#was actually capable of quiet but powerful deeds of bravery

[anna-dreamer]

Finwean generational trauma is so real. I imagine, after Maglor and Maedhros kidnapped the twins, there was a clear and brutal understanding that that was not them giving those children a good life; but also, also, with Maglor and Maedhros being prone to the Oath, with their lives and souls tainted and fractured by bloodshed and murder and violence and loss and despair, they'd think there was no chance in the void for them to make something good out of it. Not with the Oath, not with the Doom, not with the way their father was. Their grandfather, due to whatever eldritch horror haunted his childhood in Endorë, felt that he had to have as many children as possible, so that his family would not fail and he wouldn't be left alone and scared in the dark. As a result, their father, abandoned and traumatised and angry, felt that he had to have as many children as possible, so that he would never be abandoned again, alone and scared in the dark. And he made sure of that. He had seven children, and he tied them up with an unbreakable Oath that would sooner destroy all of them than let them give up on him. So many hurts in this family were attempted to be healed with the use of children. And now here are Maglor and Maedhros. Alone and scared in the dark. True, there are two little boys on their hands, yet they have already wronged these boys so deeply. If there is a small chance of salvation or even redemption through them, Maglor and Maedhros would not take it. Besides, it would not work anyway. Refusing to repeat the old pattern is a first step in the right direction, and on itself it wouldn't be enough, but...

But then Eärendil appears in the sky. This is Elrond and Elros' father up there - and at the same time there is Fëanor too, because it's the silmaril that shines, the unobtainable, unreachable, illusory silmaril, like a father Maglor and Maedhros still desperately long for. Oh, but he will not come back. He is as far away as any star in the sky. The twins can't have their father back, and neither can the last two Fëanorians.

And then it hits Maglor. True, his brother and him are Doomed. True, there is probably no happy ending for them two. But it doesn't have to be this way for Elrond and Elros. With whatever strength and will to live and hope that he has left, he will try to do better by them. Maedhros would try to argue, but Maglor would tell him, They did not have Fëanor for a father! And they will not.

He can only hope that his genuine love and care he will give to the twins is just enough for them to turn out better than Maglor and Maedhros did. Maglor and Maedhros took them in. Now they are responsible. They will try. If redemption comes, it's not through acquiring someone to love you, but through loving them as sincerely and selflessly as your broken heart can. And if redemption doesn't come at all, so be it. It was not about redemption anyway. The second step, to consciously break the chain, is made.

Alas, it does not work as well on Maedhros. He doesn't feel this bittersweet bliss. He has fallen too deep into despair. And as soon as Elrond and Elros are gone, it becomes not enough for Maglor to heal either. He has just enough hope left to argue with his brother whether or not to go for silmarils. But all those last years spent alone with Maedhros sucked a lot out of Maglor, and nothing is left, apart from the feverish devotion, Nelyo knows better, Nelyo always knew better, like a dark shadow of Father always knows better, we will follow him and we will die for him if needed... No matter that Maedhros is not in his right mind. Neither was Fëanor. Their father's Oath is intertwined with their love for each other, and it binds them together ever stronger. Maglor would not leave Maedhros. But Maedhros loves his brother too. He might have not been healed by a star, but he is still Nelyo. The big brother. And while he could not break any vicious circles with his life, but with his death, for his last surviving brother, he would try.

It was not enough for Maedhros or Maglor. But it was enough for Elrond and Elros. With them, Finwean generational trauma was healed. The chain was broken. And i firmly believe that, despite their own trauma, both ultimately had healthy and happy families.

And if Maglor is still out there, Elrond will find him. He will finish what Maglor - his father - has started.

[great-redeemer]

The Top 10 Couples in The Bible- Number 8: David and Bathsheba

By now you may have noticed a pattern… So far, most of these couples have been negative examples of love/romantic relationships. It’s important to understand that even the bad things in life can teach us valuable lessons, unpleasant though they may be. The Bible doesn’t walk on eggs shells when discussing the more heavier subjects. It show us the harshness of war. It shows us the wickedness of sexual immorality. And above all else, it doesn’t hide the fact that human beings, even the ones that display admirable qualities, are capable of terrible deeds. Such is the case with the story of David and Bathsheba.

Most of us are familiar with the story. David, the young man who slayed Goliath the giant, is now the king of Israel. One night, while walking around the rooftop of his palace, he spots a beautiful woman taking a bath. However, she’s not just any woman. Her name is Bathsheba, and she just so happens to be the wife of one David’s most loyal soldiers, Uriah the Hittite. This piece of information doesn’t sway David’s opinion though. He’s so incredibly smitten by her, that he sends his servants to bring her over to the palace. That very night he lays with her and impregnates her. Not wanting to be found out, David tries to get Uriah to sleep with Bathsheba. But this proves to be quite difficult, since Uriah’s chivalry and patriotic spirit keep getting in the way. So David ends up doing the unthinkable: he has Uriah be sent to the front of the battle so that he can be killed. Once Uriah is out of the picture, David ends up marrying Bathsheba (read 2 Samuel 11 for the full story).

