1 Ki. 8: Home Permanent

1 Kings 8:11 "And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled his temple."

This is big time. All of Israel was ordered to assemble at the completed temple. The priests were bringing the ark into the temple from Zion. This is sort of the completion of what God promised way back in the time of Abraham. The promised land was conquered. God had a permanent place for his presence among the people of Israel.

So many sacrifices were made that they were immeasurable. What a mess. This showed a renewed (again) devotion to the work of God in their midst.

I think I don't know why the ark was said to have nothing except the stone tablets inside as the priests brought it into the Most Holy Place. What happened to the jar of manna? Aaron's staff? Were they taken by the Philistines? Wouldn't the ark have the same lethal effect on the Philistines who tried to move/touch it? If these things were taken, why were the stone tablets left? I wonder.

At any rate, the glory of the LORD filled temple so intensely that even the commissioned priests could not perform their duties. God's simple glory was so great that priests didn't have to do anything.

Solomon recognizes the fulfillment of prophecy, in that the temple was promised to David that it would be built by his son. Here it was. Built. What an amazing thought, to witness fulfillment of prophecy firsthand. To (maybe) have witnessed the original prophecy, and then to see it take place exactly as spoken. How often did/does that happen?

I just love Solomon's prayer of dedication in vs. 22-61. It's long-winded, but it's really Solomon talking to God. I don't see any real pretense or showmanship. Solomon is thankful for the covenant of love. Love. The covenant is more than just, "here's some land, live peacefully." This covenant was made because God loved his people and keeps his promise to his people.

Solomon also realizes how little consequence his building is for a God who cannot be contained by the highest heavens. Solomon built a place where "the Name" will dwell. And God said his Name would be there. This is all coming from God. Solomon realizes also that his people need mercy and forgiveness. Pretty humble coming from the richest, wisest man on earth. His prayer includes requests for discipline and justice when (not "if," v. 46) people screw up. I love that. He asks for correction. He expects God to show his holiness. Amazing.

Solomon seeks comfort and rest in God. He appears to realize that he's really nothing without God and his mercy.

So many sacrifices were being offered at this dedication that the courtyard had to be consecrated, since the altar was too small to handle the 22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep and goats. It was a two week celebration, and God was the host with the most. That's my kind of party...right?

1 Ki. 7: Hardcastle and McSolomon

1 Kings 13:51 "When all the work King Solomon had done for the temple of the LORD was finished, he brought in the things his father David had dedicated—the silver and gold and the furnishings—and he placed them in the treasuries of the LORD's temple."

When I read that it took Solomon 13 years to build the palace and only 7 to build the temple, I had to wonder where the priorities were. But the temple was relatively simple, in comparison to all that had to go into the palace. And the palace wasn't just where Solomon lived. It included his throne room, the hall of justice and all kinds of stuff needed to run a kingdom. It was Solomon's command center. The seven years for the temple versus 13 years for the palace is in a way a microcosm of how man does things. It's never simple with man. God cuts it and dries it. Look at the sheer number of denominations out there. Of course it was more complex to build the temple.

Well, the temple had to be decorated. Solomon had these two pillars built out of bronze by Huram. 27 feet tall they were and 18 feet around. That seems like a sight! I wonder what they looked like...this? Or this... I found a pretty sweet video about the temple here. Turn down the scary music though. I have no idea why that first wall in the video is like 50 stories tall, I didn't read that anywhere. So take this for visual purposes only. It helped me visualize what the temple and furnishings looked like.

Huram also took care of the sea, which was a huge bronze basin, 15 feet wide and 7.5 feet tall. That would be awesome. So the outer stuff was bronze, and the inner stuff, the holy things, were gold. Also, the bronze stuff wasn't weighed.

Was the tabernacle no longer needed? Now that Israel was where they were supposed to be, God's office no longer needed to be portable.

Also, pomegranates must have some significance to the holy things. They were first mentioned as part of the priestly garb in Exodus 28, and now here again in temple deco. I don't know why they are significant, but there seems to be a health craze regarding pomegranates lately, and I love pomegranate tea, so...ponderous. Is it the shape? Is it the health benefits? Is it where they are found? Or is this because God says so?

1 Ki. 6: Temple of Soul

1 Kings 6:22 "So he overlaid the whole interior with gold. He also overlaid with gold the altar that belonged to the inner sanctuary."

The temple is actually smaller than I thought. I think I was thinking of Solomon's palace. There is no comparison to the amount of description that went into the tabernacle, originally. That took chapters. This is one chapter. Is this perhaps because having a temple for the LORD was of human origin? The concept of the tabernacle was divinely inspired, and it's construction and layout details were described to the minutest detail. That's not to say there weren't details with the building of the temple. Anyway, with the scope of the labor and construction, it's hard to believe the comparative size of the temple. Not that big.

Interesting that the stones were all carved and honed at the quarry. No stones were worked at the temple site. I'm guessing it's because of reverence, but what grabs me is the skill that had to go into the stonecutting off-site, in order to make it perfect. If a stone was wrong, was it discarded? Hauled off-site to fix? What a pain...

The stone temple was paneled inside to the point that no stone showed. While that would make modern interior designers cringe, I wonder if the significance of the cedar was life, while stone connoted death. Just wondering. That's what I do. Then the cedar is overlaid with gold, so...it's abundant life, apparently. It took seven years to complete.

1 Ki. 5: Sanctuary

1 Kings 5:4 "But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or disaster."

It's temple-buildin' time. Where God told David it wouldn't be him to build God's central office, He did give Solomon the go ahead. Was a completed conquest the reason it was time to build the temple? Or Solomon's place in history? God did a lot with David, and is probably going to do a lot with Solomon. He chose to give this responsibility of the temple to Solomon. God has definite plans for each person's life. He sets the limits on what will be accomplished. He chooses each person for their time and their moment.

Solomon makes a treaty with Hiram, the king of Tyre to get cedars for the temple. Maybe this is ok, now that there is peace? And Israel is firmly ensconced in their promised land? Of course Hiram was pleased with this situation. Israel didn't have their collective boot on the Sidonian throat.

Another thing that amazes me about this chapter is the sheer labor force and the massive undertaking it was to create this temple.

30,000 conscripted laborers, 70,000 carriers (because they couldn't just throw those logs on a bunch of trailers), 80,000 Stonecutters (who control the British crown, no doubt), and 3300 supervisors. Amazing. And this is going to take years. I always looked at the temple like the church I go to. Even with stone-age labor and ingenuity, it wasn't going to take years like the temple.

1 Ki. 4: Our Man Solomon

1 Kings 4:9 "God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore."

Solomon is like no other man that ever was. The way his wisdom is described here is nothing short of amazing. He just knew stuff. Did he learn things, or did God reveal things to him? It says he taught about reptiles and fish and birds and hyssop and stuff. I don't believe he had a lab or something, but I believe he paid close attention to his surroundings. I imagine it was a little of both. He probably learned as he went. His asking God for wisdom in the previous chapter was in itself deeply wise. The wisdom God granted to him was probably far beyond any wisdom he would have expected or asked. He came from just wanting to be able to his job, to teaching men of other nations...wise...things.

What wise things? That's what boggles my mind about this chapter. What exactly did they discuss? What would it have been like to listen to Solomon? What did his people know about his wisdom and the nature of it? Did they realize what a gift they were given by God's gift of wisdom to Solomon? So, in a way, God's gift to Solomon was a gift to all of His people. What gifts do I have that are gifts to you? Makes me wonder. And are we thankful or jealous of other people's gifts?

A knowledge as broad and unmeasurable as the sand on the seashore...seems a bit overwhelming. I'd be interested at first...but I wonder if there's such a thing as too much knowledge? What responsibility goes with that?

1 Ki. 3: Wise Acres

1 Kings 3:13 "Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both riches and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings."

This doesn't start out so good for Solomon. He aligns himself with the king of Egypt, and hooks up with his daughter. It has been pretty consistent throughout mentions of the covenant that Egypt is known as Israel's enslavers. Marrying into other races has proven itself to be a stumbling block. So we'll see. I don't like this.

But then Solomon tries to show his devotion by offering a whopping 1000 sacrifices. Can you imagine? How well did the priests eat that...month?

So God comes at night in a dream and asks Solomon to ask for anything. And we'd all have our answers, but Solomon, simply, just wants to know how to do his job. He wasn't really in any sort of big-time leadership position, and here he was, now the king. A daunting job. He wants to just do his job right, which I find amazing. No where did he mention great wealth or long life, but God goes ahead and gives that to him anyway. Which makes me wonder...if we humble ourselves and ask for simple things, will God grant more amazing things that we wouldn't have even thought of?

Solomon gets to put his wisdom to test right away, as two prostitutes bring in a baby, each claiming to be his mother. Apparently one mother suffocated her infant during the night, and switched him with the other mother's. Which takes some kind of balls. Only the threat of death brings the true mother to light. As Solomon raises a sword to cut the baby in two, she relents from her plea, and would give up her son so that he would live. The other was rather cold about it. And this was amazing to those in Solomon's court. What a genius idea to solve a problem.

1 Ki. 2: Solomon Cleans House

1 Kings 2:12 "So Solomon sat on the throne of his father David, and his rule was firmly established."

Probably no more apt of a linchpin verse than the above.

Anyway, David has a little father-son chat with Solomon before he kicks off, and tells him how to be a man. Despite Solomon having been a man for decades at a minimum. But anyway, its not military might, as one would expect coming from David, it's following the laws of Moses. David saw the blessings that come with obedience, and he saw the curses and downfalls that come with disobedience. He wanted to protect his son from sin and bad choices. It must have been important to David to continue his lineage. And important to God. I don't think God merely wanted to have just any clown on the throne. Despite God's sort of displeasure with the idea of a human king on the throne, he set regulations in place to ensure that it would endure. Weird.

