Archives for April 2024

OVERVIEW:

Building Solomon’s house; the temple is furnished; the dedication of the temple.

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

When we ended yesterday’s reading in chapter 6, the closing sentence of verse 38 was, “So was he (Solomon) seven years in building it (the temple).” Again, what a glorious thing! God finally had a more permanent dwelling on the earth! The next two words as we come into chapter 7, however, are very telling. Sad to say, at this point in 1^st Kings, Solomon joins a long list of good men in the Bible of whom it could be said, “But Adam… But Noah… But Abraham… But Isaac… But Jacob… But Judah… But Moses… But Saul… But David…!” The first two words of chapter 7 are “But Solomon”! Oh, may the passionate surrender of our hearts never allow there to ever be a “but” that taints the testimony of our life! 

The contrast indicated by the word “But” in verse 1, is that though Solomon was seven years in building THE LORD’S HOUSE (6:38), “…Solomon was building HIS OWN HOUSE thirteen years, and he finished all his house.” (7:1) Obviously, it took almost twice as long to build “his own house” as it did the Lord’s! Sure, there may be some variables to consider: there may not have been 183,000 workers who were a part of constructing Solomon’s house; it may be that the materials used in Solomon’s house had not been prepared before they were shipped as they were with the Lord’s house. However, for some reason, as the Holy Spirit inspired the writing of 7:1, the first word: “But” forces us to make the contrast between the amount of time it took to complete both “houses”.

As we move into 7:2, once again, we’re forced to make another very telling contrast. Back in 6:2 it says: “And the house which king Solomon built for the Lord, the length thereof was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty cubits, and the height there of thirty cubits.” In 7:2, in reference to Solomon’s house, it says, “…the length thereof was an hundred cubits, and the breadth thereof fifty cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits…” Not only did Solomon’s own house take almost twice as long to build, it was also almost twice as big!

There is no doubt, Solomon was certainly passionate about the Lord’s NAME and the Lord’s HOUSE. There was only one problem: he was twice as interested in his OWN NAME and his OWN HOUSE. May this reality cause each of us to look at our own life and ask: “Am I any different than Solomon?” In the midst of our passion for the Lord’s NAME and the GLORY due it, are we more interested in our OWN NAME and our OWN FINANCES; our OWN HOUSE and our OWN POSSESSIONS?

Perhaps the lesson in this for all of us is: It doesn’t matter how “blessed” of the Lord we are, or how “wise”, or how “sincere”, or how big of a “priority” we think Jesus has in our life today, as long as we are in this body of flesh, we are never going to be free from the temptation to make our OWN NAME and our OWN HOUSE a bigger priority than the Lord’s!

As chapter 7 continues, it details the specific instruction concerning the construction of the temple. As you read through these details of what would become the dwelling place of God, recognize that we are now the temple of God, and that the New Testament is our specific detailed instruction for building a life that is worthy of the dwelling place of Almighty God. Let us be as meticulous in following the instruction concerning our spiritual temple, as Solomon was this physical temple.

Notice at the end of chapter 7, “…Solomon brought in the things which David his father had dedicated; even the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, did he put among the treasures of the house of the Lord.” As we consider the unselfish and passionate investment of David’s life and resources into a temple he knew he would never see, may it likewise impassion us to unselfishly invest in the “temples” of both our physical and spiritual children and grandchildren, some that we may never see, a spiritual and moral legacy that can cause the glory of the Lord to fill them! (See 1^st Kings 8.)

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As the GLORY OF GOD filling His Temple. — 1^st Kings 8:10-11 (John 1:14; Isaiah 40:5; Matthew 16:27-17:2)


OVERVIEW:

Solomon’s key men; the kings of the earth come to hear Solomon; the preparation for building the temple; the specifics in building the temple.


HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

As we read chapter 4, it’s easy to allow the material prosperity and blessing the people of Israel were enjoying, under Solomon’s leadership, to deceive us. Notice that 4:20 says that the multitude of Judah and Israel were “…eating and drinking, and making merry.” As wonderful as it all was, the fact is, the way they were prospering MATERIALLY and FINANCIALLY, was not commensurate with how their souls were prospering SPIRITUALLY! (See 3^rd John 2) Something that is woefully missing in chapter 4 is any mention of how these abundantly blessed people were pursuing God through His word! This is what can be referred to as “the CURSE of God’s BLESSING”. Sometimes we spend so much time relishing in God’s blessings, that we no longer have time for Him! We begin seeking the BLESSING rather than the BLESSER; the GIFT rather than the GIVER; and the THINGS of GOD rather than GOD HIMSELF!

In this chapter, the kingdom of Israel was at its zenith. (4:21 c.f. Genesis 15:18) The peace and prosperity they were experiencing at this time was unequaled in their history. (4:24-25) Its splendor will only be surpassed when the Son of David, our Lord Jesus Christ, rules and reigns from His throne in Jerusalem in His millennial kingdom!

As 4:22-34 provide us a description of the nature of Solomon’s kingdom and his incredible accomplishments, note, first of all, that it is all unbelievably impressive! His unsurpassed wealth (4:22-23), the vastness of his kingdom (4:24-25), the governmental administration he established, the elite staff he had assembled and the manner in which he provided for them (4:26-28), the “wisdom and understanding” that God had lavished upon him (4:29-31), his skill and giftedness in composing songs and proverbs (4:32), and the grasp and insight he had concerning nature (4:33-35), were all humanly beyond compare!

