Archive for the ‘1st and 2nd Samuel-BibleTrekToday’ Category

Scripture reading for April 2nd: 2nd Samuel 21-24

Have you ever felt like the heavens were brass and your prayers were not being answered?  Have you gone through a time of famine when you suffered want and lack?  King David and Israel suffered for three years under a severe famine.  Finally, the king decided to seek the Lord! (Did it come to that?)  (2nd Samuel 21:1)  The Lord answered with the root of the problem:  innocent bloodshed of Saul’s house against the Gibeonites had not been atoned for.

The Gibeonites had been spared by Joshua as he entered the land of Israel. (Joshua 9)  Israel had made a treaty of peace with them and swore their protection.  They had been made slaves in Israel because they had deceived Joshua in order to spare their own lives.  We do not have a biblical record of what Saul did to the Gibeonites but God tells David about this sin as a cause of the drought.  We do not know if Saul’s children were involved or not, but know that God is always just and does what is right by each person.

King David went to the Gibeonites and asked them what could be done for them.  They asked for seven descendants of Saul to be handed over to them to be put to death.  David granted their request but spared Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan his friend.  These were slain and laid out before the Lord.  Rizpah, Saul’s concubine and mother of two of those slain covered herself with sackcloth and stayed with the bodies for many days.  She drove away the birds by day and wild animals by night.  King David heard about her bravery and had the bones  of Saul, Jonathan, and these who were slain put away properly in the tomb of Saul’s father. After this, the Lord answered prayer!

What do we learn from this account?  Sometimes answer to prayer is hindered by unresolved conflict and hatred.  Here a whole nation was under a drought because of the shedding of innocent blood that had not been dealt with.  God gave revelation when King David prayed.  The drought was broken by taking action to repent of that issue and deal with those responsible.  God is a God who demands that His people take responsibility for their actions and deal justly with sin!

Scripture reading for April 1st: 2nd Samuel 19-20

After the rebellion of Absalom, King David was in mourning for the loss of this beloved son.  Even though this son had tried to take over his throne and kill him, David wished that he himself was dead instead!  This is the heart of God for all who perish outside of His grace!  He wishes none to perish but all to come to receive salvation!  (1st Timothy 2:3-4)  Joab, the commander of David’s army calls the king out of his mourning to be thankful for those who risked their lives to support him.

As King David returned, there were many things to make right again.  Rebellion leaves a residue.  People’s hearts are tested and their loyalties become clear.  Not everyone had sided with the king!  Some had openly dishonored him and some were still in rebellion.  David must again sit at the city gate and judge and encourage the people.  He must establish a team of advisers and leaders who will be loyal to help him.  As we read these chapters of 2nd Samuel, it is interesting to note how the king deals with these various situations.

First, David summoned the elders of Judah to meet with him.  Shimei, the Benjamite who had cursed David came with them with a thousand of his brothers and fell at the king’s feet, begging for mercy. (2nd Samuel 19:16-23)  Abishai recommended that he be put to death, but David gave mercy!  Revenge was not in his heart this day!   Mephiboseth, Saul’s grandson came before David and gave a conflicting story with that of his servant Ziba.  David gave a wise answer and did not make a judgment.  Barzillai, David’s friend and adviser came and David blessed him and gave him what he desired.

As we look at these events and how people came before David, I think ahead to the return of our King, Jesus Christ!  The return of Jesus will bring many surprises.  True loyalties will be exposed!  Our King will take with Him those who have been faithful and reward all who have come to Him for mercy.  He will not judge by what His eyes see outwardly, but He will be the faithful Judge who judges righteously.  He will deal with all rebels and dispatch them to their punishment.  He will return at a time when most are not expecting Him and His reward will be with Him.  I pray that you and I are ready and watching!

Scripture reading for March 31st: 2nd Samuel 15-18

King David was forgiven by God of his great sins of adultery and murder.  God is gracious and merciful when we repent and we are thankful for that truth.  However, sin does have consequences for us here that still roll on.  We reap what we sow and the crop is often a bitter one when we sow to our flesh!

Absalom, one of David’s sons, had aspirations for the throne.  He was what we would describe today as a “politician”.  He sought to win over the people by making promises and flattery.  (2nd Samuel 15:1-6)  Over four years he built up a following for himself and then proclaimed himself as king!  He even invited Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s close adviser to join his conspiracy.  A messenger told King David and the king decided to flee.