David offers some inside info that Solomon may or may not have known about, regarding Joab, who killed two of David's military men, Barzillai, who helped David cross the river, and Shimei, who cursed David but then blessed him.

Adonijah wins the "Just Doesn't Get It" award for his request for Abishag to be his wife. The woman who sustained David. Adonijah was hanging by a thread already for his attempted coup. Now he sends in his mom to King Solomon to ask for Abishag? Solomon's lethal response I actually find quite appropriate. How much more power would Adonijah seek?

Abiathar was removed from the priesthood, partly because of his conspiracy with Adonijah, but also because of the curse brought upon the house of Eli.

Joab was next. Solomon had Benaiah, his new hitman, kill Joab. Joab tried to cling to the horns of the altar, which was apparently like calling "safety" in tag, as Adonijah had done.

Shimei was next, but was sort of a gray area. He was instructed never to leave Jerusalem. But he did to go find some lost slaves. Solomon had him killed. By Benaiah.

1 Ki. 1: I Guess I'm King

1 Kings 1:30 "I will surely carry out today what I swore to you by the LORD, the God of Israel: Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he will sit on my throne in my place."

David is too old and haggard to execute the duties of the office of the king of Israel at this point. How old and haggard? Well, if it gets too cold, he'll die. That's quite haggard. When a man gets that haggard, they hire a servant girl to come and lie next to him at night. The Bible points out that there was no hanky-panky going on here. So, why not a servant man? Anyway...I wouldn't want to be her, because dudes snore. And more. I just can't imagine it being a very pleasant job. I hope she was compensated well.

Meanwhile, Adonijah realizes David is too old and haggard, so he usurps the throne. He figures, "Eh, David can't handle it, I'll do it." Once again, he does it wrong. The king has repeatedly been chosen by God. Those who tried to take it meet unsightly ends. It almost works. He gets Joab's and Abiathar's support, but not the important people's support...Nathan, Benaiah...the mighty men. They weren't invited. Adonijah knew he was doing a shady thing. He knew David had promised the throne to Solomon.

David has the men, Zadok, and Solomon ride to Gihon, where he will be anointed. Can you imagine? A future king riding on a nasty mule into town to be anointed? Makes no sense. Anyway, they go through with it and create such a ruckus that even Joab is like "What's all that ruckus in the city?"

Jonathan, son of the priest busts into Adonijah's court or whatever, and says that David has anointed Solomon. Bad news for Adonijah. The party's over, and Adonijah's kingship melts away like so much sugar in the rain. This treason was punishable by death, but Solomon lets Adonijah live despite his rebellion. Maybe he will be a gracious king?

2 Sa. 24: Miscount

2 Samuel 24:17 "When David saw the angel who was striking down the people, he said to the LORD, 'I am the one who has sinned and done wrong. These are but sheep. What have they done? Let your hand fall upon me and my family.'"

God orders a census of the nation, but David only counts the fighting men. Even Joab didn't get it. He wondered why David only wanted the fighting men counted, but David insisted. David doesn't realize it was so wrong until Joab gives him the number. I don't know exactly why this was so wrong, and why it would attack David's conscience so, but I guess when you start throwing numbers around, you begin to guage success by the numbers. God has proven himself to be beyond numbers...limitless. When someone calculates their power, that is completely against what God is all about. I wonder how often we are afraid of the numbers we crunch, not fully realizing God's capabilities.

God would have given David victory no matter what. David instead chose to put his faith in his men.

Because of this, God gives David a multiple-choice of how he would prefer to be punished. I think this is the first optional punishment God has doled out, but I could be wrong. Of three years of famine, three years of fleeing enemies or 3 days of plague, David only said he didn't want to fall into the hands of men. So God sent a plague, and wiped out 70,000 people before He was grieved and called for a halt. David wanted the punishment put only on his family. What stops plagues? Altar-building. David is led by Gad to buy the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.

So this selfishness cost David 70,000 people and 50 shekels for the threshing floor. He'll learn

2 Sa. 23: David's Last Words and Men

2 Samuel 23:7 "Whoever touches thorns uses a tool of iron or the shaft of a spear; they are burned up where they lie."

Well, David's winding it down, running out the clock or whatever, and he has his famous last words. It says it is an oracle, so whether or not it's actually David saying it, I don't know. I suppose it doesn't have to be. Balaam was a conduit, if you'll remember. What is apparent is that the LORD spoke, offering a reality check for future successful rulers. It's pretty interesting language...

the light of morning at sunrise
on a cloudless morning,
like the brightness after rain
that brings the grass from the earth.'

"Is not my house right with God?
Has he not made with me an everlasting covenant,
arranged and secured in every part?
Will he not bring to fruition my salvation
and grant me my every desire?

A righteous ruler is a change. It is the result of stretching, uncomfortable change. Its also a promise kept. Is it amazing to be granted every desire? Is it possible if you aren't David? What would those desires be? What if that were the norm?

Then we have a list of David's mighty men. His military All-Star team, as it were. These guys were not a welcome sight to David's enemies.

1. Josheb-Basshebeth - killed 800 men in one battle. Dang.

2. Eleazar - Master trash-talker, hand froze to his sword, and he continued to kick hiney.

3. Shammah - Great bean field defender.

Apparently, three guys, maybe the above, broke through Philistine ranks to bring David a drink of water. That's hardcore. David didn't even drink it.

4. Abishai - Speared three hundred dudes. Commander of the military.

5. Benaiah - Reminds me of Jack Bristow from Alias. All around BAMF. He took down Moab's top two. He slew a lion in a pit on a snowy day. He took a club against a huge Egyptian guy, took Egyptian guy's spear, and then killed Egyptian guy with Egyptian guy's own spear. You could see why David made Benaiah his body guard.

There was also Asahel, the runner who Abner killed, Elhanan (who killed another Goliath), another Shammah, Elika, Helez the Paltite, Ira, Abiezer from Anathoth, Mebunnai the Hushathite, Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite, Heled son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ithai son of Ribai from Gibeah in Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hiddai from the ravines of Gaash, Abi-Albon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite, the sons of Jashen, Jonathan son of Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam son of Sharar the Hararite, Eliphelet son of Ahasbai the Maacathite, Eliam son of Ahithophel the Gilonite, Hezro the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite, Igal son of Nathan from Zobah, the son of Hagri, Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah, Ira the Ithrite,
Gareb the Ithrite and Uriah the Hittite, whose wife David stole.

2 Sa. 22: David Praises

2 Samuel 22: 31 "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him."

The 22nd chapter of 2nd Samuel is another praise song from a person who was given great victory or blessings by God. This song is of particular interest because it just lists off all these things that God has done. It isn't made up of refrains where David says, "I praise you," or "I exalt you." This song is very God-ward. God has done a lot for David, and David humbles himself here greatly. He recognizes that none of his victory could have come without the LORD. It does seem a bit off when David claims to not have sinned, and to have kept himself pure, when that's obviously not the case. Was it his heart over all? Was this God's grace taking control? For the most part, sure, David did not turn away to the right or to the left of what it was that God told him to do, and I'm sure it was confusing and off-putting to those around David.

Overall this song is one of victory and encouragement. I imagine lots of people claim it when they need a little boost and a remind of what God is capable of doing.

2 Sa. 21: Gibeonites Avenged

2 Samuel 21:6 "'Let seven of his male descendants be given to us to be killed and exposed before the LORD at Gibeah of Saul—the Lord 's chosen one.' So the king said, 'I will give them to you.'"

So, there's a famine in Israel. And David waits three years before he asks God what the deal is. Seems like a long time. Maybe a famine isn't a famine for three years? Anyway, God tells David that this famine was brought on because of Saul's mistreatment of the Gibeonites...which I don't recall reading about up front, and after some backtracking, I still couldn't find where that was. Anyway. What interests me here is that God wasn't going to come out and tell David the reason for the famine. David had to go to Him.

What else does God do, and, to put it one way, "get away with" without us asking why? God can be confusing, so why don't people ask? Is it just assumed that God knows what he's doing, so who are people to expect any kind of explanation? I guess there's merit in that type of attitude, but it would never stop me from being curious as to what is going on. But this three year delay thing...I wonder if David would wait that long in the future, if this is some kind of lesson for him.

So the Gibeonites ask for seven descendents of Saul to kill in order to square with the house. David goes for it, and its kind of horrific. Is this a case of "Sins of the Fathers?" I think so. Exodus 34 talks about it being visited on the 3rd and fourth generation. And I know what you're saying. What about Deuteronomy 24? Because I asked that too. But what I can gather is that Exodus referred to how God dealt with man...supernaturally. Deuteronomy describes legal matters between men. Anyway, it would be rough to be the trade piece to bring prosperity back to Israel. It still took reburial of Saul and Jonathan along with the seven before God would answer prayer.

And I wonder why, of all the nonsense Saul pulled, that this Gibeon thing would be what brought the famine on Israel?

In spite of the famine's departure, Israel's political house was not in order. They had to fight more Philistines. Including another Goliath, and a guy with hexadactylism. Was it the same Goliath, as in a replay? Or was Goliath a popular name? The Goliath David killed was from Gath, while the one Elhanan killed was a Gittite. Same place? I'unno.

2 Sa. 20: The Sheba Rebellion

2 Samuel 20:22 "Then the woman went to all the people with her wise advice, and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bicri and threw it to Joab. So he sounded the trumpet, and his men dispersed from the city, each returning to his home. And Joab went back to the king in Jerusalem."

