Month: May 2012

2 Samuel 23.1-7

His final thoughts on the matter are that God is faithful to His promised covenant and that He will establish His kingdom. And, God can be trusted to keep His promises to all, which also include judgement on those who reject Him

2 Samuel 23.1-7

David’s closing thoughts, his last psalm, is on leadership. David proclaims his words as inspired of God. In this last psalm, David provides two similes for leadership.

  • God’s word is like the first light of morning, which helps men to see after a long period of darkness,
  • Leadership is something that encourages and welcomes just as the first blades of grass pushing their way up after rain.

This fit well after the rule of Saul. David ruled with hope and promise. Having followed the dark days of Saul’s demented rule, David’s godly reign was depicted in each simile: his rule had brought needed light and hope to the nation.

His final thoughts on the matter are that God is faithful to His promised covenant and that He will establish His kingdom. And, God can be trusted to keep His promises to all, which also include judgement on those who reject Him.

Where do you stand?

2 Samuel 22

For a more detailed look, follow the link for our study of Psalm 18.

2 Samuel 22

This chapter and Psalm 18 are almost identical (see our study). The only variations are slight verse transpositions. This chapter closes the books of Samuel. The last two chapters are David’s last words and actions. This psalm of praise is David’s last prayer for the people. It is of interest that the books of Samuel open and closes with a dynamic prayer. Here it is David and in 1 Samuel 2 it is of Hannah (see our study).

As a brief outline, here is 2 Samuel 22 outlined as a psalm presenting the Messiah (MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. 1997).

  • Praise to God for hearing and answering prayer (2–4)
  • Death closing in on the Savior (5–7)
  • God warring against the hosts of hell as they seek unsuccessfully to prevent the resurrection (7–20)
  • Reasons why God raised Messiah from the dead (21–30)
  • The Messiah’s Second Advent, in which He destroys His enemies (31–43)
  • The glorious kingdom of the Messiah (44–51)

For a more detailed look, follow the link for our study of Psalm 18.

Psalm 42

God desires you to be in His presence with great joy more than you can imagine. How great is your desire to be in His presence? He gave His Son in order for you to go there? What have you forsaken for Him to be there?

Psalm 42

The inscription of this psalm leads us to believe it was written by the family of the Korahites unless it is read that it was written for the family of the Korahites to play during worship service. If the latter are valid, then David wrote this on his retreat from Jerusalem during the rebellion of Absalom (2 Samuel 15-19). If the former is valid, then it was written during the exile by a Korahite longing for Jerusalem. I prefer Davidic authorship due to the style and geographic locations mentioned in verse five. Whichever author is chosen, it reflects a genuine heart desire to be with God in the Temple/Tabernacle. If this were the heart attitude of Christians today, the world would be a much different place. The oddity for Christians is that we don’t have to go to the church to spend time with God, He indwells us. We are the temple of God. However, for true fellowship to occur we need to publicly worship Him as part of our growth toward Christlikeness (Hebrews 10.24-25).

This psalm and Psalm 43 (see our study) have a connection and many have placed them together as one psalm. The Septuagint combines them into one psalm. Each psalm has the same refrain and the same ending. However, if Psalm 43 was written during the Babylonian Captivity, it could have been inspired by Psalm 42. Psalm 43 and Psalm 71 are the only psalms in this section of the Psalms without an inscription (see studies on Psalm 9 and Psalm 10).

  • Verses 1-3-David realizes that his life is in God. Without the ability to enter into the presence of God in the Tabernacle, his life was devalued, depressing. What is your heart attitude about being in God’s presence? As mentioned above, the only place we need to go to be with God is nowhere for He indwells us. This is Jesus discussion with the woman at the well in John 4.15-26. We only need to be in right relationship with Him (His child) and in right fellowship with Him (confession of sins) in order to be in His presence. Do you long for God more than for the sins of this world? This is the essence of the book of 1 John.
  • Verses 4-8-David poetically presents his state without God’s presence in it (again, return to our discussion of Psalm 43 for thoughts on verse five). He misses the fellowship he had in Jerusalem with fellow followers of God and longs to see them and publically worship with them.
  • Verses 9-10-David laments over his current situation asking God to deliver him not only for the sake of David but for the sake of God. Do you see your relationship with God as a public demonstration of whom God is? When people see you, they see a representation of God. Your words and actions either tell His greatness or belie who He is. How do people see you when they ask “Where is your God?”
  • Verse 11-The ending of Psalm 43 is identical to this psalm. Our hope is not in others nor in things. It is solely in God.

God desires you to be in His presence with great joy more than you can imagine. How great is your desire to be in His presence? He gave His Son in order for you to go there? What have you forsaken for Him to be there?

