Month: May 2021

2 Samuel 24, 1 Chronicles 21-22, and Psalm 30

~ Patricia ~ 5 Comments

Today we end 2 Samuel.  Can you believe it!  You have been reading for 144 days.  That’s crazy!

This can be confusing if you just read 2 Samuel and not 1 Chronicles with it at the same time.  1 Chronicles starts with:

“Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.”

There are many reasons to take a census: organizing a battle, taxing the people, BUT David’s motives were neither.  I am not sure if Satan incited a lack of trust in David that the Lord would win his battles for him regardless of his military size or pride in David’s accumulation.   Either way,  God allowed Satan to test him and he failed.   Even ruthless Joab said “What??” But David ordered him anyway.  As a leader, David’s actions brought a consequence to Israel.  God gave David an option for the consequence:

‘Take your choice:

  1. three years of famine, 
  2. three months of being swept away before your enemies, with their swords overtaking you,
  3. or three days of the sword of the Lord—days of plague in the land, with the angel of the Lord ravaging every part of Israel.

Now then, decide how I should answer the one who sent me.

  • Option 1 would put David/Israelites’ survival in the hands of men, merchants, and farmers to survive
  • Option 2 would put David/Israelites’ survival in the hands of his enemies
  • Option 3 would put David/Israelites’ survival in the hands of God

Who is more merciful: men or God?

David said to Gad, “I am in deep distress. Let me fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is very great; but do not let me fall into human hands.” (He chose Option 3)

God took the very thing that David put his confidence in his “70 units” of military strength.  God is a God of mercy and He relented.

David said to God, “Was it not I who ordered the fighting men to be counted? I, the shepherd, have sinned and done wrong. These are but sheep. What have they done? Lord my God, let your hand fall on me and my family, but do not let this plague remain on your people.” There it is!  David is back.  The man after God’s own heart! ❤️

OK, are you ready for this??   

BIG MOMENT!! 

The Temple Location is Chosen.

  • Back in Deuteronomy 12:5 (Before the Hebrews even entered the Promised Land), God said “But you are to seek the place the Lord your God will choose from among all your tribes to put his Name there for his dwelling. To that place you must go”
  • Wait it gets better!  I am a bit unglued already with excitement.  God always knew where His Temple would be built…Go back even further to Genesis 22.  Abraham’s testing.  He was told to sacrifice his son (his one and only son), but a substitute was provided.  Where was that incident??2 Gen 22: Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”
    • If you do not remember this OR jumped in late.  PLEASE go back and read it.  God was giving a complete foreshadow of the Cross.  Click here for that reading.  Even if you remember it…revisit it!
    • The region of Mt. Moriah is the region of Mt. Zion (Zion means “marked”).  God always marked the spot!
  • In 2 Samuel 7 (The Davidic Covenant) David was told by God- “And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed.”

I digress!  Back to today’s reading:  2 Sam 24:18: “On that day Gad went to David and said to him, “Go up and build an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.” So David went up, as the Lord had commanded through Gad.”  King David bought that land, under the instruction of God, and it was on that site the first temple was built. The threshing floor of arauna

This is where the Temple will be built:

The Dome of the Rock stands in its place today, see picture below.  The rock inside the dome is where Islamic people believe Abraham prepared to sacrifice Isaac….but it is also the same rock where Islamic people believe Muhammad transcended to Heaven to hang out with prophets like Moses and Jesus, so they built a Mosque there until he, Muhammad,  returns).  Anyway, back to facts…😉, the Bible…not fiction 😂)

Western Wall with the Dome of the Rock in background | Flickr

God chose a Threshing Floor.  Threshing is essentially dividing – separating the wheat from the chaff. Threshing is weaved throughout the whole Bible.  Even in the Psalms, we read about the contrast between the wicked and the righteous.  But my favorite is in the Gospel when John the Baptist is baptizing believers he says:

“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.  His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

1 Chronicles 22- David begins collecting an enormous amount of material to build the Temple so the Ark of the Covenant could dwell there.  But we call it Solomon’s Temple (not David’s Temple) for a reason.

‘You have shed much blood and have fought many wars. You are not to build a house for my Name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight.  But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side. His name will be Solomon, and I will grant Israel peace and quiet during his reign. He is the one who will build a house for my Name. He will be my son, and I will be his father. And I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.’

But….keep reading…a big IF is coming.  verse 13:
 so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God. Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.

Well, what’s your prediction?  Will Solomon observe the decrees and laws??

Don’t forget to read Psalm 30!

