April 18, 2023

In case you are seeing this for the first time we are reading through the Bible in a year and I am adding notes for you to consider as you join us.

Today we are back in the Psalms reading from 17, 35, 54, and 63. As we read these think about two things: David is not afraid to reason with God when he wants something, secondly are we the same way? We know when we pray and ask God for something he will not give us anything that would be a detriment to us. He wants us to seek Him and ask Him for things in our life.

Chapter 17 –

David petitions God to hear and respond to his prayer for vindication, for his lips were free of deceit, he had no unaddressed sin in his life. He is confident no bit of sin can keep God from answering his prayer.

He desires to reveal his faithful love to Him and show Himself to be the true savior of all who seek Him. David is confident in God although the wicked continue to reap benefits in the world.

Chapter 35 –

Oppose my opponents…fight those who fight me. David’s prayer is one of intervention against his enemies. He hopes they will be caught in the very net that they hid from him. He laments over those who repay his kindness toward them with evil. He urges God to prevent the triumph of his foes who hated him without cause.

You saw it, Lord…do not be silent. David calls on Him to be his vindicator which he expects from God. We should follow this example then give the Lord praise for His salvation.

Chapter 54 –

This psalm is about the time David was hiding in the Judean wilderness of Ziph. He pleads for deliverance from the Ziphites who had found him and reported it to Saul. He pleads for his deliverance from strangers and violent men who sought to kill him without provocation.  David expresses confidence that the Lord is his helper and the source of his life who will guide him. He concludes this Psalm by affirming his commitment to praise his God who recued [him] from every trouble, he truly knew the goodness of God.

Chapter 63 –

His experience in the dry, desolate wilderness without water prompts David to consider his thirst. That is the thirst of his soul. Although he is in the wilderness he finds satisfaction for his soul through joy, comfort, and praising his Lord. Better than life is the faithful love of God who cares for those who fear Him.

David has disciplined himself to meditate on the Lord rather than his problems. He knows God is his helper at all times. Although he is hunted and chased from his throne, he knows his enemies will be defeated. A good message for us today.

April 17, 2023

From chapters 25 through 27 we see three primary highlights: David marries Abigail, he once again spars the life of Saul and well among of people the Philistines for 16 months.

 Chapter 25 –

Samuel dies and Israel is in lament over his death. He anointed Saul as the fist king, now he is gone. David goes to Maon where Nabal lives but he is a harsh man. However Nabal has a beautiful wife who is intelligent. Nabal refuses to feed the men of David so he decides he is going to slaughter Nabal for his actions. Abigail his wife intercedes brings David a large offering of provisions for his men. As far as David was concerned, she was worth her weight in gold.

Her discernment saves her household but Nabal ultimately dies as result of a stroke of heart attack as his heart turns to stone. When David heard of Nabal’s death he took Abigail as his wife who also had another wife. Polygamy is never the choice of God and David and his family would suffer from these relationships in the future that would bring much grief.

Chapter 26 –

Despite his earlier repentance Saul sought to kill David once again but David finds him and approaches his camp by night. He finds Saul and got so close to them that he could see the place where Saul and Abner…the commander of his army, were lying down. David got the idea to sneak up on them and Abishai goes with him. Rather than kill him he takes his sword and water jug, Saul once again is humiliated by David. Saul promises to not pursue David anymore but David has heard that line before. David goes on his way Saul returns home. There is no further commentary on any additional pursuits of Saul but we will see Saul does not turn back to the Lord.

Chapter 27 –

Saul was convinced he was not safe from Saul so he goes and dwells with the Philistines. David made Ziklag his home and carried out raids from that location over the next sixteen months. This included his bitter foe the Amalekites. David made sure no one survived these raids killing everyone and taking their cattle and livestock.

April 16, 2023

We begin our week in the book of Psalms reading from chapters 56, 120, and 140 to 142.

Chapter 56 –

According to this Psalm David wrote it when the Philistines seized him in Gath when he was fleeing Saul. David calls on God to be gracious in light of his adversaries who trample (him) all day. When I am afraid, I will trust you…What can mere mortals do to me? David was confident God knew all about the emotional turmoil he was facing, God is always aware of our suffering. He again expresses praise and trust in God.

Chapter 120 –

The psalmist pleads with God to rescue him from those who sought to destroy him with their lying and deceit. God’s judgement would be like a warrior’s sharp arrows with burning charcoal.

Chapter 140 –

David appeals to God to protect him from evil men who are stirring up trouble for him. No matter what the wicked did to David he continually declares his trust in the strong Savior. He knew God was his shield…on the day of battle. He asks the plans of the evildoers to have their plans backfire on them. God will intervene in the case of the downtrodden.

Chapter 141 –

David petitions with urgency and desperation asking God to hurry to his aid. He prayed and did not consider this anything more than an act of worship. He did not want to be lured into sin by the delicacies of the wicked. David welcomes the rebuke of the wicked he hoped God would judge the wicked in light of how they treated people. He asks that God would protect him from death and let his enemies fall into their own nets.

Chapter 142 –

He declares in this Psalm his need for God in the midst of desperate circumstances. Whether David was actually alone he felt alone. No one stands up for me…no one cares about me. He needed the refuge only God could provide. He pleads with God because he is weak and his enemies are strong. He asks God to free him from the prison of his circumstances.

April 15, 2023

For Saturday we read five Psalms of David they are 5, 27, 31, 34, and 52.

Psalm 7 –

David prays that God will deliver him from his pursuers. He was willing to be chastised for what he did wrong. David affirms that God does not only judge human actions but also examines the thoughts and emotions. God is ready like a warrior to judge anyone who does not repent. He then thanks God for doing what is right because He is righteous.

