"You Alone Are Loyal"

KING DAVID was no stranger to disloyalty. At one point his tumultuous reign was beset by intrigue, with members of his own nation plotting against him. Furthermore, David was betrayed by some of those whom we would expect to have been his closest companions. Consider Michal, David's first wife. Initially, she "was in love with David," no doubt supporting him as his kingly endeavors. Later, however, she "began to despise him in her heart," even considering David to be "just as one of the empty-headed men." -1 Samuel 18:20; 2 Samuel 6:16, 20.

Then there was David's personal adviser, Ahithophel. His counsel was esteemed as if it were the direct word of Jehovah. (2 Samuel 16:23) But, in time, this trusted confidant turned traitor and joined an organized rebellion against David. And who was the instigator of the conspiracy? Absalom, David's own son! That scheming opportunist "kept stealing the hearts of the men of Israel," setting himself up as a rival king. Absalom's revolt gained so much momentum that King David was forced to flee for his life. -2 Samuel 15:1-6, 12-17.

Was there no one who remained loyal to David? Throughout all his adversity, David knew that indeed there was . Who? None other than Jehovah God. "With someone loyal you will act in loyalty," David said of Jehovah. (2 Samuel 22:26) what is loyalty, and how does Jehovah provide that loftiest example of this quality?

Next time: What Is Loyalty?

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002