QT 2/28/2023 2 Sam 7:8-17, We would be nothing without our Lord

2 Samuel 7:8–17 (ESV) —

8 Now, therefore, thus you shall say to my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people Israel. 9 And I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. 10 And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more. And violent men shall afflict them no more, as formerly, 11 from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. 12 When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, 15 but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’ ” 17 In accordance with all these words, and in accordance with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David.

 

NOTE: In this very long discourse from God to David (thru Nathan), the Lord emphasizes some things which should be considered by all of us. I don't mean to compare our lives to the Davidic covenant (one of the eight major covenants of the bible), but I do see some principles in God's reply to David. As we respond to God, we need to consider the following:

 

1. Where have I come from and where was I heading before encountering Christ? ["… I took you from the pasture, …"]
2. How have I seen God intervening through the years of my life for my good (as defined by God)? ["And I have been with you …"]
3. Where am I today because of what God has done? ["And I will make for you a great name?"]
4. How has what God did in my life impacted my generation -- something like the Jimmy Stewart character in "It's a Wonderful Life"? [" … my people … I will plant them … own place … not disturbed …"]
5. What is my house today (family, responsibilities, spiritual maturity)? ["… the Lord will make you a house …"]
6. What will be my legacy (physical children, spiritual children (disciples), and lives touched)? ["When your days are fulfilled … I will raise up your offspring…"]

 

Father, these are all great questions to chew upon in my own life and to give thanks to you for all you have already done to me.

 

PONDER:

1. Humility is developed when we recognize how little we really have accomplished. Do I see it? Do I recognize all that God has done?

 

PRAYER: Father, what am I that you are mindful of? Why do I even exist? I would have nothing without you. I would be nowhere with a trail of trash behind me. All that I have you have given and all that remains to be seen will be your mercy to me. Thank you. Forgive me for my failure to look back.

QT 2/27/2023 2 Sam 7:1-7, Honoring and glorifying God

2 Samuel 7:1–7 (ESV) —

1 Now when the king lived in his house and the Lord had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies, 2 the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent.” 3 And Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you.”

4 But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, 5 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: Would you build me a house to dwell in? 6 I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent for my dwelling. 7 In all places where I have moved with all the people of Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?” ’

 

NOTE: In typical Jewish thematic style, the writer has placed this event far forward of its' actual chronological data. This would be much closer to the end of David's life than at the beginning of his rule. This chapter does appear to be an apex. The covenant that is introduced and the length of God's words are longer than any other section outside of the Mosaic law. This section introduces the Davidic covenant. The Mosaic covenant was a treaty with curses and blessings. The Davidic covenant is a grant, and is based entirely on God's promises here to David. All of history will be measured against King David, and all the hopes of Israel rest on the restoration of the Kingdom under David's successor. This is the hope of Israel -- the story of the future Messiah.

 

At his point, the interchange begins with David feeling as if he lives in luxury while the image of the presence of God is only in a tent. The picture is not what he desires. From God's perspective, his name and presence has always been represented in this tent. The universe is God's abode -- what "house" can ever capture the grandeur of the God of the universe?

 

Yet, as the next verses indicate, God is pleased with David, because his heart is to honor and glorify God.

 

PONDER:

1. The example of David makes me wonder what I do to honor and glorify God? Surely, we should do more than attend church. Yet most people can't seem to find enough time to even go to church weekly! Others do it not out of love but out of rote or some sense of increasing God's love for them. No one can increase the love of God that was shown for us on the cross. There is no action to increase God's love for a person who knows Jesus. So what is our heart to honor and glorify God? How is it shown?

 

PRAYER: Father, I am amazed at David. He never let the things of life, the administration of battles and a kingdom ever make his heart grow cold toward you. He truly wanted to glorify you. He recognized his weaknesses and failures and puny status, despite all his riches. He remained humble. What a beautiful picture of a strong and godly man.

QT 2/24/2023 2 Sam 6:16-23, Rooting for righteousness

2 Samuel 6:16–23 (ESV) —

16 As the ark of the Lord came into the city of David, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, and she despised him in her heart. 17 And they brought in the ark of the Lord and set it in its place, inside the tent that David had pitched for it. And David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord. 18 And when David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts 19 and distributed among all the people, the whole multitude of Israel, both men and women, a cake of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins to each one. Then all the people departed, each to his house.

