Creative Space for Wanderers
and David settles into his palace and the Lord gave him rest, the battles are currently done. David looks around at his posh surroundings and makes the statement to Nathan (the prophet) that suggests he needs to build something for the Lord, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of …
The beginning of 2 Samuel continues the narrative from the last chapters of 1 Samuel. In chapter 1, David has finished his campaign against the Amalekites when a messenger appears: “The men fled from the battle,” he replied. “Many of them fell and died. And Saul and his son Jonathan are dead.” This messenger is …
and Chapter 28 records Saul’s encounter with a spiritist, a medium. He disguises himself and finds her in order to ask Samuel a question. Samuel appears to the woman and she instantly knows this is Saul in disguise. Saul assures her he will not harm her. In the vision, Samuel recounts what Saul didn’t want …
Sadly, this text begins with, “Now Samuel died.” Such a powerful legacy of faithful devotion to God and to his people. Israel mourned and David moved on to the Desert of Paran. We come to the story of Abigail and her not-so-great husband. David’s men are sent to ask for favor, Therefore be favorable toward …
and David is alone and on the run. He ends up in Nob and Ahimelek the priest is frightened to see David appear by himself. He gives David food and the sword of Goliath. But the priest answered David, “I don’t have any ordinary bread on hand; however, there is some consecrated bread here—provided the …
David is now coming into his own. Jonathan, Saul’s son and steady warrior, befriends David and essentially adopts him as his brother. This should be good news: Whatever mission Saul sent him on, David was so successful that Saul gave him a high rank in the army. This pleased all the troops, and Saul’s officers …
Samuel addresses the people as Saul begins to rule as king. He summarizes the history of the Israelites and exonerates himself with full support of the people. He is now old and gray and has served faithfully his entire life. What an example. But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with …
Continue reading “Saul’s Foolishness; Saul’s Impulsive Oath and Rejection”
and Samuel becomes the leader for Israel; they listened to his advice and rid themselves of the idols that filled their homes. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the Lord.” Now Samuel was serving as leader of Israel at Mizpah. The Philistines heard the Israelites were gathered together …