Tag: Samuel

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.

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.

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.

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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?

2 Samuel 15

Who, in your life, speaks lies to your face in order to build you up to break you down? If you cannot think of one, and your are a Christian, might I suggest the father of lies, Satan? Be careful for he is out to devour you (1 Peter 5.8).

2 Samuel 15

Absalom’s rebellion begins here and continues until his death in 2 Samuel 19 (see the study to come). This chapter divides itself into the treason shown by Absalom (1-12) and avid fleeing from Jerusalem (13-37).

Reading these first twelve verses lead us to believe that Absalom was quite bitter with his father. He spent five years away from him, and four years plotting his overthrow in the city of Jerusalem. He slowly but steadily led people away from David and into his own favor by telling them what they want to hear (see our study of 2 Samuel 14 and the woman of Tekoa). Remember back to 2 Samuel 11 where Ahithophel was introduced (see our study), he is brought back to the story here. He was Bathsheba’s grandfather who was also David’s counselor. What he did in this chapter was a payback for what David did to his granddaughter and her husband, Uriah. He advises Absalom to do to David what David did to Uriah, take another man’s wife. If Absalom could sleep with David’s concubines, mistresses, or wives, he could lay claim to the throne. Ahithophel will present himself again in 2 Samuel 17 (see our study to come). By the end of this first division, Absalom has many followers and this act of treason growing the act of rebellion begins in the next division.

In the next division, as David is fleeing, the author presents those who are faithful to God’s king. There is Abiathar (see our studies in 1 Samuel 21-24, 1 Samuel 30, and 2 Samuel 8), groups of people from various nations, and Ittai the Gittite displays his loyalty to David much like Ruth did to Naomi (see our studies in Ruth). David refuses to use the Ark as a symbol of protection. I believe he learned his lesson from Saul’s misuse of the Ark in 1 Samuel (see our study of 1 Samuel 5-7).

In order to have inside information, David sends his trusted advisor, Hushai, to give advice against Ahithophel. This leads to Ahithophel’s ultimate suicide (see our study to come in 2 Samuel 17).

The path David to on his escape from Jerusalem, David traveled the same route Jesus would take on the night of His betrayal along the Kidron Valley through the Mount of Olives.

Who, in your life, speaks lies to your face in order to build you up to break you down? If you cannot think of one, and your are a Christian, might I suggest the father of lies, Satan? Be careful for he is out to devour you (1 Peter 5.8).

Psalm 51

Peter and Judas. David and Saul. Which one of the pairs are you? Judas and Saul were upset and saddened by their sin. Peter and David were repentant and saddened. They knew to whom to turn. They had hope. The former were without hope and God in this world (Ephesians 2.11-13).

Psalm 51 (See our study on Psalm 32 and 2 Samuel 12)

David is living in light of Psalm 32.3-4 when Nathan the prophet walks into the palace. He confronts the man and David is released from the stronghold of sin as he works through the concept of this psalm.

Verses1-4-David doesn’t address God as the covenant God of Israel, Jehovah (יְֽהוָה), in this psalm. He addresses Him as the creator God, Elohim (אֱלֹהִים), or Lord (אֲדֹנָי) because of his unworthiness to regard himself as one of God’s own. David basis his forgiveness solely on whom God is not what David had done. This is the first step. David is contrite, remorseful over his sin. The second step is the confession of sin. It is admitting to God what He already knows and agreeing with Him that you are wrong. The third step is to admit you have nothing in yourself to deal with your sin; you need God.

As David stated, our sin is against God and Him alone. However, the consequences go far beyond and reaches to those we love. It hurts us. As describe in Psalm 32 and in this psalm, sin affects our bodies. David’s eyes, mind, ears, heart, spirit, and mouth were affected in the physical realm. David’s fellowship and joy with the Lord were affected in the spiritual realm. Sin hurts those we are to love. Tragedy strikes families (see 2 Samuel 11 and 2 Samuel 12 for our study on this).

