command – Old Testament Survey

1 Kings 11

Verses 1-13 describe the core of Solomon’s downfall. It was not evident when he began marrying foreign wives (read this as not of the same faith). However, God warned that being unequally yoked will lead to failure (Deuteronomy 7.1-5 and 2 Corinthians 6.14-18). When we allow others into our life that do not influence us toward God, we will be influenced toward their god. In this case Molech/Milcom or Chemosh, a god of fire, to whom children/babies were sacrificed.

His failure to obey resulted in three ever-present enemies. In the verses to follow, we will see Hadad, Rezon, and Jeroboam rise against Solomon.

Verses 14-25-Hadad is the first enemy we encounter. He is from the east. The text tells us he survived being killed by David when he fled to Egypt (2 Samuel 8 and 10). The second adversary is Rezin. He was causing trouble in Israel throughout Solomon’s reign.

Verses 26-40-The third enemy is Jeroboam. He flees to Egypt as he escapes the hand of Solomon. Solomon knew that Jeroboam would rule the northern territory upon Solomon’s death. So, Jeroboam, knowing this as well, stayed in Egypt until he heard of Solomon’s death.

Verses 41-42-Solomon dies.

When you die, what will be your legacy? You see for all the good Solomon did, his last years marred what he did. Think of Joe Paterno and the cases of child molestation at Penn State. Although he was not involved, he overlooked the incidents and his legacy is forever tarnished.

Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction. For web posting, a link to this document on our website is preferred. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by Teach for God Ministries.

Psalm 148

This marks the third of the five “Hallelujah Psalms” that close the book of Psalms. Each of these psalms begins and ends with “Hallelujah.”

Everything is made to praise Him. All creation is made to praise Him, not merely those with breath. The heavens are command to praise Him (1-6), the earth is commanded to praise Him (7-10), and we are called to praise Him (11-14). We are called to praise Him without regard to what others are doing. Praise Him.

Media

Let Everything That Has Breath – Phillips, Craig and Dean

2 Chronicles 7.12-22

2 Chronicles 7.12-22 (1 Kings 9.1-9)

The most quoted portion of 2 Chronicles is found in these verses. It is also the most commonly misquoted portion of 2 Chronicles. 1 Kings does not contain verses 14-16 because it is looking forward and 2 Chronicles is looking back. The writer’s audience in 2 Chronicles is the post-exilic nation.

The gist of verses 12-18 is when sin happens, repentance must follow. It is also implicit that God is faithful to His Word, even when we are not faithful to follow. The promises of God are both conditional (blessings, etc) and unconditional (salvation, etc). Here God presents both promises. The success of Israel is based on their turning from sin and turning toward God. It is not enough to say that sin is wrong, they need to define it and turn from it and turn to God. The promise of the coming Messiah is unconditional.

What we can do with this passage is realize that God is calling us to do three things: humble ourselves, repent, and turn to Him. He, then, will do three things for us: hear our prayers, forgive our sins in restoring fellowship, and heal the land. The last one is debatable outside of Israel (see McGee, 1997). However, if God’s people today, the church, were to turn back to Him, the land would be healed. Not from pestilence, drought, etc. but from the socialism and other ungodly pursuits she has undertaken. This would be due to the character change of God’s people producing a change where the live. This truth is evident in James 4.7-10.

A good read on the evils of America is Dennis Prager’s Still the Best Hope.

Psalm 40

Have you offered your all to God? He is worthy of it. Many of us live a syncretic life without even realizing what we are doing. Instead of referring to the Bible for our guidance, we turn to friends, web sites, and other we celebrate. When we do this, how can we expect the God who expects our all to listen to what we say. In our waiting, we have not truly waited (see our study of Psalm 103).

Psalm 40

Some consider this psalm to be two psalms connected. They state that Psalm 70 is merely a repeat of Psalm 40.13-17 and there once was a psalm that contained the first twelve verses. The reasoning behind this is the difference in the two sections. They appear to be reversed. The thanksgiving (1-8) is presented before the lament (11-17). This is mention for your information; I choose not to pursue the topic and count it as one psalm.

