TABLETALK - May 2019

2019 looks at the history of Old Testament Israel showing that the failures and successes of the Israelites led to the coming of Jesus, the Savior who redeems us from sin and empowers us by His Spirit to bear spiritual fruit in obedience to Him. 

January 2019 (October 25, 2024 - January 23, 2025) - Joshua 1-14 - How the Lord brought Israelites into Canaan

February 2019 (January 24, 2025 - July 6, 2025) - Joshua 15 to Judges 11 - God calls his people to finish driving out the inhabitants of Canaan, but they fail. God disciplines them and saves them from destruction. 

March 2019 (July 7, 2025 - August 24, 2025) - Judges 12 to I Samuel 1 - God's people may fall into great sin, but there is always a righteous remnant. 

April 2019 (August 25, 2025 - January 20, 2026) - I Samuel 2 to I Samuel 17 - Israel transitions from the eras of the judges to the monarchy. And also see Israel's ongoing conflict with the Philistines. 

May 2019 (January 21, 2026 - February 19, 2026) - I Samuel 17 to 2 Samuel 5 - David is on the run between his anointing and his assumption of the throne of Israel. 

I Samuel 17:38-58 - David Versus Goliath - David defeats Goliath stating the battle is the Lord's and brings his head before Saul and declares he is the son of Jesse.

I Samuel 18:1-16 - David Ascendant - David is now in Saul's court. Jonathan and David's friendship is marked by a covenant between them. Saul does not like David being near and puts him in command of his army. 

I Samuel 18:17-30 - Saul Becomes David's Enemy - A daughter is promised to David after Goliath victory, but David wants a different daughter. Saul tries to get David to fail but he is even more victorious and gets Michal and Saul becomes more bothered by David. 

I Samuel 19 - Saul among the Prophets - Saul wants David dead. His children Jonathan and daughter Michal protect David but eventually God intervenes in the lives of his non-chosen one's to also thwart Saul's attempts. 

I Samuel 20 - Jonathan's Covenant with David - As David continues to flee from Saul, Jonathan and David make a covenant of mutual friendship and protection. Saul still wants David dead, but David is able to get away. 

I Samuel 21 - David on the Run - David flees to Nob and then Gath. In Nob, the ceremonial law is broken so that David's life can be preserved and he pretends to be insane in order to keep him free from custody of the king in Gath. 

I Samuel 22 - Saul Kills the Priests at Nob - David continues to flee but he makes sure his parents are safe in Moab while he goes back to Judah. Saul meanwhile apprehends Ahimelech and has Doeg kill him and his entourage while Ahimelech's son Abiathar goes to David and has refuge. 

I Samuel 23 - David Escapes Saul - God is still directing David as David continues to call on him for guidance as Saul continues to pursue David. David is escaping though and each time God's providence is evident. 

I Samuel 24 - David Spares Saul's Life - David shows grace toward Saul in not killing him. Instead bows to him and Saul tells David he will be king and David swears he will not hurt Saul. 

I Samuel 25 - Abigail Saves David - David sends men to Nabal's camp in hopes of receiving something while he is having a feast. But they are rejected. Nabal's wife Abigail intercedes and prevents a bloodbath. Nabal dies and Abigail becomes one of David's wife. 

I Samuel 26 - Davis Spares Saul Again - Saul begins to pursued David again, but God allows David to come upon Saul sleeping and David spares Saul's life, trusting instead in God to take care of Saul in his time. Saul and David part ways.

I Samuel 27:1-28:2 - David Deceives Achish - David seems to take a detour and run off to Achish to flee from Saul and in the process conquers and kills people south of that place in Judah. 

I Samuel 28:3-25 - Saul's Final Rejection - Once again, fearing the Philistines, Saul asks God, but grows impatient and seeks a medium and receives confirmation that David is to be the new king, replacing him. 

I Samuel 29 - The Philistines Reject David - David is with Achish following the Philistines, but those leaders recognize this and say this can't be good, so David returns to Ziklag. 

I Samuel 30 - David Rescues the people of Ziklag - David returns home to a raided Ziklag at the hands of the Amalekites. He takes men and slaughters these foes and returns home and all receive the gift of the spoil from the fighting. 

I Samuel 31 - Saul Falls to the Philistines - Saul and his brothers and the men of Israel are defeated by the Philistines, killing Saul and his brothers, parading his head throughout the land. 

2 Samuel 1:1-16 - A Lying Amalekite - An Amalekite shows up on the scene saying he helped kill Saul, but David saw through him and had him killed for even saying he would assist in killing the Lord's anointed.

