Month: May 2012

1 Chronicles 22

David established an inheritance for Solomon, a legacy for his son to continue, and a charge to be great in God’s kingdom. What inheritance, legacy, and charge are you leaving you children (even if it is decades from now)?

1 Chronicles 22

This passage and the remainder of 1 Chronicles have no parallel accounts for us to consider.

  • Verses 1-5-David’s desire was to build the Temple. He had all the plans made up and most of the material gathered. However, God would not have him do so because of his past (8). Solomon would build the Temple.
  • Verses 6-16-God promised to give David a son who would build the Temple. That son would be a king who reigned in the peace David fought for and God granted. Solomon, whose name translated is peacefully, will be the one to rule in peace.
  • God, through David, gives Solomon his charge:
    • Verse 9-God’s peace will prevail during Solomon’s reign
    • Verse 10-God’s Temple will be built by Solomon
    • Verse 12-God’s wisdom and understanding were necessary for Solomon to rule
    • Verse 13-God’s blessing only comes to those who purpose to follow His Word.
    • Verse 13-God is with Solomon, so he need not fear
  • David, through God’s grace, provided Solomon with the needed material to build the Temple.
    • Verse 14-David provided over 40,000 tons of precious metal.
    • Verse 14-David provided the timber and stones, but not all of it
    • Verse 15-David commissioned the workers for these materials
  • Verses 17-19-David knew without wise counsel, Solomon would fail. We too will fail if we attempt to live the life God called us to live without guidance from godly men. Who do you surround yourself with? Your character will imitate their character. The major focus of each of these men was the Lord.

David established an inheritance for Solomon, a legacy for his son to continue, and a charge to be great in God’s kingdom. What inheritance, legacy, and charge are you leaving you children (even if it is decades from now)?

1 Chronicles 21

It is wise for us to listen carefully to the voices that clamor for our attention. We should be asking if the voice is from God, Satan, the world, or our own sinful desires. We then need to take every thought captive and make sure that it is from God, which is when we choose to reject or accept it (2 Corinthians 10.4-5).

1 Chronicles 21 (Cf. 2 Samuel 24 and our study)

The variations between 1 Chronicles 21 and 2 Samuel 24 are few, but the few are intriguing. The outline would be the same for both chapters. God is angered at the sin of Israel (1-6), David’s realization of sin (7-17), and the telling of God to David to build the Temple (18-30). However, each section contains at least one variant in its presentation.

  • Verses 1-6-Satan is credited with leading David to count the men of fighting age. Here it is Satan, in 2 Samuel it is God, in both passages David is held responsible. This helps us to understand a few things about God’s sovereign control and man’s responsibility. God was going to judge Israel for their sin. I believe it was the continual syncretism of the nation. God allowed Satan to tempt David to do something that was against God’s will. David chose to do it. Satan cannot do anything without God’s approval. The book of Job displays this clearly (Job 1-2). We can neither blame God for our sin nor blame Satan. We are responsible for the choices we make.
  • Verses 7-17-David sees the angel who was to destroy Jerusalem and the elders prayed that God would stay His hand from destroying Jerusalem.
  • Verses 18-30-The acceptance of the sacrifice by David signified that God had accepted this as the new place of worship for Israel. This selection of Mt. Moriah as the place of worship for Israel can also be seen in the sacrifice David offered for his sin, the forgiveness God offered, and the answered prayers of the people.

The purchase in 2 Samuel of 50 shekels was for the threshing floor and the purchase in 1 Chronicles of six hundred shekels was for the entire property.

It was at this site, Mt. Moriah, that Abraham offered up Isaac (Genesis 22). Here is where the Temple will be built. It was here that Jesus would die (on the Mount not in the Temple). This will become the new center of worship for all Israel.

It is wise for us to listen carefully to the voices that clamor for our attention. We should be asking if the voice is from God, Satan, the world, or our own sinful desires. We then need to take every thought captive and make sure that it is from God, which is when we choose to reject or accept it (2 Corinthians 10.4-5).

2 Samuel 24

When all has been read and discussed, we should consider how we walk as individuals, as a church body, and as a nation. If God brings discipline for syncretism, then how far are we away from His thundering velvet hand bringing discipline?

