Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

Bible Pathways

Sunday, April 11, 2010   

Read II Samuel 1 -- 2

Highlights:

Saul killed in battle; David mourns the deaths of Saul and Jonathan; David crowned king of the tribe of Judah; Ish-bosheth, son of Saul, made king of 11 tribes of Israel.
Verse for Today:

David inquired of the Lord (II Sam. 2:1).
Now that Saul was dead, Israel was without a king. Who would reign in his place? David had been anointed long ago by Samuel the prophet to be the next king of all Israel (I Sam. 16:13). However, Abner, Saul's cousin and the powerful commander of Saul's army (14:50), was determined to retain his position. He persuaded the elders of Israel to put Saul's son Ish-bosheth on the throne over the 10 tribes.

Saul and David had many similarities; both were anointed king of Israel; both reigned about 40 years; both had the loyal support of Samuel, the prophet of God. But they were very different. Saul was a miserable failure and David a successful king.

Saul was a self-willed man who made decisions without waiting for God to direct him. David never lost sight of his need to pray and wait upon the Lord to fulfull His promises at His appointed time. David could have felt justified to face Abner in battle for his right as the God-anointed King of Israel.

Even after Saul was dead, David made no effort to claim his right to be king. Instead, David inquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the Lord said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And He said, Unto Hebron. . . . the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over . . . Judah (II Sam. 2:1,4).

One of David's greatest desires was to worship the Lord in Jerusalem. With this in mind, we can better appreciate his patience in waiting for the time God appointed (see Ps. 27:4).

Every child of God is more precious to our Heavenly Father than His home in Solomon's Temple, for you are the Temple of God. . . . His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus. . . . Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets . . . in whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto a holy Temple in the Lord (I Cor. 3:16; Eph. 2:10,20-21).

How many there are who jump at opportunities for personal advancement rather than seek God and His plan for our lives. But we need not fight for our rights. David prayed for the will of God to be done in His way and at His time. There is a peaceful rest for those who wait patiently for the Lord's timing.

Thought for Today:

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him . . . those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth (Ps. 37:7).
Christ Revealed:

In David's sorrowful poem (II Sam. 1:17-27) he did not dwell upon all his years of suffering at the hand of Saul but dwelt only upon the pleasant things. David typifies Christ, who forgave His enemies, crying from the cross: Father, forgive them (Luke 23:34).
Word Studies:

1:2 did obeisance =bowed in honor; 1:9 anguish =extreme pain; 1:18 use of the bow =long of the bow; 2:6 requite =repay; 2:14 play before us =hold a contest as to which side has the best soldiers; 2:17 sore =fierce; 2:26 following =pursuing; 2:32 sepulchre =tomb.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Official: Rep. Kevin Brady (TX) • Country: El Salvador (5.9 million) in Central America • Major language: Spanish • Some intolerance of Protestants by government officials • 75% Catholic; 20% Protestant; .5% Baha'i; 2.5% Other; 2% None • Prayer Suggestion: Wives, ask the Lord to give you a submissive spirit to your husbands as if it were to the Lord (Eph. 5:22).
Optional Reading: Acts 12

Memory Verse for the Week:

Matthew 6:11

[Judy Harder]

Read II Samuel 3 -- 5

Highlights:

Satan hates the will of God. The house of Saul continues to war against the house of David (II Sam. 3:1). Abner deserts Ish-bosheth to join David; Abner murdered by Joab; Ish-bosheth murdered; David declared king of all Israel; the city of Jebus (Jerusalem) is captured.
Verses for Today:

The king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites . . . which spake unto David, saying . . . thou shalt not come hither. . . . Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion (II Sam. 5:7).
While David was still a sheep herder, he was anointed king over Israel. David endured many hardships and faced many difficulties through his lifetime. During the years Saul was seeking to kill him, David once became discouraged and cried out in despair: I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul (I Sam. 27:1). Through the hopeless years, God was preparing him to be His faithful shepherd — a captain over Israel (II Sam. 5:2). David experienced the loving protection and provision of the Great Shepherd for His children and could say: He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust (Ps. 91:2).

After Saul's death, David was anointed king over Judah. Seven and one-half years later, all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron . . . and they anointed David king over Israel (II Sam. 5:3,5).