Secondly, note, that all of these impressive characteristics listed in 4:22-34 concerning Solomon and his kingdom, provide us with keen insight as to the “type” of wisdom for which he besought the Lord, and with which he became supernaturally endowed. It was not SPIRITUAL wisdom that would give him deep insight into God and His word, but rather a PRACTICAL wisdom that would give him, as J. Sidlow Baxter noted, “…administrative discernment, sagacious judgment, intellectual grasp, aptitude for the acquisition of knowledge, a practical wisdom in the directing of affairs.” The intention of making this observation is certainly not to cast disdain upon Solomon’s choice of wisdom, because even God commended his choice! But it is possible for us to become so enamored with all of his illustrious achievements, that we become blind to the fact that in all of this extravagant and detailed description concerning Solomon in this passage, it is all void of anything related to the passion of his heart for the word of God, or the God of the word, as was so easily observed in his father, David. Solomon, at least at this point, was certainly a good man who loved the Lord, and as we will see, will become one of the most perfect types of Christ in the entire Bible. It is these kinds of spiritual omissions, however, that will ultimately cause the “wisest man who ever lived” to “foolishly” become one of the most perfect types of antichrist in the entire Bible!

After establishing the organizational structure of the government of the kingdom in chapter 4, Solomon immediately turns his attention to establishing the physical structure of the King’s Temple in chapter 5. The magnitude of the project can begin to be understood by noting that the grand total of men identified in chapter 5 as those who had been contracted to fulfill a role in the undertaking was over 183,000! (c.f. 2^nd Chronicles 2:17-18)

Chapter 6 details the dimensions, materials, and actual construction of the temple. One of the interesting observations concerning Solomon’s temple is the fact that it was not a large structure. Though its footprint was exactly double that of the tabernacle, the temple was only 120 feet by 60 feet, or approximately 36.6 meters by 18.3 meters. As Dr. John Kitto acknowledged, “The importance of the Temple of Solomon, which we have been led to regard as one of the wonders of the ancient world, consisted not in its size, but in the elaborate, costly, and highly decorative character of its whole interior and furniture, and in the number, extent, grandeur, and substantial masonry of its surrounding courts, chambers, walls, and towers. Indeed, it is not too much to presume that these outer constructions, forming the massive ring in which the costly gem of the temple was set, cost as much as the sacred building itself, immense as was the quantity of gold bestowed upon it.” Notice that 6:21 says, “So Solomon overlaid the house within with pure gold!” Be reminded that in the dispensation of the church age, the Lord no longer dwells in temples made with hands (Acts 7:48; 17:24), but has made our bodies His very temple! (1^st Corinthians 6:19) May we, likewise, be “overlaid” with “pure gold”. (See 1^st Corinthians 3:12)

Notice, also, that the chapter ends in 6:37 with the statement, “So was he (Solomon) seven years in building it.” Keep in mind, the number seven in the Bible is the number of completion and perfection. The temple was “completed” in the seventh year, in accordance with God’s “perfect” instruction.

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

Through SOLOMON, as “all people” and “all kings of the earth” come to hear the wisdom of Israel’s king — 1^st Kings 4:34 (Philippians 2:9-11 – Christ will one day rule the world as Israel’s king in His millennial kingdom, and every knee will bow before Him.)


OVERVIEW:

The end of David’s reign; Adonijah’s attempt to take the throne; Solomon anointed and announced as king; David’s final charge to Solomon; Solomon executes judgment; Solomon asks for and receives an understanding heart and discernment.

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

As we enter into 1^st Kings today, let’s begin by highlighting a few important details from a technical standpoint. First, note that 1^st Kings continues the Old Testament narrative where the book of 2^nd Samuel ended. Second, recognize that the books of 1^st and 2^nd Kings in our Bible appear in the Hebrew Bible as one. Third, the date of the writing of 1^st Kings is approximately between 562 and 536 B.C., and though tradition has assigned its authorship to Jeremiah, it was most likely written by a Jewish captive in Babylon under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. And fourth, though the Kings and Chronicles cover the same basic time period and content, it is apparent that they were written from different perspectives: whereas the books of 1^st and 2^nd Kings were written from a PROPHETIC standpoint, the books of 1^st and 2^nd Chronicles were written from a PRIESTLY standpoint.

Whether it be in nations, corporations, or churches, (actually in any organized group where there is an identifiable leader!) the time of transition from one leader to another has the profound potential of becoming an extremely volatile situation. As in chapter 1 of today’s reading, what had the potential to produce an exciting and new beginning filled with fresh vision and innovative ideas as a new king was about to be installed in Israel, quickly became a powder keg once EGOS began to vaunt themselves, and OPINIONS began to swarm like flies around a piece of raw meat. Much like Adonijah’s older brother Absalom sought to usurp the kingship from their father David, Adonijah sought to usurp the kingship from the rightful heir to the throne, their younger brother, Solomon.

It is amazing how people you think would know better, in this case Abiathar the priest, Joab the captain of the host, and all of the sons of the king (1:19), actually champion the cause of someone like Adonijah, who had an “I” problem as big and as obvious as Lucifer’s in Isaiah 14:13–14: “I will…I will…I will…I will…I will!” Yet, to this day, somehow, people allow themselves to get behind self-serving, self-promoting egotists who are seeking to ramrod themselves into a position of authority. If someone is desirous to fill a leadership position, but they are violating God’s structure of authority to get there, recognize that those antics will merely be a preview of coming attractions if or when they assume the position! May God use this passage to open our eyes! When God is orchestrating the installment of a new leader, there will not be the violation of clear principles of character, integrity, and/or scripture!

It is also amazing how good men in positions of leadership, in this case, David, often fail to properly implement a smooth succession plan/strategy. Were it not for the boldness and tenacity of Bathsheba and Nathan the prophet, Israel might have missed God’s selection for their next king, Solomon. Verse 6 of chapter 1 is actually astounding: “And his (Adonijah’s) father (David) had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so?” Be it known, undisciplined children grow up to be self-seeking, self-willed, and self-indulgent adults! Adonijah is a perfect example!

