It is interesting to read about the various gatekeepers, treasurers, officials, military commanders and leaders in today’s First Chronicle readings! In some ways it is sad to read about how well organized things were – knowing that the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple and the exile to Babylon is coming up. All of this organization will be destroyed. Why? Because of sin. Sin destroys. Sin kills. So sad. It is true that the lineage from Abraham to Judah to David will of course continue through to Jesus and now to us as spiritual descendants. But, the nation of Israel at this time of First Chronicles, with all of it’s great organization, will later fall because the leaders and people will turn their backs on God in sin. In disobedience. Is there a lesson for us in this today? Do you see the dangers of sin? Of how it can destroy everything you hold dear? Please – flee from sin. Jesus can set you free from the bondage of sin. Don’t lose everything you hold dear to something as stupid as sin. Sin will sell you lies and leave you with nothing.
Our readings today set the transition scene nicely in First Chronicles 28 verses 1 & 2: “David summoned all his officials to Jerusalem–the leaders of the tribes, the commanders of the twelve army divisions, the other generals and captains, the overseers of the royal property and livestock, the palace officials, the mighty men, and all the other warriors in the kingdom. David rose and stood before them and addressed them as follows: “My brothers and my people!”” One thing that really stood out to me in David’s address to his officials today was his absolute passion for God’s Temple! David was so passionate about making sure the Temple was prepared for his son Solomon to build it. Yes, true, God gave David the plans for the Temple. 🙂 But… what about us in our lives today… does God give us any “plans” for our lives today? What about the Bible? Is the Bible a “plan” for our lives today that we should follow? Below is an image from today’s readings of David addressing his officials:
Worship Video: Today’s readings 1 Chronicles reminded me of the fantastic song “Savior Please” by Josh Wilson. Here’s a great live version of Josh performing this song. Feel free to worship along!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “David also said to Solomon his son, ‘Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.’” 1 Chronicles 27:20 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray for daily strength and courage in the power of the Holy Spirit.
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 Chronicles chapter 24 today we read about the divisions of the priests and the Levites. It is important to note that the priests and Levites had differing roles. The priests actually performed the sacrifices whereas the Levites assisted the priests in their duties – including assisting in the sacrifices, playing music, baking goods, and care of the Tabernacle/Temple (to name a few things the Levites did). Both priests and Levites were from the tribe of Levi, but the priests also had to be descendants of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel.
Ever wonder why we have music in church today? First Chronicles 25 verse 1 could be where the stage is set for the tradition of music in our worship services! “David and the army commanders then appointed men from the families of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to proclaim God’s messages to the accompaniment of harps, lyres, and cymbals.” Do you find music in church to be inspiring? Do you worship God with music in church? Why do you suppose music moves people so profoundly in church? Do you think music can bring people closer to Jesus? Has music brought you closer to Jesus?
Worship Video: Today’s readings in 1 Chronicles reminded me of JJ Heller’s song “Your Hands:
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “And so the Levites carried out their responsibilities for the tent of meeting, for the Holy Place and, under their relatives the descendants of Aaron, for the service of the temple of the LORD.” 1 Chronicles 23:32 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you will carry out all of the responsibilities in your life that God gives you.
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!
