Sometimes we need to pay attention to the details to
navigate successfully, both when we read Scripture and in life. There are some complicated family issues in
that first paragraph. Joab was the
commander of David's army so is that why Absalom didn't make him the
leader? Even so, why choose an
Ishmaelite to lead the armies of Israel?
Amasa would have been cousin to both Joab and Absalom. We also see that there are at least a few who
remain loyal to David, provisioning his army in the wilderness. Just as God provided for Israel in their
wilderness years, so now does He do the same for David and the men. Joab is also serving with David, along with
his brother. David wants to go out and
lead but the men won't hear of it, they know that he alone is the true target
of this rebellion and their loyalty is to him.
David must stay behind rather than lead but it is for David they fight
valiantly and defeat their brothers who have turned to Absalom.
Jesus knew it wasn't the season for figs but the tree was in
leaf and looked like it could have fruit.
Prior to entering the city he curses the tree and on the next day the
disciples note that it is withered to its roots. What sign is this Jesus has given? Is it related to the cleansing of the temple
on the same day He pronounced a curse on the fig tree? Jesus does not curse the
temple but we know it will no longer have the opportunity to produce fruit in
the very near future and today we see the Dome of the Rock there, an
Ishmaelite/Muslim shrine. The temple was
to be a house of prayer for all nations but it had become an insular thing,
none but the Jews were even able to approach it, the place where Paul was
arrested for supposedly having brought Greeks there. When we fail to be on mission we soon fail.
Paul perhaps did not actually know who the high priest was
that particular year as it passed back and forth between members of the same
family in such a way that there were a few options available to choose
from. It is, however, a measure of
Paul's personal change that he doesn't know who is high priest. Formerly, this would certainly be something he
would have known without question.
Paul's knowledge of Judaism and its factions comes in handy when he sees
they are divided between Sadducees and Pharisees so he uses the resurrection as
a wedge issue knowing that the Pharisees will agree with him and that this
issue will allow for a hung jury. His
ploy is successful and the Lord gives Paul a word that as he has testified here
in Jerusalem concerning Jesus, so will he do the same in Rome. I wonder if Paul knew how completely the
metaphor would hold, including being in Rome as a prisoner.
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