As David prepares to die in chapter 2, his parting charge to his son and newly installed king was to “man up”! (2:2) With the kingdom in its present state, he was certainly going to need to do just that! His father had left some “unfinished business” that would require Solomon’s immediate attention. (2:5, 9) That “unfinished business” would actually translate into the execution of four key men in the kingdom. This, too, becomes the plight of many newly installed leaders. It often falls their lot to “clean house”, as it were, so that the new regime can actually be “established”. (2:12) Those kinds of bold moves for a new leader have the potential to be majorly misunderstood but are often necessary for the new leader to actually lead.

In chapter 3, Solomon becomes a great illustration of how a believer can actually love the Lord (3:3), and yet, be in the midst of making major compromises that, in time, will cause that love to wane. Solomon genuinely loves the Lord, as evidenced by his request when the Lord promises to grant that for which he would ask. Yet, the affinity he makes with the king of Egypt and the relationship with which he enters with his daughter will become the things that ultimately lead to Solomon’s demise. (3:1)

Perhaps the exorbitant amount of sacrifices (a thousand of ’em!) that Solomon offered (3:4) were an attempt to convince himself that his compromises weren’t actually infringing upon his love for the Lord. Often when people are “over-doing” their spiritual responsibilities, it can be an attempt to compensate for an area (or some areas!) of clear disobedience. Perhaps we all should put our spiritual brakes on for just a minute and stop to consider: though I love the Lord enough today to still be pursuing Him through His word, is it possible that I am doing it as an attempt to overshadow compromises that I am making in my walk with the Lord, or violations of clear commands of Scripture, that like Solomon, could in time overtake my love for the Lord? Remember the words of Samuel under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in 1^st Samuel 15:22: “Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

Through SOLOMON, the son of David, sitting on the throne of David with his kingdom established — 1^st Kings 2:12 (Luke 1:32; Mark 11:10)

OVERVIEW:

God punishes Israel with a three-year famine because of Saul’s ill-treatment of the Gibeonites; seven members of Saul’s family are put to death as retribution; victories over the Philistine giants; the last words of David; the last recorded sin of David; David builds an altar; David’s sacrifice; the three-day plague.

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Today’s reading covers six events, which are not necessarily in chronological order, that form what might be considered an appendix to the main context of the book of 2^nd Samuel:

1. A major famine sent as God’s judgment for Saul’s treatment of the Gibeonites.
2. A series of wars with the Philistines.
3. A psalm of deliverance and praise.
4. A list of David’s mighty men of valour.
5. A sinful census.
6. The severe punishment that followed the census.

The events of chapter 24 provide many practical principles and applications. It is difficult to say with complete assurance what motivated David to call for this census since the scripture doesn’t specifically say, but it appears that once the nation of Israel had been re-established, following the whole Absalom debacle, that David’s heart was lifted up with pride, desiring to bask in the glory of his success. The parallel account in 1^st Chronicles 21:1 says, “And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.”

It is interesting to compare this great sin in David’s life with his sin with Bathsheba. We are commanded, in 2^nd Corinthians 7:1, to “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the FLESH and SPIRIT.” Whereas David’s sin with Bathsheba is a great example of a “sin of the FLESH”, David’s numbering of the people is a great example of a “sin of the SPIRIT”. Whereas his sin with Bathsheba was a sin of PASSION, done in haste; this was a sin of PRIDE, done very calculatedly. Joab even appeals to David’s conscience about doing such a defiant thing against God, and yet he still persisted. Whereas the result of David’s sin with Bathsheba caused great sorrow to David and the death of a handful of family members, his sin in numbering the people actually resulted in the death of 70,000 men! From a human perspective, pride and rebellion do not seem quite as terrible as adultery and murder, and yet, in David’s life, they produced greater sorrow and tragedy than his sin of adultery. May this become a graphic reminder to each of us that we must always be on guard, not only concerning sins of the FLESH, but also for sins of the SPIRIT! Do recognize, however, that the consequences of sin affect not only ourselves but those we lead (i.e. family, disciples, church members, etc.).

So, what practical lessons does 2^nd Samuel 24 teach us?

1) We never “out-grow” temptation. David is not a strapping youth in 2^nd Samuel 24. He’s way up in years, and one would think he would know better. Again, don’t forget, regardless of our age or our level of spiritual maturity, we will never be out of the reach of temptation! (1^st Corinthians 10:12)

2) God always gives us space to repent. In this case, He gave David over nine months to “cleanse himself of all filthiness of the flesh and spirit.” (2^nd Corinthians 7:1; 2^nd Samuel 24:8) Maybe this would be a good time for each of us to ask ourselves, “Have I cleansed myself of ALL filthiness of the FLESH and SPIRIT?”

3) We must recognize that sins of the SPIRIT are as horrific as sins of the FLESH. It is interesting that Jesus was actually more “accommodating” to those involved in sins of passion (i.e. the woman caught in adultery), than He was those who were persistently involved in sins of pride (i.e. the scribes and Pharisees). Certainly, we must guard against both.

4) Our sin always involves others. In David’s case, whether it was family members or the entire nation, it screams to us that others are always affected by our sin. May God help us to count the horrific cost of our sin!

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As the ONE WE CALL UPON FOR SALVATION — 2^nd Samuel 22:4 (Acts 4:12; Romans 10:9, 13)

OVERVIEW:

Absalom chooses to follow Hushai’s counsel over Ahithophel; Ahithophel commits suicide; David’s army battles Absalom and his followers; Joab kills Absalom; David grieves bitterly; Joab rebukes David; the revolt of Sheba; David replaces Joab with Amasa as captain of his army; Amasa is replaced with Abishai; Joab is reinstated as captain of David’s army; Sheba is killed.

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

As we pick up in today’s reading, Absalom’s rebellion against his father, and his wicked plot to overthrow him, is at an all-time high. Though God has permitted this rebellion as a part of the consequences for David’s sin, in connection with Bathsheba and her faithful and loyal husband Uriah, he also used it to purge David’s kingdom and separate the loyal from the disloyal. But now the time of judgment against Absalom had finally arrived.

