v2 The men of Israel are easily persuaded.
v3 What do you think this is about? Is David repentant concerning these women? Or is this an act of abandonment? Either way, they are spending the rest of their lives as widows. Very sad.
v4 Amasa is put in charge of gathering Judah's (King David's) men. And he has three days to do it.
v5 Amasa is delayed, which spells trouble for David. (v6)
v8-10 Joab takes Amasa's life.
v12 So graphic. Apparently the sight of Amasa's body is so disturbing that the men of Judah are immobilized by it.
v16-17 As in chapter 14, a woman uses her wisdom to bring about peace.
v19 She sees that many faithful, peaceful people are about to be killed because of the actions of Sheba. She negotiates with Joab (21) and convinces the Israelites to give him over, saving innocent lives.
I can't say that I fully understand the ways of Old Testament life. I don't know if I could have done what this woman did. But I'm intrigued by her boldness. This unnamed woman stood up to the leader of the enemy's army, and talked things out with him!
v1 God is punishing His people for Saul's crime.
v6 Saul's sons (and grandsons) will pay for his crime!
v9 And they do.
v10 Rizpah mourns for her sons. Her family has been wiped out by their connection to Saul.
v11 Her actions cause David to act, and when the bodies of these men have been given their burial, the prayers for the land are answered. (14)
Again, we are given a glimpse into God's use of a woman to bring change and salvation to her people. These two women saved their people, just through their wisdom and obedience. How will God use your wosdom and obedience to save your people? We may never fully know the answer to that. But the key to having wisdom, and knowing what obedience looks like, is continually retreating into Scripture. Soak it in. And you will be ready to be used for His purpose.
v15-22 A record of the end of the line of the giants. Goliath's family is destroyed by David's men.
next time: II Samuel 22-23
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