Before going any further with this story, there are a few things I like to mention. Firstly, while Bathsheba is the most popular woman associated with the king of Israel, David had many ladies, both wives and concubines. But I would say there were exactly 3 women that were the most important in his life. The first one was princess Michal, the daughter of King Saul. Her relationship with David began when they were young. They were wed during the time that Saul wanted to murder David out of jealousy. For fourteen years he was pursued by Saul, and during those fourteen years he was separated from his first wife. They would eventually get back together. But by the time they were reunited, Michal’s love for David had grown cold. She would end up chastising him for worshiping the Lord in a way she felt was dishonoring of a king (read 2 Samuel 6:16-23). The second woman was Abigail, former wife of Nabal. During his time on the run from Saul, David and his men try to find food and shelter. When they asked Nabal for help, he refused and coldly lashed out at David. Abigail was able to make peace with David and gave him a bounty of food in order to ease whatever anger her husband may have brought upon him. David thanked her for her kindness and decided not to harm Nabal. When Abigail confronted her husband about how she saved his life, he became gravely ill. Ten days later he died. Not too long afterwards, David asked Abigail to marry him, to which she agreed.

It’s interesting to point out the differences in each of these relationships, and how they compare with one another. With Michal, it’s very much an example of young love that ends tragically. The Bible makes it clear that she loved David. But time and separation resulted in this relationship to become sour, and she eventually resented him. With Abigail however, it’s a peaceful relationship. She’s a kind, smart, and righteous woman, who quickly wins over David’s heart. Their marriage and romance seems to be the healthiest out of the three. He’s gracious to her, and she’s respectful towards him. So it begs the question: why is Bathsheba the standout of the three?

I think a lot of it has to do with Bathsheba being probably one of the most mysterious women in The Bible. When reading this story, we never get a clear idea of her true character. We haven’t the slightest clue of what she’s feeling or how she’s reacting to all these events. We can only speculate what is going on in her mind. To this day, several scholars, theologians, writers, pastors, etc. can’t quiet determine whether or not Bathsheba was a innocent in this situation, or if she was actually a devious woman who purposely tempted David in adultery. Plus, although David’s wives gave him many children, it was Bathsheba who gave him Solomon. So this woman, who was once the wife of a soldier, became the wife of the king of Israel, and later became the mother of the wisest man to ever live. Her life is filled with so many highs and lows, but with no clear input into who she really is as a person.

I guess when you think about it, Bathsheba’s feelings and thoughts aren’t really the ones we need to know. This is David’s story and therefore his feelings are the only ones we focus on. And it’s sad to think that one of David’s most well known stories is him committing such horrible crimes. This was the young Shepard boy who fought off lions to protect his sheep. He was the one who slayed Goliath and was a champion on the battlefield. He was a singer, a musician, and a poet. He was handsome, strong, and courageous. All of Israel loved him. He was literally the golden child of his people; a clear example of someone chosen by God to do His will, and doing it well. And sure, David wasn’t perfect by all means. He made mistakes and found himself in some heavy predicaments. But for the most part, he was never entirely in the wrong for most of the situations he found himself in. A great example of this is in chapter 2 Samuel 6, when the ark of God is being brought back to Israel. Although David’s intentions were in the right place, the manner in which the ark was brought back was incorrectly handled (read the chapter for more information).

But this time it’s different. David is completely in the wrong in this story. And funny enough, his first mistake isn’t even when he laid eyes on Bathsheba…it’s was when he decided to stay home in the first place. 2 Samuel 11 says, “it happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the people of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.” So according to this opening verse, David wasn’t even supposed to be in his palace. He should’ve been leading his men in battle, setting an example of bravery and confidence. But instead, he’s was at home relaxing. To a certain extent it’s understandable why David would rather rest this time around. We have to consider that his life had become a roller coaster ever since he fought Goliath. He was a teenager at the time, and his journey from being a Shepard boy, to a warrior, to a fugitive, to a king, had been nonstop action. But the once young and vibrant David, had become tired and was presumably around his 40′s. He probably thought he owed himself a rest. But..if he hadn’t been in his palace that night, chances are he never would have seen Bathsheba.

