Use the frame on the left to read these Scriptures.
When a friend is in trouble, don't annoy him by asking if there is anything you can do. Think up something appropriate and do it.
- Edgar Watson Howe
A DESPERATE NEED. David had been a fugitive when he was young, a shepherd boy turned soldier. He was a fugitive again as a mature man, a king who had been settled in a palace ruling a vast territory. Israel's army, which he had formerly led to numerous victories, was camped in Gilead ready to attack him. Judah, his own tribe, had given their support to Absalom at Hebron. Jerusalem, his city, was divided and no longer safe. Many of his own family now opposed him: Amasa, David's nephew, was commander of Israel's mutinous army, and Absalom, his own son, had proclaimed himself king. David had fled leaving most of his household possessions behind. He and his family were hungry and tired.
APPROPRIATE ACTIONS. More than sympathetic words, David needed helpful actions, and God sent true friends who proved helpful (see Psalm 55:22). Mahanaim, a fortified city which had served as Ishbosheth's capital after Saul's death (2 Samuel 2:8 ff.), gave David and his family refuge. Still, David's large family, which fled its home hurriedly, needed bedding, kitchen utensils, and a pantry full of food. Three friends anticipated these needs and generously supplied them. None of these friends were close relatives. Makir and Barzillai were from cities in Gilead and probably belonged to the tribe of Manasseh. Shobi was an Ammonite from the royal family of Nahash. They didn't merely offer their sympathy and say, "If there is anything you need, let us know." They demonstrated their sympathy by doing something appropriate.
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?
-- James 2:15-16 (NIV)
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