When this psalm is read, it is a reminder that patience is part of prayer. In fact the Hebrew is emphatic here. David actually writes that in his waiting, he is waiting. David cries out to God asking Him how long until He would answer David’s prayer. Notice it is not if He will answer but when He will answer. If there is a desire for a discussion on prayer, please respond and I will post one at a later date. Within this psalm David presents the great truth of many Old Testament prophets and of the words Paul gives us in Romans 12.1-2: God desires more than mere words or rote actions, He desires our heart, our mind, our strength, our all (1 Samuel 15.22; Psalm 51.16; Isaiah 1.11, 6.8; Jeremiah 6.20, 7.21-28; Amos 5.21-24; Micah 6.6-8; and to name a few). See our study on 1 Samuel 15 and Psalm 51 (as more are completed, links will be provided).

The psalm can be divided by the two types of psalms with the hinge verses of 9-10.

Verses 1-8-This is a praise to God for what He has done. David proclaims God’s greatness and then proclaims God’s great claim on our life (see sacrifices above). He wants all of us not a portion of us. He wants us completely, not syncretically. Verses 6-8 are echoed of Christ in Hebrews 10.5-9 for Christ’s perfect, complete, and final sacrifice for our sins (cf. Leviticus 17.11).
Verses 9-10-When God works, He expects us to proclaim that work among our friends.
Verses 11-17-See our study of Psalm 70

Many have attempted to place each verse in the mouth of Christ. They see the first portion of the psalm as Christ’s resurrection, the middle verses as Christ’s public ministry, and the final verses reflect the cross.

Media

Psalm 40 by New Song
40 by U2

Psalm 100

These commands are given in the context of praising God as we offer our thanks to Him for what He has done for us (the thank-offering–create a study of offerings for later). These are to be offered on a daily basis, not merely when we enter a church building.

Psalm 100

The psalm is quite like Psalm 23 in its pattern (see our study). This psalm, however, is a call for all God’s people to worship Him with a thank offering. The word translated as “praise” or “thanksgiving” in the superscription can be and has been used by Israel as “thank offering” (תֹודָה).

This chapter commands us to praise God. The word “praise” in verse four is different from the word in the superscription. It is תְהִלָּה. This noun is used as the title for the book of Psalms in Hebrew. The Psalms are called Tehillim or the Book of Praises. It is a worship book.

To outline this psalm, we have two commands. There is a command to serve (1-3) and a command to praise (4-5). God has given us the ability to serve in the areas He has gifted us in (Ephesians 4.1-16). When comparing this concept with modern psychology, a thought passes through my mind, which will be developed later. Maslow’s hierarchy states that self-actualization is the highest we can achieve. The four lower levels lead to this state. I find that the highest level is equal to service (Mark 10.43-45) and is something we must choose to do. The lower levels are provided by God. So, the only way we can live the life He created us to live is by choosing to serve as He did. What are your thoughts on this?

Each section of the psalm (service and praise) is divided into three separate sections giving commands and reasons to obey the commands. There are commands to make a joyful noise (1), serve the Lord (2), and to come before Him (3) in the first section. The reasons the psalmist gives for obeying these commands are that the one who commands is God, He is Creator, and we are His (3).

The next section commands us to enter God’s presence (His gates), be thankful for what He has done, and bless Him (4, cf. Matthew 5.16). The psalmist gives these reasons for obeying the commands: God is good, merciful, and faithful (5(. The phrase “and His truth” is from the Hebrew word where we get the word “amen.” So be it or it is truth, it will occur is what the word “amen” conveys.

The praise in verses 1-2 is not just standing and singing but standing and shouting so all in the assembly can hear your praises. We worship Him with our mouths but also with our lives in our service to others as we submit to Him (cf. Ephesians 2.8-10; Colossians 3.17, 23–24). How are you doing today?

1 Samuel 28.3-25

Today we are going to look at an unpopular passage in the Bible. Many people today look at their horoscope, conduct seances (Isaiah 8.19), play with an Ouija board, and things like that thinking it is okay to do. First Samuel 28.3-25 and Deuteronomy 18.9-14 informs us that God looks on such things as from the devil. The judgment for people who practice these things is death (Exodus 22.18 and Leviticus 20.27). Moreover, this also was a cause of Saul’s own death (1 Chronicles 10.13). Sorcery is listed in Galatians 5.20 as a fruit of the flesh, which must be rejected. In the book of Acts, Peter and Paul (Acts 8.9-13 and 13.6-12) reject sorcerers. As mentioned above, even seemingly innocent games that are associated with the occult can open the door to serious problems.