20 And David returned to bless his household. But Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David and said, “How the king of Israel honored himself today, uncovering himself today before the eyes of his servants’ female servants, as one of the vulgar fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!” 21 And David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose me above your father and above all his house, to appoint me as prince over Israel, the people of the Lord—and I will celebrate before the Lord. 22 I will make myself yet more contemptible than this, and I will be abased in your eyes. But by the female servants of whom you have spoken, by them I shall be held in honor.” 23 And Michal the daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death.

 

NOTE: So what did Michal do since the verses that follow show her as not having any children? First of all, why was Michal not out there celebrating as the others were (she was watching from her room)? Second, did Michal actually worship idols, and so therefore was upset that the ark was coming to the city?

 

1 Samuel 19:13 (ESV) — 13 Michal took an image and laid it on the bed and put a pillow of goats’ hair at its head and covered it with the clothes.

 

Did she still have that "teraphim?" And whose side was she really standing? Saul never had a heart for God. Is Michal more a daughter of Saul than a wife of David?

 

I think Michal represents those in Israel who secretly worshipped pagan gods. There was no joy in their heart to see the Ark come to the capital. Her anger toward David had nothing to do with his dancing, but with her anger that the kingdom of God was advancing.

 

There are people like that all over the world and even in churches. They really have no desire for the kingdom to advance. They don't really even believe in the kingdom of God. And they are angry when they see righteousness reigning.

 

PONDER:

1. When I hear news of the kingdom advancing or righteousness winning, how do I respond?

 

PRAYER: Father, I want your kingdom to come now. I want you to rule as you do in heaven. I do not care if all the things of this world are gone. I want to be with you.

QT 2/23/2023 2 Sam 6:11-15, Enjoying the blessing of God

2 Samuel 6:11–15 (ESV) —

11 And the ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months, and the Lord blessed Obed-edom and all his household.

12 And it was told King David, “The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing. 13 And when those who bore the ark of the Lord had gone six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened animal. 14 And David danced before the Lord with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod. 15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the horn.

 

NOTE: I don't think David's desire was greed. He wanted God's blessing. And he wanted the identification of the presence of God in the capital city. It is apparent that a lot of work and preparation went into the movement of the ark. They did not use an cart, but rather carried it by the poles as prescribed. There is some symbolism as well. When the bearers had gone six steps, they rested, and a sacrifice was performed (which also made for a feast). The six steps and then a feast representing the six days of work and the seventh day reserved for God with no work. It would have taken many steps to go that far. David fed many people that day. Also, it doesn't appear that the entire tabernacle is moved to Jerusalem. I'm not sure why, although later in David's reign he does try to build a house to God in Jerusalem, but God leaves that to Solomon. I'm not sure if in the interim the rest of the tabernacle is moved.

 

What is the lesson? For Christians, we have the presence and name of God residing in our hearts. We have his blessing, but we don't seek him as we should. We should look forward to our time alone with God each morning. We should listen to him.

 

PONDER:

1. What are you saying to me this morning Lord?
2. What do I need to do this day?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to be quiet and listen. Speak to my heart. Lead and guide me in the way I should go.

QT 2/22/2023 2 Sam 6:3-8, Remembering who I worship

2 Samuel 6:3–8 (ESV) —

3 And they carried the ark of God on a new cart and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. And Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were driving the new cart, 4 with the ark of God, and Ahio went before the ark.

5 And David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the Lord, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals. 6 And when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. 7 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there because of his error, and he died there beside the ark of God. 8 And David was angry because the Lord had broken out against Uzzah. And that place is called Perez-uzzah to this day.

 

NOTE: David's intentions were good, but here is an example of where good intentions do not override ignorance. First, David moved the ark in the same manner as the Philistines had -- with a cart. He "assumed" something that had happened previously meant it was correct. Also, the Priests and Levites failed David. God had given specific instructions on how to move the ark, and who could and couldn't touch the ark. On both of these latter points, no one provided the information that David needed. Nor did David apparently remember his Torah instruction. In the passage that follows, it is clear that a lot of effort went into figuring out what went wrong as they then do everything correct. In essence, David fell into the trap where familiarity breeds contempt. If we think we are extremely close friends with a person who is in high authority and then we interrupt an important meeting, that will not be taken well, no matter how close the friendship. David's relationship with God made him think he could do no wrong as long as he had a good heart. That is mostly true. Brueggemann highlights this danger.

