David and palace intrigue. One can read the Psalms and only marvel at the number of enemies David had. It seems most of them were people who were close to him, perhaps the nobles of Israel.

O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity [delusions], and seek after leasing [deception]? Selah. But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto him. (Psalms 4:2,3)

Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise; Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me. My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me. Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah. I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest. Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city. Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it. Wickedness is in the midst thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streets. For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. (Psalms 55:2-13)

The above is referring to Judas and reveals one aspect of the sufferings of Christ—to be betrayed by those who we thought were fellow believers. Those who desire to be part of Christ must be willing to share His sufferings.

We know of the murderous spirit of Joab and of his wickedness. Joab may have thought he was doing God's will but King David knew better. Joab, although he fought David's battles, had in him the seed of Satan.

It appears from the Psalms that David was not as troubled by the Philistines as he was with the Israelites. No doubt there was much strife, envy, jealousy, and competition within David's palace. These were the tares, never hearing from the Lord and always seeking their own glory.

Every person whom God places in authority soon discovers that there are people close to him who, like Joab, perform many helpful works. But in the end they will prove to be traitors and will die in a miserable fashion. They never knew the Lord. They served God's leader because it suited their own plans and ambitions.

To be continued.