Reading 2/12

From this reading, I have noticed a series of close “interpersonal” relationships between key figures in Israel and God (“interpersonal” because God in this sense isn’t literally a person, but rather is anthropomorphic in a lot of this reading). Some key moments I have identified include the opening one of 1 Samuel Chapter 1 about Hannah, and the relationships in 2 Kings 17.

Hannah’s strong prayer life and sense of faith brings her into God’s favor. She prays, in response to her inability to produce a child: “Yahweh judges the ends of the earth, he endows hus king with power, jhe raises up the strength of his Anointed.” (1 Samuel 10-11). I think the example of Hannah shows an intimately connected relationship with God centered around faith but especially about creation (in this case, procreation). There is a key understanding of reproduction and the bearing of children as a gift, and I think it ties into God’s promise to Abraham for a great multiplicity of descendants. It is humbling and impressive to witness faith like Hannah’s matched by God’s affection. It shows to me not only that God is good and wants to guide us toward Him, but also that He listens and is responsive to Israel (humans). This example also reveals human nature as a powerful force that ultimately pales compared to God’s will. I really appreciate that about this story, and also how it connects to Mary and Jesus, the quintessential mother and child.

A different type of narrative of the God/Israel relation is the breakdown in 2 Kings 17, in which a shift of leadership in Israel leads to evil practices. I think this is a really powerful example of the human tendency for corruption. In this example, the people of Israel abandon God, completely forgetting what He has done for them in Exodus. They break the law from the 10 Commandments, and I think this connects really closely to our last reading of the law and the specifics of high expectations for Israel. With the analogy of God as a parent of Israel, this is fitting. His high expectations were not fulfilled, and that is not good for the sake of His people. As an eldest child myself, I can attest to this. God is looking out for Israel’s best interest, and as a stern but benevolent parent, He shows his nature through this example.