Many times, it takes a crisis to reveal who our real friends are. Ahithophel, David’s counselor (and presumed “friend”), was invited by Absalom to be a part of his conspiracy. It is interesting and quite revealing to note the repeated usage of the personal pronouns “I” and “me” in Ahithophel’s response in 17:1–3. Ahithophel said:

“Let ‘ME’ choose out of 12,000 men, and ‘I’ will arise and pursue after David this night: and ‘I’ will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid…and ‘I’ will smite the king only: And ‘I’ will bring back all the people unto thee.”

It sounded to Absalom as if he was the object of Ahithophel’s loyalty, but Ahithophel’s speech betrays him. It reveals that the object of Ahithophel’s affection was actually Ahithophel, and that he wanted to make certain “he” had a place of prominence and preeminence in what appeared to be the inevitability of a new regime.

In the meantime, David sends his true friend, Hushai, to join Absalom. This really fueled Absalom’s passion, because now it appeared that he had been successful in gaining the following of both his father’s top two advisors. Absalom seeks the counsel of these two men for the best way to actually formalize the overthrow of his father’s kingship, and put an end to David once and for all. Ahithophel’s plan was obviously the best of the two, but in answer to David’s prayer back in chapter 15 and verse 31, “O, Lord, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.” God saw to it that Absalom rejected his counsel. Hushai’s plan appealed to Absalom’s vanity, so since that is what had been driving him for the past seven years, it was the counsel Absalom followed. Absalom’s vanity is what actually led to his death! When the vanity of Ahithophel had been crushed, by Absalom’s refusal to heed “his” counsel, he went out (like Judas) and took his own life. Never underestimate what people will do when they don’t get their own way!

Though David had given clear instruction not to kill Absalom in the midst of the battle (18:5), Joab saw the “pretty boy” hanging by the locks of his hair in a tree and immediately “shish-kebabbed” him. Joab sent Cushi to inform the king of Absalom’s “condition”, to which David was plummeted into deep depression and overwhelming grief. His grief for one that was the source of such turmoil and revolt, however, almost cost David his kingdom! (19:1–7) The subtle lesson we learn from this is that people are not only watching and analyzing our ACTIONS, but our REACTIONS!

This was obviously a time of great unrest and confusion in the kingdom. David begins his trip back to Jerusalem, and promises to appoint his nephew, Amasa (who had very recently been Absalom’s general!), as the captain of his army in the place of Joab, if he could be successful in turning the hearts of the people of Judah (who had been extremely upset with him), to support David’s return to power. This action certainly must have communicated to everyone in the inner circle, that David punished loyalty, and rewarded rebellion! That wasn’t actually the signal David needed to be sending at a time of such political unrest, instability, and volatility. Amasa was successful, however, in “bow[ing] the hearts of the men of Judah” to David’s side. (19:14)

As chapter 20 begins, there is yet another rebellion. This time, it is a satanically influenced rebel by the name of Sheba, of the tribe of Benjamin, who was also successful in rallying a group of people against David. By this time, David certainly had to wonder, “When is all of this nonsense going to be over?” 

In the process of dealing with the rebellion of Sheba, David replaces Abishai into Amasa’s position as captain of the army, and Amasa is killed by Joab. Joab is then reinstated by David as his general, and ultimately, Sheba is beheaded. Once again, all of the murder and bloodshed that was a result of David’s sin in these chapters is a very graphic reminder, to us all, that “the wages of sin is DEATH”! (Romans 6:23a)

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

Through MAHANAIM, a city of refuge where David went when he was fleeing from Absalom — 2^nd Samuel 17:27 (Hebrews 6:18–20 — “We…have fled for REFUGE to lay hold upon the hope set before us…even JESUS.”)

OVERVIEW:

Amnon rapes Tamar; Absalom, Tamar’s brother, plots Amnon’s murder in revenge; Absalom flees to Geshur; Joab plots to have Absalom returned to Jerusalem; David restores Absalom; Absalom leads a revolt, seeking to overthrow his father; David flees in fear of his son.

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

In today’s reading we find the continuation of the consequences of David’s sin that the Lord promised in chapter 12, verse 11, “Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house”.

A parent can experience no greater pain than to see his own sin repeated in the lives of his children, and yet the principle of Galatians 6:7–8 and Proverbs 11:29 reveals that it is inevitable. In chapter 13, David’s son, Amnon, commits sexual sin against his own half-sister, Tamar. When David learned of Amnon’s sin, he was obviously extremely upset and angry. (13:21) He did not, however, punish him. Leviticus 20:17 says that Amnon’s punishment for raping Tamar should have been death! Most likely, David failed to exercise the proper discipline because his own sin was so fresh in everyone’s mind, including his own! Tamar’s full-brother, Absalom, was also extremely upset about it. His anger only intensified as he observed that his father refused to do anything about Amnon’s sin, even “after two full years”! (13:22-23) As a result of his exasperation, Absalom plotted Amnon’s death, and had him killed at a family gathering. Absalom went into hiding for the next three years (13:38), and after overcoming the grief of Amnon’s death, David longed to see Absalom, his exasperated and fugitive son.

Joab recognized that David longed to have Absalom back in Jerusalem, but also recognized that for him to return without receiving the retribution he was due for Amnon’s murder, it wasn’t going to be good for David’s “approval rating” in Israel. Joab devised a clever plot (much like God did through Nathan – 2^nd Samuel 12:1–7), to get David to act on the situation with his own son, by sending a woman to ask the king’s counsel on a situation similar to the one David faced. In offering her counsel, David is caught in the web of his own moral wisdom. He has been backed into a corner, and now must restore, with protection, the banished, fearful, and exasperated Absalom.

David gives orders to Joab (as weak as they were), to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem, even though Absalom remained unrepentant. It is a decision through which the consequences of David’s sin will bear even more fruit, and once again, just as God said, would reap “evil out of his own house.”

