October in 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, Psalms, and Song of Solomon

1. Psalm 10
2. Psalm 27
3. Psalms 28 & 39
4. Psalm 41
5. Psalms 42 & 43
6. 2 Samuel 17
7. Psalm 55
8. Psalm 58
9. Psalms 61 & 62
10. 2 Samuel 18
11. Psalms 63 & 64
12. Psalms 70 & 84
13. Psalms 141 & 143
14. 2 Samuel 19
15. 2 Samuel 20 & 21
16. Psalm 140
17. 2 Samuel 22 & Psalm 18
18. 2 Samuel 23
19. 2 Samuel 24
20. 1 Kings 1
21. Psalm 25
22. 1 Kings 2
23. 1 Kings 3 & 4
24. Psalm 50
25. Song of Solomon 1-2:7
26. Song of Solomon 2:8-3:5
27. Song of Solomon 3:6-5:1
28. Song of Solomon 5:2-6:10
29. Song of Solomon 6:11-8:4
30. Song of Solomon 8:5-14
31. 1 Kings 5

September in 2 Samuel and Psalms

1. Free Day (or sub with Labor Day)
2. Psalms101,15, 24, 65
3. Psalm 68
4. Psalms 110 & 19
5. Psalms 138 & 139
6. Psalm 145
7. 2 Samuel 8 & 9 (Happy Labor Day) 
8. Psalm 8
9. 2 Samuel 10
10. Psalm 60
11. Psalm 33
12. Psalm 44
13. 2 Samuel 11
14. 2 Samuel 12:1-13a
15. Psalm 51
16. Psalm 38
17. Psalms 6 & 32
18. Psalm 103
19. 2 Samuel 12:13b-13:38
20. Psalms 20 & 21
21. Psalms 108 & 124
22. 2 Samuel 14
23. 2 Samuel 15
24. Psalms 3 & 4
25. Psalms 11 & 23
26. Psalm 26
27. 2 Samuel 16
28. Psalms 12 & 36
29. Psalm 37
30. Psalm 9

August in 1 & 2 Samuel and Psalms

1. 1 Samuel 22
2. Psalm 52
3. Psalm 109
4. 1 Samuel 23 & Psalm 54
5. Psalms 13 & 17
6. Psalm 22
7. 1 Samuel 24
8. Psalm 7
9. Psalm 35
10. Psalms 57 & 142
11. 1 Samuel 25
12. Psalms 14 & 53
13. 1 Samuel 26
14. Psalm 31
15. 1 Samuel 27 & 28
16. Psalm 56
17. 1 Samuel 29 & 30
18. Psalm 40
19. Psalm 69
20. Psalms 86 & 87
21. Psalm 131
22. 1 Samuel 31
23. Free Day!
24. 2 Samuel 1
25. 2 Samuel 2 & 3
26. 2 Samuel 4 & 5
27. Psalm 2
28. Psalm 78
29. Psalm 16
30. 2 Samuel 6 & 7

July in Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, and Psalms

1. Judges 13 - 16
2. Judges 13 - 16
3. Judges 17 & 18
4. HAVE A HAPPY 4th!!!
5. Judges 19
6. Judges 20
7. Judges 21
8. Ruth 1 & 2
9. Ruth 3 & 4
10. 1 Samuel 1
11. Psalm 113
12. 1 Samuel 2
13. 1 Samuel 3 & 4
14. 1 Samuel 5 & 6
15. 1 Samuel 7 & 8
16. 1 Samuel 9
17. 1 Samuel 10
18. 1 Samuel 11
19. 1 Samuel 12
20. 1 Samuel 13 & 14
21. 1 Samuel 15
22. 1 Samuel 16
23. 1 Samuel 17
24. Psalm 144
25. 1 Samuel 18 & 19
26. 1 Samuel 20
27. Psalms 5 & 6
28. Psalm 59
29. Psalm 133
30. 1 Samuel 21
31. Psalm 34

Put 2 Samuel on the Old Testament History Shelf

2 Samuel Chapter Titles

Here is a recap of the chapters in 2 Samuel:

1: David Mourns the Death of Saul and Jonathan

2: David Fights Abner

3: Joab versus Abner

4: Saul's Son Slain

5: David Reigns

6: Moving the Ark to Jerusalem

7: The Davidic Covenant (The most important chapter in this book)

8: Rest from Enemies

9: Kindness to Jonathan's Son

10: David is Suspected of Wrong Motives

11: David's Sin with Bathsheba

12: "You are the Man!"

