Tag: leader

2 Kings 9-10 and Psalm 65

It’s been a long time since anyone was anointed as king, but here we read about Elisha sends one of his young prophets to anoint Jehu as king of Israel.

“The take the flask and pour the oil on his head and declare, ‘This is what the Lord says: I anoint you king over Israel.’ Then open the door and run; don’t delay!” 2 Kings 9:3

The young prophet anoints Jehu with a mission: destroy the entire house of Ahab, including a horrible death for Jezebel, for all their treachery.

When Jehu went out to his fellow officers, one of them asked him, “Is everything all right? Why did this maniac come to you?” 2 Kings 9:11

It’s interesting to note that Jehu is one of the officers, not “the” officer. Also, the disdain they have for the company of prophets is evident by referring to the “maniac” that bolted in and bolted out. It had to look kinda crazy!

The message was clear and the officers fell in line behind Jehu to prosecute the words of the prophet. So, even though they mocked the maniac, they took his words seriously–in a big way.

First task, kill Joram and Ahaziah, king of Israel and Judah. Both were following the ways of Ahab reaching back for decades into the past, all very far from serving the Lord. Jehu is certainly inspired by the Holy Spirit.

When Joram saw Jehu he asked, “Have you come in peace, Jehu?”
“How can there be peace,” Jehu replied, “as long as all the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel around?” 2 Kings 9:22

Joram and Ahaziah got the message! The ran like crazy, but Jehu’s arrow was precise and Joram was shot between the shoulders, piercing this heart–dead. Ahaziah must have been quicker, because the chase took a while, but he was wounded in the flight and died in Megiddo.

Next on the todo list: Jezebel. I have to think by this time Jezebel is pretty old. She hears about Jehu, so she fixes her hair and puts on eye makeup to appeal to him, but Jehu has nothing to do with her, he didn’t come for a conversation.

“Throw her down!” Jehu said. So they threw her down, and some of her blood spattered the wall and the horses as they trampled her underfoot. 2 Kings 9:33

There Jezebel was devoured by animals, nothing left but her skull and hands.

Chapter 10 provides a summary of the demise of Ahab’s family. First the 70 royal princes are killed, their heads delivered in baskets the set in “two piles at the entrance of the city gate until morning” (2 Kings 10:8). Jehu killed all of the house of Ahab–left no survivor.

Jehu came upon Jehonadab and added him to his ranks  to “see my zeal for the Lord” (2 Kings 10:16). Their task: destroy the prophets of Baal. Their method: pretend to have a huge Baal Worship event at the temple–everyone must come! After hearing what Jehu has done, I’m sure they were eager to do whatever he had to tell them, so yes, they all came.

Then he sent word throughout Israel, and all the servants of Baal came; not one stayed away. They crowded into the temple of Baal until is was full from one end to the other. 2 Kings 10:21

Jehu made quite a spectacle of the entire affair, making sacrifices and probably leading the worship team! They were all oblivious to the plot that was about to unfold.

So Jehu destroyed Baal worship in Israel. However, he did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit–the worship of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan. 2 Kings 10:28-29

The Lord blessed Jehu by assuring him his “descendants will sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation” (2 Kings 10:30). But Jehu didn’t keep the law of the Lord, he did not turn away from the idols of Jeroboam. For 28 years he ruled as king of Israel.

We’re still only in the first half of 2 Kings and the wayward ways of Israel and Judah are so far from the plan that the Lord set in motion with Moses. This is God’s chosen people. No longer slaves in Egypt or lost in the desert. They are in the Promised Land, free to choose, and choose they did.

I can’t help but wonder about the choices we make from our place of comfort and freedom. How will our history be written? These we read about were not stupid people. I imagine they were charismatic and intelligent leaders of their time, yet when we look back, all that’s recorded is failure after failure. Lord help us to keep you the center of our lives!

2 Kings 6:24-8:29

“Some time later…” we pick up the story where the Arameans continue their annoying military coop attempts. The siege in Samara (i.e., against Joram, king of Israel) has reached the point where people are starving. Joram is convinced this is all at the Lord’s calling, but shows little sign of repentance:

The king said, “This disaster is from the Lord. Why should I wait for the Lord any longer?” 2 Kings 6:33

Elisha’s response is calm an deliberate, for he knows the siege is about to break. The officer there with the king scoffs at Elisha’s reply–not a good plan. The following day, just as Elisha foretold, the Arameans bolt for the hills because the Lord caused them to hear a huge advancing army, so their camp was left empty. Four lepers made the discover, then went back and reported to the king. Of course the king didn’t believe them, but when his scouts discovered the truth, the people trounced on the camp and looted the place. In the ensuing stampede the officer that mocked Elisha was trampled to death.

