battles – Be Still…

2 Samuel 21:15-22 – Battling Our Giants

These battles with the Philistines are likely to have happened at various times during David’s reign. Where they fall in the scheme of things doesn’t seem to be important. What then does killing giants have to do with the story?

This collection of stories is known by scholars to be a “list” of importance. Each account identifies itself as “another battle.” The common theme is the destruction of a descendent of the giants. It’s like they did a big sort of the stories and gathered these four into one group.

2 Samuel 18:1-8 – Family Battles

Read 2 Samuel 18:1-8

two young boys arm-wrestling in the sand

King David is portrayed in several different ways in this text. As king and as a father, we see David in a bit of torment. Yet, he doesn’t let this stop him. He only asks, “deal gently with young Absalom.” David doesn’t use the word “son,” perhaps because it hurts too much to know his own son has turned away from him.

When his predecessor, Saul, learned that his own son, Jonathan had turned against him, he went bezerk. David does not lose his composure or ability to lead. In fact, he is seen as “too valuable” to go to war against Absalom.

1 Samuel 20:24-42 – No Doubt About It!

Read 1 Samuel 20:24-42

Hand doing the "ok" sign, with sunlight streaming from behind, right in the circle of the O.

If there was any doubt about whether Saul was serious about killing David, those doubts can be laid to rest. I was so thankful Jonathan and David met before this scene to make the plan they had for this very scenario.

David used the wisdom from God when he called out that Saul’s anger at the news would surely indicate his intent was to kill David. Saul’s anger seemed to erupt and flow towards his own son! Thankfully that spear missed its mark. Saul mustn’t be a very good aim, or God is just a much better spotter! (I think the latter!)

1 Samuel 4:1-11 – Capture the Ark!

Read 1 Samuel 4:1-11

Thank heavens Samuel knew what God was about to do. The people were already listening to Samuel and the words he spoke. But Samuel is not the focus of this reading. The Ark of the Covenant takes center stage now.

We are reminded that Israel is fighting with the Philistines. This has been an ongoing saga. We read of it in the Book of Judges. I’m not certain if this reading is a parallel time to battles described elsewhere in Scripture. But the Israelites are not winning. What are they thinking? Where is God?

Revelation 12:1-18 – Angel Battle

Read Revelation 12:1-18

Today’s reading could be out of one of the popular super hero movies of our day. Can’t you just picture all the special effects?! And if you were in John’s time, you might be thinking more along the lines of the dragon, Python who was chasing Leto, the mother of Apollo. The images in today’s reading open up Act 2 of Revelation. We saw Act 1 conclude as Chapter 11 came to a magnificent conclusion with victory! Today we see how the battle between good and evil has been ongoing. We might even think our reading today as a flashback.

It’s helpful to keep in mind Revelation does not exist on a time line. We are to glean wisdom to prepare ourselves for our own battles with evil. When you read today’s passage, did you see the virgin Mary as the pregnant woman? She was certainly blessed among women. The nativity looks a lot different in this account, a totally different representation of the incarnation. It’s like a behind the scenes glimpse of what happened when God took on flesh as an infant. There was a war in heaven going on.