2 Samuel 22:32-51 - Kindness to the Lord's Anointed

2 Samuel 22:32-51

He is a tower of deliverance to His king, and shows lovingkindness to His anointed, To David and his descendants forever. (verse 51)

Message: Kindness to the Lord's Anointed

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: The author of 2 Samuel starts to conclude the life of David by offering here a song of praise with God as David's deliverer, fully expressing God's intervention in David's life. David continues his song to God showing how his righteous living results in good outcomes. And now in today's lesson is the conclusion of this song or hymn to the Lord. 

We express our thanks to God. As we walk with God in life, we recognize His hand of providence and for this we express our thanks. 

"For who is God, besides the Lord? And who is a rock, besides our God? God is my strong fortress. And He sets the blameless in His way. He makes my feet like hinds' feet, and sets me on my high places." I can navigate difficulties in my life because God is God. Because he is my rock, my strong fortress. He anchors me. I can navigate difficulties because God is present. I have His support. The difficult terrain is there and part of my journey, but God stabilizes me. He will lift me up. 

"He trains my hands for battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. Thou hast also given me the shield of Thy salvation, and Thy help makes me great. Thou does enlarge my steps under me, and my feet have not slipped. I pursued my enemies and destroyed them, and I did not turn back until they were consumed. And I have devoured them and shattered them, so that they did not rise, and they fell under my feet. For thou has girded me with strength for battle; Thou hast subdued under me those who rose up against me. Thou hast also made my enemies turn their backs to me, and I destroyed those who hated me." David recognizes that he is strong because of the Lord God. That God makes him great. That God prepares him on his path so that his feet do not slip off target. That he is victorious over his enemies because of God's strength. That they fell under his feet because of His working. He places enemies below him and those that hate him are destroyed. Thus, David constantly is thankful to God for any and all victories in his life. God is the reason for his greatness and doing great. Lord, help me be more thankful in life for all that you are doing. 

"They looked, but there was none to save; even to the Lord, but He did not answer them. Then I pulverized them as the dust of the earth. I crushed and stamped them as the mire of the streets. Thou hast also delivered me from the contentions of my people; thou hast kept me as head of the nations; a people whom I have not known serve me. Foreigners pretend obedience to me; as soon as they hear, they obey me. Foreigners lose heart, and come trembling out of their fortresses." There are those that are chosen by God and there are those that are not. God saves some and some He does not. David is a chosen one and with God by His side he delivers him from the contentions of his people. People might look like they are on David's side but He can only count on God. 

"The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock; and exalted be God, the rock of my salvation, the God who executes vengeance for me, and brings down peoples under me. Who also brings me out from my enemies; thou dost even lift me above those who rise up against me; thou dost rescue me from the violent man. Therefore I will give thanks to Thee, O Lord, among the nations, and I will sing praises to Thy name. He is a tower of deliverance to His king, and shows lovingkindness to His anointed, To David and his descendants forever."  Once again, David returns praise to God. Blessed be God. Exalted be God. God who takes care of my enemies. God who pulls me from my enemies. God rescues me. Therefore I give thanks to Him. He sings praises to His name. He shows me lovingkindness, both for me and all His anointed. 

Summary: God stabilizes me. I am only strong because of God. David is one of his chosen one's, but not all are chosen. David praises God. I give thanks to Him. 

Promise: In this life, we will have trouble, but God is with us. 

Prayer: Lord, you make me stand firm. You stabilize me. You work out my good and you protect me from those that are against me for there are always. Lord, it is true that not all are your chosen ones and some are not in your favor. You defeat them and I return my praise to You always. Your name is great. I praise You. I thank You. In life there will be trouble but You are with me. Thank you God and praise You God. 

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

Mark 6:45-51 - The Right Kind of Fear

Mark 6:45-51

51 Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped; and they were utterly astonished, 52 for they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.

