Why did David lock up his concubines but still take care of them in 2 Samuel 20:3? This is a great question and to fully understand it, you’d have to remember the Absalom rebellion. When Absalom, David’s son, ran him out of the kingdom, a certain counselor named Ahithophel was asked to give him counsel.

Ahithophel counseled that he should show the people he really hates his father, the king. The great form of hate was for Absalom to sleep with, and fornicate with his father’s concubines. Absalom did not just stop at sleeping with the king’s concubines, he did like Drake or a pop singer or performer would live at a concert on stage. It was a lewd and disrespectful act on many levels.

Nevertheless, he lost the rebellion and was killed by David’s General Joab or Yoab, and the king was reinstated. Well, those concubines were still alive and well. King David I’m sure got the news and a lesson on responsibility was instilled for us today.

David’s first wife was Saul’s daughter Michal.

When David was chased by King Saul at that time, Michal was given to another man. But when David became king, he sent for her. He did not lay with her as before, but she was taken care of as a wife of the king. 

Why?

“For the Great Spirit, the Power of Akobe, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the Great Spirit of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.”
Malachi 2:16

The Creator hates divorce.

David was a man after the heart of the Great Spirit; he did things the way the Great Spirit would do them. Once he married a woman, he remained married and did not put her away. This is why he kept the concubines in the ward and provided their provisions, but since they, like Michal, had laid with another man, David did not go into them again.

There is a lesson in responsibility, commitment, and duty in this situation. Even though it may not seem or appear fair towards women. Sisters reading this, I empathize with some of your possible sentiments in reviewing this story. It was the times and the culture and the results of people breaking and bending rules.

Thank you for being here, as we customarily say, Be Strong and Very Courageous and repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.

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Minister Koko

BSM