The Shunammite’s Land Restored

Chapter 8 begins with a side-story, a continuation of the Shunammite’s story in chapter 4. Elisha told her there was going to be famine and they should leave for a while. When she returns (seven years later), she goes to the king to get her home and possessions back. He “happens” to be listening to Gehazi, Elisha’s former right-hand man, and hears the story of how Elisha (the Lord) revived the boy, so he grants her appeal with a bonus, “including all the income from her land from the day she left the country until now” (2 Kings 8:6).

Hazael Murders Ben-Hadad

Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, gets sick and feels like he’s about to die, so he sends Hazael to ask Elisha if he will recover. (Apparently, Hazael is more than a mere messenger.) He asks Elisha and he tells him Ben-Hadad would recover, but will die nonetheless. He doesn’t say how he will die, but begins to weep as he  looks into Hazael’s eyes. Elisha sees the future of Hazael, how many will be killed at his hand. Hazael returns to Ben-Hadad and tells him he will recover,

But the next day he took a thick cloth, soaked it in water and spread it over the king’s face, so that he died. Then Hazael succeeded him as king. 2 Kings 8:15

Back in Judah

Jehoram, son of Jehoshaphat, becomes king of Judah next, but he chooses to follow the path of the kings of Israel, “He did evil in the eyes of the Lord” (2 Kings 8:18). Not many details in this chapter, just eight years of bad leadership.

Ahaziah, son of Jehoram, took over next. “He followed the ways of the house of Ahab and did evil in the eyes of the Lord” (2 Kings 8:27).

 

Psalm 58

Then people will say,
“Surely the righteous still are rewarded;
surely there is a God who judges the earth.” Psalm 58:11

This psalm appears to be a reaction to horrible leadership, judges who “devise injustice,” who are wicked from birth! The title attributes this to David which is quite interesting since this would precede Jeroboam and his wicked line of successors. Those hanging onto the faith for decades would hold verse 11 close, trusting that God will impose judgment…one day.

“Break the teeth in their mouths, O God;
Lord, tear out the fangs of those lions! Psalm 58:6

Words of anger, perhaps even hatred, but all centered in faith that God will take care of the problem. Notice the psalm doesn’t say, “Let me break the teeth of their mouths…” Though it certainly seems like it’s one step closer than mere civil disobedience. Tense times for David. Worse times were yet to come.

Psalm 59

Sub-title: “When Saul had sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him.”

I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me.
Arise to help me; look on my plight! Psalm 59:4

David knows that they are prowling around looking for him, hoping to gain honor from Saul by killing David because they have no idea what is really going on. David knows Saul is God’s anointed, yet out of his mind. He is incredibly patient in hiding and avoiding the hunters.

You are my strength, I watch for you;
you, God, are my fortress,
my God on whom I can rely. Psalm 58:9

Words of assurance when we all face trials to be sure. David shows great wisdom in these words:

But do not kill them, Lord our shield, or my people will forget.
In your might uproot them and bring them down. Psalm 59:11

At a time when battles were fought and won by strength over weakness, David knows he can’t be the one that attacks. If God can provide a refuge and let time tick away, their own foolishness will expose themselves and Israel wins–not just a king over king–all the people win.

2 Samuel 10-12 and Psalm 47

Before diving into the main theme today, chapter 10 recounts the foolish behavior of Hanun, the son of the king of the Ammonites. David sent an envoy to show kindness, but Hanun was advised by his commanders, “David sent them to you only to explore the city and spy it out” (2 Samuel 10:3). They decided to humiliate the men and send a signal to David,

So Hanun seized David’s envoys, shaved off half of each man’s beard, cut off their garments at the buttocks, and sent them away. 2 Samuel 10:4

From the narrative, David did not overreact to this ridiculous behavior. He sent messengers to his envoys and had them go to Jericho until their beards grew back. I suppose he replaced their robs and gave them grace. Hanun, however, knew he was an idiot and continued his foolish ways by hiring an army to attack Israel. David dispatched Joab to handle the aggression. Suffice it to say, it didn’t go well with Hanun and the Arameans no longer took contracts with the Ammonites!

