The Davidic Covenant...and downfall... and St. Stephen gives a sermon summary of Salvation History...and is stoned for his efforts
Dear Bible Challenge participants,
It's been a full few days for us in our readings, especially in II Samuel. We heard THE Davidic Covenant in II Samuel 7, when David offers to build a house for the LORD('s ark) and in return, the LORD says, "Don't go building a house for me... but I'll make a house for you...
"Moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. 12When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever. 14I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. When he commits iniquity, I will punish him with a rod such as mortals use, with blows inflicted by human beings. 15But I will not take* my steadfast love from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. 16Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure for ever before me; your throne shall be established for ever."
Note that the Lord does not promise that misbehavior will be free from consequences... and we see this in chapters 11 and 12 in the story of Bathsheba...and the curse that "the sword will never leave your house," then the tragedy that follows with Amnon and Tamar, and Absalom, as it all starts to unravel. But the promise that there will be a Davidic monarch on the throne continues-- for now at least.
Some of you may be reading translations with footnotes. If so, you may have noticed regular comparisons with what is written in Chronicles. There are differences, and it will be interesting noting how the story is told in Chronicles vs Samuel/Kings. Professor Darr said the difference is between history and bad history/polemic--what remains and what is omitted or changed indicates a particular perspective for sure, particularly regarding the monarchy... but we'll spend more time there when we're reading Chronicles.
In Acts we've read as the diaconate emerges, and Stephen, among the first deacons, witnesses to salvation history... and then is stoned for his efforts, forgiving his killers in much the same way Jesus did....and a young zealot named Saul held Stephen's killer's cloaks, and approved of their actions... And so the story shifts to Saul/Paul and his conversion, journeys and adventures in spreading the good news. The question of the role of Jewish and Gentile believers will begin to emerge, as the church becomes more diverse. Perhaps you've also noticed the increased role that the Spirit is playing in Acts-- fun to consider as the Feast of Pentecost approaches.
Thank you, as ever, for being on this journey.
Paige+