2 Samuel 1:17-27 - Lament for Saul and Jonathan - David now brings a lament of sorrow, grief, but also celebration of Saul and even more notably his honored friend Jonathan. David has loved well. 

2 Samuel 2 - War Between the Houses of David and Saul - Following Saul's death, David is anointed king over Judah in Hebron, leading to a divided kingdom and a civil war against Saul's son Ish-bosheth, whose forces are defeated by David’s army. 

2 Samuel 3 - Abner's Negotiations with David - Ish-bosheth servants and David's are in conflict. After David makes a covenant with Abner, Joab shows up and has vengeance on Abner for killing his brother. David laments Abner's death.

2 Samuel 4 - Justice for Ish-bosheth - Ish-bosheth hears of Abner's death and two commanders of Saul go and kill Ish-bosheth in his home, wanting a reward from David, but end up being killed as a judgment for their actions.

2 Samuel 5:1-10 - Israel Anoints David - David is anointed king over Israel, and eventually moves into Jerusalem, the strong hold for his reign as king for 40 years.

2 Samuel 5:11-25 - The Lord Established David - David is established as King over Israel. He takes many wives though and many children, so not of it is good. He looks to God first before going to battle, for His direction. 

This issue has its theme being "the Nineteenth Century." 

An Overview of the Nineteenth Century - The thinking of the 19th century is in many ways the aftermath of the French Revolution of 1789; driven by an Enlightenment devotion to the sovereignty of reason in human affairs. The French tried to reform the calendar stating 1789 as year 1 no longer recording time by the Savior's redeeming birth. Believing in original sin means humans cannot be rational for long. The defeat of Napoleon led to redrawing the map of Europe. Friedrich Schlei)ermacher (1768–1834), Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (1770–1831), and Søren Kierkegaard (1813–55), are mentioned as men who had influence on the Protestant world. Objective truth, and subjective appropriation of that truth are married together. It’s not amicable to rational thinking, such as the incarnation in which Jesus is both God and man. Meanwhile, in Britain, Anglo-Catholicism emerged in response to the church of England subordinating to the English state. John Henry Newman was its most eloquent spokesmen and he left for Roman Catholicism. Then came the Brethren movement - corporate lay eldership including pastor, open style of worship, dispensationalism. Also Catholic Apostolic Church where Christ had a propensity to sin but was held in check by the Holy Spirit. In America, the 2nd Great Awakening from 1795 to the 1830s or 1840s resulted in Revivalisn including Charles Finney. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Samuel 5:11-25 - The Lord Establishes David

2 Samuel 5:11-25

Then David did so, just as the Lord commanded him, and struck down the Philistines from Geba as far as Gezer. (verse 25)

Message: The Lord Establishes David

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: In the first part of this chapter, David is anointed king over Israel, and eventually moves into Jerusalem, the major place of strong hold for his reign as King for 40 years.

This section begins with Hiram king of Tyre, obviously someone who loved and feared God and he sends to David material and help to build David a house. With this and so much more, "David realized that the Lord had established him king over Israel." God does so much in our lives continually, providing for us and granting us gifts that of things that we need and can use. With these gifts, we see his work in our lives. And we can be thankful to God then and realize that God is indeed at work in our lives. 

Then it says "David took more concubines and wives." Not sure if this is the right thing for him to do. Deuteronomy 17:17 says, "Neither shall he multiply wives for himself." God's intent is not for us to have multiple wives but David perhaps went along with the kings of this day. Yet, despite all that he had, he continued to covet others. I have this tendency to acquire things thinking they will make things better and often it makes things worse. I must be careful about my own self-gratification and then thinking that this is the way it should always be and that I need more and more always. 

In verse 17, "The Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel." Verses 11-16 had been a sort of general statement of David but now in verse 17 the narrative moves back to detailing events in their order and here it begins with the Philistines. These Philistines continue to be a problem in the area. As David heard of this he went down to his safe place to get his army ready. As the Philistines come, David consults the Lord, "Shall I go up against the Philistines?" David asks God if he should go and God confirms he will go before Him. 

I ask for God's will in my life to know how God will go before me and provide for me in those future days. It is not always the right time because I think that it is. God is not their chiefly to fulfill my desires. I am to seek Him in all things. 

Thus, David went to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines. The Philistines idols become a spoil for David and his men. They brought their idols with them to battle. Next up is the valley of Rephaim and it is here that David is told by the Lord to "circle around them." And David just as the Lord had directed him. 

Summary: David is established as King over Israel. He takes many wives though and many children, so not of it is good. He looks to God first before going to battle, for His direction. 

