2 Samuel 21:1
‘Now there was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year; and David sought the presence of the LORD. And the LORD said, “It is because of Saul and his bloody house, because he put the Gibeonites to death.”‘
David was a God fearing man. He knew to inquire of God for many things. There was a famine that was devastating the land. He sought God for an answer. God answered and it was because of something the previous king had done. This is interesting, because it predated David. He could have said, "I didn't do it. do I have to resolve it." While he may have thought this, he must have dismissed it. This was big enough of a deal that God was putting the whole nation in a tough spot. It's as if He knew the injustice happened against a minority in the land.
David went to the offended people and asked what could be done. It wasn't money, riches or land. They wanted seven of the descendants hanged. I would say that they thought their presence represented those that hated and sought to kill them. By putting them to death sent a message to respect them. God also wanted that message sent.
God cares about the weak and defenseless. Much is said about God bringing retribution against those who harm them. Proverbs 22:22-23 says, "Do not rob the poor because he is poor, Nor crush the needy at the gate; For the LORD will plead their case and take the life of those who rob them." This is what God is doing. He is punishing Israel for Saul seeking to exterminate a people. Israel would experience this many more times in history.
Do we care for the poor and defenseless? We need to. I take comfort that my church tithes do this. We will need to help those who cross our paths. Lord, give us wisdom about this. Help us to help those in need.
This is a tough task. A job for a king. We will have tough tasks. God will not give us more than we can handle (I Corinthians 10:13). That needs to be qualified. Things may be more than we can handle with out God's help. Outcomes are up to God. He may not want us to finish as we would like. He will empower us to do as much as He chooses.
This is very comforting. We don't need to worry about outcomes. That's His business. We do our best and commit the rest.
At times we are the defenseless. God has helped us many times. Thank You, Lord.Lord thank You for defending the defenseless. Help us to do the same.