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Innocent victims: 2 Samuel 20.1–22 (Day 267)

Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.

Pray

Pray

Lord, open my ears to hear what you have to say to me; open my heart to love your word, and open my mind to understand your truth.

Reflect

Daily reflection: 2 Samuel 20

David's troubles are not over yet; he has to deal with another rebellion. Again, it is the northern tribes who prove disloyal. Amasa, to whom David has given the command of the army, is evidently not up to the job (verse 5); David falls back on the ruthless but efficient Joab, who takes the opportunity of murdering his rival (verses 6–10). The rebellion peters out when Sheba is murdered by the inhabitants of Abel; Joab has besieged the city, and they calculate that they have less to lose by his death than by resisting (verse 22). Joab, whom David needs but cannot control (1 Kings 2.5–6) is back on top.

Almost buried in this exciting war story is a small domestic tragedy. When Absalom rebelled, he asserted his right to the throne and made it impossible to turn back by having intercourse with his father's concubines, arguably breaking a Levitical law (18.8). David will not take them back; he provides for them, but they were 'kept confined for the rest of their lives, living like widows'.

David's concubines – their status was lower than that of a legal wife, and their function was to serve the king's sexual pleasure – were innocent victims of a power struggle between men. As a result of Absalom's rape, they lost the status they had, which included the possibility of bearing the king's children, and were condemned to life-long house arrest. As it does so often, the Bible makes us pay attention to the victims, not just the conquerors.

Pray

Pray

God, help me to remember that in your eyes no one is insignificant or unworthy; and help me to pay attention to those others might overlook.


This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor

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