COMMENTARY

Old Testament: 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
David becomes king of all Israel. For 71/2 years he ruled the southern tribes from Hebron. Then leaders of the northern tribes came to Hebron and made him king of all Israel. At the time he was 30 years old, and ruled Israel and Judah for 33 years. This was in accord with the Lord's will that David should be the shepherd-ruler over the entire country.

Epistle: 2 Corinthians 12:2-10
Paul is fed up with his opponents who cast doubt on his apostleship and boast about their work and religious experience. This pericope is a part of the "terrible letter" (10-13) in which Paul makes a heated defense of his apostleship. If his opponents can boast of their accomplishments, he can, too. This passage is part of his boasting. Paul claims he, too, has h…