2 Samuel, 21
15. Once again the Philistines made war on Israel. David went down with his retainers; they fought the Philistines and David began to tire.
15. Once again the Philistines made war on Israel. David went down with his retainers; they fought the Philistines and David began to tire.
2 Samuel 21 describes how David faced hunger in Israel, which lasted for three years. He consulted the Lord, who told him that the cause of hunger was the fact that Saul had broken a deal with the Gibeonites, exterminating them. David then called the Gibeonites and asked how he could compensate them for the injustice committed by Saul. The Gibeonites demanded seven men from Saul's family to be executed, and David agreed. Following are five verses related to the topics covered in 2 Samuel 21:
Deuteronomy 7:9: "Thou shalt know that the Lord thy God is God, the faithful God, who keeps the covenant and mercy toward those who love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations." This verse talks about God's faithfulness to fulfill His pacts and to be merciful to those who love and obey their commandments. This is related to the fact that Saul broke the pact with the Gibeonites, which resulted in negative consequences for Israel.
Exodus 20:5: "Thou shalt not go to you before them or thou shalt serve them; for I, the Lord thy God, I am the zealous God, who visits the iniquity of parents in their children, until the third and fourth generation of those who hate me." This verse talks about God's punishment for ancestors committed by ancestors, which can affect future generations. This is related to the fact that Saul broke the pact with the Gibeonites, which resulted in negative consequences for Israel.
Proverbs 17:15: "Which justifies the wicked, and what condemns the righteous, both are abominable to the Lord." This verse talks about God's righteousness and his repulsion for those who justify the wicked and condemn the righteous. This is related to the fact that David took action to compensate for the Gibeonites for Saul's injustice.
Proverbs 20:22: "Do not say, I will take revenge on evil; wait for the Lord, and He will deliver you." This verse talks about the importance of trusting God and not seeking revenge. This relates to the fact that David trusted God to show him how to compensate the Gibeonites for the injustice committed by Saul.
Proverbs 22:8: "What sows wickedness shall sear evils; and with the rod of its own indignation will be extinguished." This verse talks about the consequences of wickedness and evil, which will eventually reach those who sow them. This is related to the fact that Saul's injustice had negative consequences for Israel, including the hunger they faced.
“Não se desencoraje, pois, se na alma existe o contínuo esforço de melhorar, no final o Senhor a premia fazendo nela florir, de repente, todas as virtudes como num jardim florido.” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
