Bethlehem in 1868
This is Bethlehem showing Bethlehem has not changed. To David - this looks like home.
2 Samuel 23:13-17
13 And three of the thirty chief men went down and came about harvest time to David at the cave of Adullam, when a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. 14 David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then at Bethlehem.
15 And David said longingly, “Oh, that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!” 16 Then the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate and carried and brought it to David. But he would not drink of it. He poured it out to the Lord 17 and said, “Far be it from me, O Lord, that I should do this. Shall I drink the blood of the men who went at the risk of their lives?” Therefore he would not drink it. These things the three mighty men did.
Oh there is no place like home for the Holidays!
Except when you are King David and home is a war zone.
The Cave of Adullam is where Psalm 142 was written and David started out with 200 men after Saul decided to kill him.
Harvest is the time for Shavuot and this is not a Festival when the Philistines are gathering to mutter and say rude things with instruments of war and death.
The first time I read this I was in High School and I thought, "This is so John Wayne and, wow, David is rude."
Instead we see how intrinsically kind David is to want to protect all his people all the time. How off David was to Uriah the Hittite.
This unusual story is one of Christmas. Jesus willing to do the hardships in life with Joy. Dealing with all sorts of people and all sorts of motivations, and finding the path that Father God would say, "Yes, John the Disciple found the path pleasing to God."
David is fully aware who is being the Disciple of John - staying to the last minute, and
who needs to stay. The discernment of the wise.
Father God, the beauty of Disciple John is how marvelous to be John to Jesus.
How marvelous to be Silvanus, Timothy and Luke to Paul. What a blessing to be Mark and Luke to Peter. Help us to be wise in what we do and request of the People You give us. Help us to be the Path You want for us. We ask Your blessings upon this day and eternity - which is today. Your protection, Your daily help.
Thank You Father God, Your mercies renew each day.
Amen in Jesus.
♔ Lord Jesus Saves †
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