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| It's been a while, but I'm back. |
| 11.02.04 (7:04 pm) [edit] |
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it's been a while, but I'm back.
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| Nehemiah 5:1-19 (Standing Up To Injustice) |
| 07.03.04 (5:23 am) [edit] |
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Some of the families began to cry out against their fellow Jews who were bleeding them dry by charging interest on loans. People were sending for their exiled relatives, but then losing their relatives to slavery because they couldn't afford the loans. Nehemiah found out and became very angry--he said this was not right. The loans should end immediately, the interest charged should end immediately and the interest collected should be returned. The priests, nobles and officials promised to do this and Nehemiah asked that God separate them from their homes and property if they did not keep their promise. Everyone agreed, praised the Lord and did as they promised. Nehemiah goes on to say that in the 12 years he reigned as governor of Judah, his administration never drew from their food allowance to ease the burden of the people.
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| Nehemiah 2:1-20 (God Grants a Favor) |
| 07.03.04 (5:14 am) [edit] |
Nehemiah was king Artaxerxes' cupbearer. Nehemiah had prayed to the Lord that the king would grant him a favor. The next time he appeared before the king, Nehemiah was feeling down and the king asked what was wrong. Nehemiah bravely told the king that his homeland was in ruins and the gates were burned down. The king asked if he could help. The Spirit moved Nehemiah to ask that he be allowed to go to Judah to help rebuild the city. The king asked how long Nehemiah would be gone, when he would return and made plans for Nehemiah's departure. Nehemiah decided to press his luck and asked for letters to the heads of the territories he'd have to travel thru and a letter to king Asaph, the head of the king's timber, for some wood for the construction. King Artaxerxes granted all these requests, as the Lord had answered Nehemiah's prayer. The king also sent soldiers and horsemen to protect Nehemiah on his journey. The only resistance Nehemiah came against was from Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite who were angry that anyone was interested in helping Israel.
Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem, but didn't tell anyone the plan God put in his heart. He quietly toured the ruins by moonlight to assess the damage and avoid gossip. When he had a plan, he gathered the city officials and told them how gracious God had been thru king Artaxerxes' assistance and how they must rid Jerusalem of the disgrace of living in ruins. The officials agreed. The first step was to rebuild the wall. Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem the Arab scoffed at the plan and asked Nehemiah why he was rebelling against the king. Nehemiah told them that God of Heaven would help them to succeed. His servants would rebuild the wall and the three villains would have no stake or claim in Jerusalem.
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| Jesus is Alive! |
| 06.30.04 (6:50 pm) [edit] |
Given to me by the Lord on Sunday, June 20, 2004
The sunrise of my spirit
The dawning of my mind
The cloak of sin I've shaken off
My old life left behind.
Gone are the limitations of my earthly senses
I'm filled with power, peace and love
No longer am I restless.
The Lord has blessed me once again
A new day has begun
As I fellowship with my Christian friends
See, the devil's on the run.
Now, I am far from perfect
But Lord, I'm feeling fine
The devil is defeated
Through Christ, victory is mine!
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| Ezra 3:7-13 (New Fellowship) |
| 06.29.04 (6:59 pm) [edit] |
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In early fall the Israelites settled in their individual towns, but the assembled as one in Jerusalem. They rebuilt the altars and temples and gave offerings according to the laws of Moses. When the temple's foundation was done, the priests put on their robes, blew their trumpets and praised the Lord singing: He is so good! His faithful love for Israel endures forever! All the people joined in praising God. The older descendants of Levites remembered the first temple and wept. Their joyful singing, shouting and weeping could be heard for miles.
