Sermon - Audio1 Chronicles 18 & 2 Samuel 8-9 - Audio
1 Chronicles 18 & 2 Samuel 8-9 - Reading
Daily Insights - Please Comment
2 Samuel 8-9 and 1 Chronicles 18
Again, since these chapters are telling some of the same stories, we will be commenting on 2 Samuel 8-9 with some snippets from 1 Chronicles 18.
2 Samuel 8: David’s Victories
v. 4 – Horses could not be shot as they are today and the Israelites has no use for them or the ability to care for them: nor did they want their enemies to have use of them. Hamstringing involves cutting through the rear tarsal tendon in the hock joint (equivalent to the human Achilles tendon) leaving the horses unable to walk.
v. 10-11 – Dedication of precious metals to the Lord means that they were donated to the sanctuary’s treasury and became part of the assets that were cared for by the priests rather than going into the royal treasury.
v. 14 – The establishment of garrisons in enemy territory was a sign of domination. Placing garrisons in annexed territories allowed Israel to extend its’ supply line, monitor activities and maintain control. Food and arms could be stored there and the military could be ready to deal with uprisings. Also tribute could be collected and merchant activities controlled.
v. 16-18 – Joab is listed first indicating that the military commander was second in command in the administration. The recorder would be in charge of records and documents of Israel and could be considered as the equivalent of our modern press secretary. He would also have control of who was admitted to see the king. The secretary was in charge of diplomatic correspondence and might be comparable to our Secretary of State.
2 Samuel 9: Mephibosheth
v. 1-13 - Chapter 8 highlights David’s life as success on the battlefield. Chapter 9 balances David’s personality and experiences with an event from his personal life, one that demonstrates compassion. David’s kindness is a fulfillment of his promise to Jonathan and Saul when they swore to remember each other in 1 Sam. 18:20, 23. New dynasties normally killed the families of the old order because of they may threaten the throne.
v. 7 - David elevates this crippled grandson of Saul, a potential rival to the throne, to a place at the royal table. Also consider: Political prisoners were seldom kept in prison cells. It was more advantageous for the king to hold them in confinement within his palace or royal city, treating them to the pleasures of the "king's table" but always keeping a close eye on their activities. Thus Mephibosheth enjoyed the largesse of the king's court, but was not truly free. (IVP)
2 comments:
Could you please expand on the IVP commentary about Mephibosheth? Their interpretation seems counterintuitive and requires reading David's ulterior motives into the text.
It seems as though the purpose of telling the story was to highlight David's noble character and not how average he was, even in the beginning of the story David says "that I may show him kindness for Jonathon's sake". While I do not doubt that the IVP people are absolutely correct in that this was typical behavior it does not seem as though this was the case here. Foremost is David's covenant with Jonathon as you point out in the previous paragraph, that went really deep. It also seems that if David considered Mephibosheth a potential rival he would not have restored Saul's wealth and workforce to him which would give him the means to mount a comeback. This must have been a serious hit on David's net worth.
David was Israel's greatest king and it seems he is being torn down without evidence. He was "a man after God's own heart" and, in this case, he foregoes judgement and extends grace thereby functioning as a Christ type. His Godliness is being showcased here and we should celebrate and do likewise.
Tim,
Actually both the IVP's and your take are correct. While covenant is obviously the bigger picture being shown here, we can't escape the importance of the politics being played out in this matter. Many people loved Saul and pledged their allegiance to him. If David would have just cast aside Mephibosheth, there would have been much political pressure to deal with from the people. I think the IVP was just wanting to make sure that people saw both sides. Later we see that David once again fulfills his commitment/covenant promise to Mephibosheth. I do agree with you that the IVP should have discussed that this was not "just a political matter." David was a "man after God's own heart," but his life was not without pride, adultery, and murder. We do celebrate David's life, but we do so in understanding he was depraved just as we are.
Thanks for your thoughts Tim, nice addition to this part of the story.
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