 

Brueggemann notes the fear generated by this event was positive, for “when people are no longer awed, respectful, or fearful of God’s holiness, the community is put at risk.

 

Yes, we can enter the presence of God, the throne room, without an appointment, but must never forget that we are entering the presence of God.

 

Hebrews 4:16 (ESV) — 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

 

It is a balance between awe, reverence, and love.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I remember that when I am meeting with God, I am meeting with the greatest ruler-king-lord that exists in the universe?
2. Have I lost the awe of "my inheritance?"

 

PRAYER: Father, I am undeserving to come before you. If it was not for Jesus, I could not come close to your presence. I do not deserve these opportunities to meet with you. And yet I can. Thank you. You are holy and I am not (except for Jesus' blood). Have mercy on me. And thank you for the glorious honor of entering into your presence.

QT 2/21/2023 2 Sam 5:17-25, Seek God first

2 Samuel 5:17–25 (ESV) —

17 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. But David heard of it and went down to the stronghold. 18 Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. 19 And David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?” And the Lord said to David, “Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand.” 20 And David came to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. And he said, “The Lord has broken through my enemies before me like a breaking flood.” Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim. 21 And the Philistines left their idols there, and David and his men carried them away.

22 And the Philistines came up yet again and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. 23 And when David inquired of the Lord, he said, “You shall not go up; go around to their rear, and come against them opposite the balsam trees. 24 And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then rouse yourself, for then the Lord has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” 25 And David did as the Lord commanded him, and struck down the Philistines from Geba to Gezer.

 

NOTE: The first two events recorded after David's capture of Jerusalem as the new Jewish capital is the attack of the Philistines. They now saw Israel as a threat with the end of the war between the northern tribes and Judah. Unlike Samuel, the writer emphasizes David going to the Lord for direction first. David had great abilities as a warrior, but he did not rely on his skills or strength but on the Lord's leading. His actions probably involved Abiathar the priest who had been with David since the destruction of Nob. Abiathar also had the ephod. The instructions do not sound like God's word, but rather like a series of choices that are spelled out by the ephod. Both victories are tremendous and in both cases, God is given the praise for the success.

 

There are two major principles that this story of David illustrates. One, do not depend on your own skills, seek God (even when you think you are good at something), and two, give God the praise in all things (even when you think you are good at something).

 

PONDER:

1. Do I seek God even in the things that I think I am good at?
2. Do I give God the praise for my successes, even when I think I am good at it?

 

PRAYER: Father, I look to you for leading and guiding. I don't want to choose without you. I don't want to go forward without you. I don't want to depend on my strength but on your strength.

QT 2/20/2023 2 Sam 5:6-10, Not being corrupted by position

2 Samuel 5:6–10 (ESV) —

6 And the king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who said to David, “You will not come in here, but the blind and the lame will ward you off”—thinking, “David cannot come in here.” 7 Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David. 8 And David said on that day, “Whoever would strike the Jebusites, let him get up the water shaft to attack ‘the lame and the blind,’ who are hated by David’s soul.” Therefore it is said, “The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.” 9 And David lived in the stronghold and called it the city of David. And David built the city all around from the Millo inward. 10 And David became greater and greater, for the Lord, the God of hosts, was with him.

 

NOTE: The Jebusites were one of the tribes that Israel was required to destroy in the land of Canaan. David fulfills the law by taking the city from the Jebusites. The details are unclear, but it appears that David saw the water shaft as the Achilles heel of the city. The choice of a new capital shows a willingness to compromise. Technically Jerusalem was in Benjamin territory on the northern edge of Judah, whereas Hebron (the old capital) was deep in the territory of Judah. David's actions are certainly more inclusive of all the tribes of Israel. His marrying of other wives was also probably built around developing strong relationships with the other tribes -- a common practice of the time. Still, the verses that follow this passage hint that David may have gone too far (vs 13 "And David took more..".

 

The key verse is 10, "And David became greater and greater, for the Lord, the God of hosts, was with him." David was not perfect but he had a good heart. In some ways, David more illustrates Jesus' statements on the sermon of the mount, where Jesus emphasizes the spirit of the law over the letter of the law. Paul says the Law is good, but it was nailed to the cross because it could not save us. It was worthless in that regard. But it did show us our need for a savior. The heart is what is most important and in that sense David represents the greatest of the men who led Israel.

