David completed a census of the prople under his rule at the end of his reign. He did it because he wanted to know the number of fighting men in his kingdom. However, he was specifically told not to do that by God. He didn't trust the Lord's strength and saught to rely upon his own.

David's final words as recorded in 2 Samuel 23 are most appropriate. In them, he speaks of the blessing that just rulers bring onto their followers and of the curses that unjust rulers bring. The unjust will be destroyed. These words are most apropos for us today.

David responded to God's good and gracious providence in his life by praising his.name. Will we do the same?

Joab rebuked King David for spending too much time mourning the death of Absalom and not being concerend about the people who actually were loyal to him and stayed with him after Absalom rebelled. We must stop worrying about those who don't want anything to do with us.

Absalom rebelled against David and conspired to overthrow his reign, but he was never too far from his father's love. David desired reconcilliation with his son. However, he never got it. God pursues us the same way.

God is just and His justice will be served. Thankfully, Jesus paid the ultimate price for our sins with his death, but that does not mean we don't face the reality of God's justice in our lives.

God showed David how he should set about defeating the counsel of Ahithopel. David followed the plan, and it worked perfectly. We should recognize that God's plans always work.

God works in various ways to accomplish His purposes. In this story, He puts Hushai in Absalom's confidence and confuses the counsel of Ahithopel. God is not bound by the limits we may put on him.

King David turned his other cheek to Shimei as he cursed him on his journey from Jerusalem. We should learn to follow his example.

David made a hasty judgment when he rewarded Ziba with all the possessions of Mephibosheth. He did it because Ziba showed him kindness during the time he fled from Absalom. However, his decision was not warranted. Actually it was mistaken. We should always refrain from making rash decisions in the midst of crisis.