Obviously, not all of the Israelites were pleased with David being king. Sheba, a Benjamite (go figure), incites a rebellion, and David sends his best men out to squash it. And you may be wondering what awe-inspiring oration Sheba gave to get all the men of Israel back on his side. Well here it is...

"We have no share in David, no part in Jesse's son! Every man to his tent, O Israel!"

Don't you just get chills? I know. Me neither. But it was enough.

I don't want to overlook how David treated his concubines. They were basically imprisoned, but provided for. That blows. I guess I don't know the whole story, but that's not that cool by me. David. Loving husband. There you go.

Meanwhile, on the way to crush Sheba, the deposed Joab greets and guts Amasa, slicing his intestines out with his knife. Amasa is tossed to the side of the road, and the men of Judah go on their way to beseige the city. And Joab gives a rather Bush-sounding ultimatum. "If you are with David, you are with me." Who could refuse? David gave the order for Pete's sake. This city, Abel Beth Maacah, was in no mood to be destroyed, so some wise woman negotiates. Joab was probably indifferent toward destroying the city, as his streak of impetuousness indicates, but he allows them to live in return for the head of Sheba. They toss it down to him. Which...is interesting. How great could this Sheba be if men weren't willing to die for him? He didn't have time to establish gravitas. I have to wonder if this bad-guy streak is going to do Joab in eventually. And when Joab returned home, and not Amasa...What did David do?

2 Sa. 19: And So It Goes

2 Samuel 19:22 "David replied, 'What do you and I have in common, you sons of Zeruiah? This day you have become my adversaries! Should anyone be put to death in Israel today? Do I not know that today I am king over Israel?'"

I guess at first blush I was kind of irritated with his reaction to David's mourning the death of his son. Then I tried to look at it from Joab's side. Joab had one job. To kick hiney. And he did it well, and he fought hard. And he was killing his countrymen. Then, instead of a victory celebration, he returns home to find his commander in mourning over the death of the leader of the enemy. Patton would do the same thing. I guess. Was Joab right in telling David to go out and encourage his men? I guess so. Probably.

This divided land was in desparate need of unity. Even one faction, the Israelites were in disarray about their current leadership position. David returns to Jerusalem, led by Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, and Amasa, who replaced Joab as military commander. Was Joab fired over the Absalom incident? I don't recall reading that yet, but this is the second time Amasa was mentioned as commander.

Remember Shimei, the rock chucking, dirt-showering curser? He makes another appearance, in contrition, repenting for how he treated David. Abishai, Joab's brother still wants this guy dead. David reacts in an intresting way, "Boy you guys really don't know me." David had the power to kill, and the power to protect. He chose to protect Shimei because of his repentence. So that loose end was tied up nicely.

What's next? Oh, Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth figured that Ziba slandered him to David, unjustly usurping Meph's rightful property. David has them divide their property evenly, but Mephibosheth gives up everything to Ziba, glad only in David's safe return to Jerusalem.

By this time, the men of Israel were getting the memo. It was time to unite behind David. Absalom didn't really have someone lined up, at least by what I've read thus far. They even managed to squabble about who was better for bringing David across the river. Sounds like the Israel we know.

2 Sa. 18: Absalom, Absalom

2 Samuel 18:9 "Now Absalom happened to meet David's men. He was riding his mule, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom's head got caught in the tree. He was left hanging in midair, while the mule he was riding kept on going."

David sets up an army to go and fight Absalom's men. Which was Israel. And that really stuck with me, in verse 6, where it says "The army marched into the field to fight Israel." It's unfortunate that it had to come to this. David, like other nations, was used by God to keep Israel in check. In this case to demoralize and humiliate it. Who else would have? The Philistines? A neighbor? Those fatcats in Washington? Hey. Maybe Israel would just punish itself. David's final marching orders were to protect Absalom. David, in spite of Absalom's continued and brutal rebellion, wanted desparately to reconcile with him.

Well, the war is on, and 20,000 men died...Don't know if it was all Israelites, or a healthy mix of David's men. Another oddity is that in verse 8 where it says "the forest claimed more lives than the sword." What is that all about? What does that mean, the forest. Presuming Ents are merely products of fiction, I don't know else a forest kills men. Is this another in the litany of vignettes in the Bible where the land, the creation, is sort of anthropomorphized? I wonder. Maybe its the boring, Scully explanation that more people died in the woods. Not by the hand of the woods.

Absalom, in his flight gets his head caught in branches. Which would have been funny enough. Then his donkey rides away, leaving him hanging in midair. By his head. Which is borderline hysterical. Despite David's orders to keep him alive, Joab is like, "Whatever," and puts three javelins into Absalom's heart. Which...on first blush doesn't appear to be wise. Just like the soldier in the army said, "I ain't killing the king's son, especially when he specifically commanded us not to. Screw that."

Then two dudes, one, the son of Zadok the priest, and some other guy decide they want to bring the news to David. Joab didn't want one guy to go, but he insisted, so Joab's like, "Fine, run, boy." They both bring the good/bad news to David. And David weeps.

Musical Consideration: "Absalom, Absalom" Pierce Pettis

2 Sa. 17: Here's Some Advice

2 Samuel 17:14 "Absalom and all the men of Israel said, "The advice of Hushai the Arkite is better than that of Ahithophel." For the LORD had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom."

Ahithophel, who is just a fount of great advice, suggests to Absalom that the time is now to go in with a surgical strike and take David out, thus crushing the last of those who still stand with David. It doesn't say Absalom asked for this advice, but presumably he had periodic meetings with his advisors, and was probably anxious to end this conflict with his dad. And not to patch things up.

Hushai has a different plan, advising Absalom to overwhelm by sheer numbers. Hushai's advice is followed, and Ahithophel, apparently not used to rejection, goes and hangs himself. Ahithophel's advice, we find, was actually the better of the two options, as God sought to frustrate the plans. Following Hushai's advice apparently will lead to disaster.

Word gets back to David on the plans, and the advice of where to stay and where not to stay protects him.

2 Sa. 16: Father Explains

2 Samuel 16:10 "But the king said, 'What do you and I have in common, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the LORD said to him, "Curse David," who can ask, "Why do you do this?" ' "

Ziba reappears. He was the one who brought Mephibosheth to David when David wanted to shower favor on the house of Saul. Ziba returns the favor, bring a bunch of donkeys and provisions to David as he flees from Absalom. Apparently, David takes away what Mephibosheth presumed and gives it to Ziba. Mephibosheth was waiting in Jerusalem, lame, and waiting for the kingdom to return to him. It wasn't going to happen, so David gives it to Ziba. Maybe it was because Mephibosheth thought it would be Israel giving his grandfather's house back to him instead of God himself.

Suddenly, another dude, Shimei of the house of Saul (and so far, the only Japanese sounding name in the Bible) comes along as David is on his journey, and begins pelting rocks and cursing at David and his men. Shimei's hang up with David was apparently the blood David shed from the house of Saul. Did Shimei have a legitimate grievance? I doubt it. From what is recorded, David bent over backwards to prevent bloodshed in the house of Saul.

Refusing Abishai's suggestion to decapitate Shimei, David has a wacky attitude about. "Let him curse if God tells him to." Why would he say that? What kind of mind thinks of that, without wanting to kill the guy himself? David had a history of sort of being above the fray, being able to look at situations from God's perspective. What if God had told Shimei to curse him? What would David feel like thinking this? How would I feel if I knew God had told someone to curse me? Hard to figure. It wouldn't be a good feeling, certainly. I'd want to convene with myself and do a little business to figure out why such a thing would happen, but then again, David recognizes that God can do what He wants, without really giving any reason to man.

Hushai and Ahithophel were very trusted men. As David trusted their counsel, so did Absalom. Hushai satisfies Absalom with his explanation as to why he defected from David, while Ahithophel gives a bit of odd advice to Absalom...sleep with your father's concubines. This act would place Absalom firmly in charge, and make David seem cuckolded, weak. Remember 2 Samuel 12:11? The Bathsheba Incident chickens are still coming home. To roost.

That curse is at the root of what has been happening in these past couple chapters...right?

2 Sa. 15: Everyone's Fallen Down

2 Samuel 15:15 "Then David said to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem, 'Come! We must flee, or none of us will escape from Absalom. We must leave immediately, or he will move quickly to overtake us and bring ruin upon us and put the city to the sword.'"

Well, I think the most stunning aspect to me about chapter 14 is David's seemingly sudden fear of Absalom. Here was this fearless warrior, and now, through events he wasn't even a part of, Absalom had been banished, and now returned, and then not allowed to meet the king. Why? Why was David so afraid to the point where he just kind of gave up and thought Absalom was in power? In some ways, Absalom was doing things on his own power what David had done through the power of God. Did this creep into David's consciousness? That perhaps God was now using Absalom? David even calls Absalom king in verse 19. This is quite the turn of events.

Absalom was quite the PR man, handsome, and persuasive...pretty smart, to convince travelers that he should be the judge in order to get justice. Perhaps this influence got back to David, and began to get to him, making him think Absalom had the heart of the people. But what of David's relationship with God? Had that deteriorated?

David perhaps was unable to defeat Absalom militarily or socially, so he prayed that his advisor Ahithophel would give Absalom foolish counsel.

2 Sa. 14: I Will Return

2 Samuel 14:33 "So Joab went to the king and told him this. Then the king summoned Absalom, and he came in and bowed down with his face to the ground before the king. And the king kissed Absalom."

Well, this chapter was a nightmare for me. I was confused 3 or 4 times through it to grasp what actually was happening.

Absalom had fled for killing Amnon. Joab wanted to reconcile Absalom and David, for some reason, perhaps because he knew how David felt about him. He concocts a scheme in order to trap David somehow, and has a woman from a nearby town feign mourning over a murdered relative, a story similar to that of Cain and Abel. They convince David to invoke the sanctuary city rule on this imaginary relative, so that the avenger of blood would be held at bay, and therefore allow Absalom's safe return.

