Today we begin 2nd Samuel Chapter 5.
For the Complete Jewish Bible, click HERE.
For the King James version, click HERE.
The first thing you gotta know about 2nd Samuel chapter 5 is that it contains much more than meets the eye.
It is filled with wondrous and mysterious twists and turns that we’d be remiss to overlook as faithful students of God’s Word.
The Scripture often speaks of things common to the people of the day, but for us folks living in the 21st century, the gap needs to be bridged by explanation.
Otherwise, we’ll remain in a state of ignorance.
I can almost guarantee the information you’re about to get is something most Christian pastors are ignorant of or remain oblivious to.
So expect to be dazzled and delighted as we move forward!
Okay, so let’s get our bearings on where we’re at.
When we last left off, two scoundrels called Rekab and Baanah, in a most cruel fashion, had just assassinated Ishibosheth, the king of the northern group of Israelite tribes (his father Saul’s former kingdom).
When these murderers brought the decapitated head of Ishbosheth to David, they thought they would be rewarded for their deed.
But to their shock, they were immediately executed.
So that’s where we last left off.
Chapter 4 sets the stage for David to become king over all of Israel.
Now, when I say “all of Israel,” I refer to all twelve tribes.
We need to talk about the word “Israel” for a second.
Because the meaning of this word is complex and changes depending on context.
Since Israel is at the center of all the Bible stories…
And is at the heart of all prophecy past and future…
It’s key that we grasp the true meaning of this term.
So here’s the first thing you gotta know…
In the Bible, the word “Israel” is very anachronistic.
“What the heck does that mean?“…
…is what you’re thinking, right?
According to Merriam-Webster, “anachronistic” is defined as something that belongs to an earlier time and is out of place in the present.
It can describe anything that appears outdated, such as practices, objects, or ideas, which feel irrelevant or old-fashioned in a current context.
The point I wanna get at is that “Israel” can mean different things depending on the era and place.
To grasp what “Israel” means at a certain time, you gotta know the exact time and setting because its meaning has changed over history.
In other words, what Israel meant during Jacob’s time and the Egyptian Exodus was different than what it meant when the Hebrews first entered the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership and is different than what it means here in 2 Samuel.
Ya feel me?
So let’s move to the takeaway which is pretty much what I said earlier.
Since Israel plays a central role in God’s salvation plan for mankind, it ain’t an option to truly understand what this word means.
We’ve got no choice.
We must understand what Israel means…
Especially in light of current world events.
Catch ya all next time!
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