S ) "9 Now when Toi king of Hamath heard that David had defeated all the army of Hadadezer, 10 Toi sent Joram his son to King David to greet him and bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer and defeated him; for Hadadezer had been at war with Toi. And Joram brought with him articles of silver, of gold and of bronze."
2 Samuel 8:9-10 (NASB)
O) This story is given among a list of David's victories as king. This is a historical example of the phrase, "The enemy of my enemy is my friend." The gifts that Toi sent would have been both a tribute and a sort of a thanks, for David's victory over Hadadezer. This might also have served as an attempt to strike up an alliance. We don't know much about Hamath from Scripture, but it seems the attempt wasn't very successful. Solomon appears to capture Hamath later. Having said that, the way such conquering could have gone, it's possible that the people of Hamath welcomed the protection and provision that could have come, being part of such a wealthy and successful kingdom as Solomon's was. Whatever the case, they did not remain independent.
A) This passage will have much different impacts, depending on which role I think I have. If I am in the place of David, I should recognize that people will try to befriend me when I'm doing well. If I am in the place of Hadadezer, I should remember that people who oppose me might not have allies, per se, but that doesn't mean I have only one enemy. If I am in the place of Toi, then I need to remember that the enemy of my enemy is my friend, but not for long. Whatever the case, this passage (and the history that followed it) is a clear reminder that politics and relationship management is messy and hopeless. Scheming with people always leads to more trouble. So, my heart should be set to authentic relationships with people. Manipulations will always backfire. Ultimately, I must trust God to protect and provide, and I must remain humble and transparent in every relationship. This echoes the heart of Christ, who commanded that we love our enemy as well as our neighbor. This gets closer to the second most important command (see Matthew 22:37-40).
P) Father, You are my protection and provision. Pleasing You is infinitely more important than pleasing men. In the same way, I have only You to fear, and I cannot worry about how others perceive me or treat me. Give me the discipline to lay down earthly ambitions. In every relationship, help me keep a mindset of service and love. Be glorified in my life, as I love my neighbors and my enemies. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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