Psalm 27 –

David affirms the Lord as the source of his confidence. He says I have asked one thing of the Lord to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. He appeals to God to be gracious he wants nothing more than to seek the face of God. Wait for the Lord be strong and let your heart be courageous.

Psalm 31 –

David appeals to God for deliverance from oppression. He describes God as his rock of refuge and a mountain fortress. He expresses his hatred for the worship of worthless idols. In spite of his desperate circumstances, David trusts the God will rescue him. He knew every aspect of his life was in God’s hands. David tells the rest of his fellow worshippers to love God, be strong and courageous, and put their hope in Him.

Psalm 34 –

David vows to praise the Lord – not only when things are well – but at all times. David reveals that he sought God in the midst of his trials and God delivered him. And God had saved him. He extends an invitation to taste and see that the Lord is good. The righteous have many adversities. In fact, you haven’t seen trouble until you become a Christian. But through it all He protects His people. He concludes Psalm 34 with these words “Those who hate the righteous will be punished.”

Psalm 52 –

This Psalm was written after Doeg reported that he had found David who was helped by the priest Ahimelech who Saul had murdered. David contrasts Doeg whose behavior is wicked with that of God who demonstrates faithful love. David is certain that God will judge the wicked, including Doeg with eternal damnation. Not only will God execute justice against the wicked, but He will also vindicate the righteous. In light of God’s faithful love David offers praise.

April 14, 2023

A question to consider as we read from 1 Samuel 21 – 24. How can we spend time waiting for God’s deliverance?

Chapter 21 –

David’s deceit causes the death of the priests of Ahimelech and other priests. Scripture records both good and bad of the heroes of the faith. David wrote Psalm 34 and 56 in response to the incident recorded in 21:10 – 22:2.

We see here a man after God’s own heart trying to act like a mad man trying to work his way out of trouble. Finding a place to hide in a foreign country is not easy so David goes to where he knows Saul will not find him. He goes to hometown of Goliath hoping no one would recognize him but they do. They refer to him as “king of the land.” Reminding his enemies David is still the true king.

Chapter 22 –

After his narrow escape he travels about twelve miles to the cave of Abdullam. His location is reported to his family and others who are fearful of Saul. About four hundred malcontents join him and are molded into effective fighters. Since Saul had most likely done something to his family members he asks the king of Moab if his family can stay there.  Saul is worried about a conspiracy because of the number of followers David has garnered.

Doeg the Edomite, Saul’s shepherd reports that he has seen David who received help from Ahimelech who Saul now accuses of being a traitor to which he responds he did not know David ws an outlaw. Ahimelech had no reason to doubt David, he told him he was on a secret mission.

Ahimelech’s reasoning was sound but Saul was beyond anything reasonable in his pursuit of David. Saul orders his guards to kill Ahimelech; the refuse and he then has Doeg do the deed. As a result of this David later treats the Edomites harshly. When David hears of the death of Ahimelech and other priests, he admits he was responsible for their deaths.

Chapter 23 –

During the time David was a fugitive he protected the land of Judah from their enemies. He attacks the Philistines for stealing grain from the threshing floors of Keilah. This victory nets David considerable plunder.

Saul hears that David is in the city of Keilah and plans to attack the city. David seeks the Lord through Abiathar.

In spite of all that David had done for the city of Keilah they will hand David over to Saul because they fear siege by Saul. David is also unwilling to fight Saul. He heads of to the Wilderness of Ziph where he receives encouragement from Jonathan. Jonathan assures him he will become king and Jonathan will be his right-hand man.

The people of Ziph are willing to hand David over to Saul so they tell him of David’s location. God has abandoned Saul and frustrates his every move. David and his men are surrounded in the Wilderness of Maon but news of the Philistine attack draws Saul away once again.

Chapter 24 –

Saul enters a cave to relieve himself, the same cave David and his men are hiding in, David cuts off a corner of the robe of Saul. After Saul leaves the cave David calls out to him holding up a piece of his robe. He tells Saul he is not guilty of treason, not trying to take the throne away. He has committed whole issue to God the righteous judge.

Comforted by the clear evidence that David has spared his life Saul expresses remorse for seeking to kill David and admits he has been treated badly. Saul recognizes that David will be the next king and makes him promise he will not kill his family. David understands that Saul cannot be trusted and at later point Saul will again pursue David to kill him.

April 13, 2023

Today our reading takes us to 1 Samuel 18 – 20 and Psalms 11 and 59 both Psalms of David.

Chapter 18 –

When Jonathan gave his royal robe and armor to David, he relinquished his right to the throne knowing it was for David to become king. In receiving it David showed great humility in accepting it. David behaved wisely is term used three times in this chapter to describe David’s character. Saul was jealous of David because of some women’s song and he sought to kill David. The people closest to Saul, even his daughter was choosing David to be king over Saul.

Chapter 19 –

Jonathan’s approach to his dad brought a temporary reconciliation, he also proved his word to David could be trusted. No longer did Saul hope the enemy would kill David he sought to do it himself but after two failed attempts he involves some messenger to do the work. However, the Spirit of God thwarted the messengers he was then stripped of his dignity.

Chapter 20 –

No one can alter God’s plan and God was showing David his true support system. It was a common practice for a new king to murder all heirs of the former kings family to protect from any overthrow attempts.

Jonathan transfers his allegiance form his father to David. They honor their vows to each other.

Psalm 11 –

As a life principle David sought refuge from his enemies. His advisers warned him to flee but he refused. God sees what is happening in the world and He will act. He will test the righteous, but the wicked will be dealt with more severely through the heaping of fire and brimstone.

Psalm 59 –

The events surrounding this Psalm can be found in today’s reading of 1 Samuel 19. David is punished for his own sin but he is also being persecuted by Saul which is undeserved.