How does David's leadership in 2 Samuel 21:3 reflect Christ's role as mediator? Setting the Scene • Israel endures a three-year famine (2 Samuel 21:1). • David consults the LORD, who reveals Saul’s unatoned sin against the Gibeonites. • The land suffers because covenant violation has not been addressed (Joshua 9:15–20). David Approaches the Gibeonites “Therefore David asked the Gibeonites, ‘What shall I do for you? How shall I make atonement so that you may bless the inheritance of the LORD?’” (2 Samuel 21:3) • David recognizes personal responsibility as king to secure atonement. • He places himself between the offended party (Gibeonites) and the covenant people. • His goal: turn divine displeasure into blessing for “the inheritance of the LORD.” Marks of David’s Mediation • Initiative—David seeks the solution before he is petitioned (cf. Romans 5:8). • Identification—though innocent of Saul’s crime, he shoulders the burden (2 Corinthians 5:21 principle foreshadowed). • Substitution—he offers a costly, representative payment to satisfy justice (vv. 6–9). • Restoration—the outcome is removal of judgment and renewed blessing (v. 14b: “After that, God answered prayer for the land,”). Christ, the Greater Mediator • Sole Mediator: “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men—the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). • Voluntary Initiative: He “came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). • Sinless Identification: “He had to be made like His brothers in every way, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest” (Hebrews 2:17). • Perfect Substitution: “Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God” (1 Peter 3:18). • Lasting Restoration: “He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance” (Hebrews 9:15). Comparing David and Christ • David’s limited act ends a temporal famine; Christ’s sacrifice ends eternal separation. • David’s mediation benefits one nation; Christ’s mediation opens blessing to all nations (Revelation 5:9). • David offers others’ lives; Christ offers His own life (John 10:11). • David’s atonement must not be repeated; Christ’s atonement is once for all (Hebrews 10:10,14). Practical Takeaways • Rejoice: famine of soul is lifted through the finished work of Jesus. • Rest: God’s justice and mercy meet perfectly in our Mediator. • Represent: like David, intercede for others, pointing them to the One who truly atones. |
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