The time had come for David to move his capital from Hebron to a more central location in the heart of the promised land. The Jebusites held a stronghold in the central position of the promised land, which God had chosen for His dwelling place, the Temple. The king and his men went to Jerusalem. . . . David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David (5:6-7).

This strong hold of Zion is symbolic of strongholds which lie deep within our minds and hearts and which may not be known to anyone by our conduct. They depict secret motives and desires that keep Christ from becoming Lord of our lives.

Few are willing to accept and endure the Lord's discipline because they often do not recognize the hand of God in their difficulties. They only see people opposing them and cry out as David once did: I shall now perish (27:1).

The greatest obstacle to being used of God is self. Only when we are willing to die to self can we be an expression of His life.

For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh (II Cor. 4:11).

Thought for Today:

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me (Gal. 2:20).
Christ Portrayed:

By David, the anointed king over Israel (II Sam. 5:3). Christ is the Lord's anointed. "Christ" is Greek for the Hebrew word Messiah (Anointed One) (Ps. 2:2; John 1:41). Jesus is the rightful King of the world. Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. . . . and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin (John 19:19-20).
Word Studies:

3:1 waxed =grew; 3:10 translate =transfer; 3:12 league =covenant; 3:27 smote =stabbed; 3:31 bier = stand for carrying a corpse; 4:2 reckoned to =considered part of; 5:8 getteth up to the gutter =enters the city through the water tunnel; 5:23 fetch a compass =circle around.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by a family that loves Jesus • Country: Equatorial Guinea (466,000) in western Africa • Major language: Spanish • Freedom for churches at this time • 71% Roman Catholic; 19% ancestral spirit worship and medicine men; 6% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Husbands, love your wives as Christ loves the Church (Eph. 5:25).
Optional Reading: Acts 13

Memory Verse for the Week:

Matthew 6:11

[Judy Harder]

Read II Samuel 6 -- 9

Highlights:

David's intentions to bring the Ark to its proper place in Jerusalem result in a man's death. (Know the real reason.) God forbids David to build the Temple, but God builds David an eternal "house" — meaning royal lineage (II Sam. 7:1-11).
Verses for Today:

David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale (Kirjath-jearim) (see I Chr. 13:6) of Judah, to bring up from thence the Ark of God. . . . And . . . Uzzah put forth his hand to the Ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there (II Sam. 6:2,6-7).
For about 75 years, during most of Samuel's leadership, Saul's 40-year reign, and David's 7½-year reign, the Ark had remained with Abinadab at Kirjath-jearim. David desired to honor God by bringing the Ark of the Covenant, the dwelling place of God on earth, to Jerusalem, the religious and political capital of David's kingdom. But David did not read or pray about what was required to move the Ark. David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. . . . to bring up from thence (to Jerusalem) the Ark of God. . . . they set the Ark of God upon a new cart (6:1-2) as the Philistines had done many years before when they captured it, and proceeded toward Jerusalem with great rejoicing. Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart (6:3). David made the procession a national day of rejoicing in putting God in the center of their nation.

Attempting to keep the Ark from toppling off the cart, Uzzah put forth his hand to the Ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. . . . and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the Ark of God (6:6-7). David was humiliated and displeased (6:. He was sincerely seeking to honor God but had overlooked two very important instructions in the Word of God: The Ark had to be carried by poles on the shoulders of the priests, and the penalty for touching the Ark of the presence of God was death (Ex. 25:10-15; Num. 4:15; 7:9).

It is a serious error to believe that, as long as a person is sincere, it makes no difference what he believes. It should also teach us the importance of knowing the Word of God since the original Word of God was kept inside the Ark.

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth (II Tim. 2:15; John 6:63).

Thought for Today:

I will . . . praise Thy Name . . . for Thy truth: for Thou hast magnified Thy Word above all Thy Name (Ps. 138:2).
Christ Revealed:

By the Ark of the Covenant which they . . . set . . . in the midst of the Tabernacle (II Sam. 6:17). The Ark contained the Ten Commandments, given to Moses (Deut. 10:1-5). Christ is the Living Word (John 1:1) and dwells within we who are the temple of God (I Cor. 3:16) — Christ in you, the hope of glory (Col. 1:27).
Word Studies:

6:7 error =fault committed through negligence; 6:14 linen ephod =priestly, linen garment; 6:19 dealt =distributed; 6:21 play =celebrate, show my joy; 7:8 sheepcote =pastureland; 7:9 cut off =destroyed, eliminated; 7:12 seed =offspring, descendants; 7:23 terrible =full of wonder; awesome; 8:3 recover his border at the river Euphrates =establish his territory to the Euphrates River; 8:4 houghed =hamstrung; 8:5 succour =help; 9:8 look upon such a dead dog =show favor to an insignificant person.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Joshua Belisle's baptism 04/13/08 • Staff: Pam Pendergrast • Government Officials: Sen. Robert Casey (PA), Rep. Jim Costa (CA), and Rep. Susan Davis (CA) • Country: Eritrea (4 million) in eastern Africa • Major languages: English and Tigrinya • Religious persecution • 51% Muslim; 40% Eritrean Orthodox; 4% Catholic; 1.5% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Children, ask the Lord to enable you to honor your parents (Eph. 6:1-3).
Optional Reading: Acts 14

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:11

[Judy Harder]

Read II Samuel 10 -- 12

Highlights:

We're given a never-ending lesson here. Like David, whenever we experience victories in life, we must never forget that Satan will tempt us to sin as he did with David. Nathan's parable and David's repentance; birth of Solomon.
Verses for Today:

David saw a woman washing herself. . . . the wife of Uriah. . . . and took her . . . and he lay with her. . . . And Nathan said to David. . . . Wherefore hast thou despised the Commandment of the Lord? . . . Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house (II Sam. 11:2-4; 12:7-11).
David, king of Israel, had never lost a war and had grown accustomed to getting what he wanted. And it came to pass . . . at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants . . . But David tarried still at Jerusalem (11:1). Satan always has something or someone to attract us when we are in a position to relax and gratify our desires. For David, his defeat began with a look of lust at the beautiful Bathsheba. David was a man of exceptional character — a man after the Lord's own heart (I Sam. 13:14). But on this occasion, David inquired about the beautiful woman he saw bathing. He learned she was the wife of one of his very best soldiers in battle. David knew that adultery was a wicked sin against God. But instead of turning from temptation, David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her . . . and she returned unto her house ( II Sam. 11:4).

There seemingly was not one adverse circumstance from the moment David first lusted after this woman until their marriage. But, about one year later, Nathan the prophet boldly confronted David: Wherefore hast thou despised the Commandment of the Lord, to do evil in His sight? (12:9). Because of David's adultery, Nathan foretold: Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised Me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife. Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house (12:10). Deeply grieved and repentant, David confessed: I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, The Lord also hath put away thy sin (12:13). Although forgiven, the next twenty years, the entire last half of his reign, until his death, David's sorrows and sufferings never ceased from that one night of yielding to his lust. Because of David's sincere repentance, as recorded in Psalm 51, God forgave him as He will anyone who truly repents and forsakes their sin, but the bitter consequences are inevitable.

Thought for Today:

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption (Gal. 6:7-8).
Christ Revealed:

In the prophet Nathan giving Solomon the name Jedidiah, which means beloved of the Lord (II Sam. 12:24-25). Christ was greatly loved by His Heavenly Father. Jesus prayed: Father . . . Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world (John 17:24).
Word Studies:

10:12 play the men =show our courage and strength; 11:1 after the year was expired =in the spring of the following year; 11:8 mess of meat =gift of food; 12:4 spared =refused; 12:11 in the sight of this sun =publicly for all Israel to know; 12:31 put them under saws =enslaved, made to work with saws.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Patricia A. Meldrum • Staff: Rita Guerra • Government Official: Rep. Laura Richardson (CA) • Country: Estonia (1.47 million) northeastern Europe • Major languages: Estonian and Russian • Religious freedom • 38.4% Protestant; 20.3% Orthodox; 1% Roman Catholic; 1% Muslim; .3% Jewish; 39% non-Religious/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Realize that you are insufficient (Eph. 6:10-11).
Optional Reading: Acts 15

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:11

[Judy Harder]

Read II Samuel 13 -- 14

Highlights:

The consequences of David's sin begin to hit home (II Sam. 12:9-12), first with Amnon's rape and incest, which turns to hate, revenge, and eventually leads to murder as Absalom kills his brother Amnon and flees to Geshur. David and Absalom reconcile (14:28-33). But Absalom's treachery has only begun.
Verses for Today:

Absalom the son of David . . . had a fair (beautiful) sister . . . and Amnon the son of David (by another wife). . . . forced her, and lay with her. . . . Absalom . . . commanded his servants . . . Smite (Kill) Amnon. . . . And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded. . . . So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years (II Sam. 13:1,14,28-29,34,37-38).
After David's great sin, he was filled with remorse and was seldom seen in public. Other than rare occasions such as when Joab specifically called upon him to take Rabbah (II Sam. 12:26-31), his palace became his place of seclusion — a prison.

