The Perpetual Sword

Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me. 2 Samuel 12:10

When we think of what is happening in the Middle East, especially in Israel, we ask the question,

"What does the Word of God have to say about these events?

Is this the end?

Is Armageddon upon us?"

Those who insist on holding a Bible in one hand and a newspaper in the other are destined for perpetual disappointment. The proof’s in the pudding. To date, the number of times our radio prophets and internet dispensationalists have correctly predicted the arrival of the Antichrist and Armageddon is exactly zero. They have predicted zero of the last 20 apocalypses. If your time is valuable to you, you'd be better off searching for another eschatology.

Does that mean the Bible is silent about what is going on?

Hardly.

Nathan's woe to David, in our verse, marks a pivotal moment in the history of David, his house, and the nation over which he was anointed king. It's a reminder that actions have consequences, even for a blessed chosen servant of the LORD.

"Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house."

The sword's perpetual presence in David's house was, and still is, prophetic. It stands as a symbol of the strife, conflict, and consequences that would forever assail his family line. It's a testament to the weight of his transgression with Bathsheba, the consequences of which would reverberate for generations to come.

While David was alive, and even after his death, his house experienced internal discord, rebellion, and bloodshed, as seen in the tragic stories of Absalom, Amnon, and Adonijah. But there's more: this covenant curse highlights the broader theme of the constant persecution of the nation of Israel, over which David was king.

Throughout their history, Israel has faced constant struggles and conflicts, both internal and external. From their Egyptian emancipation to the battles for the Promised Land, to their later division and exiles, Israel knows the harsh reality of the sword.

Since 1900, look at these conflicts…

1. 1941–1945: The Holocaust

   • Auschwitz, Sobibor, Treblinka, and other extermination camps

2. 1947–1949: Palestine War (First Arab–Israeli War)

3. 1956: Suez Crisis (Second Arab–Israeli War)

4. 1967: Six-Day War (Third Arab–Israeli War)

5. 1967–1970: War of Attrition

6. 1973: Yom Kippur War (Fourth Arab–Israeli War)

7. 1978: South Lebanon conflict (Operation Litani)

8. 1982: Lebanon War (First Lebanon War)

9. 1982–2000: South Lebanon conflict

10. 1987–1993: First Intifada

11. 2000–2005: Second Intifada

12. 2006: Second Lebanon War

13. 2008–2009: Gaza War (Operation Cast Lead)

14. 2012: Operation Pillar of Defense

15. 2014: Operation Protective Edge

16. 2021: 11-day Israel-Gaza conflict (Operation Guardian of the Walls)

And this is passing over the smaller, yet most important Synagogue bombings, shootings, and general antisemitism throughout this world.

All because of David. All because of this verse.

So, does the bible have anything to say about what’s happening now? Yes.

These trials and tribulations ultimately point Israel to her deeper spiritual need. Israel must recognize their true and eternal King, a sinless Messiah who brought redemption through His blood and lasting peace.

Many in Israel are longing for the Messiah's arrival. He came. They just haven’t seen Him yet. They will. Romans 11, especially verses 11-23 tells us as much. But for now, Christians would do well to remember that Israel is in a perpetual state of exile, not from the land called Palestine, but from their Covenant God. For now, Israel is clinging to their self-messiahship, Zionism, which is humanism, void of YHWH. This longing for the Messiah is understandably misdirected because, as Paul tells us, Israel has been cast off until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. That's us!

Once that number is complete, the Spirit of the living God will fall afresh on Israel of old. They will repent. They will look upon Him whom they have pierced and mourn. They will see that Jesus of Nazareth is their King, and they, as a visible people, will be grafted back into the Covenant of Grace, which is none other than the Branch, the Prince of Peace.