Second Samuel 24 today finishes up with David taking a census, then judgment upon Israel for this sin, and then closing up the book with David building an altar on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. A few things to point out here. First, you’ll note verse 1 starts out with: “Once again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel..” Commentaries suggest that God was likely upset with Israel because of their support of Absalom’s & Sheba’s rebellions. This is why it is thought the plague in this chapter affected Israel and not just David’s house for the sin of the census. The census was a sin because it was not needed at this time in Israel’s history. Censuses were taken in the past for military conscription & review of number of men before a war. But this was not a time of war. The census was a sin because David may have been taking this census just for his own glory & pride – to see how many people were under his reign. Even Joab asked David why he was doing this as we see in verse 3. The overall interesting thing to me about this chapter is that many commentaries suggest that it was placed at the end of the book of Second Samuel for the primary reason of setting the stage for the building of the Temple by Solomon in First Kings. The very interesting note about Araunah’s threshing floor that we read about today is that it is believed to have been located on Mount Moriah! Yes, the same Mt. Moriah where Abraham nearly sacrificed Isaac. And the same spot where the Temple was to be built by Solomon! So, this brings to light the importance of David actually buying the threshing floor from Araunah and not just taking it for free, as was offered. David not only bought the threshing floor to build the altar for the burnt & peace offerings, but he bought the land for the Temple of the Lord to soon be built on by his son Solomon! Pretty interesting to note as we close out this amazing book of Second Samuel. Below is an image of Araunah the Jebusite offering his threshing floor to David:
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Second Samuel readings titled “Neiman Marcus Military, Kmart Christianity? David Comes to His Census“ is at this link. (Some days you really have to appreciate the humor in Bob Deffinbaugh’s essay titles! Today is one of those days. 🙂
Worship Video: Today’s Psalm reminded me of the song “Lord Have Mercy” by Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant:
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “David was conscience-stricken after he had counted the fighting men, and he said to the LORD, ‘I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, LORD, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing.’” 2 Samuel 24:10 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you confess your sins to God right away and earnestly.
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 Second Samuel chapter 22 we read David’s Song of Praise to God! This is an incredible chapter and certainly reminds us why David composed so many powerful Psalms as well. In fact, you will notice that this song of praise from David today is, oh, the same as Psalm 18… 🙂 It is thought that this Song was composed shortly after David’s victory over an enemy, but before his sins against Bathsheba and Uriah. The Song starts off with David using the metaphor of a rock in verses 2 & 3: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.” The metaphor of a rock is very appropriate for David, as he often had taken refuge among the rocks of the desert (when fleeing from Saul, for example), but David realized that his true security was found only in God.
In verses 31 through 33 of David’s Song of Praise to God in today’s readings we read these incredible words: “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.” Can you imagine yourself saying these words to God in praise? Can you say these words now to God? It is interesting to think about the word “perfect” – used twice in these verses. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I have been accused of being a “perfectionist.” But, really, can you or I be perfect or create anything perfect? I don’t think so. I do think we can live in a loving, growing relationship with God who will arm us with strength and make our way “perfect.” But, it is not us making us perfect. It is God. God’s way is perfect. His word – the Bible – is flawless. This is why we study the Bible. We are flawed people looking for flawlessness. God and the Bible deliver this to us. Is God a shield for you? When the storms of life come, do you take refuge in God? Do you believe there is any other God besides the Living God of the Bible? Is there anything else out there? I don’t think so. I’ve looked. I have never found anything else besides our Heavenly Father, Son & Holy Spirit. He is the Rock whose way is perfect. Who arms us with strength and makes our way perfect.
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Second Samuel readings titled “David’s Song of Salvation” is at this link.
Psalms – Psalm 18 is an amazing one! Verse 1 today is so beautiful: “I love you, LORD; you are my strength.” How often do you tell God that you love him? One thing that one of my former pastors does when he prays publicly, which absolutely moves me, is that he closes out just about every prayer with “God we love you. And we pray all of this in the name of your son Jesus.” The last line of course is the powerful line! But, that second to last line… is just beautiful. Just telling God that we love him. I’m not sure I tell God that I love him often enough. God may not “need” to hear it. But I think that I need to say it more often. I love you God!
I love Psalm 18 verses 25 through 27: “To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity. To the pure you show yourself pure, but to the wicked you show yourself hostile. You rescue those who are humble, but you humiliate the proud.” Are you showing yourself to be faithful to God? Are you living with integrity? Are you showing yourself to be pure? Is God showing you these things as well?
