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.

2 Samuel 1:17-27 - Lament for Saul and Jonathan

2 Samuel 1:17-27

Your beauty, O Israel, is slain on your high places! How have the mighty fallen! (verse 19)

Message: Lament for Saul and Jonathan

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: I've been thinking more about these Laments and our need to continue to go to the Lord with our problems and our struggles and especially when those struggles over a period of time are not working out the way we would like. I think of my dad's salvation, my youngest son's. I think of people in Africa and 3rd world countries that are continually struggling to have their basic needs met, working hard, and getting by on feeble means while so many other parts of the world live in comfort with heat, running water, and indoor plumbing. I think of our country and world that seems to be replacing God with personal choice - exchanging the truth for a lie. The division that is in our country at large. 

In 2 Samuel 1, after David learns of the death of Saul and his sons, specifically Jonathan he brings forth a lament or funeral dirge or elegy that will be publicly spoken at events. David and his men have already mourned, wept, and fasted (1 Samuel 1:12). David mentions here that a song of lament will be added to the Book of Jashar. This book is also mentioned in Joshua 10:13 and though never discovered seems to be a collection of a series of songs related to the men of Israel. 

verse 19 - Your beauty, O Israel, is slain on your high places! How have the mighty fallen! - Saul and Jonathan are the beauty of Israel, the mighty that have fallen on the high Mount of Gilboa. 

verse 20 - Tell not in Gath, proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon; lest the daughters of the Philistine rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised exult. - Gath and Ashkelon were chief cities of the Philistines and the expression of the daughters is it is customary for women to celebrate national deliverances and victories. The uncircumcised refers to the Philistines and their triumph over Israel. 

verse 21 - O mountains of Gilboa, let not dew or rain be on you, nor fields of offerings; for there the shield of the mighty was defiled, the shield of Saul, not anointed with oil. Joseph Benson comments that the expression of the height of the mountain is the height of our mourning and no dew and nor rain and no fertile fields is "a passionate expression of the sorrow and horror which he felt at this public disgrace and loss, which were such as if he thought every person or thing which contributed to it ought to bear tokens of the divine displeasure, such as the earth does when it is deprived of the influence of dew and rain." The shield was to be the protection of Saul and it was defiled and cast away. These are stark words because Saul was to David both his enemy and his prince. 

verse 22 - From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not turn back, and the sword of Saul did not return empty. Saul and Jonathan had both been on the battle field -- victorious warriors who returned from battle often with the blood of the slain on them. This verse speaks of the greatness of Saul and David upon their foes. 

verse 23 - Saul and Jonathan, beloved and pleasant in their life, and in their death they were not parted; they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. Saul, but most notably Jonathan were pleasant (loved) in their life. As is done in any funeral service we commend the dead for the noble achievements and good works in their lives, for everyone does some amount of good. Father and son also share in a strong union. Like an eagle, they were swift, expeditious and nimble in pursuing their enemies and like a lion, strong. Again, we are meant at funeral to speak well of the dead. 

verse 24 - O daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you luxuriously in scarlet, who put ornaments of gold on your apparel. - Clothed in scarlet means the victories that Saul experienced in his battles and time, though he goes out defeated. The daughters which celebrated his triumphs, shared the spoil of his victories, now lament his loss. Men fight and women are the first to reap the benefit. They show up and adorn themselves in bright colors and golden ornaments of jewelry. They present themselves in all of their beauty. 

verse 25 - How have the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan is slain on your high places. - This lament began with the mighty and ends now with words of the battle, with David expression this in his friend Jonathan. In this lament, David does not for a moment speak of the grief he experienced continually from Saul who often wanted him dead. He passes over all of that, not only for himself, but also on the account of Jonathan. Whether Jonathan wanted to be there with his father Saul, he was there. He was present with him. He supported his father even if it was hard. The mighty have fallen is the epic of odes offered. 