Saul has really gone downhill by now. He is a few chapters away from dying and he is getting desperate for help. Verse three reminds us what had happened in 1 Samuel 25.1, which was Samuel’s death. This incident caused David to flee to the wilderness and left Saul without any counsel. He did well in that he expelled from Israel all the mediums and wizards.

Saul had been pursuing David for so long, it seems as though he forgot the real enemy in the Philistines. When the Philistines encamped against him, Saul had nowhere to turn. Samuel was gone, David was living with the Philistines, and God would not speak to Saul even through the prophets. Since God had left him to his own devices, God did not answer Saul’s prayers (Proverbs 1.20–33). However, one of his servants told him of a medium who did not leave the country and was still living in Endor (think Samaria). Why does he have someone in his house that knows of this medium and who has not informed Saul earlier so he might expel her too? We all have these remnants in our houses. What sin is it that you continue to commit and refuse to expel?

Saul sought her out, deceived her, and sinned. The medium was asked by Saul to conjure Samuel. Something in the text makes us wonder if she was ever really able to contact anyone because of her reaction when Samuel actually appeared. All in attendance were afraid.

Saul is reminded of the consequences of his earlier sin of disobeying God, which is the removal of the kingly line from his house to David’s house and Saul’s death. It becomes a reality in this chapter when Samuel tells Saul that Saul with die before the next day is over. We need to understand that we will face the consequences of our sins even as Christians. We will not face the ultimate consequence of eternal damnation but will face the immediate consequences. Saul’s kingdom was removed. What area of your life has been affected because of your sin? Has an area where you once dominated left? Could it be from sin? Saul lived in fear. What area of your life are you fearful? Could it be from sin? God no longer spoke to Saul. When we sin, God will not be in fellowship with us. Do you need to repent of sin to restore your fellowship with God?

Saul’s health fell into question in this chapter too. He was weak due to the news he received and due to his sin. He was also weak due to not eating or sleeping properly. How are you doing with your nutrition and sleep? God created us in such a way that we will make bad decisions if we do not follow His Word and follow the needs He created in us. We are meant to eat and rest to ensure our health. How are you doing?

Psalm 17

Psalm 17 is one of three psalms designated as a prayer (Psalm 86 and 142). That this psalm is a prayer is evidence by the words we use for prayer: hear, incline, give ear, among others. This Psalm is also a psalm of lament in which David proclaims his innocence (Psalm 26; 35; 43; and 69) [see our studies Psalm 26, 35, 43, and 69).

This Psalm begins and ends with the same thoughts. This could be a loose chiastic structure as verse one opens with David’s vindication and closes in verse fifteen with his righteousness. The Psalm also opens with God seeing and closes with David seeing. Many psalms and most of the prophets are written in terms of a courtroom. This Psalm appears to be David pleading his case before God, seeking a verdict of innocence on himself and guilty on those around him.

Although there is no time frame given in the title, most commentators see this as a prayer of deliverance from Saul during the time of 1 Samuel 21-27. Some people look at this psalm and find problems with David’s statements regarding his blamelessness in verses 1-5 and his reference to “mortals” in verses 13-14. Their argument is that these make David seem to be a demigod. However, these statements are found elsewhere, stated by others in Scripture, and are not referring to absolute blamelessness or as to be a little god. These will be covered in the verses.

Verses 1-2-David is calling out to the only one who can help him. This is the cry of many of the psalms that have been covered in these discussions. He states he has not deceived people, in this case Saul, and yet he is being pursued by those who are deceptive (either Saul, the Ziphites, Doeg, and the like). He does not state he is perfect, but he seeks the perfect righteousness of God to be known. When he prays this, he is also stating that God would see where David is right, which implies where David is also wrong.

Verses 3-5-These verses reflect the previous verses. These three verses can be found in the mouth of Job (Job 23.10-11), God (Zechariah 13.9), David and other psalmists (Psalm 39.1; 44.18; 66.10; 119.133), and Peter (1 Peter 1.6-7). Each time the reference for purity is mentioned, it is by the hand of God. David sees the fruit of his life in that he has evidence (or fruit) that he has walked blamelessly in this area and in other areas of life. This is also true for us. We have evidence that we are walking in the power of God’s salvation because of the life we are living and the fruit He is producing in and through us (Galatians 5.22-23). David sees those around him and notices that they have transgressed (13-14), which is also an evidence of fruit but this is the fruit produced by pursuing fleshly desires (Galatians 5.16-21). What fruit is being produced in your life? That fruit will show evidence of whose power you are walking under.