Chapters 11 & 12 contain the narrative that describes David’s great sin. His lust for Bathsheba dominates his thinking and demonstrates what can happen when leaders’ actions go unchecked, the shameful abuse of royal powers. This should be required reading for any in leadership positions.

Similar to the account in chapter 10, David sends Joab out to deal with the Ammonites. I’ve heard sermons suggest David was getting lazy in his old age, but reading this today, it seems like the normal course of events: send Joab, if he needs help (doubtful), David will join the battle. In any case, David and his wandering eyes survey the city beneath him and sees Bathsheba bathing herself on a rooftop. She’s bathing because her menstrual cycle is over and she is now able to rejoin society (from unclean to clean). Clearly, she is not pregnant.

David sends for her. No pretense here. It’s not like he’s looking for a partner to play cards with. It didn’t take long to discover she was pregnant. David’s first plan is to get Bathsheba’s husband home from the battle so he would sleep with her and conceal David’s affair. Uriah, however, is an honorable soldier,

How could I go to my house to eat and drink and make love to my wife? As surely as you live, I will not do such a thing! 2 Samuel 11:11

How can Uriah lead his men in battle if he gets a break from war while they’re out fighting? He knows his men will hear about this, so he chastens himself and sleeps at the palace entrance.

The second plan was to get Uriah drunk, so he stayed another day, but still refused to go home. Now considering David was watching Bathsheba from the palace, it’s not far to his house. Bathsheba, on the other hand, probably knew Uriah was there, but dared not go to him. This was probably a cultural breech of protocol (my guess), but certainly didn’t want him to detect she was pregnant. Anyway, as close as home was, Uriah refused.

The third plan was outright cruel. In a letter to Joab he wrote, “Put Uriah out in front where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from his so he will be struck down and die.” 2 Samuel 11:15 Joab doesn’t blink and it’s no surprise that Uriah was killed that day. Joab sends a messenger with a warning that the king might overreact, so he reminds the messenger about Samson’s son being killed under similar battle conditions, blah, blah, blah. Joab is not fool. He knows that David had a plan to murder Uriah and he is playing along. David continues the drama by responding with words to “encourage Joab.” Seriously!

Bathsheba is told about Uriah’s death. After a period of obligatory morning, she becomes one of David’s wives.

Nathan Rebukes David

“The Lord sent Nathan to David.” (2 Samuel 12:1) David has no clue what’s about to unfold. Nathan tells a story that pits a rich man against a poor man. The rich man acts outrageously in the story and David’s anger is aroused, “As surely as the Lord live, the man who did this must die!” (2 Samuel 12:5)

Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. I gave your master’s house to you, and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you all Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more…” 2 Samuel 12:7-8

The words then get specific, revealing the secret actions of David. David immediately confesses, “I have sinned against the Lord.” You don’t say.

Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But because by doing this you have shown utter contempt for the Lord, the son born to you will die.” 2 Samuel 12:13-14

The sin is forgiven. Sadly, the child dies, but David’s confession is heartfelt, he is sincere.

Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and made love to her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. 2 Samuel 12:24

Solomon is the son of David and Bathsheba. That is remarkable, a detail that should not be overlooked. The relationship began with sin: David’s lust for Bathsheba and no signs of her complaining that the king wanted her. Both sinned, though clearly David’s was far greater. God still forgives as we know Solomon will rise to great power.

2 Samuel 1-6

The beginning of 2 Samuel continues the narrative from the last chapters of 1 Samuel. In chapter 1, David has finished his campaign against the Amalekites when a messenger appears:

“The men fled from the battle,” he replied. “Many of them fell and died. And Saul and his son Jonathan are dead.” 2 Samuel 2:4

This messenger is a scoundrel, and a fool, groveling to win David’s favor. His lips deceive him as he fabricates the story of Saul’s death and his flippant statement that Jonathan is dead weighs heavily on David. While there’s no indication that David knows the truth, perhaps there is some divine discernment in this Amalekite’s testimony. In any case, David’s verdict is swift.

Then David called one of his men and said, “Go, strike him down!” So he struck him down, and he died. For David had said to him, “Your blood be on your own head. Your own mouth testified against you when you said, ‘I killed the Lord’s anointed.’” 2 Samuel 1:15-16

David grieves for Saul and Jonathan. True to form, he expresses his emotion in song. He demonstrates great respect for “the Lord’s anointed” and his great love for his “brother” Jonathan. David is not looking forward to this day and he does not rejoice that the crazy man is dead.

