Day: December 10, 2021
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Shabbat shalom
Every real relation in the world is exclusive, the Other breaks in on it and avenges its exclusion. Only in the relation with God are unconditioned exclusiveness and unconditioned inclusiveness one and the same, in which the whole universe is implied. Martin Buber, I and Thou, translated by Ronald Gregor Smith, Scribner Classics, 2000 (1958), […]
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Reflecting on 2 Samuel 9
What is at stake for the various characters in this story – for David, king of Israel; Ziba, servant of [the late] Saul; Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan, son of Saul – as the story unfolds? What choices do we see them making? What context, of expectations, and obligations, and interests, shapes those choices? We’re studying […]
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Studying 2 Samuel 9 1-12
We are faced with a complex instance of loyalty, and perhaps also justice, in 2 Samuel 9:1-12, our text for Sunday, December 12. This is the story of David’s seeking out Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, and installing him as a permanent guest at the king’s table in Jerusalem. [Here are a few questions on this text.] […]
Matters of Interpretation 