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| 2 Kings 22:1-23 – 23:3 (Josiah Humbles Himself) |
| 06.25.04 (7:31 am) [edit] |
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Josiah was now the king of Judah and was pleasing to the Lord. (Shaphan was the grandson of the court secretary, Hilkiah was the high priest, Ahikam was Shapham's son. Asaiah was the king's personal advisor, Achbor was Michaiah son and Huldah was a prophet.) When Josiah was 8yrs old he became king and ruled for 31 years. In the 18th year of his reign Josiah sent Shaphan to the Temple of the Lord to talk to Hilkiah. Josiah wanted Hilkiah to count the money collected from the Temple and use it to pay the construction workers assigned to repair the Temple. There was no need for construction supervisors because the workers were very honest people. Hilkiah told Shaphan that he'd found the Book of Laws in the Lord's Temple. Shaphan read it and when he returned he read it to Josiah. Josiah tore his clothes in despair because he realized that they had not been obeying the Word. Josiah told Hilkiah, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan and Asaiah to go to the Temple of the Lord and speak to God on his behalf and on behalf of all of Judah. They should ask Him about the scroll because they hadn't been doing what they should according to the scroll. The group consulted with the prophet Huldah who told them that God said He would destroy the city and the people because they'd abandoned Him and worshipped pagan idols. The Lord was angry and his temper could not be quenched. But tell the king God knows he is truly sorry and has humbled himself before the Lord. This disaster would not fall upon Judah until after Josiah was laid to rest. The group took this message to Josiah. Josiah summoned all the leaders of Judah and Jerusalem and they all went to the Temple. Every person followed, from the least to the greatest. Josiah read aloud the entire Book of the Covenant and he took his place of authority by renewing the covenant in the Lord's presence. The people all pledged to follow the covenant.
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| 2 Kings 11:1-21 (The Rightful King Emerges) |
| 06.25.04 (7:05 am) [edit] |
King Ahaziah of Judah was dead. His mother, Athaliah, set out to kill the rest of the royal family. Ahaziah's sister, Jehosheba, stole Ahaziah's infant son and hid the child and his nurse in the Temple of the Lord for six years while Athaliah ruled the land. In the 7th year of her reign a priest named Jehoiada made a sworn pact with the Temple guards and some mercenaries and presented the king's son. Jehoiada planned and lead a revolt. 1/3 of the resistance who were on duty on the Sabbath were to guard the palace. 1/3 should stand at the Sur Gate. 1/3 should cover the palace guards. Any unauthorized person who approached would be killed. Jehoiada brought Joash, the king's son and placed the crown on his head. Joash was presented with a copy of the Lord's covenant and anointed king. When Athaliah heard all the commotion she rushed to the Temple. She was what was happening and shouted, "Treason, treason!" Jehoiada ordered her out of the Temple and told the guards to kill anyone who tried to help her. She was taken outside of the palace grounds and killed. Jehoiada made a covenant between the Lord and the people to claim the Lord and claim the king. The king took his place on the throne and everyone rejoiced.
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| 2 Kings 5:1-27 (Naaman's Leprosy Healed) |
| 06.22.04 (6:03 pm) [edit] |
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Naaman was the commander of Aram's army. The king of Aram had invaded a territory of Israel and returned with several slaves. One of the slaves, a young girl, was given to Naaman and his wife. The girl noticed the Naaman had leprosy and suggested he go see Elisha in Samaria to be healed. Naaman told the king about the girl's suggestion and he wrote a letter of introduction for Naaman to give to the king of Israel. Naaman also walked with gifts of silver, gold and clothes. When the king of Israel read the note of introduction, which also asked that Naaman be healed, he tore his clothes because he knew he didn't have God's healing power. He suspected this might be a ploy to invade Israel. Elisha heard about the king's reaction and asked that Naaman be sent to him so that he could see there was a true prophet in Israel. Naaman was picked up and taken to Elisha's home. Elisha's messenger came out to tell Naaman to go wash in the Jordan River 7 times to be healed. Naaman was furious because he received no royal welcome or even a visit with Elisha himself. He stormed off, but Naaman's servants pleaded for him to follow Elisha's instructions. Naaman expected a grand gesture to cure his leprosy and thought a dip in the river was too simple to work. Naaman humbled himself and followed Elisha's instructions and he was healed. Naaman and his royal party went to Elisha and proclaimed Israel's God as the one true God. He tried to give Elisha the 750lbs of silver, the 150lbs of gold and the 10 garments, but Elisha refused to accept anything. Naaman asked to load 2 mules with earth from this place and said he'd only make his burnt offerings to the Lord from now on. But he asked to be excused when his master, the king, worships in the temple because he'd have to bow to him. Elisha told Naaman to go home in peace. Gehazi, Elisha's servant did not want Naaman to leave without paying something. He snuck off after Naaman and said that Elisha requested 75lbs of silver, and 2 sets of clothes for 2 young prophets from Ephraim. Naaman gave Gehazi 150 lbs of silver and the 2 garments and had 2 of his own servants carry the gifts for Gehazi. Gehazi got back to Samaria and hid the items. Elisha asked Gehazi where he'd been and Gehazi said nowhere. Elisha told Gehazi he'd been in the Spirit and knew what happened. Gehazi was cursed with Naaman's leprosy.