Though Absalom is brought back to Jerusalem, after another “two full years”, he still had not been permitted to come into his father’s presence. (14:28) That means that it has now been seven years since Amnon raped Tamar, and five years since Absalom has seen his father! But during Absalom’s two years back in Jerusalem, while his own animosity toward his father continued to grow, the hearts of the people of Israel were beginning to be turned toward Absalom. When David and Absalom were reunited, Absalom took the favor his father extended to him, and used it as the platform to launch a national rebellion. How ironic, that while David schemed to spare his son’s life, Absalom schemed to put his father to death. Not enough can be said about the incredible danger of “provoking your children to wrath”! (Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21) Parents, we must be extremely careful!

In chapters 15 and 16, Absalom blatantly seeks to extend his following throughout the nation, openly criticizing his father’s leadership and plotting to turn the affection of the people toward himself. It is interesting to note that while David was reigning in the height of his power, his enemies within his own kingdom (that were there all along!) would not dare to oppose him. Absalom’s revolt, however, gave them what they thought was the opportunity to resist the king’s leadership and get away with it. What Absalom’s rebellion actually did for the kingdom was sift the true from the false. As difficult as it is, God says that the same thing happens in churches: “…when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. For there MUST be heresies (note that the word “heresies” is the same word that was just translated “divisions” in the previous sentence!) among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.” (1^st Corinthians 11:18–19). Notice, God not only says that it happens in churches, but that it “MUST” happen! Sometimes, it’s the only way to tell who the people in the church really are, and where they stand. Remember, there is nothing new under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 1:9)

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

Through DAVID’S RESTORATION OF HIS ESTRANGED SON — 2^nd Samuel 14:22 (2^nd Corinthians 5:19)

Through DAVID as he REBUKED HIS FOLLOWERS when they wanted to execute his enemies — 2^nd Samuel 16:10–11 (Luke 9:54–56)

OVERVIEW:

David’s kindness to Mephibosheth; the defeat of the Ammonites and Syrians; David’s sin with Bathsheba; Nathan’s parable and David’s repentance; the death of David and Bathsheba’s baby; the birth of Solomon.

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

In chapter 9, God gives us an incredible picture of salvation through the account of David’s blessing upon Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son. Mephibosheth beautifully portrays all of us in our lost condition. Note the similarities:

1) Just as Mephibosheth was born into a rejected family due to sin (Saul’s – 1^st Samuel 15:23, 26), we, too, were born into a rejected family due to sin. (Adam’s – Romans 5:12) (Note that Mephibosheth’s location, when David sought him, was Machir, which means “sold”.  When God sought us, Romans 7:14 says we were “sold under sin.”)

2) Just as Mephibosheth was unable to walk due to a fall, (2^nd Samuel 4:4) we, too, were unable to walk due to “the fall” that crippled us spiritually.  Because of it, we were unable to walk and to please God.

3) Just as Mephibosheth lived in a land called Lodebar, meaning “no pasture” (2^nd Samuel 9:4–5), in our lost condition, we, too, lived in a land of famine and barrenness (i.e. the world), which provided “no pasture.” (i.e. Nothing to satisfy the hunger of our souls.)

Note next, that David beautifully portrays the Lord Jesus Christ in providing our salvation:

1) David made the first move. (2^nd Samuel 9:1) Just as Mephibosheth was unable to make the first “step” toward David because of his lameness, we, too, were unable to make the first step in seeking the Lord. (Romans 3:10–12)

2) David extended this grace to Mephibosheth because of a covenant he had made with Jonathan. (1^st Samuel 20:14–17) We, too, have been extended the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ because of what Hebrews 13:20–21 calls “the everlasting covenant.”

3) It was an act of David’s kindness. (1^st Samuel 20:15) In fact, in 2^nd Samuel 9:3, David calls it “the kindness of God”. Titus 3:4-6 says, “But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;”

4) David made him a part of his own family. Like all of us, when we came to the Lord for salvation, Mephibosheth simply sought to be David’s servant, but he made him a son!  Hallelujah! “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God…”! (1^st John 3:1)

5) David provided for Mephibosheth’s every need and exceeded his needs. (9:9–10) David took Mephibosheth from the place of “no pasture”, to feeding him at the table of the very king himself! Likewise, the Lord Jesus Christ took us out of the barrenness of our life, to meeting our every need (Philippians 4:19), and exceeding our every need (2^nd Corinthians 9:8, 11).

As we move into chapter 11, we move into the darkest chapter of David’s life. God’s epitaph of David is found in 1^st Kings 15:5: “David did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord, and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.” Chapter 11 of 2^nd Samuel is all about that “matter”. The “matter of Uriah the Hittite” was simply this:  David first took his WIFE; then, David took his LIFE!

There is something extremely interesting to note about how “the man after God’s own heart” got himself in this unbelievably sinful mess. David said in Psalm 27:4: “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.”

Note, that “ONE THING” David was seeking after was expressed “THREE” ways:

1. “That I may DWELL in the HOUSE of the LORD.”
2. “To BEHOLD the BEAUTY of the LORD”
3. “To ENQUIRE in his TEMPLE.”

Notice in 2^nd Samuel 11:1–4, that when David commits this terrible atrocity against the Lord and Uriah:

1. He was DWELLING in his OWN HOUSE…not the Lord’s house! (11:1–2)
2. He was BEHOLDING the BEAUTY of BATHSHEBA…not the Lord’s beauty! (11:3)
3. He ENQUIRED after the WOMAN…not enquiring after the Lord! (11:4)

It’s a great lesson about the priority of WORSHIP. Jesus taught us in Luke 10:42, as David confirms here in 2^nd Samuel 27:4, that worship is in the “one thing” that is “needful”. Maybe we could say that is the “main thing”! As the old adage says, “The main thing, is to keep the main thing, the main thing!” We must constantly be aware of the depths the flesh can take us when we lose worship as the “one thing” or the “main thing” in our lives.