Promise: The Lord will be faithful to us even though we are often unfaithful.

Prayer: God, you are the faithful one. You ways are always right and true. Forgive me often for devising what I think is right and then asking you often to bless it. But even as I wander and do things that are not honoring to You, You continue to bless me and watch over me and guide my steps. Lord, you are great and mighty and we praise you for your goodness and love. Thank you for establishing men like David and placing them before us to lead us. There are many like him even in my world. You care for me and help me. You are guiding and directing me each day. I want to keep looking to You. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Samuel 5:1-10 - Israel Anoints David

2 Samuel 5:1-10

So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them before the Lord at Hebron; they they anointed David king over Israel. (verse 3)

Message: Israel Anoints David

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: Ish-bosheth was killed in 2 Samuel 4 by two commanders of Saul's army almost for sport as the men that did it thought David would want that. But David saw this as capital punishment and those men were sentenced to death. With Ish-bosheth now passed, and the people acknowledge David now as their King remembering that the Lord said to him, "You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be a ruler over Israel." And so "King David made a covenant with them...they anointed David king over Israel." 

"David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned 40 years" splitting that reign between Judah for 7 years and in Jerusalem for 33 years over Israel and Judah. 

David takes residence in the stronghold of Zion. "David became greater and greater, for the Lord God of hosts was with him." 

The Lord had first anointed David as king back in I Samuel 16, several years prior. With the death of Saul, David lived in Hebron, anointed as King over Judah. However, Ish-bosheth was given Israel by Abner. Abner has now died, as well as Ish-bosheth and so the people rally behind and around David and declare him as King. The Lord previously anointed him, but now the people are involved in also declaring him as king. The Lord anoints and the people approve. 

David and his men now are to inhabit Jerusalem and make it the central place of power for his kingship. The Jebusites are there in Jerusalem and in fulfillment of a prophecy back in Genesis, David and his men seize the Jebusites and take the reign of Jerusalem.

Summary: David is anointed king over Israel, and eventually moves into Jerusalem, the strong hold for his reign as king for 40 years.

Promise: God’s timing is not our timing but we can continue to pray and trust that his promises will come to pass.

Prayer: Lord God, you are the king overall, but you place leaders in this world. At times some of those leaders don’t end up serving you or making decisions your ways, but they are still there for your glory. I pray that there would be Godly leaders throughout our lands. Help us as your people to remain confident in you, trusting in your mighty hand and your providence. Challenge me to be a leader, at work, at home, with my kids, and even as you call me to at church. Thank you for the friendships you have given me and the encouragement my friends provide me. Keep us focused on glorifying you always.

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Samuel 4 - Justice for Ish-Bosheth

2 Samuel 4

"when one told me, saying, "Behold, Saul is dead," and thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and killed him in Ziklag, which was the reward I gave him for his news. 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 from your hand, and destroy you from the earth?" (verse 9,10)

Message: Justice for Ish-Bosheth

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: In Chapter 3, Abner died and David grieved his death. And now in Chapter 4 Ish-Bosheth has heard of Abner dying and "he lost courage and all Israel was disturbed." Saul's sons Baanah and Rechab are mentioned and that they fled to Gittaim. Mephibosheth, Jonathan's crippled son is mentioned. Then Baanah and Rechab come to Ish-bosheth and struck him in the belly. Then they struck him while lying on his bed and took his head, bringing it to David. David responded, "As the Lord lives who has redeemed my life from all distress." The one who killed Saul thought he was doing something good, but David killed him. And now these men "have killed a righteous man in his own house on his bed" and so David had them killed, "and hung them beside the pool in Hebron." And then they buried the head of Ish-bosheth. 

Ish-bosheth came to prominence by Abner, not on his own. Abner, the commander of Saul's army, simply proclaimed him to be the rightful heir to be king of Israel even though it seems to have been very clear by Samuel that David was to be the king. There is really nothing special or good about the future of Israel, just in terms of Saul's descendants. And there is no mention of any of these men being men of God. Only Jonathan was one that trusted God and he willingly stepped aside for David to be king before he met his own demise. Mephibosheth is also mentioned, but he is crippled. 

And then Baanah and Rechab, two of the commanders of Saul's army decided that David would probably want Ish-bosheth killed so they went and killed him in his own home. But David had no grievance with Saul or with Ish-bosheth. And so he carried out capital punishment on Baanah and Rechab. And these tried to claim they had done the will of God. We can't force the hand of God to defend our selfish actions.

