April 2012 – Old Testament Survey

Psalm 26

Have God examine your heart today.

This psalm begins and ends with the desire to bring blessing to the covenant God of Israel (יְֽהוָה). David sees a way for this to occur in his life through his integrity, his moral uprightness or righteousness. We find this can only be found in a person who has a right relationship with God and who walks in fellowship with Him.

Due to the topic of this psalm, David’s integrity and God’s grace, many declare that this psalm was written before his failing with Bathsheba. However, the false accusations and the mood of the psalm place it about the time of Absalom’s rebellion with all the false accusations coming against David. This is why it is placed here, in this study, and not prior to 2 Samuel 11.

The words of David, to some, seem proud and boisterous. However, they are no different from his words in Psalm 139.23 where he asks God to search his heart.

Someone once said, “Look at others and be distressed; look at self and be depressed; look at Jesus and you will be blessed.” The thoughts of this anonymous saying present themselves in this psalm. David encourages us to look and examine ourselves (1-5), to focus ourselves on the God of our covenant (6-10), and continue to serve Him (11-12). The only way to truly be blessed is to realize that we are servants of the Most High and serve others in His name. This is true life.

Verses 1-5-Are you living the life God created for you to live? Examine yourself today. Read our study on Psalm 1 for a call to examine your life.

Verses 6-10-When we look at ourselves, we can get depressed. When we look to others, we can get upset or frustrated or proud. When we focus on God, we can walk on water and we can also see the standard to which He has called us. It is not us or our world that is our standard, it is He who created us who is the standard (Romans 3.23).

In verses 3–5, David presents six reasons for his integrity:

He calls on God’s grace, not his works.
He basis his daily walk on the truth of God’s Word, not his desires, which only someone indwelt with the Spirit of God can claim.
He proclaims that he has not joined in with others whose purpose is to walk away from God.
He refuses to walk with those who have a form of godliness but deny its power (2 Timothy 3.1-5).
He does not gather together with those who seek to do evil. The congregation he seeks is where he can serve God by serving others.
He refuses to commune with those who propose wickedness. He knows he sits at God’s table (see our study of Psalm 23).

How do you measure up to these six reasons?

Verses 11-12-God calls us, knows us, will conform us ultimately into the image of His Son; He called us, He made us righteous, and He will bring it to completion (Romans 8.28-30 and Philippians 1.6). It is all about Him, not us. He has chosen to use His body, the church, as the chosen instrument to help our conformity to His image through the work of the Holy Spirit. Are you involving yourself in the local congregation? Are you actively praising God by serving others there? If not, you are not walking in integrity. This is the heart of this psalm, David’s desire to worship God with God’s people (6-8). David knew in order to do this he needed to be a man in right relationship with God and in fellowship with Him. Jesus stated this in Matthew 5.23-24.

Have God examine your heart today.

2 Samuel 18

2 Samuel 18 (For the background see our studies in 2 Samuel 16 and 17)

Even this early on, David seems to have lost his trust in his relative Joab. Joab was the commander of David’s army. He may have been on Absalom’s side for a time (2 Samuel 17.25 may or may not indicate this). We do know in 1 Kings 2.28 that he did follow David’s other son, Adonijah. Dividing the troops into three companies could have held a twofold purpose. Three companies going into battle provide a common offensive and defensive stand (a central company with two wings or the point, the main company, and a rearguard on the march) but also provides David with at least one company if two of the leaders turn traitor.

Verses 1-18 present the means of Absalom’s death by the hand of Joab as an act of God (19). Verses 19-32 present the news being delivered to David. Verse 33 is David’s reception of it. The repetition of Absalom and son is significant in Hebrew writing. There was great mourning on David’s part over the death of this son even though he was in rebellion.

I leave the chapter unfinished. I will continue it another day.

2 Samuel 17

If there is a request for a study on suicide, I will gladly post one. Please let me know.

