Again, good evening -
Last night in 1Samuel we read the account of Samuel's death. The Philistines after many years of warring with Israel and with Saul finally catch up to the first Jewish king and they find him dead on his sword. Just as David had done to Goliath, they decapitate the fallen warrior and strip him of his armor to take them home as trophies. The men of Jabesh Gilead go to Beth Shan and recover Saul's remains and cremate them along with Saul's sons, including David's friend, Jonathan.
Tonight we read a slightly altered version of that story as it is accounted to David. The Amelekite who tells David of Saul's death was probably a plundering scavenger and is hoping for a reward from David. The two Books of Samuel were once one and it does not make sense that these two stories would contradict each other in the same line of text unless the Amelekite is lying. He ends up getting his just reward, however, when David orders his immediate execution.
We also read of the feud between the House of David and the House of Saul. Remember that David was by definition an outlaw, or at least a man on the run. Those that dissent against his rule however will soon loose power and influence.
The reading in 2Corinthians tonight is a very interesting passage. The man Paul speaks of in 12:2 could be himself, but verse 5 cast doubt on that. Either way, these types of experiences and this type of knowledge add to Paul's credibility as an apostle.
One further note is that the "third Heaven" soken of by Paul is the etheral Heaven where God resides. This ditinguishes this place from the atmosphere and outer space heaven of which we are so accustomed to speaking.
May God bless you
- Clint
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