A Biblical Look into Eclipse: The Boys Are Back in Town

As we return to Forks in the beginning of Eclipse, we see that Bella is reaping some serious consequences for her actions in Italy and thereafter. Charlie has grounded her for life. Jacob will not speak to Bella. And Edward has become a little overprotective. Well, that may be an understatement. Edward has almost gone wild in trying to protect Bella from the wolf pack. We see a few glimpses of Edward's guilt, as he shares his disdain about Bella having to turn to anyone but him after he left. Yet Edward continues to overstep his bounds in the first pages of Eclipse. The following is an exchange between Bella and Edward after Edward tells Charlie that they are going to Florida to see Renee.

I turned to glower at him. 'Yes. I think I'd like to speak to you alone.'

He didn't look as apprehensive as I thought he should.

I waited to begin until we were safely in his car.

'What was that?' I demanded.

'I know you want to see your mother, Bella - you've been talking about her in your sleep. Worrying actually.'

'I have?'

He nodded. 'But, clearly, you were too much of a coward to deal with Charlie, so I interceded on your behalf.'

Excerpt taken from Eclipse, p. 56

I don't know about you, but that comment by Edward about being a coward just burned me. I guess that is my teenage heart bearing itself. Edward seems to be towing a fine line between overprotective and controlling. Even Jacob kids her about teenage girls being involved with controlling and abusive boys. But is Edward overstepping the boundaries in this scenario?

Everybody has an opinion, but I think we lose the overall vision of the relationship because we are only hearing Bella's side of the story. She is being a true teenager in Eclipse, which means her focus is primarily on herself. We certainly have a choice in how we respond to the opposite sex. Sometimes we can be silent. Sometimes we can be manipulating. And sometimes we can be wise. (I like the wise option.)

A wise lady in the Bible had to deal with a controlling husband. Her name was Abigail, and her story is found in 2 Samuel 25. Abigail was married to a wealthy man named Nabal. The Bible describes Nabal as "mean and dishonest," yet his wife Abigail seems very different. She is described as "sensible and beautiful." Abigail finds herself in quite a predicament from her husband's controlling actions. A visiting hero, David, has asked for some food during his travels. Nabal has declined the request, and David has rounded up his army for an attack on Nabal. But Abigail steps into the middle of the heated event.

Read 2 Samuel 25:23-31. What does Abigail say to David?

Abigail accepts the responsibility for her husband and even extends blessings to David.

Read 2 Samuel 25:32-35. How does David respond to Abigail's sincerity?

Because of her quick thinking and strength, Abigail saved her own life and those in her household. While Bella's insecurities seem to override her sensibility in Eclipse, I can't help but see some of Abigail's strength in Bella. Both women rose to the occasion and were willing to give their own lives for the ones they loved - people that we might think are questionable characters. It's amazing what love will do.

Read 2 Samuel 25:36-42. How does the story end for Abigail?