2 Samuel 17 (See our study of 2 Samuel for information on David’s mole, Hushai)

This passage can be seen through the activity of Hushai. He advises Absalom on how to capture David against the sound advice of Ahithophel (1-14) and advises David on how to escape (15-29).

If Absalom listened to Ahithophel and pursued David, David would have been captured and killed. Hushai knew this and went into immediate action. He convinced Absalom, by the power of God, to disregard Ahithophel although he was considered to be God’s prophet (see previous study in 2 Samuel 16). When Absalom listened to Hushai’s advice over Ahithophel, Ahithophel knew he was a doomed man. He knows Hushai’s advice would fail, and Absalom would be capture or killed, and that he would be executed. This is why he decided to commit suicide (23). See our study of Psalm 55.

There are spies throughout the land seeking to help David and hurt David. He escapes to safety. A note of interest is where David was when these betrayals took place. He was in Jerusalem, started toward the Mount of Olives, and left via the Kidron and Hinnom Valleys. This was the same path Jesus took when He was to be betrayed by Judas. For Bahurim see our study in 2 Samuel 16.

If there is a request for a study on suicide, I will gladly post one. Please let me know.

2 Samuel 16

The opening of this chapter and the conclusion of the matter in 2 Samuel 19.24-30 (see our study) presents the truth of the proverb that states what a man says seems true until the other side is heard (Proverbs 18.17). Ziba, who we introduced in our study of 2 Samuel 9, presents his case that Mephibosheth (see the same study) is attempting to bring back the kingdom of Saul.

The chapter can be outlined according to the characters introduced:

Verses 1-4-Ziba the Liar. Ziba lied to David about the character of Mephibosheth. Since there were two extra donkeys, do you suppose one was for Mephibosheth and the other for Ziba? Why do you think David believed him? Satan is the Liar who also tells half-truths, to which of his lies do you listen?
Verses 5-8-Shimei the Accuser. Being a relative of Saul and a resident of Bahurim, Shimei may have had a few reasons for hating David. He felt David stole the throne from the Benjamites and that David disgraced Saul’s daughter Michal by humiliating her second husband in the city of Bahurim (2 Samuel 3.16, see our study). The ranting of Shimei was more of a curse on David than an attempt to hurt him physically. He was more or less throwing stones at David to get rid of him much like someone would do to a stray dog (13-14). Shimei stated he was speaking on behalf of God. Whether he was or not, we cannot tell; however, David believed he could have been (10).
Verses 9-14-Abishai the Avenger. Abishai is still protecting David, his king (see our study of 1 Samuel 26). He uses the imagery of the dog in his attack on Shimei.
Verses 15-23-Ahithophel the Traitor. Ahithophel convinces Absalom to sleep with David’s concubines in the presence of all Jerusalem. This was in fulfillment of the consequences of David sleeping with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12). This advice is will be used again with Adonijah in 1 Kings 2.19-25.

The last few verses of this chapter will set the stage for the surprise turn of events in the next chapter.

Psalm 55

Ahithophel caused David much grief in his betrayal. He eventually hung himself when he realized he had nowhere else to go due to his betrayal. This should remind you of Judas in the New Testament account of the betrayal of Jesus.

Psalm 55

This psalm was written by David in response to what his father-in-law, Ahithophel, did to him in 2 Samuel 15 (see our study). This is a consequence of David’s sin with Ahithophel’s granddaughter, Bathsheba (see our study of 2 Samuel 11 and 2 Samuel 12 along with the Consequences of David’s Sin). Ahithophel was a trusted counselor who joined in Absalom’s rebellion in response to David’s mistreatment of his family. His deception and treason caused David much grief as is evident in this psalm (13).

David will ask us to stop and ponder (selah) what he has written twice.

Verses 1-8-David’s desire to flee is overturned by his desire to present his case to the God of the Universe.

Selah: What drives you to your knees? Do you seek Him or an escape from your circumstances? Trusting Him to carry you through the tough times is the only way of escape that is biblical (1 Corinthians 10.12-13().

