Cursed with a three-year famine, David inquires of the Lord to find out why. The curse is because of Saul’s sin of killing the Gibeonites when Israel had sworn to spare them. To right that wrong, the Gibeonites ask for the deaths of seven of Saul’s male descendants. David complies but spares Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan. The seven men are killed and their bodies exposed. Rizpah, the mother of two of the slain men, shows great loyalty by protecting their bodies from birds and animals of prey. In light of her actions, David brings the bones of Saul back to Israel for proper burial. The curse is lifted, God answers prayer, and the famine ends.
Israel continues to battle the Philistines and their giant warriors. In one battle, David’s life barely saved by an Israelite named Abishai. As a result, David’s men persuade him to no longer go out with them in battle. His days as a warrior are over.
Prayer
God of love, do not let the consequences of our sins harm future generations.
DR. GARY HOLLOWAY
Gary Holloway is Executive Director of the World Convention. Holding degrees from Freed-Hardeman, Harding, The University of Texas, and Emory University, he has written or edited thirty books, including (with Douglas Foster) Renewing God’s World: A Concise Global History of the Stone-Campbell Movement from ACU Press. He is married to Deb Rogers Holloway.
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