Message: The Right Kind of Fear

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying: What scares me the most? I think prior to it happening, the biggest fear I have is pain and experiencing intense pain in my body. Dying a very painful death, like getting shot or some part of my body mutilated or cut off. People will say public speaking is a big fear. It isn't a fear and yet when I am placed in that situation, like at the front of city council my words get jumbled. I am not scared but maybe scared of saying something wrong. I think I might also have a fear of not being well received or valued or appreciated because in those moments is when temptation creeps in. I fear those close to me ending up in hell. I fear that hell is real and a horrible place and I have a fear that a family member might end up there. I think there is a fear of dying as I think that is normal. And a fear of being deceased and what that will mean. Even as I read, pray, study and trust in these Words, there is still fear that they are not true, though I think that fear is a small percentage I think it is still real. But there isn't a fear that I have wasted my life in believing in something not real because all of what I am doing with this faith and all of its experiences is the right way to live. 

I've studied this passage before. Preceding this event of the disciples being sent by Jesus on a boat ride is the feeding of 5,000 in which Jesus provides food, provides people what they want and need. Jesus is in this business, providing. God is in this business - providing. God bestows His gifts on us continually and we receive what we need and sometimes get what we want. 

After this miracle and the disciples being with him He was ready to return to praying. In verse 45 it says "He made His disciples get into the boat." He wanted to be alone and he wanted them to get to the other side of this lake or sea. He obviously knew a storm was coming but he wants his disciples to experience the storm and hopefully navigate it. After praying He takes a walk because He is about His father's business and following praying He is walking. 

In the boat it does not say the disciples were afraid of the weather. It does say they were "straining at the oars, for the wind was against them" but what these disciples feared was Jesus walking, on the sea, and appearing like a ghost. Maybe it is understood they are fearful of the wind or maybe that difficulty and then Jesus looking like a ghost produced fear. 

1st lesson from the writer of this article is "do not fear what Jesus is doing." In life there will be obstacles and things that occur to us that we don't like. Trust God through them. Like my friend Bobby did when he experienced all of that cancer in his 40s and had numerous surgeries. He trusted God through them despite the hard situations. Not sure he knows why yet he went through them. But whatever life it, God can be trusted. 

2nd lesson is fearing the Lord is the right fear to have. In some ways this is the same lesson as the first lesson. And for me the fear is uncomfortable situations and how averse we are of being uncomfortable. 

I must admit this reading, this article, doesn't give me the meaning of what it means to fear God. I found another article. First, fear is needed. Pharaoh brought disaster on his nation because he did not fear God (Exodus 9:29-31). Fear is something that God wants from us. We need to fear. Jesus said in Matthew 10:28, "Fear only God." So in order to be a true follower of God, in Christ, fear is needed. 

From this articles is the recognition that if we fear anything it must be God. Fearing the world or thinking that disasters, wars are what we fear is not the right fear. The fear I need to have is fear of God who created all, ordains all, so if we fear, we are to fear Him. And perhaps fear also teaches us to trust and serve others. 

The key here I think is this article starts with idea of being scared or having terror. This is one definition of fear. But the other definition is extreme respect and awe. It is the extreme recognition that God is over all. Proverbs 9:10 says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." To be wise, to want this, to walk in this begins with the right view towards God. We need to have this awe and respect for God. This is what I want often from employees, respect for me and others. 

Maybe that is where I will end this, with the idea of respect. I respect God because he is authority in my life and I need to have a reverential respect for His authority to the point that life is defined by what pleases Him. It is to know my place, that I am a man and He is God, the creator. And out of this respect, I can serve Him. I can be respectful in my speech toward Him. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for helping me prioritize time with you each day, to be trained by your words, Lord. Thank you for the life lesson of having the fear of the lord. continue to help to find this in my wife. Help me to show respect to those that are over me. I pray that this respect would motivate me to serve others, and not simply be self focused. Maybe Lord today that is my big lesson from this that respect and doesn’t mean a question, but rather respect those over me, and then return serve those alongside me and over me. That the reason I better myself and improve myself continually, it’s not simply to benefit myself, but to benefit others. Perhaps that’s my reminder today in my daily reminder.

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

2 Samuel 22:21-31 - The Righteousness of David

2 Samuel 22:21-31

The Lord has treated me in accordance with my righteousness;

In accordance with the cleanliness of my hands He has repaid me.

For I have kept the ways of the Lord,

And have not acted wickedly against my God.

