2 SAMUEL
INTRODUCTION
The book highlights David's ascension to the throne, the victories of trusting in the LORD and the consequences of his heinous sins of adultery and murder. But, the quickness and brokenness with which David pleaded for God's mercy and forgiveness sets him apart from Saul. Despite his failures, David was indeed a man after God's own heart.
2 SAMUEL 1
There have been questions as to how Saul really died. Did he fall on his sword as it's recorded in 1Sam. 31:4, or did the Amalekite finish him as he reported to David in 2Sam. 1:6-10? There's every reason to believe that the Amalekite did not do it, but he was claiming responsibility thinking that this would impress David and possibly earn himself some favours from him. With his lie he passed his own judgment. Oh, be warned child of God, your lie for favour or gain may turn out to be the very same gallows you will be hanged on.
David's reaction upon hearing of Saul's death is instructive. He moaned the death of Saul, a man who had tried repeatedly to kill him. Many Christians passionately publicise the failures of others. Worse still is that they do it with a sense of joy, mainly because it makes them feel better than the one who failed. Rejoicing over people's failures only proves that we are guilty of the same or more. If you ever catch yourself rejoicing over even your enemy's failures and troubles, go before the Lord with genuine repentance and ask the blessed Holy Spirit to search your heart for it's full of filth and venomous range.
As a warning from Saul and a caution for David, we'd better remember, "how are the mighty fallen?" it's by pride, simply by not heeding the voice of God.
2 SAMUEL 2
After Saul's death, it seemed obvious that David would go back and assume the throne but he chose to consult the Lord instead. Even when things seem obvious, we must still seek to establish if truly that is God's will. Things are not always the way they look like, and "there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" (Prov. 14:12).
It was not time yet and so God allowed David to reign only over Judah while Abner, Saul's former captain, made Ishbosheth king over all Israel. He was a man made king, and so his reign was temporal. David on the other hand chose to wait on God to pave way for him and even blessed and promised to reward the men of Jabesh Gilead for burying Saul. Could they find a better leader than the son of Jesse, a patient and unvengeful leader?
Abner seemed to have been a good student of Saul. He incited Israel to fight each other and caused a very unnecessary bloodshed. There's a great loss and a high cost to pay when brethren fight each other. Even Abner's revolt could not thwart God's plan and purpose in David. No matter how hard Abners may oppose or block us, they cannot change God's plan and purpose for our lives.
2 SAMUEL 3
Ishbosheth had been 'put' on the throne by Abner, Saul's former captain. And so when he brought up the issue of Abner taking his father, Saul's concubine, they broke ranks. Abner then moved with speed to turn over the entire kingdom to David. David had allowed God to fight for him and now the kingdom is being delivered to his doorstep by his former archenemy, Abner. "When a man's way please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to dwell at peace with him. (Prov. 16:7).
Afterwards, Joab murdered Abner for he had killed his brother Asahel. God got out the way of all who had opposed or would have been a threat to David's reign but David was not responsible for the death of any of those men. In fact, he mourned their deaths. God can pave a way for us to advance and progress without fighting or putting anyone down. He knows how to discomfit and turn the enemies of His people against each other. Do you feel surrounded or defeated by some evil plotted against or around you? Call on the Lord, allow Him to fight for you and see the salvation of the Lord; but remember to put your sword back into its sheath.
2 SAMUEL 4
Ishbosheth, Saul's son, was brutally assassinated and beheaded by his captains. They took his head to David expecting to impress him, but he ordered for them to be executed instead. They were caught up in their own evil plot. They forgot that vengeance belongs to the Lord. Evil begets evil and he who kills by the sword will die by the sword. When people plot evil against us or seek to harm us with their words or evil plotting, we should never 'fight' them back nor seek to revenge. Never try to scheme evil against another or for any gain or to impress, because you will fall in the same ditch that you dig for others. "The wicked in his pride persecutes the poor; let them be caught in the plots which they have devised" (Psa.10:2).
David was a good example; don't rejoice over the failures or the woes of your enemy but seek to do good to everyone and let the Lord take care of the vengeance.
