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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?

Psalm 62

Who or what do you trust the God described above or men who are here today and gone tomorrow, men who we celebrate, oppressing others to get your way, stealing what you want because you cannot trust God to get to you what you need, or wealth? Each of these are mentioned in this psalm as not satisfying our souls.

Psalm 62

This psalm was written during the time of Absalom’s revolt (2 Samuel 15-18). We can sense the men of David who deserted or lied to him when Absalom rebelled in this psalm. The men were Ahithophel his counselor (4), Shemei the one still loyal to King Saul’s family (4), and Ziba the servant of the crippled Mephibosheth (3).

Another reference to Jeduthun (Psalm 39, 77, and 89). A feature of this psalm is the word “only.” It is repeated six times.

  • My soul waits in silence for God only (1)
  • He only is my rock and my salvation (2)
  • They have counseled only to thrust him down from his high position (4)
  • My soul, wait in silence for God only (5)
  • He only is my rock and my salvation (6)
  • Men of low degree are only vanity and men of rank are a lie (9)

The psalm is neatly divided into three parts by the Selahs (pause).  The first two divisions begin with the same words with one replacement. “Salvation” in verse one is replaced with “hope” in verse five. This presents the one who has received salvation with the surety of its completion (Hebrews 11.1-2).

  • Verses 1-4-As seen above this portion of the psalm is a complaint to God regarding those who have gone against David in his flight from Absalom in 2 Samuel 15. He is trusting in God to bring him safely through this matter.

Selah: Do you desire to wait patiently (Isaiah 40.28-31 and Psalm 103.1-5 [see our study]) or let circumstances and people determine your life?

  • Verses 5-8-David expresses what faith is and it is the essence of things hoped for. David knew that God would bring about His will and that God would be glorified and blessed through these dire circumstances. He then calls people to trust in God even as he does.

Selah: Do you proclaim God’s work in you so that others can glorify Him too?

  • Verses 9-12-David knew that man is temporary and that God is greater. This is the proclamation here.
    • Verses 9-10-The measure of a man is directly related to his relationship with God, which is then defined by his fellowship with God.
    • Verses 11-12-God is a powerful God full of love and mercy. He provides each of us with spiritual gifts and other blessings. He demands that we use these to bless Him and others through Him. We will be judged according to what we have done (Matthew 25.31-46). This is not a judgment of salvation but a critique of works we have done that He has called and created us to do (Ephesians 2.8-10 and Philippians 2.12-14).

When God states something twice as in this verse, it is emphatic. David is telling us to listen carefully (Job 33.14). This is why Jesus would repeat “Amen” to His followers (Verily, verily). He was basically instructing them to listen up, pay close attention, because this will be on the test.

God is described in this psalm as

  • Rock (1-2, 6-7)
  • Salvation (2, 6-7)
  • Defense (2, 6)
  • Glory (7)
  • Refuge (7-8)
  • Power (11)
  • Mercy (12)

Who or what do you trust the God described above or men who are here today and gone tomorrow, men who we celebrate, oppressing others to get your way, stealing what you want because you cannot trust God to get to you what you need, or wealth? Each of these is mentioned in this psalm as not satisfying our souls.

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Psalm 61

When we can look back to see God at work, know that He is at work, and this will lead us, always, to praise Him. Have you praised God for who He is and what He has done lately? Tell someone, write it down.

Psalm 61

This is a psalm of David to be played in worship on stringed instruments (Neginah).

David was thrust out of the city away from the sanctuary during the revolt of Absalom (2 Samuel 15-18). He uses a double entendre here. He wants to return to the rock that is higher than he, which physically, being in the woods of Ephraim, would be Jerusalem and spiritually would be a reference to God Himself. David’s desire is to return to Jerusalem where he knows he can worship and commune with God. Jesus describes this reasoning in John 4 when He speaks with the woman at the well in terms of worship (John 4.15-26). The thought was we needed to be in a specific place to worship God. Jesus corrects this and establishes that God can be worship anywhere, at any time. He is not demeaning corporate worship in a specific place (church) but is expanding the idea of worship to a personal level as-well.

This psalm can be divided in two parts by the Selah after verse four.

  • Verses 1-4-David is basing his prayer and pleas to God not on a wishful thought but on his previous experience with God. In essence, David is saying: “I may not be in Jerusalem, but I am never far from You. So, God, based on who You are and what You have done in my life, I ask You to protect me, to bring me into Your presence.” David knew who God was and what God had done for him and he based his prayers and his life on that truth.

Selah: When times are rough, do you have evidence that God has been at work in you? Do you know Him well enough to trust Him to be there for you (1 John 2.15-17)? Or, do you wishfully think that He might help you that may be based on something that is not truth? Before times are rough, begin to write out how God has used you, how He has been involved in your life, and how He has changed you. When we combine our experience with our knowledge of the Scriptures, we can stand solidly when the rough times attempt to knock us over.

  • Verses 5-8-Can the changes of pronouns begin a prayer for someone other than David. David changes from “I” to “the king” in these verses. This could be a messianic reference for God to present to the world the ultimate Solid Rock.

When we can look back to see God at work, know that He is at work, and this will lead us, always, to praise Him. Have you praised God for who He is and what He has done lately? Tell someone, write it down.

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Psalm 58

How angry do you get over sin in the world? Your sin? Are you praying for God to bring justice to those in the world acting like God but working evil (remember, this will include you)?