verse 26 - I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan, you have been very pleasant to me, your love to me was more wonderful than the love of women. - There is a love between these two friends that transcends the love of women. Before everyone, David expresses his personal sorrow. In the Pulpit commentary, it states, "Never was there a purer friendship than that of Jonathan for David. It began just after the combat with Goliath, when the young prince, instead of seeing in David a rival, who had equaled his own feat of valor, took him to his heart, put upon him his own robe and armor, and thus presented him to the army as his friend and brother. Nor did his father's hatred of David, nor the knowledge that David was to inherit the kingdom, interfere with his love. He remained a dutiful son to his father, and accepted his inferior position with magnanimity, without once seeing in David cause for blame; and it surpassed the love of women, because, to requite their devotion, they look for protection and homage, the more delightful because it is paid by the strong to the weak. But here the lives of the two friends could not combine in one happy fusion of mutual union. Their hearts were bound together, but a hard fate, of which they were fully aware, made the ruin of the one the certain result of the happiness of the other. Nevertheless, Jonathan, with everything to lose, and David with everything to gain, remained true and loyal friends."

verse 27 - How have the mighty fallen, and the weapon of war perished. This thrice-repeated refrain sounds the keynote of the elegy. Saul had experienced great victories for the people of Israel and that is now contrasted with the terrible defeat of life. 

As I read this, I think of how it is interesting that we have changed our funeral services and termed them times of celebration or celebration of life and yet we often don't shout out the mourning and the grief that we are experiencing. The person's life yes was great, but me without them is now not great and we are at a loss. 

Sorrow is needed at times, but even in these words of sorrow are words of extreme thankfulness and the union that was present when these lives were on the earth. Let us continue to celebrate life. David was the rightful successor to Saul, but David was not out to get Saul. Despite Saul being threatened by him, David still had a love and respect for Saul. And he has in these verses heart-wrenching words of sadness for Saul's demise. But more so for his son Jonathan. We look forward to death no more. We are fine to want to escape it, though we cannot. We are fine to mourn it when it occurs in another, though again every person's outcome is certain. As Matthew Henry comments, “the more we love the more we grieve.”

Summary: 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. 

Promise: We are to support one another in every difficulty. There is a powerful bond of friendship we have with our brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for these words. I took time to go through them and understand them and think about them, for they were heartfelt words spoken by David and recorded in this book of Jashar, thankfully, so that I can read them today. You are good God, so good to remind us of the joy we have of being with others and the special bonds we have with other people. I thank you for the good friends you have given me. I have such a joy and thankfulness for the people that I walk through life with and am honored continually for their special friendship. There is a union with them that is different from the union with my wife and I am extremely grateful. Help me at those times to celebrate people, lament their loss, and not ever focus on their shortcomings. They are there in my life for a reason and help me God to always celebrate this. Be praised always. 

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

2 Samuel 1:1-16 - A Lying Amalekite

2 Samuel 1:1-16

Then David said to him, "How is it you were not afraid to stretch out your hand to destroy the Lord's anointed?" (verse 14)

Message: A Lying Amalekite

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: David has defeated the Amalekites (I Samuel 30) and Saul has died (I Samuel 31) and "David remained two days in Ziklag" (v.1). Then on the 3rd day, a man comes to David and prostrates himself having escaped from the came of Israel.  This man tells David about the events of I Samuel 31 but is not honest about retelling those events. He says he was the man that Saul had asked to kill him, thus being his armor bearer and says in verse 10, "I stood beside him and killed him" but we know this is a lie. David laments then the life of Saul and his son Jonathan, tearing his clothes, weeping and fasting. This man claims though to be the son of an alien, an Amalekite. But this lie comes back to bite him and end his life because David asks him how he was able or had the right to destroy Saul, whom the Lord had anointed. So David had one of his men strike him and he died. Verse 16 - "And David said to him, "Your blood is on your head, for your mouth has testified against you, saying, 'I have killed the Lord's anointed.'" 

It is possible this man died because he was looking for a reward from David as he had traveled 80 miles to get to David and with David being the new King he probably thought David wanted Saul dead. Matthew Henry writes that among other things, this episode proves that “to give assistance to any in murdering themselves, directly or indirectly, if done wittingly, incurs the guilt of blood.”