Verses 9-18-This is David’s response to what is happening in Jerusalem without leadership. Chaos occurs where no leader is present. Absalom was not a leader but a usurper. This is why we need God to be our leader for Satan, the only other alternative, is a usurper.

Verse 16 is the turning point of the psalm. David states “But I will call upon.” Despite the circumstances, we need to turn to God for help, comfort, and direction.

Selah: What is your “But” in life?

Verses 19-23-David describes Ahithophel now as an enemy. I wonder if this is what a divorced person feels toward their former spouse. In all this, David still seeks God. Verse 22 reminds us of the words of Jesus in Matthew 11.29-30 and Peter in 1 Peter 5.6-7.

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Judas Kiss by Petra

Psalm 28

What does the silence of God mean to you (1)? When you pray, does He seem distant? When you read His Word, does it seem hollow? Why? Sometimes it is because we have sinned. Other times it is because He wants us to rely and trust in a greater way on Him. Can you think of other reasons?

Psalm 28

This psalm is like the other lamenting psalms we have looked at (see our study of Psalm 13 for an example). David makes his plea to God, describes what is happening, and praises God for the answer. The circumstances do not determine our joy, it is He to whom we look that determines our joy. This psalm could have been written during David’s fleeing from Saul or from Absalom. As with Psalm 13, I look at it as an attempt to escape his son Absalom, thus the placement in our studies. Verse two implies that David has been in Jerusalem and has established the Tent of Meeting as the sanctuary. If he were fleeing from Saul, neither of these would have occurred.

The first five verses sound like Absalom’s words in 2 Samuel 15 (see our study). Absalom was undermining the authority of David with words that caused others to deem David as weak.

Psalm 13

He is still hurting and it appears that his enemies have the upper hand. What has changed in all this is David’s view of God. Who is it that you serve?

Psalm 13

As with all laments/complaints we have, this psalm is an exemplar of how we should handle our situation. In this psalm David brings his complaint to God (1-2) not to those around him. He then asks of God to help him through this time (3-4), he does not ask for others to help him through by any means at all. He finalizes the prayer with praise (5-6). When we take our complaints to people who cannot do anything about it or who will handle it without godliness, we end up bitter and unfulfilled. When we take our complaints to the One who can do something about it and He will do it thoroughly and with justice, we will be praising not complaining. The next time you have an injustice in your life, take it to the Lord in prayer. By the way, David’s complaint was that either Saul or Absalom was attempting to kill him, what is your complaint?

David shows real pain in the first two verses. He states that he is hurting, it seems as if God has forgotten him, and his enemies are victorious. Whether these are accurate statements is not the point, the point is that David feels isolated. He is hurting, he thinks God isn’t there because he thinks the ones who hate him are victorious. The only one that is accurate is that David is hurting. He presumes the other two. His prayer in verse three is for God to give him insight into the truth (read Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1). When this is done, praise happens. He is still hurting and it appears that his enemies (2) have the upper hand. What has changed in all this is David’s view of God. Who is it that you serve?

Psalm 12

When you see the needy or the poor, what do you do? What would God have you do? If you do not do that, what verse of this psalm best describes you?

Psalm 12

The superscription, Sheminith, is found in Psalm 6 (see our study).

This psalm reverberates the complaint of the righteous today. There is no one, culturally speaking, who seeks after God. Government and those in places of authority abuse their power so there are needy and poor on earth. Now, I do not blame the government for the poor or needy; however, they are allowing them to stay that way. I see the church who has disbanded her call to feed the poor and care for the orphan as the one to blame. As this psalm is read, read the church in verse four and read you there as well. Verse five reminds us that God has created a “safety” net for the poor and needy. The church is to be that net.

When you see the needy or the poor, what do you do? What would God have you do? If you do not do that, what verse of this psalm best describes you?

Psalm 4

To whom do you go when people are against you? What does this psalm instruct us to do? Are you?

