Day 139: Reparation to the Gibeonites

 Today's readings: 2 Samuel 21, 1 Chronicles 26, and Psalm 40.

I. 2 Samuel 21 gives two episodes that occurred near the end of David's reign. In the first, Israel experienced a three-year famine. David seeks help from the Lord, who reveals that it is due to Saul's bloodguilt for attempting to destroy the Gibeonites (Joshua 9). The Gibeonites refuse money, but demand seven male descendants of Saul to be handed over for execution. David gives them what they ask. Afterward, he buries their bodies with the bones of Saul and Jonathan, and the famine ends. In the second episode, the Philistines again make war on Israel, and David is nearly killed, but is saved by Abishai. David realizes that he can no longer fight battles as he used to, having grown older.

The BIY Companion, Vol II, has some good commentary about the closing of this chapter:

The final section of 2 Samuel 21 describes wars with the Philistines. There is something powerful about how David, despite being old and weary, is still willing to go into battle. In 2 Samuel 11, we see that he avoided battle, but now he is willing to do his duty as king. David has come face-to-face with the fact that he is no longer the man he once was. This is a lesson to all of us as we continue to grow and get older. There is something humbling about this truth. (p. 40)

As someone who has grown older myself, it is indeed humbling but also a bit frustrating at times. 

II. 1 Chronicles 26 describes the organization of the gatekeepers, treasurers, and other officials responsible for the administration of the Temple and the kingdom under David. Although the Temple had not yet been built, and wouldn't be until Solomon reigned, David organized its future ministry in advance.

III. Psalm 40 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed):

A thanksgiving psalm to which a prayer for mercy and help are joined. The opening verses celebrate God's marvelous intervention in coming to the Psalmist's rescue - actions that he now proclaims publicly and gratefully. His experience of being saved serves as a lesson for the others, encouraging them to trust in the Lord as well. Psalm 40 is the responsorial psalm for the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. (p. 863)

That's it for today!