2 Samuel 20:14-21:22
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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.

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of Seph Schlueter’s song “Counting my Blessings:”

Are you Counting your Blessings?  Click here to be Blessed!

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. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

2 Samuel 19:11-20:13
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Today is a great day of readings in Second Samuel!  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:

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:

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Second Samuel readings today titled “David’s Return to Jerusalem” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of the song “Then Christ Came” by MercyMe:

Has Christ come to you?  Click here and let Christ in your heart!

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. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

2 Samuel 18:1-19:10
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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:

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Second Samuel readings titled “The Darkest Days of David’s Life” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of the FFH song “Come Undone.” Here’s a great live version of this song:

Have you come undone?  Click here and become undone!

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What is your reaction to David’s grief over his son Absalom today?  Why do you think he grieved so much?  Also, 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. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

2 Samuel 17:1-29
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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!  🙂

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Second Samuel readings titled “The Darkest Days of David’s Life” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of the song “The Power of the Cross” sung here by the Getty’s:

Do you know the power of the Cross? Click here for His Power!

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. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

2 Samuel 15:23-16:23
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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 committing 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 Video: Today’s readings remind me of the song “How Great Thou Art,” sung here live by Lauren Daigle:

Is your soul singing “How Great Thou Art?” Click here and Sing!

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. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

2 Samuel 14:1-15:22
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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 today’s Second Samuel readings titled “Absalom” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminds me of the song “Thy Word is a Lamp,” sung here by Michael W. Smith & Amy Grant:

Is God’s Word a lamp unto your feet? Click here for the Light of the World!

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. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

2 Samuel 13:1-39
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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”:

Bible.org’s commentary on our Second Samuel readings today titled “Tragedy in the Royal Family” is at this link.

YouTube:  Our readings today reminded me of the Sanctus Real song “Pray:”

When is the last time you prayed? Click here and Pray!

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. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

2 Samuel 12:1-31
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We read a great parable from the prophet Nathan today to start the chapter!  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 God (Nathan)” is at this link and “Real Repentance” is at this link and “The Death of David’s Son” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of the classic hymn “Be Thou My Vision” sung here Celtic style:

Do you have true Vision for your life? Click here for eternal Vision!

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. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

2 Samuel 9:1-11:27
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Interesting set of readings today in Second Samuel.  We start off 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.  Click here if you’d like to pray Psalm 51 now. 

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Second Samuel readings titled “David and Bathsheba” is at this link and “David and Uriah” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of the song “Agnus Dei” sung here by Michael W. Smith:

Do you know our Agnus Dei? Click here and meet the Lamb of God!

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. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

2 Samuel 7:1-8:18
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Second Samuel 7 today is a big chapter!  God essentially establishes a covenant/promise with David. Verse 16 is a nice sum-up of God’s promise to David: “Your dynasty and your kingdom will continue for all time before me, and your throne will be secure forever.’”  The throne is secure forever because from the lineage of David comes Jesus.  Jesus is forever.  Genealogies in Matthew 1 and Luke 3:21-38 will give you more details on this lineage.

It is interesting that God does not want David to build him a temple, but lets David know one of his descendents will in verses 12 & 13: “For when you die, I will raise up one of your descendants, and I will make his kingdom strong. He is the one who will build a house–a temple–for my name.”  We will later learn the reasons for this in 1 Chronicles 28 verse 3 when David says – “But God said to me, ‘You are not to build a house for my Name, because you are a warrior and have shed blood.’”  David was a warrior – as is very evident in Second Samuel 8 today.  David’s purpose was to unite and establish Israel.  David’s son Solomon will build the temple for God. Also, a commenter on this blog in the past made this strong point: “The building of a temple for God is not referring to Solomon but still to Jesus Christ. The true temple of God is the Church of Jesus Christ. While the Israelites have tried to build God a temple it has each time been destroyed. Only the Church of Jesus Christ is able to stand for all time. While it is true later Solomon does build a temple I believe this passage is still referring to Jesus and the church he builds.”

I love David’s prayer of thanksgiving to God in 2 Samuel 7 verses 18-29 today!  How often do you pray prayers of thanksgiving like this?  After the prayer of thanksgiving, an image is below for Second Samuel chapter 8 verses 9 through 11 today: “When King Toi of Hamath heard that David had destroyed the army of Hadadezer, e sent his son Joram to congratulate David on his success. Hadadezer and Toi had long been enemies, and there had been many wars between them. Joram presented David with many gifts of silver, gold, and bronze. King David dedicated all these gifts to the LORD, along with the silver and gold he had set apart from the other nations he had subdued.”

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Second Samuel readings today titled “Building God’s House” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Second Samuel 7 reminded me of Delirious’ song “What a Friend I’ve Found (Jesus, Friend Forever):”

Is Jesus your friend? Click here and meet your best friend forever!

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  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. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!