Political Intrigue

I like political intrigue.

In August, I enjoyed watching representatives sweat when grilled by common citizens.

I will be interested when all the arm-twisting and cajoling begins as the health care reform catastrophe comes to a vote.

As you know, I am reading s-l-o-w-l-y through the Old Testament - on purpose - and I have just finished a fairly interesting tale of political intrigue right there in the Bible.

As the Second Book of Samuel opens - change has come to God's Chosen People.
Israel's King Saul and all his immediate heirs have been killed in battle.

The tribe of Judah has broken away from the union and lined up behind their newly appointed king - David.

David - whom God called, anointed and destined to be King of Israel- is content with the slice of the leadership pie that God has granted him - the single tribe of Judah. He sets out to govern, waiting until God decides for him to rule the entire nation.

I like WWII history but I am fuzzy on the facts as far as events leading up to the war. One thing that I think is true regarding Japan, is that the military became very strong and usurped the power from the Emperor. The Emperor then became more or less a puppet of the military machine.

Whether that assumption is correct or not - that is precisely what happened in the land of Israel at this juncture. Abner - the man who had been Captain of the Host for King Saul, supposedly his most trusted com padre - held a tight grip on the nation.

He appointed one of Saul's sons - Ishobesheth - to reign in Saul's place (try repeating that name aloud a few times... it's kinda fun the way it rolls off your tongue "ISH -bo - SHETH".... now try explaining why you are repeating that name aloud to the other people in the room...).

The two kingdoms being established, it was time to do battle. I am not sure why but war broke out between Israel and the single tribe of Judah.

The war began like some summit out of the movie, "The Godfather". Abner arrives at a pool and Joab (the Captain of David's army of Judah) is seated on the other side.

These two guys appear to me to be cut from the same cloth. There are none more loyal to their respective kings than these two. They would kill instantly - and without a questioning blink - if their king demanded it.

(although I am somewhat doubtful of Abner, since his king had recently been killed in battle along with his sons and Abner emerged from the same battle seemingly unscathed)

At this summit, Abner and Joab presided over a weird bloodsport contest between 24 of their men - a fight to the death. And then the real battle ensued.

Judah's army won handily and as a testimony to the military leadership of David and the legendary skill of the Hebrew fighting forces - they lost 19 men compared to over 300 thousand on the Israeli side. That's remarkable.

Joab had a baby brother named Asahel. He was known for his speed. On that day of battle, as the Israelis retreated, Asahel took note of Abner and dogged his trail. Apparently, Asahel was traveling light so as to maintain his speed, because Abner turned to him and told him to step aside and suit up with some armor. Apparently Abner didn't feel right about fighting a guy wearing only nylon running shorts.

Asahel refused and would not turn away from his close pursuit of Abner. After several warnings were issued, Abner had had enough.

This war-weathered veteran against the hyper-zealot of a kid. Without even turning around - and seemingly with the effort one might exert to brush away a fly at a Sunday picnic - Abner thrust the blunt end of his spear through the lean body of Asahel. Asahel died right there.

It was shocking and unsettling but I think nearly any court would have cleared him.

Joab, however, did not see it as an open and shut case. He marked Abner for revenge.

The civil war raged for seven and one-half years. Israel's might diminished as Judah prevailed.
Abner saw the handwriting on the wall.

When the weak King Ishbosheth scolded Abner over some indiscretion regarding one of Saul's former concubines, Abner used the occasion to announce his departure to the other side.

Abner stormed out leaving a bewildered and fearful king.

Abner soon met with David and worked out a deal to yield the nation of Israel to David's rule. Joab learned of this meeting just after it had ended and Abner had left for home. He secretly sent messengers to say that King David had requested that Abner return.

When Abner returned, Joab got his revenge.

Without Abner there to protect him, Ishbosheth was soon murdered. And because David had acted honorably regarding the death of both Abner and Ishbosheth, the ruling elders of Israel requested to come under his rule.

David would reign another thirty-three years over the entire reconstructed nation of Israel.

Can we take a cue from David here?

He rested in God's promise to him - even when it looked as if the promise was falling short of his original expectations.... David waited.

David endured all the ugly political intrigue that was surrounding him and seemed to stand between him and God's perfect plan.

When he did receive the awaited promise - he did it with grace and without self-promotion.

There is a lot of political intrigue going on today in our world, and many people - including myself - find that they are extremely frustrated over it.

We feel powerless to bring back justice.

Let's take a cue from David and see above all of the ugly turmoil . . . above to our Sovereign Lord . . . and let's wait for Him.