Verses 6-7-David has confidence in God. He knows that God hears our prayers. The term “incline” is found in other Psalms (Psalm 86.7 and 116.2, for example). It suggests that God is bending from the throne desiring to listen to what we have say. Because God leans down from His throne to listen, He is seated on His throne, which means He is victorious and in command. Those who seek His refuge need to come under that command and proclaim Him as their sovereign. In what areas of your life are you holding onto and not letting God command?

Verses 8-12-These verses contain much imagery that will be completed at a later time in these studies. For now, here is a list: “apple of the eye” (Deuteronomy 32:10), “shadow of Your wings,” and “lion lurking in ambush.” The picture being painted is the polar opposite of what we have in God and what those who pursue of desire for us. One is protection (guard me as a man would guard his eye) and loving-kindness and the other is pitiless suffering leading to death. God reminds us that He weighs the heart and knows the desires (1 Samuel 2.3) and that He will judge those who have no pity on those in need (Ezekiel 16.49). Reading that last verse should cause us to ponder what we are doing with our wealth and excess, what forms of service are we involved in, and where are we meeting the needs of those around us?

Verses 13-14-David does not desire to be judged by those around him but by Him who is above him.

Verse 15-David knew that life is greater than today. We are to reflect our relationship with God in this world that they may see His righteousness in us (Psalm 4.6-7 and Matthew 5.16). We are also to look forward to the day that we will be like Him, when our desires will conform to His, when sin will no longer have a stranglehold on us (Psalm 16.11; Isaiah 26.19; and 1 John 3.2). Do people notice the God we serve or do they notice the god we try to be?

1 Samuel 27.1-28.2

Ever get tired of doing what you are doing, thinking that you are wasting your time, always being used and abused, and never finding a moment’s rest? Well, welcome to life, even life for David.

1 Samuel 27.1-28.2 is our study for today and the first verse reminds me of our lives and an episode of Batman. In the cartoon, Batman is slumping over the Bat-Computer, Alfred walks into the Bat-Cave, and Batman turns to him and says, “Alfred, I’m tired.” He wanted to quit. We want to quit. David did quit. He decided to quit being betrayed by people in his tribe, his clan; he quit running from Saul’s treachery. He walked away. When he did this, he sinned. Read 1 Samuel 27 and see the things David did when he again placed himself under the authority of King Achish of Gath. The sin may not be the destruction of the cities because God had already ordered their destruction, which was not obeyed (Exodus 17.14; Joshua 13:13; 1 Samuel 15.2, 3). The sin occurred when David did not believe the God who delivered him from Goliath was unable to deliver him from Saul. David sought the grace of Achish (1 Samuel 27.5), not the grace of God. Do you consider what the Lord has done when contemplating what He will do? David attempted to save his own life instead of trusting God to help him. In doing this, he deceived, killed, and lied. He forgot the truth of Psalm 27, which he penned prior to this event.

David goes to Gath with his soldiers and their families. He takes with him Ahinoam and Abigail, two of his wives. David’s plan to have Saul cease his relentless pursuit worked. David deceives Achish. Achish gives him the area of Ziklag, which originally belonged to David’s tribe (Joshua 15.20-31) and was far enough from Gath (15 miles) for Achish not to check up on him. David allows Achish to believe that David is not for Israel but for the Philistines. He allows Achish to think David is destroying Israelite towns when he is destroying encampments of some enemies of Israel. David’s deception is so good that Achish makes David his body guard for life (1 Samuel 28.2). All this duplicity will place David in a quandary as the story in 1 Samuel unfolds.

What plans are you making that forget who God is and what He has commanded you to do? What sin and what deception do you find yourself in today? Have you considered the consequences of these actions or thoughts? What should you do about them?

1 Samuel 26

I am not sure whose payrolls the Ziphites were on; however, each time David hides in their territory, the report him to Saul (1 Samuel 23.15-29). In this chapter, they report David to Saul again. In 1 Samuel 24, David could have killed Saul but spared his life because Saul is God’s anointed. In this chapter the same story plays out for Saul and David.

1 Samuel 26

The stories are different in a few ways. David took Saul’s spear while he was “relieving” himself in chapter 24. In chapter 26 David takes Saul’s spear and water. Water was an important commodity in this arid place.