2 Samuel 24 (Cf. 1 Chronicles 21)

David takes a census of his troops. The entirety of the story is not evident unless 1 Chronicles is read with it. David has a desire to take a census. There is nothing wrong with this in and of itself. Comparing these two chapters has caused some difficulties for many due to the players listed behind the census. Some have compared these chapters and had to conclude that David took two censuses, one at the beginning of his career (2 Samuel) and one at the end of his career (1 Chronicles). The former has the census being taken between 2 Samuel 5 and 2 Samuel 6. The latter taking place before David died and the kingdom was transferred to Solomon. However, a cursory reading of the book of Job allows for the activity to be attributed to God (2 Samuel) and to Satan (1 Chronicles) with the ultimate responsibility bearing down on David. The only activities that Satan can be involved in are the activities that in which God allows him to be involved. Satan can tempt, only as God allows him. Although Satan is behind this, David is at fault for completing the activity. In all things God has the purpose of bringing glory to His name. If God is glorified then the greatest good and benefit have occurred. If it is anything less than glory to His name, then it falls short of the standard of God (which is always best and greatest).

In this account we have three sections to consider.

  • Verses 1-9-God is angry over something in Israel. It isn’t David but Israel with whom God is displeased. Could this be over a decline of worshiping the true God? Could it be syncretism? God allows the thought to be placed into David’s mind of taking a census. His commander, Joab, who will attempt to dispose of David in a few chapters, sees this is even a bad idea. David follows through with the plan. After nine months and twenty days of counting, David finds he has, rounded, 1,200,000 military men at his disposal. This number is different from the one given in 1 Chronicles, which we will deal with that when we get to 1 Chronicles 21. This number would bring the general population around 6,000,000 people (an estimate on my part). Some have taken the opportunity of stating the nine months of labor produced sin on David’s part.
  • Verses 10-17-David realized that he had sinned in taking the census. God sent another prophet to David; this time it is Gad. He informs David that God will judge Israel because of the sin of David but, we need to remember, it was His plan to use this to judge Israel for walking away from Him and keeping their idols. God allowed David to choose the discipline: three years of famine, three months of David fleeing, or three days of pestilence. Ultimately the discipline of three days was given. David’s repentance was complete. David asked a bewildering question which signified that he had not fully grasped all that God was doing. He recognized his sin but called the people innocent lambs. It is their sin that initiated the process of discipline. They needed to repent even as David repented.
  • Verses 18-25-David is told to build an altar “on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.” He does so. This will be the place that Solomon will build the Temple (2 Chronicles 3.1). God was able to take the two great sins of David, adultery with Bathsheba and the census, and produce the Temple. Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, built the Temple on the threshing floor David purchased to make restitution for the census.

When all has been read and discussed, we should consider how we walk as individuals, as a church body, and as a nation. If God brings discipline for syncretism, then how far are we away from His thundering velvet hand bringing discipline?

Psalm 99

Do others see the holiness of God in your life? If that is His defining character, and He has made it our defining characteristic, others should see it shine through our lives.

Psalm 99

This is the last psalm of seven psalms proclaiming the kingship of Jehovah. Read our studies of each of them (93, 94 [study to come], 95, 96, 97, and 98).

This psalm distinguishes itself in containing the tri-fold refrain of “holiness.” It is this word that outlines this psalm. The outline is also the outline of the book of Revelation (Revelation 4.8). It is this holiness that sets God apart from the best of men. He is perfect and we are not.

  • Verses 1-3-Holy is He who is to come. God is great. So, serve Him.
  • Verses 4-5-Holy is He who is. He is the God of justice, who establishes equity in all creation. God is just. So, obey Him.
  • Verses 6-9-Holy is He who was. He is eternal. He has been involved in creation from the beginning because He is the author of creation (Colossians 1.16-18). But, He is also a personal God who desires to listen to His children and be part of their lives. Therefore, He forgives through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for our sins. Verse eight paints a picture of God forgiving while yet dealing with sin. In Christ we are forgiven. In Christ justice was meted as well. God is forgiving. So, thank Him with your life, which is to worship Him.

Do others see the holiness of God in your life? If that is His defining character, and He has made it our defining characteristic, others should see it shine through our lives.

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Psalm 98

This psalm leads us to ask ourselves, “What has God done in our life that would be the cause of praise on our part?” The verses indicate the victory (or salvation) and righteousness that accompany His presence. When He saved us, He gave us victory and righteousness. Who knows they are yours?

Psalm 98

When righteousness reigns, rejoicing begins. This is the essence of this psalm.

  • Verses 1-3-God’s people will rejoice because of His marvelous deeds. This is in the past tense. That is, we rejoice for what He has done for, in, and through us.
  • Verses 4-6-The whole earth will loudly rejoice with instruments, which include the voice. This is in the present tense. That is, what we are doing now in light of what He has done.
  • Verses 7-9-Nature will rejoice. This is in the future tense. That is, what we will do in the days to come.

This psalm leads us to ask ourselves, “What has God done in our life that would be the cause of praise on our part?” The verses indicate the victory (or salvation) and righteousness that accompany His presence. When He saved us, He gave us victory and righteousness. Who knows they are yours?

