2 Samuel 1:23–25 (ESV) —
23 “Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely!
In life and in death they were not divided;
they were swifter than eagles;
they were stronger than lions.
24 “You daughters of Israel, weep over Saul,
who clothed you luxuriously in scarlet,
who put ornaments of gold on your apparel.
25 “How the mighty have fallen
in the midst of the battle!
“Jonathan lies slain on your high places.
NOTE: One thing that is forgotten in the story is the skill of both Saul and Jonathan in battle. Even Israel's songs said, "Saul has killed his thousands …." Jonathan was very good with an arrow and a sword. Saul provided good leadership to men in battle. Israel was safe because of the two of them, and that safety allowed them to live in luxury. Two great warriors had died and Israel was without their protection. David was very emotional, especially in his remembrance of his best friend Jonathan. In those days, the purpose of marriage was to increase the size of the tribe, not to find a soul mate. So, it is not unusual that David would find a close friend in Jonathan. David's response is very healthy. He weeps. It is not an unmanly thing and is necessary for our soul. David was an even better warrior "… David kill his ten thousands," but he wept. I think as men, we must not lose the things that make us masculine, and we must not lose the things that make us human. We need that balance.
PONDER:
- Do I hide my emotions?
- Do I shy away from being a leader, a builder, and a protector?
PRAYER: Father, train us to men of God, to embrace our role, and not to let the world conform us to its mold.
No comments:
Post a Comment