I have struggled with lying most of my life. I think I do it to make myself look better than I am. I don't think my life alone, as it is, is good enough I suppose so I bend the truth. It is subtle. But being getting people's acceptance or approval, I don't seem to have any other motivation. Granted, as I have gotten older I think the lies have stopped. It was bad when I was younger. Sometimes it is done to hide the truth. Sometimes I feel I do it because people aren't listening to me and so I stretch the truth to sound like things are worse off than they really are if I am trying not to do something or give someone something. But, to say you have killed someone when you haven't and to do it in order to possibly get a reward seems like a big problem. 

Summary: 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.

Promise: Let us seek always to tell the truth and not to try to manipulate events in an ungodly manner to our own advantage.

Prayer: Lord, I admit, as you know, lying has been a problem for me. It can be habitual at times, making myself sound better or worse because I don't believe people will accept me as I am. I do want people's approval. Lord, I should love myself I know the way you love me. Forgive me. Yes, I think it is better than it was for me, but it is still part of my life. Thank you for forgiving me and cleansing me from all unrighteousness. Thank you for this lesson today and this reading. 

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

I Samuel 31 - Saul Falls to the Philistines

I Samuel 31

Thus Saul died with his three sons, his armor bearer, and all his men on that day together. (verse 6)

Message: Saul Falls to the Philistines

Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).

What the Lord is Saying: Well, this is the end of I Samuel. Samuel has died and now in this chapter Saul dies. I have been working through I Samuel since August. Samuel, then Saul begins in chapter 8. 38 lessons. A good journey. Here in chapter 31, the Philistines catch up to Saul. They "were fighting against Israel" in verse 1. They "overtook Saul and his sons." Jonathan is killed and his other 2 sons. Saul "was badly wounded." He asks his sword bearer to pierce him but he would not so Saul "fell on his sword and died with him."

Because of this, the men of Israel "abandoned the cities and fled; then the Philistines came and lived in them" (verse 7). Then they "cut off his (Saul's) head" and send it "throughout the land of the Philistines" and eventually the people of Jabesh-gilead gave him a proper burial, burning the bodies of him and his sons and placing their bones "under the tamarisk tree at Jabesh."   

The contrast is startling here. In the previous chapter, David conquers the Amalekites but now here the Philistines conquer Saul and his sons. Here the first king of Israel has died. Saul had his mission to defeat the Philistines and instead was defeated by them. This is the king the people wanted. 

Summary: 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. 

Promise: Saul was chosen, but acted in disobedience and God removed him from his throne. 

Prayer: Lord, I look at the story of Saul in 1 Samuel 31 and I pray for a humble heart that clings to You, unlike the pride that led to his downfall. Help me to walk humbly: Do not let me grow cold or fall away, but help me to walk faithfully with You, day by day, all the way to the end. Give me strength in the battle: When I face, fear, or find myself in a desperate valley, help me not to rely on my own understanding or strength, but to lean entirely on You for victory. Keep me from the trap of pride: Forgive me for the times I hold onto lies or comfort myself with worldly things rather than Your truth. Let me not be derailed from the plan You have for my life. May I finish well: Lord, teach me to live with the urgency of eternity, knowing that my life is in Your hands. Help me to surrender all my ways to You and to live for what matters most. I commit my spirit into Your hands, trusting in Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

I Samuel 30 - David Rescues the People of Ziklag

I Samuel 30

Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered (bitter in soul), each one because of his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. (verse 6)

Message: David Rescues the People of Ziklag

Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).

What the Lord is Saying: As I look at this chapter today verse by verse:

1 David - To Ziklag - 3rd Day - prior to arriving Amalekites have raided Ziklag; burned it with fire

2 Women and all captive; not killed

3 City burned with fire

4 David and all wept 

5 People distressed and want to stone David

6 David distressed => David strengthened himself in the Lord

7 David request from Abiathar an ephod

8 To God, "Shall I pursue? Shall I overtake?" He said, "You, you shall rescue."

9 David went with 600 men

10 200 fell off exhausted, 400 remain

11 Found Egyptian, gave him water, bread, to eat

12 Gave him fig cake, raisins, and ate; nothing to eat last 3 days

13 Egyptian, servant of an Amalekite, left behind

14 We raided and buried Ziklag

15 Egyptian says, "Swear to me I am not killed and I will bring you to them."

16 Eating and drinking because of the great spoil (a pilgrim feast)

17 David slaughtered all; 400 men escaped

18 David recovered all taken, including his wives

19 All thought loss had been returned

20 All captured, "This is David's spoil." 

21 David greeted the 200 exhausted men

22 The men who went did not want to give any spoil to the 200 exhausted men

23 David said not so

24 A share is given to those who stay and those who go

25 Thus a statute and ordinance to this day

26 David gave gifts of the spoil to the elders of Judah

27 to those in Bethel, Ramoth, and Jattir

28 to those in Aroer, Siphmoth, and Eshtemoa

29 to those in Racal, the cities of the Jerahmeelites, in the cities of the Kenites

