Tag: Samuel

Psalm 89

Psalm 89  (See Pastor David’s Sermon on Psalm 89.1)

This psalm struggles with the universal problem of God keeping His promises, much like Psalm 73 struggled with the prosperity of the wicked (see our study).

The psalmist, Ethan the Ezrahite, is referring to the Davidic Covenant which we will cover shortly when we cover 2 Samuel 7 (study to come later). He is complaining that God seems to have forgotten (39-47) His promises (1-38). He then prays that God will remember them (48-51) and ends with praise (52).

Even amidst all this doubt, the psalmist is reminded that God is a God who keeps His word (2 Corinthians 1.18–20 and Romans 15.8):

  • His commitment is incomparable because He is without equal (6)
  • He is overwhelmingly faithful (8, 24, 33)
  • The covenant with Him lasts forever (28–29, 36)
  • His commitment is unbreakable and unalterable (34)

This is how life always played out. We know the promises God has made, we do not see Him keeping them as we presume He should, we shake our fists at Him, then realize that He is God, He is Good, and He will keep His promises as we praise Him. After each section, the psalmist asks us to pause and think through the statements (Selah). When did you last consider the promises of God? If you have doubted whether He keeps them or not, why do you suppose you doubt Him? Have you offered prayers to Him for what He has promised to do, no matter how harsh?

Historical matters

  • This psalm might have been written when Jehoiachin (comp. verses 38-45 with 2 Chronicles 36.9 and 2 Kings 24.10-16) was king and is the second chapter, so to speak, of Psalm 78 (see our study) where God judged the northern kingdom. Here, it might be an indication of His judgment on the southern kingdom.
  • Rahab in verse ten does not refer to the ancestor of David but of Egypt (see our study in Psalm 87).

Music

Psalm 47

Selah-Pause on these two matters. Is God your victory (1 John 4.4 and 5.4) and is Jesus your King (Philippians 2.9-11)? If so, how do those around you know? Do you clap your hands and sing of who He is?

Psalm 47

This is a Maskil of the Korahites probably sung at the annual New Year celebration or at the festive Feast of Tabernacles.

This psalm has been associated with David’s move of the Ark to Jerusalem in 2 Samuel 6(cf. 1 Chronicles 15).  See our study of 2 Samuel.

The psalmist calls us to praise God in verse one, then asks us to pause and consider who this God is in verse four. He then repeats this pattern in verses six and nine. However, he changes from God the Victor to God the Son the King in subject matter. The first is the Father in the past tense and the second is the Son in the prophetic future.

Selah-Pause on these two matters. Is God your victory (1 John 4.4 and 5.4) and is Jesus your King (Philippians 2.9-11)? If so, how do those around you know? Do you clap your hands and sing of who He is?

1 Chronicles 15.1-16.6

When God is worshiped in the manner God commands, we are most blest and He is most glorified.

1 Chronicles 15.1-16.5 (see our study of 2 Samuel 6)

The first twenty-four verses of this chapter are not found in 2 Samuel 6. It may have been added to show what David did in the establishment of the religious center in Jerusalem. He realized he did it wrong (see 2 Samuel 6 and our previous study in 1 Chronicles 13). These verses highlight the extent David went to in order to do things correctly. He surrounds himself with Levites and, particularly, Kohathites (120 of them). This chapter ends with Michal despising David. Chapter 15, verse 25, through the next chapter, the first five verses, are contained in the single chapter of 2 Samuel 6. The phrase that is missing is how David responded to Michal as is found in 2 Samuel 6.

When God is worshiped in the manner God commands, we are most blest and He is most glorified.

1 Chronicles 14

When we do things after we consult God, we will be successful. When we attempt to do things our way, without His counsel, we will ultimately fail.

1 Chronicles 14 (cf. see our study of 2 Samuel 5.11-25)

This chapter is the parallel of 2 Samuel 5.11-15 wherein David is established as a king on an international level as he makes treaties with other countries. It is also seen in his taking of wives (see the study in 2 Samuel 5.11-25 for greater detail).

The two differences lie at the end of each pericope. Second Samuel 5 lists eleven sons while 1 Chronicles lists thirteen sons. The other difference is the fame of David spreading throughout the land (all countries). That is, the military strength of Israel is brought before all the nations that surround Israel. His nation has been established. The only failure to this point was the failure wherein he did not seek God’s counsel that of the Ark remain in the house of Obed-edom. This will be remedied in the next chapter.

When we do things after we consult God, we will be successful. When we attempt to do things our way, without His counsel, we will ultimately fail.

1 Chronicles 13

When we attempt to accomplish God’s means in our own power, no matter how successful we are, we have failed.

