From: stevek
Date: Thu Jan  8 16:26:28 MST 2004
Subject: 2 Samuel 21

The final 4 chapters of 2 Samuel represent additional events which occured during the reign of King David. In typical Hebrew/Old Testament fashion, they are not necessarily presented in chronological order. Chapter 21 has a famine come over Israel and in response David prays. God tells him that the famine is the result of Saul having put a certain tribe to death. David locates some of their descendents and asks what restitution he can provide. The tribe (Gibeonites) asks for the life of 7 of Saul's descendents (7 is God's perfect # and is used here to symbolize the completeness of the restitution.) The deal is consummated, the famine ends and David seeks out the bones of Saul and Jonathon, buries them together with those of the 7 who were just killed in recompense. The chapter ends with a picture of other battles, one in which David has to be rescued. His age will now prevent him from fighting effectively so his men declare "never again will you go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel will not be extinguished." What strikes me in this chapter is the continuing picture of David's heart for God, and the character he showed towards both his enemies and friend with whom he had established a convenant relationship. It also points to the fact that those around David respected what they saw in him/"the lamp of Israel." When faced with great need, David's first response was to go before God. When given an answer, David moved to make right the wrong which had brought the offense, even though he had not been originally responsible. Finally, he took the effort to honor both Saul and Jonathon, to perform a final deed of respect towards the king he had honored and the friend he had loved. The chapter isn't in the Word by mistake. We face a great need at the village; that is, where will we be in the coming months. David's example is to first take that need before the Lord, and then to step out and take action. We can't do God's part, and He won't do ours. But, scripture shows that He responds to believers who seek Him prayerfully and step out in faith. In this chapter the famine ends when David honors what God speaks into his life. We may trust that God will honor our efforts as we pray, listen, hear and act in accord with His direction. We may also trust that those who see us working through relationship with God will be blessed by that and our testimony will impact their hearts/"the lamp of Israel - the village." Rod's comment last night about our being thankful to the Reformed church fits right into that scenerio. They have been gracious. I have been less so in some previous blogs/I, and any who share that need to repent of the attitude and openly display to our hosts that we are thankful for their hospitality. It will bless them and they deserve God's blessing. David showed respect for his former leader despite having been tormented by him (Saul.) He also showed a continuing respect for the relationship he had covenented with Jonathon, even after his death. We need to walk with that level of character. David was a man after God's own heart. A part of that was the example he set in respecting those who were in spiritual authority over him, even when they didn't seem to deserve it. The Bethel leadership is in a position of authority over us/from the standpoint of real estate, if not spiritually. David's walking out that respect towards Saul pleased God. Our walking it out will also please God. He also showed it in simply keeping his word - Jonathon was dead, but David spared his friends son and showed the final act of respect by burying Jonathon along with his father and family. We spoke last night about reaching out to the community around us and being a blessing. Maybe we should consider reaching around the corner into the adjacent building and blessing the leadership and congregation of Bethel for what they have done on our behalf, and pray that God blesses their dreams for the future use of the building which we now occupy. God'll sort out all of this. Sometimes He delivers us, and sometimes He takes us through stuff. It's all for the good if our center is Him, in prayer and obedience to His direction.

Edit this blog
Write a response Email the author

---

Write a blog