I really love verse 28: “LORD, you have brought light to my life; my God, you light up my darkness.” Has Jesus brought light into your life? Does God light up your darkness?
The closing verse 50 of Psalm 18 today is powerful – and I believe can apply to both David and Jesus: “You give great victories to your king; you show unfailing love to your anointed, to David and all his descendants forever.” Are you a spiritual descendent of David? Do you believe that God shows you unfailing love? Do you think that God’s Word, the Bible, shows His unfailing love for you?
Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of the song “Way Maker:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “I love you, Lord; you are my strength.” Psalm 18:1 NLT
Prayer Point: Pray that you would love God every moment of every day. Pray that you would say “I Love You God” daily. Pray that God is your strength.
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 Second Samuel chapter 20 today we read about the revolt of Sheba from the tribe of Benjamin. Zondervan’s commentary today points out that an important thing to keep in mind here is that tribal jealousy still was brewing over the transfer of the kingship from Benjamin (Saul’s tribe) to Judah (David’s tribe). Sheba appeals to the Israelite suspicion that David favored his own tribe over the other tribes. As this chapter progresses Joab again shows his true colors by murdering Amasa. I’m beginning to wonder about Joab… he’s ruthless. I suppose as being the commander of the army for so long, this was his “job” to be ruthless? Let me know your thoughts on Joab in the Comments section below. Ramona, thanks for the comment in yesterday’s readings saying “Joab operated out of Justice with no Love.” Great point! In Amasa’s case, Amasa was part of the rebellion against David led by Absalom, so again here Joab is acting out “Justice”… (and certainly no Love…) I wonder if we ever fall into this trap in our lives today as well? Operate in an unbalanced way showing nothing but Justice, and yet no Love? Or, on the other hand do we sometimes operate with just Love, and no Justice? Should we be operating with a balance of Love and Justice? Or should one (Love or Justice) outweigh the other in our life? Below is a stained glass window showing Joab killing Amasa while pretending to greet him:
Well… Sheba’s grand rebellion against David doesn’t last very long! And Sheba’s own clan doesn’t treat him well at all… Below are 2 images from today’s readings. First image is from a 13th Century Maciejowski Bible showing Joab and his men besieging the city of Abel. Next image is of Sheba’s head being thrown over the wall to Joab. Rebellion over.
Second Samuel chapter 21 begins 4 chapters that are thought to essentially be an “appendix” to First and Second Samuel. These 4 chapters contain additional information about David’s reign, without regard to chronology of events. The first event we read about in today’s readings about David handing over 7 of Saul’s relatives to the Gibeonites is believed to have taken place after David extended his kindness initially to Mephibosheth in chapter 9 and before Absalom’s rebellion. The triumphs over 4 Philistine giants is at unknown times / chronology, although verse 15 seems to indicate to me that these took place perhaps later in David’s life when he was older: “And when David and his men were in the thick of battle, David became weak and exhausted.” Somehow I can’t imagine a young David becoming weak and exhausted in battle… These 4 episodes are thought to have been included to show the heroics of David’s men. Below is an image of David and his “Mighty Men” at a victory over their enemies:
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Second Samuel readings titled “Promise Breakers and Promise Keepers” is at this link.
Psalms – Today in Psalm 7 verse 10 we read: “God is my shield, saving those whose hearts are true and right.” What stood out to me here is that it does not say that God saves those who “do” what is true and right. It says that God saves those whose “hearts are” true and right. This is getting toward our interior motives and thoughts and hearts – the important thing is not what we do on the “exterior”, but who we are on the “interior”. And then certainly if our hearts are true and right, a natural outflow of this is doing good things on the exterior. But, it’s the interior – our hearts – that matter most. How is your heart these days? Is it true and right? And do you believe that God is indeed your shield?
Worship Video: Our readings today in 2nd Samuel reminded me of MercyMe’s song “Move:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart.” Psalm 7:10 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you are upright in heart. Pray in thanksgiving if God is your shield, through a saving faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
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!
