woolwich “we swear by almighty allah we will never stop fighting you until you leave us alone....

Woolwich“We swear by almighty Allah we will never stop fighting you until you leave us alone. Your people will never be safe. The only reason we have done this is because Muslims are dying by British soldiers every day.We must fight them as they fight us. An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth ...”


Matthew 5:38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also... 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you

Violence is rejected

1 Samuel 281 In those days the Philistines gathered their forces to fight against Israel.

Achish and the Philistines prepare to attack Saul

1 Samuel 311 Now the Philistines fought against Israel; the Israelites fled before them, and many fell dead on Mount Gilboa. 2 The Philistines were in hot pursuit of Saul and his sons, and they killed his sons Jonathan, Abinadab and Malki–Shua.

Saul’s sons killedSaul’s sons killed

1 Samuel 313 The fighting grew fierce around Saul, and when the archers overtook him, they wounded him critically.

Saul woundedSaul wounded

1 Samuel 314 Saul said to his armour–bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through, or these uncircumcised fellows will come and run me through and abuse me.” But his armour–bearer was terrified and would not do it; so Saul took his own sword and fell on it. 5 When the armour–bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his sword and died with him.

Saul takes own lifeSaul takes own life

6 So Saul and his three sons and his armour–bearer and all his men died together that same day.

Philistines win battle and occupy landPhilistines win battle and occupy land

Display Saul’s body - but taken down by brave men


2 Samuel 11 After the death of Saul, David returned from striking down the Amalekites and stayed in Ziklag two days. 2 On the third day a man arrived from Saul’s camp with his clothes torn and dust on his head. When he came to David, he fell to the ground to pay him honour.

Philistines win battle and occupy landPhilistines win battle and occupy land



Messenger comes to DavidMessenger comes to David

2 Samuel 111 Then David and all the men with him took hold of their clothes and tore them. 12 They mourned and wept and fasted till evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the army of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.

David told of Saul and Jonathan’s deathDavid told of Saul and Jonathan’s death

Messenger lies about killing SaulMessenger lies about killing Saul

David grievesDavid grieves

2 Samuel 124 “Daughters of Israel, weep for Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and finery, who adorned your garments with ornaments of gold. 25 “How the mighty have fallen in battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights. 26 I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women. 27 “How the mighty have fallen! The weapons of war have perished!”

David Laments the death of Saul and Jonathan David Laments the death of Saul and Jonathan Why does David not rejoice?Why does David not rejoice?

David grievesDavid grieves

1 Chronicles 10

Chronicles explains Saul’s death Chronicles explains Saul’s death Why does David not rejoice?Why does David not rejoice?

1 Chronicles 1013 Saul died because he was unfaithful


1 Chronicles 1013 Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD


1 Chronicles 1013 Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, 14 and did not inquire of the LORD.


Consequences for disobeying God

Consequences for disobeying God

1 Chronicles 1013 Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, 14 and did not inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.


Why does God end Saul’s life?Why does God end Saul’s life?


Why does God end Saul’s life?Why does God end Saul’s life?


Why does David not rejoice?Why does David not rejoice?

Compassion is more important than revenge

Compassion is more important than revenge

2 Samuel 112 ... mourned and wept and fasted till evening ...

Death is the last resortDeath is the last resortRespect outweighs hatredRespect outweighs hatred

Judgment not celebrated but mournedJudgment not celebrated but mourned

God’s love

God’s loveJustice/

Judgment

Protection

Prevention

Justice/

Judgment

Protection

Prevention

Cruelty

Fear

EscalationCruelty

Fear

Escalation

God’s love

Evil unchecked

Vulnerable unprotected

Evil unchecked

Vulnerable unprotected MercyCompassion

KindnessForgiveness

MercyCompassion KindnessForgiveness

God’s love

Justice/JudgmentProtectionPrevention


MercyCompassion

KindnessForgiveness

MercyCompassion

KindnessForgiveness

JusticeJudgement

JusticeJudgement

MercyForgiveness

MercyForgiveness

2 Samuel 24 Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah.

David Laments the death of Saul and Jonathan David Laments the death of Saul and Jonathan

David asks God what to do - God says go to

Judah

David asks God what to do - God says go to

JudahDavid anointed KingDavid anointed King

2 Samuel 212 Abner son of Ner, together with the men of Ish–Bosheth son of Saul, left Mahanaim and went to Gibeon. 13 Joab son of Zeruiah and David’s men went out and met them at the pool of Gibeon. One group sat down on one side of the pool and one group on the other side.

