Friday, April 19
Read 2 Samuel 21
Think About It:
- Verse 1 tells us that Saul and his family were responsible for wrongfully killing the Gibeonites, whom Israel had sworn to protect (Joshua 9:16-20). Either Saul’s sons helped him, or they were held accountable because of the unity of a family in their culture. Verse 14 says God answered prayer on behalf of the land after David avenged the Gibeonites, showing the importance of our vows to others as God’s people. Who do you know who has been treated wrongfully by a Christian brother or sister? We need to make these things right whenever the Holy Spirit reveals them to us.
Family Time:
- Why was there a famine? (verse 1)
- David offered to make things right with the Gibeonites. What did they ask for? (verse 6)
- Did David agree? (verse 6)
- The famine was caused by the sin of Saul years earlier. Saul killed the Gibeonites and broke a covenant (promise) God had made between Joshua and the Gibeonites. It is important that we keep our promises or follow the rules, like obeying a covenant God has made. Do you think it was fair for these 7 men to die? They did not kill the Gibeonites.
- Our actions always have consequences. Think of promises you have made. Have you broken those promises? What happened to others? If not, what would happen to others if you did break them? What about rules in your home, school, or work?
