Not getting away with it

Haiku reminding us that even kings are not meant to be above the law.

With Uriah dead

Bathsheba mourned for him, then

moved in with David.

Bathsheba married

David, gave birth to a son.

God was not impressed.

Nathan, the prophet

shows up, and tells a story;

more a parable.

Two men, rich and poor.

Poor man has a much loved lamb;

the rich man takes it.

David is angry.

That rich man deserves to die!

He had no pity!

You’re the man, David!

God’s given you ev’rything,

you have done evil!

You had Uriah

killed, you took his wife as yours.

The Lord has judged you.

The sword will not leave

your house; you have despised me

in your wicked deeds.

From within your house,

strife; your wives will be taken

where all can witness.

You sinned in secret,

but your shame will be exposed

before all the land.

I have sinned! David

declares. Yes, but you won’t die;

God has let it go.

© Ken Rookes 2024

I make you a house

Haiku for building

The Lord gave him rest

from his enemies; David,

at last, dwells in peace.

The Ark of God stays

in a tent, he tells prophet

Nathan. It’s not right.

I shall build a house

as a dwelling place for God.

Do it! says Nathan.

Nathan has a dream.

God says, tell David I have

not asked for a house.

From Egypt travels

to now, I journeyed with my

people in a tent.

You were a shepherd;

I took you from minding sheep

and made you a king.

You shall reign in peace,

Israel shall put down roots;

they shall be secure.

I make you a house.

It shall be great; your offspring

will rule after you.

You will have a son.

I will make his kingdom great;

he will build my house.

© Ken Rookes 2024

Building a house

 

Haiku for a dwelling

David the monarch,

living in peace, thinks to build

a house for the Lord..

Nathan, the prophet,

agrees; goes home, has a dream

causing a rethink.

Nathan tells David,

since I set my poeople free,

I’ve not had a house.

Have I ever asked

Israel’s leaders to build me

a house of cedar?

You were a shepherd;

I took you from the pasture

to rule my people.

I have been with you.

Your ememies are beaten;

I’ll make your name great.

They will dwell in peace,

planted in the place that I

have appointed them.

God makes you a house!

Your kingdom lasts for ever;

your throne is secured.

© Ken Rookes 2023