Category: 2 Samuel

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?

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.

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).

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

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.