13: Consequences for David

14: Absalom's Separation from David

15: Absalom's Rebellion

16: Insults for David

17: Advice for Absalom

18: Absalom is Slain

19: David's Return as King

20: Sheba's Schism

21: Famine as Chastening from God

22: Praise God for His Deliverance!

23: Following the Leader

24: Census Trusting

2 Samuel 24 - Census Trusting

LINK: 2 Samuel 24

BACKGROUND

Why was the Lord angry that David had taken the census? Sometimes, cross-references help us understand, and a parallel passage found in 1 Chronicles 21:1 says that "Satan stood up against Israel and moved David to number Israel."

What was wrong with taking a census? The Life Application Bible has some thoughts:

A census was commanded in Numbers to prepare an army for conquering the promised land (Numbers 1:2; 26:2). A census amounted to a draft or conscription for the army. The land was now at peace, so there was no need to enlist troops. Israel had extended its borders and became a recognized power. David's sin was pride and ambition in counting the people so that he could glory in the size of his nation and army, its power and defenses. By doing this, he put his faith in the size of his army rather than in God's ability to protect them regardless of their number. Even Joab knew a census was wrong, but David did not heed his advice. We sin in a similar way when we place our security in money, possessions, or the might of our nation. (p. 538)

Thankfully, David realized his sin of pride and self-sufficiency and confessed his foolishness to God, but there was still a consequence for his sin.

The book of 2 Samuel closes with David's purchase of a very rich piece of real estate. He purchased the threshing floor on Mt. Moriah. Where have you heard of this before in the Bible Book Club? This is the place where Abraham offered up Isaac in Genesis 22! It will also become the future home of Solomon's temple. Stay tuned!

REFLECTION/APPLICATION (written in 2008)

Right now, we heard of four more families in our church who have been laid off from the second biggest employer in town. This makes eight families, one of which includes our family! Our money and possessions are all from the Lord, and we rely on Him.

The uncertainty of the US economy is another cause for concern. We can trust Him for that too.

What are you putting your security in right now, other than the Lord? Are you trying to be self-sufficient or is your sufficiency from the Lord?

2011 Update: George has been put in a job that puts him right in the center of the university where we have our ministry! God knew what He was doing once again!

2014 Update: The money for the university job dried up. Once again, God provided a wonderful job to replace that one. I think this makes the fourteenth job change in 24 years of marriage. :) Stay tuned!

2023 Update: We had two job changes since then, but the nice thing is that the last two brought him back to our town. Now, he can invest here again. He has a dream job now. It will probably be his last before retirement, but it gives him many international contacts that will be great for the future. 

PRAYER

Lord, thank You that You are the source of everything we need for life and godliness. Help us all to put our trust in You and not count the size of our "army" and put our security in it. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

2 Samuel 23 - Following the Leader

LINK: 2 Samuel 23

BACKGROUND

In his last words, David calls himself the anointed and sweet psalmist of Israel. What a progression he has made from the lowly shepherd boy to acknowledging himself as the anointed king and leader of Israel!

What is most significant about this last song is his reiteration of the Davidic Covenant of 2 Samuel 7:8-16 in 23:5:

Truly is not my house so with God?
For He has made an everlasting covenant with me,
Ordered in all things, and secured;
For all my salvation and all my desire,
Will He not indeed make it grow?

The Scarlet Thread of Redemption

This covenant would result in someone from David's line being the everlasting King, and His name is JESUS! Jesus is all our salvation and all our desire. Praise be to HIM!

The chapter concludes with a list of David's 37 "mighty men." These were men who showed courage in battle as well as wisdom in leadership. By the way, the "thirty" mentioned contains 37 names because it mentions some warriors known to be dead (Uriah, Bathsheba's husband, whom David had slain is among them). They were all very different but had one thing in common: loyalty to their leader, David. Also, notice that there is one notable omission in this list: Joab!

REFLECTION (written in 2008)

The mighty men of David were really just ordinary men who were motivated to greatness by their leader, David. David was an effective leader when he was connected to his Leader, God!

In high school, most people liked me (except the jealous ones) even though I did not necessarily like myself all that much. By the end of my senior year, my room was filled with flowers from all the awards that I had racked up in the academic, social, and athletic realms. During the "award season" of senior year, the mom of my friend, Julie, said to her, "If there is anyone you should look up to and model your life after, it should be Carol." I was flattered, and this was a temporary fix (like a drug) to the deep craving that I had for love and acceptance.