David had some close friends who remained loyal to him.  Hushai the Arkite was one of them as well as Zadok and Abiathar the priests and their sons.  David had prayed to the Lord to frustrate the advice of Ahithophel. (2nd Samuel 15:31)  David instructed Hushai to go back to Jerusalem and frustrate the advice of the betrayer.  (2nd Samuel 15:34)  Ahithophel  advised  Absalom  to lie with his father’s concubines on the roof of the palace in front of all Israel!  He also told him to get an army together and go after his father as soon as possible.  (2nd Samuel 17:1-4)

Absalom summoned Hushai the Arkite and asked his advice.  Hushai presented another plan that sounded better to Absalom.  God had worked through him to frustrate the advice of Ahithophel and spare David’s life.  (2nd Samuel 17:14)  When Ahithophel found that his advice was not taken, he knew that David would prevail so he hung himself.  (2nd Samuel 17:23)

Ahithophel was the grandfather of Bathsheba and father of one of David’s mighty men. (2nd Samuel 11:3, 23:34)  We do not know for sure what motivated Ahithophel to betray King David, but it is probable that Ahithophel never forgave David for his sin with his granddaughter.  David himself had betrayed a close friend in Uriah and now reaped.  Satan is always at work to cause division, hatred, betrayal and death.  A thousand years later, one of David’s descendants was also betrayed by one of his close followers, Judas.  Judas also went out and took his own life!  Sin has a terrible cost and we reap what we sow!

Scripture reading for March 30th: 2nd Samuel 11-14

King David was a wonderful man who loved God and fought many battles relying on Him.  However, at about 50 years of age, he decided to stay home from the battle and rest.  With time on his hands, his eyes found an enticing view of his neighbor’s wife.  This led to an adulterous encounter that brought an unwanted pregnancy.  To cover up the pregnancy, David had the woman’s husband, Uriah, brought home and encouraged him to go sleep with his wife.  The plan failed and David sent orders to have Uriah eliminated on the battlefield.  (2nd Samuel 11:1-17)   This man who walked closely with the Lord was now displeasing to God and caught in a web of sin.  What a tangled web we weave when we are not focused on the Lord and His work!

How did this mighty man end up in this terrible predicament?  The secular world might say today that David went through a “mid-life” crisis and lost his focus.  We who are believers know differently.  Decisions have consequences and we are responsible for our attitudes and our actions.  David made several key decisions that took him into this trap.  The first was to sit out instead of fight the Lord’s battles.  When we become passive and allow others to do what we should be doing, we open ourselves up for temptation.  We are designed by God for a purpose and placed in position to do God’s bidding.

Second, David must not have been reading God’s word as a king was supposed to do.  (Deuteronomy 17:14-20)  God’s word given through Moses specifically told of the time when Israel would have a king.  One of the temptations would be to take many wives.  This was to be avoided.  The king was to make a copy of God’s word on a scroll and read it all the days of his life so that he would revere God and do all that God had commanded.

The last observation was that David went after temptation instead of fleeing from it!  God always makes a way of escape and our first line of defense is our feet.  David did not resist and was overcome!  Decisions have consequences and David suffered rebellion and sexual sin in his own house and much sorrow as the result of these decisions!  Would that we would stay humble and learn!

Scripture reading for March 29th: 2nd Samuel 8-10

“The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for them, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness.” (Proverbs 11:5)

Early in his reign as king, David was known for his righteousness and justice.  He was always about the Lord’s business and sought to honor the Lord in all he did.  He defeated many nations and took in much gold and silver as plunder from these people.  We read that David did differently than his predecessor, Saul.  David dedicated the plunder to the Lord.  (2nd Samuel 8:11-12)

David grew famous with all his victories but he sought to give honor to the Lord for these.  As he reigned over Israel, David did what was just and right for all the people of God.  When a ruler is humble and follows the Lord, God honors and favors that ruler.  Righteous rulers are a blessing to those they rule over and God makes their path straight!

