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And all the country wept with a loud voice,
and all the people passed over:
the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron,
and all the people passed over,
toward the way of the wilderness.
(2 Samuel 15:23 - ASV)

We left off last time with King David fleeing the capitol after credible reports of a coup attempt led by his son, Absalom. If you recall, Absalom had considerable support, though many of those who were with him in Hebron had no clue as to Absalom's real intentions. David also found a true friend in the foreigner Ittai.

David had a respectable size following with him. But this passage shows that along side of those who were with him, were the numerous ordinary folks who watched the King's procession with deep lamentation. There may have been some disaffection in the realm, but it was anything but universal. David was still beloved of his people. We need to distinguish 'all the people' from 'all the country' here, for it is clear that not all the inhabitants of the city went with David, just the royal entourage.

David passes over the brook of Kidron. This is a ravine on the eastern side of Jerusalem. It is also right next to a place Christ ministered to his disciples (see John 18:1).

And, lo, Zadok also came,
and all the Levites with him,
bearing the ark of the covenant of God;
and they set down the ark of God;
and Abiathar went up, until all the people
had done passing out of the city.
And the king said unto Zadok,
Carry back the ark of God into the city:
if I shall find favor in the eyes of Jehovah,
he will bring me again, and show me both it,
and his habitation: but if he say thus,
I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I,
let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.
(2 Samuel 15:24-26 - ASV)

David finds another key supporter and friend in the High Priest Zadok. But he also comes with the Levites, God's priesthood as well as the Ark. Also with him is Abiathar, who was also High Priest. Yet David commanded that they take the ark back to the city. This I think shows something about David's character. While the religious leaders were on his side and the Ark was with him, David realized that this whole thing was in God's hands. The Priests probably did not want the Ark to fall into Absalom's hands.

But David decides that if it is time for God to depose him, he is not going to jeopardize the Ark, or worse, possibly play politics with it. If God still delights in him, well and good, he will see the Ark again. David resigns himself to the will of God. There are times we all just have to put our lives and situations in the hands of God, who is just, but also merciful to those who love him.

The king said also unto Zadok the priest,
Art thou not a seer? return into the city in peace,
and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz thy son,
and Jonathan the son of Abiathar. See,
I will tarry at the fords of the wilderness,
until there come word from you to certify me.
(2 Samuel 15:27-28 - ASV)

David here entreats Zadok to return. Who else is going to perform the priestly functions in Jerusalem, with all the priests away? The phrase art thou not a seer is interesting. A seer is another word for a prophet. They are to return to the city and later, they can come and tell David what is going on. The word translated certify can also mean to announce, report or declare. David clearly wants a reliable, godly source of information as to how far this conspiracy has gone and how much success it is having.

Zadok therefore and Abiathar
carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem:
and they abode there.
(2 Samuel 15:29 - ASV)

Both High Priests, Zadok and Abiathar carry the ark back to Jerusalem.

And David went up
by the ascent of the mount of Olives,
and wept as he went up;
and he had his head covered,
and went barefoot: and all the people
that were with him covered every man his head,
and they went up, weeping as they went up.
(2 Samuel 15:30 - ASV)

This is a sign of deep humility, distress and penitence. It is especially notable in a king to do this.

And one told David, saying,
Ahithophel is among the conspirators
with Absalom. And David said, O Jehovah,
I pray thee, turn the counsel
of Ahithophel into foolishness.
(2 Samuel 15:31 - ASV)

David finally finds out about Ahithophel and his treachery. This was discussed in an earlier update, but this is where the King first hears about it. David is clearly angry and deeply hurt. He seeks God's help in overturning his devices. This is a kind of imprecatory prayer. In the OT, this was allowed, in the NT it is very much discouraged. We are to pray for, not against our enemies, though at times we must consider the damage our enemies can do to others if not dealt with. It is a fine line, but I think the key is not to use our prayers (as Christians) to seek vengeance on those who have wronged us, but to pray for them so that they can come into the light of Christ. Still, an evil person can do a lot of damage to a lot of people and this too must be factored in when praying for others who do wrong.