Psalm 95, 97, 98, and 99

~ Patricia ~ 2 Comments

These are called Enthronement Psalms or Royal Psalms.  Most of you cling to the Psalms that Praise and Celebrate God so you will love these.  Even in a “lament” Psalm, you guys (“ya’ll” if you grew up in the South) will read a long Psalm and find that ONE verse that Praises the Lord.  Well, you are in for a wonderful read.

Psalm 95:  I picture a church worship leader feeling the Spirit on his church so powerfully that he grabs the microphone and says with his eyes closed because it is not about himself, but his God

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
    let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving
    and extol him with music and song….

And then the congregation in unison would Praise God.  Now picture God looking down on it.  Whoever the Psalmist was who wrote this did the same thing, he called the Israelites to sing his praises.

There is a clear shift at the end of verse 7.  This psalm is a reminder that praise needs to connect with trust and
obedience.  What were Meribah and Massah?  In a word: Ingratitude!   Complaining about your blessings!  I could screenshot you a text I sent to my closest friend that I was on a rant about just this week about “my messy house”, “my busy schedule”, “my weight gain” “how busy work is”.  From God’s viewpoint: Szymanski’s burdens are: her beautiful house, her healthy busy family, the abundance of food, and her amazing job”.

This is a wonderful Psalm and reminder!

Click here to read Exodus 17if you need a recap

Psalm 97-  As you can imagine after reading this I am ready to set up a Zoom with you and read Revelation!  Don’t dare me…I will!!   So I want you to find a  place and actually sing this.  In your house, at work, go outside for a walk  (and when it goes acapella you better be loud!)

CLICK HERE

Psalm 98– You know when you read something and you know it is NOT a coincidence!  Last night about 11:30  I started researching “leveling the playing field” for work.  I got STUCK on the word Equity.  In other words Equality verse Equity.

And then Psalm 98 ends with-

He will judge the world in righteousness
    and the peoples with equity.

Shut up!  These are the moments I have to say “Are you talking to me” (Yes,  I said that in my Robert De Niro Italian voice”.

Look for your one Word from God sometimes.

Psalm 99-

STOP!  So when I write a post in the Psalms I read only one.  I write one.  I read the next one….So can you picture me writing the above, reopening my BIble and THEN reading –

The King is mighty, he loves justice—
    you have established equity;

Back to Psalm 99.-This may be called the Sanctus, or ‘the Holy, Holy, Holy Psalm,’ for the word ‘holy’ is the conclusion and the refrain of its three main divisions.   God extends Mercy without ever compromising His Holiness.  How?  By answering our prayers and forgiving us.  Think about that.  Our Prayers are undeserved!

2 Samuel 22-23 and Psalm 57

~ Patricia ~ 2 Comments

We began 1 Samuel with Hannah’s Song of Praise, it is only fitting we end Samuel with David’s Song of Praise.  This song is almost identical to Psalm 18.  We haven’t read it yet so I posted I attached it.   OK, I wrote a section-by-section cross-reference post and deleted it because each person is going to read a particular stanza and it will be JUST for them.

Chapter 23:  David’s last words:   We have been reading about David since April 12th.  We took a 40 day Journey on David. Here are his last words:

“The inspired utterance of David son of Jesse,
    the utterance of the man exalted by the Most High,
the man anointed by the God of Jacob,
    the hero of Israel’s songs:

2 “The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me;
    his word was on my tongue.
3 The God of Israel spoke,
    the Rock of Israel said to me:
‘When one rules over people in righteousness,
    when he rules in the fear of God,
4 he is like the light of morning at sunrise
    on a cloudless morning,
like the brightness after rain
    that brings grass from the earth.’

5 “If my house were not right with God,
    surely he would not have made with me an everlasting covenant,
    arranged and secured in every part;
surely he would not bring to fruition my salvation
    and grant me my every desire.
6 But evil men are all to be cast aside like thorns,
    which are not gathered with the hand.
7 Whoever touches thorns
    uses a tool of iron or the shaft of a spear;
    they are burned up where they lie.”

David’s last words centered with a prophecy of the Messiah.  Similar prophecies are recorded in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Zechariah. However, a beautiful confession from David is in verse 2 where he gives all his credit to God who used him as a vessel.

David’s Mighty Men:  We know that the Lord fought his battles for him, but David knew the value of his warriors.  Thirty-Seven of his men deserved special credit for their commitment to David (and the Lord), but The Three were singled out above the rest.