Interesting readings in Second Samuel today! The dynamics between Ahithophel’s advice and Hushai’s advice is fascinating. Hushai plays smartly to Absalom’s ego and insecurity with the advice he gives. Ahithophel seems to realize that he’s lost his status in Absalom’s kingdom – and I wonder if maybe perhaps Ahithophel realized this kingdom of Absalom’s would soon fall? And thus decided to kill himself? It was probably more of an ego / pride / status thing though that played into Ahithophel’s tragic decision. Ahithophel, a betrayer of David, ended up taking his life in the same manner Judas, the betrayer of Jesus, does. (Not to be morbid here, but just fyi that there are 7 suicides documented in the Bible – you can view this list of 7 on bible.org at this link.) It does make me very sad to read about suicide, even in the case of Ahithophel or Judas. I know obviously suicide happens still in our world today at alarming rates, which makes me incredibly sad. I just feel like all of us can have some serious down times in our life and maybe sometimes feel like just giving it up completely. I pray that if ever we really do get that down in our life, that we always remember there is redemption. There is hope. There is love. There is forgiveness. There is Jesus. No matter what we’ve done or what we’ve failed to do, let us not every give up on the everlasting hope that is Jesus in our lives. Jesus saves. Jesus even saves us from ourselves.
For some reason the readings today about Hushai trying to get a message to David reminded me of the 1st Lord of the Rings movie when Frodo & crew are leaving the Shire and traveling on foot trying to avoid the wraiths. Maybe it was Ahimaaz and Jonathan hiding in the well that triggered this for me. Seems like hiding in the well is something Frodo & crew would have done! 🙂
Wow. Intense readings today. As could be expected from Absalom’s pursuit of his ego and pride the past few chapters, his sin catches up with him. One commentary had the interesting point that Absalom’s “pretty head & long hair” (as you’ll recall from 2 Samuel 14:25-26) ironically ended up being his undoing as his long hair got caught up in a tree. This seems very symbolic of how pride and ego can be it’s own undoing. This image I think it sums up well where unchecked pride and ego can ultimately lead…
Well, Absalom did incorporate some long term ingenuity in his pride & ego – like the Egyptian Pharaoh’s of old, Absalom decided to make sure he built a monument to himself! as we read about in verse 18 today: “During his lifetime, Absalom had built a monument to himself in the King’s Valley, for he had said, “I have no son to carry on my name.” He named the monument after himself, and it is known as Absalom’s Monument to this day.” Below is an image of Absalom’s Monument (Pillar) –
While on one hand I do appreciate David’s grace and love for his son Absalom, I have to say that I really do appreciate Joab’s boldness & wisdom in rebuking David in verses 5 through 8: “We saved your life today and the lives of your sons, your daughters, and your wives and concubines. Yet you act like this, making us feel ashamed, as though we had done something wrong. You seem to love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that we mean nothing to you. If Absalom had lived and all of us had died, you would be pleased. Now go out there and congratulate the troops, for I swear by the LORD that if you don’t, not a single one of them will remain here tonight. Then you will be worse off than you have ever been.” That is quite a speech by Joab to David! And I believe he was right. David’s love for his son was admirable in one sense – but it also could be seen as selfish in another sense. David seemed to care more for his son than for the nation of Israel, and Joab called him out on this. It is interesting how sometimes our love for one person can cloud everything else going on in our lives. Love for one person is a beautiful thing. But it seems that we should also be cognizant of others around us too – and love them. And sometimes, like David, we may need to realize that there is a greater good – a greater love – than the singular love we have been focusing on. This is not easy to discern of course… hopefully this makes some sort of sense or doesn’t sound too harsh? Below is a portrait by artist Guy Rowe of David mourning for his son Absalom with Joab in the background giving his speech in the verses above:
Second Samuel 19 is great! David returns to Jerusalem! I love the entire flow of today’s readings as David crosses the Jordan River toward Jerusalem and shows incredible kindness to Shimei, Mephibosheth, and Barzillai along the way. However, don’t forget the name Shimei just yet – the “rock thrower & curser” when David fled Jerusalem a few chapters back… On David’s deathbed, later in our readings in First Kings 2:9, David will pass along to his son Solomon these instructions: “Bring his (Shimei’s) gray head down to the grave in blood…” But, this day was not a day of bloodshed, but a day of amnesty, as David exclaimed in 2 Samuel 19:22 today: “This is not a day for execution but for celebration! I am once again the king of Israel!” An image of Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, meeting David on his return to Jerusalem is below:
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Second Samuel readings titled “The Darkest Days of David’s Life” is at this link and “David’s Return to Jerusalem” is at this link.