David had lived a godly life except for this sin, but his older sons chose to follow his one great sin. The eldest, Amnon, cruelly raped his half-sister Tamar. When David learned of Amnon's deception and wicked sin against his daughter, he was very wroth (13:21). Since Amnon was the firstborn son and heir to the throne, David ignored that the Law required death (Lev. 20:17). And . . . Absalom hated Amnon for having raped his sister (13:21-22).

Then Absalom, motivated by a selfish ambition to become king and by hatred toward Amnon for raping his sister, determined to carry out "justice" and he murdered his half-brother Amnon, who was heir to the throne. As Christians, we disapprove of Absalom's cold-blooded murder of Amnon, though legally David should have had him put to death two years before. No one is justified in taking the law into his own hands (Rom. 12:19).

The crimes of David's two sons must have reminded him of his two similar sins — adultery with Bathsheba and having her husband placed on the front lines of battle. His sorrow for his sins continued to plague him as two other sons attempted to take over his throne.

A parent suffers greatly to see his own sin enlarged in his children's lives. But the never-ending conseqences of sin cannot be avoided. Sin always produces unforeseen evil consequences which go far beyond all expectation. We can be thankful that God always forgives when we truly repent and forsake our sins.

Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (since God has fully forgiven) (Phil. 3:13-14).

Thought for Today:

Exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin (Heb. 3:13).
Christ Revealed:

Through David's restoration of Absalom (II Sam. 14:33). If an earthly father's compassion reconciles him to his estranged son, how much more will our loving Heavenly Father reconcile us to Himself when we confess our sins. God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing (counting, crediting) their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation (II Cor. 5:19).
Word Studies:

13:4 lean =depressed, looking so wretched; 13:5 make thyself sick =pretend to be sick; 14:2 feign =pretend; 14:4 did obeisance =showed reverence, honor; 14:7 quench my coal which is left =destroy the last of my family; 14:11 suffer =allow; 14:21 done this thing =granted your request; 14:26 polled his head =cut his hair.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts & Radio Sri Lanka in honor of the 49th wedding anniversary of Lt. Col. & Mrs. Walter W. Swanson • Government Official: Rep. Howard Berman (CA) • Country: Ethiopia (60 million) in eastern Africa • Major languages: Amharic and Tigrinya • Unsettled after overthrow of communist regime • 41% Eastern Orthodox; 35% Muslim; 10% Protestant; 10% animist; .7% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Put on God's whole armor so that you may be able to successfully stand up against Satan's evil attacks (Eph. 6:11).
Optional Reading: Acts 16

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:11

[Judy Harder]

Read II Samuel 15 -- 16

Highlights:

The handsome and popular Absalom (II Sam. 14:25) wins over national leaders, including David's most trusted counselor Ahithophel. Absalom leads a revolt and attempted to overthrow and murder his father, King David.
Verses for Today:

Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment . . . he pretended a deep concern. And Absalom said unto him. See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of (representing) the king to hear thee. . . . Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath suit or cause come unto me, and I would do him justice (II Sam. 15:1-4).
After Absalom had been in exile three years (13:38), Joab, David's nephew and commander-in-chief of his army (I Chr. 2:15-16), initiated a clever plot which persuaded David to bring Absalom home.

About two years after Absalom had returned from exile (II Sam. 14:28), with an arrogant, shameless, and defiant attitude, he demanded that Joab arrange to have the king see him (14:29-32). David promptly forgave Absalom, who then began an ambitious conspiracy to overthrow his father and declare himself king of Israel. Soon the shocking news reached David that the hearts of the men of Israel are after (with) Absalom (15:13).

One of the most pitiful passages in the Bible is of brokenhearted King David, running barefoot down the rocky hills, weeping and fleeing Jerusalem in fear of his own beloved son (15:30). During this time, he had no thought of self-pity or revenge. David's great concern was to avoid bloodshed in Jerusalem, the City of God.

