King
Solomon’s dire prophetic statements appear to be accurate in history in regards
to the outcome of war and peace as evidenced by the present state of world
affairs. Here, at ground
level, everything is pretty much the same generation after generation in
regards to war and crime. “Nothing is new under the sun. For what will
the man do who is to come after the King? What men have already done.”
(Ecclesiastes1:9, 2:12)
The reasons
for war have varied over history. Supposedly 1723 wars were political reasons
and 123 were the result of religious differences. Perhaps Generals that have
personally engaged in the reality of actual warfare would make wiser political
decisions to prevent war than politicians with law degrees or social and
religious backgrounds. Regardless, as history has proven, until all
political, religious and military leaders agree and enforce a united effort to
resolve differences without engaging in warfare, the dire prophetic elements of
King Solomon’s Ecclesiastes statements will continue to occur.
Compare
today’s world state of affairs to what I surmised King Solomon’s General
Banaias may have stated in a gathering of Solomon’s Governors 3000 years ago
about his similar war experiences and his views as a peacemaker in regards to
crime in the following novel excerpt.
“I have given much thought about the ideas
Solomon and Adoniram have presented you. I have spent the greatest part of my life
fighting enemies, both man and beast. I have fought with David against the
Philistines, and wars in the lands of Moab, Edom, Ammon, Zobah, Damascus,
Hamath, and all whom conspired against David. This much I know. We are at peace
now, but we will not remain so if we let our defenses become weak. Even if no
army attacks us, different types of enemies will appear. We have been listening
to ideas about trade. Traders will need protection from bandits to transport
goods across our land.”
The gathering murmured in agreement, their
attention now more visible as Banaias continued.
“I am two score years older than Solomon and
we both agree that there are consequences of a peace without prosperity. Hungry
people will become thieves. The strong and wicked will rob and murder the weak.
The old as well as our women and children will fear to walk down a road even
for water. If we ignore actions of thieves, their numbers will increase. In
time they will unite to become a powerful force as they prosper by intimidating
and demanding tribute from the weak and defenseless.”
Banaias continued his presentation in a
forcible tone of voice.
“We will need righteous peacemakers to keep
lawful order and protect both rich and poor. The peacemakers will need brave
and just judges to help enforce laws to punish evil acts. If the judges are
wicked and devoid of insight for justice, the peacemakers will become
disheartened. Wicked men will create greater disorder by convincing the poor
and needy to join with them because there is no justice for them, only justice
for the wealthy.” A righteous man is
concerned that the poor get justice but a wicked man is devoid of insight.
(Proverb 29:7)
As Banaias continued, my thoughts began to
wander about him. He had fought alongside my father to become the most renowned
of the thirty valiant men who defeated an entire troop of Philistines. His size
and strength were legendary. At Cabseel, he single-handedly slew two lions in
the snow that had terrorized the people of Moab. He also fought a giant
Egyptian warrior with only a rod he used to take away the Egyptian’s spear,
which he then used to slay him. David appointed Banaias to be a part of his
counsel and promoted him as General of all the armies. David identified Banaias
as one I could trust.
Source:
As A Lily Among Thorns – A Story of King Solomon,
the Queen of Sheba, and the Goddess of Wisdom by Rudy U Martinka
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