2 Samuel 2:18 Now the three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab and Abishai and Asahel. NKJV
Of Big Girl’s Blouses and Warrior Houses
Joab and Abishai and Asahel were of course the three sons of Zeruiah, one of the two half sister’s of David and thus his three half nephews. Heroes of David they were! Close of kin and so close companions of King David they were as well and quite frankly, they were also a right pain in the rear to boot!Zeruiah was of course the older half sister of David, his mother most probably having been married before and on becoming a widow, then marrying David’s father Jesse. You see, composite families are not new!
What is evident from the Biblical record is that Zeruiah’s natural father, Nahash, is mentioned but once and that is in relation to him being the father of her sister Abigail. Zeruiah’s husband’s name is actually never mentioned in the Scriptures at all! And her three remarkable sons are always referred to as the son’s of Zeruiah. I think it a right conjecture then, to surmise that Zeruiah was a strong, capable, tenacious, heroic and pushy individual! She had to be really, and oh may I remind you that she was also David’s big sister and may I tell you, she was no ‘big girl's blouse!’
Interestingly I think, Zeruiah’s name means 'wounded', or ‘squeezed of the Lord,’ and is related to being cracked under pressure. Not a cracking that produces madness mind you, but rather a distilled squeezed out balsamed preciousness. A sweet-smelling savour if you will. Now, we do not know just what this squeezing pressure might have been, a physical deformity maybe, a prophetic name indicative of various life crisis' maybe? But what we do know is that she was a very strong and influential woman, especially as she raised three very competitive, hard, dedicated, and somewhat over-zealous warrior generals! Yes indeed, neither Zeruaih nor her sons could be classed as just 'big girl's blouses'. Oh and did I mention that she was David’s big sister?
There are two things I would like to say to you warrior women tonight:Firstly, that it is possible to take your cracked and broken lives to God and have Him squeeze out a very special inheritance for you, your family and your nation. Yes, it is possible for you to raise up Generals!
Secondly, that you big sisters can have a great influence over your younger brothers, for I wonder if this particular big sister not only set a brave example for David the shepherd boy but on occasion, gave him a good old thump on his arm whilst telling him to ‘stop whining and man up?’ I wonder? For I tell you, this Zeruiah was no 'big girl's blouse' and neither were her sons.
How about you sister? Are you manning up? How about your sons momma? Are they winners or whiners ? Wise up girls! You have more influence over young boys than you can ever imagine. So, oh my goodness you mothers and big sisters all, in all your prayings, actions and leadings, do make sure that you are producing Kings and Generals and not pansies and drivelling dressmakers.
Listen: - Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the army; 1 Chronicles 18:15 NKJV
Pray:- Lord, rightly shape our mothers, that they may rightly shape their children and grant us shaping sisters to boot, in Jesus name I pray, amen!
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