Because He Slew the Gibeonites.
We can trust in God's unbreakable covenant, which promises to take us as His people and forgive our sins.
F.B. Meyer discusses the grave sin of Saul in slaying the Gibeonites, who were under a sacred covenant with Israel, emphasizing that the violation of such an oath demanded atonement through blood. He draws a parallel to the covenant established between God and humanity through Jesus Christ, highlighting that our worthiness is not the basis of this covenant, but God's grace. Meyer reassures believers that, despite their sins, they are secure in this everlasting covenant, which promises forgiveness and transformation through Christ's sacrifice. The sermon emphasizes the importance of God's faithfulness to His promises and the assurance of salvation for those who trust in Him.
Text
Because he slew the Gibeonites. 2 Sam, xxi. 1.
THE Gibeonites were under the protection of a special covenant, which had been entered into between them and Joshua. That covenant was the outcome of a ruse on their part. But since it had been most solemnly made by the leaders of Israel, it held good. The fact of their deceit and chicanery could not absolve Israel from the oath which had been passed for their safety. For centuries the provisions of this covenant had been observed, till Saul invaded them, and slew the Gibeonites. This was a grievous sin, which, according to the religious light of the time, seemed to demand blood; and David proposed to atone for blood by blood. Nothing but blood could atone for sin so black and dark.
We are also protected by a covenant, into which the Father has entered with the Son, not for our worthiness or merit, but only because He would. The provisions of that covenant engage to take us to be his people, to remember our sins no more, and to make the Divine law the object of our love (Heb. viii.). And the argument is irresistible, that if man is so mindful of a covenant as to feel that its infraction is a sin which can only be expiated by blood‑shedding, it is impossible to suppose that God will ever run back from his.
0 my soul, thou mayest rest secure in this: here is an everlasting rock; this foundation shall suffice thee for evermore. Thou art in the Son of his love. Though thou art sinful and evil, yet thou art included in the covenant which is more lasting than that of day and night. Jesus has met its conditions on thy behalf, and has undertaken to secure thy obedience and holiness.
Sermon Outline
- The Gibeonites and Their Covenant
- The Covenant Between God and Man
- The Unbreakable Nature of God's Covenant
- God entered into a covenant with the Son, not based on merit
- The covenant promises to take us as God's people and forgive our sins
- God will not renege on His covenant
- The covenant is more lasting than day and night
Key Quotes
“Nothing but blood could atone for sin so black and dark.” — F.B. Meyer
“0 my soul, thou mayest rest secure in this: here is an everlasting rock; this foundation shall suffice thee for evermore.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- We can rest secure in God's everlasting covenant, which is more lasting than day and night.
- God's covenant promises to take us as His people and forgive our sins, giving us a foundation for holiness.
- We can trust in God's unbreakable nature and His promise to keep His covenant.