  • Josheb-Basshebeth killed 800 men at one time
  • Eleazar single handily struck down the Philistines
  • Shammah refused to flee and stood his ground and was successful.

Verse 23-39

Thirty heroes are mentioned that were picked from many parts of Israel including Saul’s capital city.  Now that we have read, I am betting you might recognize some of the names at the end 😁.

Psalm 57.  When I read this Psalm I went to my computer and tried to find a worship song that went with it and I just couldn’t find the right feel to it.  What song did you think of?

10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
    your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

 

 

(Here is the Psalm that matched David’s Song of Praise

Click here to see Psalm 18

Psalm 5, 38, 41, and 42

~ Patricia ~ 3 Comments

Psalm 5. Is it just me or does it feel like you are in a “busy season”?  Guess what…we are always in a busy season.  But this verse stood out to me:

3 In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;
    in the morning I lay my requests before you
    and wait expectantly.

So if I text someone, I wait expectantly for those little bubbles on my phone telling me that they are writing back.  I WAIT EXPECTANTLY.  Do you do that with God?  Did you open your Bible this morning KNOWING the moment you opened it, you should have seen the “little bubbles”.

Beautiful Psalm…I am hoping someone cut and pastes their favorite part and puts it in comments.

Psalm 38.  Do you remember I spoke about the penitential psalms?  This is one of them.  Maybe take a minute and search your heart for a sin that you know you committed BUT rationalized it.  That is not repentance.  Actually seeing the sin through God’s eyes, and hating the sin so much that if you could go back in time you would do it differently.

For I am about to fall,
    and my pain is ever with me.
I confess my iniquity;
    I am troubled by my sin

Psalm 41-Once again I am drawn to the overwhelming sadness David feels regarding “words” “slander” “lies” “speaking falsely”.  I can relate.  I know most of you don’t know me but my outward and inward don’t match.  I appear thick-skinned, confident, strong.  It could not be further from the truth.  Lacey said the other day: “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” is a lie!!!!  Hashtag true story!

Psalm 42- Close your eyes (after you click play).  Take 5 minutes.

2 Samuel 19-21

~ Patricia ~ 2 Comments

Chapter 19 starts mid-story with David finding out Absolom has been killed.  Although David’s response is understandable as a father, he ignored his responsibility to the ones that put their lives on the line for him.  Joab gives him a reality check because he feared if David continued mourning him publically he would lose his supporters as King. Joab was really being selfish because if David loses rank it will affect Joab’s high position.   Even though the rebellion started in Judah, by naming Amasa the new commander, it brought peace back into Judah.

You may have picked that the Hebrews are referred to as one of two categories.   Think of it as North and the South.  Eventually, the kingdom will divide in TWO, the two sides will be named Judah and Israel.  This book was written later in history so the writer refers to them as Judah OR Israel.  (We are not divided yet, but we are getting there soon) 😢. This is what it WILL look like:

History in the Bible Podcast | The Two Kingdoms of Israel and Judah

As we read, we can see seeds that the nation is already dividing.  The split between David and Absolom is a major event that truly never healed and it is obvious that David favors the South.

In chapter 19 a man named Shimei asked for forgiveness.  He was the guy who threw rocks at David in chapter 16!  David sees Saul’s grandson (Jonathon’s son) Mephibosheth who admits his servant lied to David; David acts kindly and splits Saul’s estate anyway.

Chapter 20-Sheba a Benjaminite.

Notice that it specifically says Sheba was a Benjaminite, so you have to ask yourself…does that matter?  Yes.  Saul was a Benjaminite so we are still seeing the ripple effect in the tribes from when Saul lost his kingship.  There is a phrase in chapter 20 that I picked up on several times “Joab’s men”. Wasn’t it David’s men??  Take note to these small details as you read.  David’s lack of decisive leadership has caused men to be faithful to Joab so much so that they are referred to as “Joab’s men”.

“A man named Sheba son of Bikri, from the hill country of Ephraim has lifted up his hand against the king, against David. “Hand over this one man, and I’ll withdraw from the city.”

The woman said to Joab, “His head will be thrown to you from the wall.”  You go girl!  (I added that last part)  

Then the woman went to all the people with her wise advice, and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bikri and threw it to Joab. So he sounded the trumpet, and his men dispersed from the city, each returning to his home. And Joab went back to the king in Jerusalem.

I could hang with this woman!

Chapter 21-  We begin the LAST four chapters of 2 Samuel.  The last 4 chapters are like an appendix and not in chronological order.  (Arggg, that makes it tough for us) So if it all made sense to you, you can stop reading here.  Otherwise, I will recap some of this if you were as confused as I was this morning.

