David handed them over to the people of Gibeon, who hanged them on the mountain before the Lord—and all seven of them died together. It was late in the spring, at the beginning of the barley harvest, when they were put to death.
Then Saul’s concubine Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah, used sackcloth to make a shelter for herself on the rock where the corpses were, and she stayed there from the beginning of harvest until the autumn rains came. During the day she would keep the birds away from the corpses, and at night she would protect them from wild animals.
For months on end, these corpses were left to rot / decompose “before the Lord”. Why? To what end? A reminder to God?
There was another war between the Philistines and Israel, and David and his men went and fought the Philistines. During one of the battles David grew tired. …Abishai son of Zeruiah came to David’s help… Then David’s men made David promise that he would never again go out with them to battle. “You are the hope of Israel, and we don’t want to lose you,” they said.
I am already there, unable to do what I once could. This body of mine has to last until you’ve accomplished all your good purposes in and through me, Lord (Philippians 1:6) – but no longer than that, please (Ecclesiastes 12:1-5).
These four were descendants of the giants of Gath, and they were killed by David and his men.
No doubt DNA remnants from the great heroes of long ago (Genesis 6:1-4). Implied here is that the killing of Israel’s enemies reflects God’s blessing. Elsewhere? It was about having children (Genesis 29:31-30:24; 1 Samuel 1:1-20). It was about the collective growth and quality of life/faith in the Church (Acts 2:40-47). It was about each individual leaving his or her mark for all eternity in the halls of faith (Hebrews 11). What mark will be mine, Father?
When the Lord saved David from Saul and his other enemies, David sang this song to the Lord…
May I know you more and more through the circumstances / challenges of life, Lord Jesus (Philippiens 3:10-11). May I sing a new song (Isaiah 42:10).