(verse 21-22)

Message: The Righteousness of 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: I continue to study this song of deliverance as the author of 2 Samuel describes it in verse 1 - “David spoke the words of this song to the Lord on the day that the Lord had saved him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul." Yesterday the words were directed to God on what he had done in delivering Saul from his enemies. It is all about what God has done for those he has called. The Lord is my refuge. I call upon him. The Lord of great power works and comes to me and rescued me. 

I studied this yesterday in great detail, looking up each line on this site: https://biblehub.com/study/2_samuel/22-2.htm and seeing what it said about the verse. I did this and yet at the same time there was a little disconnect because I have not experienced being victorious in a battle of flesh and blood and then coming out the victor. I appreciate the psalm or song. I resonate with the words. But their is a lofty-ness to them that is sort of unrelatable to me. 

David spends much time speaking of how great God is in rescuing David from his enemies. 

As I now turn to this section - verse 21 to 31 - I see how David responds to the Lord. It reminds me of Ephesians 2:8-10: “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

God gives us a great gift of being on our side. He extends to us grace. And then in response to saving us - extending the righteousness of His son to us so that we can be declared righteous by God - we then respond to God with works of righteousness. And with deeds of righteousness we see good outcomes and not so good outcomes. 

David here in these verses is responding to the Lord with works of righteousness. David has not been perfect by any means. He has had selfish moments - taking peoples lives and committing adultery — and yet this doesn’t disqualify him of any form of living righteous and seeing the fruit of that good behavior. 

When I live righteous and live a clean life (verse 21) keeping God’s ways (verse 22), not deviating from His commands (verse 23) keeping myself from wrongdoing (verse 24), God repays me according to my righteous living (verse 25). 

I have been studying Proverbs and Solomon contrasts living in a righteous way to living wicked and with each kind of living there are results and consequences or repayments. 

In Verses 26 - 27 David summarizes this about God - live in a way that honors God and be honored. 

Verse 28 reminds us that God saves His people. But for those that are not His will receive His wrath. 

Verse 29 — “For You are my lamp, Lord;
And the Lord illuminates my darkness” 

God has a covenant relationship between God and His people. He lights my way. God transforms me from darkness to light. Hope, deliverance, and God’s presence in times of trouble.  

Because of God my foes are defeated and weakened (verse 30). 

God is perfect.  He is blameless (verse 31). praise God for the refuge we have in Him. He protects those who trust in Him. 

Summary: David continues his song to God showing how his righteous living results in good outcomes. 

Promise. God promises to be faithful to faithful people. 

Prayer: Lord you have saved me. I see this Lord though at times I really don’t understand it that in your divine grace you choose me to be your representative on this earth. I think you for this life that you have given me. I am grateful for the riches of blessings that you provide, the entertainment choices, the beautiful scenery in nature that is pleasing to her eye, the joy of being with others, but also the joy of working in ways that you have gifted me, and seeing the good results of that labor. Keep teaching me how to honor you with good works and walk in those good works. You deliver me from sin. you are a great guide, and your power is known throughout this land, and I recognize it and see it. Help me to see it more. And help me to know how to extend it to others and extend your message of hope to others. Help me to be more vocal.

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

2 Samuel 22:1-20 - David's Song of Deliverance

2 Samuel 22:1-20

Moreover, Absalom would say, “Oh that someone would appoint me judge in the land, then every man who has a lawsuit or claim could come to me, and I would give him justice!” (verse 4)

Message: David's Song of Deliverance

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: While this Psalm or Song appears after chapter 21, it does not necessarily follow the events of Chapter 21 but rather David records this song of praise following a battle victory, most likely. It is repeated in Psalm 18. There is a tradition among God's people to sing their praises to God. It is personal and also communal. 

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;

Rock here is crag which means a steep or rugged cliff which is sought for refuge. The Hebrew word is Sela. Thus, God is unmoving. He is Strength. A fortress in these times was essential for survival against enemies. He is my deliverer. He is active in rescuing me from perilous situations. He saves. He liberates. 

My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,

This rock is a different Hebrew word. It is tsur. It is a strong rock or cliff or bedrock. He is my continual and unmoving refuge. The previous 'rock' is specific for a purpose. This 'rock' seems to be continuous. 

My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge;

A shield is for defense. Horn is a symbol of strength and is also a reference for Jesus (Luke 1:69). As a refuge, God is my sanctuary in times of trouble. 