David smells it out, and despite the ruse, allows Absalom's return...insists on it. It wasn't without a caveat, however. Absalom had to return home, and not see David's face. Why would David do that? Not being able to see the face of the one who brought you home...Moses was under similar instructions.

Another thing about Absalom...he cut off his handsome hair when it got too heavy. Five pounds of hair? How long does it take to grow that much hair? Crikey.

Absalom wanted to see the king, so he burns down Joab's field. That gets him sent to the principal's office. He knew David wouldn't have him put to death. That's a dangerous amount of power.

2 Sa. 13: Annotation to Amnon (Engrish version)

2 Samuel 13:15 "Amnon then hates her by the intense hatred. In fact, he likes her him hating her to be more than. Amnon said to her that, "gets up and exits!"

David has a son, Amnon, causes oneself crazily to long for him with him the sisters, Tamar. I did not know if they are from the same mother, because the Holy Bible did not think by now. In some recommendations later from his cousins, Jonadab, he will feign illness and the request, Tamar comes in and prepares his some foods. That can cause him to feel well, correct? If he has eaten the thing. In any event, the Tamar participation looks after her brothers stemming from her to his own love. Which, my supposition are the actual situations. She is enough does not suspend the rack is has not realized to the Amnon feeling about her. She prepares all just in front of him. She hid not any from him. He forces oneself and then rapes her in her. David - sexual desire legislative body. The natural sin clearly can base in David's family. I can guess as a result of David's own peccadilloes.

The Tamar opposition displayed she will not have to want to be this kind of sin part, reminder Amnon about theirs future reputation basis from this action. She proposed the possible marriage by David's blessing. But Amnon is overcome has filled the lust.

Realized his action is fearful, he has transmitted Tamar. Has thrown her is more elephants. Which more concerned with he reputation compared to be able no longer to wear the clothing that easily to hide his sisters, with the meeting had the guitar sin fruit. Violates, it can be obvious, Tamar no longer is pure.

I can only hope I am am better than Absolom older brothers, importantly tells him sisters Tamar not to worry regarding this, because Amnon is her brothers. Why can he say this? He anticipated this can comfort? He is to comforts even is interested she? This bad ratio rapes by a stranger?

After two years, in the sheepshearing litigant, Absalom convene his man-power, and his waiting retaliates Tamar is integrated. He issues an order his man-power to kill drunk Amnon. Obtains by some method word returns to David, possesses him the son is dies. He plans nephew, Jonadab, however obtains it to be correct...Tells David, this is Amnon which only is dies. How do I want to know the Jonadab feeling regarding this, because this is he invests "solution" in the Amnon brains.

At the same time, Solomon runs the hill, runs for his life. After some time, David is saluted loses about his son Amnon, with longed is and Absolom. Which are may understand. David wants him the son to come back, eventually, he loves him, with is wants (obviously) to forgive him although this fearful error. It is a little interesting, Absolom has not tried to defend his behavior to David. David probably has justice accidental system most personnel.

2 Sa. 13: Note to Amnon

2 Samuel 13:15 "Then Amnon hated her with intense hatred. In fact, he hated her more than he had loved her. Amnon said to her, "Get up and get out!"

David had a son, Amnon, who made himself crazy with his longing for his sister, Tamar. I don't know if they were from the same mother, as the Bible doesn't say at this point. After some advice from his cousin, Jonadab, he feigns illness and requests that Tamar come in and prepare him some food. That would make him feel better, right? If he ate something. Anyway, Tamar goes in to take care of her brother out of her own love for him. Which, I assume to be the case. She was unassuming enough to be unaware of Amnon's feelings about her. She prepares everything right in front of him. She hid nothing from him. He then forces himself on her and rapes her. House of David - Libido. Sexual sin is clearly gaining a foothold in David's household. I would guess due to David's own peccadilloes.

Tamar's objections show she did not want to be a part of this sin, even reminding Amnon about their future reputations based from this one act. She brought up possible marriage with David's blessing. But Amnon was overcome with lust.

Realizing his act was horrible, he sent Tamar away. Threw her out was more like it. More concerned with his own reputation which was easily hidden than that of his sister's who could no longer wear the virgin's garment, and would have to bear the fruit of his sin. Violated, it would be obvious that Tamar was no longer pure.

I can only hope I was a better older brother than Absolom, who essentially told his sister Tamar not to worry about it, since Amnon was her brother. Why would he say this? Was he expecting this would be comforting? Was he even interested in comforting her? Was this worse than being raped by a total stranger?

Two years later, at a sheepshearing party, Absalom rallies his men, and his wait to avenge Tamar is complete. He orders his men to kill a drunken Amnon. Somehow word gets back to David that all his sons are dead. His scheming nephew, Jonadab, however gets it right...letting David know that it was only Amnon that was dead. I wonder how Jonadab felt about it, since it was he who put the "solution" in Amnon's mind.

Meanwhile, Solomon runs to the hills, runs for his life. After some time, David is consoled about the loss of his son Amnon, and longed to be with Absolom. Which is understandable. David wanted his son to return, after all, he loved him, and was willing (apparently) to forgive him despite this terrible wrong. It's kind of interesting that Absolom didn't try to defend his deed to David. David probably had an unexpected system of justice to most people.

2 Sa. 12: Sins of the Fathers

2 Samuel 12:22-23 "He answered, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.' But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me."

God was definitely not pleased with David's scheme. And it's not really fair to David to hold him as the only one complicit in this affair. But David is the king. And God convicts David through a rather pathetic parable of selfishness. Thankfully, David realizes that he has sinned as a result of this, and God forgives him, but even in forgiveness, there is consequence and discipline. The child born as a result of this sin will not survive. The child pays with his life. Bathsheba's (possible) plan to attain royal lineage through David has to wait.

I appreciate David's efforts in prayer and fasting while the child was still alive. He completely threw himself on God's mercy, and it's all summed up in two words: "Who knows?" God was still a complete mystery even to King David, God's own chosen. How much more mystery can we be expected to accept?

David's attendants, or people, or whoever wonder why he takes food after the child dies...but doesn't it make sense? Sure, you mourn, but what brings dead back to life? Up to this point, nothing.

Anyway, David and Bathsheba's next, legitimate son, Solomon, is a result of comfort sex. Because this kid was loved by the LORD, He sends word to name him Jedidiah. And the first thing you know, ol' Jed's a millionaire. And everything turns out great, because Joab takes another city for David, and the city is put to work making bricks. Sounds familiar.

2 Sa. 11: David Humps Bathsheba

2 Samuel 11:4 "She came to him, and he slept with her."

Well, this is the story about David's tryst with Bathsheba, wife of Uriah the Hittite. David, with his six or seven wives, lets his eyes wander over to the aptly named Bathsheba soaping herself up next door. He is immediately smitten, and has his people hook him up. David plows with Uriah's heifer, and she gets pregnant. Then the drama begins. David was not concerned until now with who her husband might have been. Now he wants to know about this guy whose wife is bearing David's fruit. He calls him from battle under the guise of wondering how everything was going. I imagine David probably had numerous messengers going constantly to tell him how it was going.

Eventually, he had Joab, the military commander, put Uriah in the place where the fighting was the fiercest, essentially killing him. And I think this is where it's most intriguing. Joab probably had no clue why David had this sudden interest in a random guy like Uriah. But this command, coming from the guy who had called down a curse on Joab for his misguided attempts to curry favor, was not to be ignored. But in his time, I'm sure Joab had seen requests before to throw cats into the fire. I'm sure it was an oft-used punishment, because later on, Joab knew David would want to know that Uriah had fallen.

David is kind enough to allow Bathsheba to mourn for her husband before taking her as his wife. This is the second...no, third time David has taken a married woman as his wife (Abigail, Michal) that we know of. God was not too happy with this. Displeased in fact. David, having everything, was not satisfied with the women already in his life. His libido gets the best of him here. Lust seems to trump all other vices, at least with David. I wonder if he'd step over Mephibosheth...

2 Sa. 10: David Wins More Wars

2 Samuel 10:19 "When all the kings who were vassals of Hadadezer saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they made peace with the Israelites and became subject to them. So the Arameans were afraid to help the Ammonites anymore."

This is a chapter about more military victories for David against surrounding nations. Every time I read about a confrontation, I'm kind of waiting for some sort of screw up where the nation of Israel does something to screw up. But they must be in a groove right now. And I most wonder about their spiritual lives at this point, because whatever David does, God gives them the victory. Is God doing this for David, or the nation of Israel as a whole? I want to believe it's for David, because I can't imagine the nation of Israel having it all together for this long.

David's delegation of sympathy for a deceased Ammonite king Hanun's father is misread as spying, and David's people have their beards cut, and their clothes cut off in a revealing way. They almost immediately realize they've screwed up, so they do what they think is best, and assemble a huge Aramean army for what they assume will be massive blowback from David. And victory for David. David may not have had any intent to attack them until they assembled an army. This is interesting to me. They realized their mistake, and instead of admitting their error, they got all defensive and prepared for war. So David gave the Ammonites something to cry about, but kicking hiney. They tried to regroup, but David was right there, with his expert commanders, Joab and Abishai, and they tear it up.

They should have just apologized.

2 Sa. 9: Mephibosheth

2 Samuel 9:7 "Don't be afraid," David said to him, "for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table."

With David firmly ensconced as king, he could now take care of important things, like being kind to any remaining members of the house of Saul. There weren't many left, apparently, and the only one readily available was Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son. Mephibosheth, you may remember was crippled as a child as they fled their home in the panic following the murder of Ish-Bosheth in 2 Sa. 4.