 

PONDER:

1. They say that absolute power corrupts absolutely, and I have seen that to be true. But all of us are tempted in some way by our own power. Do we show kindness, goodness, and a loving heart in our dealings and relationships with people?

 

PRAYER: Father, protect me from the sin of pride, arrogance, and power. I want to be different and I need your Spirit to guide me to do the right thing.

QT 2/17/2023 2 Sam 5:1-5, Waiting on God's best

2 Samuel 5:1–5 (ESV) —

1 Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Behold, we are your bone and flesh. 2 In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. And the Lord said to you, ‘You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over Israel.’ ” 3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel. 4 David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. 5 At Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and at Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah thirty-three years.

 

NOTE: The passage clearly indicates that all the tribes knew that the Lord had told David he would be king of all Israel. And while Saul was King, it was David who led Israel in battle. Why they took so long is not clear. Maybe, because none had dared help him when Saul chased him down -- that is, they felt guilty and were afraid David would exact vengeance. It is not clear, but one thing is clear -- God, in his time, brings his promises to fulfillment.

 

PONDER:

1. What am I desiring?
2. Am I willing to wait upon God?
3. Am I willing to go another route if God so chooses?

 

PRAYER: Father, I want your best. If you have a new route, please make it clear that even I can see. Lead and guide me. Help me to wait upon your best.

QT 2/16/2023 2 Sam 4:7b-11, Learning to wait

2 Samuel 4:7b–11 (ESV) —

7b …. They took his head and went by the way of the Arabah all night, 8 and brought the head of Ish-bosheth to David at Hebron. And they said to the king, “Here is the head of Ish-bosheth, the son of Saul, your enemy, who sought your life. The Lord has avenged my lord the king this day on Saul and on his offspring.” 9 But David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, “As the Lord lives, who has redeemed my life out of every adversity, 10 when one told me, ‘Behold, Saul is dead,’ and thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and killed him at Ziklag, which was the reward I gave him for his news. 11 How much more, when wicked men have killed a righteous man in his own house on his bed, shall I not now require his blood at your hand and destroy you from the earth?”

 

NOTE: This is not the first time that people wanted to move God's will along by human effort. This is at least the fourth if not fifth time it has happened to David. There are usually two issues that occur. One, the person helping God's will along is usually doing it for personal benefit. Second, the person helping God's will along has to commit a crime or sin in the process. And now, two sets of people, Joab/Abishai and Rechab/Baanah, have actually hindered the process. They have relied on violence and actually have made it more difficult for David to unite Israel. David does prudent and righteous actions, and then he waits upon God. He does not get ahead of God, and he does not commit sins to move things along. Wait, that is the key. Be prudent, but wait.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I wait for God or do I try to speed things along?

 

PRAYER: Father, this week I stepped back from something that seemed too big to consider. I did not have peace. It clearly was not something I was trying to do, but was it something you were doing? I will wait. If it is from you, I will trust you to bring it back.

QT 2/14/2023 2 Sam 3:26-28, Treating everyone the same

2 Samuel 3:26–28 (ESV) —

26 When Joab came out from David’s presence, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the cistern of Sirah. But David did not know about it. 27 And when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the midst of the gate to speak with him privately, and there he struck him in the stomach, so that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother. 28 Afterward, when David heard of it, he said, “I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the Lord for the blood of Abner the son of Ner.

 

NOTE: In so many ways, Joab's actions are wrong. Asahel was killed in battle, he was not murdered by Abner. The law required a trial if you thought otherwise. And most importantly, you could not kill a person in a designated city of refuge, as Hebron was. I don't doubt Abner had his impure motives for desiring peace. But, I'm not sure why David puts up with Joab. Like Ish-bosheth who feared Abner, David too seems to fear Joab. Either that, or David knew Joab very well and they were good friends. They were related, Joab was the son of his Mom's sister. And Joab spent many years in the wilderness with David. That does count for something. But Joab is wrong, and David is wrong for not confronting Joab in the previous verses  (at least there is no record of David's response to Joab's livid speech).