Psalm 58

The term in the superscription, “Altaschith,” means “Do not destroy.” It occurs in Psalms 57-59 and 75 (see our study of Psalm 57, 58, 59, and 75). Although the meaning is not clear, some have conjectured that it was a tune of a popular song. Isaiah 65.8 seems to reference it. It is of interest that David uses this term when he is confronted with the possibility of killing King Saul in 1 Samuel 26.9 (see our study of 1 Samuel 26). However, the setting of the psalm is best placed in the time of Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 15-18), hence the placement in our studies.

This psalm expresses in detail what Jesus prayed in Matthew 6.9-13. Early Christian tradition has the psalm describing the treatment the Sanhedrin gave Jesus (Matthew 26.57-68). The division of the psalm presents three parts:

  • Verses 1-5-The Indictment of the Wicked Judges.

These verses present the truth of Romans 1-3, wherein Paul reminds us that none are righteous, all have fallen short, and we are born wicked. David describes these judges as either judging in place of God or acting as if they were gods (1). Verse one can also be translated “speaking righteousness in silence.” This would mean they know what to do but refuse to speak up for the truth. This reminds me of Phil Keaggy’s song “Little Ones.”

  • Verses 6-9-Imprecatory Prayer upon the Wicked Judges.

David’s prayer is quite graphic, presenting various metaphors for God’s judgment upon the ones who do evil. Judges are to represent God in terms of justice and righteousness. In this circumstance, and in the United States today, we find them far from the truth. The point that needs to be made in both periods of history is that the ones who perpetrate the evil are unaware that it is evil. They are doing what “seems right in their own eyes” and is accepted among those who are present. The book of Judges presents this truth. David prays for God to

    • break the teeth in their mouths;
    • tear out the fangs of the young lions, O LORD!
    • let them vanish like water that runs away;
    • like grass let them be trodden down and wither.
    • let them be like the snail that dissolves into slime;
    • like the untimely birth that never sees the sun.
    • sooner than your pots can feel the heat of thorns, whether green or ablaze, may he sweep them away!

These are graphic, swift, and complete. He is asking God to annihilate their presence and memory from the face of the earth.

  • Verses 10-11-The Righteous Vindicated.

Whether in this life or the judgment to come (2 Corinthians 5.10), we will all receive righteous judgment (1 Corinthians 3.11-15). For those who know Christ as Savior, that judgment has been paid through His death. For those who do not know Christ as Savior, that judgment will be paid eternally by them. Who will pay your penalty?

How angry do you get over sin in the world? Your sin? Are you praying for God to bring justice to those in the world acting like God but working evil (remember, this will include you)?

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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.

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).

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Psalm 26

Have God examine your heart today.

Psalm 26

This psalm begins and ends with the desire to bring blessing to the covenant God of Israel  (יְֽהוָה).  David sees a way for this to occur in his life through his integrity, his moral uprightness or righteousness. We find this can only be found in a person who has a right relationship with God and who walks in fellowship with Him.

Due to the topic of this psalm, David’s integrity and God’s grace, many declare that this psalm was written before his failing with Bathsheba. However, the false accusations and the mood of the psalm place it about the time of Absalom’s rebellion with all the false accusations coming against David. This is why it is placed here, in this study, and not prior to 2 Samuel 11.

The words of David, to some, seem proud and boisterous. However, they are no different from his words in Psalm 139.23 where he asks God to search his heart.

Someone once said, “Look at others and be distressed; look at self and be depressed; look at Jesus and you will be blessed.” The thoughts of this anonymous saying present themselves in this psalm. David encourages us to look and examine ourselves (1-5), to focus ourselves on the God of our covenant (6-10), and continue to serve Him (11-12). The only way to truly be blessed is to realize that we are servants of the Most High and serve others in His name. This is true life.

Verses 1-5-Are you living the life God created for you to live? Examine yourself today.  Read our study on Psalm 1 for a call to examine your life.

Verses 6-10-When we look at ourselves, we can get depressed. When we look to others, we can get upset or frustrated or proud. When we focus on God, we can walk on water and we can also see the standard to which He has called us. It is not us or our world that is our standard, it is He who created us who is the standard (Romans 3.23).

In verses 3–5, David presents six reasons for his integrity:

  1. He calls on God’s grace, not his works.
  2. He basis his daily walk on the truth of God’s Word, not his desires, which only someone indwelt with the Spirit of God can claim.
  3. He proclaims that he has not joined in with others whose purpose is to walk away from God.
  4. He refuses to walk with those who have a form of godliness but deny its power (2 Timothy 3.1-5).
  5. He does not gather together with those who seek to do evil. The congregation he seeks is where he can serve God by serving others.
  6. He refuses to commune with those who propose wickedness. He knows he sits at God’s table (see our study of Psalm 23).

How do you measure up to these six reasons?

Verses 11-12-God calls us, knows us, will conform us ultimately into the image of His Son; He called us, He made us righteous, and He will bring it to completion (Romans 8.28-30 and Philippians 1.6). It is all about Him, not us. He has chosen to use His body, the church, as the chosen instrument to help our conformity to His image through the work of the Holy Spirit. Are you involving yourself in the local congregation? Are you actively praising God by serving others there? If not, you are not walking in integrity. This is the heart of this psalm, David’s desire to worship God with God’s people (6-8). David knew in order to do this he needed to be a man in right relationship with God and in fellowship with Him. Jesus stated this in Matthew 5.23-24.

Have God examine your heart today.

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.