2 Samuel 5:1-3; 1 Chronicles 11:1-3; 1 Chronicles 12:23-40; 2 Samuel 5:17-25; 1 Chronicles 14:8-17; 2 Samuel 5:6-10; 1 Chronicles 11:4-9; 1 Chronicles 3:4; 2 Samuel 5:13; 2 Samuel 5:4-5; 2 Samuel 5:11-12; 1 Chronicles 14:1-2; 1 Chronicles 13:1-5; 2 Samuel 6:1-11; 1 Chronicles 13:6-14 ~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~ ~ Listen to today’s Scripture or The ESV Bible ~
In Second Samuel chapter 5 David is anointed King of Israel! Israel and Judah are now united – but they will be divided again only a short 75 years later. Verse 7 is the first time the term Zion is used in the Bible: “But David captured the fortress of Zion, now called the City of David.” Below is a visual of Jerusalem at about this time that David conquered it from the Jebusites – and to the right the map shows the growth of Jerusalem just 50 years later in Solomon’s time. (1000 B.C. to 950 B.C.) We’ll come back to this visual when we get to Solomon in our readings.
Bible.org’s commentary on our Second Samuel readings today titled “A Place of One’s Own” is at this link.
Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of Jeremy Camp’s song “Whatever May Come:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:“David and all Israel were celebrating with all their might before the LORD, with castanets, harps, lyres, timbrels, sistrums and cymbals.” 2 Samuel 6:5 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray that you often celebrate with all of your might before the LORD in thanksgiving for all that He has done and is doing.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
In our 2 Samuel chapter 3 readings today, it is interesting to see how David got so mad at Joab for killing Abner. Understandable for many reasons – murder being the main one – but also Abner was working to bring David’s kingship to all of Israel. Joab’s murder of Abner threatened the civil war between Judah and the rest of Israel to start up again. To the right below is a wonderful image from an illuminated Bible from the year 1250 of David dining with Abner before the murder. In the smaller left hand frames you can see David sending Abner back to Israel, and then in the lowest left hand frame you can see Abner stabbing Joab.
And below is an image of David mourning at Abner’s graveside as we read in 2 Samuel 3 verse 32 today: “They buried Abner in Hebron, and the king and all the people wept at his graveside.”
Bible.org’s commentary on our Second Samuel readings today titled “Two Bald Men, Fighting over a Comb” is at this link.
Second Samuel chapter 4 verse 11 stood out as David said this to the 2 murderers of Ishbosheth: “Now what reward should I give the wicked men who have killed an innocent man in his own house and on his own bed? Should I not also demand your very lives?” Similar to the Amalekite who claimed to have killed Saul and reported this news to David, David was not happy with the news. This all reminds me of the old adage that you cannot fight evil with evil – you’ll get corrupted in the process. These 2 guys murdered an innocent man, thinking they were doing a greater good for David. David disagreed. Are there times in our lives where we do something wrong / bad / lie / evil for what we think might be a greater good? Aren’t we then corrupted in the process? Do we go from left to right in this photo below? 🙂 (sorry, couldn’t resist this silly image! On the website where I found this image, they labeled this photo, “The Dog I bought versus the Dog I got”… 🙂
Worship Video: Today’s readings in 2 Samuel reminded me of Francesca Battistelli’s song “I’m Letting Go:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:“And today, though I am the anointed king, I am weak, and these sons of Zeruiah are too strong for me. May the LORD repay the evildoer according to his evil deeds!” 2 Samuel 3:39 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray that when you are weak, Jesus is strong. Pray that you will allow the LORD to repay evildoers, and not take this repayment into your own hands.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
Old Testament – Today’s Second Samuel readings are quite dramatic! We start off with the beginnings of what I think you could call a civil war between Judah and Israel in chapter 2 verses 15 through 17: “So twelve men were chosen to fight from each side—twelve men of Benjamin representing Ishbosheth son of Saul, and twelve representing David. Each one grabbed his opponent by the hair and thrust his sword into the other’s side so that all of them died. So this place at Gibeon has been known ever since as the Field of Swords. A fierce battle followed that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the forces of David.”