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Psalm 97

Can you state you hate (or reject) evil? What about your gods, which are not gods at all? Do you accept them? They are evil. The way for you to full know you have been rescued from the dominion of darkness and have been placed into the kingdom of the Son He loves is how you live your life (Acts 26.18-19 and Colossians 1.13-14). Your works do not save you, but the display to yourself and others that you have been saved. And, part of this is to reject or hate evil.

Psalm 97

This psalm opens with the truth that the God of Promise, the covenant God, rules mightily. With this truth, all else is trivial. With this truth, there will be much joy. Because He reigns, not will reign but does reign, we have reason to rejoice. He is in control of all and He is good and just.

This psalm should remind the reader of the happenings at Mt. Sinai and the giving of the Law (Exodus 19). It is also a stark reminder of the days to come when God will indeed judge the earth in righteousness and truth.

Whereas Psalm 95 calls God’s people to sing and Psalm 96 calls all the earth to sing, Psalm 97 calls both the world and God’s people to rejoice. While the Septuagint ascribes this psalm to David, there is nothing else that supports or denies this. For the sake of our study, we will agree with the Septuagint.

  • Verses 1-6-This imagery is of God’s presence coming. With it comes blessing and judgement. Blessing for those who can rejoice in Him and judgement for all others.
  • Verses 7-12-We are called to hate evil if we love the Lord. We can read the verse this way: “The Lord loves those who reject evil and choose holiness.”

Can you state you hate (or reject) evil? What about your gods, which are not gods at all? Do you accept them? They are evil. The way for you to full know you have been rescued from the dominion of darkness and have been placed into the kingdom of the Son He loves is how you live your life (Acts 26.18-19 and Colossians 1.13-14). Your works do not save you, but the display to yourself and others that you have been saved. And, part of this is to reject or hate evil.

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Psalm 95

What gods have you allowed to interfere with your worship of the great and mighty God who saved us? Does your schedule, your family, your job, your church, your health, your ___________, battle for the place God rightly deserves?

Psalm 95

Hebrews 4.7 attributes this psalm to David. Psalm 95 is used to introduce the Sabbath in Jewish Synagogues and as a daily prayer in Western churches. The psalm divides in two parts, which are verses 1-7 and 8-11. The first is a call to worship and the second is a call to obedience as is fitting for a true worshiper. This psalm reminds us that going to church is not enough, we must be obedient to the One we proclaim to worship. In other words, people can manipulate others to believe they worship in church but obedience cannot be faked over the long haul.

  • Verses 1-7-Corporate worship involves all we are and should include joyful voices and humility before others and before God. This corporate worship involves both celebration (1-5) and contemplation (6-7). Looking at these two aspects of corporate and personal worship, David is calling us to acknowledge that God is the Great Omnipotent One and then calls us to recognize that He is also a personal God with whom we must deal on a personal basis. In verses 3-5, David calls God by three distinct names. He uses El (Great Omnipotent God), Jehovah (YWHW-the covenant God of Israel), and Elohim (the Creator God). The God we worship is Great.

The three “comes” of verses 1-3 are different Hebrew words. Verse one “come” is an invitation. Verse two “come” states “let us approach God’s presence.” And the “come” in verse three is “enter.”

  • Verses 8-11-The opposite of proper corporate worship would be proud grumblers (Meribah [Exodus 17.1-7] is a reference to grumbling and stubbornness and literally means “rebellion”).

The writer of Hebrews describes this event and a robber of rest (Hebrews 3.7-15). When the biblical description of rest is studied, it is a sense of worship. Grumbling, complaining, stubbornness, and doubt are a few disruptions of rest. Corporate worship involves obedience to God’s Word. Obedience is to be done by individuals and by those He calls to salvation. This is what Paul meant when he told us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. It is plural. This involves the Body of Christ, not merely the individual (Philippians 2.12-13).

What gods have you allowed to interfere with your worship of the great and mighty God who saved us? Does your schedule, your family, your job, your church, your health, your ___________, battle for the place God rightly deserves?

