In the previous post, Abner, the top general of the eleven tribes of Israel, has just been dishonored and shamed by his king, Ish-Bosheth. Deeply angered, Abner not only threatens to reach out to David, who is now king of the other tribe Judah, but also Abner begins organizing a massive defection to David. HowContinue reading “Was David right or wrong to make a peace deal contingent on getting his ex-wife back? – 2 Samuel 2:9-3:39, Part 3”
Tag Archives: war
Civil war, polygamy, jealousy and palace intrigue – 2 Samuel 2:9—3:39, Part 2
We resume the story of civil war in Israel from the previous post. The story in 2nd Samuel chapter 2 is one of a fierce battle between the single tribe, Judah, and the other eleven tribes of Israel. Azahel of Judah is chasing down the top general of the army of Israel, Abner. Abner callsContinue reading “Civil war, polygamy, jealousy and palace intrigue – 2 Samuel 2:9—3:39, Part 2”
The horror of war in ancient Israel – 2 Samuel 2:8—3:39, Part 1
Have you ever been playing the game of Risk, when you had a much larger army than another player, so you attack them? You are very confident that you will defeat them. Even if they roll well, you will win a war of attrition. But then it happens. They roll sixes over and over, slowlyContinue reading “The horror of war in ancient Israel – 2 Samuel 2:8—3:39, Part 1”
The deep pain of losing a loved one – 1 Samuel 31—2 Samuel 2:7, Part 1
I’m going to list some names below, and as I read them, notice the emotion that you feel about them. Read the names, imagine their faces in your mind. What do you feel? George Washington Abraham Lincoln John Wilkes Booth Martin Luther King Jr Richard Nixon Margaret Thatcher Donald Trump Kamala Harris Did you feelContinue reading “The deep pain of losing a loved one – 1 Samuel 31—2 Samuel 2:7, Part 1”
How David was shamed by the Philistines, and it turned out to be a good thing – 1st Samuel 28-30, Part 4
This week we welcome guest blogger, Kirk Marks. Kirk retired from a long career in pastoral ministry, denominational leadership and theological education. He now works in global fair trade. The armies of Philistia and Israel are gathering, facing off. War is about to erupt. As we reviewed in the previous post, though David and hisContinue reading “How David was shamed by the Philistines, and it turned out to be a good thing – 1st Samuel 28-30, Part 4”
The end of 1st Samuel is like a military thriller – 1st Samuel 28-30, Part 3
This week we welcome guest blogger, Kirk Marks. Kirk retired from a long career in pastoral ministry, denominational leadership and theological education. He now works in global fair trade. I love sci-fi like Star Trek and Star Wars. Think with me about the Star Wars film, Return of the Jedi. At the end of thatContinue reading “The end of 1st Samuel is like a military thriller – 1st Samuel 28-30, Part 3”
How could David slaughter men and women…and lie about it? – 1st Samuel 26 & 27, Part 4
In the previous post, we read something very dark about David, who was supposed to be a man after God’s own heart. In 1st Samuel 27, we learned that David and his men go out on raids, slaughtering people. Men and women. Also, David clearly didn’t want his new king, the Philistine, Achish, to knowContinue reading “How could David slaughter men and women…and lie about it? – 1st Samuel 26 & 27, Part 4”
Do you have crippling fear? – 1st Samuel 17, Part 1
In 2018 I blogged a series titled “Characters” where I featured a number of famous Bible stories. One of those was David & Goliath from 1st Samuel chapter 17. Now in 2024, I am blogging through 1st and 2nd Samuel, and we’ve reached chapter 17. This week, I’ll reblog the “Characters” posts about David &Continue reading “Do you have crippling fear? – 1st Samuel 17, Part 1”
The deception of worship services (and a bonus topic: Does God command genocide???) – 1st Samuel 15, Part 1
Did Jesus ask us to hold worship services? Did he ask us to build church buildings? Did he want us to have pews? Did Jesus teach us to gather here on Sundays for singing and sermons? In the book Jim & Casper Go To Church, Jim is an evangelical Christian and Casper is Matt Casper,Continue reading “The deception of worship services (and a bonus topic: Does God command genocide???) – 1st Samuel 15, Part 1”
When (and why) God turned two men into real superheroes – 1st Samuel 13 & 14, Part 4
In my family, I would venture a guess that Batman is the favorite superhero. We’ve watched loads of Batman films and TV shows, and played Batman video games. One of Batman’s signature abilities is a hand-to-hand fighting technique and speed that allows him to fight, successfully, large groups of assailants. Did you know that inContinue reading “When (and why) God turned two men into real superheroes – 1st Samuel 13 & 14, Part 4”
Engaging Scripture 