The morning after this lovely compliment, I got a distressed call from Julie telling me that her mom had fallen asleep at the wheel of her Volkswagen Bug, crashed into a pole, and died instantly. Her flower-filled memorial service was set in stark contrast to the flowers in my bedroom, many of which had begun to turn brown with pedals making a mess all over my floor.

Julie's mother's death caused me to ask myself many questions: "So, I win all these awards, but the glory of those awards fade away, just like these flowers. What is life all about anyway if we all eventually die? Why am I here on earth; and if I am someone Julie should look up to and model her life after, who am I looking up to and modeling my life after?"

These verses in James express my position:

But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away. (James 1:9-11)

I was like that "rich man" in pursuit of my own glory because I had achieved everything I had set out to do in high school; but even with all of this, I was really bankrupt in my soul!

Julie's mom's death hit me hard, and my life began to unravel. Sure, I was achieving both academically and athletically in college, but I was very depressed. Yes, I had been a believer in Jesus since I was ten years old, but I did not really know how to follow Him. I needed someone to lead the way.

Then came Cheryl Potter.

Cheryl was a mild-tempered, humble coworker who was not very "rich" in the world's eyes but had EVERYTHING I wanted. We worked alone in the business office of the Fallbrook Hospital on the 3 - 10 p.m. shift. Things would get crazy and stressful when emergencies would come in, and Cheryl always worked diligently and calmly and with love for everyone. Cheryl followed Jesus, and I wanted to follow Cheryl so I could follow Jesus too. The rest is history.

The last time I talked to Cheryl was in the winter of 2005. She was fighting breast cancer, and all my emails had bounced. I was afraid to pick up the phone because of what I might not hear on the other end. I thought that if she had died, she lived her life for something that really mattered: the glory of God. I do not doubt that she left a legacy of "mighty women" behind her, all because she led by following Jesus. Cheryl was really someone to look up to and model her life after.

So, this post has taken all day because I got brave and located an old number for Cheryl and made the dreaded call wondering if she would be on the other end of the line.

And she was! Still Cheryl and cancer-free for three years! Alive and vacuuming! She had just said goodbye to a woman (and her two dogs) who had lived with her for three weeks while the woman was between homes. She was a brand new believer in Jesus. Cheryl was still leading other "mighty women" toward what is really important in life by pointing them toward Jesus.

May I someday live to fill her shoes.

APPLICATION

The leaders we follow will affect our lives. Who are you following? Are they following the Lord?

Also, who is following you, and where are you taking them? I pray you are following the ultimate Leader of us all: JESUS!

PRAYER

Lord, we will follow where You lead us. Lord, we pray for Godly leaders in our lives who follow You. Help us to be Godly leaders to others also. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

2 Samuel 22 & Psalm 18 - Praise God for His Deliverance!

LINK: 2 Samuel 22 & Psalm 18

2 Samuel 22 is almost identical to Psalm 18.  So, you can read through 2 Samuel 22 and then pray through Psalm 18 today and savor it. 

BACKGROUND

David was an old man who could speak from experience because the Lord had delivered him from all his enemies. He had fought his last battle, and this is a song of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord as he looked back at God's faithfulness. "Deliver" is a key word. God had delivered him from five attempts by Saul to kill him (1 Samuel 18:10-11; 19:8-10, 18-24) and numerous enemies. 

I hope you can savor the perfect goodness of God's character in every word of 2 Samuel 22 and Psalm 18!

APPLICATION

Think about God as your rock, fortress, deliverer, refuge, etc. Recall your own history of protection and deliverance. Illustrate it. Pray through it. Write a poem or a song. Enjoy!

PRAYER 

Pray responsively through Psalm 18.

2 Samuel 20 & 21 - Sheba, Famine, and Philistines

LINK: 2 Samuel 20 & 21

BACKGROUND

2 Samuel 20

With Absalom's death, there should have been a clear path for David back to the throne, but Sheba led the men of Israel (northern tribes) into revolt. Sheba was eventually killed by the people of Abel Beth Maacah, but this division along tribal lines is a foreshadowing of what will happen after Solomon's death when the kingdom divides. 