David's devotion to this household is pretty amazing. Other than Saul's being God's anointed, David didn't really have any reason to for this. I don't believe his friendship with Jonathan was the reason for this devotion...perhaps a result of it. And Mephibosheth was Jonathan's son, and was probably in need of special provision. But he wasn't a complete invalid, as he had a son. David had them eat at his table. Which was nice. Mephibosheth was an eventual heir to the throne, but through no fault of his own, that wasn't going to happen. I wonder how he must have felt. First when Ish-Bosheth took the throne, and second, when David took the throne. He must have swallowed his pride eventually.

2 Sa. 8: David at War

2 Samuel 8:15 "David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people."

David continues his terrible ruckus-raising throughout the middle east, conquering the Philistines, the Edomites and others. He must be doing something right, because the kingdom keeps expanding, and David continues to be granted victory. Couple interesting items...when beating down the Moabites, he had them lie down on the ground, head to foot, and killed 2 of every three. Which seems like a tedious, fearsome project. Weird, man. Why did he spare 1/3 of them? Out of kindness? Hardly. Slavery, possibly. To bring tribute...that's my guess.

Horses were hamstrung, chariots were taken, and plunder hauled.

Then we see David's cabinet. Which is interesting...secretarites, advisors...etc. Joab was still in charge of the military despite David's curses. Which, in a way, speaks to David's justice. The curse was punishment enough...he didn't need to lose his job. At least in my opinion.

2 Sa. 7: I Didn't Build It For Me

2 Samuel 7:14-15 "I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with the rod of men, with floggings inflicted by men. But my love will never be taken away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you."

David, dwelling as king in the splendor that God Himself said he would provide gets a sudden attack of conscience. His palace of stone and cedar stands in stark contrast to the humility of the tent (albeit studded with gold) that houses the ark of God, and God's stated dwelling place amonf the people of Israel. David has it in his mind to build a temple for God. Other gods had temples. Why not house the Name in something lavish? God has taken great measures to differentiate Himself from the other gods. David probably realized that, so, even though it may have seemed like the right thing to do even to the prophet Nathan. But God came to Nathan with a different idea. As God moved from place to place, Israel had to follow them. Now, with Israel in the land promised to them, God no longer had to move around.

Essentially David was not the right one to build the temple. David was humble enough to admit that he would agree with that, and accept the promise that it would be his son that would build the temple. David wanted to do a great thing for God, but still it was God who wanted to provide a great thing instead for David.

2 Sa. 6: David's Ark

2 Samuel 6:7 "The LORD's anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down and he died there beside the ark of God."

Well, it is time for David to bring the ark back home. He brings 30,000 of his men after it. I don't know if he was expecting a fight? I don't know. Maybe the Philistines still had the ark...

So they load the ark up on a cart being drawn by oxen, and its probably not the best way to carry it. It was not carried the way it was inherently designed to be carried. By Levite priests, with a pole through the rings. It was stable, and it was also what God commanded. But here they were, the ark rattling along on rudimentary roads. Of course it was bound to fall off. And Uzzah reaches out to keep it from smashing on the ground, and he is struck dead. It was a happy time, with much celebrating, but then God kills Uzzah.

I more or less accept this, as I have read God's justice since the beginning. He is completely holy. I guess this makes sense. It's still horrible, the loss of life. But Uzzah was unjustly put in this position, so David's anger is somewhat out of place. David eventually gets it right.

After a sacrifice, and a cooling off period, David is back in the mood to celebrate, and he dances and leaps with all of his might before the LORD. Which got me thinking. What would trigger me to do that today? What would compel me to become this undignified to dance all crazy-like for God. Michal saw it, and was not pleased. She thought it was ridiculous for the king to act like that, and tells David. David uncorks the burn of the century though... "It was before the LORD, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the LORD's people Israel—I will celebrate before the LORD." Snap! Michal's attitude costs her the ability to bear children.

2 Sa. 5: David is Kingier

2 Samuel 5:8 "On that day, David said, 'Anyone who conquers the Jebusites will have to use the water shaft to reach those 'lame and blind' who are David's enemies.' That is why they say, 'The 'blind and lame' will not enter the palace.'"

Well, David is king of Israel, as we all know. In 2 Samuel 5, Israel finally realizes it (after 7 and a half years), and they have a nice ceremony acknowledging it.

Then there's this interesting little story about how David conquers this little town called, Oh, I don't know...Jerusalem. So overconfident in their defenses and abilities were the occupying Jebusites, that they declared that even the lame and the blind could ward David off. David's like, "I'll show you blind," and promptly kicks their hineys, and moves into Zion (the City of David). David even has what I perceive to be a joke, about how the blind and the lame cannot enter the temple, in reference to the stipulation that foreigners cannot enter in.

Even a foreign king (Hiram of Tyre) hooks David up with some cedars to build David a house. David gets even more wives and concubines and kids. That's awful nice of him. I bet he didn't want to be conquered.

The chapter closes with yet another example of David inquiring of the LORD, purposely. The Philistines are not real happy with hearing that David, who lived among them was now Israel's king. David asks if he should attack the Philistines. God say, "Ah sure, what the hey." So David does, and the LORD "breaks out" like a dam bursting against the Philistines. They abandoned their gods. I love also how God instructs David to wait among the Balsam trees for God's marching in the leaves above as the signal.

2 Sa. 4: Impetuousness of Youth

2 Samuel 4:11 "How much more—when wicked men have killed an innocent man in his own house and on his own bed—should I not now demand his blood from your hand and rid the earth of you!"

Well, the Bible apparently cannot go one chapter without someone getting slain. Ish-Bosheth has these two raiders, Baanah and Recab. They probably heard about the welcome Abner got from David after defecting to his side. They probably didn't hear about the Amalekite messenger in chapter one. Problem is, Abner didn't have to kill anyone for David to receive him into his good graces. The Amalekite claimed to have killed someone he didn't. David had him killed.

Well, David's upside-down system of justice continues. Because Baanah and Recab killed Ish-Bosheth while he slept in his own room, and David figured he was an innocent man, despite being his enemy, he had the dudes killed. Enemies can be innocent. Not a concept I often think about. It is interesting that those who think the things they do will win them favor, but in this case, it was just a change of heart.

2 Sa. 3: Lament for Abner

2 Samuel 3:34 "Your hands were not bound, your feet were not fettered. You fell as one falls before wicked men."

The chapter opens reporting David having six sons by six different women. He was the Shawn Kemp of Bible times. The one difference being these were his wives. But they weren't enough, as we'll come to find out.

Anyway, Ish-Bosheth (the king Abner himself installed) goes and accuses Abner of banging one of Saul's comcubines. This is a false accusation, and Abner is so deeply offended he joins David. He completely switches sides, and goes to meet David. David throws him a feast and sends him on his way to run a PR tour to get the Benjamites and others to hitch their loyalty wagon to David.

Also part of the deal, and somewhat unsettling is David's insistence on having Michal back. Michal being the wife who aided David's escape from Saul back in 1 Samuel 19. Michal had already been given again in marriage to a man named Paltiel, about whom I know absolutely nothing, other than that he must have loved Michal deeply, for he followed Michal and Abner as far as he could, weeping. His wife was being confiscated from him to become the wife of someone who already had six. I don't know what kind of guy this was, but clearly his attachment to Michal was greater than that of David's originally. And maybe he had a bunch of wives, who knows.

But Joab comes back from the raid and sees Abner leaving. He confronts David...saying that this is the person who killed his brother Asahel. The Bible omits David's response here, and I'm curious as to what it was. Because of David's actions later in the chapter, I am guessing it was something along the lines of "Leave him alone, he's one of us now." Joab kills Abner anyway, and David brings down a pretty horrific curse on his family.

David's lament on Abner is pretty interesting. Abner was struck down as though he were wicked. Implying that he is not. Or is no longer. He wasn't chained, he wasn't shackled. He wasn't a prisoner. He was murdered essentially for no greater reason than personal vengeance. David doesn't take this vengeance, he leaves it to the LORD, and even more interesting, he declares that Joab and Abishai are too strong for him. They would get the best of him. If David wanted, they could have been executed instantly. But he lets go. And lets God.

2 Sa. 2: New King, New War

2 Samuel 16: "Then each man grabbed his opponent by the head and thrust his dagger into his opponent's side, and they fell down together. So that place in Gibeon was called Helkath Hazzurim."

David, probably ready to become king after a period of mourning, finally asks God where he should go, and God has him head to Judah. Hebron, to be exact.

From there, he is anointed king over Judah. However, Abner finds Ish-Bosheth, a descendant of Saul, and installs him king over the rest of Israel. There can't be two kings in one nation! Absurd. David, of course, is God's chosen king.

Then the two sides go to some pool one day and sit across from each other. They count off 12 guys from each side, and have them compete in a deadly hand-to-hand battle, one on one. And each man grabs his opponent by the hair, and stabs him to death, and they both went down together. How completely ridiculous. This display of bravado, and basically, a pissing match was pretty anticlimactic, turning out in the worst way possible for each side.

Then they go to war. Three brothers end up chasing an obviously scared Abner, and he was constantly at least one step ahead of Asahel, who, besides having his name made up of two naughty words, was described as being as fleet of foot as a gazelle. Abner was slightly faster apparently, and had time to turn around and stab Asahel to death. Then Asahel's brothers, Joab and Abishai take over the chase, but Abner gets back up from the Benjamites, so everyone goes home and David claims victory. So...nothing was really solved here.