David also sought to honor his covenant commitment to his departed friend Jonathan.  David asked if there was anyone whom he could show kindness to from the house of Saul.  Ziba, a servant of Saul’s house, told David of a crippled son of Jonathan named Mephibosheth.  David had him brought before him.  Mephibosheth was probably fearful of David and was helpless because of his infirmity.  David assured him that he was safe and that he would bless him according to the covenant that he swore with his father Jonathan.  David restored his property and gave him a place at his own table as one of his own family!  (2nd Samuel 9:3-11)

David’s righteous rulership is a type of one of his offspring who would take the throne forever!  Jesus Christ is the perfect righteous ruler!  He destroyed all of His father’s enemies.  He treats all people with righteousness and justice!  He looks for covenant brothers and sisters to bless and care for!  He takes them into His own family and feeds and cares for them!  Even though they are helpless and crippled, he values them and honors them!

Take time today to reflect on our Lord’s righteous rule in our lives.  We are His kingdom people and are so blessed to eat at His table!  It is His covenant mercy that blesses us every day!  Praise the Lord!

Dear Friends,

As God’s people gather for worship and instruction in His word on each Sunday, I am so thankful for the promise of  God dwelling with His people.  Where two or more are gathered in His Name, He is there with them and delights in His people.  He rejoices over us with singing and spins around with delight over faithful people gathering to worship.  He indwells the praises of His people!  Please find a place of worship and make an effort to be there in person if you possibly can.  God is so good but He can also be dangerous!

In this past week’s reading, we came across a story where someone died for touching the Ark of the Covenant.  This story reminds us that it is important to come into God’s presence in the proper way.  We should not ever try to manipulate the presence of God with man’s ingenuity or ways.   We must be aware that God is holy and those in the Bible who disrespected His presence, died young!  In Leviticus 10 we read of Nadab and Abihu who took their censers and filled them with strange fire and went before the Lord.  They died instantly.  In 2nd Samuel 6:6-7, Uzzah acted irreverently towards the Ark and died instantly.  In the New Testament in Acts 5, Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Apostle Peter and died instantly during a church service while bringing their offering!

We all long for the presence of God and enjoy knowing that He is with us and indwells us.  We must remember that He is holy and must be treated with respect.  Worship the Lord today in Spirit and truth, offering Him your best and full attention!  God bless you!

In His Love, Pastor John

Scripture reading for March 27th: 2nd Samuel 5-7

King David had a desire to see a house built for God’s glory to dwell in.  David had built himself a house of cedar but the Ark of God was still in a tent.  (2nd Samuel 7:1-3)  God had traveled with His people using the tent and ark as His dwelling place.  Of course, all of heaven and earth cannot contain God because He is so awesome!  David’s desire for a house for God brought a response and promise back from God that is amazing even today!  We are blessed today by this response!

“Now then, tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says:  I took you from the pasture and from following the flock to be ruler over My people Israel.  I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you.  Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men of the earth.  And I will provide a place for My people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. …I will also give you rest from all your enemies.

“I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish His kingdom.  He is the one who will build a house for My Name and I will establish His kingdom forever.  I will be His father and He will be My son.  When He does wrong, I will punish Him with the rod of men with floggings inflicted by men.  But My love will never be taken from Him, as I took it away from Saul, who I removed from before you.  Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me and your throne will be established forever.” 2nd Samuel 7:8-16

All King David could do was respond to God’s personal promises to Him! “You, Sovereign Lord, have spoken, and with Your blessing the house of Your servant will be blessed forever.” (2nd Samuel 7:29b)  These promises to David were fulfilled in Jesus Christ.  He is building the “Temple” of God with all who believe on Him.  We have His everlasting love and our enemies are  defeated forever!   Amen, Lord, let Your promises be upon us!

Scripture reading for March 26th: 2nd Samuel 1-4

If someone who hated you and had tried to kill you was taken in death, would you rejoice and throw a party?  Would you be tempted to celebrate and judge that they had gotten their just desserts?  David was tested with the death of King Saul.

David was visited by an Amalekite who came with news of the deaths of Saul and Jonathan.  He came in mourning attire and brought to David Saul’s crown and armband.  David and his men tore their clothes and wept and fasted till evening in response to this news.  David began thinking about the Amalekite finishing off King Saul and called him out.  He had him executed for killing the Lord’s anointed! (2nd Samuel 1:8-16)

David had learned to respect the Lord’s authority structure.  Even if those in authority are wicked and under the influence of an evil spirit, they still are where they are in the position of authority because God has placed them there.  We would do well to learn this lesson quickly.  This Amalekite lost his life for what he thought was an act of mercy in putting Saul out of his misery after a mortal wound!