And it came to pass, that,
when David was come to the top of the ascent,
where God was worshipped, behold,
Hushai the Archite came to meet
him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head.
And David said unto him, If thou passest
on with me, then thou wilt be a burden unto me:
but if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom,
I will be thy servant, O king; as I have
been thy father's servant in time past,
so will I now be thy servant;
then wilt thou defeat for me
the counsel of Ahithophel.
And hast thou not there with thee
Zadok and Abiathar the priests?
therefore it shall be, that what thing
soever thou shalt hear out of the king's house,
thou shalt tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests.
Behold, they have there with them
their two sons, Ahimaaz, Zadok's son,
and Jonathan, Abiathar's son; and by them
ye shall send unto me everything
that ye shall hear. So Hushai, David's friend,
came into the city; and Absalom came into Jerusalem.
(2 Samuel 15:32-37 - ASV)

David finds another ally in Hushai. He was an Archite and these were people that probably belonged to the house of Joseph (see Joshua 16:2). Clearly he is deeply effected by what has happened as he rent his garments. He appears to have been one of the king's close friends and counselor (see verse 37). Thankfully he was not a false one, but one that David could rely on in difficult times. Well, as I said in an earlier update, you will quickly find out who your real friends are in adversity.

Hushai is asked to be a 'fly on the wall' in Absalom's court. His job will be to feign loyalty to the new 'king', but in reality his job is to report back to David just how things are faring and Absalom's plans. The method of passing information is relayed in the above passages. The information is to go from Hushai, to one of the Chief Priests, either Zadok or Abiathar. They in turn will pass it to their sons who will send word to David. It is a simple but very workable plan. But is it honest and honorable? Well, that is something each person must decide. Hushai remained faithful to the true king and as he was the King's servant, he is to do the kings bidding. But is it honorable? Well, as one commentary put it. The Bible merely records this act, it does not vindicate or condemn it.

Political intrigue, treachery, power grabbing... who said the Bible is boring?!!

God bless and keep each of you in Christ.

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2 Samuel Part 28

And there came a messenger to David, saying,
The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.
(2 Samuel 15:13 - ASV)

We left off last time with Absalom engaged in a conspiracy to take the throne away from David. One of David's trusted counselors was in on it and it was growing, day by day (2 Samuel 15:12).

David now gets the word as to what is going on. There is a coup afoot and the people are turning towards Absalom. One could almost hear David's heart break - 'Et Tu Absalom?'.

Absalom? I see him as a kind of Saul like person. Someone whom Hollywood would call an A-list actor, with those things that superficial people follow after - a pretty face and a silver tongue. The Biblical Illustrator (edited by Joseph S. Exell 1849-1910?) notes in its comments on this passage that beauty of form and face is often placed above more important elements of personal integrity and character. It also goes on to suggest that Absalom appears to be acting as a kind of demagogue who had developed some considerable political skill.

And David said unto all his servants
that were with him at Jerusalem,
Arise, and let us flee; for else none of us
shall escape from Absalom: make speed to depart,
lest he overtake us quickly, and bring down evil upon us,
and smite the city with the edge of the sword.
(2 Samuel 15:14 - ASV)

Clearly this was no small thing. It was enough to get the king to flee the Palace. The king was obviously shocked at this turn of events and was wholly unprepared for it. It probably was not at all clear to David at this early stage how many armed men Absalom had with him. When in doubt, David decided to clear out.

David appears to not have been operating at 100%. His courts were clearly a source of discontent in the Kingdom and Absalom capitalized on it. One of his key advisors left him and people were flocking to Absalom. That kind of thing usually happens when there is considerable disaffection in the realm.

So what is going on? It's hard to say, but I suspect that David was still devastated by the word that Nathan had spoken to him and never was quite the same again. He let down the God he had served so faithfully and who protected and guided him through the greatest of difficulties. He was probably not fully engaged with all of the duties of running a kingdom - like dispensing justice in the courts. That is my own personal view on this. David in many ways may have been kind of like a broken man. The foundation he had built his whole life upon, God - was sore displeased with him.

So David and his men flee from Absalom who may or may not have a mighty military host and who may or may not come to take the crown by force. At least that is the fear. Knowing Nathan's prophecy, David probably felt it was better to run and let things play out. In this unfolding tragedy, he probably saw the hand of the Lord in it. It also seems that he had concern, not just for himself, but for the city and those within it. Civil war can be a very bloody affair. With David and his men gone, a bloodbath would not be likely and the city itself could be spared considerable damage.

And the king's servants said unto the king,
Behold, thy servants are ready to do
whatsoever my lord the king shall choose.
And the king went forth, and all his
household after him.
And the king left ten women,
that were concubines,
to keep the house.
(2 Samuel 15:15-16 - ASV)

The kings household remained loyal. They were going to stay with the King and were awaiting their orders from him. Only ten concubines remained behind, merely to keep the kings home. Everyone else fled with the King. But in this act we see how God is going to fulfill the word of his prophet Nathan with these women (see 2 Samuel 12:11).