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| "Megachurch multiplies in new multipurpose building" |
| 06.22.04 (8:51 am) [edit] |
This is an article from ChurchCentral.com about my home church, Christian Cultural Center.
17 Jun 2004
BROOKLYN, N.Y.—The Christian Cultural Center is a multipurpose destination for Sunday worshipers, according to Charisma News. Thousands arrive each weekend from as far away as Connecticut, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania to join the growing multicultural congregation in Brooklyn that offers much more than pews and a pulpit to attract new members to the building.
Senior pastor A.R. Bernard said the church’s new facility was designed to serve as a gathering place for the congregation and as a way to engage the community.
"We want this complex to be a destination to express the culture and history of the Christian faith," Bernard told Ministries Today magazine.
The 97,000-square-foot facility includes a café, bookstore, flower shop and newsstand. There is an upscale 120-seat restaurant on the second floor.
The church grew out of its 28,000-square-foot home in an abandoned supermarket in 1997. The new building cost $16 million.
It has a capacity for 5,000 worshipers. Three Sunday services attract 11,000 to 12,000 people. Annual decisions for Christ total about 1,200. Bernard reports that 98 percent of these converts become CCC members.
Bernard sees the church extending the hand of Christ to multitudes and giving hope to the community. "The essence of my message is discovering the Spirit of God in you," he said. "The essence for me is Christ in culture."
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| 2 Kings 2:13-25 (Elisha Picks Up Elijah's Cloak) |
| 06.22.04 (7:40 am) [edit] |
Elisha picked up Elijah's cloak and returned to the Jordan River. He struck the water and cried out, "Where is the Lord, God of Elijah?" The water divided and Elisha went across. The group of prophets saw this and declared Elisha Elijah's successor. They offered to send 50 of their strongest men to search the wilderness for Elijah. Elisha refused over and over, but they insisted. Elisha gave in and the men returned 3 days later empty-handed. Elisha said his I-told-you-so.
The leaders in Jericho approached Elisha because their water wasn't potable. Elisha asked for a bowl of salt, which he cast into the river. Elisha said the Lord has made this water wholesome and it was.
Elisha left Jericho for Bethel. On the road, a group of boys taunted and teased Elisha. Elisha turned and cursed them in the name of the Lord.
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| 2 Kings 2:1-12 (Elijah's Ascension) |
| 06.22.04 (7:13 am) [edit] |
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Elijah and Elisha were traveling on the day when the Lord was going to take Elijah to heaven. Elijah said, "Stay here because the Lord has told me to go to Bethel." Elisha said, "as long as the Lord is alive and you are alive I will never leave you." The prophets in Bethel asked Elisha if he knew he was losing his master today and Elisha shushed them. Elijah told Elisha, "Stay here because the Lord has told me to go to Jericho." Elisha gave the same reply. The prophets in Jericho asked Elisha if he knew he was losing his master today and Elisha shushed them. Elijah told Elisha, "Stay here because the Lord told me to go to the Jordan River." Elisha gave the same reply. 50 men from a group of prophets watched from a distance as Elijah and Elisha stopped on the bank of the Jordan. Elijah folded his cloak and struck the water. The river divided and the pair went across on dry ground. When they were on the other side, Elijah asked Elisha if he had a final request. Elisha asked to become Elijah's rightful successor. Elijah knew that was up to God. Elijah said if you see me taken from you, then your request will be filled. As they continued to walk and talk together, a chariot of fire drawn by a horse of fire drove between the pair. Elijah was carried by a subsequent whirlwind up to heaven. Elisha cried out, "My father, my father! The chariots and charioteers of Israel!" As they disappeared, Elisha tore his robe in two.
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| 1 Kings 22:29-40 (The Death of King Ahab) |
| 06.22.04 (6:50 am) [edit] |
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King Ahab and king Jehoshaphat of Judah battled against Ramothgilead. Ahab told Jehoshaphat to wear Ahab's royal robes and Ahab would disguise himself so that on one would recognize him in battle—orders were to attack only Ahab. When the enemy saw Ahab's robe, they chased Jehoshaphat. But when they caught up to him, Jehoshaphat called out and identified himself. One of the soldiers shot a random arrow in frustration at the Israelites and it found Ahab. His troops propped him up on his chariot where he bled to death. His body was buried in Samaria. His chariot was taken down to the river to be washed where dogs came and licked Ahab's blood, just as God promised.