Sadly, it takes “the man after God’s own heart” over a year to take ownership of his sin, and then, only when confronted by the prophet Nathan. Nathan assures David that his sin would be forgiven, but that the consequences of it would follow him the remainder of his life. (12:10–14) God help us to count the incredible cost of sin, and the terrible atrocity of “giving great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme”. (12:14)

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

In the prophet, Nathan, giving SOLOMON the name JEDIDIAH – 2^nd Samuel 12:24–25. (Note:  The name “Jedidiah” means “Beloved of the Lord” — See John 17:24; Matthew 3:17; 17:5; Ephesians 1:6. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the “Beloved of the Lord,” or the “Beloved of the Father.”)

OVERVIEW:

David is anointed as the king over all of Israel; the strong hold of the Jebusites (Jerusalem) is captured by David; David brings the ark of God into Jerusalem; the Davidic Covenant; David’s prayer of thanksgiving; David’s victories over the Philistines, the Moabites, the Syrians, and the Edomites.

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

David had reigned over the tribe of Judah for 7½ years in Hebron. In chapter 5, he is anointed king over the entire nation of Israel, and did so for 33 years, making his entire reign forty years.

With the extension of his kingdom, He now needed a more centralized location from which to rule, and chose Jerusalem to be the capital city. The only problem was, the Jebusites dwelt in Jerusalem and Israel had not yet found a way to capture this strong hold of the enemy. (Joshua 15:63; Judges 1:21) The Jebusites were so cocky about their ability to maintain their strong hold they defied them saying, “The lame and the blind could defeat you!” Yet, David, and his men, defeated the Jebusites and Jerusalem even came to be called “the city of David!”

Like David, our King, the Lord Jesus Christ, has been anointed (Messiah) of God to rule from the throne of our hearts over our entire life. We must allow Him to remove any and all “strong holds” that the enemy has established. Second Corinthians 10:3-6 says, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.”

But notice in 2^nd Samuel 5, that just as soon as the strong hold had been defeated and David had been established in Jerusalem, the old enemy, the Philistines, show up!  Recognize, that until we receive our glorified body, we’re never going to be “out of the woods”, and that one of the key times Satan will attack us, is when he thinks we have been “lulled by the blessing” of a recent victory.

Note also, that as the Philistines were in pursuit, David sought clear direction from the word of the Lord and victory was granted. As the enemy (the Philistines) attack a second time, David didn’t assume another victory, but once again sought clear direction from the Lord. (These are key principles to file in the forefront of our understanding concerning spiritual warfare!)

In chapter 6, David is about to do something monumental: return the ark (representative of God’s presence among His people) to its rightful place! The ark has been in the possession of the Philistines for 20 years, and sadly, no one seemed to miss it, or be impassioned to see it returned! The return of the ark was an incredibly exciting and worshipful experience for all involved. The spiritual atmosphere was electric! A great lesson is to be learned, however. God is never interested in self-styled worship. Good intentions and proper motivation mean nothing if there is not complete obedience to God’s word. In David’s zeal to see the ark returned, the method of carrying it (on a new cart) was in violation of how God had clearly instructed Israel to carry it. (See Numbers 4:15; 7:9) When the oxen pulling the cart stumbled on Nachon’s threshingfloor and well-meaning Uzzah reached forth to keep the ark from falling off, just as God had warned, he was immediately zapped!  Don’t ever forget, “God says what He means, and means what He says!” (Numbers 4:15) The whole incident caused David to search his heart to determine whether returning the ark was what he really wanted. In the meantime, he at least temporarily disposes of it at the house of Obededom, and it stayed there for three months. After seeing how the ark brought such blessing to Obededom and his entire family, David thought it might be advantageous to return it to Jerusalem after all.

In chapter 7, God established the Davidic covenant. This key unconditional covenant promised that David would have a child that was yet to be born who would succeed him and establish his kingdom. This son (Solomon) would build the temple instead of David, and the throne of his kingdom would be well established forever, even in spite of the sins he may commit. It further promised that David’s house, his kingdom, and his throne would be established forever.

David was deeply moved by God’s covenant of grace, and he humbly came into God’s presence and offered the prayer of thanksgiving recorded in 7:18–29.

In chapter 8, David consolidates the kingdom by defeating, in rapid succession, the Philistines, the Moabites, the Syrians, and the Edomites. The key to these conquests is found in 8:14b, “And the Lord preserved David withersoever he went.”

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

Through DAVID, THE ANOINTED KING OVER ISRAEL — 2^nd Samuel 5:3 (Psalm 2:2; John 1:41 — Christ is the Lord’s Anointed. Note that “Christ” is the Greek word for the Hebrew word “Messiah” which means “anointed one”.)

OVERVIEW:

The death of Saul; David mourns the death of Saul and Jonathan; David’s song of sorrow; David is crowned king of Judah; Ishbosheth is made king of Israel; Abner deserts Ishbosheth to align with David; Joab murders Abner; Ishbosheth’s murder; David’s execution of Ishbosheth’s murderers.

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

As we saw in yesterday’s reading, 1^st Samuel ends with the death of Saul. As the name of the book implies, 2^nd Samuel is a continuation of the narrative of 1^st Samuel, so it likewise begins as 1^st Samuel ends, with the death of Saul.

Saul’s death gives us an incredible glimpse into the heart of the only one Scripture ever specifically identifies as a “man after God’s own heart.” (1^st Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22) With all that Saul had done to David, and had attempted to do, one would think that David would be elated at the news of his death. That’s precisely what the Amalekite, who claimed to be Saul’s killer, thought! But that certainly wasn’t the case! Amazingly, David genuinely grieved and lamented Saul’s death (1:11–12, 17), even composing a song as a beautiful and continuous memorial to Israel’s first king. (1:19–27) David slayed the one who claimed to be Saul’s slayer for the audacity of thinking it was within his right to put to death the one whom God had anointed. Be careful who you slay, realizing more people are slain with the four-ounce slab of mucous membrane that rests behind our teeth, than all of the world’s swords and knives combined! In this case, the Amalekite slayed himself with his own lying “membrane”!