2 SAMUEL 5
After God had cleared all the enemies of David, He finally delivered the kingdom to him. What is important is that it's God Who did it all because all Israel came to David to request him to be their king. This was fourteen years later after David had been anointed by Samuel. A lot of waiting and tests but finally it happened. There were two important lessons that David needed to learn, consulting God in everything and obeying what He said. He seemed to have gotten those well and now God was with him giving him victories all around.
But, David left a foothold for the devil to fail him. He multiplied women for himself, something that God had warned that a king over His people was to avoid. (Deut. 17:15-17). David would fail on this area of women. The devil tempts us in the area that we have not submitted to what God has said. This would cause him and his family a great heartache later, including deaths.
For sure, David was not a perfect man but he desired God and was broken. What an encouragement to know that God uses imperfect people who are broken to realize their inadequacy and their need of Him. People who even when they fail sorrow over their sins and return to God with genuine repentance like David.
2 SAMUEL 6
David moved to bring the Ark of God to Jerusalem, his new capital. He learnt that God had blessed Abinadad for giving custody to the Ark but David ignorantly messed up in how he handled it. He had the Ark carried on a cart drawn by animals as the Philistines had done with it. This was in violation to the instructions in Exodus 24:14 and Numbers 4:15. It was also to be borne by the priests. David should have known this or consulted God or the high Priest but he chose to violate clear instructions from God and copied the heathens. This turned tragic, the death of Uzzah which became a great distress to David.
He then decided to take the Ark into the house of Obed-Edom whom God blessed also. These two men Abinadad and Obed-Edom may not have had any positions but they regarded God's Covenant and God blessed them. This incident served as a lesson that our God is not a respecter of persons and that He is holy and does not accept worldly styles in the name of worshipping Him.
David learnt this lesson because later, he brought up the Ark as per instructions. This obedience now brought jubilation that David danced (was jumping and leaping for joy). Of course this was not following the heathen styles of dancing; he had already paid heavily for this to know not to copy the heathens again. Those who use David as their justification for practicing sensual and worldly dance in name of worshipping God miss the lesson completely. Copying the heathen practices is what caused Uzzah's death.
Michal felt dignified to humble herself before God, she even never joined her husband in praising God. She missed out on the blessings of God.
2 SAMUEL 7
After God had given David the kingdom and blessed him with peace all around, David came up with a very noble idea. He felt it not proper for him to dwell in a nice house than the house of God where the Ark of the Covenant was. God through Prophet Nathan applauded the idea but said, no! God told David that because he had decided to honour Him by desiring to build Him a house, God would instead build him a house. God rewards anything we do or desire to do for Him and we can never outgive Him. Is there some nice thing you can do for yourself but then you cannot do it for God? It ought to ashame us God's people if we live in houses that are nicer than the house of God where we worship Him or we can do expensive projects for ourselves but not for God. What we are willing to do for God simply tells how much we do or don't love Him. Claiming to love God while treating ourselves better than Him is simply hot air, plain and simple.
David's intentions were noble but he shelved it and took 'no' for an answer from God. He praised God for His gracious promises and didn't claim any credit for the blessings that God promised Him. God would reward him handsomely for this. It's important to learn to take 'no' for an answer from God even when we feel our idea is brilliant because He knows best.
2 SAMUEL 8
God delivered many kingdoms to David and gave him peace all around. These kingdoms brought tribute to David from which he made a lot of wealth. David dedicated this wealth of silver, gold and bronze to God. Unlike David, many times we forget all about God after He has blessed us. "When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land which He has given you. Beware that you do not forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today" (Deut. 8:10-11). Have you forgotten where you were say 2, 5, 10, 20 years ago, and how the LORD has lovingly brought you along?
Some people receive and believe but others get and forget.
2 SAMUEL 9
For the sake of the Covenant he had made with Jonathan, David showed kindness to Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son. He restored to him all the possessions of his grandfather, Saul. We live in times that people don't take their covenant, vows or promises seriously. Many change their friends, association and commitments soon after their status change. We soon forget, nothing have we gotten but what we received. Proverbs 14:31
"He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, But he who honors Him has mercy on the needy." (Prov. 24:32) and "He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, And He will pay back what he has given." (Prov.29:17).
You can tell the integrity of a person by the way he treats and views the less fortunate or those who are not endowed with substance like him or better still by how he is committed to his vows.