1 Chronicles 13 (see our study in 2 Samuel 6.1-11)

The major differences between the parallel passages of 2 Samuel 6.1-11 and 1 Chronicles 13 are found in Uzzah touching the Ark with his hand (see comments in our study of 2 Samuel 6.1-11) and how the army was gathered. The army was gathered by the assembling together of the men under their captains, which is not stated but implied in 2 Samuel (the normal method of taking a muster). The remainder of the chapter is similar.

Another difference is the context of the passage. First Chronicles presents the crowning of David as king over all Israel, both north and south, and not merely of Judah, the south, in 1 Chronicles 12 (see our study). The next step in David’s reign was to establish Jerusalem not only as the political center but the religious center of the kingdom as-well.

Just to add to the thought established in 2 Samuel 6, it is not always in counsel and in enthusiasm that a matter is made right. The troops nor David consulted God at this point in the journey of the Ark to Jerusalem. When we attempt to accomplish God’s means in our own power, no matter how successful we are, we have failed.

1 Chronicles 12

1 Chronicles 12 (cf. 1 Samuel 22, 27, 29, 30)

Our studies in 1 Samuel (22, 27, 29, and 30) covered the material found in the first twenty-two verses of 1 Chronicles 12. So, refer to them for now (more on this chapter will come in the future).

This chapter details the tribes that were loyal to David. Notice in verses 29-30 that some were still loyal to Saul. It was not a clean transition to the throne for David. Looking at verses 38-40, we can see the celebrations that occurred when David was finally proclaimed king over all Israel.

For further insight into these verses refer to these previous studies:

Probably the greatest contrast gathered from these verses is how David and Saul gained followers. When these verses are read, we see that David attracted followers. They were drawn to him. Saul had to draft men into his army (1 Samuel 14.52). Our character and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives attract others to our ministry. What is your character like? How is the Holy Spirit working in you today?

Look over this chapter again. Focus on these verses: 2, 8, 15, 16-18, 32, 33, and 38. What did you notice about these people who were attracted to David? Would you meet these qualifications? Jesus calls each one of us to His service. Does He attract you? Are you qualified for service or has sin stained you for this season? Are you skilled? Yes. The Holy Spirit has gifted you. Are you trained?  Second Timothy 2.15 requires us to do this work. Are you fearless? Again, 2 Timothy 1.7 proclaims that God has given us a spirit that should be fearless. Are you loyal? This is your decision. Will you follow Him regardless of the command? Will you follow His Word and His leaders and help others to do the same? Do you see what is going on around you and desire to change things for God? This is the list. How do you match-up? The good news is that God can qualify you as you surrender to His Word, His will, and His way.

1 Chronicles 11

How faithful have you been to the small things that God has called you to do? Homework? Honoring parents? Truth-telling? Kindness? Etcetera?

1 Chronicles 11 (2 Samuel 5.1-10 and 2 Samuel 23.8-29)

Three verses (70-72) from Psalm 78 present this event (see study). Our 2 Samuel 5.1-10 study presents the activity of verses 1-9 (see study). There is one point added here and that is how Joab becomes the commander of David’s army–he leads the capture of Jerusalem (verses 6-7). We, now, shall turn to the remainder of the chapter.

The thirty-two verses that follow recount David’s mighty men and the feats they accomplished. David had three warriors close to him, then he had thirty, then he had his armies. This list contains the thirty, which would include the three.

I will add thoughts on one of them, Benaiah, later today.

In this list we find those God purposed for greatness through a direct call. Others were purposed for greatness through an indirect call from God through David. Others were purposed for greatness through by being faithful in the small things. We are all purposed for greatness if we choose to follow the small things of God (Mark 10.42-45).

A song from a bygone era states this as-well:  Servant of All (If you want to be great in God’s kingdom (Maranatha Music). Take three-minutes for to listen to this song.

How faithful have you been to the small things that God has called you to do? Homework? Honoring parents? Truth-telling? Kindness? Etcetera?

1 Chronicles 10

When God sees your life, what does He see? Does He see a trend of disobedience leading to destruction or of obedience to His Word, will, and way leading to abundant life? Try Journaling a week of your life to see where you stand.

1 Chronicles 10 (1 Samuel 31.1-13; cf. the study from 1 Samuel 31)

This chapter is a review of the death of Saul with an addition in verses 13-14. This is where we will concentrate this short study.

Ezra, the writer of the Chronicles, gives two reasons for Saul’s death and informs the reader of whom actually killed Saul. Saul did not obey the Word of God nor the way of God. He decided to offer his own sacrifices (see the study in 1 Samuel 13) and payed homage to himself (1 Samuel 15), and then consult a medium (see the study in 1 Samuel 28).

