Tag: 2 Samuel

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2 Samuel 12:26-31

judyinthesky91

Read 2 Samuel 12:26-31 and 1 Chronicles 20:1-3 – yes,  we are getting fancy today and comparing two accounts of the same event. Chronicles is 3 books past 2 Samuel, for those of you trying to find it. It documents the religious history of Israel and Judah.   It was written post exile by the prophet Ezra.  Note that these events in Rabbah took place as King David was staying home from the war, and getting into trouble. Joab was faithful to David, he captured Rabbah’s water supply, then called for David to besiege the city so that David and not Joab would get glory for the victory. God says he will remove our sins as far as the east is from the west (see Psalm 103:12).  David received the victory as if he had not sinned, and the history of 1 Chronicles reveals this to be the case. Praise God, beloved, his forgiveness is like an eraser on a white board! 👑🙌✏

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Psalm 51

judyinthesky91

Read Psalm 51 –  Remember when David prayed and fasted for his son’s life (2Sam12:16)?  Psalms 51 reveals David’s heart during that time.  David pleads for mercy based on God’s unfailing love and compassion.  He asks the Lord to do something only the Lord can, to blot out his transgressions(51:1-2)   This is what it is to personally communicate with the Lord.   David prays “Create in me a pure heart,” 51:10 And the words that follow melt my heart.  They are Words I can lean into, whenever sin gets the best of me.  David draws on God’s nature.  David’s ego surrendered; his reverence for the Lord shines.  Enjoy David’s heartfelt plea, and consider how you react when you fall…. God desires a broken and contrite heart, surrendered to Him(51:17).🥺🏳🙏🏻

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2 Samuel 12:1-25

judyinthesky91

Read 2 Samuel 12:1-25 – “You hypocrite, first take the log or out of your own eye,  then your will see clearly to take the speck out of your brothers eye.” Luke 6:42.  The Lord used a parable to address David’s sin. In it David saw the offense clearly,  but when Nathan explained he was the man(12:7), then David understood his sin and confessed. In judgment, the Lord took the life of David’s son.   While the child was sick, David fasted and prayed his heart out, and when he died,  David washed, dressed, worshiped the Lord,  then ate. The servants were shocked at his turn around which he explains so well in 12:22-23.  David understands life after death. David knows his baby is with the Lord and he will be with him someday.  It’s a beautiful faith on display for us. Next David comforts his wife,  Bathsheba, and along comes baby Solomon, whom the Lord loves. The Lord gives, and takes away. Blessed be the Name of the Lord. 💖

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2 Samuel 11

judyinthesky91

Read 2 Samuel 11 – Success must be guarded.   The ego is a dangerous liar of a friend.   From the first verse we see King David making ego driven choices.  Why didn’t David go to war,  as king’s normally did in the spring (11:1)?  Why did he glance at the women’s bath?   Why didn’t he look away at the sight of one? His glance took her in and he inquired about her(11:2-3)… Let’s shift gears to Urriah.  His integrity is stellar.   He will not delight in the privilege of marriage while his men are camping in open fields(11:11)  David tried getting him drunk so he would go home,  have relations with Bathsheba, and be credited with her pregnancy.  But even drunk,  he would not do it. David has him carry the very note that conspires his death in battle.   He dies. Bathsheba mourns, then moves to the palace and marries David,  then gives birth…. And none of this happened without the Lord’s full knowledge. “The LORD was displeased with what David had done.” (11:27b) It’s horrible, but before we throw any stones,  let’s each examine our own heart. What hidden sin needs to be confessed?   Ask the LORD to search your heart today. 🛀🤰⚰🤦‍♂️

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2 Samuel 9

judyinthesky91

Read 2 Samuel 9 – Did you remember to remember Mephibosheth?  We met him briefly in 2 Sam 4:4, he is the crippled son of Jonathon and living in hiding.  King David asks if there is anyone from Jonathon’s family he can show kindness to, and is told about Mephibosheth.  David summons for him, and he calls himself David’s servant, and bows low to the ground in respect (and perhaps fear – 9:6).  Being crippled meant Mephibosheth was not eligible to be king, yet David treated him with great honor, restoring all the land that had been Sauls to him and insisting that he dine with King David, like one of his own sons.  This segment shines of Jesus’s love, we are not eligible for heaven because of our sin affliction, yet Jesus made a way for us to dine at his table.  He offers us Salvation.  We become adopted into the kingdom of heaven because Jesus died, and rose again, conquering sin and death, covering and restoring us by His sacrifice… so much like Mephibosheth has been redeemed to the kings table, purely by David’s grace.