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Psalm 41

What is it that you believe? Do you live your life as if your beliefs were actually true? What would you change if you truly did believe? As you consider this psalm, look at your own life. What has gone done in and through you? Praise Him for it. What have you done to bless God as you have blessed others? What are people saying about you? Are they godly things? Are they mad due to your stand for God? Whatever the circumstances, look to God for His presence and help.

Psalm 41

This psalm appears to have been a response to those who stood against him in Psalm 38 (see our study).

  • Verses 1-3-Blessings for those who are blessed by the Lord by doing what He requires by taking care of those who are helpless, who are poor, is the theme of these verses.
  • Verse 4-A prayer to God in light of David’s sin.
  • Verses 5-9-Complaint against a close friend who has turned enemy. This refers to the betrayal of Ahithophel in 2 Samuel 17 (see our study). This psalm is a Messianic psalm. Jesus, too, was betrayed by one who ate bread with Him. Jesus quotes this verse and applies it to Judas in John 13.18 (each Gospel refers to Jesus quoting this verse: Matthew 26.23; Mark 14.20; Luke 22.21). Peter seems to refer to this psalm in Acts 1.16. Read the psalm in light of the last few hours of Christ’s life to determine if this psalm is Messianic in nature.
  • Verses 10-12-Hope based, again, on the character of God. The sense in the Hebrew of “repay them” is “to make good again.” That is David would repay the evil with good. This is the sense of 2 Samuel 19 see our study), which is the context of the psalm. It is also evident in 1 Samuel 24 (see our study) and 1 Samuel 26 (see our study) in David’s dealings with Saul.
  • Verse 13-Praise God from whom all blessings flow, who is eternal. The double “So be it” (Amen) along with “Praise the Lord” emphatically close each section of the psalter (Psalm 41, Psalm 72, Psalm 89, Psalm 106, and Psalm 150). The doubling of the “Amen” provides a strong affirmation to all that has gone on before. David is stating, “You better believe it, for it is true!”

What is it that you believe? Do you live your life as if your beliefs were actually true? What would you change if you truly did believe? As you consider this psalm, look at your own life. What has gone done in and through you? Praise Him for it. What have you done to bless God as you have blessed others? What are people saying about you? Are they godly things? Are they mad due to your stand for God? Whatever the circumstances, look to God for His presence and help.

Psalm 38

Have you examined your heart today? Do you suffer? Is it from sin? If not, what is God doing in and through you for His glory?

Psalm 38

Although this psalm has twenty-two verses, it is not an acrostic like Psalm 37 (see our study yet to come). The inscription tells us David wrote this psalm. Many argue with this because the biblical account does not contain a sickness of David like this. This thought implies that everything that happened to David was written in the Bible, which is absurd. The inscription also states that this psalm is for the memorial offering (NRSV), which implies it is used as part of the service. The NASB does not include the word “offering,” which would mean it is used to remember what has happened and to learn from it (Psalm 70 contains the same inscription). It is also the third in the penitential type psalms. These are written for our benefit that we may know how to pray in repentance and in hope due to our sin. This psalm is normally read in higher churches on Ash Wednesday in preparation for the time of Easter. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent.

This psalm is reminiscent of the book of Job wherein Job suffers, though not due to sin, and is mistreated by his friends, then turns to his only Hope, God. Verses 9, 15, and 21 gives us this hope too. In spite of our sin, we can still pursue God but only in repentance will He be found (see the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15.11-31).

  • Verse 1-David opens in prayer asking God to remove His anger from him.
  • Verses 2-10-The usage of arrows throughout Scripture is of interest. This metaphor is used to show God’s discipline for His children and judgment on those who are not His children. If a study is desire, please post a request. These verses describe in detail what David was suffering physically. David’s body was filled with disease, there is no soundness in his flesh, his bones ache, his body agonized with a sense of burning, his heart palpitated, his strength and sight were failing.
  • Verses 11-20-These verses describe in detail what David was suffering mentally due to his sin and by those around him. Instead of doing what God has called them to do, restore one who is repentant (Galatians 6.1), this community was attacking David (16).
  • Verses 21-22-David ends this psalm with a plea to God not to deliver him from his suffering but to be with him through it all.

Have you examined your heart today? Do you suffer? Is it from sin? If not, what is God doing in and through you for His glory?

Suffering

David sees what is happening to him as judgment from God due to his sins (18). We see this association in Psalm 51 and 32 as-well (see our study of Psalm 51 and Psalm 32). This can be the case (cf. 1 Corinthians 11.30-32 and Hebrews 12.5-11). But it is not always the case as Jesus presents in John 9.3 and 11.4. In both these incidents, the man born blind and the death of Lazarus, Jesus proclaims the sole purpose was to glorify God. This implies that we cannot determine the reason a person is suffering, unless they inform us that they are trapped in sin and are suffering for it. We can only determine why we are suffering. If we are in sin, our suffering may be due to that; if we are not bound by sin, we need to examine our heart to see if that is a truth. Whether it is due to sin or due to other factors, we must always give God glory for it. So that, in all circumstances, He might receive the praise and glory.