My savior, You save me from violence.

God is my savior and in Titus 2:13, savior is also Jesus Christ. God intervenes to save us from physical harm, but also from spiritual harm. 

I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,

David calls because he knows God to be trustworthy and he is thankful to God. There is a response always to God after He provides of thankfulness and turning to Him. There is an immediate recognition that God is the source of our deliverance and so we return to Him praise and thanksgiving. We are thankful to God for his power, his faithfulness, his righteousness.

And I am saved from my enemies.

At numerous times, God intercedes. He is the reason my enemies are not victorious over me. Exodus 14:30, "That day the Lord saved Israel from the hand of the Egyptians." Psalm 34:17, "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles." God hears and God acts. Sometimes in these days, it seems that our enemies are not as clear. Our true enemy is Satan today who wants to get us off track of our spiritual purpose in life. 

For the waves of death encompassed me;

Waves are sorrows. Water often symbolized chaos and destruction. 

The floods of destruction terrified me;

Floods are torrents in the King James Version. Thus, the danger is overwhelming. There is a disorder and confusion that I simply cannot face alone. In times of trouble, I need people close. It is no fun to be sick alone, to ache in pain, to experience a virus. 

The ropes of Sheol surrounded me;

The ropes or cords of Sheol refer to being ready to be devoured. This is being in a place of separation from God. It is darkness. Once again, it is overwhelming. 

The snares of death confronted me.

Snares are traps. "For the wages of sin is death." Sin results in death. Sin traps me. The reality in all of these phrases is the trap of falling into sin is real. 

In my distress I called upon the Lord,

So what does the Christian do in this situation of distress? Call upon the Lord. He is the reliable one. I have faith in Him. I can trust in Him. This should be an automatic response of God's people. 

Yes, I called out to my God;

It is a repetitious calling out. It is not one time. We often do not pray one time but continually pray for God to intercede. 

And from His temple He heard my voice,

The temple was not yet built in David's time. But it symbolizes God's dwelling place and in that place God is ready to hear me. Church is often this place for all people. Though we can call upon God anywhere, at any time, we always see Church is that place where God for sure hears us. 

And my cry for help came into His ears.

God hears me. It is one thing to cry out. It is another to be heard. The baby or child that cries out to its mother and the mother picks up the child. To be heard is to be known. I want to be know, to be seen, to be heard. 

Then the earth shook and quaked,

This is the earth responding to God's presence. This is God making himself known to His people. The natural disasters in life that are sometimes horrific in tearing apart lands - hurricanes, earthquakes - violent upheaval of land.  

The foundations of heaven were trembling

And the extent of these disasters are so immense they reach heaven. Here, judgment is real. It is interesting, we want God to deal with sin individually in a person's life, but not globally. And we are also quick to not ascribe famines or disasters to him. We don't want the judging God. We want the God to only be one of comfort. 

And were shaken, because He was angry.

But the reality is God's anger is real. This shaking and upheaval is in response to God's indignation and his anger towards sin. 

Smoke went up out of His nostrils,

This snorting. In movies or cartoons, this is anger where smoke is coming out of every opening on an animal or person's faith, often from his nose or ears. The anger is so intense. We will often say, "He is blowing off steam." 

And fire from His mouth was devouring;

Fire destroys. Fire purifies. With food, fires takes something raw and purifies it. 

Coals were kindled by it.

The hot coals kindle and let off heat to seer something, often food. Again there is purification. God is going to cleanse people. He is going to take that which is present and change it. 

He also bowed the heavens down low, and came down

God can manipulate the heavens for his purpose. And he came down, he appears, he makes himself known. In Jesus He made Himself known to people. John 1:14, "The Word became flesh and dwells among us." God makes himself known to his people. He is active in making himself known. He is clear. God is to be seen. In Jesus, he wants to make himself known. 

With thick darkness under His feet.

In Revelation 1:7, "He is coming with the clouds." Thick darkness in the King James is think clouds. The pillar of cloud guided the Israelites. There is God's mystery. There is God's majesty. The cloud is moving across the earth. There is authority and returning of God. In a storm, the clouds come down and are in the middle of us. He comes down to us. 

He rode on a cherub and flew;

Cherubim are often depicted as angelic beings. God rode beyond human limitations. He is omnipresent. He is omniscience. 