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| The Exponential Church |
| 06.21.04 (7:42 pm) [edit] |
Please check out this link to an article from Outreach Magazine about gigachurches. My home church, Christian Cultural Center, is number 12.
People are often intimidated by the size of our congregation or make assumptions about the quality of fellowship. All I can say is, come check it out!
http://www.outreachmagazine.com/current_issue/May_Jun e04/exponential.html" title="http://www.outreachmagazine.com/current_issue/May_Jun e04/exponential.html" target="_blank"http://www.outreachmagazine.c...
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| 1 Kings 21:1-29 (Ahab and Naboth's Vineyard) |
| 06.17.04 (6:57 pm) [edit] |
King Ahab coveted his neighbor Naboth's vineyard. He asked Naboth to sell it to him, but Naboth declined because the land was an inheritance and he couldn't part with it. Ahab was angry. He pouted and refused to eat. His wife Jezebel asked him what was wrong. When he told her, Jezebel asked him if he was the king or not. She promised to get Naboth's vineyard. Jezebel wrote a letter in Ahab's name telling the leaders and people of Naboth's town to fast, pray and honor Naboth. She then had 2 scoundrels falsely accuse Naboth of cursing God and king Ahab. The town rose up and stoned Naboth to death. Jezebel heard the news and told Ahab that the vineyard was his. The Lord sent Elijah to meet Ahab just as he was about to claim Naboth's vineyard as his own. The Lord told Elijah to say, bad enough you killed Naboth—now you're going to rob him? Dogs will lick you blood outside the city just as they licked Naboth's. Ahab saw Elijah and said, oh, my enemy has found me. Elijah delivered God's message. Ahab went home, tore his clothes, dressed in a sackcloth and fasted. The Lord sent another message to Ahab through Elijah. Because Ahab humbled himself, God would not do what he promised in Ahab's lifetime, by in his descendants'.
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| 1 Kings 19:1-21 (Elijah Passes the Torch) |
| 06.16.04 (6:48 pm) [edit] |
Ahab finally made it to Jezreel and told Jezebel that all the prophets were dead. Jezebel swore that if she didn't kill Elijah within 24 hours that the gods should take her life.
Elijah fled to Beersheba where he'd left his servant and he stumbled into the desert. He sat under a tree and prayed for death. Elijah fell asleep and an angel touched him, telling him to get up and eat. There was bread and a jar of water there. Elijah laid down again and again the angel told him to get up and eat because he had a long journey ahead of him. The food the angel provided Elijah gave him the strength to travel for 40 days and nights, to Mt Sinai where he slept in a cave. But when the Lord asked Elijah why he was there, Elijah said he'd served the Lord, but the Israelites had broken the covenant of the Lord and killed all the other prophets. Elijah felt he was alone and the people would kill him next. God told Elijah to stand before Him on the mountain. As Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by and a terrible windstorm shook loose the rocks from the mountain, but the Lord was not in the wind. An earthquake hit, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. There was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. Then there was a gentle whisper. Elijah heard it and wrapped his face in his cloak as he stood in the threshold of the cave. God asked again why Elijah why he was there and Elijah replied again that he served the Lord, but the Israelites broke the covenant and killed all the prophets. Elijah felt he would be next. God told Elijah to go back the way he came, through the wilderness of Damascus. He should anoint Hazael to be king of Aram, Jehu to be king of Israel and Elisha to replace himself as a prophet. God said anyone who escapes Hazael would be caught by Jehu, anyone who escapes Jehu would be caught by Elisha and there are 7K others in Israel who would never bow down to Baal.
Elijah found Elisha plowing a field with a team of oxen. Elijah threw his cloak over Elisha and walked away. Elisha said, first let me kiss my parents goodbye and I'll go with you. Elijah said, go back, but think about what I've done. Elisha killed the team of oxen and used the wood from the plow to build the fire to cook the sacrifice. Elisha shared the meat with the other plowmen and left with Elijah to become his apprentice.
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| 1 Kings 18:16-46 (Elijah Bests All Other Prophets) |
| 06.16.04 (6:22 pm) [edit] |
Over 2 years of drought and famine had wreaked havoc on Israel. Ahab and Obadiah went out looking for grass to feed their horses and mules. They split up and Obadiah saw Elijah. Elijah told him to tell Ahab that he was back. Ahab came and addressed Elijah as Israel's troublemaker. Elijah said Ahab caused the trouble himself by not obeying the Lord. Elijah told Ahab to gather all his prophets and people to meet on Mt. Carmel.
