2 Samuel 17:25

2 Samuel 17:25 says, And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab: which Amasa was a man’s son, whose name was Ithra an Israelite, that went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab’s mother. Absalom made Amasa, who was the son of Abigail, David’s sister, his captain over the army instead of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, David’s other sister according to Matthew Henry.  Also, Matthew Henry says that Amasa's father was also an Ishmaelite who was a naturalized Israelite.  He was kin to Absalom, even though Joab was also.  People today still sometimes put their relatives in positions of power if they have the opportunity to do so.  Verse twenty-six adds, So Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of Gilead.  The army of Isreal and Absalom set up camp in Gilead as they pursued David.  Absalom had evidently gathered all the people as Hushai had instructed him to, but now he was chasing David.  People intent on doing evil in God's sight will not be put off forever.  Verse twenty-seven states, And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,  When David was in Mahanaim, three men came to him bringing gifts.  Matthew Henry says that Shobi was a younger brother of the royal family of the Ammonites, whose brother Hanun had done indignities to David’s house, yet David had shown kindness to Shobi.  Matthew Henry points out that sometimes someone who has shown kindness and helped others may one day be in need of help them self.  Machir had maintained the estate of Mephibosheth until David relieved him of the responsibility.  Barzillai we will hear more about later.  Verse twenty-eight adds, Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse,  Verse twenty-nine continues And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.   They brought household goods as well as food.  They weren't just thinking about the immediate need but were looking ahead as well. The food that was ready to be eaten they encouraged David and those with him to eat, since they were most likely hungry from their time in the wilderness.  We certainly need to help meet the immediate needs of those who are in need, but we also need to help them more long term if possible, and if we show kindness to others, they may return the favor if we are ever in need.