Contemplative Bible Reading

1 Chronicles 27:32-34 (New Living Translation)

32 Jonathan, David’s uncle, was a wise counselor to the king, a man of great insight, and a scribe. Jehiel the Hacmonite was responsible for teaching the king’s sons. 33 Ahithophel was the royal adviser. Hushai the Arkite was the king’s friend. 34 Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada son of Benaiah and by Abiathar. Joab was commander of the king’s army.

Here is a list of King David’s close advisors and assistants. David was a successful King in the way most measure success. He gathered riches, acquired lands, and won battles. He had good advisors and assistants — for the most part.

Buried in the middle of these names is Jehiel the Hacmonite. Jehiel was responsible for teaching the king’s sons. Oops. Not good at this job. We read in 2 Samuel of the horrible actions of several of David’s sons. This actions ended in a deadly civil war, attempted coup, and what not. What’s more, those actions sowed the seeds of a division of God’s people where ten of the tribes went their own way into idolatry and sin.

Jehiel was an inept teacher. He taught poorly. We aren’t told what happened to him. Did he witness the failures of his former pupils? How did he feel later?

Teaching isn’t easy. Even the best teachers who teach the best lessons have students who go on to misdeeds. Pray for teachers. Pray for learners. Pray for all of us.