2 Samuel 21

The next four chapters are an appendix to the book of 2 Samuel. The events are not presented in any chronological order. Probably toward the end of David's reign, 2 Samuel 21 describes a famine that was punishment for Kings Saul's sin against the Gibeonites, an act of vengeance that the Bible does not record. Israel had vowed to protect the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:15-21, and Joshua 10), but Saul apparently started to perform "ethnic cleansing" on them.

Instead of silver or gold, the Gibeonites asked for seven male descendants so they could practice the tradition of "an eye for eye, tooth for tooth, life for life" (Exodus 21:23-25). Mephibosheth was spared according to David's promise to Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:15-16, but others were given over for execution (the Mephibosheth mentioned here is Rizpah's son, 2 Samuel 3:7). 

The chapter concludes with Israel battling the Philistines. David was advised, in his old age, to no longer go into battle. The descendants of Rapha were giants (see 2 Samuel 17:4-7).

No REFLECTION or APPLICATION today - keep reading! 

PRAYER

Lord, thank You for Your word that speaks to us that You are a mighty warrior in battle for us. Amen. 

2 Samuel 19 - David's Return as King

LINK: 2 Samuel 19

BACKGROUND

David continued to mourn the death of Absalom until Joab set him straight. David had shamed the people that saved his life by "loving those who hate him (Absalom) and hating those who love him" (his commanders and people). Joab warned that if David did not speak kindly to his servants, they would certainly mutiny. Thankfully, David followed Joab's advice, but the next thing David did was very significant and curious. David replaced Joab as his commander with Amasa. Here is what the commentators say about that:

David's appointment of Amasa was a shrewd political move. First, Amasa had been commander of Absalom's army, by making Amasa his commander, David would secure the allegiance of the rebel army. Second, by replacing Joab as commander in chief, David punished him for his previous crimes (3:26-29). Third, Amasa had a great deal of influence over the leaders of Judah (19:14). All of these moves would help to unite the kingdom. (The Life Application Bible, p.528)

As a result, David won over all the men of Judah as though they were one man, and Judah led the way in inviting David to come back to Jerusalem. This put Shimei, who had cursed the king (16:5-13) in a very awkward position and he begged for forgiveness. The king temporarily granted it (because his last command to Solomon in 1 Kings 2:8-9 was to kill Shimei). David also restored half of Mephibosheth's property (see 16:4). Lastly, David rewarded Barzillai who had provided David with supplies (17:27-29).

The end of this chapter contains foreshadowing of things to come. Israel and Judah squabbled over David's return indicating a schism that was developing between them that will eventually lead to two separate kingdoms. Stay tuned.

REFLECTION

In David's life, we see two men who were not afraid to confront the king: Nathan and Joab. Nathan confronted David when he was in sin, and Joab confronted David when he was on the verge of losing his authority as king.

Once, I had to confront someone who was in authority over me. It was very intimidating because she was someone very well known, but she always told me how grateful she was that I confronted her.

Wounds from a friend can be trusted, 
but an enemy multiplies kisses. 
(Proverbs 17:6)

2014 Update: That leader passed away in 2010. Every time I saw her between that confrontation in 1983 and then, she thanked me for my "care-fronting" her. I miss this mentor in my life too!

APPLICATION

When those you love need to hear the truth about themselves, can you speak the truth in love?

Here is a quote to ponder:

"There is a vast difference between putting your nose in other people's business and putting your heart in other people's problems."

The book Caring Enough to Confront is a very helpful book for this subject.

PRAYER

Lord, give us the courage and strength to "care-front" in love. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

2 Samuel 18 - Absalom is Slain

LINK: 2 Samuel 18

BACKGROUND

David's army went out to defeat Absalom's army, and David had one request: "Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom." Absalom's army was routed, and on his retreat on a mule, his phenomenal head of hair (noted in 14:25-26) caught on a tree. David's soldiers had heard David's request to be gentle to Absalom, but Joab did not honor it and slayed him mercilessly. Absalom was buried in a pit with memorial stones heaped on top even though Absalom had already erected a monument for himself (See Joshua 4:5-9 and Joshua 7:20-26 for two other examples when stones were heaped). What a contrast!

Ahimaaz (David's courier) and the Cushite raced to tell David. Commentators believe Joab wanted the Cushite to go first because the Cushite was more "expendable" than Ahimaaz, and Joab might have been afraid David would kill the messenger like he did in 2 Samuel 1:13-15. When David heard the news, he mourned the loss of his son-turned-enemy, Absalom.