Three interesting characters are introduced in this chapter:

Abner was Saul’s first cousin. Ner was Saul’s uncle (1 Chronicles 9.35-44). David would later lament the death of Abner (2 Samuel 3.33-34).
Joab is the son of David’s sister, he killed Abner, would kill Uriah (2 Samuel 11.14-27), would kill others for David (2 Samuel 20.10), would not follow the revolt of David’s son Absalom, but would follow the revolt of David’s son Adonijah (1 Kings 2.28).
Abishai is the son of David’s sister (1 Chronicles 2.9-17).

This chapter presents the love David has for God and the trust he has in God. He refuses to kill Saul and entrusts Saul’s life into God’s hands. If God wants Saul dead, He will do it in His own time. He protects Saul again. Saul repents again. David compares himself to the most common insect in the area (here and in 1 Samuel 24.14). David is insignificant as compared to what Saul should be fighting (the giant Philistines?). Saul asks David to return; however, they both go their separate ways at the end of the chapter. David knew better than to trust the apparent repentance of Saul.

Whom are we fighting? Who comes against us? What are our reactions to them, no matter how many times they come?

1 Samuel 25.2-44

David settles in the wilderness of Paran, which is west of En-Gedi. David speaks to a man from Carmel, which was the town Saul created a monument to himself. Sometimes the best places to hide from an enemy is in plain sight.

1 Samuel 25.2-44

What David requests of Nabal in verses 2-8 sounds like extortion. However, this was a common custom due to the presence of robbers. This area was known for having many thieves. David was protecting Nabal’s men and possessions from these men. David should have considered what the response would have been from a man whose name means “fool” (1 Samuel 25.25).

David’s request was rejected by Nabal in the next paragraph. The rejection was a crass statement on David’s legitimacy. This enraged David and he set off to battle Nabal with four hundred men.

The main characters in this chapter each present a way we can respond to what others do for us. This paragraph shows us the response of Nabal and of David. The rest of the chapter shows Abigail’s response.

We see Nabal’s response was to repay evil for good (10-11). When he refused to share what he had with David, he was acting foolish. We see that his household was set up for failure because of this attitude (Proverbs 17.13).

The next response is David’s response to what Nabal did as returning evil for evil (12-13). David’s plan was to punish Nabal and his household for being so disrespectful and inhospitable. David was hurt and reacted in anger. David was stopped from doing this by Nabal’s wife, Abigail. It is interesting that David had greater patience for Saul than he did for Nabal. This presents the truth of Song of Solomon 2.15 that shows the little things can destroy us. Or, this was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back.

One of the servants of Nabal reported to Abigail, not Nabal, to inform her of the truth of David’s words (14-17). His words reflected the character of each of the main characters:

David was kind and protective
Nabal was a foolish, disrespectful, and harsh man.
Abigail would know what to do.

Abigail responded with the kindness that is common in the middle east and did what Nabal should have done. She prepared the food as David had requested (18-20). She reflected the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31. She went to David, without Nabal’s consent for he would not have given it to her even though it is the right thing to do. When a spouse or authority asks us to do something that is against God’s will or is harmful to others (in this case it was not against God’s law for her not to go to David but would be harmful if she did not go; also, it was not against God’s law for her to go), we need to politely do what God has commanded us to do (Acts 4.13-22)

After David considered what Abigail said and did for Nabal and him (26-31), he repented of his words and did not complete his actions (32-35). Abigail showed David that we overcome evil, not with evil, but with good (Proverbs 20:22 and 24.29 with Romans 12.19). In her speech to him, Abigail reminds David of who Nabal is, who he is, who God is, and the consequences of completing this act. Do you have someone like that in your life?

When Abigail returns to Nabal, he is doing for himself exactly what David requested he do for David. For this pride, God struck him dead.

David is already married to Michal, Saul’s daughter. Saul, after the separation between him and David, gave Michal to another (verse 44). God would later condemn and judge the people of Gallim for this and other crimes (Isaiah 10.30). Second Samuel 3.12-16 presents the end of this story when Michal is returned to David. When he hears Nabal is dead, he courts Abigail and marries her. The writer then lists the other wives of David.

A few sidebars for this chapter:

The only time the term “forgive” is mentioned in this book is in verse 28.
Verse 29 shows that Abigail had rehearsed and practice her speech before she said the words to David. If you read them, they are quite poetic.
In verse three, the writer provides a description of Abigail whose name means “father of joy.” He states she was outwardly and inwardly beautiful.
In this chapter names describe character. If you were to be renamed, what would you be called?