Worship Video: Our readings today in 2nd Samuel reminded me of Casting Crowns’ song “What if His people prayed:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. “ Psalm 63:1 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you earnestly seek God each and every day and night. Pray that your whole being longs for 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!
We have more sad readings today in Second Samuel! However, it is impressive to see David’s countenance in the midst of all of the chaos going on around him. I love David’s words in verses 10 through 12 when Shimei is cursing David: “If the LORD has told him to curse me, who am I to stop him? My own son is trying to kill me. Shouldn’t this relative of Saul have even more reason to do so? Leave him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him to do it. And perhaps the LORD will see that I am being wronged and will bless me because of these curses.” That is incredible faith and humility! David says first that perhaps God has told Shimei to curse him, so why try to stop it. Then at the end David basically says if God has not told Shimei to curse him, then perhaps David will be blessed by God because of these wrongful curses. Great stuff! How do you act in your life today if someone is cursing you or wronging you? Do you act like David does here? With patience and wisdom? Or, do you “react” with anger and spite? Which is the better way to go? Below is a powerful image for 2 Samuel 15:23 today: “There was deep sadness throughout the land as the king and his followers passed by. They crossed the Kidron Valley and then went out toward the wilderness.”
At the end of today’s readings we read about Ahithophel advising Absalom to sleep with David’s concubines. To sleep with a king’s wives or concubines was to make a claim to the throne. It is sad to read about this advice to commit a horrible act that is “beyond hope of reconciliation”, as verse 21 says in today’s readings. I read a commentary that said Ahithophel advises Absalom to do this horrible act so that all of Israel will hear about it. Well, Absalom is in such a deep state of sin and wickedness at this point that he wanted Israel to also see that he was commiting this sin by setting the tent up on the palace roof. It is striking to me to see David’s humility toward Shimei’s curses in today’s readings versus Absalom’s complete pride and rebellion. See what unchecked sin can do in a life? Do you think Absalom knew he was going the Wrong Way? Or was he blinded by sin? In a couple of days we’ll read about where the Wrong Way leads Absalom…
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Second Samuel readings titled “A Friend in Need or the Trail of Tears” is at this link.
Worship God: Our readings today in 2nd Samuel reminded me of Delirious’ song “What a friend I’ve found:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “It may be that the LORD will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today.” 2 Samuel 16:12 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you will not take vengeance into your own hands, but will trust the LORD for all blessings and curses.
