View this lesson in a browser and print a "take-away" weekly copy. CLICK HERE (see link below)
Building a Nation
Rizpah’s example of faithfulness comes to David’s attention. The biblical author again includes the complete pedigree of Rizpah when David is told about her action. She is not just any mother, she is the daughter of Aiah and the concubine of Saul. Her being on the mountain “before the Lord,” close to the seven bodies, seems to motivate David to consider a very important act: he orders the proper reburial of Saul, Jonathan, and the descendants of Saul.
Read 2 Samuel 21:11–14. How was David affected by Rizpah’s actions?
Many of Israel’s neighbors considered a proper burial to be essential to the deceased’s ability to reach a place where the gods would mete out judgment. The pyramids in Egypt were huge tombs, testifying to the importance of burial in Egyptian culture. In contrast, Israel’s burial practices were not elaborate, because the biblical authors considered death to be a state of no consciousness (Eccles. 9:5, 6). This funeral, however, is very significant, as it marks the end of intertribal fighting and lays the foundation for a united Israel.
Read again 2 Samuel 21:1–14. What caused the end of the famine?
The famine does not end after the seven descendants of Saul are executed. God responds to the plea for the land only after David has provided a respectable resting place for the remains of Saul and his descendants. In other words, although justice and righteousness are important elements of our interaction with one another, reconciliation is required, as well. Rizpah’s example of faithfulness, even under hopeless and desperate conditions, appears to have brought about faithfulness and reconciliation on a much larger scale, resulting in an Israel that can begin to heal the wounds of intertribal warfare. Rizpah’s role in this crucial part of David’s reign teaches an important lesson that echoes through the centuries: circumstances alone do not make or break a child of God; rather, we determine by our choices, for good or bad, whether we will be pawns or whether our quiet faithfulness powerfully will influence the lives around us. By living faithfully, Rizpah subtly influenced the outcome of a nation.
Look at the power of example: through Rizpah’s actions, the concubine of David’s enemy greatly influences David. What should this tell us, regardless of who we are, about the power of our influence? Think about those whom you are influencing. How might you be a better influence than you are right now?
| THURSDAY | November 25 |
Rizpah’s example of faithfulness comes to David’s attention. The biblical author again includes the complete pedigree of Rizpah when David is told about her action. She is not just any mother, she is the daughter of Aiah and the concubine of Saul. Her being on the mountain “before the Lord,” close to the seven bodies, seems to motivate David to consider a very important act: he orders the proper reburial of Saul, Jonathan, and the descendants of Saul.
Read 2 Samuel 21:11–14. How was David affected by Rizpah’s actions?
Many of Israel’s neighbors considered a proper burial to be essential to the deceased’s ability to reach a place where the gods would mete out judgment. The pyramids in Egypt were huge tombs, testifying to the importance of burial in Egyptian culture. In contrast, Israel’s burial practices were not elaborate, because the biblical authors considered death to be a state of no consciousness (Eccles. 9:5, 6). This funeral, however, is very significant, as it marks the end of intertribal fighting and lays the foundation for a united Israel.
Read again 2 Samuel 21:1–14. What caused the end of the famine?
The famine does not end after the seven descendants of Saul are executed. God responds to the plea for the land only after David has provided a respectable resting place for the remains of Saul and his descendants. In other words, although justice and righteousness are important elements of our interaction with one another, reconciliation is required, as well. Rizpah’s example of faithfulness, even under hopeless and desperate conditions, appears to have brought about faithfulness and reconciliation on a much larger scale, resulting in an Israel that can begin to heal the wounds of intertribal warfare. Rizpah’s role in this crucial part of David’s reign teaches an important lesson that echoes through the centuries: circumstances alone do not make or break a child of God; rather, we determine by our choices, for good or bad, whether we will be pawns or whether our quiet faithfulness powerfully will influence the lives around us. By living faithfully, Rizpah subtly influenced the outcome of a nation.
Look at the power of example: through Rizpah’s actions, the concubine of David’s enemy greatly influences David. What should this tell us, regardless of who we are, about the power of our influence? Think about those whom you are influencing. How might you be a better influence than you are right now?
1 comment:
Hi,
Thanks for providing the lesson study online. Keep up the good work
~ Tabari
http://www.quickandpowerful.org
Post a Comment