11:15,16
In 2 Sam 5:8-14 we read of how David subdued the Edomites. Here we get more details of what happened, and this included Joab slaughtering the men of Edom. David had only sent him to bury the dead, but in typical fashion, Joab had gone way beyond his remit. Joab had stayed there six months to carry out his “work”. Unrestrained violence does not work in the long run. The Bible, especially the Old Testament, is often criticised for “glorying” in violence. This is not true. What it does say is that sometimes violence is necessary, but unrestrained violence is not good. I am writing this on the day that Israel had agreed a ceasefire with Hamas. I have mixed feelings about this, but the two lessons from the Old Testament are relevant. The attitude of some that the problems are the fault of Israel, and if only Israel was nice to Palestine everything would be fine is utter nonsense, demonstrating the stupidity and/or duplicitousness of those who advance such arguments. On the other hand, unrestrained violence against Palestine is not the way to go. By the way, Israel has not been guilty of unrestrained violence, the truth is that they have been remarkably restrained.
11:17,18
Although Joab had aimed to slaughter all the Edomites, he had not succeeded. Some Edomite officials, and Hadad, had fled to Egypt. This is still true today, completely wiping out a people is almost impossible. Pharaoh gave Hadad a house and provided him with food. This is also part of the reason why Israel was warned against making alliances with Egypt, for she was untrustworthy. Likewise, today we should be wary of secular help. Now this is not to say we should never accept it, for there are examples in the Bible of Israel receiving help from secular sources. But we must never put our trust in secular sources. As an example it is foolish to put trust in Donald Trump, for his heart is not for God (as far as I can tell), and will at times make decisions for other reasons.
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