2 SAMUEL 10
The spring time was a suitable time for war because the food was ripe and there was plenty of grass for the horses. However, David decided to stay home, to take it easy and enjoy the tranquillity of his kingdom. At this time he laid down his guard and fell into a serious sin. He took Uriah's wife Bethsheba and plotted his murder. With this heinous sin, David had tainted his legacy with an unerasable reproach. If only he had gone to the battle with his soldiers, possibly this could not have happened. It's after we have achieved a major victory, when we relax and think all is well that the enemy strikes. We're not to lay off our guard. 1 Corinthians 10:12 "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall." (1Cor. 10:12).
David was tempted when he saw Bethsheba, but that was not sin in itself. He still sent for her after he had clearly been told that she was somebody's else's wife. At this point he had given in to temptation and his sin was conceived and it was only a question of time before it gave birth to death. Even though David was a man after God's own heart, he fell when he meddled with sin and God was displeased. Be warned, don't play around with sin because it's not a respecter of persons. Besides, as David would find out, sin takes you far and deeper than you thought or wanted, its regrettable repercussions come later when you think all is well and the yield is always bigger or greater than what was sowed.
2 SAMUEL 11
​After the death of Nahash, king of the Ammonites, David sent his servants to comfort with his son Hanun. Incited by his servants who misunderstood David's gesture as a ploy to spy their land, Hanun mistreated David's men and actually moved to fight with Israel. This grand misunderstanding became very costly as Hanun lost many of his men including the Syrians whom he hired. One wonders why didn't king Hanun even first inquire to establish the truth before getting into such an unnecessary and costly war. Misunderstanding others can be very costly especially when we listen to inciters and react without trying to understand the facts. Also, we need to be warned that when someone does or says something to us or about us, we should do all that we can to understand their intention without filling the blanks. Many marriages, families, good relationships, churches and organisations have been torn and destroyed through misunderstandings. It hurts to be misunderstood, but we can trust God Who knows the truth to prove us right in due time. When you are misunderstood, do not fight, react or even habour resentment. Leave all that with God, He is the Revealer of secrets.
2 SAMUEL 12
David thought that he had managed to hide and get away with his sin that when Nathan the prophet confronted him, he didn't have a clue that he was the offender. He even moved to unknowingly pass a stern judgment on himself. Sin is like fire, it cannot be covered under a blanket; Be sure your sin will find you out. God is not a respecter of persons. He exposed David's sin and so was Nathan, a bold and a faithful servant of God. In confronting the king, he was risking his very neck. Even though David deserved to be stoned to death, God showed him mercy because he humbled himself. "He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy." (Prov. 28:13).
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​However, the consequences of his heinous act followed in that there was incest in his family and four of his sons eventually died besides having a turbulent reign. That is the judgment he had passed himself. Don't be too quick or harsh to judge others, you may be passing your own judgment. It's extremely important that we search ourselves before we call on the sins of others. God didn't allow the child to live but then David humbly accepted that and even went to the house of God to worship. He didn't become bitter with God. If we are genuinely repentant, we will not become bitter when corrected or penalized because of our sins.
2 SAMUEL 13
Eventually and surely, the regrettable consequences of David's sin emerged. Incest, rape and the murder rocked his family. Jonadab's evil counsel to Amnon to molest his half-sister Tamar just proves the bad influence of the wrong peers. David on the other hand, like many parents, failed to decode or detect the wired behaviour in his son, Amnon. What did eating off Tamar's hand in a bedroom have to do with Ammon's sickness? Like many parents who ignore and fail to question the wired behaviour in their children, when they need to, David discovered when it was too late that he had left his daughter to the dogs. One may wonder from where Ammon learnt this evil behaviour? You don't need to look far, David himself had been a bad example. Ammon had known how his father took a man's wife and plotted his murder. He had deceived Uriah to his murder and so did Absalom deceive Ammon to his murder. It's so hard but also sobering for us parents to believe that with some of the very detestable and disgraceful behaviour we see with our children, we remain to be the source. Am sure David didn't think or expect that the choice he made would have such far reaching repercussions. Children and those who follow us have a way of taking our values, attitudes and choices farther than we thought or intended. This can only be a lesson and a warning to us to sow good seeds because the harvest time will surely come.