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 – Second Samuel chapter 13 is a sad chapter to read in so many ways! Amnon is David’s first born son, so he is heir to the throne at this point. Absalom is David’s third born son – but at this point he may have been second in line to the throne because David’s 2nd born son, Kileab, was only mentioned once and may have died young. You’ll note that there are unfortunately are some parallels in David’s sin with Bathsheba and Uriah with his 2 sons’ behavior in this chapter. David sinned sexually with Bathsheba – Amnon sinned sexually against Tamar in a horrible way. David sinned by ordering the murder of Uriah. Absalom sinned by ordering the murder of Amnon. Unfortunately we see a pattern of “like father, like sons…” in this chapter. I don’t think this always has to be the case in our human condition – I do believe we can be redeemed and transformed and not act in sinful ways like our parents may have acted. But, I also do believe we need Jesus to save us from ourselves – in this regard of breaking the cycle/pattern of sin and in all regards. Below is an illustration by Gerard Hoet from the year 1728 titled “Absalom’s Servants kill his brother Amnon at a Feast”:
Well.. this is a tough couple of chapters to read today! On one hand we see David showing much grace to Absalom and meanwhile Absalom is plotting to rebel against his father and then does so! At first glance it makes me wonder what on earth was David thinking? Why did he bring Absalom back to Jerusalem? But, I believe David was doing the right thing. Absalom was his son. David was trying to restore that relationship. I think about this with people in my life who have maybe “stung” me in some way. On the one hand I want to write them off – believing that they will sting me again. And maybe they will… but, I don’t think writing people off is healthy ultimately for me and I don’t think it is the right thing to do. I think showing grace, forgiveness and compassion is the right thing to do. I think David did this – and then he wisely got out of town when he realized Absalom was up to no good! So, he didn’t completely let Absalom walk all over him. He still used wisdom. I don’t know… this is a tough couple of chapters. What do you think? Did David do the right thing by bringing Absalom back to Jerusalem? Do you see any parallels in your life where someone has stung you – and then perhaps stung you again? Was it still maybe the right thing to do to show them grace and forgiveness? And maybe even to do so again? Below is twentieth century Russian painter Marc Chagall’s “David and Absalom” from today’s readings in 2 Samuel 14:33 – “So Joab came to the king, and told him; and when he called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king: and the king kissed Absalom.”
Bible.org’s commentary on our Second Samuel readings today titled “Tragedy in the Royal Family” is at this link and “Absalom” is at this link.
Worship Video: Our readings today reminded me of FFH’s song “Undone:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Amnon became so obsessed with his sister Tamar that he made himself ill.” 2 Samuel 13:2 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you will never become obsessed with another human. Pray that you will only be obsessed in pursuing God’s love and righteousness in your life through a saving faith in Jesus Christ.
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!
Interesting set of readings yesterday and today in Second Samuel. We started off yesterday with David showing kindness to Saul’s crippled grandson Mephibosheth and we end with David committing adultery, ordering the murder of one of his warriors, and making God very unhappy. What happened to change the course of events like this?? I think this is something that each one of us should take heed of – even when things are going very well in our walk with God, things can suddenly go the wrong direction if we are not vigilant in fleeing from sin and temptation. David was obviously tempted when he saw Bathsheba from his rooftop. He should have left that temptation there, and fled from it immediately – but instead he gave into it. He asked about Bathsheba (entertaining temptation…) and invited her over and then committed adultery. Then… things got worse. That’s how sin goes. Once we let it start to run our life it can quickly start to ruin our life. David thought he could trick Uriah into thinking Uriah got his wife pregnant – but Uriah in chapter 11 was behaving much more honorably than the king! He would not sleep with his own wife when he knew other warriors were sleeping on the battlefields. Uriah acted honorably. David did not. David allowed sin to run the show. Below is a powerful painting by James Tissot showing the moment on the rooftop where David allowed temptation to take over…
Again – back to our lives – have you ever seen a pattern of sin running the show in your life? I know I have in the past. It’s a dangerous pattern to see taking place in our lives. It can lead to all kinds of pain and suffering for ourselves and those around us. If you are perhaps even in the midst of sin running the show in your life now, there is hope. There is confession and repentance. David does give us this example in Psalm 51. Psalm 51 David wrote after the events in chapter 11 took place with Bathsheba & Uriah. Psalm 51 is a powerful Psalm of confession and repentance. You may be at the point where you need to pray this Psalm to God now. I think each of us does well when we pray this Psalm to God regularly. We certainly may not be at the point where David was in chapter 11 – but, we likely have sin to confess to God – even right now.
