Things are falling apart. The Israelite and Judean kings are both trying to make deals with Assyria, but none of these deals save them from the next demand from the invading army. Stand your ground, when bowing down is not an option.
At one point, Israel has turned on Judah and is about to carry off 200,000 Judeans as captives, when a prophet stands up for righteousness.
But a prophet of the Lord named Oded was there, and he went out to meet the army when it returned to Samaria. He said to them, “Because the Lord, the God of your ancestors, was angry with Judah, he gave them into your hand. But you have slaughtered them in a rage that reaches to heaven. 10 And now you intend to make the men and women of Judah and Jerusalem your slaves. But aren’t you also guilty of sins against the Lord your God? 11 Now listen to me! Send back your fellow Israelites you have taken as prisoners, for the Lord’s fierce anger rests on you.”
. . .
14 So the soldiers gave up the prisoners and plunder in the presence of the officials and all the assembly. 15 The men designated by name took the prisoners, and from the plunder they clothed all who were naked. They provided them with clothes and sandals, food and drink, and healing balm.
Odeb didn’t stop the invasion. He didn’t save the nation, but he saved those people. He did it by appealing to their common values, and their common faith.
Are there common values among Americans that could open the eyes of those who supported Donald Trump to see what they are doing to the sick and the poor and the refugee and the prisoner?