2 SAMUEL 14
Absalom had exhibited rebellion in several ways, from murdering his brother to setting Joab's field on fire. His looks may have added to his self centeredness or pride. Children or people with natural abilities or beauty can sometimes get self absorbed and bent to have their own way especially if they are not kept in check.
David had not done very well in disciplining his sons. He never punished or did anything to Amnon for molesting his sister Tamar nor to Absalom after he murdered Amnon. As it is with many of us parents or leaders, such indecisiveness of not willing to deal with problems became David's undoing.
No doubt, David showed kindness to the impersonating widow and to Absalom, which we should. But, the real issue with Absalom was that evil was ignored and justice was never served for the crimes he committed, thanks to Joab. Interestingly, Joab had unjustly murdered Abner and so his deceptiveness to get Absalom acquitted was possibly a clever way to have his crime overlooked also. Absalom's rebellion and his father's failure in dealing with it bore such a heartache to David.
Later, Absalom tried to overthrow his father, a move that led to his tragic death. When we fail or ignore problems in the lives of our children or those whom God has put under our leadership, we are only setting ourselves up for tragic failure and regrets. Forgiveness doesn't mean ignoring the problems. A leader of God's people is to love mercy and justice.
2 SAMUEL 15
Soon after Absalom was received back by the king, he moved with speed to steal people's loyalty from his father, David posing himself to organise a coup in order to take the kingdom from him. Absalom had not learnt submission and was used to having his own way. He had not learnt from his mistakes because there had never been any penalty for his sins. With his father's failure to deal with his rebellion earlier, the payday had finally come. Surely, Absalom was prepared for destruction. In the midst of all this anguish, David chose not to fight but he remembered to cry to the LORD to turn down the evil counsel of Ahithophel. He also worshipped God. All these mischiefs were as a result of David's sin, but he humbled himself before the LORD. Oh, that we could learn from David, to humbly throw ourselves to the feet of Christ and own up our sins when we suffer losses and heartaches because of our wrong choices. To pray and worship even in the midst of anguish and defeat. God does leave some friends to stand with us even if few, like He did with David, but above all, He knows how to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel when we entirely depend on Him to fight for us.
2 SAMUEL 16
David fled from Jerusalem fearing Absalom who wanted to overthrow him. In a situation like this, David would fight viciously to defend his kingdom, but he instead opted to flee, accepting everything as God's will. He submitted himself to the LORD. But, in the midst of betrayal and heartache, some take advantage of crisis. Such was Ziba who lied to David that Mephibosheth refused to follow David because he wanted to take the kingdom. It's hard to know what Ziba's motives were but, there are some fellows of the baser sort who feign loyalty in times of crisis. It seems his intention was to get Saul's estate which David gave him.
Also, Shimei was the type that rejoices in the failure of a leader. Such people usually pretend to be loyal to you until you get into a crisis. He never expected David to ever rise up from his pit.
So also was Ahithophel. He had been David's counselor but now he had betrayed him and gone with Absalom. Ahithophel had everything to lose if David and Absalom got reconciled and so he had to come up an ugly plan to destroy their relationship and shutter any hope of reconciliation. This may explain why he came up with a bizarre counsel for Absalom to be immoral with his father's concubines. It was a counsel that turned against him and led to his death. He was Bethsheba's grandfather and it's possible that he had harboured bitterness against David. (2Sam. 23:34, 15:12 & 11:3). In any event, he proved himself to be not a genuine friend of David. Don't fret if you have friends like that, David had them and usually they ensnare themselves and fall into the same pit that they dig for you.
It's true that God had said a neighbour will lie with David's wives in the broad daylight before all Israel because of his immorality and murder. But, when all this was happening with some of his trusted "friends" turning against him, David prayed and humbly threw himself at the feet of the LORD. The LORD defeated Ahithophel's counsel and showed David mercy. Even when we are hurting because of our sins, the best we can do is not to fight, blame or justify ourselves but to submit ourselves to God Who is plenteous in mercy.