2 Sa. 1: Bros Before Hos

2 Samuel 1:26 "I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women."

So David is just chillin' in Ziklag, after atomically wedgie-ing the Amalekites, when this Amalekite dude comes running in all haggard-like. The guy tells David he has come from the Israelite camp, and brings news about how Saul and Jonathan are dead. How does he know? He claims to be the one who ran Saul through, which is a lie, right? Because we just read how Saul fell on his own sword and killed himself. David doesn't know this, he wasn't there. This sends David and his men into a mourning and fasting period for the rest of the day. Then David asks the guy why he felt like he could be the one to kill the LORD's anointed. This concept, obviously very important to David (1 Sa. 26:9) led to him reacting in a way that seems harsh, killing the guy...but Israelites were directly commanded to kill Amalekites. This guy's bravado ("I killed Saul!") got him killed.

The mourning was not over yet. David wrote a song about it, and how he missed his friends. This is the second reference to the book of Jashar (Jos. 10:13). This has that famous refrain "O how the mighty have fallen." And this probably doesn't just refer to Saul. I would guess it also refers to Israel, being humiliated as a nation. They wanted a king to lead them, and here they are, crushed and slain as a result of this king's rejection of God. Just as was predicted.

David's lament here makes no mention of Saul's repeated attempts to kill him, rather it sort of exalts what Saul did that was good. 2 Samuel 1:26 is kind of mincy, where David proclaims that Jonathan's love was more wonderful than that of women. I would guess that was a deep friendship, and after all, this was an emotional time. What would you say at your best friend's eulogy? Were the women in David's life that lame? Abigail? The Bible doesn't blink at reporting man-on-man love (Lot in Genesis 19, the Levite six books later in Judges 19). So I have no reason to believe David and Jonathan were lovers. I guess. But who cares, anyway? They were good friends, which is the greater point.

1 Sa. 31: Death Becomes Saul

1 Samuel 31:6 "So Saul and his three sons and his armor-bearer and all his men died together that same day."

Samuel's words came true. Everything. Israel was crushed. Saul's sons died. Saul died. It was a bad idea to abandon the LORD and all the victory he granted to Saul early on. I still wonder about that exchange with Samuel and the witch. How often did this occur? What, if anything, makes those times a million years ago different from today?

Saul's armor bearer refused to kill the arrow-riddled king, because he was terrified. Who could kill a king? Did this armor bearer hear David's philosophy about killing the LORD's anointed before his time? I don't know. Probably not. But I wonder. It's still suicide when you command someone to kill you. Saul then falls on his own sword. I can't imagine the desperation involved in that. It looked like a good idea to the armor bearer so he did the same thing. Probably because he would get super busted for not protecting the king.

It's gross when people die in bible times. Saul and his sons had all their flesh burned off their bones, and then buried under a tamarisk tree in Jabesh.

So. What's up with David?

1 Sa. 30: David vs. Amalekites

1 Samuel 30:23 "David replied, 'No, my brothers, you must not do that with what the LORD has given us. He has protected us and handed over to us the forces that came against us.'"

Well, it is a good thing Achish sent David home, because he got there just in time to find out the Amalekites had raided Ziklag, stealing just about everything from David and his men. Dudes were all mad, David was distressed. But he still has the presence of mind to call on God. He calls for the Ephod and asks if he should proceed to clean the Amalekite clocks. I don't know if I would have waited. I would have thought it was obvious that I needed to go chasing after those uncircumcised fellows. But God tells him to, anyway. What if God told you that you would "certainly succeed" in whatever He would have you do?

Anyway, they lose a few guys because of the tiredness and exhaustion. But then they come across an Egyptian slave in a field who leads them to the Amalekites. And David kicks hiney, recovering all the plunder and the people. Not one person was killed according to the word.

David is all about sharing. He shares with the guys who were left behind and tired, even though that was unpopular with his warriors. He even gives some of the plunder back to his buddies in Judah. That is nice.

1 Sa. 29: Achish Fires David

1 Samuel 29:6 "So Achish called David and said to him, 'As surely as the LORD lives, you have been reliable, and I would be pleased to have you serve with me in the army. From the day you came to me until now, I have found no fault in you, but the rulers don't approve of you.'"

Achish has to let David go here. I was all geared up for what was going to happen when the Philistines, who David assimilated into, and duped into believing he was a traitor, were all set to take on Israel, who David left. Achish would have ridden into battle next to David, but the Philistine rulers didn't want him along. They overruled Achish.

David, who was ... not entirely innocent of wrongdoing against Achish was not trusted by the rulers. But why? Was it just the simple fact that he was a Hebrew? That's what is written. But I wonder if someone knew something. If someone was tipped off about something? And I guess, would David have killed his own people to keep up the scheme? I guess I would think so. That wouldn't surprise me at this point.

1 Sa. 28: Witchy Woman

1 Samuel 28:15 "Samuel said to Saul, 'Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?'

'I am in great distress,' Saul said. 'The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has turned away from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do.'"

Well, David's plan might finally get screwed up, as Achish tells David that they are preparing to go to war. Against Israel! EVERYBODY PANIC. David, cool as a cucumber, says, "Yeah, just watch what your servant can do." So that will be interesting to see what happens. Now for the cliffhanger...

Saul, seeing the Philistine army, tried everything to see what God would say, God was silent, as though he had turned a deaf ear to Saul. Or Saul had abandoned God. Anyway, Saul rationally and patiently confesses before God and repents. Just kidding. He consults the witch of Endor. Yeah. He banished all seers and witches previously, so this witch is a little leery of this disguised Saul. But anyway, she Abra-cadabras, and up comes Samuel. Apparently. Or someone she thinks is Samuel. She totally freaks, whether it finally actually worked, or because she knew Samuel and Saul's history.

Samuel asks the question of the hour. "Why have you disturbed me?" This is another piece to the afterlife puzzle, I think. Apparently it is rest. And apparently those who have crossed over do not want to be disturbed, especially by whiny prima donna kings. And Saul should have known Samuel was not going to have anything resembling good news for him. In fact, it's just about the worst news in the history of time. God has taken away your kingdom, you're going to lose, you and your sons are going to die, and Israelite army will be handed over the Philistines.

More about the afterlife. Samuel says Saul and his sons "will be with me." Now, Samuel was good. For the most part. Saul, not so much. Jonathan, good as far as we know. Other sons, we don't really know. So wherever these people are going, their righteousness in life apparently has no bearing.

And I wonder how much was revealed to Samuel. And to what degree. Did he remember what happened while he was still alive? What did God tell him? What was his walk with God like after death?

Just curious.

1 Sa. 27: David the Philistine

1 Samuel 27:8 "Now David and his men went up and raided the Geshurites, the Girzites and the Amalekites. (From ancient times these peoples had lived in the land extending to Shur and Egypt.)"

I guess what's most amazing about chapter 28 is that David still attacks Israel's enemies, using his band of merry men, in spite of not being in the employ of Israel. He can't stay in Israel, because he realizes that Saul will continue to pursue him. He moves to Gath, under the kingship of Achish. Who David duped into believing he was insane. But he wasn't. And if Achish can be fooled once, he can be fooled again. David spends his time (16 months) in Ziklag (the territory Achish gave him) raiding and annihilating the Geshurites, the Girzites and the Amalekites.

Friends of Gath. But he tells Achish that he is fighting Israelite settlements. This allowed him to live in peace in enemy territory. Achish was even of the understanding that David was a traitor to his people, and counted on David being his servant forever.

I think it's kind of ballsy to go back to Achish after the insanity ruse. Either Achish was just that gullible, or Achish forgot about it, or let it slide in order to have David on his side.

I don't want to leave out how Saul stopped pursuing David. And I don't believe it was because Saul leveled with David in the previous chapter. With David out of the country, Saul was able to be rid of David without killing him, which would have been a PR blunder of Biblical proportions, given David's popularity and legend. Saul also had to take care of his country, lest his approval rating plummet.

1 Sa. 26: David Doesn't Kill Saul

1 Samuel 26:12 "So David took the spear and water jug near Saul's head, and they left. No one saw or knew about it, nor did anyone wake up. They were all sleeping, because the LORD had put them into a deep sleep."

Saul is back to chasing David again. This is a bad habit for Saul. It has almost gotten him killed once. If David was the king-killin' kind. But he's not. And not because David wouldn't kill King Saul if Saul was just some run-of-the-mill Benjamite. Because David probably would. It is because Saul is the LORD's anointed. I don't know if there are some chronology issues here, but the LORD has rejected Saul as king (1 Sa. 15), and Samuel even anointed David as successor (1 Sa. 16), and the spirit of the LORD even left Saul. So I'm still not entirely sure of what is stopping David from pulling the trigger with Saul in the crosshairs. David instead allows that God be the judge of Saul, whether Saul falls in battle, or dies of old age, or is thrown headlong into a woodchipper.

Anyway, Saul and his general, Abner are having a sleep in the desert of Ziph, when David comes up and swipes Saul's spear and water jug. When David gets what he determines to be a safe distance away, he calls out Abner, asking him why he would allow this danger so close to the king. Additionally, David calls for a test to see if Saul's pursuit is from the LORD or not.

And Saul offers pleasantries and blessing verbally to David, while inside, I imagine he must have been seething. Mad at everyone. I just don't think this guy will ever reform.

1 Sa. 25: David Takes Wives

1 Samuel 25:31 "My master will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself. And when the LORD has brought my master success, remember your servant."

David and his men go into the desert, and there's some rich guy with a lot of land and beautiful wife. Out of the goodness of his heart, David and his men guard this landowner's (Nabal) flocks. Eventually, David goes and asks for a favor for all this guarding. Nabal loses his mind, because he claims he doesn't know who this guy David is (even though his wife knew he killed Goliath with a stone from a sling). What's more, Nabal didn't ask for David to guard all his stuff. Despite David's friendly greeting, to a point I can understand Nabal's d-baggish response.

