May 17, 2023

Reading back in 2 Samuel 16 to 18 today.

Chapter 16 –

in this chapter is an account of Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth, getting his inheritance by misrepresentation of him, and by presents to David, 2Sa 16:1-4; and of Shimei’s cursing David as he passed along, which David bore patiently, and would not suffer others to avenge it on him, 2Sa 16:5-14; and of Hushai’s offer of his service to Absalom, who admitted him to be of his privy council, 2Sa 16:15-19; and of the counsel which Ahithophel gave, 2Sa 15:20-23.

Chapter 17 –

I will arise and pursue David tonight: Ahithophel advised a quick, selective attack against David only (I will strike only the king). He advised urgency, doing it all while David was still west of the Jordan River. It is a remarkable evidence of the hand of God and answer to David’s prayer in 2 Samuel 15:31 that Absalom even asked for another opinion after such wise, well-received counsel. he advice of Hushai the Archite is better than the advice of Ahithophel: This was the first time anyone said this – people always favored the advice of Ahithophel. One reason Absalom liked Hushai’s advice was because it appealed to his vanity. “Suicide is often the ultimate action of cowardice. In the case of Saul, and in many similar cases, it is perfectly natural; but let it never be glorified as heroic. It is the last resort of the man who dare not stand up to life.” Shobi…Machir…Barzillai: These otherwise obscure men are given special mention because they helped David in a time of great need. Friends in need are friends indeed.

Chapter 18 –

David numbered the people who were with him, and set captains: David knew just what to do in organizing his army. He set them into three divisions under the leadership of Joab, Abishai and Ittai the Gittite.

I also will surely go out with you: David knew that the commander belonged out in the battle. He didn’t want to repeat his previous mistake of not going to battle when he should have (2 Samuel 11:1).  You shall not go out: The people surrounding David would not allow him to go out to battle with the rest of his army. There were three reasons why they insisted on this:

· His life was more valuable (you are worth ten thousand of us).

· He could bring reserves if needed (you are now more help to us in the city).

· They understood that it would be hard for David to fight against his own son, Absalom.

Whatever seems best to you I will do: David was not stubborn. He knew how to submit to the good advice of others. He did not give up leadership; he practiced good leadership by listening to the wise advice of the people around him. So the people went out into the field of battle against Israel: Those loyal to David fought against Israel, because Israel was not loyal to David. Israel was seduced by Absalom’s charisma and power. The people of Israel were overthrown there before the servants of David: The experienced leadership of David and his captains was probably the main reason for their overwhelming victory.

Absalom only received what he deserved. He was a murderer, a traitor, and a rapist. Joab knew that David was generally indulgent towards his children and would never punish Absalom. “He had seen David’s action toward his sons characterized by lack of discipline. In the highest interests of the kingdom his hand was raised to slay Absalom.”

May 16, 2023

Today and Thursday we will be reading from the book of Psalms. Today we look at chapters 2-3, 12-13, 28, & 55.

Psalm 3 –

David uses the word many to describe the nations that turned against him. Worse than the people being a threat David did not want to lose the guidance of the Lord. Shield was a common term for God’s protection first revealed to Abraham. Loss of sleep is overcome from fear by relating to the Lord. In verse 8 the phrase about salvation is David’s answer to the mockery of verse 2.

Psalm 4 –

This is sometimes referred to as an evening prayer due to the references in verses 4 – 8. Worthlessness and falsehood are Old Testament terms describing idols. The satisfaction we receive from material possessions never comes close to what God can provide for us.

Psalm 12 –

Godly men cease to be Godly when they engage in conversation that is ungodly. Disrespect for authority and self-will lead to excesses and unaccountable behavior resulting in oppression to others. Seven indicates complete or full.

Chapter 13 –

The feeling of being forgotten is expressed in this Psalm. No matter how depressed the beginning of the Psalm is David ends it with a song of praise.

Psalm 28 –

David is asking to be distinguished from those who disregard God and practice evil. The Rock is a symbol of God, emphasizing His protection and shelter. He has heard is most likely a statement of faith, for praise often has the element of faith in it. What David has experienced is available to all people.

