"Snippets" from David
In our modern American society, the good of the
individual has triumphed over the good of the nation or society. One of the few
endeavors wherein the individual is sacrificed for the interests of the nation
or society is the military. Otherwise, it is common to pursue the individual’s
rights even if the nation or society suffers. In the ancient world, the well
being of the nation always took precedent over a person’s well being.
The situation in King Saul’s Israel was disastrous and demoralizing. The king
and his son were dead, killed in battle with Israel’s mortal enemy. Israel’s
army was slaughtered. Israelite people abandoned their cities to the Philistines
and fled. The weapons of the king and his sons were taken for display in
Philistine territory. The weapons were finally placed in the Philistine gods’
temples. The Israelite military loss was declared to be proof that the
Philistine gods were superior to Israel’s God.
As the final insult to Israelites, the decaying (and headless) bodies of Saul
and his sons were nailed to the walls of Beth-shan.
Looking back, we know the defeat of the Israelite army and Saul’s death had
nothing to do with the superiority of the Philistine gods. We know it was the
consequence of Saul’s evil acts and rebellion against God. However, to the
Israelites who lived through the loss, it was simply the horrible consequences
of losing. Saying they were devastated and demoralized is putting it mildly.
How do people recover any sense of self-esteem as a nation after experiencing
such a horrendous loss? How do they keep from fading from history? How can any
hope of future reality continue in the face of such decisive defeat? How can a
people rise above such horrific suffering?
Brave men walked all night to rescue the dead, decaying bodies of Saul and his
sons. They took the headless bodies to Jabesh where they cremated the flesh,
buried the bones, and fasted seven days.
When David and his men heard the news, he and his men mourned (2 Samuel
l:11-12). Though King Saul made their existence miserable, they wished no harm
to him. They surely understood what his defeat and death by the Philistines
meant to Israel!
David even composed a lament for Saul and Jonathan which was taught to the sons
of Judah. It was called the "song of the bow" and was recorded in the book of Jashar.
In answer to the above questions, consider a three part answer:
There is much to be learned from the past. Past primitive times do have wisdom
to give the modern age of technology. Even when the brave might be seen as
stupid by many, in their bravery they take necessary risks. As hurtful as
fighting within may be, there is never reason to rejoice when an evil person
falls, and his or her fall hurts everyone.
Dare to be brave in righteousness. Let your bravery in Christ take necessary
risks. Never taunt the fall of anyone.
24 April, 2007
David Chadwell
| David's Home Page | Table of Contents | Next Snippet |