This response riles up David to the point where he wants to wipe out Nabal's entire staff, pissing against a wall (KJV) or not. Abigail finds out about this whole plan, and she brings an offering of peace (so David gets a bunch of food, anyway) and rational conversation. Abigail assumes the blame, deflecting the judgment off of Nabal, and staying David's hand of vengeance. She calls the no longer inevitable bloodshed "needless," and I tend to agree, because this whole vignette on the surface looked like David being presumptuous. It looks like David picking out some rich guy, guarding his land without being asked, and then expecting great reward. Does that also not speak to how we expect reward for our token actions?

Anyway, David was ready to wipe out this entire gaggle of fools, but Abigail appeases David. Its a pretty amazing soliloquy from verses 26-31. Of course David would be protected. Of course David's enemies would be hurled away "like a stone from the pocket of a sling." David probably knew all this, but needed to be told. Abigail, David's servant, wants to be remembered in David's success. Abigail could see what God was doing with David.

Abigail eventually has to tell Nabal what happened, and he died he was so shocked or mad or depressed. His heart became like a stone, the Bible says. Of course David gets the girl, marrying Abigail shortly after that. And Ahinoam. What happened to Michal, who loved David? Saul gave her away to some other dude. So this all seems like a thickening plot. And a soap opera.

1 Sa. 24: Robe-Cutter

1 Samuel 24:19 "When a man finds his enemy, does he let him get away unharmed? May the LORD reward you well for the way you treated me today."

Saul takes care of business (victory or defeat are not implied) with the Philistines, and manages to find his way into the exact cave David and his merry men were occupying. Saul goes in to take a dump, and David sneaks up and cuts off a corner of Saul's robe. I find his sudden attack of conscience at this quite interesting. David had an opportunity to mail it to Saul and say, "Ha! I could have killed you!" and hold it over Saul. But he didn't. David was actually despondent at his own actions. Eventually, he does come out and confront Saul, but it's a spirit of peace.

What's interesting here is David's implication that Saul was afraid David was trying to harm him. I don't recall reading that anywhere, but I've missed things before. Earlier, Saul appears to be jealous of David's victories. And that's all it is. Petty spite. But Saul may have been afraid of David. I would have thought any fear would have been due to David's influence on the rest of the nation of Israel, but here David is, attempting to smooth over the rough patch he and Saul have endured. Saul gives the appearance of regret, and wanting to make a treaty, but these are words. So we'll see what actually happens, if there is a real change of heart. I'm skeptical, myself.

1 Sa. 23: Cat and Mouse

1 Samuel 23:12 "Again David asked, "Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men to Saul?" And the LORD said, "They will."

David saves the city of Keilah after asking God if he should go and save them. Of course, because God delivered the Philistines into David's hands. I find this faith very heartening. This is what David does, because of the presence of the phrase "once again" in the sentence. He established a habit of doing this, thus noted by the author. If I consulted God about a decision...I don't know if one could say, "once again, Jon consulted God." You?

But this town betrays David to Saul, in spite of David's heroism. They must have assumed that Saul would reward them handsomely for handing over David, as his feud with Saul must have been highly publicized. Secondly, this makes me think that while David was exceedingly well renowned, apparently not to the point where a city would risk the charge of treason against the king.

This betrayal sets off a ridiculous cat-and-mouse pursuit for Saul after David. So much of Saul's resources are consumed in this chase that the Philistines seize this moment of weakness to attack Israel. Then Saul lets David go for the time being. Makes me think about what pointless chases I go off on, and leave important things unguarded.

1 Sa. 22: The Nob Murders

1 Samuel 22:23 "Stay with me; don't be afraid; the man who is seeking your life is seeking mine also. You will be safe with me."

The Bible (at this point) doesn't bore us with the details of David's escape from Gath. But he did escape. And in continuing high weirdness, a group of people described as in debt and in distress come to stay with David in a cave. Then David turns them over to watchful eye of the king of Moab in Mizpah. At this point, apparently the Moabites aren't enemies, but they ain't exactly good buddies. A prophet tells David to go to Judah, so he does. David does what prophets tell him.

Meanwhile, Saul is at Gibeah throwing a tantrum about how Jesse's family can't provide all the stuff Saul can, so there is no reason to rebel against him, presuming it's all conspiracy against him. Now that is some paranoia.

Doeg speaks up and mentions that the priest at Nob helped David. Of course Saul goes over and has them all killed. Sick. It's just getting sick, this obsession. I wonder if this is still that evil spirit...

And perhaps the most telling phrase here is where Saul says "Kill the priests of the LORD, for they have sided with David." Now, if we're talking about sides here...and Saul would kill those who ally themselves with the LORD. Saul is clearly not on the side of the LORD. Or maybe it doesn't matter.

Ahimelech, the priest murdered at Nob, had a son who fled to David, and David knows that those who roll with him will be protected. Even though he is a marked man, he was fully confident in the LORD's providence for him...I love it. Brazen. Cocky?

1 Sa. 21: Crazy Bread

1 Samuel 21:6 "So the priest gave him the consecrated bread, since there was no bread there except the bread of the Presence that had been removed from before the LORD and replaced by hot bread on the day it was taken away."

David, apparently on his trek fleeing from Saul, winds up at the tabernacle...whether or not that was his aim, I don't know. He pretends to be on a secret mission from the king, therefore giving him power where otherwise he may not have had it. He convinces Ahimelech, the priest to give him the bread of the Presence to eat.

Then, presumably to protect himself from Doeg, Saul's head shepherd, he takes Goliath's sword from the tabernacle and proceeds to Gath. Goliath's hometown. I just have no idea what is going on here. There he pretends to be crazy as he is captured by the Gathites. I love Achish the King's reaction to having David in his presence. "Am I so short of madmen that you have to bring this fellow here to carry on like this in front of me? Must this man come into my house?" Ha, what a great quote. The idea of being short of madmen I find hilarious, and I trust you will too.

Is David's life coming apart? Why the facade? Why eat the holy showbread? I want answers.

1 Sa. 20: Saul Still Wants David Dead More

1 Samuel 20:42 "Jonathan said to David, 'Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, 'The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.'' Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town."

David has this question as to why Saul would want him dead. Really David? You are a monster on the battlefield, and command respect and the love of the Israelites. Saul is derided in song. Are you sure you don't have any idea why Saul wants to kill you? Just curious, is all. David assumes it is because of his friendship with Jonathan.

And maybe it is. They are close friends, despite Jonathan's dad wanting David dead. Jonathan, surprisingly, is unconvinced. ("If I knew, I'd tell you.") Because of Saul's hatred for David, David needs to keep clear. They devise elaborate Alias-style schemes involving arrow-shooting to send messages to each other, and use Saul's reactions to discern what the next course of action will be.

Of course Saul loses his mind when Jonathan makes an excuse for David's absence at the New Moon feast. Saul even goes as far as to rip on Jonathan's own mother. Absolutely devastating.

This friendship the two have is pretty amazing. They realize they need to go separate ways, and it leads to heartbreaking weeping for both. In order to protect David's life, Jonathan sends him away. Sad to see such an end. They are friends forever. Spit brothers, probably. Maybe even blood brothers. Who knows.

1 Sa. 19: Saul Still Wants David Dead

1 Samuel 19:23 "So Saul went to Naioth at Ramah. But the Spirit of God came even upon him, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth."

Saul still wants David dead, so he orders a hit. On his greatest military commander. See how envy clouds the mind? Saul was willing to give up dominance over the Philistines to settle his own jealousy. It also affected his common sense faculties as well. If David had the respect of the people, surely he had the respect of the people he led into battle. These were the men Saul expected would kill David. Right. Anyway, of course Jonathan warns David to be on his guard, so David escapes.

In spite of Jonathan's advice to not kill David, Saul goes ahead with a plan to watch David's house and kill him in the morning. Michal warned David about it, as she was apparently still in love with him. And let him down through a window. She placed an idol in David's place, and put some goats' hair at the head, and told the assassins David was ill. So, I guess the most important question I have is "Why did this man of God, a man after God's own heart have an idol?" I don't know if David worshipped it. I expect God wouldn't bless someone so well if he also served an idol. Look at where Samuel and Joshua instructed the Israelites to rid their homes of ancillary gods. Perhaps this was Michal's property? Coming from the house of Saul, who apparently became polythiestic? The spirit left him...I wonder about this.

Then there's this place Naioth, and if anyone goes there, they all end up prophesying...Saul included. Not in just any spirit. The Spirit of God. Why? How did this happen? It appears that all a person had to do was go to this place and they could prophesy.

1 Sa. 18: Saul Wants David Dead

1 Samuel 18:8 "Saul was very angry; this refrain galled him. 'They have credited David with tens of thousands," he thought, "but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?'"

I suppose its modern cynicism that makes me raise an eyebrow at Jonathan's friendship with David. It just reads in kind of a fruity way. When Jonathan meets David, he basically takes off his clothes and gives them to him. Sort of odd. Also, not something I want to believe about the two men whose namesake I bear. Can they just be good friends? Is it possible for two dudes to be really close, loving friends without the spectre of being homosexuals, something clearly forbidden in previous chapters? But that's the reaction I've been conditioned for. Too bad.

Saul begins to resent David's military victories, commissioned by himself, and granted by God. David keeps his faith, and this pleases God to keep giving David the victory. Songs are sung elevating David's prowess above Saul's, and in spite of David's calming presence in the king's court, Saul attempts twice to spear David to the wall.

So, Saul, unable to rid himself of David, continues to send him to war and make seemingly unreasonable demands on him, hoping the Philistines will kill him. Including bringing back 200 Philistine Phoreskins, the requirement being 100. Friggin' gross. He also throws in his daughter, Merab, as a prize if he keeps going to war. David finds it all very pretentious...as though someone had been tipping him to Saul's intentions...David refuses Merab, and eventually marries Michal.