And the king went forth,
and all the people after him;
and they tarried in Beth-merhak.
(2 Samuel 15:17 - ASV)

So David flees his home and the capitol. The name Beth-Merhak means a place far off or in the distance. The KJV does not use the name, but just says it was a place far off. It is not clear if this is a city or not, but Keil and Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary (written in various volumes in the 19^th century), which I find is often one of the better commentaries when dealing with language and grammar issues, says that this is probably a proper name and one that is one located on the outskirts of the city. Perhaps it was one of his country palaces/estate used as a retreat.

And all his servants passed on beside him;
and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites,
and all the Gittites, six hundred men
that came after him from Gath,
passed on before the king.
(2 Samuel 15:18 - ASV)

Here some of David's retinue are listed, Cherethites, Pelethites and Gittites. These were David's bodyguards and couriers. They appear to be key parts of the king's security detail. What is interesting is that each group appears to be foreign, some perhaps being from Philistia. It was not uncommon in the ancient world or a king to have foreign mercenaries or soldiers as their personal body guards.

I find this most interesting on a number of levels. Most importantly in that the these 'heathen' were with the king in his distress. It reminds me of how the Gentiles who are faithful to Christ also gain entry into the Kingdom; with and even at the expense of much of Israel after the flesh. The 'heathen' in these passages, were faithful to the King.

Israel in ancient times was not faithful to God, so God called the Gentiles, who are given a place of honor.

And when Jesus heard it,
he marvelled, and said to them that followed,
Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith,
no, not in Israel. And I say unto you,
that many shall come from the east and the west,
and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac,
and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven:
but the sons of the kingdom shall be cast forth
into the outer darkness: there shall be
the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.
(Matthew 8:10-12 - ASV)

The next passage is also telling.

Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite,
Wherefore goest thou also with us?
return, and abide with the king:
for thou art a foreigner, and also an exile;
return to thine own place. Whereas thou camest
but yesterday, should I this day make
thee go up and down with us,
seeing I go whither I may? return thou,
and take back thy brethren;
mercy and truth be with thee.
And Ittai answered the king, and said,
As Jehovah liveth, and as my lord the king liveth,
surely in what place my lord the king shall be,
whether for death or for life, even there also
will thy servant be. And David said to Ittai,
Go and pass over. And Ittai the Gittite passed over,
and all his men, and all the little ones
that were with him.
(2 Samuel 15:19-22 - ASV)

Ittai was a foreigner and in exile from Gath, a Philistine city. David entreats him to return home. The implication is that this was not really his affair and David understood him perhaps not wanting to get involved in a foreign civil war. Apparently, Ittai had just arrived with the King from his homeland and was not long there. David then blesses him that mercy and truth be with him.

But Ittai wasn't going anywhere! He shows David what stuff he is made of. He was not going to go slinking off home just because David was in trouble. Then he swears, not by the gods of the Philistines, but by the Lord Jehovah, that whatever fate awaits the King, he was going to share it. Faith, courage and constancy can be seen in Ittai. His words to David are a bit reminiscent of Ruth's (Ruth 1:16).

Do you ever want to know who your real friends are? When you get into real trouble, you will quickly find out. David's own son had turned on him. You would think that family would be the first to stand by you. David found out differently.

Sometimes, your real friends are the ones you least expect. Those folks whom you long depended on, on the other hand, are not extending a helping hand to you, but are looking for a soft spot in your back to stick in the knife.

Hard times and difficulties are a pretty fast and sure way to expose a Judas and a false friend as well as discover that true friend and companion.

We will continue our look at 2 Samuel, next week, God willing!

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7 January 2026

Ships, Charts and Destinations

Greetings and happy 2026 to all readers here at Watson's Web! Today, we are going to talk about a mostly secular issue. Here on the public side of the site, I have studiously avoided talking much about anything other than the Bible. It was and for the most part, is a clear choice I made under God's holy direction. It's what he wanted me to do; Not what I wanted to do, nor what others want done, nor what a lot of Christians (fake or otherwise) want or wanted done.

As I have said here many times, I have to obey the Lord and at times, as we find so many times on our Bibles, God does not always make 'sense' to our natural minds. This is because he see's things we cannot see and knows things we cannot know. This is one key area where the whole idea of faith comes in. You (and I) just have to trust the Lord, no matter what. I can tell you that it is not easy to do. Ask Job, ask Abraham, ask any true servant of God and they will tell you.

