Posts Tagged: Mephibosheth

2 Samuel 21:1 – Bloodguilt

We’ve explored previously the importance of vows made (https://garyritter.com/leviticus-2728-29-surely-be-put-to-death/) and guilt that comes upon the land for the shedding of innocent blood (https://garyritter.com/numbers-3533-blood-pollutes-the-land/). Because of how seriously God takes these issues, Scripture repeats the lessons for us. As the Israelites conducted their conquest of Canaan, i.e. the taking of the Promised Land as God had…

2 Samuel 9:1 – Unmerited Grace

The practice of kingly succession typically involved extreme bloodshed. When a king died or was overthrown, the one who rose to power wanted to cement his authority and prevent any possible contenders for the throne.  As such, the new king would execute all members of the family of the prior king.  He would kill the…