Verse fourteen informs us that God killed Saul. Saul’s death was not by his own hand but by the hand of God. God had let Saul pursue the desires of his heart, which led to death (Proverbs 14.12).

When God sees your life, what does He see? Does He see a trend of disobedience leading to destruction or of obedience to His Word, will, and way leading to abundant life? Try Journaling a week of your life to see where you stand.

Psalm 88

Think of your darkest time, did you quit praying? Remember to focus on Him not on the circumstances.

Psalm 88

This is the last psalm written by a Korahite. This particular Korahite was Heman the Ezrahite. He is either the grandson of Samuel (1 Chronicles 6.33, 1 Chronicles 15.16-22, 1 Chronicles 25.5) who served in solitude leading to the nation rejecting his father and wanting king Saul (cf. the studies from 1 Samuel 3, 1 Samuel 8.1–9, and 1 Samuel 10.23–25). Or, he is from the tribe of Judah and served under Solomon (I Kings 4.29-34). It is believed that he was stricken with leprosy. Either one serves well as their lives fit the psalm: rejected because of sin or rejected because of leprosy. For this post, the grandson of Samuel is chosen as the best fit for the author in that he is a Korahite and a musician in David’s service.

It is written either to a known tune or to an instrument meant for gloom (Mahalath Leannoth). It is a contemplative song used for reflecting on the state of the nation or an individual (Maskil).

This dirge is presented in four stanzas: Heman’s plea (1-2), Heman’s wrestle with death (3-7), Heman’s wrestle with God (8-10), Heman’s continuation with God (11-12), Heman’s plea (13-18).

Verses 1-2-Although this psalm is dark and without written hope, the ray of hope evidence in this and the closing stanza is the knowledge to go to God. Heman turns to God despite what is going on around him. As this psalm is read, we naturally think of the opening chapters of Job where he proclaims: “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13.15).

Verses 3-7-In these verses, Heman gives testimony that it is God who has placed him in this situation. Whether it was by sin or sickness, God allowed Heman’s circumstances to overcome him like a flood. This is the sovereignty of God.

Selah-When we are faced with situations that are overwhelming us, do we acknowledge God’s presence and power?

Verses 8-10-Although verses 8-12 belong together, Heman chose to ask us to pause at the end of verse ten, so we will divide these verses in two parts. He has been rejected by those around him either because of sin or because of sickness (leprosy). He feels as though he is about to die. Yet, he still calls to God each day.

Selah-How tired of calling out to God do we get? Are we exasperated by the delay or the “no” we receive from God in our prayer? Some day I will post a study on prayer; until then, remain persistent. He does incline His ear toward us (1-2).

Verses 11-12-Heman reminds God that the dead do not praise Him. We need to remember to state God’s Word as part of our prayers.

Verses 13-18-No matter the depth of anguish he is experiencing, Heman returns to God and recognizes His hand in all things. He is never given a reprieve from his pain; thus, this psalm is considered the darkest in all 150 chapters of this book.

Think of your darkest time, did you quit praying? Remember to focus on Him not on the circumstances.

2 Samuel 2

David does what we should all do. He inquired of the Lord what he should do next. God informed him to go to Hebron and settle there.

2 Samuel 2

David does what we should all do. He inquired of the Lord what he should do next. God informed him to go to Hebron and settle there. He went with his wives (Ahinoam and Abigail) and his men (the 600). The people of Hebron anointed David king over the southern area of Israel, Judah. He would reign over southern Israel for seven-and-a-half years (verse 11) before he reigned over all Israel, which he did for another thirty-two-and-a-half years.

When David learned of the loyalty of Jabesh-gilead, he blessed them for what they did with Saul in burying him.

We are reintroduced to Abner in this chapter. We learn that he is interested in keeping the royal line in his family, the tribe of Benjamin, and not in the rightful tribe of Judah. He raises another son of Saul, Ishbaal or Ish-bosheth, as the new king. He was a puppet king at the hand of Abner. When Abner dies, all the Israelites were troubled in spirit because they knew Abner was the one who truly reigned.

David’s nephew Joab (and his brother, Asahel, but not Abishai) is also reintroduced (see not with Abner above). The devotion these men had to their cause is startling. They pursued with such intensity that they were unwilling to change their direction for fear of not catching their target. They may have lived or became richer had they turned aside, but they chose to remain true to that which they were called. Asahel knew that if Abner died, Ish-bosheth’s reign would also end.

The duel the two kings set up to determine who would be king is reminiscent of the battle David had earlier with Goliath (1 Samuel 17). It is interesting that after both of these duels, the armies fought anyway. Some commentators state it was because both David and Abner’s men died and no winner was declared. That still does not explain 1 Samuel 17.

How about you? Do you become entangled with what the world offers that you forget the prize that is set before you (Hebrews 12.1-3)?