REFLECTION/APPLICATION

A reflection from the Daily Walk about parenting:

"This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you" is probably one of the most unbelievable things a parent can say to a child--at least from the child's perspective! Though the parent's words are sincere, the child finds them hard to believe since it isn't Mom or Dad who feels the sting of punishment. 

Discipline, regardless of the form it takes, is never pleasant at the moment (Hebrews 12:11). But it is necessary to ensure that both parent and child aren't hurt even more in the future when they begin to reap the consequences of a lack of discipline. 

King David, preoccupied with his royal duties, allowed his wayward son to continue in disobedience. Had David attempted to curb Absalom's rebellion, it would have been painful--but not nearly as painful as the grief David experienced when his son planned a revolt against him and then died a rebel. 

Do you see discipline as a pain to be avoided, or a means of avoiding pain? Write down three reasons why children need to be disciplined in love. As a parent or for yourself, learn from David's sad example.  (Daily Walk, March 2008)

No matter what "plan" you follow regarding the discipline of your kids. The key is to have some kind of loving plan, be on the same page as your spouse with that plan and be consistent with the plan!

All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, 

but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, 

afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.  

(Hebrews 12:11)

PRAYER

God, I pray that You will give each person reading this post a plan for raising their children in a way that honors and glorifies You. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

2 Samuel 17 - Absalom's Counsel

LINK: 2 Samuel 17

BACKGROUND

Remember how David prayed in 15:31, "O LORD, turn Ahithophel's advice into foolishness"? Well, when Ahithophel advised Absalom to pursue David with twelve thousand men immediately, God allowed Absalom to follow Hushai's advice instead (Remember Hushai is David's spy!) Because of this, Hushai was able to get word to David so that David had time to strengthen his forces and gather supplies from people in the area who were aligned with him. In the meantime, Ahithophel, smarting from Absalom spurning his counsel, went home and hanged himself. (Sounds like another traitor we will read about in the New Testament, doesn't it? Read Matthew 27:5.)

REFLECTION

I have had good counselors and bad counselors in my life. Some were people I respected, but I realized that their counsel had other motives behind it. I have learned to really pray and be very discerning and careful about who should counsel me in situations. Counsel should never contradict the Word of God and should always be bathed in prayer. I am very leery of people who tell me what they think without praying about it first. The best counselors are the ones who guide you in listening to God together!

All that said, wise counselors are such a blessing! I have had wise counselors in my mentors, Ginny and Lorraine! Ginny passed away in 2013, but Lorraine still gives me wonderful words of counsel and encouragement! They have been a big part of my life for years. 

My mentors: Ginny and Lorraine. This is the last picture with all three of us together, in May 2011.

2023 Update: Lorraine went to be with Jesus in heaven in May 2019. I will always be grateful for their wise influence in my life. 

We will be reading the whole book of Proverbs next month, and it has some things to say about counselors. Here are some verses to meditate on today:

   Refuse good advice and watch your plans fail; 

take good counsel and watch them succeed.

(Proverbs 15:22, The Message)

Where no wise guidance is, the people fall, 

but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. 

(Proverbs 11:14, AMP)

Purposes and plans are established by counsel; 

and [only] with good advice make or carry on war. 

(Proverbs 20:18, AMP)  

APPLICATION

Who are the wise counselors in your life? 

You may not have people like this in your vicinity, but spiritual directors are available via online platforms.  You can read more about what spiritual direction is by going to my website at Body and Soul Companion.

Here are lists of directors I would recommend:

Sustainable Faith Affiliates - These are seasoned spiritual directors who can serve as pastoral care resources to pastors, missionaries, and other Christian leaders. They have had at least 120 sessions with directees and have gone through an extensive application process.

The Contemplative Activist Spiritual Directors Network - These have all completed a two-year program of direction through Sustainable Faith and are thoroughly vetted. 

ESDA   - Members have completed a two-year program of spiritual direction training and have at least a minimum of 20 hours of direction with 10 of supervised direction.

PRAYER

Lord, provide us with wise counselors. Give us discernment to detect bad ones. Amen. 

2 Samuel 16 - Insults and Advice

LINK: 2 Samuel 16

BACKGROUND

In this chapter, the servant of Mephibosheth, Ziba, told David that Mephibosheth had gone back to Jerusalem in hopes of reclaiming Saul's throne. David believed him and gave him all that belonged to Mephibosheth without confirming Ziba's claim. We will find out in 2 Samuel 19 that this is not true.