He appeared on the wings of the wind.

God moves, unhindered by earthly constraints. Wind often is the Spirit of God. He is swift in His movement. 

He made darkness canopies around Him,

This darkness is not evil but rather a representation of God's unapproachable holiness and glory. The canopy signifies protection and authority, much like a king's tent, indicating God's sovereign rule over creation.

Exodus 20:11, "Moses approached the thick darkness where God was."

A mass of waters, thick clouds of the sky.

The thick clouds symbolize God's ability to bring both judgment and blessing, as clouds can bring rain or storms.

From the brightness before Him

God's presences is often associated with brightness, overwhelming light. It is purity, holy, and unapproachable light. 

Coals of fire were kindled.

Fire represents divine judgment. And God has ultimate authority. 

The Lord thundered from heaven,

God intervenes. 

And the Most High uttered His voice.

He speaks into people's lives. God's message is clear to His people. 

And He shot arrows and scattered them,

God is precise in taking care of man's enemies. 

Lightning, and routed them.

God uses nature to accomplish his purposes. 

Then the channels of the sea appeared,

God makes a way where there seems to be no way. 

The foundations of the world were exposed

The beginning of the earth were laid bare. 

By the rebuke of the Lord,

God expresses disapproval. 

From the blast of the breath of His nostrils.

God's breath expresses his power. I think of a superman movie in which someone blows and people go swirling. There is a power in the breath. 

He sent from on high, He took me;

From His exalted position, God reaches down. 

He drew me out of many waters.

God removes me from the most difficult of situations. 

He rescued me from my strong enemy,

God intervenes on behalf of his people. 

From those who hated me, for they were too strong for me.

Believers are to rely on God's strength and not their own. 

They confronted me on the day of my disaster,

David experienced intense distress, trial and danger. 

But the Lord was my support.

But David can always rely on God for his strength in any situation. 

He also brought me out into an open place;

God took him away from confinement and moved him to open space to freely be. 

He rescued me, because He delighted in me.

God has a favor toward David. David is chosen and loved by God. 

I took my time in reviewing each line of this Song. What I saw are some consistent themes. God is my deliverer. I call on him. He hates sin. He will purify me. And He does this in a personal way. God comes to man. God comes down to man. God loves man. 

Summary: The author of 2 Samuel starts to conclude the life of David by offering here a song of praise with God as David's deliverer, fully expressing God's intervention in David's life.

Promise: Thank the Lord for His protection.

Prayer: O God, you are faithful. I thank you for the time today in further looking into this text and thinking about these words of Praise toward you. You are my Deliverer. I call on You and You answer. You purify me and rescue me. You are great and mighty. You hate sin and You will deal with it. I pray that I have not safeguarded my life to the point that I don't see your handiwork in my life, but also that I don't have reasons to trust in You for all your defeats of my enemies. Lord, let me continually see the active role you play in my life. 

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

Proverbs 16:32 - Exercising Patience

Proverbs 16:32 (NLT)

Better to be patient than powerful;

Better to have self-control than to conquer city. 

Message: Exercising patience

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.

What the Lord is Saying: In the NASB which I normally read it says, "He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and who who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city." Our Sunday School teacher offered this text from the NLT with the word patience. From slow to anger to patience. Most one-verse proverbs have one contrast within them, but this one has two. 

Patient > Powerful; Self-control > Conquer

Slow to anger > Mighty; Rules his spirit > Captures a City

In the class, (1/18) the teacher asked for examples of situations in life where in which we struggle with patience. Responses mentioned driving, waiting in lines, other people that don't meet our expectations. I also think of the ways in which we are trained to not be patient - like the internet that allows to get on line in a moment. I am reminded of Europe in which it is also mentioned meal time takes a while. I think often times we have sat down to eat and other people sit down, eat and leave so quickly it seems. Even in other things in life, like the availability of TV shows to watch, able to watch any sporting event, live stream events. There is so little patience available or waiting or delayed gratification. And so we tend to be quick to be bothered. 

Someone once said, "Patience is a virtue we value in others, but ignore in ourselves." I think this could be said about a lot of things we want in others. I think even our claim that we are always busy is an issue of impatience in that we don't take time to reflect on other things. 

