DAVID: The Lion of God

Books by Polly McBee Hutchison

Divine Healing: Answers to Tough Questions

Breath of Rapture

On Wings of Pegasus

And Then…Deluge

Jonathan: The Forgotten Hero

The David Series:

David: The Young Lion

David: The Fugitive Lion

David: The Lion of Judah

David: The Lion of Israel

David: The Lion’s Cubs

David: The Lion of God

DAVID

THE LION OF GOD

POLLY MCBEE HUTCHISON

DAVID

The Lion of God

Copyright © 2024 Polly McBee Hutchison.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Certain characters in this work are historical figures, and certain events portrayed did take place. However, this is a work of fiction. All of the other characters, names, and events as well as all places, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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ISBN: 978-1-6632-5931-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6632-5932-5 (e)

iUniverse rev. date: 01/22/2024

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

CHAPTER 1

David stood outside the cave set aside for a burial place for the royal family, wondering how things could have gone so wrong. A decision he had made when he was twenty-nine had now brought forth bitter fruit. Now Amnon, his oldest son, was dead, killed by his half-brother, Absalom.

Turning to return to the palace, he joined Bath-sheba, his favorite wife. She was the only one he had confided to regarding Amnon’s birth.

Looking up at David, she said, I suppose you are blaming yourself for Amnon’s death.

Well, possibly because of my neglect, Amnon became a drunken womanizer at an early age. If that had not happened, he would not have raped Tamar and Absalom would not have killed him.

You have no way to know it would have turned out any different. It was a mistake to keep Ahinoam after you found her in bed with the Amalakite who had captured her. However, when Amnon’s birth came so quickly after that, it was only natural that you would question who Amnon’s father was.

It’s true, even now I don’t feel sorrow at Amnon’s death, only guilt. What is really grieving me is losing Absalom. I had hoped he would follow me on the throne. I’m relieved that he fled to Gehsur, so I won’t have to sit in judgment on him, but it will be very hard to have him so far away.

When together, all you seemed to do was holler at each other. I don’t understand your attachment to him.

It is because Tamar and Absalom, are all I have left of Maacah.

They walked past Ahinoam, Amnon’s mother, her wails of grief keeping company with the wails of the women of her household. When David saw Ahinoam he was shocked at how old she looked. With his young wives and children, David had not particularly noticed the passage of time. He roughly calculated and realized he was approaching fifty-two. He didn’t feel old, and shrugged off the thought that he was no longer young.

When he entered his apartments, David sent for Jonadab, the son of his brother, Shammah. His nephew entered David’s apartments looking questioningly at the King. David let him stand, while looking him over. From the time he had been a child, Jonadab had been Amnon’s special friend. This friendship had been severed after Tamar’s rape. As far as David knew it had not been renewed after Amnon returned to Jerusalem from his year’s exile for raping his sister. Now at twenty-four, with dark hair and flashing smile, Jonadab was a handsome man.

Jonadab stood up well under the King’s inspection, but David was beginning to suspect this young man had hidden reserves of cleverness.

Finally, David spoke, Jonadab, I have been puzzling over something, and would like you to enlighten me.

Certainly, My Lord King, if I am able.

How is it you were so positive that only Amnon was killed, when everyone, including the runner who came from Absalom’s farm believed he had killed all his brothers?

Jonadab stood silent, thinking, then replied, Why, it would not have made any sense for Absalom to kill all his brothers. What possible motive could he have had to kill those young boys, and he would never have lifted his hand against his favorite brother, Adonijah.

I see, David seemed unconvinced. You just happened to be standing outside my throne room. When I came rushing out, distraught at the news of my sons’ deaths, you were able to immediately reason all of this out, and thus reassure me of what must have happened. Your powers of deduction must indeed be exceptional.

Jonadab swallowed. I don’t know about that, My Lord King. It was just something I knew deep within myself.

David pressed the tips of his fingers together. Jonadab, there have been two violent and tragic occurrences in my family in a two-year period. You have been solidly in the middle of both. I cannot prove you had a hand in Amnon’s death, but quite frankly I am not comfortable having you around the court.

Jonadab went pale. My Lord King, I have worked hard to serve you. I could never survive being banished to a farm. Isn’t there some way I can convince you of my devotion?

David sighed. Jonadab, I am aware of your talents and abilities. I have no intention of packing you off in disgrace. However, I want you away from the court, and my family. I will speak to Ahithophel and we will find you a post where you will be able to use your talents for intrigue in my favor.

Six months later, David found himself standing by Bath-sheba’s bed, where she had just been delivered of another son. David, relieved she had come through her ordeal, noted that he had another dark-haired child, instead of one with his ruddy coloring.

Bath-sheba asked him, What will you call him, My Love?

I will call him Nathan, in honor of God’s prophet.

Bath-sheba smiled. Nathan is a good name for him.

Seeing she was tired from her ordeal, David bent over and gently kissed her, Go to sleep My Dear. I will return soon.

Leaving her rooms, David marveled again at God’s mercy in not only forgiving their sin, but allowing them to have three healthy sons.

Over the next six months David wrestled with the problem of what needed to be done for the Kingdom. It was easy to say that it was best for Absalom to remain in Geshur.