Psalm 4 (see our study of Psalm 3 and 2 Samuel 15)

This is the evening psalm (8) of the pair of psalms (see Psalm 3.5, for the morning psalm). This was written by David on the same occasion of Psalm 3, which is Absalom’s treason and rebellion.

As with Psalm 3, this psalm will be considered in light of the pauses (Selah).

Verses 1-2-These verses seem to call out to God to work justly and to those men who stood against him to consider their ways. He is asking God, possibly, to convict Joab, Abishai, Ahithophel, and others who once were prominent people in David’s assembly. These three were very close to David the first two were related and the latter was a close family friend, even before becoming a relative by marriage to Bathsheba.

Selah: Are there people in your life who have hurt you? If you are living, the answer is yes. Are you in prayer for them? Specifically, are you praying for God to work in their lives? Or, are you letting your bitterness fester?

Verses 3-4-Although David sinned against God, he knew he was forgiven and his sins were remembered no more (see our study on Psalm 103). In knowing he stood in right relationship with God and in fellowship with Him, David knew his prayers were heard. David’s call in verse four is the same as Paul’s in Ephesians 4:26, which is to be angry but not to sin.

Selah: If you are allowing anger to fester into bitterness and beyond, you are setting yourself out of fellowship with God. He will not hear your prayers (see our study of Psalm 51).

Verses 5-8-Verse six is the ultimate blessing giving by God, which is having His face shine upon us (see our study of Psalm 67). No matter the circumstance, David found himself in, he turned to God for his protection and joy.

To whom do you go when people are against you? What does this psalm instruct us to do? Are you?

Psalm 3

How often do you ask God to rid you of your enemies, those that oppose your walk with God? For whom do you do this? Is it for your comfort or for His glory? What is the focus of your prayer?

Psalm 3 (See our study on Psalm 4 and 2 Samuel 15)

These two psalms, three and four, are thought to have been written the same day. Psalm 3 was written in the morning (5) while Psalm 4 was written in the evening (8).

This psalm is written as a result of David’s sin with Bathsheba (see our study of 2 Samuel 12 read verse 11). As part of the consequences of David’s sin, Absalom is in rebellion (see our study on the Consequences of David’s Sin).

The psalm, like many others, can be outlined according to the pauses (Selah) presented.

Verses 1-2-Can you sense the anguish of David’s heart? He states that many have risen against him. He repeats “many” three times. When a word is repeated three times, there is a purpose and many times there is a fourth )See Daniel’s story of the fiery furnace(. Here the fourth “many” is obscured in the word for “increased,” which is the same word used of Absalom’s rebellion in 2 Samuel 15.12. The “many” are found in his son. Those around him are abashing him and reminding him of his sin. Thus the phrase that he is being taunted with “There is no help for you in God.”

Selah: Your turn. Who is it that taunts you and seeks to abash you? Your number one enemy is Satan. He is at the ready to accuse you and to remind you of your sin. He is there to inform you that God does not love you and will not accept you because of your sin. Do you listen to him? Remember that he is a liar. He tells a partial truth, which is a lie, in order for you to believe the lie. See our study of 1 Samuel 17.

Verses 3-4-Although those around him state that God has nothing to do with him, David knows that God is his only source of help. He is his protection. There is no other help, except in God.

Selah: When times are tough and situations are deceptive, to whom do you turn? Do you turn first to your friends, your family, your finances, or do you turn to Him who alone answers and helps us in our time of need? God strengthens us and empowers us to do His good work despite the circumstances.

Verses 5-8-David’s confidence is in God, no matter the odds against him. He can sleep the sleep of the righteous knowing that God is in control of all things. When David awakes, he begins his prayers again for God to rise up, as a warrior, to do battle for David through that day. David knew that his sin was a stain upon his nation. He asks God to bless the nation for God’s glory, not his.

Selah: How often do you ask God to rid you of your enemies, those that oppose your walk with God? For whom do you do this? Is it for your comfort or for His glory? What is the focus of your prayer?