“I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel: thou sleekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the LORD?”
— 2nd Samuel 20:19
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
— Matthew 5:9
Solomon under the inspiration of the Spirit writes,
“There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it: Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city, yet no man remembered that same poor man…[1]
This nameless woman saves the day with the kind of wisdom Solomon describes in Ecclesiastes. She boasts not in her own righteousness, but in the Lord’s grace that has made the town of Abel and its inhabitants part of the Lord’s covenant people. Her calling and election has been made sure by years of walking with the Lord and meditating on the scriptures. “For the LORD’S portion is his people, Jacob is the lot of his inheritance[2].”
As we meditate on the scriptures we become more conformed to Christ. Where it says, “Be strong and very courageous[3]” this woman was empowered by the Lord to confront a mighty man of war alone and negotiate peace for her town. “Blessed are the peacemakers[4]” the Lord tells us, and so she brings a message of peace. “When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, “Thy face, LORD, will I seek[5].” The Lord’s grace leaves its mark on us, bringing forth fruit in its season[6]. At any age or stage of life He has ordained good works for us[7] to do and He will see to it that we accomplish them. May He satisfy you with long life and show you his salvation[8].
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