If further discussion on the topic of suffering is desired, please post.

Psalm 5

David calls out to God to hear what he has to say (1-6), to lead David in the correct and righteous path (7-8), to protect David from those who try to deceive and lead him astray (9-10), and to bless David with His presence (11-12). What are you praying for today?

Psalm 5

This psalm was written by David for the flute (Nehiloth) during the time of the revolt of Absalom (2 Samuel 15-19). The references to the temple (the tent, 7), David’s house, and references to David’s enemies lying in wait, not pursuing him (9-10) support this period.

When reading this psalm, we are reminded of the necessity of daily reading God’s Word for it establishes our hope, directs our day, and provides us with guidance in times of joy and distress. Even David, the king of Israel, knew that he must bow to another King on a daily basis.

  • Verses 1-3-David seeks God to listen to what he has to say, to listen to his cries, and to help him order his words in such a way that they bring honor to God. In this David ruminates over what he is to pray. It is no flippant prayer offered to God on a whim. It is a thoughtful meditation of an arranged prayer presented to God with great fervor and understanding of whom this God is to whom he prays. The plea of David for God to listen to the sound of his cry can be seen in Romans 8.26-27.
  • Verses 4-6-Habakkuk 1.13 presents the truth of these verses. David understands all too well that God will not listen to His children in rebellion (see our study of Psalm 51), how much more will He reject those who set themselves as enemies against Him? Paul state that darkness and light have no dealings with each other (2 Corinthians 6.14-15). John states this truth in 1 John 1.5-10.
  • Verses 7-8-David’s desire was to enter God’s house, to worship Him. It is here that David brings his prayer before God. It is a prayer to stand justly before his accusers.
  • Verses 9-10-Paul quotes verse nine in Romans 3.13 as a testament to the character of those who do not know God.
  • Verses 11-12-The shield mentioned in verse twelve is the full-body shield used to protect the entire person. When our lives are protected by God, we experience joy, protection, and blessing.

David calls out to God to hear what he has to say (1-6), to lead David in the correct and righteous path (7-8), to protect David from those who try to deceive and lead him astray (9-10), and to bless David with His presence (11-12). What are you praying for today?

Thoughts on hate will be given if requested. So, reply if you desire a study on God’s hating (5).

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2 Samuel 21

A promise made is a promise kept, regardless of the context. When making promises, be sure to think them through in order not to make foolish promises (see the book of Judges for examples). When Saul did not keep the promise of Israel to the Gibeonites, God judged his household and the nation. When we do not keep promises, who will be held accountable? What will the consequences be?

2 Samuel 21

This chapter seems to be unjust in terms of executing seven sons of Saul as a payment for the crimes of the father. However, these sons could have been involved in the raids that slaughtered the Gibeonites and the sons are being tried for their crimes (not unlike the trials at Nuremberg). If God had chosen the seven, then this would seem a proper conjecture.

Rizpah’s protection of her son’s bodies gave cause for David to give proper burial to Saul and Jonathan.

David was getting old and his men would not let him go to battle any longer for fear that he would die and the nation would be in turmoil yet again. This verse leads me to believe these closing chapters of 2 Samuel (21-24) are in their proper place chronologically. Many assert these were stories added to the text and are out of chronological order. 1 Kings 1 resumes the chronology that ended in 2 Samuel 20, according to this theory.

Who killed Goliath? There are various attempts to reconcile verse nineteen with 1 Samuel 17 (see our study). Three major theories have been provided to reconcile these passages. The first one is that Elhanan is another name for David. If this were the case, then 1 Chronicles 20.5 (see our study) presents a problem in that David would have had to have killed two giants (Lahmi and Goliath). The second theory is that Elhanan killed Goliath and David was given credit for it later on. This misses the point of 1 Samuel 17, which introduces David as king because of his ability to subdue the Philistines. The third theory takes 1 Chronicles 20.5 into account and allows the translation of “Lahmi” instead of “Bethlehemite.” The two words are closely related where the former means “my bread” and the latter means “house of bread.” Thus, David killed Goliath and Elhanan killed Lahmi, his brother.

A promise made is a promise kept, regardless of the context. When making promises, be sure to think them through in order not to make foolish promises (see the book of Judges for examples). When Saul did not keep the promise of Israel to the Gibeonites, God judged his household and the nation. When we do not keep promises, who will be held accountable? What will the consequences be?