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David’s Psalms in Other Places

David’s Psalms in Other Places

What was happening to David Passage in Samuel

(click link to view our study)

 Passage in Psalms

(click link to view our study)
Saul sent men to kill David. 1 Samuel 19.11 Psalm 59
David fled from Saul to Achish, king of Gath. 1 Samuel 21.10–12 Psalm 56
David feigned insanity in Gath. 1 Samuel 21.13 Psalm 34
David fled to the cave of Adullam. 1 Samuel 22.1 Psalm 142
Doeg the Edomite told Saul that David was in Nob. 1 Samuel 211 Samuel 22.9 Psalm 52
The Ziphites told Saul that David was hiding in the hill of Hachilah. 1 Samuel 23.191 Samuel 26 Psalm 54
David spared Saul’s life. 1 Samuel 24.3, 4 Psalm 57
David and his army killed 18,000 Syrians in the Valley of Salt. 2 Samuel 8.13 Psalm 60
David admitted his sin with Bathsheba to Nathan the prophet. 2 Samuel 12.13 Psalm 51
David fled from his son Absalom. 2 Samuel 15.16 Psalm 3
The Israelites mourned the civil war between Absalom and David. 2 Samuel 15.23 Psalm 63
Shimei cursed David. 1 Samuel 21-24 or 2 Samuel 16.5 Psalm 7
David rejoiced over his deliverance from Saul. 2 Samuel 22.1–51 Psalm 18

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1997). The Nelson Study Bible. New King James Version (2 Sa 22.6). Nashville. T. Nelson Publishers.

 

 

Psalm 57

Verse one presents the phrase “In the shadow of Your wings will I make my refuge.” This phrase is first used in Deuteronomy 32.11, it is a stirring metaphor. We find in this psalm that David ran to that shelter. As Jesus looked over the city of Jerusalem, He cried out that the nation of Israel did not seek that shelter (Matthew 23.37). Protection, mercy, kindness, salvation, joy, and life, to name a few, are found in that shelter. Where are you today? If you are a Christian, run to His shelter. If you are not a Christian, you need to ask Him to be your shelter.

Psalm 57

This psalm is out of place in our study, it may have been overlooked along with Psalm 108, which will come later. Verses 6-12 are used in Psalm 60.5-12 (see our study). In our study of the Psalms, we have seen the term in the superscription, “Altaschith,” which means “Do not destroy,” occurs in Psalms 57-59 and 75 (see our study of Psalms 57, 58, 59, and 75). Although the meaning is not clear, some have conjectured that it was a tune of a popular song. Isaiah 65.8 seems to reference it. This psalm references the time David fled from Saul and lived in a cave, probably the cave of Adullam or the cave of Engedi (see our study of 1 Samuel 21-24). Another “cave” psalm is Psalm 142 (see our study).

Have two Selahs (pauses), we can rightly divide this psalm in three parts, which is a call for God’s mercy (1-3), a confession of trust (4-6), and a deep desire to praise (7-11). However, this psalm also contains a refrain in verses five and 11, which would divide the psalm in two parts. The latter option will be used here.

  • Verses 1-5-Prayers and Complaints of David. The movement is from God to the threats against David.

Selah (3)-David recognizes that his help will be sent from Heaven. John reminds us that Jesus was sent from Heaven (John 1). Where do you find your help? Is it from the things of this world, people or stuff, or is it only in Jesus? The former things are useless in terms of eternity. Only He can help eternally (1 John 2.15-17).

David recognizes the enemy is like a lion seeking to devour him (1 Peter 5.8). But, he also knows that God is greater (1 John 4.4) and that faith in Him overcomes such things (1 John 5.4).

The refrain reminds us that God is the God of all nations, not merely one nation.

  • Verses 6-11-Complaint of David leading to Exultation. These verses are used by many churches as a Resurrection Sunday (Easter) passage (8-11). The movement is from the threats back to God. David sees the traps the enemy has laid in his path. He also knows that God protects him from them and even causes them to fall into their own traps. These metaphors are quite appropriate due to the timing of this psalm. David is being pursued or hunted down by Saul who is laying out nets and digging holes to capture him.

Selah (6)-Do you know the traps Satan has set for you (2 Corinthians 2.11 and Ephesians 6.11)? Do you know those temptations that so easily cause you to stumble (Hebrews 12.1-2)? Are you asking God to help you overcome them (1 Corinthians 10.13) or do you think you can handle them yourself (1 Corinthians 10.12)?

Verse one presents the phrase “In the shadow of Your wings will I make my refuge.” This phrase is first used in Deuteronomy 32.11, it is a stirring metaphor. We find in this psalm that David ran to that shelter. As Jesus looked over the city of Jerusalem, He cried out that the nation of Israel did not seek that shelter (Matthew 23.37). Protection, mercy, kindness, salvation, joy, and life, to name a few, are found in that shelter. Where are you today? If you are a Christian, run to His shelter. If you are not a Christian, you need to ask Him to be your shelter.

In verse two, David realizes that it is only God who has a purpose for good for us (John 10) and it is only He who can fulfill it (Ephesians 2.8-10). To what purpose has God called you? He has one for you. How has He gifted you? What are your passions? What experiences have you lived through? What talents do you have? These are some questions to ponder as you seek to know to what He has called you.

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