The Two Wolves and the Lamb—A Biblical Reflection on Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia.
Dr. Tamara Tilleman
Scientist | Surgeon | Researcher of Human Potential and Serendipity | Innovation Professor | Creator of the Tilleman Question? |
?????Pulse of America????? Part #19 - Democracy is Two Wolves and a Lamb Voting on What’s for Dinner
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Nathan’s Parable and the Modern Struggle of Ukraine
2 Samuel 12:1?– The biblical story of Nathan’s Parable in?2 Samuel 12:1–4?tells of a rich man who, despite having abundant resources, seizes the one and only lamb of a poor man to serve his guests. The prophet Nathan uses this story to confront King David about his wrongdoing, exposing the?moral hypocrisy of the powerful exploiting the weak. This parable has echoed throughout history, and today,?Ukraine finds itself in the same tragic position—a modern-day “poor man” being forced to sacrifice its only "lamb" to appease the powerful.
"But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter." (2 Samuel 12:3)
This verse perfectly encapsulates?Ukraine’s predicament—a nation desperately trying to survive, only to have its remaining wealth?seized under the pretext of foreign aid and protection.
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The U.S., Ukraine, and the Wolves at the Door
Today,?Ukraine stands in a moment of profound vulnerability. It has endured?war, displacement, and suffering, and now finds itself at a crossroads—not just?militarily, but economically and geopolitically. As Ukraine navigates its future, two great powers stand on either side:?Russia, with its territorial ambitions, and the United States, with its economic and strategic interests.
The recent?agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine over critical minerals, oil, and gas?reflects this complex reality. While the?partnership offers economic potential, concerns arise about whether Ukraine, in its fragile state,?will be able to negotiate from a position of strength. This moment calls for?deep wisdom, patience, and fairness—values found at the heart of biblical teachings.
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A Biblical Perspective: The Lamb Among the Wolves
There is an old saying:?“Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what’s for dinner.”?While humorous, it carries a deeper truth about power struggles. The Bible warns us of such imbalances:
“Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and to those who constantly record harmful decisions, so as to deprive the needy of justice and rob the poor among My people of their rights.” (Isaiah 10:1-2)
This verse is not a condemnation but a?gentle reminder?that?in times of great transition, justice must be central. Agreements made during war must?not only be strategic but also just—ensuring that Ukraine remains a sovereign nation,?not just in name but in its economic future as well.
The United States has long been a?beacon of opportunity, innovation, and resilience, and it has a role to play in ensuring that Ukraine emerges from this war?with dignity, not just as a supplier of resources. The true test of America’s leadership?is not only in securing strategic advantages but in upholding fairness, fostering long-term stability, and ensuring that a partner in crisis does not become a debtor for generations to come.
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Why Does the U.S. Need Ukraine?
The relationship between the U.S. and Ukraine is about more than just minerals. It is about:
These are?noble reasons to be involved, but the challenge is?to act in a way that builds, rather than exploits. The United States?does not need to “take” from Ukraine—it can?invest in Ukraine in a way that helps both nations flourish.
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Jacob and Esau: A Cautionary Tale
In?Genesis 25,?Esau, hungry and weary, sells his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew. Only later does he realize?what he has lost.
“Behold, I am at the point of death: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?” (Genesis 25:32)
Ukraine,?exhausted by war, finds itself?tempted by deals that promise relief but could compromise its long-term sovereignty. The role of a?strong ally like the United States?is to?ensure that such deals are not a moment of desperation, but a step toward a sustainable, prosperous future.
In the Book of Proverbs, we find a?profound truth about the nature of power and responsibility:
“The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” (Proverbs 22:7)
This verse is not an accusation but a?timeless observation—one that speaks to the nature of?power dynamics in nations just as much as it does in individuals. It reminds us that when one side holds the resources, and another holds the need,?balance is delicate, and wisdom is required to ensure that righteousness prevails.
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The Story of Joseph: A Model for Leadership in Times of Crisis
Joseph, entrusted with managing Egypt’s resources during famine, provides a?contrast to exploitative power. Instead of taking advantage of others’ desperation, Joseph?wisely stored resources and distributed them fairly.
"Let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt." (Genesis 41:33)
The?U.S. can follow this example—by ensuring?Ukraine’s economic survival without entangling it in a cycle of dependency.
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A Call to Lead with Justice and Wisdom
The Bible is not against?trade, partnerships, or wise alliances. But it does warn us against?opportunism at the expense of the vulnerable:
“A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight.” (Proverbs 11:1)
This is?America’s moment to lead with integrity—not just as a?global superpower, but as a?nation that has always prided itself on justice, fairness, and moral leadership. The world is watching. How this moment is handled will shape?not only Ukraine’s future but America’s legacy.
Will history remember this as?a moment of fair partnership or a moment of opportunism? The answer lies in the choices made today. And as Proverbs reminds us:
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)
?? May?wisdom, justice, and righteousness?guide the path forward. ??