Vulnerability

On Wednesday, Israel experienced the second suicide bombing within its borders this year. An 18-year-old young man associated with Islamic Jihad left his small village of Tulkarem and exploded himself in a shopping mall in Netanya, killing three women and injuring many children. It was a senseless act of violence perpetrated on innocent victims. Fortunately for us, it occurred over 100 miles away.

I learned of this by walking into Bethlehem (going our traditional back way that is quicker and avoids the checkpoint) Thursday morning to take our kids to camp. Instead of the typical array of taxis, souvenir hawkers, and traffic, we were greeted only by a line of Palestinians sitting on a sidewalk waiting to be able to get to their jobs, families, and other activities. Israel had closed the West Bank. Military guards stood well past the traditional checkpoints and into Bethlehem armed and ready to enforce the closure. There was no leaving. Immediately I found myself wishing someone had told me this BEFORE I entered the West Bank, and I began to silently pray for a way out. Acting calmly, I escorted the kids to camp (after all, where else could we go!) and fortunately was able to use my American Passport as viable exit currency when I returned.

Later Thursday morning, the Israeli military understandably struck back in more active form. It began with a sweep of Tulkarem, the arrest of several citizens, and numerous Palestinian police. Friday saw more action: air strikes into Gaza and near Tulkarem which killed at least four more Palestinians, all of whom the Israelis identified as suspected collaborators with Hamas (which claims no involvement in the suicide bombing) and Islamic Jihad. Friday brought more military sweeps, this time in Bethlehem, Ramallah, Gaza and various northern towns resulting in the arrest over 30 additional suspected collaborators. Times are tense in this land. Friday also happened to be the day we decided to take a day trip to En Gedi, the Biblical home ground of Saul (Israel's first king), Jonathan, and David (Israel's greatest military leader). You can read about their exploits in I Samuel.

To give our kids a sense of the land we were visiting and its relationship to the biblical story, we spent our time in the car recalling stories we knew from First Samuel. Obviously one of our favorites is Abigail and her powers of persuasion over David. Another personal favorite is the rather long account of the deep friendship between David and Jonathan. Other episodes in the narrative are equally good, and it was fun to recall the events of this particular region.

One final story struck us at such a deep level we could only be quiet and ponder. It comes from I Samuel 24. Saul was King of Israel, but David's success in battle was raising his reputation such that Saul felt threatened. Saul confronted David, an argument developed, and Saul nearly speared David right at the dining room table. David fled for his life and Saul gathered three companies of his best soldiers to chase David through the rock strewn and cavernous hills of En Gedi.

David and his few men were hiding from Saul in a cave when the Bible tells us (in embarrassing detail) that Saul excused himself from his troops to "relieve himself" (yes, the Bible says that) and just happened to enter the same cave in which David and his men were hiding. David's men say to him, "What luck! God has delivered Saul into your hands. Take him while he is vulnerable."

David considers his good fortune and extraordinary strategic advantage, but instead of killing Saul, he quietly cuts off a piece of Saul's robe and hides silently in the cave until Saul is finished his business. Once Saul leaves and heads slightly down the mountain, David goes to the mouth of the cave, calls to Saul and his troops, holds up the piece of Saul's robe, and says, "Saul, King of Israel. I could have killed you. God delivered you into my hand, and here is the evidence! But I spared your life because you are precious to God and to me. We are not enemies. Let us be at peace with one another.

It's a remarkable story of savvy leadership from one of Israel's greatest generals. David found a creative third way to end the cycle of enmity and violence. He saw past the immediate threat, recognized the innate value of his foe, and took the first risky step toward resolving conflict through creative leadership and personal patience.

Quite often the Christian faith has looked to the Old Testament as a faith basis for war and violence, and it is easily found. Yet David - our faith's greatest military leader - expressed a preference not for personal vengeance but for peace. For all of the Hendersons, it was poignant to recall this story in the place it occurred under circumstances that could desperately use such leadership.

Thank you for the opportunity to have this story to come alive in a way we'll always remember and for the chance to share it with you.

We continue to pray for you every day.

Warmly,

Bob