Shimei, a man from the house of Saul, came out and cursed David with untrue insults (David had never shed Saul's blood but honored him as the Lord's anointed). Abishai wanted to cut off the man's head, but David allowed the man to vent and left it in the Lord's hands. He went on exhausted but eventually refreshed himself in the Lord.

Meanwhile, back in Jerusalem, Hushai (David's spy) convinced Absalom that he had defected to his side and Ahithophel advised Absalom to have relations with David's concubines in order to affirm his secession and to fulfill what Nathan had prophesied in 12:11, 12: that another man would sleep with David's wives.

REFLECTION

Remember my reflection from a while back about the woman who still believes that I have ill will against her and is saying things behind my back? I learned a valuable thing from David's encounter with Shimei in 16:5-14. He quietly tolerated the unjustified abuse toward him. I want to maintain my composure just like David. I cannot stop this dear woman's criticism of me even though it, too, is unjustified. My flesh wants to shout in defense and say:

"I'm innocent!"

But like David, I will ignore it and leave it in the Lord's hands. He knows what I am enduring, and he will vindicate me. That is so comforting. In the meantime, I will pray for her.

2014 Update: The Lord straightened it all out. 

APPLICATION

Perhaps you have been falsely accused. Can you follow David's example and let the Lord straighten it all out?

If you have a hard time letting things go, may I suggest the Welcoming Prayer when things are out of your control?

PRAYER

Lord, thank You that You are the righteous judge, and our vindication is only from You. Thank You that You are always on the side of the innocent. Thank You that You know what we are enduring and allow these things to grow us to full maturity in You. Thank You for the process of growth that You are taking each of us through. Lord, please vindicate Your servants. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion

LINK: 2 Samuel 15

BACKGROUND
Absalom began the rebellion against his father by standing at the gate and promising, those with complaints, better justice than David could give. Thus he "stole away the hearts of the men of Israel" (15:6) Sounds like Absalom would have made a great modern-day politician!

After four years (The Greek Septuagint says "4" and the Hebrew says "40" but this may have referred back to David's anointing in Bethlehem), under the ruse of going to pay a vow, Absalom went to Hebron and claimed his rulership with Ahithophel, David's counselor (and Bathsheba's grandfather), on his side along with many others.

When David heard of Absalom's conspiracy, he fled Jerusalem to the Mount of Olives followed by his loyal men, people from the city, and the Levites with the Ark of the Covenant. But David sent the priests and Ark back to its sanctuary knowing that if it was God's will for him to be king, he would return to it.

In despair, on the Mount of Olives, David prayed and sent Hushai back to Absalom as a spy and to frustrate Ahithophel's counsel.

REFLECTION 

The Scarlet Thread of Redemption

David's prayer on the Mount of Olives strengthened him and girded him for action and eventual return to his kingship. About 1000 years later, Jesus' prayer on the same Mount of Olives on the night of His betrayal would help Him gather strength from His Father to face the road to the cross and eventual exaltation as King of kings!

We too can find strength in our time of need just as David and Jesus did. Pray, dear friends, PRAY!


APPLICATION /PRAYER

Psalm 3 was written by David when he fled from Absalom. Meditate on it and discover how David dealt with difficulties. I will have a post on it and Psalm 4 tomorrow!

Morning Prayer of Trust in God

A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.

1 O LORD, how my adversaries have increased!
Many are rising up against me.

2 Many are saying of my soul,

"There is no deliverance for him in God." Selah.

3 But You, O LORD, are a shield about me,
My glory, and the One who lifts my head.

4 I was crying to the LORD with my voice,
And He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah.

5 I lay down and slept;
I awoke, for the LORD sustains me.

6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people
Who have set themselves against me round about.

7 Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God!
For You have smitten all my enemies on the cheek;
You have shattered the teeth of the wicked.

8 Salvation belongs to the LORD;

I have linked a way of meditating on these verses above, but here is a step-by-step way of meditating called Lectio Divina:

Recenter and Relax Yourself

Recenter your scattered senses on the presence of God. Still your mind, heart, and body. Let go of all other distractions. Relax in His presence and attend to Him.

Read the Passage (Lectio)

Read slowly and attentively, followed by a time of silence.

