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A Time for War?

 

Today I was reading about King David in 1 Chronicles chapters 11 and 12.   This section covers the deeds of some of David’s warriors.  For example , Jashobeam, was one of the mighty 3.  He killed 300 Philistines in a battle, using his spear. Abishai also killed 300 of the enemy in battle with his spear.  King David was a man after God’s own heart.  Yet David, and his warriors were fierce killers in battle.

King David

It seems we always think of God promoting peace on earth and good will toward others.  Yet there are clearly times when God sent his people into battle with instructions to kill the enemy.    For example, God instructed his people to kill the inhabitants in the promised land during the time of Joshua.

And there is the story of Saul, who disobeyed God by failing to kill every person in the city of Amalek.  God said he was sorry he made Saul the king in the first place because he did not follow through on these instructions.

Ecclesiastes, chapter 3 says “For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven… a time to love,  and a time to hate;  a time for war, and a time for peace.”

We live in an imperfect world.  But in all cases, follow God.

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Week 36, One Year Bible Challenge: “A Time for Every Matter”

Christ the Rock Community Church, Saturday Morning Men’s Bible Study

This week’s reading September 3-91

A plate from Sir Wm Russell Flint's 1909 Song of Solomon
A plate from Sir Wm Russell Flint’s 1909 Song of Solomon
Ecclesiastes 4:1 to 5:30
2 Corinthians 6:14 to 11:15
Psalm 47:1 to 53:6
Proverbs 22:16 to 22:29

Next Week’s Reading September 10-16
Isaiah 6:1 to Isaiah 24:23
2 Corinthians 11:16 to Galatians 3:9
Psalm 54:1 to Psalm 60:12
Proverbs 23:1 to Proverbs 23:16

Discussion Questions:2
Old Testament

If Solomon believed in God, why did he write about so many things that are apparently wrong with the world? Specifically, Ecclesiastes 4?

New Testament

What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 8:15 (WEB), “As it is written, ‘He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.’”

FOOTNOTE:

  1. If you are participating in the Saturday morning class, “The One Year Bible Challenge,” you should read the daily materials as set out in “The One Year Bible.” The verses listed on this page will include a couple of extra days each week. ↩
  2. The discussion notes are now online. ↩

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Week 35, One Year Bible Challenge: “Not Too Late”

Christ the Rock Community Church, Saturday Morning Men’s Bible Study

This week’s reading August 27 to September 21

Job and His Friends, Ilya Yefimovich Repin, 1869
Job and His Friends, Ilya Yefimovich Repin, 1869
Job 23:1-27 to Ecclesiastes 3:22
2 Corinthians 1:12 to 6:13
Psalm 41:1 to 46:11
Proverbs 22:5-15

Next Week’s Reading September 3-9
Ecclesiastes 4:1 to 5:30
2 Corinthians 6:14 to 11:15
Psalm 47:1 to 53:6
Proverbs 22:16 to 22:29

Discussion Questions:

Old Testament

  • Is it fair to say the book of Ecclesiastes is pessimistic. See, for example, Ecclesiastes 1:2-4.
  • We serve a “God of Love.” So how do we reconcile Ecclesiastes 3:3 and 8: “[there is] a time to kill;” and “a time to hate?”

New Testament

  • What does it mean to be an “ambassador for Christ?” Is this term reserved for full time clergy, or does it apply to all believers, more generally? 2 Corinthians 5:20.

FOOTNOTE:

  1. If you are participating in the Saturday morning class, “The One Year Bible Challenge,” you should read the daily materials as set out in “The One Year Bible.” The verses listed on this page will include a couple of extra days each week. ↩

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