God's anger with Israel and David's compromise

In the last chapter of 2 Samuel, chapter 24, I find some of the strangest passages in the Bible so far.  In fact, I had to read three different versions of the Bible to gain the proper knowledge as to what was being brought forth.
As you know throughout David's life as king of Israel, he had done some horrible things.  Now it was time for his people to pay for those events.  A census was taken, to give an exact count of the population.  Joab, David's commander-in-chief, was against it.  But he had to go with David's command.
Once the census was completed, God--speaking through the prophet Gad--gave David three choices: seven years of famine, flee the country for three months before his enemies would pursue him, or three days of a massive plague.
It was a difficult decision, but David chose the plague, for it was better to fall onto God's mercy than the mercy of men.
God ordered the death to stop at Jerusalem.  There, David set up an altar to offer a sacrifice to the Lord.  The owner of the nearby threshing floor even told David that he could have anything that he needed.  But David refused and offered to pay for whatever he used.
The Lord answered David's prayer and stopped the plague completely.

Leading in the name of God

In the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 23, it starts with a brief speech by David.  This speech brings one great comfort, and speaks of how a leader must lead: in the fear and awe of God.  David speaks of God's word on his tongue, and when he rules in the name of God it is like the morning light at dawn, the sun shining on a cloudless morning, and rain causing the grass to grow.
All things with God, one prospers.
Men who are not worthy are like thorns.
Afterward, there are thirty-plus men who are named for their heroic deeds.  And their deeds were only accomplished by worshiping and believing in God.
There is an interesting passage that one who leads should study: 2 Samuel, chapter 23, verses 15-17.  David and his men have just fought a long battle and he said that he would like water from the well of Bethlehem near the gate.  Three of his men broke through the enemy's camp, drew water from the well, and brought it to him.  David was devastated when he heard this and poured it out in the name of the Lord, for he should not drink when lives were risked.

David and the song of God's Power

In the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 22, is a very long song David sang that one should save for those days when you feel like everyone is against you and you need God's Loving Power to lift you up.

It starts with telling of how the Lord is his rock, his fortress, guiding him in all the battles that came upon him.

He prays for God to give him strength against all of his enemies, those who turns their backs to him, and to crush them like fine sand.

God's Power is awesome for those who worship him.

David makes amends

In the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 21, there is a great famine for three long years.
David blames this on Saul and for what he had done to the Gibeonites.  Instead of gold or other riches, they seek the death of seven of his people.  He chose seven sons from various families and they were hung.  They were put to death on the first days of the harvest season, and the harvest became bountiful again.
Then, a war raged between Israel and the Philistines, for whom they aligned with the descendants of giants.  One of these had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot.
In the end, David and his servants slayed them.

Sheba

In the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 20, it starts out with a man named Sheba.  Sheba is described as a worthless person, someone who is a scoundrel.

Sheba leads a number of Israelites away from David, but there are still those deeply loyal to David.

The king of Israel then sends a man named Amasa and Abishai, who then warns them about Sheba.  Then they met Joab, who was captain of David's loyal bodyguards.  Joab stabbed Amasa, as he is careless with his weapons, and then they march on to Sheba.

This is, perhaps, where the tales turns to the weird.  Sheba hides out in a city of his clan, but when Joab and his men arrive and are about to besiege the city, a wise woman asks them about their business.  When Joab informs her they are there to capture Sheba, something unknown happens and Sheba is beheaded--his head is thrown over the wall to Joab as proof of his death.

Joab then returns to the king and David.

A forgiving David

In the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 19, David mourns the death of his son.

But his men witness this, and Joab tells him that his men feel unworthy of David's love and speculate David would rather they die than his son.

King David then goes to many, forgiving them and blessing them as he makes his way back to Jerusalem.

A helping Lord

In Psalms 28, the speaker calls out to the Lord for help, anpleads that if He does not answer the speaker will go down to the world of the dead.

He asks that he not be condemned with the wicked, men who are hateful in thought and deed.

He asks that the Lord help and protect him, all who trust in Him.

The Lord is like a sheperd, taking care of His flock forever.