In these chapters, there are 2 incidents describing God’s wrath against Israel mixed in with some victories of David.  We will read one of them today.

  • Back in Joshua 9 (seems forever ago), Joshua was attempting to conquer the Promised Land and he was tricked into making a treaty with the Gibeonites,  located in the Benjaminite territory.
      • However, Saul violated this treaty attacking them and killing a bunch.  As a punishment for breaking the treaty, the Lord afflicted the land with a famine for 3 years during David’s reign.  When David discovers the reason for this famine he meets with the surviving Gibeonites and agrees to the request that seven of Saul’s male descendants should be killed in Saul’s capital.

Remember David will ALWAYS keep his covenant with Jonathon so his son Mephibosheth is spared.  The seven were put to death in April (how do I know? It’s Barley season baby) and the LINE OF SAUL IS WIPED OUT!  YIKES!

Normally the dead were buried quickly but not in this case.  The bodies were exposed until God lifted the famine and rain fell.  Then respectfully, the bodies were all gathered as a family and buried with Saul and Jonathon.

verse 15-22 is a series of battles between the Philistines and the Israelites (not necessarily in chronological order).

I found this reading complicated.  Maybe it’s just me.  😉 We are rounding the corner to introduce Solomon and some major historical events!  Hang in there.

Psalm 26, 40, 58, 61, 62, and 64

~ Patricia ~ 3 Comments

Psalm 26.  I picture David writing this the night he was pelted with rocks.  When David asked God to vindicate him, he was praying that the Lord would show others that he had not been guilty of things with which others had charged him.

Psalms 26 - Holy Bible English - BibleWordings.com

I love:

2 Test me, Lord, and try me,
    examine my heart and my mind;
3 for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love
    and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.

Psalm 40-In this psalm, David offered himself as a sacrifice to God because the Lord had delivered him.  This is one of those Psalms that every time a read a verse I say “Oh, that’s my favorite part” and then the next one is my favorite one!

Psalm 58- This psalm shows that David looked to the Lord as the ultimate authority in Israel. David’s view of his own relationship with God was proper.  Even though he had the authority to punish the wicked, he still looked to God as the Person who had final authority over them, and he appealed to Him to act instead.

Psalm 61- Knowing the background to the Psalms put them from black and white to color.  David may have been on the run from Saul, enemies, Israelites, or even Absolom when he wrote this.

Psalm 62-Rock, refuge, fortress.  Where was David when he wrote this? Castle Rock or Cave Rock, is doesn’t; matter, it is what is in his heart.

Interesting Green: Reflection - David's comfort in prayer (Psalm 142)Faith In Action – King David's Thanksgiving | My Lord, My Friend

Psalm 64– When you do this read through again, take note of how many times David talked about the ‘mouth’ or ‘their words’ as the weapon that hurts him the most.

2 Samuel 16-18

~ Patricia ~ 3 Comments

Your handout that looks like this will help you today if you look for some of the names.

David 18+ wives david_s_family_tree.gif (963×731) Polygamy family | Bible family tree, Family bible study, Bible genealogy

Names in the reading:

  • Ziba- he was originally Saul’s servant but then became his grandson’s (Mephibosheth) servant.  Ziba is a liar!
  • Shimei– the stone thrower (from Saul’s tribe)
  • Absolom- the third son of King David, (proclaimed himself king)
  • Abishai- Joab’s brother.  He is loyal to the king.
  • Ahithophel-originally David’s councilor but betrayed him and went to team Absolom.
  • Joab- David’s nephew, army commander (lacks self-control)
  • Hushai-a servant of David sent to Jerusalem as a spy for David against Absalom
  • Zadok-Priests carrying the Ark
  • Abaithar– priest, loyal to Daivd.   (he was the one that told David that Saul had all the priests of Nob killed)
  • Amasa-David’s nephew to go out in place of Joab. (Joab’s cousin).  I am still unraveling this one in my head.
  • Ittai (I love this guy)- he was the foreigner that was more loyal to David than his own people a few days ago.
  • Ahimaaz-Zadok’s son

There are a few others but these are most of them.

I had to read the beginning several times (I kept getting confused).  In short, David runs into 2 people from Saul’s family.  First, Ziba, the servant to Saul’s grandson Mephibosheth.  (He was the one with the disabled legs we read about a few weeks ago).  Ziba brings David supplies and cons him into giving him Sauls’ estate.😠

Then he runs into Shimei who threw stones at David (I bet David wrote some Psalms about this horrible day)  He calls him a murderer, a scoundrel, and that his son Absolom is now the king (ummm no he is not!)  Abishai (who I like!) says “Put me in coach! I will cut off his head”. But David leaves it in the Lord’s hands and spares his life.