But today, I am going to break with that and share something that everyone in the US should know and understand, but many clearly don't. At least not in a way that makes them want to change anything about it, particularly at the ballot box. FYI, some of this was written back in October of 2025, just as the shutdown started.

I believe that we as a nation have kind of crossed a fiscal red line (point of no return) that few in Washington are articulating to the people. A few in Congress have let the cat out of the bag, but to most folks who surf the net or watch cable news, it's one of those things that goes in one ear and out the other; in between commercial breaks, internet rants or a text message.

I have chosen the title of this piece for a reason. Think of a captain of a ship at sea (back in the days before GPS). He had to have charts in order to get to where he was going if he did not want to be lost at sea. Well, in the economic arena, charts, graphs, as well as balance sheets will often tell a person with alarming accuracy just where they are heading, financially - into a mansion or a homeless shelter. It's all in the charts.

On that note I will pass on a few charts that you all may find of interest. Please note the first three charts are government figures, not cherry-picked ones from any blog or site.

Interest Expense on US Debt
(in billions)

Data Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis via FRED (more here)

Now that you have seen that chart. Take a look at this one, also from the same source, FRED (the Federal Reserve Economic Database).

US Tax Receipts
(in billions)

Data Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis via FRED

The Joint Economic Committee (US Congress) has a paper here you may find of interest. More here (updated link). Here is a screenshot of part of what is on that page.

Source (with updated version at): Joint Economic Committee (US Congress)

My point is this. The time to talk, debate and otherwise jawbone about the debt is over. Many Americans today seem to think the fiscal 'fairy godmother' is going to come in and save the day. That somehow they can avoid the pain associated with America's horrific fiscal overindulgence - decades in the making. That all of these most expensive social programs are a 'right' they can demand or the courts can 'force' the government to pay. They aren't and this is going to be driven home to millions one day, sooner or later; one way or another.

Which brings me to this. Yes, I do think there may be a little more to the last and upcoming shutdowns than meets the eye. What happens when the US cannot find the money to run their government? Or when bondholders, the major ones start selling their US debt? These kinds of things signal that the US can't get is act together and makes lenders kind of nervous. I do not believe that these are the kinds of things that much of the news media is likely to explain to its audience with any depth.

These kinds of thing can as well, be inflationary. Want to know why things are expensive and getting more so? I will tell you. Inflation - real inflation, not the PC number given to us by government. I do not know about you but my expenses have gone up way more than 2.8% in 2025. We may not be hearing the word inflation much. That's because it looks to me like a new phrase has been coined for it - an affordability crisis. Smart investors often tend to seek shelter if they think economic trouble or significant inflation is ahead. Have we seen any major moves in precious metals over the past few months? I will let you answer that question.

I do think both sides of the political aisle may know that it's time to make changes or those changes if delayed much longer, could make an end to American life as we know it.

The following chart is from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB)

Source: Interest Costs Could Explode from High Rates and More Debt - CRFB

So just using these raw numbers, we see just how much just carrying our current debt load effects what the government has to spend. It eats up a significant amount of total US receipts using these raw numbers. Yes, the situation is more complicated than this, but the simple fact is - carrying this much debt is a major, major burden because each and every year, the US must go out, cap in hand, to borrow yet more money and as you can see above, pay more interest.

I think it is readily apparent that in some form or another, budget cuts are coming. How big and where are the question and while cuts may be spun as a partisan issue, I think the real issue is purely fiscal - see above charts. I think each side knows that borrowing so much more to pay for things is a habit that needs to be broken very, very soon. This and the fact that the GOP is in charge now puts a further impetus to get down to budget basics which are

- if you don't have the money, you can't pay for it

- and if you can't pay for it

- you can't have it.

These are just a few simple budgetary dynamics that as far as I can see, Washington has not operated from.

So are you ready for more inflation? Think your pay raise is going to cover it? Not likely. It can't because a significant raise in wages across the board in reaction to inflation is inflationary; it generally speaking, just adds fuel to the fire. Inflation when it gets bad enough just causes employers to have higher costs which they are loath to pass on to customers. If they can't do that, what do they do next? I'll tell you. They start laying folks off.

How happy are folks now? Can young people buy a house? How about pay rent? What about food prices? What about utilities? Insurance? Are you ready to see things go up some more? That is what inflation will do. And let me tell you something. Inflation tends to hit the working man the hardest.

Now understand this dear readers. I am not saying these things because I see a solution to the problem. I do not. My view is that any effective solution to it is politically impossible.