Today in Second Samuel 23 we read about David’s mighty men. It is sad to read the name of Uriah the Hittite in verse 39. Another reminder of David’s sin against Bathsheba and Uriah – one of David’s own mighty men… And, yes, another reminder of God’s forgiveness of David – and God’s offer of forgiveness to you and me today. Have there been any “mighty men (or women!)” in your life that you have sinned against? Will you go to God for forgiveness for that sin today? And will you apologize and reconcile with the mighty man/woman in your life that you need to apologize to / reconcile with? Interestingly, I think this whole forgiveness/mercy talk ties in very nicely into Psalm 123 today. As Psalm 123 sings to us today: “Have mercy on us Lord, have mercy.”
Worship Video: Today’s readings in 2 Samuel reminded me of Jason Gray’s song “I am New:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:“The war between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time. David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.” 2 Samuel 3:1 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray that you will grow stronger and stronger in your faith in Jesus day by day.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
In First Samuel 31 today we read about the death of Saul. At the very end Saul did what he always did – took things into his own hands. Relied on himself. Fell on his own sword. Perhaps sometimes in our lives today we are not so different from Saul. Maybe we try to take things into our own hands. Rely on ourselves. But hopefully never fall on our own swords… We should instead be leaving things in God’s hands and relying fully on God.
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s First Samuel readings titled “From Tragedy to Triumph” is at this link and “Saul’s Death Wish” is at this link.
Today we begin the book of Second Samuel! Below is an image of David being anointed king of Judah from chapter 2 verse 4 in today’s readings:
Second Samuel Author: Unknown Date: Probably tenth century B.C. Content: Second Samuel covers approximately forty years, which is the bulk of David’s reign as king. It begins with David’s being proclaimed king and consolidating his position against others who claimed the throne. David moved the capital to Jerusalem, brought the sacred Ark of the Covenant there, and ultimately defeated the Philistines for all time. David’s troubled career is described in some detail, including his family problems (his son Absalom) and his personal problems (adultery with Bathsheba). A summary of David’s later years concludes the book. Theme: The life of David is given as an example of good and of evil. The sins of David are exposed – so that too much trust will not be put in men. The victories of David are recorded – so that it may be seen what God can do with someone who wholly trusts in him. God used David in spite of his faults because he found in David a willingness to repent and start again, no matter how far he had fallen. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 5-6) More commentary on Second Samuel is at these 2 links – https://bible.org/page.php?page_id=557 https://bible.org/page.php?page_id=965
A note on the Amalekite that comes to David with news of Saul’s death in Second Samuel chapter 1 today. Many Bible commentaries suggest that this Amalekite was a war “scavenger” that was looking for treasures on the battle field from the dead. Based on 1 Samuel chapter 31, it is thought that this Amalekite found Saul dead, grabbed Saul’s crown before the Philistines arrived, and made up the story of killing Saul to David because he thought David would reward him for killing who he thought was David’s “enemy.” David’s reaction was quite the opposite than what the Amalekite thought it would be… Bible.org’s commentary on our Second Samuel readings today titled “What an Amalekite is Dying to Tell David” is at this link. Below is an image of David tearing his garments and lamenting the death of Saul:
Today in 2 Samuel chapter 1 we read about David’s lament for Saul & Jonathan. This year in going through the One Year Bible, I have really been intrigued by Jonathan and David’s relationship. They became incredible “brothers” it seems – much like we now have “brothers” and “sisters” in Christ today. And there seems to have been an amazing love between Jonathan and David – not sexual in any way, but a pure brotherly love. In verse 26 we will read – “I grieve for you Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful.” Personally, I have been thinking about this word “love” quite a bit in recent months. I don’t know if this is going to sound strange – I hope it’s a good sign 🙂 – but I find myself using the word “love” more and more often when referring to and thinking of others in my life. I have found myself saying recently, for example, “there are so many people in my church that I love and I believe love me.” I guess I’m