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

Bringing it back

Haiku for a procession

The amazing Ark,

repository of God’s

amazing presence.

Thirty thousand men

in a splendid procession

to Jerusalem.

The cart is special,

purpose-built, to bear it from

Abinidab’s house.

David was dancing

before the Lord, along with

all of Israel.

They danced with cymbals,

tambourines, lyres, castanets,

harps and much singing.

Dancing before God,

wild and furious, wearing

a linen ephod.

From Obed-edom

to Jerusalem, with the

sound of the trumpet.

Wife, Michal, watched as

David leapt and danced. She was

very unimpressed.

The Ark is installed

in its special tent; many

offerings are made.

In the name of God

David gives a blessing; and

food for the party.

© Ken Rookes 2024 

Unification

Haiku for a kingdom

David reigned as king

of Judah, there in Hebron;

ruled for seven years.

With King Saul’s demise,

and his sons', David is left

as the most likely.

Israel’s leaders

approach David at Hebron:

We are family!

While Saul was our king

it was really you who led

us into battle.

The time has arrived

when God’s promise is fulfilled.

You shall be our king.

You’ll be a shepherd,

watching over my people,

ruling Israel.

They made covenant,

David, the elders, before

the Lord, at Hebron.

They anointed him

to rule them, to reign as king

over Israel.

Reigning in Judah

seven years, thirty-three more

over Israel.

From Jerusalem,

renamed City of David,

he ruled Israel.

Blessed by God, David

became greater and greater.

The Lord was with him.

© Ken Rookes 2024

Tell it not in Gath

Haiku of lament

King Saul and three sons

lie slain on the battlefield;

David’s grief-stricken.

He leads the lament

for Saul and for Jonathan;

the mighty, fallen.

Tell it not in Gath!

Let’s not give our enemies

cause to celebrate.

Let the land languish,

forgotten by rain and dew,

let it mourn with us.

Saul and Jonathan,

much loved, united in death

as they were in life.

Swifter than eagles,

stronger than lions; weep loud,

Israel’s daughters.

My heart aches for you,

my brother; your love to me

passed that of women!

© Ken Rookes 2024

Legendary Tales

Haiku for rivals

Legendary tales

of wars, battles and giants,

and a boy hero.

King Saul honours and

promotes him. The boy succeeds

in all of his tasks.

David plays music

to soothe the erratic king;

doesn’t always work.

God was with David,

no longer favouring Saul.

Saul did what he could.

Army commander

David is sent off to fight,

returns in triumph.

The Lord was with him

and the people loved David;

they will follow him.

Saul has good reason

to fear. David has emerged

as a real rival.

© Ken Rookes 2024

Take your oil and anoint him

Haiku of choosing

Saul disobeyed God,

so the ancient story goes;

limits the slaughter.

This ancient notion

of a ruthless God, disturbs;

leads us to question.

. . .

Saul was rejected.

God told Samuel, the Judge,

to choose a new king.

Fill your horn with oil,

go to the house of Jesse;

it’s at Bethlehem.

One of Jesse’s sons

is destined to be made king.

I have chosen him.

If Saul hears of it

I’m dead meat! Take a heifer;

make a sacrifice.

The elders come out

from Bethlehem. They’re trembling.

Have you come in peace?

I make sacrifice

to God. Come, join me. You too,

Jesse; and your sons.

The first, Eliab,

came before him. Surely he

is God’s anointed!

But no; for God looks

not upon a man’s stature,

but upon his heart.

In all, seven sons

are brought before Samuel.

Is there another?

The youngest, David,

is with the sheep. Send for him,

we’ll wait ‘til he comes.

The lad was ruddy.

Take your oil and anoint him;

he’s the one, says God.

© Ken Rookes 2024

Give us a king!

 Haiku of rejection

Sons bringing disgrace

upon families; Eli,

and now Samuel.

Samuel, you’re old

and your sons don’t follow God;

now give us a king!

Samuel’s annoyed;

they want a king to rule them

like other nations.

The ageing judge prays.

God answers him, It’s not you;

they’ve rejected me..

From the very start

they rejected me as king;

after all I did!

Listen to their voice,

but warn them what kings are like;

let it be on them.

You want a king? Fine!

He’ll take your sons for soldiers;

and much more as well!

They weren’t listening.

Give us a king to lead us

out into battle!

© Ken Rookes 2024