Elijah told the people to choose a side, the Lord's or Baal's. The people didn't respond. Elijah suggested bringing 2 bulls for sacrifice. The one who's bull was set ablaze by their god/God would be proven. The prophets of Baal called for fire all day, but nothing happened. Elijah built an altar using 12 stones to represent the 12 original tribes of Israel. He had people from the crowd fill 4 large jars of water and pour the water all over the sacrifice and wood 3 times. Elijah prayed to God to show the people who the Lord is. God sent fire down from heaven. The people fell on their faces and worshipped God.
Elijah commanded that Baal's prophets be captured. They were taken to the Kishon valley and killed. Elijah told Ahab to enjoy one last good meal because a rainstorm was coming. Elijah went back to Mt. Carmel and sent his servant down to look for signs of rain. On the 7th trip his servant saw a cloud like a hand coming up from the sea. Elijah told Ahab to climb on chariot and hurry home. God gave Elijah the power to run ahead of Ahab and beat him on the 6-mile journey back to Jezreel.
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| 1 Kings 17: 1-24 (Elijah as an Instrument of the Lord) |
| 06.16.04 (6:06 pm) [edit] |
Elijah was tired of the Baal-based worship in Israel. He told king Ahab that the Lord said there will be no dew or rain for the next few years unless He gives the word. The Lord told Elijah to hide out by Kerith brook--drink from the brook and ravens have been commanded to bring food.
After the brook dried up, the Lord told Elijah to find a widow in Zarephath who had been instructed to feed him. Elijah saw her and asked for some water. The woman went to fetch the water and Elijah asked her to also bring some bread. The widow said she had no bread, only a handful of flour and a bit of cooking oil that she planned to use as the last supper for she and her son before they died of starvation. Elijah told the widow to cook the last meal for him and there would be plenty of flour and oil left because God commanded it. No matter how much the widow used, there was always more flour and oil left in her containers.
Later, the woman's son became very sick and died. She called to Elijah. Elijah took her son to the upper room where he slept and laid the body on his bed. Elijah called out to the Lord and stretched himself over the child 3 times, asking the Lord to please return the child's life. Elijah brought him down and gave him to his mother, alive. The widow said that now she knew Elijah was a man of God and the Lord truly spoke through him.
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| 1 Kings 12:1-24 (Solomon's Son in Charge) |
| 06.16.04 (5:55 pm) [edit] |
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After Solomon died, his son Rehoboam became king. The Israelite leaders sent for Jeroboam to ask Rehoboam what type of ruler he'd be. Jeroboam suggested Rehoboam be easy going and lessen the labor and tax demands that Solomon had instituted. Rehoboam asked some of his old childhood friends what they thought. They said Rehoboam should be tougher and more forceful than his dad was. Rehoboam took his friends' advice and the people revolted. Rehoboam fled to Jerusalem. He gathered an army of 180K, but the Lord spoke to Rehoboam through Shemaiah, telling him to give up his fight and go home.
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| 1 Kings 10:1-13 |
| 06.14.04 (7:21 pm) [edit] |
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The queen of Sheba came to pay Solomon a visit to confirm the stories she'd heard about how great king Solomon was. Solomon answered all her questions. The queen was moved by the wisdom and riches God had blessed Solomon with. She gifted Solomon with huge amounts of gold, spices and jewels.
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| 1 Kings 6:1-38 |
| 06.14.04 (7:17 pm) [edit] |
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Solomon made an alliance with king Hiran of Tyre for timber to be used to build the Temple of the Lord his father was unable to build. He started in the 4th year of Hiran's reign and finished in the 11th year. The Lord sent a message to Solomon that if he kept the Lord's laws and regulations and obeyed all His commands, God would fulfill, through Solomon, the promise he made to David—to live among the people of Israel and never forsake His people.
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| 1 Kings 3:16-28 |
| 06.14.04 (7:12 pm) [edit] |
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One day 2 prostitutes asked Solomon to settle an argument they had. They lived in the same house and each had a baby boy. The first said the 2nd's baby had died and she switched the dead infant for her own healthy son while she was asleep. The 2nd denied the charge. Solomon asked for a sword so that he could cut the living child in 2 and give half to each woman. They 2nd woman agreed. The first pleaded to give the child away to spare his life. Solomon awarded the child to the first woman who proved herself to be the true mother by wanting her child to live. Word of Solomon's wise decision spread and the people were awed by the wisdom God had given Solomon.