Verses 5-12-David confesses that not only does he have a desire for sin but that he was born that was as is all humanity. Once he acknowledges this, David begins a progression in his prayer. He asks God to purge him, remove his defilement. He asks God to wash him, to cleanse him deeply. He asks God to let the bone He broke through discipline dance again. [I will link my sermon series on Dancing with Broken Bones at a later date.] He asks God to make him experience the joys of answered prayer. He asks God to not treat him according to His sins but to hide His face from them. He asks God to create in him a clean heart. This prayer is ultimately answered in Christ. As Christians, we have been given a new heart in Jesus. He asks God not to cast him away from His presence. He asks God not to take His Holy Spirit from him. This is a cry from the Old Testament as is evidenced with the Spirit of God left Saul that should not be on the lips of the saints in the New Testament. [If you desire more on this topic, let me know.] He asks God to restore to him the joy that can only be found in salvation. And lastly, David asks God to keep him from falling again.

13-17-David declares that he will live a life in which others will see and hear of God. Throughout this psalm David proclaims it is not what we can give but our humility before God. God delights in our coming to the Creator of the universe and learning from Him how to live the life for which we were created.

18-19-Praying for self to praying for the nation. Both are important and necessary for us to live the life God created for us to live.

Peter and Judas. David and Saul. Which one of the pairs are you? Judas and Saul were upset and saddened by their sin. Peter and David were repentant and saddened. They knew to whom to turn. They had hope. The former were without hope and God in this world (Ephesians 2.11-13).

Sin is complicated, but goodness is simple.

As in Psalm 32, there are basically three or four words that comprise the sin committed by David. The three mentioned in this psalm are the first of the four mentioned in Psalm 32. This is why David had to cry out to God for Him to have mercy on him.

1 Chronicles 20

When this chapter is considered, we need to see that God is still at work in the repentant David. He conquers the foes, slays the giants, and has victory in his life. As we see in the chapters that follow, the consequences of his sin with Bathsheba will haunt him all the days of his life.

1 Chronicles 20 (see our study of 2 Samuel 11 and 2 Samuel 21.15-22 [study to come])

This chapter is found within two chapters in 2 Samuel as is seen above. The purpose of the Chronicles is to present a “cleaner” version of David to promote the kingdom as the exiles return to the land. This is clearly seen in this chapter with the omission of the incident between David and Bathsheba (see our studies of this account in 2 Samuel 11 and 2 Samuel 12).

As we have studied 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles differences are evident (the number of soldiers, for instance). This chapter presents a difficulty as well as we compare it to the 2 Samuel 21 passage and others. An attempt to harmonize them will be made here.

Potential discrepancies:

  • 2 Samuel has the place of battle as Gob, not Gezer.
  • 2 Samuel names the slain giant’s son as Saph, not Sippai.
  • Goliath’s slain brother, Lahmi, is not given a name in 2 Samuel.
  • Abishai’s slaying of the giant Ishbi-benob is not given in 2 Chronicles.

Possible solutions:

  • Gob was located close to Gezer and may not have existed in the time of Ezra’s writing of the Chronicles.
  • Saph and Sippai are variations of the same root name.
  • The last two discrepancies merely reflect the author’s purpose or focus. The absence or inclusion of a name or place in one does not preclude it from occurring.

When this chapter is considered, we need to see that God is still at work in the repentant David. He conquers the foes, slays the giants, and has victory in his life. As we see in the chapters that follow, the consequences of his sin with Bathsheba will haunt him all the days of his life.

2 Samuel 10

 

2 Samuel 10 (cf. 1 Chronicles 19)

 

Ammon (modern-day Jordan) were populated with the descendants of Lot (Ammonites). Even though they were distant relatives, there was great hatred between the two nations. God will later pronounce a great judgement on this nation (Ezekiel 25.1-7).

