THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
David lived as an outcast and a wanderer, enduring great struggles as he approached the latter part of his life. Where are those who lament his misfortunes? What suffering weighs heavier than this, what illness, what grief? Yet this upright man did not voice his turmoil nor surrender to despair. He did not proclaim, "Is this the reward I receive, I who followed His commandments day and night? After such honor, I am now the most degraded, delivered into the hands of my foes, and subjected to a wayward child!" Instead, he endured all things wisely, finding his sole comfort in the belief that all transpired according to God's divine knowledge.
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Just as the three young men in the fiery furnace declared, “But if it be not so, let it be known to thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor will we worship the golden statue which thou hast set up” (Dan. 3:18), had anyone questioned their hope in death or what they anticipated beyond this life and fire, they would have replied that dying for God is the greatest reward. David, too, found great solace in the understanding that God, knowing this, allowed it to happen. If a lover is willing to face death numerous times for their beloved, even without expectation, how much more should we endure, not looking for a kingdom or other future blessings, but for God Himself, to whom all glory is due forever. Amen.
Absalom led him back to the state of wandering and fleeing that he had faced under Saul, further complicating his life. David had previously experienced these trials as a commander, but now, after years of reigning and defeating his foes, he was forced to flee once more. The one who brought him to this low point was neither a stranger nor an enemy, but “he that came out of his loins,” as he lamented. In his youthful vigor, he bore his challenges with courage, but now, when he should have found comfort in his rebellious son during his later years, he encountered a villainous adversary.
As he endured this sorrow, it was evident that David was deeply crushed by his lament. Yet he did not retaliate, allowing Semei to live, saying, “Leave him to curse me, as the Lord has spoken to him. If the Lord will not regard my humility and restore good to me instead of his cursing today.” David waited anxiously to see how Husius’ scheme would unfold.
After achieving such remarkable feats, witnessing his kingdom held by a torturer, a patricide, a fratricide, an oppressor, a demoniac, he was not tempted by these circumstances but instead stated that if it was God's will for him to be persecuted, to wander and flee, while his enemy held honor, he would accept it joyfully and give thanks for the countless hardships. Unlike many shameless individuals who, having accomplished little of his greatness, curse their fate when facing the slightest troubles, David remained gentle in all things. Thus, God affirmed, "I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart" (Psalm 88:21).
When we endure wrongs from others and bear them graciously, we substantially lessen our burdens. Therefore, no true harm comes to us, for God credits our patience in suffering not as a matter of justice but as a reflection of His compassion. Even in ancient times, He did not seek vengeance for those who suffered injustices. When Semei cursed David, he endured, saying, “Leave him, that the Lord may see my humility, and repays me for this day.” When God refrains from avenging wrongs, we particularly benefit, as He assigns us merit when we endure with a grateful spirit.