 

Relationships are important, but at some point, we need to put our foot down. We can't let sin go unchecked. Joab is out of control, and while he remains a very loyal man to David, he is a selfish man protecting his position and authority.

 

PONDER:

1. Are there relationships where I am overlooking sin because of my friendship to the person?

 

PRAYER: Father, there is a friend that is closer than a brother, and that friend is a person willing to confront sin. Keep my eyes free of the blinders that allow me to accept actions by one person that I would accept in another person. I want to be a fair man.

QT 2/13/2023 2 Sam 3:13-19, Cleaning out the attic (forgotten or hidden sins)

2 Samuel 3:13–19 (ESV) —

13 And he said, “Good; I will make a covenant with you. But one thing I require of you; that is, you shall not see my face unless you first bring Michal, Saul’s daughter, when you come to see my face.” 14 Then David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, saying, “Give me my wife Michal, for whom I paid the bridal price of a hundred foreskins of the Philistines.” 15 And Ish-bosheth sent and took her from her husband Paltiel the son of Laish. 16 But her husband went with her, weeping after her all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go, return.” And he returned.

17 And Abner conferred with the elders of Israel, saying, “For some time past you have been seeking David as king over you. 18 Now then bring it about, for the Lord has promised David, saying, ‘By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines, and from the hand of all their enemies.’ ” 19 Abner also spoke to Benjamin. And then Abner went to tell David at Hebron all that Israel and the whole house of Benjamin thought good to do.

 

NOTE: Abner has, after 7 years, come to his senses. He realizes that only David can save Israel. David, for his part, demands the return of his first wife. Technically, he had never divorced Saul's daughter, but she had been taken away by Saul. Consequently, she was living in adultery. Also, the marriage restores David as part of the Saul household, and gives him some legal claim to the throne. Abner meets with the other tribes (gaining their blessing), and then the tribe of Benjamin separately. The tribe of Benjamin had the most to lose with the kingship moving out, but they now were outnumbered too since everyone else wanted to make David king. It is a mostly peaceful transition except for what will happen next by Joab.

 

David's action in regaining his wife removes the stench of adultery in the monarchy. If he had divorced her, he could not remarry. That was prohibited by the law. Clearly, he had not divorced her. She was still his wife and so his actions restores morality to the monarchy.

 

PONDER:

1. Do we ever think about our sins, even the so-called little sins and how they bring a stench into our family?
2. What are we doing to restore wholeness to our homes?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for restoring me and giving me salvation in Jesus. I am still a sinner and I need your blood to wash me. But salvation does not exclude my need for sanctification. Continue to refine me to be more like the savior.

QT 2/10/2023 2 Sam 3:7-12, Hiding from sin

2 Samuel 3:7–12 (ESV) —

7 Now Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah. And Ish-bosheth said to Abner, “Why have you gone in to my father’s concubine?” 8 Then Abner was very angry over the words of Ish-bosheth and said, “Am I a dog’s head of Judah? To this day I keep showing steadfast love to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers, and to his friends, and have not given you into the hand of David. And yet you charge me today with a fault concerning a woman. 9 God do so to Abner and more also, if I do not accomplish for David what the Lord has sworn to him, 10 to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan to Beersheba.” 11 And Ish-bosheth could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him.

12 And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, “To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you to bring over all Israel to you.”

 

NOTE: It is important to understand what the allegation was against Abner. First of all, it is an allegation from a King whose Father was paranoid about every action that could be interpreted as against him (possibly Ish-bosheth was developing the same paranoia as Saul had). Abner does not confirm the allegation. Only the King could take a previous King's concubines. The allegation then was that Abner was setting himself up as the King by the accused action. Abner has been incredibly loyal to the line of Saul. To be accused of usurping the throne seems particularly galling to Abner.

 

My difficulty with Abner's response is that Abner knows that the Lord swore the land to David, and yet he has been actively working against David. Only out of anger toward Ish-bosheth does Abner choose to do the right thing.

 

PONDER:

1. When do we choose to obey -- when we are caught or when we know we are wrong?

 

PRAYER: Father, it is so easy to justify our sins. We know what the right thing is to do and we ignore our conscience. We justify our actions. We come up with excuses. I pray for wisdom and insight to see what I don't want to see, and to change.

