ALL HEAVEN IS DISTURBEDReading: 2 Chronicles 28: 8-15
Some of the stories of conflict in the Old Testament resonate very strongly with those of today in many different parts of the world, not least with our recent years of strife here in Ireland. A lot of the unrest or even war is not occurring between countries but within countries whose people share the same piece of earth, are related to one another and have had, at times, a common history. Sometimes the conflict is never really dealt with. There may be temporary ‘peace’ but because the underlying issues have not been fully addressed or one side feels that they have not been heard properly, old aggressions can rear their heads again and again. Whatever the situation, there has to be some means found for dealing with the hurts and wounds of the past. In all the suggested processes or methods, one word that keeps recurring is the word ‘forgiveness.’ A ‘one on one’ act of forgiveness seems easier to contemplate and comprehend than a collective act. Questions arise as to the authenticity of a communal act and its effectiveness. Yet, in the end, the power that is let loose in the act of forgiving or of showing mercy, lies perhaps more in the realm of mystery than of logical explanation. Ours is simply the challenge to decide to do it and leave the outcome with God.
The story we have just read occurs in the immediate aftermath of a very bloody battle between Israel and Judah. For a brief period in their history, most notably under the great King David, they had been a united kingdom, but, although they had had a shared history from the time of their flight from Egypt up until the death of Solomon, they split during the reign of Solomon’s son Rehoboam and (as is recorded by the chronicler) ‘the northern tribes of Israel have refused to be ruled by a descendant of David to this day.’ Many years later, when Ahaz, a very wicked king, was on the throne of Judah, Remaliah, king of Israel and his armies inflicted a shattering defeat on Judah’s troops because, it is stated, ‘they had abandoned the Lord, the God of their ancestors.’ Not only did they kill 120,000 soldiers, but they also captured 200,000 women and children and much plunder which they took back with them to their home territory of Samaria. As soon as they arrived, however, they were met by the prophet Oded who told them that they had gone too far. “You’ve killed these people without mercy and all heaven is disturbed. Not only that, but you plan to make slaves of the survivors. These are your own relatives. What about your own sins against God? Be very careful for his anger is now turned against you.”
Fortunately for Israel, there were some God-fearing people in their leadership who listened to what the prophet had to say and confronted the returning warriors with these words, “You must not bring the prisoners here! We cannot afford to add to our sins and guilt.” There followed a remarkable act of mercy and of generosity of spirit. The prisoners were all released and every bit of plunder handed over! The four men who had spoken out then provided clothing and sandals from the plunder for the prisoners to wear, gave them food and drink, tended their wounds and put those who were too weak on donkeys. They truly went the ‘second mile’ by taking all the prisoners back safely to their own land. Only then did they return home to Samaria. What a radical action! Perhaps you might think it a bit over the top? I like to think that, while it did not deal with the roots of the animosity that still remained between these two neighbours, maybe it arrested the flow of negativity and even reversed it a little. Whatever about the relations between them, once King Ahaz died, God honoured Israel’s action by giving Judah a king who did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight to reign over them for the next twenty nine years – Hezekiah.
In today’s world all heaven must be permanently disturbed at the many areas of conflict where different groups from within the one country treat their neighbours, even their relatives, with such cruelty. As I write, the areas that come to mind are Zimbabwe, Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Israel and Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan, Burma. The list is endless and, by the time this goes to print, more will be added. It could overwhelm us, causing us to batten down the hatches and simply get on with the business of living our own lives. In fact, that is partly what we have been doing here in Ireland. We, too, have much to address from the past, but the weariness from years of conflict with its accompanying trauma, bruising and wounding at present presents itself as a seeming apathy or disinterest. Yet this present moment is precisely the time when we need to be exercising a generosity of spirit as radical as the people of Israel long ago. Perhaps we need more courageous leadership with the wisdom and humility of those four leaders who listened to the prophet and then put their radical proposal to the people. Perhaps, before that, we need a prophetic voice like that of Oded’s who can speak with authenticity and integrity because he or she has taken the time to listen first to God. Could it be that all heaven is disturbed with us? We have been given so many miracles on the political front. Do we need to go deeper and explore what it would mean to collectively let go a little bit more of our old hurts and resentments, to get our own house in order and then we might have something of lasting hope to offer to a weary, anguished world?