With Israel’s king now dead, the question was, who would be his successor? Back in 1^st Samuel 16:13, David had been anointed by God by the prophet Samuel as Israel’s next king. But that was a long time ago, and Abner, Saul’s cousin and the powerful commander of Saul’s army was determined to keep the kingship within the family, or perhaps better stated, within his own authority. He moves to persuade the elders of Israel to put Saul’s son, Ishbosheth, on the throne.

Once again, it is incredible to watch the “man after God’s own heart” operate. With the anointing David had received of Samuel, he most certainly could have justified himself in facing Abner in battle for his “right” as God’s chosen successor. Rather, David inquired of the Lord (2:1, 4), placing his life and the entire situation completely in God’s hands. It is a great lesson for those of us living in the last days, to whom the Scripture identifies as “lovers of their own selves” (2^nd Timothy 3:1-2), and those who are interested in their “rights” (Revelation 3:14 – “Laodicean” = “the rights of the people”), who are so prone toward self-promotion and personal advancement, rather than waiting upon God, seeking God, and trusting God.

What situation are you presently facing, that from a human perspective, you would have the “right” to vaunt yourself, and “make happen” what you know God has determined as His will? David teaches us how unnecessary it is to fight for our “rights”, and how God proves His faithfulness when “self” is off the throne, and we patiently and confidently submit ourselves to Christ’s Lordship, allowing Him to carry out His will in our lives, in His way, and in His time. David realized that if Jehovah had indeed anointed him as king, then Jehovah would deal with his enemies, and bring him into the possession of the kingdom.

God led David to Hebron where He was anointed king of Judah, yet Judah was only a small representation of Israel’s tribes. The other tribes of Israel refused to recognize David’s kingship. But in due time, Abner and Ishbosheth had a major falling out, causing Abner to pledge his loyalty to David. When Joab, the captain of David’s army returned from battle and heard that David had met with Abner, it sent Joab over the top! He immediately planned to kill Abner, and did so by stabbing him under the fifth rib (the perfect location to assure death). In response, David publicly condemned Abner’s murder in two ways: first, by cursing Joab and his house; and second, by proclaiming a time of mourning for Abner, while openly mourning for Abner himself.

With Abner out of the way, Ishbosheth’s position became weaker and weaker, while David’s grew stronger, and stronger. Baanah and Rechab realized that David’s rule over Israel was inevitable, and decided to impress David by killing Ishbosheth. David, however, was not impressed! David realized that God would never lead men to violate His word in order to enthrone His king (i.e. It is never right to do wrong, in order to do something right!) David knew that God was more than able to fulfill His promises to him without the assistance of murderers! David called for Baanah’s and Rechab’s execution, exposing their bodies to the humiliation of public display, while the head of Ishobosheth was respectfully and honorably buried in the tomb of Abner.

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

In DAVID’S SONG OF SORROW — 2^nd Samuel 1:19–27 (Even though Saul had made David his enemy, David continuously loved Saul. Christ loved us, even though we had made ourselves His enemies — Romans 5:8, 10a; Ephesians 2:1, 4–5a)

In DAVID’S PARTIAL REIGN — 2^nd Samuel 2:4 (Though David had been anointed as Israel’s king, he actually reigned over a very small percentage of those to whom he was entitled to rule. He patiently waited for God’s timing. In similar fashion, the Lord Jesus Christ has been anointed King over all the earth, yet awaits the Father’s timing to actually possess His kingdom. There are only a small percentage of the world’s population who recognize Christ as their Lord and King, but one day soon, every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father —  Philippians 2:10–11)

OVERVIEW:

David spares Saul’s life again; David lives in the land of the Philistines and defeats many enemies; Saul consults with a witch regarding going to war; David recovers his family and the families of his soldiers who are kidnapped; Saul’s sons are killed in battle; Saul takes his own life.

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

After Nabal died, at the end of chapter 25 in yesterday’s reading, David took his widow, Abigail, to wife. David was a man with so many talents and abilities, and had such a good heart, however, it is fleshly violations such as this that will ultimately blossom into a snare of epic proportions in his life down the road. When God prophesied hundreds of years earlier, in Deuteronomy 17, that Israel would get to the place that they would want an earthly king like the other nations of the world, one of the key stipulations God made abundantly clear even then, was that a king in Israel “shall not…multiply wives to himself.” (Deuteronomy 17:16–17) David had already been anointed by Samuel for kingship in Israel (16:1–13), but before he can even be installed into the office as the nation’s leader, he has already violated one of God’s key stipulations.

Perhaps it was that lapse in judgment that spilled over into his decision to return to the land of Ziphites, placing him into harm’s way by getting in the direct path of his irrational and unpredictable enemy, Saul, once again. By God’s grace, He caused a “deep sleep” to fall upon Saul and his band of 3000 soldiers, and by taking Saul’s spear and water bottle while he was sleeping rather than taking his life, David is able to prove to him, again, that he did not aspire to kill him. (26:7–12)

It should be noted that the PHYSICAL condition of “deep sleep” that God poured out upon Saul and his men is actually a graphic picture of a condition that God pours out upon people SPIRITUALLY. Isaiah 29:10–11 talks about “the spirit of deep sleep” that causes a person’s spiritual eyes to close, and the Bible to become as if it were sealed to them. It is apparent, biblically and practically speaking, that God chooses to pour out this spirit upon people because they willfully choose to close their eyes to the truth of God’s word that has been revealed to them. In Matthew 13:15, Jesus talked about people whose “eyes they have closed; lest at anytime they should see with their eyes.” We must be very careful in what we communicate to God, through our lives, that we really want, because God will gladly, though sadly, oblige. Pharaoh hardened his heart, and God helped him to get what he wanted as God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. People in the last days communicate to God that they want a lie by rejecting the truth of God when it is revealed to them, and God will give them the lie they told Him they wanted, and they will believe the lie of the antichrist. (2^nd Thessalonians 2:8–12) People close their eyes to God’s truth, and God will help them in the process, and He will close their eyes! (Isaiah 29:10–11; Matthew 13:15) Once again, we all might do well to ask ourselves what it is that our lives are actually telling God that we want! We all might need to ask ourselves, is there any area in our life where we are willfully rejecting truth that has been revealed to us?

