2 Kingdoms (2 Samuel) 16:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Therefore, to prevent such misconceptions from affecting you, let us discuss this matter further. Indeed, I often hear claims such as: If God truly cared for the poor, He would not allow their poverty, and when observing someone enduring a prolonged illness, I hear others say: Where are his charitable deeds, where are his righteous acts? To avoid falling into this error ourselves, let us reflect deeply. If a person of discernment cannot despise the good while favoring the wicked, how can anyone assert that God despises the virtuous poor while favoring the wicked wealthy? Such statements are blasphemous and ignore the gravity of this misconception. To guard against this sin, understand what God treasures and what He rejects. Who does He cherish? Those who keep His commandments. "I will love him," He says, "and We will come to him" (John 16:21, 23)—not the affluent or the healthy, but those who abide by His directives. Conversely, whom does He disdain? Those who neglect His commandments. Therefore, when you witness someone disregarding His commands, regardless of their health or wealth, consider them among those whom God does not favor; but recognize the virtuous, even if they face illness or poverty, as those whom He loves. His affection is directed towards them, not towards the selfish and affluent. Have you not also observed in secular affairs that those favored by rulers are particularly vulnerable to dangers in wars, often wounded, and sent on perilous missions? Have you not heard that "the Lord chastises whom He loves; but He beats every son whom He receives" (Hebrews 12:6)? Some may falter at this reality, not due to the failings of the righteous, but because of their own misunderstanding. The rewards for our struggles are not to be expected in this life; they are located in the triumphs and accolades of the eternal afterward. Do not seek comfort and safety during times of trial and conflict, nor confuse different seasons. You may argue that many are weak, yet God is mindful of them too; He allows some of the righteous to experience worldly prosperity, not for their own sake, but for the benefit of the weak. Consequently, if you find yourself troubled by the sufferings of virtuous individuals, let those who are at peace encourage you; and if the prosperity of wicked people disturbs you, let the trials and tribulations suffered by the persecuted correct your perspective. Have you not heard Christ proclaim, "In the world ye shall have tribulation" (John 16:33)? Why do you seek peace after He has warned you? Have you also not heard Him say, "The world shall rejoice; ye shall have sorrow" (Jn. 16:20)? Thus, it would be justifiable for unreasonable individuals to question if the opposite were true of His word; yet if events unfold as they should, why do you remain troubled? You might inquire why God has set it up this way; do not scrutinize or test His ways. “Shall the product say to him that made it, 'Why hast thou made me thus?’” (Rom. 9:20). The prophet rebukes the Israelites for their inquiry into God's ways, highlighting their multitude of vices when he states, “They seek me every day, and desire to know my ways, as a people that do righteousness, and forsake not the laws of their God; they inquire of me concerning the judgments of righteousness, they desire to draw near to God” (Is. 58:2). They acted as if a servant, guilty of several offenses, should demand an account of why his master has acted in a particular manner, instead of seeking forgiveness for their failings. Instead of questioning, focus on repenting and cleansing your soul. I express this not out of ignorance of reason but to steer you away from curiosity and towards your own salvation. For what purpose has He set this order? To extend His grace to humanity. He has ordained trials in this transient life, with eternal rewards awaiting those who endure faithfully. These earthly struggles will soon conclude, but what remains is everlasting. Moreover, through these tribulations, He trains souls to embrace virtue. When a soul chooses righteousness despite challenges and lacks immediate reward, it fosters an eagerness to pursue it; and when it rejects vice, regardless of its fleeting pleasures, it learns to loathe it. Thus, the soul develops the skill to shy away from sin and cultivate virtue. Another aspect is that sorrow especially equips us for growth in virtue and strengthens us. Additionally, God desires to teach us to despise the present and not cling to its fleeting pleasures. Therefore, He has instituted trials and tribulations, rendering all earthly delights temporary.

Look also at the courage demonstrated by John the Baptist in confronting Herod, saying, "Thou shalt not have thy brother's wife" (Mark 6:18). What audacity and bravery! Conversely, the words of Semei, “Go away, murderer,” do not convey the same strength, even though he speaks with bravado. This is not true courage but rather an insolent and unruly display of speech.

He brazenly labeled David a murderer, a tyrant, and an usurper, revealing a vile contempt.

Yet the situation worsens: the king, burdened by overwhelming sorrow, having fallen from prosperity to disgrace, walks barefoot, with his head and face covered to shield his grief from prying eyes. Despite this, Semei, unashamed of his king's plight, hurls stones instead of flowers, splatters him with mud, and attacks him verbally with cutting words that pierce like shards. This scene illustrates David’s extraordinary patience and humility, as he fully yielded to God's will and bore the painful scorn as if it were a divine message. The righteous, indeed, do not fear their adversaries.