those who were disabled such as Mephibosheth, and honoured those who were old like Barzillai, the man who had provided for him in Manahaim.

“Such a king as David will rule with justice.” Barzillai said to his old friend Obed-edom, “It seems that as our king returns, the very presence of God is also returning to Jerusalem with him.”

WHEN THE WOLF HOWLS – Chapter 64

WHEN THE WOLF HOWLS

© by Ross Cochrane

Chapter 64

When Ahithophel arrived in Hebron, Absalom was already offering sacrifices. The animals had been taken from the royal flock. Absalom saw each animal as a symbol of all that he would make his father sacrifice to fulfil his own destiny. More blood is yet to be spilled.

As soon as he discovered that Absalom intended a military coup, Ahithophel pledged his allegiance. The conspiracy grew stronger. Men of Israel had only praise as they spoke of this handsome young king and they continued to spread the word about Absalom.

The trumpets blew and the crowds gathered. Some thought that David himself was announcing his son as king and that Absalom had his blessing, but for whatever reason, they began to flock to Hebron – the innocent sheep of Absalom’s sacrifice.

No-one noticed the man who returned secretly to Jerusalem to report to Hushai. Hushai warned David of the conspiracy immediately.

Not wanting any bloodshed, King David decided an immediate evacuation of the city. Hushai remained in Jerusalem waiting for further information on Ahithophel from a second messenger. He was still there when all who had chosen to follow king David left the city. 

David wept. As he had approached the summit of the Mount of Olives, head covered and barefoot he had looked across to the city of Jerusalem and could no longer contain his tears. He spoke prophetic words that found their truest expression many years hence in the voice of the Son of David, Jesus, who stood in the same place and wept over the city.

This day it seemed that both voices, centuries apart, cried in unison, “Jerusalem, Oh, Jerusalem, who kills her prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I have wanted to gather your children together, the way a mother hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling. Behold, your house is being left to you desolate. For I say to you, from now on you shall not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!'”

The presence of God descended upon this place of worship and all the people who were with the king covered their heads and wept also.

On the Mount of Olives, Ziba met David with a couple of saddled donkeys. David could not see Mephibosheth and so he had asked, “Where is your master?”

“He has decided to stay in Jerusalem, I could not convince him to come with me, my lord king. He kept saying, ‘Now that David is gone, Israel will restore my father’s kingdom to me.'” Ziba looked embarrassed. David was annoyed. I treated him well and he repays me with such disrespect.

King Saul’s son, Jonathan, had proved to be David’s most faithful, trusted and loved friend. It had been an honour to show kindness to his son, Mephibosheth. The land that belonged to king Saul was given to him and Ziba had been instructed to cultivate it. Mephibosheth ate at David’s own table.

“My lord, I have brought you some of the produce of my master’s land.” Ziba proceeded to unload the donkeys. He had brought two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred clusters of raisins, a hundred summer fruits, and a jug of wine. “The donkeys are for the kings family to ride, and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat. The wine is for those who become faint in the wilderness.”

Although David was disappointed with Mephibosheth, he was grateful for the supplies. “Because you have shown me kindness despite your master’s unfaithfulness to me, all that belongs to Mephibosheth is now yours.” Ziba could not believe his ears. He prostrated himself on the ground to show his gratitude and loyalty.

“Let me always find favour in your eyes, my lord, the king!”

It seemed as if Hushai had entered into a sanctuary as he walked into camp that day and made his way through the guards to David. He presented himself by prostrating himself before the king. As a sign of his grief for his king, he had torn the top section of his garments and put the dust of the road upon his head. David took him by the hand and raised him up, giving him the hug of a respected friend. Hushai said, “My lord, it has been confirmed that Ahithophel is one of the conspirators with Absalom.” David turned again towards Jerusalem and said, “O Lord, I pray, make Ahithophel’s counsel be foolishness.”

David trusted Hushai and wasted no time in giving him a special mission for the sake of intelligence. He said, “You will be of no use to me here, Hushai. Go back to Jerusalem. You must thwart the counsel of Ahithophel in whatever way you can. Be my ears. Whatever you hear from the king’s house, report it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests. Their two sons, Ahimaaz and Jonathan, will be your feet and will send me everything that you hear.”

Hushai left immediately and found another way back to Jerusalem so as not to arouse the suspicion of Absalom’s spies. He walked into Jerusalem just before Absalom arrived.

 

WHEN THE WOLF HOWLS – Chapter 31

WHEN THE WOLF HOWLS

© by Ross Cochrane

 

Chapter 31

The court was filled with people. Looking somewhere into the distance David repeated under his breath, “Jonathan’s son, still alive.”

When Mephibosheth was brought in, Absalom was there with other members of the king’s family and officials. Such contrast. Absalom, very good looking, tall and strong. Mephibosheth, so ugly in the way he stumbled towards David and fell prostrate before him, expecting the worst.

Absalom had no idea of how Mephibosheth felt that day. Here was a man grovelling at the feet of David like a dead dog, totally at his mercy. All he could do was to express his allegiance pathetically to David by saying, “I am your servant!”

What is the worthless, crippled object of pity doing in this court? thought Absalom. He is a pathetic waste of human life and a drain on others for his very existence.  And being a grandson of Saul did not endear Mephibosheth to those faithful to king David.

There was silence as David rose. To everyone’s amazement, he stepped toward Mephibosheth and helped him to his feet.

“I loved your father Jonathan as my friend.” he said, “You are welcome in this place, not as a servant but as a son.” He hugged Mephibosheth who almost fell to the floor again.

Despised by many in the community because of his disability, Mephibosheth would be respected in the court of David. King Saul, God’s delegated authority, had sinned rebelliously against God, but David intended to show his people an example of what it meant to respect the call that God places on leadership.