2 SAMUEL 17
Ahithophel, a friend completely turned foe to his boss David gave a 'smart' counsel on how to eliminate him. He sacrificed the permanent on the altar of the immediate. But, David had prayed specifically for God to defeat Ahithophel's counsel, which He did. Absalom had smart men with him but David had God with him and that always guarantees victory.
Ahithophel's counsel was usually considered as the 'gospel truth' in Israel and after it was rejected in favour of Hushai's, he then knew that Absalom would be defeated and that meant doom for him. After this, he committed the worst act of cowardice, suicide. Like many, he set his earthly house in order but destroyed his soul, and as such became a wise fool. Unfortunately, there are many, who like the fool of Luke 12:19,20 plan their earthly lives well but destroy their souls by doing nothing with Christ, the Giver of life.
God was chestening David, but He never forsook him. He was not out to destroy but to correct him. In Gilead, God provided help for David from men who were not even soldiers but were willing to do all to help him. When we feel left all by ourselves in the wilderness of defeat and humiliation, but we humbly submit ourselves to the loving care of God's correction, He never forsakes us but provides help from unexpected quarters. David did it and he found a balm in Gilead.
2 SAMUEL 18
David knew that war was inevitable and so he set his men and was ready to lead them for a combat against the rest of Israel who had followed his son, Absalom. His men valued his leadership and didn't want to risk losing him in battle. Besides, they may have thought that David would have a difficult time to fight his own son and so they advised him not to go. David was a humble leader and he listened to the counsel of those whom he led. Absalom and his men were defeated with him dying just the way murderers, rapists, traitors and rebels like die. God fought for David.
Special note is to be taken of the unnamed man who would not defy the orders of his king, David not to kill Absalom. He would not do that even for any offer of personal gain. Unfortunately, there are many Christians who have given up their loyalty and devotion to our Lord due to financial and other personal gains offered by this world and the devil.
After learning of the death of Absalom, David lamented sorrowfully wishing it was him who had died. He knew and was accepting responsibility as father that was greatly responsible for the rebellion and tragic death of Absalom for failure to discipline him. With all this, David was still a man after God's own heart, he had no grudge nor rejoiced in the destruction of those who sought to kill him.
2 SAMUEL 19
David's sorrow for his son, Absalom plunged the entire nation into a mourning mood. As a result, Joab criticised David for loving his enemies and hating those who stood with him and he threatened that all Israel would abandon him. Therefore, David gathered himself and addressed the people.
God used Judah to restore David back to his throne and even the 10 northern tribes wanted a share in David. God does restore and He can make those who despised us see our usefulness again; but we must be humbly broken and depended on the Lord to fight for us.
Shimei also came to meet David pleading for mercy which David granted. Again, we are not to seek revenge on those who hate or mistreat us even when we are able or have opportunity to. Mephibosheth also came to meet David revealing the lies of Ziba whose motive was to acquire the estate of Saul. Mephibosheth was a man of integrity and chose his friendship and loyalty to David who had been so gracious to him over personal gain of land and wealth. Such friends are rare.
David also sought to reward Barzillai for the kindness he had shown him when he was in exile. We are not to forget to show gratitude to those who show us kindness in our hour of need. David, once forsaken by friends, a runaway fugitive and toppled by his own son now had the whole of Israel 'fighting' over him to be their king. God restores and He indeed is a God of second chances. Submit yourself in the mighty hands of the Lord and He will lift you up.
2 SAMUEL 20
Sheba, like many who react angrily when they can't win or have their way, incited Israel to an Insurrection to dethrone God's chosen man, David. He had not learnt from the mistakes of his tribesman Saul. Joab also, was moved by jealousy to cunningly murder Amasa who had been given his (Joab's) position as the new general. We should always be careful of the enemy who entices in pretence as a genuine friend but in actuality, he is a foe with deadly weapons disguised to claim our very soul. Such are the schemes of the devil and his agents.
But as for Sheba, he fled to Abel, a city of the wise. There a wise woman's talk and negotiations with Joab and her people saved the city. Talking about a problem can save a marriage, a family, a church and a country.
Like Sheba, sin that hides in the centre of our hearts, must be cast out and forsaken to save the city of our bodies and souls.
David had a great team that God had assembled to help him. We must learn to win as a team.