getting to this stage in my life that may seem at first glance sentimental – but I think it is something more. I believe God is love. And yes, God is judge and many other things. But I do believe that love is a very godly thing. And I guess I’m getting to the point in life where I realize that I truly do love so many people in my life – with a brotherly or sisterly love – and maybe perhaps a few love me too. I pray this is the case in some way in your life? Are there people in your life that you love with a brotherly or sisterly love? Are there people in your life that were like Jonathan was to David? Are there people in your life where you are like Jonathan was to David? How familiar are you with love as expressed in 1 Corinthians 13? Did Jonathan have this type of love? Do you? Below is a portrait of David & Jonathan by artist Guy Rowe:
Worship Video: Today’s readings in reminded me of Phil Wickam’s song “House of the Lord:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today:“Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse. ” 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray that you will never be unfaithful to the LORD.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
In First Samuel 26 David completes the 3 “tests” of obedience, as discussed in yesterday’s post, by once again not killing Saul when he had the opportunity. Verses 9 through 11 again show David’s character when he and Abishai had snuck into Saul’s camp and Abishai offered to kill Saul – “”No!” David said. “Don’t kill him. For who can remain innocent after attacking the LORD’s anointed one? Surely the LORD will strike Saul down someday, or he will die in battle or of old age. But the LORD forbid that I should kill the one he has anointed! But I’ll tell you what–we’ll take his spear and his jug of water and then get out of here!””
Interesting… in First Samuel 28 Saul bans mediums – wise – and then becomes desperate for one – unwise… The medium seems to get quite freaked out that she has called up Samuel. Commentaries suggest that she is used to calling up satanic / demonic forces. She (possibly) connected to Samuel somehow here and was freaked out by it. And Samuel tells Saul exactly what he probably knows in his heart. God has left him – a long time ago – because of his disobedience. Consulting a medium is just one more disobedient act in a string of them. I pray that no one reading this consults mediums or does tarot cards or gets into palm readings or any of that garbage. It is spiritually dangerous and risky to get into any of that. Unfortunately, I know that things like “tarot card reading parties” are somewhat popular today. I have been invited to them and have not gone – and told the hosts why I was not attending. Please avoid this spiritually risky stuff. It is no joke dangerous. Below is a painting by Benjamin West from the year 1777 titled “Saul and the Witch of Endor”:
We finish the book of First Samuel today! Second Samuel is up tomorrow! First Samuel chapter 29 verse 8 read a bit strange to me: “”What have I done to deserve this treatment?” David demanded. “Why can’t I fight the enemies of my lord, the king?”” It seemed odd, at first read, that David would say this to King Achish of the Philistines. Commentaries suggest that David may have purposefully made an ambiguous statement here, such that Achish (and maybe us) would think he was referring to Achish – when perhaps he was referring to God or Saul as David’s “lord, the king.” With David’s madman acting and wisdom, this ambiguous type statement with another meaning would not be surprising…
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s First Samuel readings titled “The Second Time Around” is at this link. Commentary titled “One Step Forward, and Two Backward” is at this link and commentary titled “Finding God’s Will, Any “Witch” Way You Can” is at this link.
Psalm 56 verse 10 makes a One Year Bible blogger quite happy 🙂 “O God, I praise your word. Yes, LORD, I praise your word.” Does this verse make you happy? Do you praise God for the gift of the Bible? Do you praise God’s very Word, the Bible?
Worship Video: Today’s readings in 1 Samuel and the Psalms reminded me of Michael W. Smith’s song “A New Hallelujah:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray that you will put your trust in God whenever you are afraid.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
I love the mini-reunion of Jonathan and David in First Samuel 23 verses 16 & 17 – “Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God. “Don’t be afraid,” Jonathan reassured him. “My father will never find you! You are going to be the king of Israel, and I will be next to you, as my father is well aware.” What great words of encouragement from Jonathan! Who is the last person you encouraged? Do you make it a habit to encourage people around you regularly? Who is someone you can encourage big-time today or tomorrow?
