2 Samuel 1:11-27

"Then David took hold of his clothes and tore them; and all the men who were with him did the same. They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for his son Jonathan, and for the army of the Lord and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. David said to the young man who had brought him the report, 'Where do you come from?' He answered, 'I have escaped from the camp of Israel.' David said to him, 'How did things go? Tell me.' He answered, 'The army fled from the battle, but also many of the army fell and died; and Saul and his son Jonathan also died.' Then David asked the young man who was reporting to him, 'How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?' The young man reporting to him said, 'I happened to be on Mount Gilboa; and there was Saul leaning on his spear, while the chariots and the horsemen drew close to him. When he looked behind him, he saw me, and called to me. I answered, "Here sir." And he said to me, "Who are you?" I answered him, "I am an Amalekite." He said to me, "Come, stand over me and kill me; for convulsions have seized me, and yet my life still lingers." So I stood over him, and killed him, for I knew that he could not live after he had fallen. I took the crown that was on his head and the armlet that was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.' Then David took hold of his clothes and tore them; and all the men who were with him did the same. They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for his son Jonathan, and for the army of the Lord and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword."

Deeper Dive into the Passage
**Hypotheses:**

1. **David's Respect for Saul and Jonathan:** The writer aims to show David's deep respect and love for Saul and Jonathan, despite Saul's pursuit to kill him. This reflects David's loyalty and the value he places on God's anointed king

2. **David's Mourning as a Political Move:** Another hypothesis is that David's public mourning was a strategic political move to gain favor with Saul's supporters and unify the kingdom under his rule.

**Historical Context and Audience:** The passage was written during a time when Israel was transitioning from a tribal confederation to a monarchy. The audience would have been familiar with the political tensions and the importance of loyalty to God's anointed. The writer conveys that David, despite being Saul's rival, respected the divine appointment of Saul and mourned genuinely for him and Jonathan.

**Modern Interpretation:**Today, this passage can be interpreted as a lesson in respect and forgiveness. Even when wronged, showing respect and mourning for those who have passed can be a powerful act of reconciliation. For example, in modern politics, a leader showing respect for a deceased rival can help unify a divided nation.

2 Samuel 7:1-17

1 Now when the king was settled in his house, and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him, 2 the king said to the prophet Nathan, “See now, I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God stays in a tent.” 3 Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that you have in mind; for the Lord is with you.” 4 But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: 5 Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the Lord: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? 6 I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle. 7 Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?” 8 Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the Lord of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel; 9 and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. 10 And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildoers shall afflict them no more, as formerly, 11 from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. 12 When 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. 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I 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. 15 But I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. 16 Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever. 17 In accordance with all these words and with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David.

Deeper Dive into this passage

**Hypothesis 1:**The writer of 2 Samuel aimed to highlight the divine approval and eternal significance of David's kingship. By promising an everlasting kingdom through David's lineage, the text underscores the special covenant relationship between God and David. This was particularly significant for the Israelites, who saw David as a model king and a symbol of God's enduring promise to His people.

**Hypothesis 2:**Another perspective is that the passage serves to legitimize Solomon's future reign and the building of the temple. By stating that David's offspring would build the temple, the text provides divine endorsement for Solomon's actions, thus ensuring continuity and stability in the Israelite monarchy.

**Hypothesis 3:**The passage also reflects the theological theme of God's sovereignty and grace. Despite David's desire to build a temple, God emphasizes that He does not need a physical house but instead focuses on establishing a lasting dynasty for David. This shift from a physical structure to a dynastic promise highlights God's initiative and grace in His relationship with Israel.

**Modern Interpretation:**Today, this passage can be seen as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of spiritual over material achievements. Just as God valued the establishment of a lasting dynasty over a physical temple, we are reminded to prioritize our spiritual growth and relationships over material possessions. For example, in modern times, this could translate to valuing community and family bonds over the pursuit of wealth and status.

**Historical Accuracy:**The historical accuracy of this account is debated among scholars. While there is evidence of David's existence and his significance in Israelite history, the specific details of God's promises and the divine conversations may be more theological constructs than historical records. The passage serves more to convey theological truths and the significance of David's lineage rather than providing a precise historical account.

2 Samuel 5:6-10

The king and his men marched to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who said to David, 'You will not come in here, even the blind and the lame will turn you back'—thinking, 'David cannot come in here.' Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion, which is now the city of David. David had said on that day, 'Whoever would strike down the Jebusites, let him get up the water shaft to attack the lame and the blind, those whom David hates.' Therefore it is said, 'The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.' David occupied the stronghold and named it the city of David. David built the city all around from the Millo inward. And David became greater and greater, for the Lord, the God of hosts, was with him."

Deeper Dive

Hypotheses:**1 **David's Military Prowess:** The writer aims to highlight David's military skill and strategic acumen in capturing Jerusalem, which was a significant achievement

**Divine Favour:** The passage also emphasizes that David's success was due to God's favour, reinforcing the idea that David was chosen by God to lead Israel.

**Historical Context and Audience:**The audience would have understood the significance of Jerusalem as a central and neutral location for the capital. The writer conveys that David's success was not just due to his abilities but also because of divine support.

**Modern Interpretation:** Today, this passage can be seen as an example of strategic leadership and the importance of divine guidance in achieving great things. For instance, a modern leader might draw inspiration from David's ability to unify a divided people through strategic decisions.**Historical Accuracy:** The capture of Jerusalem is a well-documented historical event, though the specific details may have been embellished to highlight David's divine favour and leadership qualities.

Mark 9:38-50, NRSV

38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 40 Whoever is not against us is for us. 41 For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward. 42 “If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. 43 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. 45 And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, 48 where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched.

Deeper Dive into the Passage

**Hypothesis 1:**The writer of Mark's Gospel was addressing early Christian communities who were facing internal divisions and external persecutions. By including Jesus' teaching about those who perform miracles in His name, the writer was emphasizing the importance of unity and inclusivity within the Christian community. This passage encourages believers to recognize the work of God even outside their immediate circle, fostering a spirit of cooperation rather than competition.

**Hypothesis 2:**The severe language about cutting off body parts that cause one to stumble can be understood as hyperbolic speech intended to stress the seriousness of sin and the radical commitment required to follow Jesus. In the context of the time, such vivid imagery would have been a powerful way to communicate the need for personal holiness and the avoidance of scandal, especially among the "little ones" or new believers.

**Hypothesis 3:**The reference to "hell, where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched" draws on imagery from Gehenna, a valley outside Jerusalem associated with child sacrifice and later a burning rubbish dump. This would have been a vivid and terrifying image for Jesus' audience, underscoring the eternal consequences of sin and the importance of moral vigilance.

**Modern Interpretation:**Today, this passage can be interpreted as a call to be vigilant about our actions and their impact on others, especially those who are vulnerable or new to the faith. For example, in a modern church setting, this could mean being mindful of how our behaviour and words affect younger or less mature Christians, ensuring that we do not lead them astray or cause them to doubt their faith.

**Historical Accuracy:**While the exact words and actions of Jesus may be difficult to verify, the themes and teachings in this passage are consistent with the broader message of the Gospels. The use of hyperbolic language and vivid imagery was a common teaching method in the ancient world, making it likely that Jesus used such techniques to convey His message.