“In the course of time,” chapter 2 begins, David asks the Lord for direction and is told to go to Hebron where he is officially crowned King of Judah. Meanwhile, Abner is executing his plan on Saul’s side and appoints Ish-Bosheth king of Israel since he is one of Saul’s sons.

Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, had taken Ish-Bosheth son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim. He made him king over Gilead, Ashuri and Jezreel, and also over Ephraim, Benjamin and all Israel. 2 Samuel 2:8-9

The bulk of the next chapters in this reading is all about the shifting of power in the kingdom. This was a time and age when kings won war by brutal force and women were taken as possessions to quickly expand the king’s offspring. The narrative provides details that are not easy to read, honestly, but part of the story of our ancestors.

We are introduced to Joab at the beginning of this narrative. He’s a mighty warrior that will appear time and time again throughout the course of David’s history. It will be interesting to note his actions as we read through 2 Samuel. It seems Joab is a necessary evil when controlled, but bridling him is beyond anyone, or so it seems.

Abner and Joab meet and decide to have 12 men fight from each camp. “Then each man grabbed his opponent by the head and thrust his dagger into his opponent’s side, and they fell down together.” 2 Samuel 2:16 The battle begins. Abner kills Joab’s brother Asahel after a chase and Joab is ticked! (Not a good thing for anyone near!!).

Abner called out to Joab, “Must the sword devour forever? Don’t you realize that this will end in bitterness? How long before you order your men to stop pursuing their fellow Israelites?” 2 Samuel 2:26

David’s position continued to grow stronger during the civil war between the Israelites. I can only think the Philistines are watching as the tribes of Israel fight each other, hoping they will kill each other off to the point that they can take over when the time is right.

In chapter 3, while the war rages, Abner continues to strengthen his position when we run across an odd encounter between Abner and Ish-Bosheth, “Why did you sleep with my father’s concubine?” 2 Samuel 3:7. Ish-Bosheth is calling Abner out…not a good idea! He has to let Ish-Bosheth continue as king and hold his anger inside.

It seems Abner has a plan to position himself with David, so he sends a message to David to begin negotiations. David responds to Ish-Bosheth, the puppet-king, and demands Michal be returned to him as his betrothed. Yep, David wants another wife. Chapter 3 began listing six sons born to David through six wives, now he gets Michal back.

Her husband, however, went with her, weeping behind her all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go back home!” So he went back.2 Samuel 3:16

Abner is in control, let there be no doubt. This is all part of his ploy to maintain his powerful position as head of the army. He goes over to David and is greeted in peace. Joab, on the other hand, is looking for an opportunity to avenge his brother.

Now when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into an inner chamber, as if to speak with him privately. And there, to avenge the blood of his brother Asahel, Joab stabbed him in the stomach, and he died. 2 Samuel 3:27

David finds out what Joab did and curses his family, but doesn’t remove him from his position. Hmmm. The subtleties of war? I don’t understand why Joab remains, but his value to David must be greater than his liability. The story continues.

Then the king said to his men, “Do you not realize that a commander and a great man has fallen in Israel this day? And today, though I am the anointed king, I am weak, and these sons of Zeruiah are too strong for me. May the Lord repay the evildoer according to his evil deeds!” 2 Samuel 3:38-39

Ish-Bosheth is not much of a leader, one who is referred to as “frightened” several times. Chapter 4 recounts his assassination by Beenah and Rekab. When these two idiots cut off Ish-Bosheth’s head and present it to David, he has them executed, cuts off their heads AND feet and sends a clear signal to those watching, don’t mess with the royal family!

Chapter 4 also introduces Mephibosheth, Saul’s son, who escapes with his nurse, but crippled in the process. We’ll come back to that part of the story later.

Chapter 5 finally crowns David as king, the civil war is over.

When all the elders of Israel had come to King David at Hebron, the king made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel.2 Samuel 5:3

David goes on to capture Jerusalem and defeats the Philistines in several battles as he wisely inquires of the Lord for guidance.