Summary: Ish-bosheth hears of Abner's death and two commanders of Saul go and kill Ish-bosheth in his home, wanting a reward from David, but end up being killed as a judgment for their actions.

Promise: Let us not use the pretense of service to Christ to justify acts of evil, thinking that good ends justify evil means.

Prayer: O God, you are God and sovereign and we need to be a people that submits and surrenders to You at all times, you the Righteous One and Righteous King. Help me to honor you with my words and actions and do things in my life that are pleasing to You. I need to seek You and surrender to You first, not after I have done something, expecting you to bless it. Help me to prioritize you above all, first and foremost. Be glorified. I praise You. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Samuel 3 - Abner's Negotiations with David

2 Samuel 3

May God do so to Abner, and more also, if as the Lord has sworn to David, I do not accomplish this for him, to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to establish the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba. (verse 9-10)

Message: Abner's Negotiations with David

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: In the previous chapter, David was anointed king over Judah but Abner wasn't ready to accept this and instead made Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, king. The servants of Ish-bosheth and servants of David get into a conflict with the servants of David prevailing. Asahel, one of the sons of Zeruiah (half-sister to David) died in the battle. Thus, at the beginning of chapter 3 is now "a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David" and "David grew steadily stronger." David's sons are mentioned now, first born Ammon, Chileab, Absalom, Adonijab, Shephatiah, and Ithream - all born from different women, thus David has now at least 7 wives, as Michal is not mentioned here. 

Abner has taken Saul's concubine, much to the anger of Ish-bosheth and is confronted by Ish-bosheth. Abner does not take the confrontation well, as he believes he has done much good for Ish-bosheth, resulting in Ish-bosheth being afraid of Abner (v. 6-11). 

Abner works to negotiate now with David, wanting a covenant with him. David wants Michal in return. Ish-bosheth gets her from her current husband. (v.12-16)

Abner asks the house of Israel to now go stand before David, with him as king. Abner comes to David in Hebron to have a feast with him. Meanwhile the servants of David and Joab come with spoils from a raid. Joab learns of Abner's arrival and is bothered, knowing that Abner is out to deceive David. (v. 17-25). 

Joab then sneakily kills Abner, meeting up with him. Joab is still mad about the death of his brother Asahel. David then tells Joab to tear his clothes on behalf of this death. Abner was buried in Hebron with David weeping at his grave. David offers a lament for Abner: "Should Abner die as a fool dies? Your hands were not bound, nor your feet put in fetters; as one falls before the wicked, you have fallen." Abner died at the hands of vengeance. There had been no legal process. David remarks, "May the Lord repay the evildoer according to his evil." 

David has every reason to be not angry at Joab for killing Abner for Abner had slain a relative of his, but just as he did with Saul, he upheld Abner. In some ways his last sentence could have been what Joab did in killing Abner, but the motives of Joab were wrong and his purpose was not to do the Lord's will and glorify God. Our intentions matter. Our hearts matter. Why we do what we do is as important as what we do, if not more. 

In response to Saul as compared to David, I Samuel 16:7 says, "But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God does not see as man sees, since man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

Summary: Ish-bosheth servants and David's are in conflict. After David makes a covenant with Abner, Joab shows up and has vengeance on Abner for killing his brother. David laments Abner's death.

Promise: Let us seek His kingdom, not our own advancement within it.

Prayer: Lord, I remember how Abner recognized Your anointing on David and chose to act by making a covenant with David. Give me courage to align myself with what is right, even if it requires change. Help me turn from old alliances that no longer honor You. Protect me from bitterness and revenge. When Joab acted out of personal vengeance, it brought sorrow and consequences. Deliver me from acting in anger. Teach me to entrust justice to You. God of compassion, I see David’s grief over Abner. Give me a heart that mourns wrongdoing and loss, even when it involves those who were once opponents. Make me a leader — in my home, my workplace, my community — who responds with integrity and mercy. You establish leaders. You bring down and raise up according to Your will. Let my life be built not on power or politics, but on faithfulness to You.

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Samuel 2 - War Between the Houses of David and Saul

2 Samuel 2

However, he refused to turn aside; therefore Abner struck him in the belly with the butt end of the spear, so that the spear came out at his back. And he fell there and died on the spot. And it came about that all who came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died, stood still. (verse 23)

Message: War Between the Houses of David and Saul

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: In the previous chapter David mourned the loss of Saul and Jonathan and now as chapter 2 begins he asks the Lord if he should "go up to one of the cities of Judah." The Lord told him to go. David asked where and the Lord said, "Hebron." He had been living in Ziklag but now he goes to Hebron, the place of burial for Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and Jacob and Leah. And upon arrival, the men of Judah anointed him King there. They stated to him there, "let your hands be strong and be valiant" (verse 7). 