We read a great parable from the prophet Nathan today to start 2 Samuel chapter 12! Wow. Convicting stuff for David… You’ll note that David said in response to this parable in verse 6: “He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.” Well, sure enough, David paid for the death of Uriah 4 times over through the future deaths of 4 of David’s sons: the unnamed son who dies in this chapter, Amon dies in chapter 13, Absalom in chapter 18, and Adonijah in First Kings 2:25. I read a commentary that said God forgave David of his sin, but God did not negate all the consequences of David’s sin. Below is a portrait by Guy Rowe of David being confronted by Nathan. You can imagine Nathan saying verse 9 in this image: “Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites.”
Bible.org’s commentary on our Second Samuel readings today titled “David and Bathsheba” is at this link and “David and Uriah” is at this link and “David and God (Nathan)” is at this link and “Real Repentance” is at this link and “The Death of David’s Son” is at this link.
Today we read one of my favorite Psalms! Psalm 51. Psalm 51 is David’s humble prayer for forgiveness and cleansing after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband Uriah killed in battle. I believe that this Psalm can continue to be a humble prayer for forgiveness and cleansing for each of us today. This Psalm is read by many liturgical churches during the season of Lent as a penitential Psalm. A brief quote about Psalm 51 from this Bible.org is this – “The application of the psalm to believers today should be obvious. We, like David, can and must have complete cleansing before we can fully and freely serve God in any capacity. Our eternal destiny may not be in doubt when we sin as believers, and neither was David’s because he appealed to that covenant relationship, but our fellowship and service will be. God will not tolerate unconfessed sin, and so will hold us accountable if we do not confess.” I’ve been trying to figure out my favorite portion or two of this Psalm to share with you. . . but I can’t just pick one portion. It is all so powerful! Tell you what – I’m going to copy the full Psalm below in the NIV translation (my favorite for this Psalm). Please take a few moments to meditate upon this Psalm. My questions for reflection are these – Do you confess your sins to God? Do you confess your sins to others? And ask them to hold you accountable? When was the last time you confessed your sins to God? Do you have sins to confess to God today? Will you do so now? I pray this Psalm opens up your heart to the amazing burden that is lifted when we confess our sins to God. . .
Psalm 51 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem. Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you; then bulls will be offered on your altar.
Worship Video: Psalm 51 reminded me of the fantastic song “Create in me a Clean Heart” performed here by Donnie McClurkin and a choir:
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray for a pure heart. Pray that God will purify your heart. Pray for renewal of a steadfast spirit within.
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 – Interesting set of readings today and tomorrow in Second Samuel. In chapter 9 we read about David showing kindness to Saul’s crippled grandson Mephibosheth and we end with David committing adultery in tomorrow’s readings, ordering the murder of one of his warriors, and making God very unhappy. What happened to change the course of events like this?? I think this is something that each one of us should take heed of – even when things are going very well in our walk with God, things can suddenly go the wrong direction if we are not vigilant in fleeing from sin and temptation. David was obviously tempted when he saw Bathsheba from his rooftop. He should have left that temptation there, and fled from it immediately – but instead he gave into it. He asked about Bathsheba (entertaining temptation…) and invited her over and then committed adultery. Then… things got worse. That’s how sin goes. Once we let it start to run our life it can quickly start to ruin our life. David thought he could trick Uriah into thinking Uriah got his wife pregnant – but Uriah in chapter 11 was behaving much more honorably than the king! He would not sleep with his own wife when he knew other warriors were sleeping on the battlefields. Uriah acted honorably. David did not. David allowed sin to run the show. Below is a powerful painting by James Tissot showing the moment on the rooftop where David allowed temptation to take over…
Worship Video: Today’s readings in Second Samuel remind me of the Delirioius song “Investigate:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:“David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people.” 2 Samuel 8:15 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray that you will do what is just and right for all areas of your life – your family, church, job, health, etc.
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 