Shimei, one of Saul's relatives (16:5), followed David as he fled from Jerusalem, cursing him and throwing stones at him. He accused David of being responsible for Saul's death and all the blood of the house of Saul (16:. This accusation was not true, and Abishai asked David for permission to kill Shimei. David refused, saying: Let him curse, because the Lord hath said unto him, Curse David (16:10).

Too often we retaliate, fight back, or seek revenge, and do not see the hand of God in our sufferings. But once we see this Truth and repent, we discover His perfect will. The highest privilege Christians have is to yield our will to His ways. May God teach us the precious privilege of accepting and loving His ways!

Thought for Today:

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts (Is. 55:9).
Christ Portrayed:

By David as he rebuked his followers when they wanted to execute his enemies (II Sam. 16:10-11; compare I Sam. 26:8-9). When Jesus' disciples wanted to do the same, He rebuked them saying: Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of Man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them (Luke 9:54-56).
Word Studies:

15:27 seer =prophet of God who has discernment (I Sam. 9:9); 15:28 certify =inform; 16:5 cursed still =shouted curses continuously.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs. Audrey M. Johnson • Staff: Gina Lesnefsky • Government Official: Rep. Clifford Stearns (FL) • Country: Fiji (813,000) in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: English and Fijian • Religious freedom • 41% Hindu; 40% Protestant; 9% Roman Catholic; 8% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Realize that prayer is one of the ways God uses to strengthen you in the power of His might (Eph. 6:18).
Optional Reading: Acts 17

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:11

[Judy Harder]

 
Bible Pathways

Saturday, April 17, 2010   

Read II Samuel 17 -- 18

Highlights:

Here's an important life-lesson. Always compare your desires with the Word of God. Absalom didn't and his rebellion against God destroyed him (II Sam. 18:9).
Verses for Today:

Absalom hanged in an oak. . . . Joab . . . took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom. . . . they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit. . . . Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar (II Sam. 18:10,14,17-18).
The majority of Israel's leaders and many of the people joined Absalom in a rebellion to overthrow King David. Absalom was then declared king and entered Jerusalem without resistance.

Up to this point, all his plans had been successful. But Absalom was determined to pursue and murder his father David. However, in the ensuing battle, there was . . . a great slaughter that day of twenty thousand men. . . . And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head (hair) caught hold of the oak (limbs), and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away (18:7,9).

There were many who had once stayed by Absalom; but now, when his hair caught in the limbs of the oak tree, he didn't have a friend to help him escape. Everyone rushed past him, concerned only about saving their own lives.

Absalom's rebellion against David is typical of those who take counsel together, against the Lord, and against His Anointed (Ps. 2:2). But God allows the wicked to be "successful" only until His purposes have been fulfilled. God provided an insignificant branch of a tree to hold Absalom by his hair until he was killed by Joab. Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall (Prov. 16:18).

Many people have died an untimely death after having taken an open stand against a God-appointed leader. It is so important that we pray for those in authority instead of taking matters into our own hands without seeking direction from God. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God (Rom. 13:1).

Pity the ignorant who are unaware of the "Unseen Presence" of God, who defends those who trust in Him (Heb. 4:13; Ps. 40:17). For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: He putteth down one, and setteth up another (Ps. 75:6-7). All things work together for good to them that love God (Rom. 8:28).

Thought for Today:

A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee (Ps. 91:7).
Christ Revealed:

Through Mahanaim, a city of refuge where David went when he was fleeing from Absalom (Josh. 21:38; II Sam. 17:27). Christ is our Refuge. We . . . have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the Hope set before us . . . even Jesus (Heb. 6:18,20).
Word Studies:

17:8 chafed =angered; 17:17 wench =maidservant; 17:25 host =army; 18:3 succour us out of the city =remain in the city and assist by providing reinforcements; 18:9 taken up =left hanging, suspended.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Al Joslyn • Country: Finland (5.2 million) in northern Europe • Major languages: Finnish and Swedish • Religious freedom • 86% Lutheran; 1% Orthodox; 12% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that Christ will be seen through you (Phil. 1:20-21).
Optional Reading: Acts 18

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:11

[Judy Harder]

Read II Samuel 19 -- 20

Highlights:

Joab, David's nephew (I Chr. 2:13-16), feels justified as he kills Abner (II Sam. 3:27), his cousin Absalom (18:14), and his cousin Amasa (20:10; I Chr. 2:16-17). Yet he sensibly reproves David twice (II Sam. 19:5-7; 24:1-3). There is one last revolt from the 10 tribes before David's kingdom is restored in chapter 20.
Verses for Today:

The victory that day was turned into mourning (and the soldiers slipped away) as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle (II Sam. 19:2-4).
Absalom was a traitor who was determined to destroy his father, so that he could be king. The rebellion ended when Joab killed Absalom. David's soldiers returned expecting a great celebration; instead they heard the king weeping aloud. And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life. . . . Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably upon thy servants (19:2-7).