Let’s go back to Chapter 12 when Nathan the Prophet said to David after sleeping with Bathsheba:

11 “This is what the Lord says: ‘Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity on you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will sleep with your wives in broad daylight. 12 You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.’”

We discussed the calamity…now the underlined portion of the prophecy.

Ahithophel tells David’s son to sleep with his concubines for everyone to see.  Usually, a king’s concubines belonged to the successor, so by this action, Absolom asserts his kingship.  Now all of Israel thinks he is the new king. (Ummm, no he’s not)

The other day in Chapter 15 David was upset and he prayed to the Lord (2 Sam 15:31)

“Now David had been told, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David prayed, “Lord, turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness.”

And that is exactly what the Lord did!  His advice was not taken (which is rare for a man in his position) and when the advice was not followed he hanged himself. (Such Pride!)

Absolom continues to build an army.  The parallel position of Joab (David’s top commander) was replaced by the very man that had married David’s first wife Abigail, and David summoned her back.  Clearly, he does not like David so it was a strategic move on Absolom’s part.    David went to battle, and unlike his mistake in the past, he says in chapter 18:2: “I myself will surely march out with you”. (But tenderhearted David tells his troops to be gentle with his son Absolom).

However, Joab was done with this tomfoolery of protecting Absolom, and the physical characteristic of Absolom that showed his strength and his good looks was the very thing that got him killed: his lush hair!

An encounter with Yeshua: Absalom's death: a Phyrric victory for King DavidAbsalom: Caught by Head or Hair? – Crossroads Bible Church

They buried his body under a monument of rocks mocking his own monument to himself he had previously erected called “Absolom’s monument”.

For all the reasons the Lord loves David, we do too,  because even after everything Absolon had committed against him, David always had a heart. ❤️

If you feel like reading ahead the Psalms that follow this read for tomorrow are:

Click here

Psalm 3,4,12,13,28,55

~ Patricia ~ 3 Comments

Before you read these, take a moment to put David’s life in perspective.  Some of us will relate to a time when this mimicked our own life on some level.  If you don’t, then look for the one verse you will cling to when trials will come your way.  Write them down and tuck them in your Bible.

David had reigned for decades as one of the most powerful monarchs in the world. He had extended Israel far beyond its borders. He had become wealthy, living in a palace with his many wives and servants. He had the absolute authority of life or death over everyone with whom he had dealings. No one dared to get on his bad side.

Beyond the Sunday School - A Bible Blog by Jacob Cherian: 9/15/13 - 9/22/13

But then David sinned with Bathsheba and ordered the death of her husband, Uriah. Although David subsequently repented when the prophet Nathan confronted him, David’s sins set in motion a series of God-ordained devastating consequences.

  • David’s oldest son, Amnon, raped his half-sister, Tamar.
  • Tamar’s brother, Absalom, took revenge by murdering Amnon.
  • Absalom fled into exile for several years but later was permitted to return. But after his return, David refused to see his son for two years.
  • The resentment built and Absalom began to gather the disgruntled people in the kingdom, offering himself as a more sympathetic leader than his powerful father was.

David realized that to survive, he had to flee the capital immediately. All of his servants and their little ones grabbed what they could and took off towards the wilderness. David followed them, weeping, and walking barefoot with his head covered in shame.

It was David’s most traumatic, humiliating experience in his entire life. Everything that he had spent his life working for had suddenly unraveled. Many whom he had thought were allies and friends had abandoned him and the most painful wound of all was the betrayal of Absalom. It brought home to David his own failure as a father. One son was murdered, a daughter was raped, and the murderer was now after his own father’s life in addition to his kingdom. Life was falling apart for David.

Psalm 3 has been called the “morning psalm” while Psalm 4 might be the “evening psalm’.

Psalm 12 and 13.  Such an emotional contrast.  Trusting in Him yet feeling forgotten.

Psalm 28.  As a woman, I can say I am an emotional rollercoaster (most of the time).  This Psalm gave me Peace.

Psalm 55.  What is the battlefield?  Our thoughts.

1 Listen to my prayer, O God,
    do not ignore my plea;
2     hear me and answer me.
My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught
3     because of what my enemy is saying,
    because of the threats of the wicked;
for they bring down suffering on me
    and assail me in their anger.

