As I worked on a sermon for my preaching course back in college, I chose as my text the poem by the prophet Samuel in 1 Samuel 15. In that passage, he lectures King Saul (and those of us reading it) about why “to obey is better than sacrifice.” That’s a text that’ll preach! Well, except for one problem.
I appreciate this analysis. Especially the part about how it's difficult to apply examples from ancient history to our current climate. It's terrifying how quickly world leaders are using this passage to justify genocide. We owe more care to our Biblical interpretation, and certainly to our brothers and sisters.
This morning's Daily Office reading included 2 Chronicles 28, in which Judah is "given into the hands" of Israel for after killing 120,000 Israelites in one day. But the prophet Obed calls Israel to have mercy, saying, "Have you not sins of your own against the Lord your God?" If we're going to pick OT references to guide our actions, why the ones about genocide? Why not this?
I appreciate this analysis. Especially the part about how it's difficult to apply examples from ancient history to our current climate. It's terrifying how quickly world leaders are using this passage to justify genocide. We owe more care to our Biblical interpretation, and certainly to our brothers and sisters.
This morning's Daily Office reading included 2 Chronicles 28, in which Judah is "given into the hands" of Israel for after killing 120,000 Israelites in one day. But the prophet Obed calls Israel to have mercy, saying, "Have you not sins of your own against the Lord your God?" If we're going to pick OT references to guide our actions, why the ones about genocide? Why not this?
Chilling. And greatly appreciated.
Thanks, once again, Brian, for you prophetic witness. The core valve of Holy Writ is God’s Shalom🕎✝️