I like Psalm 54 verse 4 a lot – “But God is my helper. The Lord is the one who keeps me alive!” Is this true in your life? Is God the one who keeps you alive? Or are you trying to lean on other things as your source of life? I believe it is such a blessing to surrender more and more to God until we get to the point where truly this true for us – God is the one – and only – who keeps us alive. I am not saying I am there yet – but I’m trying to get there. I’m trying to surrender more and more each day to Jesus and the Father – all that I am – all that I am living for. I pray that in your life and in mine God will be the one who keeps us alive!
Interesting chapters today! David is essentially put to the test by God over the next 3 chapters – 2 tests today and 1 tomorrow. And the test is this – obedience. You’ll recall that Saul fails the test of obedience early in his kingship. David passes the tests – he does not kill Saul and he does not kill Nabal. He could have killed both. First Samuel 24 verses 5 through 7 are a great look at David’s character when Saul was in the cave – “But then David’s conscience began bothering him because he had cut Saul’s robe. “The LORD knows I shouldn’t have done it,” he said to his men. “It is a serious thing to attack the LORD’s anointed one, for the LORD himself has chosen him.” So David sharply rebuked his men and did not let them kill Saul.”
How impressive is Abigail in First Samuel chapter 25! Her speech to David in verses 24 through 30 is awesome. She takes all the blame. Calls out Nabal. Gives David gifts. And smartly lets him know he doesn’t need this blood on his hands. David is clearly impressed. Below is Dutch artist Jacob Willemsz de Wet’s painting from the 17th century titled “The Meeting of David and Abigail”:
Bible.org’s commentary on our First Samuel readings today titled “A Friend Indeed” is at this link and “A Time to Kill, or Not” is at this link and “Dear Abby” is at this link.
Worship Video: Today’s readings in 1 Samuel and the Psalms reminded me of Rebecca St. James’ song “You Are Loved:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:“Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.” Psalm 54:4 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving that God is your help. Pray that you will receive God’s gifts of sustaining you on a daily basis and forevermore.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
Old Testament – Very sad readings today in First Samuel 22 as we read about the slaughter of the priests. Sadly fitting that Doeg betrayed the priests to Saul and then Saul commanded Doeg to kill the priests, because no one else would. This whole incident shows how far Saul has strayed away from God. He has lost his moral compass completely. It’s interesting to recall earlier in our First Samuel readings how Saul looked like he might be a decent king initially. But, then he was disobedient to God. And then his sin continued and continued to where he is in today’s readings. This should be a warning to each of us to not stray from God like this. If we are allowing ourselves to be disobedient to God or if we are continuing in a sin, we are slaves to that sin. And this slavery to sin can grow and grow until we lose all moral control, as Saul has. This image below by Gerard Hoet from a 1728 Bible is courtesy of Bizzell Bible Collection, University of Oklahoma Libraries:
Psalm 57 verse 8 is amazing – “Wake up, my soul!” What 4 great words. . . wake up my soul! Do you ever feel like you need to say this to your soul? I know that I have in my past. There have been times in my life where I have felt spiritually asleep. Just completely slumbering. . . and I have begged my soul to wake up! Fortunately, I finally learned that I could not wake up my soul on it’s own. I needed the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit to wake up my soul. . . and the Spirit keeps it awake today. If you feel that you need your soul to wake up, will you prayer to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to indwell your soul and to wake it up?
Psalm 142 is a prayer of David’s when he was fleeing Saul and was hiding in a cave. David is praying for deliverance to God from his enemies. I thought verse 3 was powerful – “For I am overwhelmed, and you alone know the way I should turn. Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me.” Have you ever felt this way? Overwhelmed? And traps every which way you look? And you have no idea which way to go? At a time like this, will you cry out to God as David did in this Psalm? Will you “pour out your complaints before him and tell him all your troubles”? (v. 2) Do you believe that God knows which way you should turn? Will you allow God to “”be your place of refuge”? In times like these, will you allow God to be “all you really want in life“? (v. 5) Some say that David wrote Psalm 142 while in a cave in Adullam.