David then composed a lament for Saul and Jonathan, his close friend, and taught this it to the men of Judah.  The lament was a tribute to King Saul and his son.  “Saul and Jonathan–in life they were loved and gracious, and in death they were not parted.  They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.” 2nd Samuel 1:23  David makes no mention of the many times Saul tried to kill him and chased him mercilessly.  He refuses to touch the Lord’s anointed even in death!  What a tribute to this man’s heart of forgiveness and respect for God’s anointed!

As we look to this passage, we think about Jesus Christ, God’s anointed one!  Jesus died the death of a criminal for us, taking our sins in his body on the cross.  The religious leaders of Israel had no respect for their true King and ordered Him crucified.  They even asked that His blood be on them and their children! (Matthew 27:25) Their King prayed for their forgiveness even as He died!  Just think how many songs of remembrance have been composed about this King!

Scripture reading for March 25th: 1st Samuel 27-31

Occasionally we think we would like to contact those who have gone on before us who were special influences in our lives.  Parents, grandparents and spiritual leaders all make lasting impressions on us and when gone, leave us with a deep feeling of loss.  God has told us in His word, however,  not to seek contact with those who have gone on. (Leviticus 19:31)  God Himself is the only one we are to seek for counsel and direction.

Near the end of his time as king of Israel, Saul was under the influence of an evil spirit.  As the Philistine army gathered to attack Israel, Saul was filled with fear and insecurity!  (1st Samuel 28:4-7) (1st Samuel 16:14-16)  Saul had been anointed by the Lord to lead the nation, but chose a path of self-will that brought the evil spirit into his life.

Samuel, Saul’s spiritual adviser, was dead.  Saul had given a command to remove all mediums from Israel but when God would not answer his prayers, he sought insight into his future from a medium.  Disguising  himself, Saul went to a medium in Endor, and asked her to bring up Samuel from the dead!  She reluctantly complied and God allowed Saul to see a spirit who looked like Samuel.  Samuel’s spirit told Saul that he and his sons would soon join him and that God would fulfill Samuel’s words.  (1st Samuel 28:16-19)

This is one of those passages that causes us some difficulty.  Here we have God forbidding the use of mediums and yet allowing this medium to actually bring up Samuel or a spirit that looks like him.  If this were an evil spirit imitating Samuel, it spoke the truth!  According to Jesus, the devil and evil spirits can only lie! (John 8:44)  The best we can understand this is that God meets people where they are and often does things in ways we don’t fully understand.

The truth of the matter at hand is that God’s people are to wait upon Him for answers. Rebellion proved to be Saul’s ultimate downfall again at the end.  We should learn from our mistakes and listen to God’s word!  “For rebellion is like the sin of divination and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.  Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has rejected you as king.” (1st Samuel 15:23)

Scripture reading for March 24th: 1st Samuel 24-26

Revenge is common in our world today.  People remember wrongs done and they don’t get mad, they just get even!  This thinking is contrary to the word of God!  Only God knows the heart of people perfectly.   God has made each person and has a purpose for each person.  When we destroy another just to get even, it is a very selfish thing to do.  We take the place of God when we attempt that.  That sounds like original sin and the temptation of the serpent!

David is tempted three times in three chapters and would have been considered “justified” in his actions if he had taken revenge.  The first incident involved King Saul hunting him to try and take his life.   David and his men were hiding in a cave and Saul came into the cave to relieve himself.  David’s men urged him to kill Saul but instead, he went and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.  Even this act caused David to speak God’s heart! “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” (1st Samuel 24:6)

The second incident involve a man named Nabal.  This man insulted David and his companions after they had protected them in the wilds of the Judean wilderness.  It was customary to show some gratitude by helping out with food because of the kindness, but Nabal was foolish and selfish.  David was insulted and called his men to strap on their swords to get even.  Nabal’s wife Abigail was wise and interceded for her foolish husband.  David was moved by her humility and God spoke to him again through her about revenge.  “May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands.” (1st Samuel 25:33)

In the chapter 26, David is again offered the opportunity to kill Saul as he hunts David yet again.  David has learned to trust that God will either get even in his own time, or show mercy.  (1st Samuel 26:9-11)  Would you take time today to examine your own heart for feelings of revenge?  “As surely as I valued your life today, so may the Lord value my life and deliver me from all trouble.” (1st Samuel 26:24)