Dr. Eric Stricker

2 Samuel 20-21 ; Proverbs 14:25-35 ; Acts 8:4-40 "The Artisan" © by Eric C. Stricker - Original Acrylic on Canvas In 2 Samuel 20-21, we see “a troublemaker named Sheba – a Benjamite – who comes forward, blows his trumpet, and shouts, ‘We have no share in David, no part in Jesse’s son! Every man to his tent, O Israel!’” (verse 1). From Saul’s tribe of Benjamin, Sheba is essentially a rascal with an ax to grind regarding the transfer of power from Saul to David. Notice the result of his...

2 Samuel 18:19-19:43 ; Psalm 73:1-14 ; Acts 7:44-8:3 "Still Life with Bowls" © by Terri L. Stricker - Original Ink-Block Print on Paper Previously, we saw that Absalom, who thrived on his own popularity, “stole the hearts of the men of Israel” (cf., 2 Samuel 15:6). Yesterday in our readings, we also saw the unfortunate death of Absalom, and that, before his death, he “erected a monument to himself” (cf., 2 Samuel 18:18). Absalom was a man of audacious pride, but we pointed out yesterday...

2 Samuel 16:15-18:18 ; Psalm 72 ; Acts 7:20-43 "Wittlingen, Germany" © by Terri L. Stricker - Original Oil on Canvas As the situation with David’s kingdom and Absalom’s rebellion progresses, we see here in 2 Samuel 16:15-18:18 that Hushai and Ahithophel – heretofore David’s friends and advisors – offer counsel to Absalom. Hushai thinks he should serve whoever has the power: “Whom should I serve? Should I not serve the son?” (verse 19). Absalom turns to Ahithophel and says, “Give us...