QT 2/9/2023 2 Sam 3:1-6, Stop and look

2 Samuel 3:1–6 (ESV) —

1 There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul became weaker and weaker.

2 And sons were born to David at Hebron: his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam of Jezreel; 3 and his second, Chileab, of Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; 4 and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; 5 and the sixth, Ithream, of Eglah, David’s wife. These were born to David in Hebron.

6 While there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul.

 

NOTE: The passage says there was a long war between the two houses, but it is unclear if the war lasted two or seven years. We know that Ish-bosheth was not installed until the last two years. It is not clear all that happened after the Philistine defeat and Abner setting up Ish-bosheth as King of the Northern Tribes. Possibly, the years were spent gathering support or for Abner to rebuild the Army. Abner was the true power, not Ish-bosheth. Abner was fiercely loyal to the house of Saul, but as a Benjaminite, he stood to gain more from a Benjaminite King than from a Judahite King. For all the emphasis on spiritual Israel, the only one who shows any semblance of spirituality is David, except for the wives. The passage in Deuteronomy may have been mis-interpreted by the scribes of the times.

 

Deuteronomy 17:17 (ESV) — And he shall not acquire many wives for himself, lest his heart turn away, nor shall he acquire for himself excessive silver and gold.

 

Technically, it does not say "one wife," but "not … many wives." It was common for Kings of that time to have multiple wives to ensure an heir. Maybe David was misinformed. Certainly, he did use marriages to cement relationships with other tribes and nations. He does not seem to think or act as if he was doing anything wrong. And finally, he really did want to follow God. He had a heart for God. He had faith. And so he was an heir of the true promise of Abraham, righteousness by faith.

 

Sometimes, it is hard to see the hand of God when our hands are so involved -- what is it we think God is doing, what do we think we are doing, and what is God really doing in the much larger grand scheme of our life.

 

PONDER:

1. Take a step back today and ponder the three questions.

 

PRAYER: Father, open my eyes to see your hand and what you are truly doing these days.

QT 2/8/2023 2 Sam 2:29-32, Go to God and choose an easier path

2 Samuel 2:29–32 (ESV) —

29 And Abner and his men went all that night through the Arabah. They crossed the Jordan, and marching the whole morning, they came to Mahanaim. 30 Joab returned from the pursuit of Abner. And when he had gathered all the people together, there were missing from David’s servants nineteen men besides Asahel. 31 But the servants of David had struck down of Benjamin 360 of Abner’s men. 32 And they took up Asahel and buried him in the tomb of his father, which was at Bethlehem. And Joab and his men marched all night, and the day broke upon them at Hebron.

 

NOTE: I feel for the armies. Abner's army, mostly from the tribe of Benjamin, Saul's tribe, they try to reestablish a presence in their home area, but it is next door to Judah, so after losing a battle they retreat across the Jordan for safety. As for Joab's army, he buries his brother and then marches all night to return to Hebron. That's worse than a redeye flight, you can't even try to sleep. And so, Israel (Abner represents) finds a large portion of its land in Philistine hands and another portion unreachable because of the presence of Judah. And they find themselves in a long war because one side will not accept God's command ("David was anointed by Samuel to be king") but instead cling to the old ways (Saul's tribe of Benjamin as ruler) because they worry about their loss of power and prestige (the tribe in power tended to have the best positions). If Abner could have let go earlier, so much pain could have been avoided. But Abner is like us, he chooses to learn a lesson the hard way rather than seek God's advice.

 

PONDER:

1. How often am I stiff-necked and end up learning a lesson the hard way rather than seeking God for guidance?

 

PRAYER: Father, guide me these days. Help me to see what the years ahead hold. I don't want to make choices based on leisure but based on how I can be most useful for the kingdom. Lead me and guide me I pray.

QT 2/7/2023 2 Sam 2:18-23, God created men, we need to be the good thing God created

2 Samuel 2:18–23 (ESV) —

18 And the three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was as swift of foot as a wild gazelle. 19 And Asahel pursued Abner, and as he went, he turned neither to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner. 20 Then Abner looked behind him and said, “Is it you, Asahel?” And he answered, “It is I.” 21 Abner said to him, “Turn aside to your right hand or to your left, and seize one of the young men and take his spoil.” But Asahel would not turn aside from following him. 22 And Abner said again to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I lift up my face to your brother Joab?” 23 But he refused to turn aside. Therefore Abner struck him in the stomach with the butt of his spear, so that the spear came out at his back. And he fell there and died where he was. And all who came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died, stood still.