However, the commander of Saul's army installed Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as king over Israel. Verse 10 "The house of Judah, however, followed David." Ish-bosheth was king for 2 years. Interesting how this occurred. Abner knew that David was the rightful new king, but he did this anyway, creating a conflict. 

In verse 12-17 Abner and the servants of Ish-bosheth meet up with Joab and the servants of David on opposite sides of a pool. Abner requests a contest with 12 from each group. Each one grabbed an opponent and thrust the spear into the opponent's side. This was a severe battle with David's servants prevailing. 

Asahel, one of the sons of Zeruiah pursued Abner with Abner then telling him to take some of the spoil. But Asahel was not willing. Abner struck him in the belly and he died on the spot. (verse 18-23)

The other two sons pursued Abner but then Abner wondered how much longer and Joab and others "halted and pursued Israel no longer." The servants of David ended up conquering 360 men. Asahel was buried. Abner refused to obey God's will and many died in the process. 

Summary: Following Saul's death, David is anointed king over Judah in Hebron, leading to a divided kingdom and a civil war against Saul's son Ish-bosheth, whose forces are defeated by David’s army. 

Promise: Let us have courage to not resist the truth, but uphold it, even if it at the beginning is not what we want. 

Prayer: God, your word in Proverbs tells me to trust in You and do not lean on my own understanding. When there is conflict or division or uncertainty, help me to trust in Your sovereign plan, believing that You are working things out according to Your best for people. Help me to be kind and wait upon your timing to establish Your kingdom. I pray that righteousness would be upheld always.  

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

James 1:5 - Talk to Your Husband about His Sin

James 1:5

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (verse 5)

Message: Talk to Your Husband about His Sin

Time: Thought to be James, the half-brother of Jesus, though he was not a follower when Jesus was walking on the earth. He believed post-resurrection. He likely wrote this in AD 45-48. This is like the first New Testament book written and it was written to Jewish Christians. It is focused on practical application or how God's people are to "act" like God's people and this is a faith that produces life change. 

What the Lord is Saying: The author of this article mentions how he wife approached him, graciously, mentioning something that she had been praying about, namely communicating to her husband that he had not led in Bible Study or prayer. As a seminary student, he was crushed, realizing he was not leading his wife. 

My thought of reading this, not yet looking at what the author was going to say are some people I know where the wives are struggling in their marriages because their husbands are not doing any spiritual leading. I admit at times doing this with my wife and even my children, expecting that the church would take care of leading and guiding them or that she would get her spiritual nourishment herself and not realizing that it needs to come from me. And now I see other women dealing with this as well. These husbands do not oppose church or talking about spiritual matters, but they are not actively engaging in leading their wives or families and the wife meanwhile is off growing herself, seeking the Lord, studying God's word without the husband leading the wife. 

Roles in our society are in a disarray. Recently, I was challenged by my pastor to lead my wife in regular prayer. I have been doing it before work. Most of the time it is quick and sometimes it is not real deep or meaty. I need to improve upon that and not let a day go by without it happening. 

This is what his wife did.

1. She prayed about it before confronting. As the verse says in James 1:5, before doing what we would like in our heart to do, we must first "ask of God." Confrontation is not easy. I've had to do it a few times and I believe I have thought about it a lot, but not sure how often I really go to God and ask for his guidance. Often, I notice in my prayers only asking God to step in, but in these moments, the request is to direct me in how I should walk. 
2. She was willing to confront her husbands. It is tragic that often out of being confronted the other party is defensive and feels attacked. I admit that I fall into this as well when anyone asks me a question about why I did something, so it seems part of my need is to pray that if someone confronts me that I would be open to what they have to say. 
3. She was straightforward about the sin. Again, I tend to want things to be palpable and so I often beat around the bush in matters rather than simply being direct. Proverbs 24:26 says, "Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips." 
4. She set a precedent. She opened the door so that future confrontations, if necessary, could occur. Granted, it is a great that as her husband, he responded with tears and was broken. Unfortunately, the defensive responses can make confronting again difficult. 

Prayer: O God, thank you for the people in our lives and the Godly people you place in my life. If I have sinned and someone sees it and approaches me about it, help me to be receptive and not be defensive or seek to justify my actions. Thank you for my wife. Change me so that I am open to confrontation. Help wives that are struggling in this area to pray and be gracious if they do confront. Thank you for addressing all of our needs and wants O God. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.