But as for me, I trust in you.

Correction made 🤪

~ Patricia ~ Leave a comment

Good Morning. I read the correct reading this morning but the title was wrong. 2 Sam 13-15. It is not a difficult read BUT it is one that you will need to pay attention to. A lot of names. I attached a highlighted family tree AND Quizlet notecards to help. Have a wonderful Saturday!

2 Samuel 13-15

~ Patricia ~ 3 Comments

(I highlighted it for you)

 

Amnon is the firstborn son, (important to note) fell in love lust with his sister (from another mother).  (God told them not to take more than 1 wife for a reason).  Amnon’s cousin (David’s nephew) advises him to concoct this horrible plan to sleep with her and it ends in rape.  Unlike the rape of Dinah, Jacob’s daughter, Amnon hated her after rather than loving her more.

Verse 21: don’t miss it:  “When King David heard all this, he was furious.”  And???  Where is the David that followed the Law of Moses?  Where is the David that inquired of the Lord?    He did nothing!  Oh, David!!

Absolom avenged the death of his sister (just like Simon and Levi did for Dinah).  Obviously, they have been circumcised already, so Absolom used drunkenness to plan his attack and killed Amnon.  Absolom knew that he would be brought to trial at a city of refuge and found guilty so he fled.

David’s reluctance to disciple is a major character flaw in David which has set in motion the “calamity” that was prophesied after his own adultery with Bathsheba and murdering her husband Uriah.  I can only assume, his own past is what is keeping him from dealing with these situations.  How can he find others guilty for the same sins he himself committed.

Well, he is the appointed King…that is his job!

So what is the undercurrent in all this?  THE THRONE!  The heir has been killed and next in line will be Absolom.  In this court case, we just established a motive (I feel like Perry Mason).  If Absolom becomes king, his right-hand man will be his advisor: Jonadeb!

Calamity!

(If you had to read that more than once, join the crowd…too many names.  The printout will help)

Before we go any further can we recall that we are not supposed to have an earthly king?

Back in Deuteronomy 17 God gave instructions for a King.  Click here if you want to read it.

Summary: A king…

  1. He must be the one the Lord chooses
  2. He must not multiply his horses for military purposes
  3. He must not acquire many wives
  4. He must make a copy of the Law and have it with him at all times.  He will read it every day.

Chapter 14-  Since David responded so well when Nathan told the parable of the rich man/poor man/ewe (a few days ago in our read), Joab uses the same tactic to shed light on the situation to David. David rules “not one hair will fall to the ground”  What??? The parable allows David to make a judgment on the consequence RATHER THAN following the Law of Moses (wasn’t that #4 in the list from above).  Absolom is spared any discipline and he and his gorgeous thick hair that weighed 5 pounds when cut “that not one will fall to the ground” return to Jerusalem but are not permitted to see David.

Absolom is turning into a real “donkey”!  He is like a child and wants his own way, and burns Joab’s field to make it happen.    Chapter 14 ends with:

33 So Joab went to the king and told him this. Then the king summoned Absalom, and he came in and bowed down with his face to the ground before the king. And the king kissed Absalom.

The kiss represents a sign that he has been forgiven.

Chapter 15- Finally, Absolom gets the ball rolling to make himself the king!  For 4 years he and his lush hair become very popular and wins the hearts of the people (betraying David).

4 And Absalom would add, “If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that they receive justice.”

5 Also, whenever anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him. 6 Absalom behaved in this way toward all the Israelites who came to the king asking for justice, and so he stole the hearts of the people of Israel.

Up to this point, David has never been defeated in a battle against his enemies, yet he flees Jerusalem because of his beloved son, Absolom!

10 Then Absalom sent secret messengers throughout the tribes of Israel to say, “As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpets, then say, ‘Absalom is king in Hebron.’” (keep looking at the list above)

He has more support from a foreigner named Ittai, who he just met,  than his own family.21 But Ittai replied to the king, “As surely as the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be.”

When David flees he takes the ark with him (and the Priest: Zadok)

14 Genealogy of Jesus ideas | genealogy of jesus, bible, bible study

Lots of names today:

“Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David prayed, “Lord, turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness.”

Ahithophel WAS originally David’s counselor. Benedict Arnold!!

So David put spies in place as he hides. 😢3 7 So Hushai, David’s confidant, arrived at Jerusalem as Absalom was entering the city.

Calamity with a capital C.

Comment question:  Why is this a 2 Samuel read-only and omitted from Chronicles?  Answer in comments.