Psalm 55 –

The desire to run from problems is a common trait of most people. One of the greatest of hurts is the betrayal of a close spiritual companion. Jesus had such an experience in Mark 14:18-20.  Evil man’s fate is sealed by his animosity toward God and their stubborn refusal to repent.

May 15, 2023

Reading for Monday takes us to 2 Samuel 13 – 15.

2 Samuel 13 –

After Amnon had committed the sin against Tamar, he had stolen her virginity, a terrible curse in Israel but he also rejected her as his wife contrary to the law. David is very angry with Amnon but he does not carry out the law as he should have by putting Amnon to death for hiss in. Incest was punishable by death. A plan is devised to rid themselves of Amnon.

2 Samuel 14 –

David ultimately forgive Absolom for the deed done to kill Amnon.

2 Samuel 15 –

The twofold deceit of Absalom is clear. He stole the hearts of Israel by his professed devotion to them, he deceived David by his professed love for God.

May 14, 2023

Today for Sunday our reading is from the book od Psalms, 32, 51, 86, 122.

Psalm 32 –

“Teach” to “instruct, direct. To point, shoot, aim, throw, cast in a straight manner.” The primary meaning “yawah” is to “shoot straight” or “direct the flow.” The most important Bible word derived from yawah is Torah which means the Law. The Law of Moses is actually the instruction Moses received from God for Israel.

Psalm 51 –

This is Psalm of penitence written by David after he had been confronted of his sin with Bathsheba. God’s Spirit prompts David to live according to truth. The absence of God’s presence is the same as the absence of His Spirit.

Psalm 86 –

The noun for “sign” appears 78 times in the Old Testament. The rainbow (Gen.9:12-17), circumcision (Gen. 17:11), the blood of the Passover Lamb (Ex. 12:13) are visible illustrations of something that cannot be seen, that is, an agreement between God and His people. David prays for a miracle of some sort of signboard his enemies will hear.

Psalm 122 –

Pray is to “ask, inquire, demand, desire, ask, or wish for.” In this Psalm for the sake of God’s people and for the sake of the Lord’s House we are instructed to seek Jerusalem’s good, that is, to inquire earnestly about it’s welfare, to pray for it’s peace, and ask with true concern about its condition.  

May 13, 2023

We read of the story of David and Bathsheba today from 2 Samuel 11 – 12 and the victory over another enemy in 1 Chronicles 20.

Chapter 11 –

The writer tells us the kings normally return to battle after the rainy season of the year. David and Joab want to finish the fight against the Ammonites so he sends the army to Rabbah. But David stays home, a decision contrary to the custom of the day and falls into temptation with Bathsheba.

David begins his scheme after impregnating Bathsheba. He must find a way to hide his sin so he calls for a report of the battle which is brought to him by Uriah the Hittite. David suggests that Uriah spend the night with his beautiful wife but he refuses since his men are in battle, David’s plan is foiled. So he attempts to keep Uriah at home a second night by getting him drunk which also fails. He then sends orders to place Uriah in the forefront of battle knowing he will be killed.

Bathsheba mourns her loss of her husband for possibly seven days and slips into the harem of David. It all looks innocent but the Lord notices. The prophet Nathan is sent by God to confront David of his sin through a parable. After pointing the guilt of David, Nathan announces that David will be punished in the same way as Uriah that violence will strike his family, David is informed that God has forgiven him and will spare his life.

Nathan uses the story of the rich man who steals the poor man’s sheep is just the type of behavior that Samuel warned against in 1 Samuel 8:10-18.

Chapter 12 –

In the years that follow David continues to reap the consequences of his sin with Bathsheba and Uriah starting with the death of Bathsheba’s baby. David fasts for seven days and upon learning of his death he ends his fast and goes into the House of the Lord to worship.

We are back to the siege of Rabbah where David should have been in the first place. Joab insists that after this year long battle that David participate and victory is won with additional loot being taken and the captives put to work as slave labor.

1 Chronicles Chapter 20 –

Verses 1 – 3 bring to end the battle against the Ammonites. David has defeated the Ammonites capital city of Rabbah. The writer here even introduces the fact that David remained in Jerusalem. This chapter includes the exploits of David’s men in overtaking the giants. This account closes the complex story of David’s’ many victories.

