Today we begin our study of 2nd Samuel.
This book could rightly be categorized as the era of King David.
As I normally do, I’m gonna kick things off with an introduction.
However, instead of my usual approach, by necessity, I need to get a bit historical today and tomorrow.
Because the Bible focuses so much on Israel, the Hebrew people, and their land, we sometimes forget about the major events that happened in the surrounding gentile nations.
These events would later have a huge impact on Israel’s future.
Why doesn’t the Bible tell us much about what was going on in other countries?
Because the people who wrote the Bible were Hebrews.
They only cared about what affected them directly.
This is nothing new.
Every nation since time immemorial has been this way.
Japan, the nation I’m living in now, is a prime example of this isolationist mentality.
Japan’s isolationist period, known as sakoku, lasted from the early 17th to the mid-19th century under the Tokugawa shogunate.
During this time, Japan restricted foreign relations and trade to protect its culture and prevent foreign influence, particularly Christianity.
Only a few select ports, like Nagasaki, were open to limited trade with the Dutch, Chinese, and Koreans.
Sakoku ended in 1853 when American Commodore Matthew Perry forced Japan to open its borders, leading to the collapse of the shogunate and the start of Japan’s rapid modernization.
America also was no exception when it came to focusing mainly on one’s own country and culture.
Truth be told, it wasn’t until World War II that many Americans woke up to the concept that a bigger world existed beyond their borders.
Your average American could’ve cared less about what was going on in Europe and Asia.
Today, the situation has changed drastically.
The recent pandemic drove home the fact that what happens in one nation can affect the whole world.
This has led to a big debate:
Some folks believe it’s good for the world to come together with fewer borders and more unity.
On the other hand, others believe it is dangerous, even a sign of the end times that will usher in the Anti-Christ.
Here is your takeaway for today.
Both the devil and God want to unite the world.
The devil wants to bring the planet under his rule by establishing a one-world government with a single monetary system.
This reminds me of the Tower of Babel.
The people wanted to build a city with a tower that would reach up to the heavens.
In their arrogance, they wanted to make a name for themselves without God.
However, the Lord saw their pride and ambition and decided to intervene.
See, unification in and of itself isn’t bad.
It’s the WHO doing the unifying and purpose behind it that’s important.
Ya feel me?
We’ll continue with this introductory discussion the next time we meet.
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