"During David's reign there was a famine for three successive years, so David inquired of the Lord. The Lord answered, 'It is because of the blood shed by Saul and his family when he killed the Gibeonites.' ... The Gibeonites said to him, 'We are not asking for money from Saul or his family, and we cannot put anyone to death in Israel.' 'Whatever you say, I will do for you,' he said."
2 Samuel 21:1,4
A little back-history for those who have forgotten about the Gibeonites: when Israel first entered the Promised Land, and all the kings of that land convened against Israel, the Gibeonites warned the Israelites and thus were spared from the war. However, Saul went against their treaty and tried to purge them from the land.
David seeks redemption for this atrocity, and the Gibeonites ask for seven of Saul's male descendants. These men were hung to death, and David ordered the bones of Saul to be moved so he could be buried with these descendants of his. Then, the famine ended.
Question of the Day:
Sometimes, it is only through justice that redemption may be found. Other times, it is only through grace. How can you tell which ones are which?
Prayer of the Day:
Lord, help me as a leader to treat those around me with a healthy balance of grace and justice. Help me to lead by a positive example of compassion, but still know when consequences for one's actions might be a better teaching and disciplining tool. Help me to grow as my own individual so that I may mirror You more not only in my own sight, but also shine Your light into the lives of those who share my life. Amen.
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