Bible Study recap: 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33

Once again we engage the ancient and ever-present story of war – where no one really wins. As we watch Israel and Lebanon fight in this latest incarnation of this ongoing war in the Middle East, and hear the latest news about death and loss in Afghanistan, it is disheartening.

The scale of the battle was, well, biblical. Troops in groups of hundreds and thousands, where 20 000 were killed in one day. To think that both sides could amass such a show of strength reminds us of how important military might is in governance.

The quest for power often causes us to lose the big picture perspective. In the ongoing human story of evil versus good, greed versus servitude, we get caught up in the details of our particular situation and focus on our small piece of the universal puzzle.

The recent movie “Syriana” details the quest for power and personal gain overrides the quest for righteousness and welfare of the people. The sons of an oil-rich emir are jockeying for the title of successor: one who would funnel oil profits into infrastructure and social benefit for the people, the other who would continue to cater to the needs of the US government and large oil corporations.

Back to the scripture: Where is God in this? Is this David’s comeuppance for his indiscretion with Bathsheba and his treachery against her husband Uriah? The acts of war, so unholy and devastating, are often perpetrated in the name of God.

Despite intentions, and preparations, for the best, tragedy strikes, suffering happens and we are left with emptiness and sorrow. Life is a struggle, the natural tendency of the universe is towards disorder and decay; in response, we do what we can to be keepers of order and nurturers of positive growth, hoping it is enough.

There is an element of forgiveness in the text as David’s command for leniency and mercy appears to show some degree of forgiving Absalom. Is this a remnant or result of the mercy and compassion demonstrated to David by God?

David’s intention was not for the death of Absalom. Yet, he was killed as he was hanging awkwardly from a tree when his mule abandoned him – a humiliating and undignified end for any solider or leader.

We see the distinction made between Absalom as son of David, and Absalom, usurper of the throne and leader of the rebellion. While this wide scale war is the amplification of a family feud, David cannot deny his grief over the loss of his child.

A reminder for us to see the humanity of the names and faces behind the casualties of war, of the ranks of the “enemy” and recognize they are not just characters of a Bible story but real, complex, people with loves, joys, history, family and friends. We like to make a big deal out of little differences, in family arguments and global warfare. In the big picture, we’re more alike than we are different. But we seem to be unable to learn this lesson.