“David went to Mahanaim, and Absalom crossed the Jordan with all the men of Israel. Absalom had appointed Amasa over the army in place of Joab. Amasa was the son of Jether, an Ishmaelite who had married Abigail, the daughter of Nahash and sister of Zeruiah the mother of Joab. The Israelites and Absalom camped in the land of Gilead. When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, and Makir son of Ammiel from Lo Debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim brought bedding and bowls and articles of pottery. They also brought wheat and barley, flour and roasted grain, beans and lentils, honey and curds, sheep, and cheese from cows’ milk for David and his people to eat. For they said, ‘The people have become exhausted and hungry and thirsty in the wilderness.’ David mustered the men who were with him and appointed over them commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds.”—2 Samuel 17:24–18:1 (NIV)Have you ever been in a situation where someone unexpectedly gave you something you needed? Perhaps it was something you lacked—and their generosity restored your soul. I always think of the generous care I received from people while I was in college. A couple of times a month, I’d be invited to lunch or dinner with some church family or college professor where they’d bless me not only with food, but with intentional time. Their generosity truly refueled my heart to keep going in the hard seasons of studying and working. My spirit left with joy and a readiness to keep persevering!This is exactly what David and his people experienced after crossing the Jordan to flee Absalom’s surprise attack. They arrived at Mahanaim where these three men, Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai, provided them with food, bedding, and supplies. Let’s take note of what they provided them with and what they said was their reasoning.
Food: Food is essential for survival. It was used to sustain them physically and emotionally. It nourished them, kept up their morale, and strengthen them for the journey ahead.
Bedding & Bowls: These household items helped them feel at home even when they were displaced. They brought comfort, a sense of familiarity, and peace.
I think it’s easy to forget the importance of our physical nature. God created us to be physical beings. We experience Him in this life and on this earth through our physical bodies. Caring for them is one way we get to thank Him. Looking out for the physical needs of others is a way we get to worship Him. It’s not superficial or shallow; it’s deeply meaningful because it’s tangible. Is it important to always center our generosity around the gospel, the love of Jesus, and caring for the spiritual life of others? Yes, absolutely. Is it also important to ask yourself how meeting a physical need can go the extra mile for a person? Yes, no doubt. What did they say when they brought these things to the men? They said, “The people have become exhausted and hungry and thirsty in the wilderness.” These men could see that David and his people needed support and care. They noticed a need and did something about it. This is what it means to love your neighbor as yourself! Look at what the apostle John says in 1 John 3:17–18 (NIV): “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” If our mission on earth is to love God, enjoy Him, worship Him, and love others as He commanded, then we must not forsake the opportunity to meet the needs of others tangibly and compassionately.The last thing to note here is what it says in 2 Samuel 18:1—that David mustered the men up and appointed them to positions. They were ready to move forward on a mission with a clear purpose and renewed motivation—all because of God’s provision through the generosity and obedience of His people in Mahanaim. Will you open yourself up to being used by God in the same way?Pause: When have you experienced someone else’s generosity toward you refuel your heart?Practice: Think of a way you can bless someone else tangibly this week and plan on doing it.Pray: Father God, thank You for always providing for our needs! You are Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides! You’re so kind and faithful. Help me to live generously because of the way You generously pursue me, cover me with Your love, and provide for me. I want to love others as You’ve loved me. Give me eyes to see tangible and spiritual needs that I can meet with the means You’ve given me and by the Holy Spirit’s direction. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