Neither party is about to cut their own political throat to try and fix it because they will be voted out of office; only to be replaced by politicians who will go back to bankrupting America. My view is that too many Americans will only vote for 'financial fairy-tale' fiscal policies; Santa Claus sitting in the White House, Congress and the Fed Chair, giving presents to all - with a credit card that is just about maxed out.

Why am I harping in inflation? Because this the easiest way out of the situation or rather, delay the worst effects of it. Easy because most folks do not understand inflation - they hear the word but don't really know what it means - other than things cost more.

There are many kinds of inflation but the one that we need to concern ourselves with is the kind that is induced by monetary policy. I mean inflating the money supply (creating more money). Sounds great but it does not work for long.. at all. The only thing that really happens is that the value of the money is worth less; meaning it buys less goods and services. How is that reflected for you and me? Easy. I don't want to confuse anyone but this is how it looks to you and me. Prices go up.

The same amount of goods and services are available, the problem is there is more money chasing them.

Remember the Pandemic? I can remember going into a grocery store after one of those stimulus checks hit and the shelves... many of them were empty. Why? More money was chasing the same amount of goods. This always makes goods more scarce and then drives the price up.

It's one of those issues that is not partisan, but is easy to spin that way with a few talking heads on TV and social media spinning the stupid things both parties have done and will do into something partisan. Are you looking for someone to blame? Well, who put those politicians from both parties up there? Did you vote for them? Is there a mirror handy in your house? Blame? Is it reflected in that mirror you are peering into?

Will the government try and inflate their way out of this? Maybe... probably. I think they will until they get a real solution to the problem.

Our current President has gotten a lot of criticism over his tariffs. Some on the political left just hate him for it. But it has done something that the politicians in DC have not been willing to do to any degree. What is that? Bring a noticeable revenue stream into the government coffers.

Source: Federal Reserve Economic Data Base

Look I am not going to get into partisan politics. I am neither a Democrat or Republican and I will be the first to tell you that I have never been a big fan of Donald Trump. But he has two qualities that I think the country needs right now if it is to get its fiscal act together. He's got guts and he knows how to read, understand and make fiscally sound decisions based upon a balance sheet.

He knows this because he has run businesses all of his life and made a lot of money. You don't do that by being ignorant of economics and finance. He was a business man long before he was a politician.

He has done other things as well that have made improvements to the balance sheet. Sure, they often sound hard, even cold. But economics and money can seem that way... especially to the indolent or envious. Another thing he has done that might bring money in? The Immigration Gold Card program. Can it conceivably favor the rich or skilled over the poor? Yes. Will it bring in more money to the US? Yes.

Let me ask you this? How else is the US going to get its fiscal act together? Another protest? Another Social Media rant against sound fiscal policies? More sob stories and blank checks that are causing the US balance sheet to bleed red? Who else is going to try and fix this? The Bush's, Obama's, Clinton's or Biden's of this world? I hate to break it to my left leaning friends out there, but it's a hard world. If you don't think it is - let the country go bankrupt and you will see just how hard it is.

This is an existential threat to the US economy. Let me rephrase that because 'US economy' sounds so impersonal. So let me put it another way - yours and my prosperity; the very food in our fridge, roof over our heads, light and heat in our homes and gasoline (or electricity) in our rides. Perhaps that will help the reader better understand the stakes.

It's one of those issues that is not partisan. But know this - poverty knows no partisan boundaries. It's just as cold outside in the winter sleeping on the sidewalk to Democrats as it is to Republicans. Old man winter is not a respecter of political parties. He blows his icicle breath in an equal opportunity manner.

In conclusion let me say this. I am not the least bit optimistic things will improve. This President can buy the nation some time, not much but a little. I do not believe that Washington (neither Congress nor the Courts) will not allow a President to fix this. The only thing that will, will be 'Mr. Fiscal Disaster', showing up in the nation, wrecking his havoc and woe, creating pain and suffering from sea to shining sea. Then (and only then) will we get leaders who will be forced to deal in economic realities. The only real cure I see for this present form of fiscal insanity is pain; long and excruciating. I do not relish or wish this cure for anyone.

Congress. What do they need? I think they need a kind of 'Suicide Hotline' up there. That is, an Economic Suicide Hotline that operates 24-7 with extra operators during any budget crunch. The operators can read from their cue cards - Stop injecting the nation with your economic 'fentanyl' (debt), you are perilously close to taking a lethal dose.