The North (Israel) remains loyal to Saul and installs their own king

The North (Israel) remains loyal to Saul and installs their own king

2 opposing generals face up to each other2 opposing generals face up to each other

2 Samuel 214 Then Abner said to Joab, “Let’s have some of the soldiers get up and fight hand to hand in front of us.” “All right, let them do it,” Joab said.

“fight off suggested”“fight off suggested”

2 Samuel 215 So they stood up and were counted off—twelve men for Benjamin and Ish–Bosheth son of Saul, and twelve for David. 16 Then each man grabbed his opponent by the head and thrust his dagger into his opponent’s side, and they fell down together. So that place in Gibeon was called Helkath Hazzurim. (Field of Daggers)17 The battle that day was very fierce, and Abner and the Israelites were defeated by David’s men.

David’s men win - bloodilyDavid’s men win - bloodily

2 Samuel 218 The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai and Asahel. Now Asahel was as fleet–footed as a wild gazelle. 19 He chased Abner, turning neither to the right nor to the left as he pursued him. 20 Abner looked behind him and asked, “Is that you, Asahel?” “It is,” he answered.

Joab’s brother chases Abner


2 Samuel 221 Then Abner said to him, “Turn aside to the right or to the left; take on one of the soldiers and strip him of his weapons.” But Asahel would not stop chasing him. 22 Again Abner warned Asahel, “Stop chasing me! Why should I strike you down? How could I look your brother Joab in the face?”



Abner tries to dissuade AsahelAbner tries to dissuade Asahel

2 Samuel 223 But Asahel refused to give up the pursuit; so Abner thrust the butt of his spear into Asahel’s stomach, and the spear came out through his back. He fell there and died on the spot. And every man stopped when he came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died.

Abner - reluctantly kills AsahelAbner - reluctantly kills Asahel

Abner tries to dissuade AsahelAbner tries to dissuade Asahel

2 Samuel 224 But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner, and as the sun was setting, they came to the hill of Ammah, near Giah on the way to the wasteland of Gibeon. 25 Then the men of Benjamin rallied behind Abner. They formed themselves into a group and took their stand on top of a hill.

Abner and Joab face each other againAbner and Joab face each other again

2 Samuel 226 Abner called out to Joab, “Must the sword devour forever? Don’t you realize that this will end in bitterness? How long before you order your men to stop pursuing their fellow Israelites?”

27 Joab answered, “As surely as God lives, if you had not spoken, the men would have continued pursuing them until morning.” 28 So Joab blew the trumpet, and everyone came to a halt; they no longer pursued Israel, nor did they fight anymore

2 Samuel 312 Then Abner sent messengers on his behalf to say to David, “Whose land is it? Make an agreement with me, and I will help you bring all Israel over to you.”

David grows strongerDavid grows stronger

Abner seeks peace unificationAbner seeks peace unification17 Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and said, “For some time you have wanted to make David your king. 18 Now do it! For the LORD promised David, ‘By my servant David I will rescue my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies.’” 19 Abner also spoke to the Benjamites in person. Then he went to Hebron to tell David everything that Israel and the whole house of Benjamin wanted to do.

2 Samuel 320 When Abner, who had twenty men with him, came to David at Hebron, David prepared a feast for him and his men. 21 Then Abner said to David, “Let me go at once and assemble all Israel for my lord the king, so that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may rule over all that your heart desires.” So David sent Abner away, and he went in peace

David welcomes AbnerDavid welcomes Abner

2 Samuel 322 Just then David’s men and Joab returned from a raid and brought with them a great deal of plunder. But Abner was no longer with David in Hebron, because David had sent him away, and he had gone in peace. 23 When Joab and all the soldiers with him arrived, he was told that Abner son of Ner had come to the king and that the king had sent him away and that he had gone in peace. 24 So Joab went to the king and said, “What have you done? Look, Abner came to you. Why did you let him go? Now he is gone! 25 You know Abner son of Ner; he came to deceive you and observe your movements and find out everything you are doing.”