In this verse, patience is contrasted with being powerful or mighty. Power is on great display in our world today as many people want to be powerful. War is a significant problem in our world today as many people have a desire for control over others. So to say patience is greater than this or being slow to anger or slow to conflict means we take the time to consider others and not simply what we want. The second part of the verse also mentions conquering a city. 

The verse also links patience with self-control. Self-control is delaying gratification and focus on what matters. It is foregoing immediate desires. Like an adolescent waiting for marriage rather than engaging in sex. Or waiting for marriage rather than living together now. It is interesting how new phones or something new comes out and people line up to be the first one to have one. We want it now. We want our news now. We have fast internet and we want things now. We aren't willing to have self-control. Self-control seems needed but why do we need patience? 

Romans 5:3-4 says that suffering produces patient endurance. Patience decreases negative feelings because things often do not work out in the way we would like. It improves our mental and physical health by reducing stress, fostering resilience, and enabling decision making. Again, setbacks will happen. 

Prayer: Lord, I see how often I am trained to not be patient or slow to things. There can be a constant rush to get to the next item and conquer the next problem. At times I do not stop at work to evaluate or think more about why I am doing what I am doing. It is hard Lord and I feel like little is being accomplished at times. Lord, train me to be patient in my life. Train me to ponder because there are many things that have to wait. I need my stress to reduce. Thank for the joy of reading and studying Your word. Help me to get to all of the things in my life that mean something and be there for others. It is hard Lord to make this happen. It is hard for me to be consistent. 

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

2 Samuel 21 - Blood Atonement

2 Samuel 21

Now there was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year; and David sought the presence of the Lord. And the Lord said, "It is for Saul and his bloody house, because he put the Gibeonites in death." (verse 1)

Message: Blood Atonement

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 last lesson, Sheba rebelled and took with him the Northern Tribe where there was already division with them and the Southern Tribe. David takes this serious and originally sends out Amasa and Joab and Joab kills off Amasa as he doesn't want two leaders and Joab is still devoted to Amasa. They approach Abel-beth-maacah, a fortified city and begin to cut off its supply chains and compromise its fortifications when a woman appears to mediate, not wanting violence but wise counsel. She hears what Joab says and the word about Sheba and immediately cuts his head off and provides it to Joab. With that, Joab returns back to Jerusalem and all is resolved.  

Chapter 21 begins with words of a famine in the land for 3 years. David prays to the Lord for his presence and guidance. The Lord responds that this is a consequence of Saul's actions against the Gibeonites violated a covenant made during Joshua's time (Joshua 9). Innocent blood was shed and with that there is a problem that God takes seriously. 

David responds by reaching out to the Gibeonites and seeking restitution with them. David desires to make amends. The Gibeonites recognize this as a serious problem. In Ancient Near Eastern these situations were common and money was often offered, but there is a deeper need here for justice. David agrees he will honor their request. Thus, it is requested to have 7 men of the tribe of Saul be given to them for hanging to satisfy this. 

David spares Mephibosheth because of the oath he made to Jonathan. But David provides to them other children of Saul. And they were given to the Gibeonites, hanged at the beginning of harvest which is often a time of celebration with hopes that this marked a deliverance from the famine. Thus, a blood atonement. In response, one of the mothers of the children, Rizpah mourns the loss and David learns of this he gathers the bones of Saul and Jonathan and well as these children and gathers them so that they receive a proper burial. And thus, God answered their call and the famine was resolved. 

In verse 15, war with the Philistines is mentioned again. David fights with his men but becomes exhausted. Ishbi-benob, one of the giants of the Philistines, sought to kill David. Abishai interceded and struck Ishbi-benob and killed him. And David's men stated that David should never go to war again with them, but stay back as the strategic leader. Another battle occurs and there Sibbecai another one of David's warriors kills another of the Philistine giants Saph. And then another battle with Elhanan (from the same town as David) kills the brother of Goliath. Then another battle and a man with 6 fingers on each hand and 6 toes on each foot and he was killed by Shimei. Thus, these 4 descendants of Rapha fell at the hands of brave men. 

The Lord was faithful to Israel and continue to provides victory for them against their adversaries. 