Reflect on it (Meditatio)

Listen for a word or phrase that shimmers for you. In what way does it touch your life? Let thoughts surface that connect the text to your life.

Respond to God (Oratio)

Converse with God about the word or phrase and what it has triggered. Think of God in the second person (“you”). Tell God what you are thinking and feeling. Be honest! What do you want of God? What help do you need?

Rest in Him (Contemplatio)

Rest in God’s presence. Be silent and without words. Move on when you are ready. (Note: Praying Scripture has nothing to do with “getting through” passages; it has everything to do with letting the meaning sink into your life.)

Take a word or phrase with you and repeat it as you perform your daily activities.

Take time to listen to God’s voice and journal something so you will remember the encounter.

2 Samuel 14 - Absalom's Separation from David

LINK: 2 Samuel 14

BACKGROUND

David had acted irresponsibly by not taking action regarding Absalom's murder of Amnon. Joab saw the wide gulf between David and Absalom and used a parable told by the woman of Takoa (seven miles south of Bethlehem and birthplace of the Prophet Amos) to let David see the error of his ways (See 2 Samuel 12:1-5 for another parable that got through to David).

In this parable, the woman was worried that because one of her sons killed the other, her other relatives would kill her only remaining son, leaving her penniless and without a son to carry on her husband's name. Numbers 35:9-21 talks about how blood avengers were to pursue murderers, and the woman asked for David's protection. David promised it, and she accosted him with the meaning of her parable. If he could grant amnesty and mercy to an unknown murderer, surely he would grant it to his own son who had intentionally murdered!

David figured out that Joab was behind it and invited Absalom back to Jerusalem but would not see him face to face. Absalom showed more of his terrible character by setting fire to Joab's field when he could not get Joab to intervene. Finally, after two years, Joab intervened and the handsome, self-centered Absalom was invited into David's presence. As we shall soon see, it was only a temporary peace. Absalom's heart was cold, and his character was already set toward rebellion and destruction.

REFLECTION

I love the picture of God's mercy painted by the woman of Takoa:

For we will surely die and are like water spilled on the ground which cannot be gathered up again. Yet God does not take away life, but plans ways so that the banished one will not be cast out from Him. (2 Samuel 14:14)

God has planned a way for us, my friends! We, too, were meant to be banished ones, but we have been brought near by the precious blood of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:13). Hallelujah!

APPLICATION

Bathe in your Heavenly Father's mercy toward you today by meditating on Ephesians 1 & 2 or the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15.

PRAYER

Father, thank You that You have provided a way out of our banishment through the shed blood of Jesus Christ that brought us near to You. We look forward to seeing You face to face in eternity. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

2 Samuel 12:13b-13:38 - A House Divided

LINK: 2 Samuel 12:13b-13:38

BACKGROUND

After all of David's psalms of repentance, we pick up the narrative again. David was forgiven and restored even though adultery and murder were cause for execution (Exodus 21:12; Leviticus 20:10). We have learned from the previous four days of Psalm readings that God is a gracious and compassionate God, but there are often consequences to our sin, and there was nothing David could do to reverse them. Nathan prophesied that the sword would never depart from his house (12:10 is fulfilled in the conflict with Absalom. See 13:28 and 18:14.). Also, he prophesied that David's wives would be taken from him (12:11 was fulfilled when Absalom lay with David's concubines in 16:22).

The immediate consequence of David's sin was the death of the child conceived between Bathsheba and David. The surprise at David ceasing his fasting once the child died (12:21) was because fasting and mourning usually occurred when someone died, but David knew he could not reverse God's hand.

The bright spot in all the consequences was the birth of a second son, Solomon ("peace"), named Jedidiah ("loved by the LORD") by Nathan. 

2 Samuel 13 is the beginning of the consequence of the sword never departing from his house (12:10). Amnon, David's firstborn son by Ahinoam (3:2) raped Tamar, Absalom's sister by David's wife Maacah (3:3). Rape is horrible and relations between half brothers and sisters were forbidden (Leviticus 20:17).  Because he had violated a virgin, he was to marry her (Deuteronomy 22:29) but sent her away. David did nothing about it, and Absalom hated Amnon and waited two years before he avenged the rape by having his servant murder Amnon. 

This is the beginning of a family divided because of the consequences of sin. 

PRAYER

Lord, unite our homes under the banner of Your love. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.