The Martyr’s Path

    Shamshun ibn Manuh grew up in the dust and rubble of Gaza – can we be surprised at the manner of his death?

    Born among a conquered people, he’d seen his neighbors, friends, and family murdered by the enemy, shot in the street, and imprisoned and tortured without cause. Like most of his peers, he was forever unemployed. What little work available was denied to members of his community. Like everyone he knew, he’d been harassed and detained by soldiers of the occupying army at the military checkpoints on every corner.

    Shamshun ibn Manuh grew up feeling guilty and ashamed – for his impotence, his humiliation, his very survival when so many others had been killed. He grew up a bitter young man without opportunity, without resources, without hope. Blood called to him. Violence excited him. Revenge seduced him. His anger was legendary.

    So, can we be surprised that when the opportunity came for him to take the martyr’s path toward heaven, Shamshun didn’t hesitate? He brought down the building killing a great many of the infidels, even as he died himself.

    Our ministers laud him as a martyr of the faith. Our children are taught to emulate him.

Judges 16:29-30