Blood for blood

Every day we’re asking four questions about part of the Bible. Today Greg Nixon answers:

What did I like about today’s passage?

Amidst a repeated cycle of tit-for-tat violent conflict, there are a few points that raise our gaze, and help turn our minds to what is pure, what is honourable, what is excellent or praiseworthy.

David responds to Saul’s and Jonathan’s death with a lament and memorial to the kind of men they were in life, and for what Israel has lost through their death. Whilst this seems a generous response from someone Saul hunted for many years, it is characteristic of how David values what God has ordained – Saul was God’s anointed king for 40 years of Israel’s history. David commands that Judah’s abiding memory of Saul and Jonathan be of their glory and might, of their commitment to fighting Israel’s enemies, of the people’s love for them, of their speed and strength, of how they provided for Israel. This is a memory of grace, a burying of the hatchet, closure, and a heartfelt farewell to Jonathan, a brother in arms who had shown David how to strengthen himself in the Lord in a dark time.

And I like that David engages with God about his next steps – following God’s direction – which leads to him being anointed king over Judah, and again us seeing his desire to show kindness to Saul’s followers.

In the following surprisingly detailed narrative, blood for blood continues to dominate. I like how Abner is portrayed in these initial chapters: a two-time kingmaker, trying to do the right thing, having significant influence and authority, and being held by David in high esteem – “a prince and a great man”. Had Joab’s desire for revenge not cut his life short, I wonder what part Abner would have played for Israel?

What did it show me about Father God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?

In these chapters, we see just one direct interaction with God, where He is guiding David on his way to become king of Judah. We see that God cares about when and how David did things – there is a right time and a right place.

The rest of the passage references God’s justice, faithfulness, anointing and promises, where we see the fulfilment of things promised: what God says He will do, He will do. And with all scripture being inspired by God, the fact that some intricate details are recorded here, reminds me that the details matter.

What am I going to do differently as a result?

I’m going to remember that where people have given me words from God in the past, He will fulfil them, and He will do it in His time and His way. I’m also going to try and be more aware of the impact my words and actions have on others, being conscious that just one sentence can change the course of someone’s life (see Ish-Bosheth’s poorly considered question to Abner in 3v7!)

Who am I going to share this with?

My wife, Liz, with whom I’ve been enjoying discussing what God is revealing through the Bible in A Year series.