Chapter 6 includes two particularly interesting points: 1) the ark mishandled and 2) Michal’s displeasure with David’s behavior. David is settling into his new palace and decides to relocate the ark. Apparently, those who got the message didn’t understand the process for handling the ark and they put is on a cart (it’s supposed to be carried with poles, etc.):

When they came to the threshing floor of Nakon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. The Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down, and he died there beside the ark of God. 2 Samuel 6:6-7

David is now scared of the ark, so he lets it stay at the house of Obed-Edom for a while. It doesn’t take long for Obed-Edom to begin to prosper (it appears God’s favor is upon them), so David sends for the ark to come to Jerusalem. He’s still frightened of the ark, so he has a parade stop every 6 steps while he dances like a crazy man to show his commitment to the Lord and reverence for the ark. Here’s the second point, Michal is not impressed.

As the ark of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him in her heart. … “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, going around half-naked in full view of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!” 2 Samuel 6:16, 20

David is not so pleased with her words,

I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor.” And Michal daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.2 Samuel 6:22-23

And so the story of King David begins.

1 Samuel 16-17 and Psalm 43

Chapter 16 has a great start:

How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way 1 Samuel 16:1

Samuel was moping about, so God shakes him up and sends him on a mission. Samuel is concerned that Saul will kill him, so the plan is to take a heifer to make a sacrifice, but the real objective is to meet Jesse.

When Samuel arrives at Bethlehem the people start to panic. He assures them he comes in peace and takes Jesse with him to offer a sacrifice. Samuel saw Eliab and was impressed with his size and stature. The Lord was not so moved!

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

I’m grateful the Lord looks at the heart! Samuel has Jesse call each of his sons until they get to the last one, the least one: David.

So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah.1 Samuel 16:13

“In the presence of his brothers…” reminds me of Joseph and makes me wonder if they remembered the story. It had to be one of the favorite stories to tell until it came to be their story.  Samuel departs and David returns to the sheep.

Goliath

In the last few chapters we see how this dance was set up. The Israelites are trembling because of the massive Philistines army, that army is sent into confusion by Jonathan’s brave tactical strike, then they regroup and the Israelites begin to fear again. It’s a very tense time. Both sides are afraid to a great extent. The Philistines enlist their giant. In modern times, size has little to do with fighting ability–weapons have changed all of that. But in ancient times (not that I’m that old!) it seems like a man the size of Goliath with the strength and agility, along with military training, could clear a swath of Israelites with a single sweeping blow. Also recall, the Israelites have few weapons of any consequence. The Philistine leaders decide this is the time to make their stand, so the dance begins.

Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.1 Samuel 17:11

David

The older brothers were following Saul, members of the army, while David was back tending sheep. Jesse sends David to take some food to his brothers. When David hears the taunts of Goliath, he asks,

“What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” 1 Samuel 17:26

Eliab, the oldest brother hears David and calls him out:

I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle. 1 Samuel 17:28

Now it really does sound like Jacob’s sons in Genesis 37, but the situation is much different. The armies are poised at each other, a single catalytic interaction is all that’s need to set off an explosion. Eliab is infuriated! Don’t poke the bear! Stop trying to agitate people baby brother!!

David gets an audience with Saul, but since he’s young, Saul essentially tells him to go away and let the grown-ups handle these matters. David, however, has lived with the power of the Lord within him and done some mighty acts in the wilderness where he explains how he has killed a lion and a bear–Goliath will be no different. Saul is convinced!

Saul’s men outfit David in armor and accoutrements of a soldier, but David takes them off explaining that he is not used to them and will be unable to fight. The physical aspect of taking on unfamiliar armor makes sense, but I wonder if this is also a metaphor. David needs nothing from Saul. It seems it would be better if David has no help from Saul at all, nothing that Saul can turn around and suggest that he helped in the battle. No. This is God with David against Goliath.

David and Goliath

Armed with a sling and five stones, David approaches Goliath. The taunting begins. First Goliath has a mouth full of curses from his gods, then David provides his rebuttal,

“You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:45-47

I didn’t want to include that much text in this blog, but it’s difficult to decide what to take out. The comparison of David’s words versus Goliath’s is significant. The bolded text shows how David gives all the honor to God while Goliath claims his personal victory by his own strength. Yes, “I’ll strike you down and cut off your head” is pretty personal, but it is surrounded by statements of honor and glory to God, not David.

David’s sling and stone skills would have won gold in the Olympics. He knocks Goliath to the ground, then decapitates him with his own oversized sword. The fuse ignited, the men of Israel pursued the fleeing Philistines.

The battle is always the Lord’s whether we recognize it or not. God help us to remember!