June 2, Day 153 – Misfortune Pursues the Sinner
- Dr. Eric Stricker
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Today we come to the book of 2 Samuel, which continues the presentation of the kingdom of Israel that began in 1 Samuel. In the last chapter of 1 Samuel, we read about the death of Saul – an attempted but unsuccessful suicide (the first one recorded in Scripture). Here, in 2 Samuel 1, however, we read the following report to David about the deaths of Saul and Jonathan: Saul was “in the throes of death but still alive” (verse 9). An “Amalekite young man [who delivered this report] happened to find Saul leaning on his spear” (verse 5). Saul asked the Amalekite to complete what Saul could not, and this man admitted doing so to David (verse 10). It is significant that Saul was dispatched by an Amalekite, for earlier, the LORD – through Samuel – commanded Saul to eradicate the Amalekites totally (cf., 12 Samuel 15:3), which Saul did not do. Thus, for his failure to destroy the Amalekites, Saul’s life was ended by an Amalekite. Saul’s disobedience reveals God’s retributive justice. Today we refer to this kind of outcome as, “What goes around, comes around.” Knowing that the Amalekites were enemies of God and that this young man raised his hand against the LORD’s anointed, David commanded his men to “strike the Amalekite down” (verse 15) – another demonstration of God’s retributive justice. In verses 17-27, we see David’s dedication, friendship, and support of the slain king and his son in his touching, poetic lament for them: “Saul and Jonathan – in life they were loved and gracious, and in death they were not parted. Swifter than eagles; stronger than lions; O daughters of Israel, weep for Saul … how the mighty have fallen in battle!” (verses 23-25). Coming to chapter 2, we read, “In the course of time, David inquired of the LORD” (verse 1). Like David, may we always inquire of (i.e., consult with) the LORD – before we ever act. God answered David’s inquiry; He told him to go up to Hebron – where David will now be anointed king over Israel.
Proverbs 13:20-14:4 contains practical observations and truths that we should apply if we want to live wisely. Most of these truths reflect a contrast between good behavior with wise decisions versus foolish conduct and silly choices: “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm” (verse 20). These truths focus on decisions about prosperity, wealth, discipline of children, building a home (especially, a legacy), our talk (i.e., the nature of our conversations), and domestic issues and husbandry. The section is well-summarized by verse 21: “Misfortune pursues the sinner, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.” It is important to remember that these are statements of general truth made from divine truth and godly observations – they are not to be understood as specific promises or guarantees.
In John 20:10-31, we see our Lord’s first resurrection appearance to Mary Magdalene, which I also believe is significant. Having received forgiveness, she became a faithful follower of Christ Who honored her faith by appearing first to her after rising from the dead. Jesus always honored and exalted women. Regardless of our contemporary culture, I believe that His standards should always prevail today in men’s interactions with women. Unfortunately, most cultures historically have demonstrated low esteem for their women, and today, such low esteem continues out of hand. This practice has led to the cultural extremes of feminism and transgenderism – both of which dishonor the status of women and degrade the men who perpetuate these practices. I am appalled when I see men treating women unfairly or women struggling improperly for the attention of men. Tattoos for women – is an example of this current trend. Such women cry out visibly for the affections of men by drawing obvious notice to themselves – erroneously thinking that tattoos can enhance or add beauty to their looks (hence, the expression, “body-art”). In truth, tattoos are nothing more than unsightly ink stains – spots – on the skin. God created women to be beautiful. They should be attractive, but true beauty is found deeper than merely in the visible skin. The biblical Mary Magdalene understood and practiced these truths.
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