May 12, 2023

We are back solely in the book of Psalms for today’s reading Psalms 65 – 67 and 69 – 70.

Psalm 65 –

Psalm 65 exhorts people to praise God. It declares the praise begins in Jerusalem and is proclaimed throughout all creation. God resolves humanities deepest need, forgiving people, drawing them to Him, blessing them. He demonstrates His abundant power using creation to show the world.

Psalm 66 –

All people – friend and foe alike must praise God. God’s greatness overshadows any fears that the psalmist might have about his enemies. The psalmist does not assume God will answer his prayers he just determines to keep the vow he made in times of trouble. God will do as He likes but we are to praise Him.

Psalm 67 –

The psalmist here emphasizes all people should praise God, who rules with uprightness. “Let the people praise you, God, let all the people praise you.” The psalmist focuses on the reason we are to praise God – He is the righteous judge who directs all nations.

Psalm 69 –

The psalm is written with Messianic implications. David unleashes his emotions when facing overwhelming and unjustified attacks. God who knows David’s problems does not respond and David suffers because of his stand for God. He continues sinking no longer able to control his emotions ultimately David spews out against his enemies, calling down God’s unhindered destruction on them. After venting his rage he again seeks God. God cares deeply about the needy.

Psalm 70 –

David uses repetition of both words and ideas to emphasize some key points: (1). Being oppressed and needy” David desperately needs help. (2). His enemies rejoice over having the upper hand over him, (3). God alone can resolve David’s problems, after which he will be able to rejoice in God.

May 10, 202

Our reading today is again from Psalms this time in chapters 50, 53, 60, and 75. These are various Psalms written by Asaph.

Psalm 50 –

Sacrifices showed the worshippers hearts and priorities. In Israel’s case, the sacrifices testified against them.

Psalm 53 –

The biblical meaning of the word fool is one who ignores God. When a person considers God’s existence and the importance of walking in His ways, that person has a laid a foundation for wise living.

Psalm 60 –

David prays for a reprieve from some type of hardship that God has placed on His people when He was angry with them (60:1). From His sanctuary the tabernacle He answers. All the land is his, He gives it to whomever He chooses. David acknowledges that both victory and defeat come from the hand of God so he against asks God for help against their foes.

Psalm 75 –

The Lord is in control, even when it seems as though everything is falling to pieces. God is the great Judge-Ruler who will not permit wickedness, evil powers, or the arrogant to undermine His foundations. The wrath of God is pictured as a full cup of wine in several places in scripture. The wicked are forced to drink God’s wrath once He no longer waits for His people to repent.

May 9, 2023

We are sharing reading time today between 2 Samuel eight and nine along with 1 Chronicles 18. As you read this think about this: Saul chased David for fifteen years why would David seek out a relative of Saul to be kind to?

2 Samuel 8 –

David secured many battle victories in his career as he administered judgment and justice. Moab was a territory where David spent much of his time in Moab, his great grandmother Ruth was a Moabitess. The people of Moab were born of an incestuous relationship Lot had with his oldest daughter.

We have no known reason for David cutting the hamstrung of the horses he was maybe trying to follow the command to not acquire horses or simply preventing them from war with him. Solomon gave the gold and silver from David for the building of the temple.

Chapter 9 –

David remembered his promise to Jonathan and sought out any family member who was still alive and he found Mephibosheth a member of Saul’s family. You can read more of Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 16:1-4 and 19:24-30. David was extending kindness to him who had been crippled and in need of mercy. In doing what he did David showed the kindness of God along with mercy and grace.

1 Chronicles 18 –

The people of Israel had a troubled past with the Moabites, although the nation did protect David’s parents during the reign of Saul. More can be read about Moab in 2 Samuel 2: 1, 2. The defeat of Hadadezer king of Zobah fulfilled the promise of God to Abraham that he would rule over the north as far as the Euphrates. David made it a practice to honor God with the spoils of war that he took of both silver and gold.

Because the tabernacle and the ark was separated, God assigned one priest to each location.