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2 Samuel 8

judyinthesky91

Read 2 Samuel 8 – War is a hard topic for me and chapter 8 gives a peek into the harsh realities of it.  David has the Lord’s hand of blessing wherever he went (8:6).  He conquered Gath, which subdued the Philistines.  He conquered Moab and cut them down by ⅔.  The remaining ⅓ became subjects to him and paid tribute.  He gained victory over the Euphrates River, capturing chariots, charioteers, foot soldiers and horses.  The Arameans sent back up support to help King Hadadezer fight against Israel, and David killed 22,000 of them.  There are good guys and bad guys in this world, and the truth is, our good guys, like David, need to do some very hard and ugly things to keep it in check.  Also, in 2 Sam 7, David was told he could not build the house for the Ark of God, but here in ch 8:17 we see him dedicating the gifts and precious metals to the LORD… which will one day finance the building.  David does what he can to serve the LORD with the giftedness given to him by God, and offers it right back in dedication.  What gifts, talents and tribute do you possess?   It is good to take stock of what you have and do what you can to glorify the Lord as He created you to do.

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2 Samuel 7

judyinthesky91

Read 2 Samuel 7 – Sometimes God says no. 

David’s heart is still with the Ark of God.  He wants to do more to glorify the Lord.  He wants to build the Ark of God a proper home of cedar.  David shares his vision with Nathan the prophet, who is agreeable to it – until the Lord speaks to Nathan and tells him it will be David’s offspring and not David who will build a home for the Ark of God.  David’s response is a prayer of thanksgiving.  David recounts all the things God has done for him with awe.  He glorifies the Lord, praising his Name, reminding the Lord of His promises and past deliverance. 

This inspired me to spend some time in gratitude and praise for all Jesus has done in my life, for who He is, and for my hope in Him.  Focusing on the awesomeness of the Lord draws me closer to Him.  Pastor John Piper is known for saying:  “The Lord is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”  David’s prayer is a beautiful example, and I encourage you to do the same.

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2 Samuel 5

judyinthesky91

Read 2 Samuel 5 – David’s reign as King over all of Israel is official – He was 30 years old at this time and reigned for 40 years (5:4).  Have you ever waited a long time for something to come true? 

King David is anointed king (5:3), he overtakes the Jebusite land and makes it the City of David(5:7), he extends the city and becomes more and more powerful, KIng Hiram comes alongside David with gifts of timber and workmen, AND THEN, King David realized the Lord had confirmed and blessed him as king over Israel(5:12).  Sometimes the truth of God’s hand of blessing is all around you, but you have to let go of fight/survival mode before you can accept it.  Gratitude is the cure.  Gratitude changes your lens. 

The Philistines learn David is King, they set out against him.  David asks God and the Lord says, yes, I will certainly hand them over to you (5:19).  David has all the power and authority, yet he remains humble under the Lord, setting a timeless example for us to cling to.👑😍🙏🏻⚓🙏🏻😍👑

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2 Samuel 4

judyinthesky91

Read 2 Samuel 4 – Flashback to the vow David made to Jonathon in 1 Sam 20:15 “ treat my family with this faithful love, even when the LORD destroys all your enemies from the face of the earth.”  Now, recall what happened in 2 Samuel 1 when the Amalekite man took credit for killing Saul, and was punished by death. 

 In Chapter 4, two of Ishbosheth’s own captains sneak into his room and kill him while he sleeps.  Ishbosheth was already defeated in spirit at the news of Abner’s death, yet they murdered him, and brought his head to David, seeking reward.  They received the same reward as the Amalekite man. 

In vs. 4:4 We are introduced to Jonathon’s lame son, Mephibosheth, but no more is said about him.  Hang on to this verse, we will learn more about him in upcoming chapters.

 David’s integrity is evidenced in Chapter 4.  He keeps his word to Jonathon, and does not approve of revenge against Saul’s family.  Can you think of a time in your life where doing the right thing was unexpected or inconvenient, yet you did it?  Integrity is a priceless virtue.

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2 Samuel 3

judyinthesky91

Read 2 Samuel 3 – So much happens in Chapter 3! 

The division between Judah and Israel is a long war (3:1). 

Ishbosheth accuses the mighty Abner of adultery, and Abner has had it!  He switches teams and contacts David in a stunning turn of events. 

David wants his wife back, Michal.  She was his first wife, the daughter of king Saul, given and taken away by him(see 1 Samuel 18).  I thought that was a rather romantic way to prove Abner’s loyalty. Abner brings Michal, consults with the elders of Israel and Benjamin, reminds them in vs 18 that David was chosen by the Lord, and arrives in Hebron with great feasting and celebration. 

All is well, except…. Joab, King David’s general, has allowed vengeance to fester in his heart over his brother’s death (2 Sam 2:23), and tricks Abner into returning and murders him.  David deeply mourns Abner, making those who murdered him mourn in the funeral procession too. 

Revenge is a terrible desire.  It will eat you alive and cause you to do horrible things.  David acknowledges that Joab and his brother are too strong to control, and entrusts their fate to the Lord… which is a far wiser thing to do in the face of injustice. 🙏🏻✌ 🙈🙉🙊🙏🏻✌