But Joab angryBut Joab angry

2 Samuel 326 Joab then left David and sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the cistern at Sirah. But David did not know it. 27 Now when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into an inner chamber, as if to speak with him privately. And there, to avenge the blood of his brother Asahel, Joab stabbed him in the stomach, and he died.

Joab murders Abner to avenge AsahelJoab murders Abner to avenge Asahel

2 Samuel 331 Then David said to Joab and all of Joab’s men, “Tear your clothes and put on sackcloth and walk in mourning in front of Abner.” King David himself walked behind the bier. 32 They buried Abner in Hebron, and the king wept aloud at Abner’s tomb. All of Joab’s men wept also

Joab murders Abner to avenge AsahelJoab murders Abner to avenge Asahel

but David punishes Joab and grieves for Abnerbut David punishes Joab and grieves for Abner

2 Samuel 226 ... “Must the sword devour forever? Don’t you realize that this will end in bitterness?

What does the Old Testament teach about violence?

What does the Old Testament teach about violence?God acts for justice and protectionlimited and

proportionatepointer to the end judgementdemonstrated on the

crossNow waiting for end judgement



What does the Old Testament teach about violence?God acts for justice and protectionGod desires the elimination of violence

Violence perpetuates violence

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.

--Dr. Martin Luther King Jr


Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.



Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate,

violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a

descending spiral of destruction....



Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate,

violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a

descending spiral of destruction....The chain reaction of evil -

- hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars -- must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of

annihilation. --Dr. Martin Luther King Jr

Which is reflecting society?

Old Testament Violence


Old Testament Kindness


Which is being encouraged?

Which is seeking to determine society?

What is growing in the Old Testament?What does Jesus say?

What does the New Testament say?

What does God want today?What does God want today?











KindnessKindness











KindnessKindness

KindnessKindness











KindnessKindness

KindnessKindness

KindnessKindness











KindnessKindness

KindnessKindness

KindnessKindness

KindnessKindness











KindnessKindness

KindnessKindness

KindnessKindness

KindnessKindness

KindnessKindness











KindnessKindness

KindnessKindness

KindnessKindness

KindnessKindness

KindnessKindness

ViolenceViolence











KindnessKindness

KindnessKindness

KindnessKindness

KindnessKindness

KindnessKindness

ViolenceViolence

Kindness over violence

Kindness over violence

God’s love



MercyCompassion

KindnessForgiveness

MercyCompassion

KindnessForgiveness

Discipline - Loving or unloving?

Discipline - Loving or unloving?Age

appropriate?


appropriate?Reforming or protecting?


appropriate?Reforming or protecting?For the approval of the crowd?

JusticeJudgement

JusticeJudgement

MercyForgiveness

MercyForgiveness



What does the Old Testament teach about violence?God acts for justice and protectionGod desires the elimination of violenceWe must be people who seek and work for peace

Matthew 57 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy...9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

James 317 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace–loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

“If you want to make peace, you don't talk to your friends.

You talk to your enemies.”- Mother Teresa of Calcutta

“If you want to make peace, you don't talk to your friends.

You talk to your enemies.”- Mother Teresa of Calcutta


Who is God asking us to end conflict with?


Matthew 5:38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also... 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.Where there is hatred,

let me sow love;Where there is hurt,

let me sow healing;Where there is doubt,

let me sow faith;Where there is despair,

let me sow hope;Where there is darkness,

let me sow light;Where there is sadness,

let me sow joy

Adapted from a prayer by Francis of Assisi

woolwich “we swear by almighty allah we will never stop fighting you until you leave us alone....

Documents

saul slide

saul david

saul wounded slide

david slide

death of saul

hot pursuit of saul

sauls sons

sons jonathan