Contemplative Bible Reading

2 Chronicles 28:6-8 (New International Version)

⁶ In one day Pekah son of Remaliah killed a hundred and twenty thousand soldiers in Judah—because Judah had forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers. ⁷ Zicri, an Ephraimite warrior, killed Maaseiah the king’s son, Azrikam the officer in charge of the palace, and Elkanah, second to the king. ⁸ The Israelites took captive from their kinsmen two hundred thousand wives, sons and daughters. They also took a great deal of plunder, which they carried back to Samaria.

There are many battles described in the Old Testament – tales of ancient warfare. This was all quite entertaining as a boy. It seemed that war was exciting. As an older man with sons the age of warriors, it isn’t so exciting. It isn’t surprising that I read accounts of battles differently now. Consider this battle mentioned above between Israel and their brothers in Judah.

Israel killed 120,000 soldiers from Judah in one day. 120,000 killed in one day. Imagine the horror; imagine the weeping.

In addition, Israel took captive 200,000 women and children and carried them away to Samaria. 200,000 people taken away prisoner.

What a terrible day.

It was so terrible that the prophet Oded told the army that enough was enough. He told them to send the 200,000 back.

⁹ But a prophet of the LORD named Oded was there, and he went out to meet the army when it returned to Samaria. He said to them, “Because the LORD, the God of your fathers, was angry with Judah, he gave them into your hand. But you have slaughtered them in a rage that reaches to heaven. ¹⁰ And now you intend to make the men and women of Judah and Jerusalem your slaves. But aren’t you also guilty of sins against the LORD your God? ¹¹ Now listen to me! Send back your fellow countrymen you have taken as prisoners, for the LORD’s fierce anger rests on you.”

Compassion prevailed.

¹⁴ So the soldiers gave up the prisoners and plunder in the presence of the officials and all the assembly. ¹⁵ The men designated by name took the prisoners, and from the plunder they clothed all who were naked. They provided them with clothes and sandals, food and drink, and healing balm. All those who were weak they put on donkeys. So they took them back to their fellow countrymen at Jericho, the City of Palms, and returned to Samaria.

God, you have blessed me so. Please God, bless me so that I never see such a terrible day in my life.