Worship Video: Today’s readings in 1 Samuel and the Psalms reminded me of MercyMe’s song “How Great is Your Love:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:“I cry to you, LORD; I say, ‘You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.’” Psalm 142:5 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray to God in thanksgiving that He is your portion in this land of the living. Pray that God will always be your refuge, now and forevermore.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
Great readings about Jonathan & David today! 1 Samuel 20 verse 13 today seems to indicate that Jonathan realizes that David will be the king after his father Saul: “May the LORD be with you as he used to be with my father.” Verse 17 is beautiful – “For Jonathan loved David as much as he loved himself.” Who are people in your life that you love as much as you love yourself? Do you think that there should be people in your life that you love as much as you love yourself? Do you love Jesus as much as you love yourself? Do you think that God loves you as much as He loves Himself?
Below is the artist Rembrandt’s take on Jonathan & David from possibly verse 41: “Both of them were in tears as they embraced each other and said good-bye, especially David.”
In First Samuel 21 as David is fleeing from Saul, we read verse 6 which Jesus refers to in the New Testament – “So, since there was no other food available, the priest gave David the holy bread–the Bread of the Presence that was placed before the LORD in the Tabernacle. It had just been replaced that day with fresh bread.” Jesus uses this incident to illustrate the principle that the ceremonial law was not to be viewed in a legalistic manner in Matthew chapter 12 verses 3 & 4 – “Haven’t you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread—which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests.” I love verse 13! David is definitely a good actor – “So he pretended to be insane, scratching on doors and drooling down his beard.”
Bible.org’s commentary on our First Samuel readings today titled “When Saul Slings His Spear, Jonathan Gets the Point” is at this link and “A Man Without a Country” is at this link.
Psalm 34 verse 9 in the NIV reads: “Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing.” What does fearing God mean to you? Do you think that fearing God is a good or bad thing? Why? Do you think it is possible to both love God and fear God at the same time? What do you think of when you hear the word “saints”? Do you believe that you are a saint? Do you want to be a saint? Are you acting like a saint? Do you believe that those who fear God lack nothing? Why would this be? Bible.org’s commentary on Psalm 34 titled “The Fear of the Lord”at this link.
Worship Video: Today’s readings in 1 Samuel reminded me of Phil Wickham’s song “Safe:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34:8 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you have tasted and seen that the LORD is good. Pray that you will run to the LORD for refuge today and forevermore.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
Today in 1 Samuel chapter 17 read about David & Goliath. In verse 45 we read – “David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty.” How often in our lives today are we like Goliath, where we try to make things work or do things with our own strength or our latest technology? Goliath relied on his strength and sword and spear and javelin – and perhaps we today rely on our intellectual pride and Blackberry and career and money. David simply relied on God. David moved in the name of God. How often do you move in the name of God today? How often do you completely rely on only God today? Can you move beyond relying solely on your “strengths” and “technologies” and instead move and breathe and rely on God in every circumstance in your life? Below is “David Slaying Goliath” by Peter Paul Rubens from the year 1620:
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings titled “David and Goliath” is at this link.
This is a powerful verse in First Samuel 18:14 today: “David continued to succeed in everything he did, for the LORD was with him.” I think that is so important to know – David succeeded in all he did because God was with him. And I believe this applies to us today as well. We will succeed in all we do if God is with us. Now – don’t get me wrong – when I say succeed, I do not mean “succeed” as the world might define this word. I mean we will succeed spiritually in all we do if we are in a loving and growing and obedient relationship with God the Father through Jesus the Son (who is God). This success might mean that we actually become “poor” in the world’s eyes and serve overseas or in our own town in a ministry that won’t make us a million. But – if we are living in right relationship with God than we have truly succeeded in life. Nothing else matters. Below’s an image of a young David succeeding in saving a lamb from the jaws of a lion and offering up praise to God for the success!