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| 1 Kings 3:1-15 |
| 06.14.04 (7:06 pm) [edit] |
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Solomon married the pharaoh's daughter to secure an alliance with Egypt, against the command of the Lord. Solomon brought her to live in the City of David while his palace and the Temple of the Lord were being built. Since there were no altars or temples yet, the people of Israel sacrificed locally. Solomon followed behind them and sacrificed 1000 burnt offerings at Gideon. That night, the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream. God asked Solomon, what do you want? Solomon asked for an understanding mind to govern his people well. The Lord was so pleased with Solomon's answer that he gave him wisdom beyond compare, along with riches, honor and a long life. Solomon woke up and returned to Jerusalem to sacrifice a peace offering and a burnt offering by the Ark of the Lord's Covenant. He and all his officials had a great banquet to celebrate.
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| 1 Kings 1:28-53 |
| 06.14.04 (6:57 pm) [edit] |
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David told Bathsheba that as sure as the Lord was his savior, Solomon would be the next king. Bathsheba bowed low and thanked David. David called for Beniah, Zadok and Nathan the prophet. He told them to take Solomon down to Gihan Springs on David's personal mule. Zadok and Nathan were to anoint Solomon as the new king. The trumpets should then blow and people should shout, "Long live King Solomon!" When everyone returns to the palace, Solomon will sit on David's throne. All this came to pass. When the trumpets wailed and the people shouted, the earth shook. Adonijah and his guests heard the ruckus and wondered what was going on. Jonathan came in and told them that Solomon had been anointed king and was now sitting on the throne. Adonijah's guests jumped up in a panic and scattered. Adonijah ran to the sacred tent and held onto the horns of the altar because he was terrified of Solomon. He pleaded for Solomon to swear he wouldn't kill him. Solomon sent word that if Adonijah was loyal he wouldn't be harmed. So Abonijah came down from the altar and bowed low before Solomon, who told him to go home.
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| 1 Kings 1:5-27 |
| 06.10.04 (7:05 pm) [edit] |
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David was very old now and blankets alone could not keep him warm. His advisors found him a beautiful young virgin to keep him warm, but their relationship remained platonic. David and Haggith's son Abonijah decided to name himself king since he was the next in line, chronologically. He bought himself a chariot and an entourage of 50 men. David never questioned Abonijah, who was secretly being advised by Joab to help gave the throne. Joab and Abiathar formed an alliance and Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Beniah Shiimei, Rei and David's personal bodyguards remained faithful to David. Abonijah went to the Serpent Stone to sacrifice some sheep, oxen and fatten calves. He invited all his brothers except Solomon because David had promised, many years before, that Solomon would be the next king. No one else who was faithful to David was invited. Nathan went to Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, and asked her to tell David what was going on and he'd back her up. Bathsheba went to David and let him know what Abonijah was doing and Nathan soon came in to back her up. Nathan asked David if he was OK with this.
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| 2 Samuel 18: 1-18 |
| 06.10.04 (6:52 pm) [edit] |
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David put his army at the helm of 3 generals, Joab, Abishar and Ittai. They had David stay behind as tey met Absalom's army. David asked then to spare Absalom. They were winning the battle when Absalom's mule ran under a low branch and left Absalom hanging from an oak tree. One of David's men saw this and told Joab. Joab asked why the man hadn't killed Absalom because Joab would have given them10 pieces of silver and a hero's belt as a reward. The man replied that he wouldn't go against David's wishes for 1000 pieces of silver. Joab pierced Absalom's heart with 3 daggers and his armor-bearers finished him. Zadok's son Ahimaaz offered to tell David the "good news", that his enemy was dead, but Joad sent a man from Cush to tell David his son was dead. Ahimaaz pleaded and begged and finally Joab gave him permission to go. Ahimaazar took a short cut and beat the Cushite. Ahimaaz arrived and said all was well and the Lord handed them the rebels. David asked about Absalom and Ahimaazar said he didn't know. Just then the Cushite arrived and told David, may all your enemies be as dead as that young man is. David became so overcome with emotion that he ran from the room and cried, My son, if only I could have died instead of you!
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