1 Kings 11-14

Unlike his father David, Solomon turns away from God and worships false gods. The narrative seems to place some of the blame for this on the many (as in hundreds) of foreign wives and concubines Solomon took in his lifetime.  Wow, when did he have time to rule?! Seriously, though, I am grappling with the difference between David and Solomon. David obviously and spectacularly violated God's commandments--recall, for example, the story of Uriah and Bathsheba, during which David trampled on a least three of the Ten Commandments. Yet even the Lord later identifies him as one who remained faithful, and David is contrasted favorably to Solomon in this regard. I suppose the difference is that David was always devoted to God, did not worship false gods, recognized and was sorry for his failings, sought forgiveness for them, and accepted God's punishment for them. Solomon was not faithful to God in that he worshipped false gods, and caused others to do so as well.

The result of Solomon's lack of faithfulness is rebellion within the kingdom of Israel and, ultimately, its dissolution upon his death. Rehoboam becomes king of the cities of Judah and settles in Jerusalem, while Jeroboam becomes king of ten other tribes of Israel. They remain at war with each other. Both rule badly, ignoring the Lord's commands and leading His people astray. They and the people of Israel are eventually punished.  

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.