It is great to see Jonathan asking his father Saul to not murder David in First Samuel chapter 19. I read a commentary that said Jonathan had really been won over by David after David killed Goliath. It is thought that perhaps David shared with Saul and Jonathan his faith in God and why he was fearless of Goliath early in chapter 18 or late in chapter 17 (in yesterday’s readings), and that Jonathan believed David’s faith was true. In any case, we do see in chapter 18 verses 3 & 4 these words: “And Jonathan made a special vow to be David’s friend, and he sealed the pact by giving him his robe, tunic, sword, bow, and belt.” Jonathan is obviously living up to this pact here in chapter 19. (the images above and below are really from yesterday’s readings, but I thought they were both quite good pictures of David – and Jonathan below. Oh, and Goliath too… 🙂
An image by Gustave Dore is below for First Samuel 18 verses 10 & 11: “The very next day, in fact, a tormenting spirit from God overwhelmed Saul, and he began to rave like a madman. David began to play the harp, as he did whenever this happened. But Saul, who had a spear in his hand, suddenly hurled it at David, intending to pin him to the wall. But David jumped aside and escaped.”
Bible.org’s commentary on our First Samuel readings today titled “David Joins Saul’s Family” is at this link and commentary titled “David’s Divine Deliverance” is at this link.
Worship Video: Today’s readings in 1 Samuel about David & Goliath reminded me of Casting Crowns’ song “Voice of Truth:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today:“David said to the Philistine (Goliath), ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied… All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.’” 1 Samuel 17:45,47 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you will not attempt battles against “Goliaths” in your life on your own, but that you will realize the battle is always the LORD’s. Pray that you will never trust your technologies over the LORD.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
Wow. Big reading day today! David is anointed by Samuel. Saul meets David for the first time! The story of David begins! I am excited! In First Samuel 15 we read about Saul destroying most – but not all… – of the Amalekite nation. God’s commands were clear to destroy all. Saul, simply put, disobeyed. Verses 22 and 23 sum up this chapter powerfully when Samuel says this to Saul: “What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Obedience is far better than sacrifice. Listening to him is much better than offering the fat of rams. Rebellion is as bad as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you from being king.”” Obedience is far better than sacrifice… think this is still true today? Are you more of an obedient person or a sacrificial person before God? Do you believe that rebellion is as bad as witchcraft and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols? Below is a powerful painting of Samuel reproving Saul from today’s readings by the Boston-born colonial artist John Singleton Copley from the year 1798:
The One Year Bible Companion has a great answer to this question about today’s readings, “Why did David not become king after he was anointed?” as follows: “David was anointed king, but it was done in secret; he was not publicly anointed until much later in Second Samuel 2:4 and 5:3. Saul was still legally the king, but God was preparing David for his future responsibilities. The anointing oil poured on David’s head stood for holiness. It was used to set people or objects apart for God’s service. Each king and high priest in Israel was anointed with oil. This commissioned him as God’s representative to the nation.” First Samuel 16 verse 13 is the first mention of David’s name in the Bible, and it is a great verse to begin the story of David’s life in relationship with God: “So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the olive oil he had brought and poured it on David’s head. And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him from that day on.” Below “Samuel Anoints David” by the Renaissance artist Raphael from the early 16th century:
At the end of First Samuel chapter 16 today we read about David being summoned by Saul to play the harp to relieve Saul from the evil spirit that tormented him. The current and future (and now anointed) Kings of Israel meet! Below is “David Playing the Harp for Saul” by the French painter James Tissot from the year 1858:
We are beginning the story of David, which is always a blessing to read. As you know, David wrote many of the Psalms, so we’ve been reading some of David’s writings already this year. Now we begin his story! Hang on! This is a wonderful part of the Bible – reading about David and reading the Gospel of John at the same time. . . great stuff! Bob Deffinbaugh with Bible.org has a terrific overview of David becoming Israel’s King at this link.
Bible.org’s commentary on our First Samuel readings today titled “Saul and the Amalekites” is at this link and commentary titled “The Designation of David as King” is at this link.
Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of Zach Williams song “Less Like Me:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:“But Samuel replied: ‘Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.’” 1 Samuel 15:22 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you are obeying the LORD in your life today. Pray that you give heed to God in your life above all else.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
Chronological Bible Blog 