Culture

But all the men of Israel complained to the king, “The men of Judah stole the king and didn’t give us the honor of helping take you, your household, and all your men across the Jordan.” [2 Samuel 19.41]

What a soap opera!  ...At least in my cultural eye!  It seems the men of Israel were being just a bit sensitive about Judah escorting David back to Jerusalem without them.  Why could they not simply join in the celebration?  Why couldn't they just be happy with what was taking place?

I can only surmise that these questions reveal something of my ignorance of the culture of the time.  Was the culture correct?  Was it right?  Again, more good questions!  Moving on...

And then when David was compelled by God to avenge the Gibeonites, there was another instance that took place that doesn't seem to me to really have mattered, but apparently it did.  God informed David that the famine they were experiencing at the time was the result of Saul's murder of the Gibeonites.  So, David let the Gibeonites retaliate by killing some of Saul's descendants.  But what it interesting is that the famine did not stop until David gathered Saul's and all his family's bones and buried them in Kish's tomb!  What did that have to do with anything?

Was God engaged in this culture thing too?

Father, I know there is much I do not understand about the culture of the time of David (and all the Bible for that matter).  And, although I may not understand the culture, please give me a heart and mind to at least understand when culture is in play (understood or not).  I realize I could turn to volumes upon volumes of books and studies doing their best to define all the culture of the times...  But if the Bible depends upon understanding those things, then the Bible is not as important as we have thought - but rather dependent upon extra-Biblical writings to validate it - and that sure takes away from the whole 'inspired' thing.  I believe however that the Bible is inspired to tell Your Story and, without losing myself in endless research over details, I will continue to try to understand culture and other factors that can be ascertained about Biblical times.  Most of all, help me remain focused on You - on Jesus - on Your story and redemption as it pertains to me and mankind!