30 to those in Hormah, in Bor-ashan, and in Athach

31 to those in Hebron and all places David and his men were accustomed to go. 

Returning to Ziklag, David is distressed as the city has been raided. He had been away with Achish adn the Philistines fighting, but the Amalekites come in and ravish the land he was living in Ziklag. The people are so angry at David they think bad things are happening because of him. 

We are like this so often. We are so quick to blame anything and everyone when things go bad. Bad things happen sometime, but we feel justified I suppose in blaming others. But David does what David does and in verse 6 it says He strengthened himself in the Lord. When all was a mess around him, he strengthened himself in the Lord. This is a time of remembering all that the Lord has done for you up to that point. You are not bitter. Your faith remains in the Lord. God has provided in the past in His time and He will provide in the future in His time and His way. 

He shall take 600 men to rescue Ziklag. 400 go, 200 exhausted. David slaughtered all the Amalekites. Going back with the spoil, he gave 200 to exhausted men, but those fighting did not like that, but David said all received the reward, not only those that go. And 13 places are mentioned that received the gifts of the spoil. 

David makes it clear that all enjoy the benefits of the fight and all are involved, not only those that go. All share. 

When I get paid every other week the entire household enjoys the benefit of the money I receive, not only me and I give to those that have a need as God leads me. And in hard times we first trust in the Lord, rather than looking for a reason to blame others. Bad things happen. As people of God, we trust God. 

Summary: 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. 

Promise: We turn to God and receive our strength from him remembering His provision. 

Prayer: Lord, may I find my strength in You. Help me to not get bitter. I know it happens. I play the blame game and I should simply know and realize that bad things happen at times and in those times I am to find my strength in You God. As you lead and as victories come in my life, remind me to share in those spoils, to not be selfish thinking I am the only one that receives the reward. The reward is for everyone for God you have given the victory. 

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

I Samuel 29 - The Philistines Reject David

I Samuel 29

So David arose early, he and his men, to depart in the morning, to return to the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel. (verse 11)

Message: The Philistines Reject David

Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).

What the Lord is Saying: I suppose I thought at the end of I Samuel 26 that David and Saul were simply going to go their separate ways. In I Samuel 27, David meet up with Achish and Achish gives David the place of Ziklag to live with his wives and family. David also clears out the land and people in South Judah to make sure no one reports him to Saul it would seem. Then in I Samuel 28, Saul experiences fear about the Philistines and perhaps he has heard of the union Achish and David also have and he really has nothing. David and Achish are conquering places together now. Saul meanwhile consults spirits, alas receiving confirmation that David will be king. 

David can't be on the side of Achish for long though as at some point there may be an attack towards his own people. Those people are still with Saul. As today's passage begins, the Philistines are in Aphek while the Israelites are in Jezreel (verse 1). Achish and David following further back the Philistines (verse 2). The Philistines notice this and confront Achish with the word that David really can't stay with them based upon his history toward the Philistines (verse 3-5). 

Achish tells David, "...return, and go in peace, that you may not displease the lords of the Philistines. (verse 7)" David left and returned to where he had come from rather than continuing in the fight.   

Though God is not mentioned in this passage, I don't think he has to be necessarily. He is still at work and perhaps all of these detours now have been necessary. 

Summary: David is with Achish following the Philistines, but those leaders recognize this and say this can't be good, so David returns to Ziklag. 

Promise: We can be sure that God is working for our benefit even when He seems absent.

Prayer: God, thank you for being present always in my life. Throughout all of life's circumstances you are there. Good times, bad times, easy times, hard times. You are near and I praise You and thank You. Guide my steps Lord. Direct me in the way you have me go. Give me wisdom. Give me grace. 

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