However, as the days passed and he began to fully realize what this meant, he began searching for another way. Absalom was now the only possible heir to his throne. To have the years go by, his character and thinking molded by a heathen uncle was unthinkable. He absolutely couldn’t allow Absalom to remain in a foreign kingdom until he inherited the crown.

Finally, David sent for the Prophet Nathan. When he entered David’s private apartments, David was again struck by his unprophet-like appearance. Dressed in simple, yet clean robes, his hair and beard neatly trimmed, only his eyes betrayed the fire of God burning in his soul.

I have sent for you to discuss Absalom. David hardly gave the prophet time to be seated. I want your opinion about my sending for him.

Nathan looked at David, shaking his head sadly. My Lord King, you are hoping I will tell you something different from what your own level-headed thinking has already told you. If you recall Absalom now, and do not try him for the murder of Amnon, all the work you have been doing to abolish blood feuds will have been in vain. If people see that the Royal House does not follow the due course of justice, they will feel free to ignore your courts and once again take justice into their own hands.

David sighed heavily. Of course, you are right, but what about the Kingdom? I have no other son capable of following me on the throne.

My King, why don’t you let God worry about who will follow on your throne? After all, He brought you to where you are. It was His plan to build this great kingdom. Do you really believe He brought all this to pass, only to allow it to fall to ruin for lack of a suitable heir?

David bowed his head. Sometimes I get carried away by my own sense of importance. I think I am responsible for all of this, when as you say, God has brought it all together. So, I am faced with the fact that it is not the Kingdom’s good, but merely the desire of my heart, to have Absalom return.

Nathan rose and placed a hand on David’s shoulder. Be patient, My Lord King. When the young man has been away for several years, perhaps the people will accept that as punishment enough, and you will be able to bring him home.

When Nathan left, David sighed. When you are thirty a few years does not seem so long. When you are in your fifties, then every day is precious. Sometimes when he was with Bath-sheba and their three small sons, he did not feel his years. However, whenever he thought of his Kingdom and how much needed to be accomplished, it seemed there was not all that much time left.

Having faced the realization that Absalom’s exile would be for a long duration, David sent for his nephew, Joab, the Commander in Chief of his armies.

You must realize that with Absalom out of the picture, Adonijah must come back and learn how the Kingdom is governed.

Why are you telling me? Joab rumbled, amused at David’s discomfort.

David annoyed with his burley nephew, was reluctant to admit to anyone how little authority he had over his sons. Finally, with a sigh he responded, Adonijah has always looked to you for guidance. I felt your encouragement would carry more weight than my commands. Perhaps you can convince him that a better understanding of the arts of how the Kingdom is run would help him become a better commander when you decide to retire and turn your command over to him.

At fifty-three, there was some grey beginning to show in Joab’s beard and hair, but physically he still looked fit enough to lead his men for many more years.

He grinned, obviously enjoying David’s discomfort. I’ll speak to the lad. You are right, with Absalom out of the picture he is the logical person to be named your heir.

Joab, David’s voice was hard as flint. I am not naming anyone as my heir. Not Adonijah, not Absalom, I have not decided which of my son’s would be fit to hold together the Kingdom. I merely feel it is time for Adonijah to learn more about the Kingdom. If something were to happen to me, there should be someone able to step in and hold things together.

Looking at David, still hard and fit, even though he no longer went out with the army, Joab felt there was no need to worry about replacing him for a good many years. He was relieved that this was so, as he found himself dreading a world with no David in charge.

I will talk to the lad, Joab rumbled.

Thank you, Joab, I’m certain with your encouragement he will be more inclined to cooperate.

Adonijah came storming into the throne room, his eyes dark and angry, a stubborn slant to his lips. One look at his angry son, and David dismissed the Court. Signaling to Adonijah to follow him, they went to his private apartments.

No sooner was the door closed than Adonijah angrily exclaimed, I will never steal Absalom’s inheritance! No matter what you say or do, I will not be a party to it. Absalom is not merely my brother; he is my best friend. How could I look him in the face?

David smiled sadly, and motioning to a chair said, Sit down, Adonijah. I know exactly what you are feeling.

How could you know what I’m feeling? Adonijah’s eyes were wary, expecting his father to trick him into doing his will. Nonetheless, he sat in one of the chairs by the table.

Adonijah, I never had a friend as dear to me as Jonathan. How do you think I felt when Samuel anointed me as the next King of Israel? It wasn’t something I wanted; it wasn’t something I had even considered. As you just stated, I felt I was betraying my best friend, and was certain I could never face him again. So, you see, I do understand your feelings.

Adonijah still suspected his father was going to trick him, and barely acknowledged with a nod of his head that David had spoken.

Adonijah, I am not naming you my heir. All I’m asking is that you return to Jerusalem, take an interest in how the Kingdom is run. If nothing else, you would be in a position to advise your brother should something happen to me.

Adonijah was startled out of his personal concerns. In all this talk of who was to be king, he had not faced the reality that something would have to happen to David to bring that about. A look of deep concern on his face he cried out, You are not ill, My Father?

David was so moved by this show of concern that he had to struggle to keep the tears from his eyes. No, My Son, I am in good health. Nevertheless, with so many people dependent upon the King, nothing can be left to chance. An accident could leave me no longer capable of ruling. There must be someone trained to take over should that happen.

Adonijah heaved a deep sigh. "You carry a heavy load, always looking out for your people. I don’t think I have ever understood the responsibility before. I will