 

NOTE: The story reminds me of stories from the American civil war where Generals and Commanders who had attended West Point Military Academy faced each other on opposite sides of the battlefield. There were relationships and friendships between the men, yet they still had to fight each other to the death. It seems so foolish. Probably because culturally we think differently. Obedience to a side or a cause was more important than friendship. It is hard to imagine. Yet, Abner does place the relationship above the mission. I don't think Abner intended to kill Asahel. I think he probably aimed for Asahel's chest. If he had intended to kill him, he would have used the other side of the weapon. Then again, maybe the butt of the weapon caught Asahel off guard. Abner kills Asahel fairly. Later, after Abner secures a peace treaty with David and an end to the war, Joab (Asahel's brother) kills Abner deceitfully.

 

What do we make of these stories? It is what happened. It is a far cry from how David dealt with people except almost in the case of Nabal. I think this is "base" man -- kill or be killed. Masculinity does mean something and I believe it is an important element that is being lost in our culture. But the extreme side of masculinity is war. It is when we take our desire to protect and our ability to be aggressive and misuse it. I think sports is the last acceptable place, outside of war, where this aspect of masculinity is seen. But there are other aspects of masculinity, our desire to build, to lead, to provide, and to make things grow. Jesus was a man, fully masculine. He did not step back from confrontation, but neither did he ever take a swing. A masculine man can be firm, a protector, and gentle. But we must have a basis to stand upon -- not a worldly cause but truth. And truth portrayed in the correct manner.

 

1 Peter 3:15 (ESV) — 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

 

Do it as a man.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I appreciate how God created me as a man? Do I standup as a man for his truth?

 

PRAYER: Father, As men, we have certain unique characteristics. And whatever the world may say, they are different from woman. Both sexes are being abused by Satan to turn from how God has created them. And to add to the confusion, Satan has added additional genders. Our brains are being rewired by technology in ways we never imagined. Media influences our thought. Science is abused to batter us into submission to ideas that are not even true. But we know one thing for sure. Jesus Christ, the God-man, died for our sins to set us free from death and to create in us new creatures. But we must believe, there is no hope without repentance and belief. Help us, who are men, stand up for truth.

QT 2/6/2023 2 Sam 2:8-11, Waiting upon God is hard

2 Samuel 2:8–11 (ESV) —

8 But Abner the son of Ner, commander of Saul’s army, took Ish-bosheth the son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim, 9 and he made him king over Gilead and the Ashurites and Jezreel and Ephraim and Benjamin and all Israel. 10 Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David. 11 And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.

 

NOTE: There seems to be 5 1/2 lost years for the Northern tribes of Israel. Also, the ceremony to make Ish-bosheth occurs on the east side of the Jordan, possibly indicating that the Philistines controlled most of the west side. Still, a two-year reign is very short and one wonders what happened in the intervening years between Saul's death, and Ish-bosheth's start. Abner knew the prophecies, but as the Army commander he was the most powerful military leader and probably did not want to lose that position. Maybe, Abner was waiting for David to make his move. Maybe, David was waiting for God to bring the Northern tribes to him. This story and most of the next stories do not feature David much. Rather, men of the world, Abner, Ish-bosheth, Joab, and Asahel are the main players. But God uses their machinations to actually make David king over all Israel. It is hard to wait when we think we can scheme to bring our plans into being, but if it is from God, he will make it happen.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I waiting, am I acting prudently, or am I scheming?

 

PRAYER: Father, I need to wait upon you and see what you will do. Protect me from myself. Lead and guide me I pray.

QT 2/3/2023 2 Sam:1-7, Even the will of God can be a difficult path

2 Samuel 2:1–7 (ESV) —

1 After this David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?” And the Lord said to him, “Go up.” David said, “To which shall I go up?” And he said, “To Hebron.” 2 So David went up there, and his two wives also, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel. 3 And David brought up his men who were with him, everyone with his household, and they lived in the towns of Hebron. 4 And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah.

When they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul,” 5 David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead and said to them, “May you be blessed by the Lord, because you showed this loyalty to Saul your lord and buried him. 6 Now may the Lord show steadfast love and faithfulness to you. And I will do good to you because you have done this thing. 7 Now therefore let your hands be strong, and be valiant, for Saul your lord is dead, and the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.”