2 SAMUEL 21
Saul's sin of killing the Gibeonites brought 3 years of famine to Israel because he broke the covenant of Joshua 9. This teaches us that God expects us to keep the promises we make, our sins affect others and the consequences of our sins may come long after the offense. After the drought persisted for 3 years, David concluded that the problem was spiritual and so he sought Divine intervention. There are many persistent problems that we ignore as normal that we had better view them as spiritual.
Old and weary, David was almost killed in battle, but his men defended and saved his life. He was a great and valuable leader that Israel didn't want to lose. But even for such leaders, a time comes when they must retire from active duty. Such leaders are rare and valuable and so all must be done to care for and keep them afloat because "the body drowneth not whilst the head is above water..." - Trapp. David had nurtured, mentored and groomed giant slayers like him, who rescued him from a near death experience. Invest in other people's lives, they may be your rescuers in time to come. A leader's success is not just seen in what but who he leaves behind to continue the Divine enterprise.
2 SAMUEL 22
David composed and sung a song of praise to the LORD for the great deliverance that He provided for him. In fact, this was typical of David. He said that God delivered him because of His (God's) mercy. God passionately defends His children who trust and cry to Him. God delivered David according to his (David') righteousness. One wonders, how could a man who had gone through so much like David erupt with such joyous praise to God? Again, how could he claim that God showed him mercy because of his (David's) righteousness, considering the heinous sin that he had committed? God forgives. Yes, David was a great sinner, but he had obtained great mercy after he contritely sought God's forgiveness. He had been cleansed and now he knew and enjoyed the joy of forgiveness. You show me a man who knows and enjoys forgiveness, who knows that he has been declared righteous in Christ and I will show you a man who can erupt with songs of praise to God even amidst crisis. Unforgiven and unforsaken sins in our lives make the teeth of our souls to clinch with jealousy, bitterness, envy, resentment, hurt, hypocrisy and vengeance. David did not dwell in the past and neither should any child of God.
2 SAMUEL 23
These were not David's last words on his deathbed but the last of his poetical composition. He pointed out that a love for justice which comes from the fear of God is the epitome of good leadership. Our world cries for justice. David's light seemed to dim towards the end of his life but it was not extinguished. He still confessed that he had failed and he was not great but was a servant of a great God Who is good and merciful to give victory to those who wait on Him. God keeps the promises He makes to His children. The mighty men that God had raised for David came to him at his lowest ebb and remained faithful to him to the end. God provides other good men to stand with a leader who choses to honour and humbly depend on God for his leadership. There are many people who quit a cause just because it gets tough. Such people cannot be referred to as 'mighty'. Unfortunately, many are committed to myriads of causes but few are committed to the cause of Christ, to fight His battles to the end. When things get tough and inconvenient, they opt out. "Happy are they who can follow a good cause in its worst estate, for theirs is true glory" - Spurgeon. These men were brave and committed to stay with, help and serve the man of God as they fought the LORD's battles. A wise leader surrounds himself with such.
2 SAMUEL 24
1 Chron. 21:1 says that it was Satan who actually incited David to number the people. God does not cause people to sin but He allows them to reveal the sinfulness in their hearts. "James 1:13 "Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone." (Jam.1:13). David's sin in counting Israel was pride and ambition so as to glory in the size of his army hence taking his trust away from the LORD. God allowed his sin to come out so that He could deal with it. He refused to heed the caution of Joab, his General, a mistake that resulted in the death of 70,000 people. One wonders what sin the people had committed, but leaders represent those whom they lead. In every likelihood, Israel was not any different from David in this whole matter, the same way we sin in putting our faith in our money, education, jobs, fame, property or friends. The sin of those who lead God's people is costly especially when they refuse to heed godly counsel.
In his humility and contriteness, David accepted responsibility and threw himself at the mercies of the LORD. That David would not take the ground for LORD's sacrifice for free shows how he was willing to do everything he could to make things right. The book records David's victory as he trusted God and the failures when he didn't. But he remains to be the best leader Israel had; a man after God's own heart because even when he failed, he humbly and genuinely sought God's cleansing. O that we would be willing to pay the cost, sacrifice time and convenience or do whatever is necessary and take the lead in bringing genuine repentance to God for the healing of our land!