Day 167, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): 1Kings 20; Psalm 104; Psalm 114, 115
Dealing With Bullies
Most of us are familiar with bullying. In elementary school, a mean boy might threaten children into giving him their milk or lunch money. Now children and teens intimidate and threaten others on social media. In the adult world, bullying can come in the form of threats, blackmail, and even extortion. Why do people bully others? What can we do about it?
Yesterday, we learned how God used a contest between the prophets of Baal and Elijah, the prophet of the LORD. The competition demonstrated that the LORD is the one, true God.
In today’s Bible reading, we discover that the LORD gave his disobedient people another opportunity to see that he was the one true God. The way the LORD was going to show them and their enemies he is Sovereign was by defeating King Ben-Hadad of Aram (or Damascus), a bully.
Why do some people bully others?
Some mean individuals bully others because they believe they have the power to get what they want by intimidating their subjects. Bullies usually pick on people they perceive to be weak. The King of Aram, who ruled a kingdom north of Israel, extorted treasures from Israel because he believed she could not defend herself. She only had 7,000 soldiers.
Now Ben-Hadad king of Aram mustered his entire army. Accompanied by thirty-two kings with their horses and chariots, he went up and besieged Samaria and attacked it. He sent messengers into the city to Ahab king of Israel, saying,“This is what Ben-Hadad says: ‘Your silver and gold are mine, and the best of your wives and children are mine.’ The king of Israel answered, ‘Just as you say, my lord the king. I and all I have are yours.’”The messengers came again and said, “This is what Ben-Hadad says: ‘I sent to demand your silver and gold, your wives and your children. But about this time tomorrow I am going to send my officials to search your palace and the houses of your officials. They will seize everything you value and carry it away.’”(1Kings 20:1-6, NIV).King Ahab agreed to the first demand of Ben-Hadad because he believed he must, but now Ben-Hadad was confident he could get even more from him. Should Ahab give in? The elders of Israel were right in saying no.
To give in to a bully invites more trouble because he is enabled to ask for more —he will not be appeased.
Later in history, the Apostle Paul instructed Christians in Rome, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18, NIV).
But there comes a time when the bully is taking advantage of us. Then, what should we do? Should we continue to cower under him? Should we fight him as Israel does? Israel fights in self-defense.
Paul continues, “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19, NIV).
What is the answer to bullying?
First, we should make our appeal to God—he is the keeper of our souls. “‘Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,’ says the LORD.” “‘I will protect them from those who malign them’” (Psalm12:5, NIV). God defends his people. Do we want God to protect us? Then we must become part of his family (more…)
Second, we can slow or put a stop to bullying by appealing to governing authorities. God has given governments the power to exercise justice, so we should tell them if one of us or someone we know is being bullied or threatened (Romans 13:1-5). Instead of a miraculous intervention like Israel experienced, the LORD may choose to work through governing authorities. Children should report bullying to their parents and teachers. Adults should report those who threaten us to the police.
God himself intervened in Israel’s defense. Although the nation of Israel was wicked, he still helped her. Why? Israel was an obstinate nation. She persisted in idol worship, but God was going to give her another chance to see who the true God is and turn to him from her evil ways. (1Kings 20:13, NIV)
Ben-Hadad thought Israel was weak, but he did not know the power of the living God when he chooses to defend his people. Twice, God helped the small force of Israel gain significant victories against the King of Aram because he maligned the name of the LORD, thinking him as merely the god of a specific place.
A mere force of 7,000 Israelite men defeated well over 100,000 men from Aram. And, as the enemy was escaping to the city of Aphek, the city wall collapsed on 27,000 more of their troops. God was with Israel helping her and preserving his reputation.
Was King Ahab thankful to God? Not that we know of. Strangely, after defeating Ben-Hadad’s troops, he made a treaty with Ben-Hadad to fight against a common enemy, and then let him go.
However, God wanted a complete victory. He did not wish Ahab to ally Israel with another pagan nation. The prophet declared to the king,
“This is what the LORD says: ‘You have set free a man I had determined should die. Therefore it is your life for his life, your people for his people.’”
Sullen and angry, the king of Israel went to his palace in Samaria (1Kings 20:42-43, NIV).
What should have been a great victory that day turned sour because the king of Israel was foolish.
Complete victory over bullies
Do we want complete victory over bullies? Then we must let God bring full justice and not interrupt it. However, when God punishes a bully, we must live in the fear of God, and not rejoice over our tormentor’s suffering. Proverbs 24:17 says, “Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him” (NIV).
Conclusion
The LORD can provide our defense against bullies. We can appeal to him and governing authorities, and let him bring full justice. Then we will know the LORD is the true and only God who can save us.
Are any of us still rebellious? God loves us and is very patient. He may give us additional chances to turn to him from our disobedience and evil ways. We need to pay attention, however, so we are not punished for continuing in our sins.
Discussion
Why do people bully others?
What is the answer to bullying?
How do we have complete victory over bullies?
Focus Verse
Psalm 12:5, NIV “‘Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,’ says the LORD.” “‘I will protect them from those who malign them.’”
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Please send your comments to me, Rod (the author)
Looking Ahead: How can we avoid being deceived and Misguided? Find out in our Next Lesson.
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