David's great sorrow could have been a mixture of grief and guilt because he had failed to discipline this son as he should have, blaming himself for Absalom's willful and rebellious acts. Some parents fail to judge their children rightly, blaming themselves or others when their children do wrong. Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Prov. 22:6) is a basic principle.

Tragic events do happen to godly parents, but they are never unfortunate "accidents." We are not mere pawns in the hands of men or circumstances. However, all of us at times, are responsible for the adverse circumstances and sorrows that we experience — and we know it. But, as Christians who have acknowledged our sin and accepted Christ as our Savior, with a sincere desire to be obedient to His Word, we can be sure that God has forgiven us and our lives are in the care of our Heavenly Father.

All of us go through experiences beyond our control such as a tragic death, an automobile crash, an illness, a physical handicap, or a financial loss; but, like David, we can grieve too long over what might have been. If we have been out of the will of God, we need to repent of our sins, ask God to forgive us, then forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God (Phil. 3:13-14)..

We do have a loving Heavenly Father who, regardless of circumstances, will, without exception, forgive and restore all who commit their lives to Christ.

Thought for Today:

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you (I Pet. 5:6-7).
Christ Portrayed:

By David, who wished to be invited back as king (II Sam. 19:11). Our Lord Jesus wants to be invited into the hearts of all mankind. He comes in only by our invitation. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, (and enjoy sweet fellowship together) and will sup with him, and he with Me (Rev. 3:20).
Word Studies:

19:14 bowed =swayed; 20:3 ward =guarded house; 20:18 were wont to speak =used to say.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Bob Latta (OH) and Rep. Gwendolyn Moore (WI) • Country: France (59.1 million) in western Europe • Major language: French • Religious freedom • 80% Roman Catholic; 7% Islam; 1.22% Protestant; 1.18% Jewish; 1% Buddhist; .2% Orthodox; .2% Eastern Catholic; .2% Jehovah's Witness; 9% Other/None • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that at all times you will find pleasure in what pleases the Lord (Phil. 2:13).
Optional Reading: Acts 19

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:12

[Judy Harder]

Read II Samuel 21 -- 22

Highlights:

We receive another life-learning lesson. Be careful when you vow! God punishes Israel with a 3-year famine as a result of King Saul breaking a vow. Seven members of Saul's family were also put to death. To make a vow as a Christian is also sacred. Read Joshua 9:14-18! Breaking a promise can be serious (II Sam. 21:1-6). Don't miss Chapter 22 for David's inspiring tribute to God.
Verse for Today:

There was a famine in the days of David three years . . . and David inquired of the Lord. And the Lord answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites (II Sam. 21:1).
The days of harvest had once again come (21:10), but there was nothing to eat because there was a famine (21:1). The famine was the judgment of God: If thou wilt not hearken (listen) unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all His Commandments. . . . thy heaven . . . shall be brass, and the earth . . . shall be iron (unproductive) (Deut. 28:15,23).

David recognized the famine as the judgment of God. Saul had violated the covenant that Israel had made with the Gibeonites about 400 years earlier. That treaty was still sacred because the covenant had been sworn to in the Name of God (Josh. 9:3,15-19).

God has stated: When thou shalt vow a vow unto the Lord thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the Lord thy God will surely require it of thee ((Deut. 23:21; Num. 30:2).

The surviving Gibeonites did not ask David for money or property (II Sam. 21:4). The Gibeonites had to have known the Commandment of God: Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death: but he shall be . . . put to death (Num. 35:31). Having disobeyed this command, the Gibeonites asked permission to hang seven men who were descendants of Saul (21:5-6).

Therefore, David was responsible before God to deliver them to the Gibeonites. Because of his covenant with Jonathan. His crippled son Mephibosheth was exempt (II Sam. 21:7; I Sam. 20:14-17; 23:16-18).