 

After the wars in 2 Samuel 8 (see our study), the king of Ammon died. David sent a contingent of men to show respect to his friend, the deceased king. It seems that Nahash (see 1 Chronicles 19.1) showed David kindness when he fled from Saul. This is the same king that Saul defeated but did not destroy as commanded in 1 Samuel 11 (see our study). Nahash’s son, Hanun, doesn’t think David is on a friendly mission due to the influence of his counselors. It could have been a combination of both reconnaissance and condolences. We see in 2 Samuel 11.1 that David’s armies first attacked Rabbah which is a large Ammonite city.

Shaving the beard and cutting the clothing was an insult tantamount to a declaration of war. As soon as the Israelites left, the Ammonites prepared for battle by hiring mercenaries from Syria.  See our study of Psalm 60 for greater detail concerning the number of men used to fight.

For more information on Joab and Abishai, see our study of 1 Samuel 26. To better understand the battles of this day and other chapters in 2 Samuel, see the map below.

1 Chronicles 17

1 Chronicles 17 (see our study on 2 Samuel 7 for a deeper study of the subject)

One major difference between these two passages is the focus of David’s prayer, which is a result of the purpose of each book. Second Samuel is establishing David as king over all Israel and 1 Chronicles focus is on the religious aspects of David’s life. So, the prayer in 1 Chronicles 17.16-27 focuses on David as the planner of the Temple more so than a military focus. This focus can be seen in Haggai’s focus in Haggai 1 (see PPT analysis of this chapter-more to come if comments are given).

Psalm 132

During times of difficulty or praise, we need to record our prayers, desires, thoughts, and life so we might see God at work in our lives. When trials come, and they will, having a recorded testimony of God’s work in your life along with answered prayers will strengthen you and those around you. What is God writing in your life?

Psalm 132

This is another psalm of ascents and is the longest one. The authorship is unknown. It could have been Davidic (but verses 1, and 10-11 belie this) or Solomonic as a dedication of the newly built Temple. Whoever the author, this is a prayer given which asks God to remember His promises and is in connection with the Ark coming to Jerusalem and with the promise of the building of the Temple. This places the topic of the writing in time with our studies in 1 Chronicles and 2 Samuel (2 Samuel 7.8-16 [see study] and 1 Chronicles 17.11-14 [see our study]). Second Samuel is the Davidic Covenant and 1 Chronicles is the oath by God to build the Temple through David’s son, Solomon.

  • Verses 1-5-Remember David’s oath to build the Temple (see our study on 2 Samuel 5)
  • Verses 6-7-Remember David’s bringing the Ark to Jerusalem (see our study on 1 Chronicles 16). The writer recollects that David heard of the Ark in his youth as seen in the reference to Ephrathah, which is another name for David’s hometown of Bethlehem (Micah 5.2 and Genesis 48.7).
  • Verses 8-10-A prayer for God to remember the Ark and the King. The phrase “Your anointed” could refer both to David’s descendants and his ultimate descendant Jesus Christ, the Anointed One (Messiah).
  • Verses 11-18-A restating of the Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7.8-16)

The prayers of verses 8-10 are answered in verses 16-18.

  • Arise, O LORD, to Your resting place, You and the ark of Your strength (8).
    • This is My resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it (14).
  • Let Your priests be clothed with righteousness (9a).
    • Her priests also I will clothe with salvation (16a).
  • And let Your godly ones sing for joy (9b).
    • And her godly ones will sing aloud for joy (16b).
  • For the sake of David Your servant, do not turn away the face of Your anointed (10).
    • There I will cause the horn of David to spring forth; I have prepared a lamp for Mine anointed. . . . But upon himself his crown shall shine (17, 18b).

During times of difficulty or praise, we need to record our prayers, desires, thoughts, and life so we might see God at work in our lives. When trials come, and they will, having a recorded testimony of God’s work in your life along with answered prayers will strengthen you and those around you. What is God writing in your life?