Bathsheba deciding to take a bath outside in the middle of the night has been the topic of controversy. Again, this goes back to her mysterious nature. We can’t be 100 percent sure of what Bathsheba was thinking, but I think there’s enough information in the text to find an explanation. It’s night time, and many of the men in Israel, including her husband, are out fighting. Maybe she thought she could bathe without being noticed by a man. For all she knew, David was out fighting as well. Then again, why risk being seen?  Better to bathe inside if that’s the case. It seems that Bathsheba didn’t think things through, but just kind of did what she wanted to do. This is all speculation of course, but I rather give the lady the benefit of the doubt. And just to set the record straight, I don’t believe David raped Bathsheba. This idea has been considered by some, thinking that David took her by force. But keep in the mind, The Bible has always been very specific when the act of rape occurs (read Genesis 34:1-2, and 2 Samuel 13). Also, rape was (and STILL is) an extremely heinous sin and lead to serious punishments to those who committed it (read Deuteronomy 22:25-27 for more information). If David had violated Bathsheba, then the text would have made it clear that that was the case. 2 Samuel 11:4 says, “then David sent messengers, and took her; and she came to him, and he lay with her, for she was cleansed from her impurity; and she returned to her house”. There’s no sign of resistance from her part, nor a hint that there was a struggle.

But this is a delicate topic and one I think worth examining. And I admit, although I don’t think David raped Bathsheba, it’s clear that he had the upper-hand in the situation. He was the king and he had all the power in the world. We also don’t know what reasons Bathsheba was told as to why she was sent to the palace in the first place. Maybe it had to do something about her husband. And only once she got there did she find out the real motives behind David’s intentions. One could make the argument that she slept with David because she didn’t want to risk his wrath against her (hence showing no sign of resistance). Or, considering the fact that her husband was out fighting, perhaps she felt lonely and wanted some companionship. The reason why I personally picture Bathsheba in a sympathetic light, is because of the story that the prophet Nathan tells to David in 2 Samuel 12.

After the events of chapter 11, many scholars believe that Nathan came to visit David months after Uriah’s death. Certain Psalms, like Psalms 32, 38, and 51, suggest that David went through a period of internal struggle, and had no fellowship with God. Most likely he was suffering from the sin he had committed, but was also in extreme self-denial of what he had done. It took a man of God to open David’s eyes. So Nathan went and told David a story about two men. One was poor and only had a baby lamb. He loved the lamb like it was his own child. But the rich man had everything he ever wanted, including all the sheep he ever needed. One day, when a traveler came to visit the rich man, he decided to take the baby lamb of the poor man, so he could prepare it for a meal. He had no interest in using his own animals, and instead took the beloved sheep from their owner. When David heard this story, he became furious, and declared that the rich man should be punished. But then Nathan made it clear that David was the rich man in the story. His actions were inconsiderate to both Uriah and Bathsheba, and misused his powers as king to get what he wanted. The Lord had given him so much, that if he ever wanted more, all he had to do was ask. Instead, he took another man’s wife and murdered him so that his crimes could be covered up. But God saw it all and knew David needed to confess.

If David is the rich man in the story, then who is the poor man and the baby lamb? Well, in the actual text, the baby lamb is described as a ewe lamb, a young female sheep. Bathsheba is the lamb, beautiful and fragile, who was taken away from the one who loved her. Uriah is the poor man, having lost his wife and eventually his life, all because of David and his sinful desires. Maybe we can never truly know what kind of woman Bathsheba was. But I think it’s fair to say that she wasn’t the devious woman many have portrayed her to be. She was a human being who made a mistake like David, but who was also placed in a situation where she didn’t have much power as well. And when she heard about Uriah’s death, she sincerely mourned for him (2 Samuel 11:26). If she really was a devious person, would she really had wasted her time crying for him? 

Of course with every sin there’s a price to pay. Thankfully, David was able to repent. Not just because it was the right thing to do, but because it allowed him to have a connection with God again. But that still didn’t mean David’s act could go unpunished. Since this analysis has become quite long, it’s best that you read for yourselves the several consequences that came from this sin. Although they may seem harsh, everything that happens to David afterwards is understandable and justifiable. God is merciful to those who seek Him but also just in all that He does. It would’ve been wrong to let David off the hook so easily, especially seeing he was the king of a great nation, and therefore stood as an example of what God expected of the people.

It’s fascinating to wonder what David and Bathsheba’s relationship was like after the whole ordeal. Although lust is what brought them together, were they ever able to surpass that? We know that with his friendship with Jonathan and his marriage to Abigail, that David was capable of genuine love for those he cared for. And since Bathsheba mourned for Uriah, we can safely say that she harbored affection for him. It’s possible that over time she could have affection for David as well. Maybe I’m just optimistic, but I like to think that this relationship grew to be more than just a lustful one. But alas, we shall never know. But regardless of what became of this couples relationship, the events that brought them together must never be seen as right. Unfortunately, adultery is all too familiar in our culture. And sadly, there have been cases in which adulterous relationships lead to murderous actions. But David and Bathsheba’s story isn’t meant for us to imitate. Rather, it’s meant as a cautionary story for those who seek out their sexual and fleshy desires. Although it seems and feels good at first, our sinful actions will come back to haunt us. And if we keep running away, we’ll only dig ourselves in a whole. Eventually we’ll have to face our mistakes and deal with the consequences. Despite it all, God will always be willing to forgive us, as long as we’re willing to humble ourselves and repent.

Stay tune for my number 7 choice for: The Top 10 Couples in The Bible