David would show Mephibosheth favour. God has blessed me, after all. He wanted to express God’s kindness to Jonathan’s son. Surely, this is how it is with one who understands God’s grace.

As one of the king’s advisors, Absalom had suggested to David to rid himself of all possible opposition associated with the previous kingdom of Saul. His advice had obviously been rejected.

Are you mad! Absalom thought, as the proceedings of court continued and he heard that David intended to give a crippled man all the land that had belonged to Saul. This was extensive and prime farming land. Why?

Perhaps David’s extreme generosity was because Mephibosheth’s father, Jonathan, had been David’s loved and respected friend.  Absalom knew what it was like to lose a friend. Years ago, he had also lost a good friend in Uzzah. But such a gesture makes no sense. Saul tried to kill you, father. Why should you now return Saul’s land to a member of the same family?

Overcome at being spared, Mephibosheth said, “Who is your servant, that you should regard a dead dog like me?” Absalom was thinking the same thing! What are you doing? How is a crippled grandson of a fallen king going to manage this huge amount of land?

David called Saul’s servant, Ziba. Ziba had looked after Saul’s property before he died and so David asked him to cultivate the land for Mephibosheth and provide him with food to eat.

Absalom was even more astounded when his father invited Mephibosheth to eat at the family table. This cripple is being given an incredible amount of attention. Or is he just trying to keep an eye on the remainder of Saul’s family? He already has Michal, Saul’s daughter, as his wife, and now he has the grandson of Saul in court as well. Outrage began to give way to intrigue as Absalom tried to fathom the depths of his father’s strange behaviour.

So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table as one of the king’s sons. Absalom reluctantly sat down with him and spoke with this man. Mephibosheth was older and so took a place nearer to the head of the table. With his smooth tongue, Absalom made him feel quite welcome. They appeared to have known each other for years before the meal was complete.

WHEN THE WOLF HOWLS – Chapter 30

WHEN THE WOLF HOWLS

© by Ross Cochrane

CHAPTER 30

“Jonathan’s son?” David was shocked. “Jonathan’s son is still alive!”

“Yes, my lord.” Ziba could see the look on the king’s face and was getting more anxious by the minute. “I had very little to do with this, my lord. I meant no harm.”

“Jonathan’s son?” David repeated.

“Yes, my lord.”

The questions began to tumble from David’s mouth.

Ziba answered them. “He is living at Lo Debar. It was the family of Machir who have harboured him since the death of his father Jonathan and king Saul. I was instructed to keep quiet about what I knew. I had no choice.”

“How did he escape after Saul died?” said David.

“His nurse took him and they fled for their lives. In her hurry to get away the nurse slipped and Mephibosheth fell down an embankment. He survived the fall but he has been crippled in both feet ever since. He was only 5 years old when his father was killed. She took him to the house of Machir and he has kept his identity a secret, not wanting further harm to happen to him.”

“Why wasn’t I told of this?”

“Machir made it very clear to me that if I told anyone, Mephibosheth’s life would be in danger, as well as mine. Please, my lord, I am telling you the truth. Have mercy upon me.”

“Machir was right! Why should I have mercy upon you. It is normal practise to execute the family of a previous king along with anyone else who might cause a problem. Why should it be any different for you or Machir? You have harboured a prince who could have been a threat to my throne? Is there anything else you haven’t told me?”

“There is one more thing you should know, my lord,” Ziba said. He could see that his only hope was to tell David everything and hope for the best.

“And what is that?”

“Mephibosheth married one of Machir’s daughter’s and he has a son named Mica.”

“So, not only does the line of Saul continue but I have another prince to contend with.”

“Sir, Machir’s family have lived under your rule for many years now. I have never heard them speak against you and I have always remained loyal…”

“Enough! You will go with Hushai and bring Mephibosheth to me.” Ziba hesitated, bowed and then headed for the door where Hushai was waiting.

WHEN THE WOLF HOWLS – Chapter 29

WHEN THE WOLF HOWLS

© by Ross Cochrane

Chapter 29

“I have discovered information about a family who have been harbouring one of the immediate relatives of Saul, my lord. What would you have me do?” said Hushai. He was a quiet man and went about his work efficiently. Few people realised that he worked closely with David’s chief advisor, Ahithophel, and fewer still realised that he was David’s foremost intelligence agent. The news from Hushai was quite startling.

“How reliable is this information?” said David.

“It apparently originates from a man we know to have been a previous servant of king Saul.” said Hushai.

“Bring him to me, immediately!”  

For some years, David had conducted a search for the relatives of king Saul, but to no avail. It was presumed that God had wiped Saul’s family name from the face of the earth because of his wickedness.

A small man who reminded David of a weasel was ushered into court and fell prostrate before him.

“Live forever, king David and show mercy to your servant, Ziba.” 

“My servant? That’s strange. I was told that you were a servant of king Saul. Was I misinformed?” 

“No, my lord. I was one of king Saul’s servants, but that was a long time ago and I have been faithful to you for many years. Have mercy, my king.” 

“I understand that you know of someone who is harbouring one of the family members of king Saul. Is this true?”  

So this was the reason I have been called before you. Ziba was not surprised though he thought his tracks had been covered well. How did you find out? I told only my most trusted friends. Which one is the traitor? Pride had demanded that he tell someone. Who leaked this information to the king, of all people? Years of covering up now sagged in his shoulders. What can I tell him? The truth seemed to be his best option if he could minimise his complicity in this matter.”

“Yes, my lord.” he stuttered.

“Who is this person?”

“His name is Mephibosheth, my lord. He is the grandson of king Saul, Jonathan’s son.”