The three years of famine that resulted from a broken vow reveal the importance of keeping one's word. Can people depend upon what you say, or are your vows meaningless? Do you say only what others want to hear? Some Christians may have good intentions, but they allow circumstances to sway their convictions; consequently, their word is unreliable. That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform (Deut. 23:23).

Thought for Today:

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death (Rev. 12:11).
Christ Portrayed:

As the One we call upon for salvation (II Sam. 22:4). Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
Word Studies:

21:5 coasts =boundaries, territories; 22:3 horn of my salvation =saving strength; 22:6 prevented =confronted; 22:19 stay =support; 22:27 froward =rerverse; unsavoury =astute, cunning; 22:31 buckler =defender; 22:46 close places =strongholds.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by James P. Devery • Staff: Benjamin Wallace • Country: French Guiana (168,000) on the northern coast of South America • Major language: French • Religious freedom • 85% Christian; 9.5% non-Religious/Other; 2% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Rejoice that the Lord protects you and provides your needs (Phil. 4:4).
Optional Reading: Acts 20

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:12

[Judy Harder]

Read II Samuel 23 -- 24

Highlights:

The last written words of David are a tribute to his mighty men (II Sam. 23:8-17). First he names the top "three" of his honor roll of 37 (23:18-39). David sins (24:1-10). Three-day plague; David builds an altar; his sacrifice (24:11-14).
Verse for Today:

And David's heart smote him after he had numbered the people. And David said unto the Lord, I have sinned greatly in that I have done (II Sam. 24:10).
Satan, the instigator of pride, stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel (I Chr. 21:1). From the standpoint of the absolute sovereignty of God over everything, including Satan, we read: The anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and He moved (allowed) David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah (II Sam. 24:1). David's desire at this time to take a census of his army was obviously not based on any threat by invaders. He had never lost a war or been defeated. When we feel proud of our accomplishments, Satan is quick to suggest thoughts of pride as he did with David. When pride cometh, then cometh shame (Prov. 11:2; 16:18; 29:23).

David's decision, prompted by pride, reminds us of how easily a person can become a victim of his success and lose sight of who is responsible for all our blessings. In this moment of pride, David did not remember that he once said: Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the Name of the Lord our God (Ps. 20:7). He forgot that the Law stated that on being numbered a soldier must pay a half shekel, the price of a sin offering, as a ransom for his soul . . . that there be no plague among them, when thou numberest them (Ex. 30:12-15).

God gives special talents or abilities. There is a tendency to become proud of "our" accomplishments and no longer depend on Him. No one in himself is good enough to serve the Lord. The silver shekel is symbolic of Truth and Christ alone is The Way, The Truth, and The Life (John 14:6). His atonement alone qualifies us to serve the Lord. This needs to be a first consideration when singers, musicians, and others are chosen to lead in worship, teach, or entertain our congregations without regard to their personal relationships to Christ. Even answers to prayer can become dramatic exhibitions wherein we subtly give ourselves the credit for "our" great faith and power in prayer.

Oh, how sensitive we must be to say from our hearts: God forbid I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ (Gal. 6:14). We must always give Him glory and praise for anything worthwhile.

Thought for Today:

Thou are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou has created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created (Rev. 4;11).
Christ Revealed:

Through the silver which David used to purchase the threshingfloor upon which he built . . . an altar unto the Lord (II Sam. 24:24-25). Silver symbolizes Christ's redemption offered for all on the cross. Judas said unto them, What will ye give me? . . . And they covenanted (agreed) with him for thirty pieces of silver (Matt. 26:15).
Word Studies:

23:10 clave =clung; spoil =plunder, loot; 23:13 chief =foremost, captains; 23:14 hold =stronghold, fortification; 24:14 a great strait =great distress, difficulty; 24:16 stay now thine hand =do no more.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Iva Jo Swinsburg • Staff: Ilene Wallace • Government Officials: Sen. Pat Roberts (KS) and Justice John Paul Stevens • Country: Gabon (1 million) in west-central Africa • Major language: French • Religious freedom • 66% Roman Catholic; 30% Protestant; 3% animism and ancestor worship • Prayer Suggestion: Do not worry about anything, but pray about everything (Phil. 4:6).
Optional Reading: Acts 21

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:12