2 Samuel 20

This chapter presents people taking opportunities for good or for evil when presented. Sheba saw an opportunity for evil when the tribes were arguing and he began a rebellion. Amasa had an opportunity to become one of David’s great men but was slow to act. Joab saw opportunity to take his old position back by force and took it . The woman of Abel saw a needful opportunity and devised a plan to make it happen. What opportunities for good have come you way that you have delayed acting on? Repent and seek the opportunity again. What opportunity for good have you been given that you have turned for evil? Repent. What opportunities have you been given to do good in which you followed the opportunity? Rejoice for you have blessed God.

2 Samuel 20

The ending of 2 Samuel 19 left us with strange happenings between the men of Judah and the men of Israel. This chapter picks up on the bickering and focuses on one man Sheba, a Benjamite. Within the chapter Joab, David’s nephew, killed Amasa, another nephew of David, while posing as a friend. In chapter nineteen, it appeared as if Amasa may take Joab’s place as commander of the king’s army. In this chapter, Joab insures that he will not by murdering him (4-13). He killed him while pretending to greet him as friend (9-10). Does this sound familiar? Think of Judas in the Garden with Jesus.

Verse three has been seen as harsh treatment of the ten concubines (2 Samuel 15.16) by David according to some commentators (i.e., Matthew Henry). However, David chose to care for these women for the remainder of their lives. Although Absalom brought them shame and disgrace in an act of rebellion against his father, David; David acted in a kind and just way to them.

The ending of this chapter (23-26) is another catalogue of whom David appointed to lead various parts of the kingdom.

This chapter presents people taking opportunities for good or for evil when presented. Sheba saw an opportunity for evil when the tribes were arguing and he began a rebellion. Amasa had an opportunity to become one of David’s great men but was slow to act. Joab saw opportunity to take his old position back by force and took it (he killed Abner, Absalom, and Amasa and will revolt with Adonijah–He must not have liked the “A”s). The woman of Abel saw a needful opportunity and devised a plan to make it happen. What opportunities for good have come you way that you have delayed acting on? Repent and seek the opportunity again. What opportunity for good have you been given that you have turned for evil? Repent. What opportunities have you been given to do good in which you followed the opportunity? Rejoice for you have blessed God.

2 Samuel 19

2 Samuel 19

This chapter is the mop up of the previous four chapters. The author deals with the loose ends surrounding David. Joab forces David to return to his kingly duties (1-8). This is a picture of Proverbs 27.6 where the faithful wounds of a friend are helpful. This incident will prove to be a deciding moment for Joab who has been faithful, but will turn on David’s decisions in 1 Kings. David returns to Jerusalem as king (8-15). David deals mercifully with Shimei (16-23). Mephibosheth’s apparent treason as proclaimed by Ziba is corrected (24-30). For more on these three men see our discussion of 2 Samuel 16. Barzillai, an elderly man from Mahanaim (2 Samuel 17.27), the place David stayed during his absence from Jerusalem, was shown favor. The man proclaimed himself too old to move to Jerusalem to receive the king’s favor. He asked if David would show favor to another named Chimham, who apparently was his son. David agrees to do so (31-40). A point of interest is that Chimham moves to Jerusalem and David gives to him a plot of land in Bethlehem. Jeremiah 41.17 speaks of an inn that was established there. Could this be the same inn that would later be too full to house Mary and Joseph? There is then an odd discussion about who should have bestowed honor on David, Israel or Judah (41-43).

Psalm 64

When you pray to God, do you praise Him even before the answer? Even if the answer might be no?

Psalm 64-A title, if I were to title these, “Two Archers, One Winner”

This, again, was written during the time of Absalom’s rebellions (2 Samuel 15-18). When reading these verses it is easy to see that words can hurt us greatly. “Sticks and stones my break my bones but words will never hurt me,” is a lie. “Sticks and stones my break my bones but words will surely kill me,” is more accurate. Slander and misuse of words is so severe a sin in the eyes of God, it made the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20.16). James spends most of chapter three of his book discussing the problems of the tongue and its power (James 3.1-12).

There is a plot afoot to dethrone David by the words of his son Absalom (see our study of 2 Samuel 15). What Absalom, and those in later chapters such as Shimei and Ahithophel (see our study of 2 Samuel 16), slandering David, he felt his character was being blasted. Rather than railing against them, David does what we all should do and that is to pray to the only One who can do something about it. God.

  • Verses 1-2-David prays for protection from evil speakers.
  • Verses 3-6-David describes the evil actions of those who seek to destroy him. Verse five reflects the willful ignorance of people who are sinning for God sees and watches every move (see our study of Psalm 2).
  • Verses 7-9-David describes their defeat by the hand of God. Two of the greatest words in Scripture are found in verse seven: “But God . . .” Trace these two words together and find the presence of God intervening in the life of man. If there is enough interest, we can begin a study on these two words.
  • Verse 10-David, even before it occurs, expects people to praise God. The wicked try to hide their plots, but the righteous proclaims them before all.

When you pray to God, do you praise Him even before the answer? Even if the answer might be no?