Get the appUnification: A Study in 2 SamuelSample
What does it say?
Sheba paid dearly for leading a rebellion against King David, but a wise woman saved her city by sacrificing Sheba for peace in Israel.
What does it mean?
God's plan for Israel included peace and unity as they followed David. Sheba’s rebellion was like a disease that threatened the political, economic, and spiritual health of Israel. Sheba threatened not only the safety of the city, but the unity of the whole nation. More than a political rebellion, it was a rebellion against God, Who had chosen David to be the King of Israel. When David’s army pursued Sheba, he hid in a city called Abel of Beth-maacah. A spokeswoman for the city wisely recognized the terrible danger the city was in and negotiated peace in exchange for Sheba's head.
How should I respond?
No one is immune from an attitude of rebellion against the Lord. Just as in today’s passage, any form of rebellion against God acts as cancer in our spiritual life and our church family. Take a few minutes to think about the way things are in your life right now. What area or habit in your life is threatening your growth in the Lord and needs to be cut out of your life? Ask God for wisdom to see what might be hindering your growth. Take time to look at how that attitude or behavior could be negatively affecting your church and act immediately to get rid of it.
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About this Plan
2 Samuel depicts the ascension and reign of King David following the death of Saul and Jonathan. David united the kingdom, established Jerusalem as the capital city, and extended the territory of Israel. At the crescendo of the book, God promises David that "your throne shall be established forever" (2 Samuel 7:16). Despite David's wickedness, God ultimately fulfills his promises to David through the person and work of Jesus Christ.
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