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15 June 2007
2 Samuel 3 v 22-25
Just then Joab and David's men came from a battle, bringing many valuable things they had taken from the enemy. David had let Abner leave in peace, so he was not with David at Hebron. When Joab and all his army arrived at Hebron, the army said to Joab, "Abner son of Ner came to King David, and David let him leave in peace."
Joab came to the king and said, "What have you done? Abner came to you. Why did you let him go? Now he's gone. You know Abner son of Ner! He came to trick you! He came to learn about everything you are doing!"
Joab returns from another victory and is no doubt pleased with himself for leading them to victory. Then he is told Abner has visited David but not only that, David had let him go in peace (v 23b). Joab probably could not understand why David had let Abner go especially when he knew Abner had killed Asahel in battle.
What does Joab do? He starts lying to David that actually Abner came to trick him and gather information to help Israel in their struggle with Judah. We know Abner went to bring the leaders of the Israelites back to Hebron to arrange to make David king over all Israel and Judah (2 Samuel 3: 21). So Joab was probably not only angry but he was worried about what Abner was doing and he was also probably devising a plan to get revenge for Asahel killing.
Hatred and revenge can consume a person especially when it becomes the most important part of their life. Hatred can eat away at a person's perception of things around them. Actions can become less rational; it is as if all that matters is that the score has to be settled, no matter what the consequences may be. The term "life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth"
(Deuteronomy 19:21) would have applied in Joab's case but definitely not for us. Jesus challenged that teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, "Love your enemies" (Matthew 5:44). That is the ideal we are all called to do. I think that is also very challenging for us, it somehow seems to go against human nature but I also think Jesus' teachings challenged each aspect of life. Jesus' ways may seem unattainable without God's help, however revenge should have no part in the people of God.
Heavenly Father, Help us all to look at Your Son's teaching as our ideal for our lives. When they challenge us, be with us. When we want to implement them, strengthen us. Help us not harbour anger, hatred, or revenge in our hearts but may Your love shine through our darkness. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Written by Stephen Fox
2 Samuel 3 v 22-25
Just then Joab and David's men came from a battle, bringing many valuable things they had taken from the enemy. David had let Abner leave in peace, so he was not with David at Hebron. When Joab and all his army arrived at Hebron, the army said to Joab, "Abner son of Ner came to King David, and David let him leave in peace."
Joab came to the king and said, "What have you done? Abner came to you. Why did you let him go? Now he's gone. You know Abner son of Ner! He came to trick you! He came to learn about everything you are doing!"
Joab returns from another victory and is no doubt pleased with himself for leading them to victory. Then he is told Abner has visited David but not only that, David had let him go in peace (v 23b). Joab probably could not understand why David had let Abner go especially when he knew Abner had killed Asahel in battle.
What does Joab do? He starts lying to David that actually Abner came to trick him and gather information to help Israel in their struggle with Judah. We know Abner went to bring the leaders of the Israelites back to Hebron to arrange to make David king over all Israel and Judah (2 Samuel 3: 21). So Joab was probably not only angry but he was worried about what Abner was doing and he was also probably devising a plan to get revenge for Asahel killing.
Hatred and revenge can consume a person especially when it becomes the most important part of their life. Hatred can eat away at a person's perception of things around them. Actions can become less rational; it is as if all that matters is that the score has to be settled, no matter what the consequences may be. The term "life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth"
(Deuteronomy 19:21) would have applied in Joab's case but definitely not for us. Jesus challenged that teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, "Love your enemies" (Matthew 5:44). That is the ideal we are all called to do. I think that is also very challenging for us, it somehow seems to go against human nature but I also think Jesus' teachings challenged each aspect of life. Jesus' ways may seem unattainable without God's help, however revenge should have no part in the people of God.
Heavenly Father, Help us all to look at Your Son's teaching as our ideal for our lives. When they challenge us, be with us. When we want to implement them, strengthen us. Help us not harbour anger, hatred, or revenge in our hearts but may Your love shine through our darkness. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Written by Stephen Fox
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