 

NOTE: There is a tendency to think that after Saul's death, David easily assumed the reigns of Kingship. He did not. He did have ties to the Calebites who lived in Hebron through his wife and through the priests (Hebron was an Aaronic city), but not all from Judah accepted him. I doubt the Ziphites (who disclosed his locations to Saul) were happy. So, David asks God first what he should do and then where he should live. And God gives a direction, yes to moving back and to Hebron. David befriends the Benjaminites, because he was sincere, although they were in no hurry to make him king. Now, it will take seven years for David to gain the promised kingdom. They will be difficult years. These are years of big changes and they require prayer, no matter how the path may appear. At this point, David is doing all the right things -- start with prayer and do the right thing.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I approach new situations in my life with prayer or in my own wisdom? I know what I should do.

 

PRAYER: Father, I know what I should do, but that isn't always enough. Spirit, I need your help to say no to myself and to the temptations of my flesh. I need to seek you God in prayer whatever the situation in life.

QT 2/2/2023 2 Sam 1:23-35, Learning what it means to be a man

2 Samuel 1:23–25 (ESV) —

23 “Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely!

In life and in death they were not divided;

they were swifter than eagles;

they were stronger than lions.

24 “You daughters of Israel, weep over Saul,

who clothed you luxuriously in scarlet,

who put ornaments of gold on your apparel.

25 “How the mighty have fallen

in the midst of the battle!

“Jonathan lies slain on your high places.

 

NOTE: One thing that is forgotten in the story is the skill of both Saul and Jonathan in battle. Even Israel's songs said, "Saul has killed his thousands …." Jonathan was very good with an arrow and a sword. Saul provided good leadership to men in battle. Israel was safe because of the two of them, and that safety allowed them to live in luxury. Two great warriors had died and Israel was without their protection. David was very emotional, especially in his remembrance of his best friend Jonathan. In those days, the purpose of marriage was to increase the size of the tribe, not to find a soul mate. So, it is not unusual that David would find a close friend in Jonathan. David's response is very healthy. He weeps. It is not an unmanly thing and is necessary for our soul. David was an even better warrior "… David kill his ten thousands," but he wept. I think as men, we must not lose the things that make us masculine, and we must not lose the things that make us human. We need that balance.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I hide my emotions?
2. Do I shy away from being a leader, a builder, and a protector?

 

PRAYER: Father, train us to men of God, to embrace our role, and not to let the world conform us to its mold.

QT 2/1/2023 2 Sam 1:17-22, The dangers of authority

2 Samuel 1:17–22 (ESV) —

17 And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and Jonathan his son, 18 and he said it should be taught to the people of Judah; behold, it is written in the Book of Jashar. He said:

19 “Your glory, O Israel, is slain on your high places!

How the mighty have fallen!

20 Tell it not in Gath,

publish it not in the streets of Ashkelon,

lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice,

lest the daughters of the uncircumcised exult.

21 “You mountains of Gilboa,

let there be no dew or rain upon you,

nor fields of offerings!

For there the shield of the mighty was defiled,

the shield of Saul, not anointed with oil.

22 “From the blood of the slain,

from the fat of the mighty,

the bow of Jonathan turned not back,

and the sword of Saul returned not empty.

 

NOTE: David's poem here expresses tremendous depth of love. Yes, Jonathan was his closest friend, and so one would expect that. But his love reaches out to Saul as well. Why? There are probably two reasons. One, times with Saul were not always bad, and he remembers the good times, before Saul's jealousy allowed and evil spirit to influence his actions. Two, the kingship was protection for Israel. Saul, as God's anointed was the shield of Israel. He may have misused the shield, but the shield was still a good thing.

 

For a lot of us who sit in positions of authority, there is always the sinful tendency to abuse our authority. We have our authority as a shield to protect those who are under that authority. Even when they do the wrong thing, we must do the right thing. It is a small thing in light of eternity. Authority is a trust given by God, just as life is too. We need to do the right thing with our authority.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I ever abuse my authority? Do I look for special treatment or for recognition?

 

PRAYER: Father, you call us to humility. Jesus, the ultimate authority, gave it all up and became a servant to us. He is my example. Protect me from the sin of pride. Protect me from abusing my authority.