Todays Reading – 2 Samuel 19 – 21
Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites. (2 Samuel 21:1)
Remember back in 1 Samuel when King Saul was mad at the priests because they had helped David. (See 1 Samuel 21 & 22) Saul ended up killing all of the priests (85 of them) and then proceeded to wipe out Nob, the city that the priests lived in. What Saul did to the priests and to their families was bad enough; but there was also a group of people who lived in Nob as servants to the priests who were not Israelites: they were Gibeonites. Now you may also remember from the book of Joshua that the Gibeonites were the people who tricked Joshua into making a covenant with them. Joshua promised these people with an oath that Israel would let them live, and in return the Gibeonites would be Israel’s servants. God never forgot that covenant, so when Saul (acting on behalf of Israel) broke the covenant and slew the Gibeonites living in Nob; God held them (Israel – not just Saul) accountable. God doesn’t forget, even when we want to. Here an entire nation is suffering for the decision of one man.
We should be admonished when we read passages like this. First of all, we should realize that our actions affect more people than we think; and we should carefully consider the outcome on others around us from the decisions we make today as well as the impact they will have on future generations. Secondly, we need to think about any unfinished business we may have with God or other people. We are so quick to promise things; but so slow to deliver the things that we promise. God never forgot the promise that Israel made with the Gibeonites.
Note – A separate thought from this passage of Scripture. Notice in 21:8 that five of the “sons of Saul” (actually grandsons) that were to be killed were the sons of Michal, David’s first wife. Michal had lived a troubled life due to men who have used her for their own gain. Saul promised her to David and reluctantly gives her to be his wife; later Saul took her back and gave her to another man; After Sauls death when David is in power he takes her back, away from a man that loves her; and now here she is losing her sons.
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Wow; Great preaching and thought provoking teaching today. I have much to chew on till Wednesday. I was especially moved by the words to the song "So send I you" tonight. Just read Mrs. DiCanio's comment; such wisdom; thank you! Oh yeah; those boys who handed out tracts on their own account was absolutely wounderful. Lastly the baptisims, I never get tired of witnessing that as it reminds me of Pastor Stan. Thank You Jesus for filling my void today with Good!!!
I have been impressed with King David and his quiet spirit in the midst of conflict. We always feel that we must express what we think in any given situation, but David seemed to just take everything in and not say too much. I need to emulate that spirit.
Preacher, I want to thank you for all you do. You are a great asset to the Kindom. Thank you for the love you share with your people. Thank you for allowing the Holy Spirit to fill you so that we get what we need. Thank you for keeping your eyes like a flint. (I love that message). Thank you for putting up with me when I am unloveable, and thank you for the friendship Ted and I have had with you and your family. Never take your eyes off the prize!
In HIS Service