Note also in today’s reading, that one of the most admirable qualities David possessed was how he regarded GOD’s authority in his life, and how that translated into how he regarded MAN’S authority in his life. Samuel had anointed David king while Saul still held the office. David, however, never manifested a sense of entitlement; he never directly or indirectly sought to undermine the king’s authority; neither did he seek to rally followers to stage any type of insurrection against Saul’s regime. Though God had promised to deliver Saul into David’s hand, David made for absolute certain that that deliverance would not come from his own hand! On several occasions, David articulated that he would “not stretch forth his hand against the Lord’s anointed.” (1^st Samuel 24:6; 26:9, 11, 23) In other words, regardless of his own anointing, as long as God allowed the previously anointed king to sit on the throne, David wasn’t going to be party to any action to remove him. David operated off of biblical principles that, at that time, were yet to be recorded in God’s word: “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1), and “He hath made every thing beautiful in his time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

In chapter 27, David puts himself into another precarious situation, this time by taking refuge in enemy territory, and ends up lying to the king. Chapter 28 is another sad chapter in the Bible, and yet another of the sad chapters in Saul’s life. When we first met him in 1^st Samuel chapter 9, Saul “STOOD…higher than any of the people.” (9:2; 10:23) God had set before him a future that was incredibly bright and promising. By chapter 28, however, he has “STOOPED” lower than any of the people. (28:14) He is literally on his face in front of a demonically-empowered witch, asking her to help him know his future because God was no longer communicating with him or to him. Oh, the depths to which sin can take us! Saul asks her to call up Samuel from the dead, and surprisingly enough, Samuel does appear to Saul! It was even surprising to the witch and, by the sound of her voice (28:12), even freaked her out!

This passage, as you can imagine, has been the subject of many theological discussions and debates. Perhaps the simplest explanation for what actually happened with Samuel’s appearance to Saul is that he was there, not because of the witch’s power, but because God sent him there to deliver a message that He wanted Samuel to deliver to him.

The account of the death of Saul is also the subject of considerable debate. The debate centers around the fact that there appears to be two contradictory accounts of how it actually happened. In 31:4–6, the account reveals that after being wounded in battle, Saul fell on his own sword and took his own life before the enemy was able to taunt him and/or torture him. However, in 2^nd Samuel 1:2–10, the account the Amalekite reports to David is that Saul had fallen on his own sword, and though he was greatly wounded, Saul was convinced that his injury wasn’t going to kill him, so he asked the Amalekite to “finish the job,” as it were. The Amalekite tells David that he personally believed that Saul was going to die from his self-inflicted wound, so he saw no harm in putting Saul “out of his misery”, so to speak.

So, which account is right? Is this actually a contradiction in the Bible?

Let’s be clear. If this is a contradiction in our Bible, the best thing any of us could do is close our Bible right now and never open it again! Then, we ought to take this tool, the “365 Days of Pursuit”, and use it as kindling for our next bonfire, spending as much time as is necessary trying to find something productive to do with our lives that makes us happy, because the reality is we’re all in a lurch! (1^st Corinthians 15:32) If this is a contradiction, then the entire Bible is a sham, and nothing more than a worthless piece of unreliable literary trash! It is not the word of God, but is, in fact, the words of men! In other words, it is the exact opposite of what 1^st Thessalonians 2:13 says it is!

Obviously, these two accounts of Saul’s death are NOT a contradiction in the Bible because there are NONE! As in these two accounts, there sometimes may be “apparent contradictions” in the Bible, but there are NO contradictions! It is in very fact, the perfect, inspired, infallible, inerrant word and words of God! (Proverbs 30:5–6; 1^st Thessalonians 2:13) The “apparent contradictions” that are in the Bible can usually be unraveled by simply employing basic reasoning skills, and/or by simply comparing Scripture with Scripture. (1^st Corinthians 2:13) In this particular “apparent contradiction,” the answer is very simply that the story that the Amalekite told David in 2^nd Samuel 1 was simply a fabrication. He may have concocted the whole story to make him look heroic in the eyes of David, and/or to give explanation for why he had Saul’s crown and arm band in his possession. His fabrication, however, ended in his death. (2^nd Samuel 1:15)

Perhaps the best way to summarize the book of 1^st Samuel is for us to hypothetically take a sheet of paper and divided into two columns. At the top of the first column, we would title it: “What NOT to do.” At the top of the second column, we would title it: “What TO DO.” In the first column, we would explain the lives of two key characters: Eli and Saul. In the second column, we would explain the lives of two other key characters: Samuel and David. That is basically the practical essence of the entire book. The beautiful thing about our God, is that He graciously allows us the privilege of choosing the column from which we will conduct our lives!

If someone were to read a written account of our lives over the past several years, like we have done with these four men in 1^st Samuel, would they place us in the “What TO DO” column, or the “What NOT to do” column?

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

Through the URIM, which was used to determine God’s will — 1^st Samuel 28:6 (Hebrews 1:1–2 – Today, Christ speaks to us, to reveal His will, through His Spirit as we read His word. God…“Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son…” Hebrews 1:2)