2 Samuel 9
Love your brother, your neighbor, your potential enemy... There's an old saying keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
Out of the blue, David starts asking if anyone of the house of Saul has survived. He'd like to do them some kindness, for the sake of Jonathan. Jonathan's crippled son, Mephibosheth, is brought to David, by a former servant of Saul. And... David is extremely kind, giving him all that had formerly belonged to his grandfather, including the former servant of Saul to work the land. David will ensure that Mephibosheth is cared for all the days of his life.
So why do I question David's motives by implying that this chapter is about keeping our enemies close? There is nothing particular in this chapter that implies it - except that - the servant Ziba was Saul's servant. Except that - Mephibosheth is the grandson of the former king, who for years had pursued David and wanted his death. Yes, Jonathan loved David. But, this is Jonathan's son and Saul's grandson. Who can say where Mephibosheth's loyalties will lie? What about Ziba's loyalties? And... if they are not with David, maybe David will win them over with his generosity and kindness. It is good to keep those who are potential enemies close beside you so that you will know what they are doing. Strategies... of politics and war.
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer... Be kind to each of them.
Proverbs 25:21-22 (generally credited to be written by David's son, Solomon) reflects this negative or defensive thinking of mine:
"If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,
and the Lord will reward you."
And who can tell, by your kindness, just maybe your enemy will become your true friend.
And Jesus told us to: "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matt 5:44)
Love your brother, your neighbor, your potential enemy... There's an old saying keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
Out of the blue, David starts asking if anyone of the house of Saul has survived. He'd like to do them some kindness, for the sake of Jonathan. Jonathan's crippled son, Mephibosheth, is brought to David, by a former servant of Saul. And... David is extremely kind, giving him all that had formerly belonged to his grandfather, including the former servant of Saul to work the land. David will ensure that Mephibosheth is cared for all the days of his life.
So why do I question David's motives by implying that this chapter is about keeping our enemies close? There is nothing particular in this chapter that implies it - except that - the servant Ziba was Saul's servant. Except that - Mephibosheth is the grandson of the former king, who for years had pursued David and wanted his death. Yes, Jonathan loved David. But, this is Jonathan's son and Saul's grandson. Who can say where Mephibosheth's loyalties will lie? What about Ziba's loyalties? And... if they are not with David, maybe David will win them over with his generosity and kindness. It is good to keep those who are potential enemies close beside you so that you will know what they are doing. Strategies... of politics and war.
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer... Be kind to each of them.
Proverbs 25:21-22 (generally credited to be written by David's son, Solomon) reflects this negative or defensive thinking of mine:
"If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,
and the Lord will reward you."
And who can tell, by your kindness, just maybe your enemy will become your true friend.
And Jesus told us to: "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matt 5:44)
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