For Christians (the few real ones) I can only say this. I will tell you what I do and you decide what is best for you. I do my best to protect myself as much as I can from the dumb things my fellow countrymen do. I do not expect sanity from people whose behavior leaves serious doubt in my mind about theirs (school shootings, setting people on fire, train stabbings, assassination attempts, etc).

Think about that fictional ship I mentioned in an earlier paragraph... heading into one great big iceberg. Everyone is on deck drunk, partying, high and fornicating in the lifeboats. They are completely out of it. Suddenly, commando's break into the bridge and now are holding the captain and the crew hostage. Under no circumstances are they going to let that captain change course. Why not? They work for a salvage company and have a ship a few miles away and plan on taking what's left and all that is on board once she hits the frozen rock. They've got chains and handcuffs prepared for all the passengers who will be most valuable to slavers. They'll fetch a good price.

The rich ruleth over the poor
And the borrower is servant
to the lender.
(Proverbs 22:7 - ASV)

Does America have any major political lobbies who are financially dependent on the US keeping the current spending and fiscal trajectory in place? Do they have a stranglehold on Washington, keeping the trajectory of the 'ship' heading towards disaster? I will let you answer that question.

Now let me make this clear - I don't want to say for a second that disaster is right around the corner. I do not believe that it is. The Fed and Treasury have been exceptionally adept at keeping this whole system afloat despite these massive debt loads. No, my point here is a different one. I believe that the situation is getting to the point where it will be more and more difficult to manage. So when you hear talk of losing subsidies for healthcare or making qualifying for food stamps more difficult, think about those charts.

Ask yourself - who is going to pay for it all? Where is the money going to come from? "I don't care', they just have to pay me my...." is not an answer that will keep things afloat. I know of no bank of 'I Don't Care'. They do not, to my knowledge, issue currency and even if they did, when you tried to redeemed it they would probably respond after a cynical chuckle, 'I don't care'.

This whole situation is like some tragic spoof out of a science fiction show, with the captain shouting orders on his spaceship - 'All head full Mr. navigator. Course, the Oblivion sector by way of the vortex of indebtedness.

***

I ask all who serve the Lord to ask God about these things in prayer and to do your best to be different (more godly, righteous; without being holier-than-thou) than the majority of those around you. I do not think God has a high opinion of most modern day Americans; in fact, I know he does not. But he still cares enough to give us all a little more space to make personal changes in our lives. If we make them, God may spare some of us the worst of what looks to me to be a mathematical certainty.

A prudent man seeth the evil,
and hideth himself;
But the simple pass on,
and suffer for it.
(Proverbs 22:3 - ASV)

Confused? Don't let it overcome you. Here is a passage for those of you who love God, obey him but are unsure of the future or what you should do.

Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart,
And lean not upon thine own understanding:
In all thy ways acknowledge him,
And he will direct thy paths.
(Proverbs 3:5-6 - ASV)

I don't want to spread fear and dread here. I simply don't like to do that and there are too many out there on the internet who spend too much time doing it. But at the same time, prudence dictates that we pay attention to things like this, without being overcome with panic or fear.

May God grant real, genuine peace to the few truly born again Christians who did not put their stamp of approval on yet more debt, death and destruction at the ballot box and are genuinely concerned with those issues when voting. Yeah, may God and his Christ grant them rest and peace from the chaos of civil strife and the violence of war; foreign, domestic or civil... even when the strife and violence are at their greatest - may God's peace and supernatural protection rest upon those who love the Lord and consider his ways and think upon his name.

Then they that feared Jehovah
spake one with another; and Jehovah hearkened,
and heard, and a book of remembrance
was written before him, for them that feared Jehovah,
and that thought upon his name.
And they shall be mine, saith Jehovah of hosts,
even mine own possession, in the day that I make;
and I will spare them, as a man spareth
his own son that serveth him.
(Malachi 3:16-17 - ASV)

Prayerfully submitted.

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Note: The Bible version usually quoted from on this site is now the American Standard Version, which according to Wikipedia, the Sword Project and various other Bible sites, was published in 1901 and is now in the Public Domain.

Additionally, Bible commentaries and dictionaries mentioned herein are almost always very old (usually published in the 1800's or before). I often reference them with both the common names of the work as well as the original publishing date or the birth and death years of the author. I gravitate to older, more conservative scholarship when studying the Bible.

Finally, at times you will find an 'ff' after a referenced verse, this merely means 'and forward' or 'follow forward' for the whole meaning of the text.

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2 Samuel Part 29

2 Samuel Part 28

Ships, Charts and Destinations

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