Summary: A famine has been in the land for 3 years because Saul's attacking Gibeonites who had a previous covenant with Joshua. In return, 7 men are hanging providing a blood atonement and the famine ends and then wars with the Philistines occur but David's men conquer them. 

Promise: Sin is serious, and the only way for it to be covered is through a blood atonement. 

Prayer: Lord, sin is serious. Let us know this. You have taken care of sin in our lives through a radical blood atonement in Jesus Christ. Let me recognize the seriousness of sin. That it must be dealt with. And it will be dealt with in one way or another and sometimes what occurs in our life points back to that sin and even may impact people that are were not involved originally. Lord, let us realize the significance of that sin even when life seems unfair. You will guard and have guarded your people and will continue to protect them. Be glorified. 

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2 Samuel 20 - Sheba's Rebellion

2 Samuel 20

And David said to Abishai, "Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom; take your lord's servants and pursue him, lest he find for himself fortified cities and escape from our sight."(verse 6)

Message: Sheba's Rebellion

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 last lesson, David is heading towards Jerusalem, crossing the Jordan, bringing Chimham along but there is a rift between the tribes of Judah and Israel. Absalom his son tried to start a rebellion with a desire to take over the throne, but he was defeated and died in the process at the hands of Joab, David's commander, but Amasa is now the army commander. 

David is with Israeli people in Gilgal and verse 1 of Chapter 20 begins with a mention of "a worthless fellow...whose name was Sheba." Sheba is from the tribe of Benjamin, the tribe of Saul but he is rebellious. Sheba says that David's kingship is to be rejected. The northern tribes chose to follow Sheba while the Southern tribe of Judah stayed with David. There is continual unrest that people have and all they need often is someone to step up and lead a charge in the opposite direction. 

David mentions 10 concubines that had been public defiled by Absalom (2 Samuel 16:22). Absalom's actions made them untouchable to David. But he continued to care for them. 

David has Amasa bring together the men of Judah. David speaks to Abishai, a trusted military leader, and has him fortify the cities before Sheba reaches them. He takes David's bodyguards (Cherethites and Pelethites) to pursue Sheba. Joab and Amasa accompany them but Joab pulls out his dagger and approaches Amasa giving him the idea of affection, but stabs him instead, killing him. Joab clearly wants to be the one in charge and so gets Amasa out of the way. Everyone went on with Joab leading them. 

Sheba did have a following. Joab with the army approach Abel-beth-maacah to seek to cut off military supplies and breach the city walls, breaking the cities fortifications. A woman from the city, perhaps acting as a mediator, wants to speak with Joab. She appeals to Joab to resolve conflicts with wise counsel rather than violence. Joab responds that he wants to keep peace as well as a representative of David's kingdom. Joab makes it clear that if they hand over Sheba all will be satisfactory and no more conflict will be necessary. 

In response to this they cut off Sheba's head and hand it over. And Joab returned to Jerusalem. 

Upon the return the leaders are confirmed. Joab, the leader of the army. Benaiah son of Jehoiada, command over the Cherethites and Pelethites, who served as David's personal bodyguards, underscores his trusted position within the king's inner circle. Adoram, also known as Adoniram in other biblical passages, was a high-ranking official in King David's administration. Jehoshaphat, the son of Ahilud, served as the recorder or chronicler, a position of significant importance in the royal court. The recorder was responsible for maintaining official records, documenting events, and possibly advising the king. Sheva served as the royal scribe under King David. In ancient Israel, the role of a scribe was crucial for maintaining records, drafting official documents, and preserving sacred texts. Zadok and Abiathar served as priests during King David's reign, representing the religious leadership of Israel. Ira is identified as a Jairite, indicating his lineage from Jair, a descendant of Manasseh. This is a non-Levitical priest showing David's intent to integrate religious leadership in his governance. 

Summary: Sheba now rebels and the Northern Tribe, but Joab begins to cut off the supplies in a fortified city and a woman comes forward to mediate and Sheba's head is cut off and delivered to Joab.

Promise: Remain faithful to the Lord when His people and His kingdom seem to be under siege.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for these lessons. Mediation is sometimes necessary and we need to not be afraid to enter into these situations in order to prevent a greater problem in the future. Rebellion is common and I pray I would not be acting in rebellion and submit and surrender to those you have placed over me. 

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