2 Samuel 21:1-14 “Restoring Effective Prayer”
During the rule of David, Israel experienced a famine lasting three years. “…and David sought the presence of the LORD. And the LORD said, ‘It is for Saul and his bloody house, because he put the Gibeonites to death.’” (1b, c). When we are not realizing the promises of God, we do well to seek Him for the reason(s). Saul, in his zeal for Israel, tried to exterminate the Gibeonites in spite of the agreement Joshua made with them for their dwelling in the land. The Gibeonites identified Saul as the primary person responsible for this injustice and requested seven of his descendants to be given to them for their retribution. After their death Rizpah, Saul’s concubine who lost two sons in this deal, slept on a sackcloth she put it on a rock. From there she guarded the remains of the dead from birds and beasts. David hears of her grief and care of the remains so he arranges a proper burial for the bones of Saul, Jonathan and the seven lives taken here: “…and after that God was moved by prayer for the land.” (14c). If we want an effective prayer life, we must keep our word even when our passions rise and it becomes difficult. Remember, passion prevents proper perception promoting promiscuous pursuits.