Saul knew God was with David. Is there anything more disheartening than knowing, realizing that God has left you? No small wonder Saul would try anything to endanger or kill David.

1 Sa. 17: A Giant Problem...heh heh.

1 Samuel 17:49 "Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground."

This must be a flashback...or not chronological with chapter 16. At the end of 16, David is serving Saul in the king's court. At the end of 17, Saul doesn't know who David is. Does Saul have that many people in his court? I don't know. But anyway.

This is perhaps one of the best-known Bible stories ever. The birthplace of sports cliches, David and Goliath. David, the unknown shepherd boy coming out of nowhere...the least among the family of Jesse. Goliath, the nine-footer out of Philistine State. Offerings of the king's daughter's hand in marriage...tax exemption.

David had complete and total faith in God. David drew from the experiences of killing a lion and a bear to protect the flock he was charged with guarding. How could he be afraid in this situation? I'd take on a nine-foot warrior over a lion or a bear any day. Maybe. Right? I wonder.

David took the typical criticisms...too small, inexperienced, wrong weaponry...but David needed one of the five smooth stones he took from a stream to kill the giant. I love how David ran at Goliath. Just throwing aside anything resembling fear or hesitation, and rushing headlong into battle. He knew he was going to be the victor, without a doubt in his mind. And something tells me it wasn't just the impetuousness of his youth.

And because of this, the Philistines freaked, because this was their guy, and some kid took him down. The Israelites were given a huge military victory that day. David's trust in God brought God's victory.

Was Goliath a Nephilim? If the flood was a total wipeout of Earth's population except for Noah, then no. An Anakite? Perhaps. Joshua says that Anakites remained in Gaza, Gath and Ashdod...Gath being Goliath's hometown.

1 Sa. 16: Harping Shepherd King

1 Samuel 16:11 "So he asked Jesse, 'Are these all the sons you have?'
'There is still the youngest,' Jesse answered, 'but he is tending the sheep.'
Samuel said, 'Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.'"

Saul's deposing was troubling to Samuel. Samuel seemed like the type of guy who wanted to see Israel get back on track without much upheaval. Now there was a king. Now the king was a failure. Now there was going to be a new king. Changes, changes, changes. But God had it all figured out, so there was no cause for alarm. God had the next step already planned out. And even God's conduit to man, Samuel, had no idea, and still managed to be troubled in his heart.

The chosen one was David, after a sort of Man Pageant from the house of Jesse. Saul was unaware of the goings-on, as it was obscured by the sacrifice ruse.

And the most ironic thing of it all...Saul, tormented by an evil spirit from the LORD, had David come to his court to soothe him with his harp playing. Yeah. His replacement. Came to his own court. To make him feel better. Amazing irony, I spose, since Saul had no idea he was even being replaced.

And I wonder about this evil spirit from the LORD. Did God inflict evil on Saul? Did God just allow an evil spirit to torture Saul? Also...another shepherd becomes king. Saul was a donkey-minder, and here comes David, last mentioned in Ruth 4, a shepherd boy, not chosen because of his stature and reputation, quite the opposite. It was because of his heart. We'll see if this trend continues.

1 Sa. 15: Saul Screws Up

1 Samuel 15:28 "Samuel said to him, 'The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to one of your neighbors—to one better than you.'"

Saul goes to war against the Amalekites as God's hand of vengeance against them for obstructing Israel's path to freedom out of Egypt. This war was commanded by God, as was the degree of violence, as in wiping out every human being, and all of the livestock. They were to be completely wiped off the face of the earth.

After booting the Kenite neighbors from the vicinity, they crushed the Amalekites. Almost completely. Which was not what God commanded. God wanted total annihilation. Saul spared the king, and some plunder.

This greatly displeased God, and He told Samuel that Saul had turned away from Him. Samuel spent the night crying out to God. Can you imagine the agony Samuel must have felt to spend all night groaning and crying out? That is some kind of pain. Why did he feel like this? Saul was anointed by Samuel, as a replacement for God. Now this king turned away from God, disobeying God. Samuel, who would have been Israel's leader and judge, apparently still had his faith, and still had a dynamic relationship with God.

I find the meeting between Samuel and Saul somewhat comical. As Samuel approaches the king's camp, Saul comes out saying, "The LORD bless you! I have carried out the LORD's instructions."

Samuel: "What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?"

Now, I think Samuel may be referring to the actual sheep and cattle, but I think under the surface, he is referring the nonsense coming out of Saul's mouth. Which is funny. Come on.

Saul: "The soldiers brought them from the Amalekites; they spared the best of the sheep and cattle to sacrifice to the LORD your God, but we totally destroyed the rest."

Note here how Saul talks about what the soldiers did. The soldiers spared the best...a sudden turn from "I carried out the LORD's instructions." In a way, I think he knew he was in for a whipping.

Samuel can't take it, he reminds Saul how God wanted everyone wiped out.

Saul says he did wipe everything out, but he took some good stuff to sacrifice.

It is then that Samuel tells Saul that obedience is more important than sacrifice. To heed is better than the fat of rams. And this makes sense. When God wants something done, don't do what you think God would want you to do, do what God told you to do.

Saul has rejected the word of the LORD, the LORD rejects Saul as king.

This finally cracks the rocks around Saul's brain, and he realizes the gravity of the situation, and there's no verbal gymnastics that can make him come out on top. As Samuel turns to leave, he desperately grabs Samuel's robe, and it tears, symbolizing that God has torn the kingdom from Saul's hand.

1 Sa. 14: Jonathan

1 Samuel 14:45 "But the men said to Saul, "Should Jonathan die—he who has brought about this great deliverance in Israel? Never! As surely as the LORD lives, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground, for he did this today with God's help." So the men rescued Jonathan, and he was not put to death."

In chapter 14, Jonathan (along with his armor bearer) takes a little initiative and attacks a Philistine outpost. He consults God, rather briefly, in a manner similar to drawing lots. If the Philistines spot them and tell them to wait there, God is not behind him. If they tell them to come up, God will have delivered the Philistines into Jonathan's hands. This takes some guts, because there was going to be a fight either way, and it was one extreme or another. Jonathan would have had victory or defeat. God helps Jonathan kill about 20 dudes in this section. That's kind of an exciting thing. God didn't have to do this, but God was with Jonathan. God didn't command this attack, but God still gave victory. God didn't appear to require a sacrifice and lots of fasting...merely to be acknowledged it would seem. And from what little has been revealed about Saul this far, this is significant, because Saul was God's stand in, and wasn't exactly the most God-fearing type.

I wonder if this contributed or touched off a panic sent by God through the Philistine camp, because the door was thrown wide open at this point for Israel to come storming in and take a great military victory.

Then we have another rash vow...Think Jephthah...Saul curses anyone who eats food before he avenges himself on his enemies. That is pretty selfish. Its personal. And it made the soldiers faint. And of course there were going to be those who didn't know about it. Like those who sneaked away on their own without the others knowing about it...Jonathan. Jonathan eats some honey...significant. Honey is mentioned a lot in some big time stories...Samson, and the idea that it shouldn't be sacrificed. Anyway, the word says it brightened Jonathan's eyes...gave him a boost. Like ancient Red Bull. When told of Saul's curse, he knew that was moronic, saying Saul has made trouble for the country.

Not because it was making men faint, but also desperate for food. After taking care of the Philistines, the Israelite soldiers just rip into their plunder and butcher it on the ground and just start chowing down. This was a sin, because God had forbidden the eating of meat with blood still in it.

Saul then puts his son Jonathan on the chopping block before his men to die. Ostensibly, it is because Jonathan ate the honey. But I wonder if Jonathan showed his dad up with his commitment to his faith, and trusting God. Clearly the men showed great respect for Jonathan, moreso than Saul, because they opted to let Jonathan live, where Saul put him up to die. Another case here where a father puts his son up to die...Abraham and Isaac...and there is another one, but it currently escapes me.

Saul ended up being a great warrior, but I just wonder who this "man after God's own heart" is going to be. Saul is a lame duck.

1 Sa. 13: Sault in the Wound

1 Samuel 13:20 "So all Israel went down to the Philistines to have their plowshares, mattocks, axes and sickles sharpened."

This chapter is about rushing. Hurrying stuff. No sabbath or rest to be found. Saul tries to force the issue with the Philistines. Up to this point, I believe God has ordered attacks. When God has ordered attacks, attacks have been successful, with few exceptions. When God does not order attacks (as Joshua found out), attacks are unsuccessful. Same thing here. Saul goes ape-poopy on the Philistines, but they knock him around. It served only to make the Philistines mad. The Philistines assembled an huuuuge army to fight. The Israelites ran. And I don't wonder why. I do wonder why Saul took so long to realize that he needed to ask God. So, he rushes the sacrifice, not waiting for the priest. And then, it was a band-aid to slap on the complete debacle that was the Israelite military situation, not an act of submission to God.

This lack of rest...this hurry, costs Saul a lengthy reign on the throne, and God is reported to have chosen another man to take Saul's place on the throne, a "man after (God's) own heart." This leader was appointed by God as leader. So I wonder if even though Saul held the title, It was this other man who was already the leader of Israel.

Meanwhile, the Philistines had apparently eradicated all the Israelite blacksmiths, so the Israelites, in what I imagine could only be crushing humiliation, had to go to Philistine blacksmith to have their farm implements sharpened. Would they sharpen swords? Hardly! On the day of the battle, Israel had no swords or spears. Only Saul and his son Jonathan had actual weapons of war. Of course. I don't imagine this will end well. The army is in complete disarray and fear, and they have no weapons. They need God.