1 Kings 1-5

The first book of Kings begins with the end of the reign and life of the great King David. Bathsheba and the prophet Nathan team up to thwart the ambition of Adonijah and ensure that David appoints Solomon as his successor. David instructs Solomon that he must seek revenge on those who previously wronged David, but whom David had promised not to personally harm. Solomon therefore orders the deaths of Joab and Shimei. This reminds me of the penultimate scene in that great movie The Godfather, when Michael Corleone "settles all the family business" after his father has died. 

Adonijah brings about his own death as well by asking permission to marry one of Solomon's concubines--a request that apparently signaled his lack of loyalty to King Solomon. I say apparently, as I rely on a note in my Bible, not being familiar with the politics of concubines.

The Lord comes to Solomon in a dream and offers him anything he desires. Solomon chooses "an understanding heart to judge [God's] people and to distinguish right from wrong." God grants his request:

I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now, and after you there will come no one to equal you.

Solomon's special gift is wisdom. Yet, contrary to what I had always assumed, the words make it clear that this special gift "resides" in his heart, not his brain. An understanding heart--not merely an elevated judgment or intelligence. Solomon puts his gift to good use in the famous story of the two women who claim to be mother to the same baby. 

Solomon resolves to build a great temple to house the ark. He makes an agreement with Hiram, king of Tyre, for the supplies he needs. Even Hiram recognizes Solomon's greatness, and how it gives glory to God:

Blessed be the Lord this day, who has given David a wise son to rule his numerous people.

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

This week was spent making my way through 2Samuel--the story of David's eventful reign as King of Israel. David does great thing, loves much, forgives much, and strives to do right by the Lord God. He also sins much, strays much, and suffers much. In short, he is human. But on a grand scale. In some ways, we are all kings and queens in the eyes of the King of Kings. And we an see our triumphs, defeats, successes, and failings in David. Some memorable characters share the stage with David--Bathsheba, Absalom, Uriah, Nathan, Joab, and Abner. But it is David, of course, who is the central figure--teaching us much and giving us hope.

2 Samuel 1-4

2 Samuel 5-9

2 Samuel 10-14

2 Samuel 15-18

2 Samuel 19-24

Have a great week!!

John

2 Samuel 10-14

The great King David is a rich and complex person. His plot to put Uriah the Hittite in harm's way in battle to ensure his death, so that David can have Uriah's beautiful wife, Bathsheba, reveals David as selfish, covetous, ruthless, and scheming. David's anger at His son, Absalom, for killing another of David's sons (and Absalom's half brother), Amnon, lasts for years--even though the Lord was willing to forgive David when David was sorry for his own transgressions. And David was not moved to anger against Amnon even though Amnon raped his half-sister (and David's own daughter), Tamar. 

Yet David is also a great and caring leader. He loves his people and fights for them. He is deeply remorseful when he sees the error of his ways. He does penance and tries to make amends. He is loyal. He is willing to listen to and learn from others. He seeks to do God's will. He ultimately reconciles with Absalom.

I was moved by the parable Nathan told David, shaming him into seeing the error of his ways in having his faithful soldier, Uriah, killed. It is a parable of greed and covetousness. Of not being satisfied and thankful for what one has. Of feeling somehow cheated if others have good things or beauty or success. David seemingly has everything, yet wants more. 

Yes, there are times when this parable speaks to me--but less so as I get older. God has been incredibly good to me. I have much to be grateful for--more than I deserve, to be honest about it. I don't very often look at what others have and wish I had it. Although I have to confess I might switch places with Robinson Cano for a couple of years and finally fulfill my dream to play second base for the New York Yankees.