Category: OTC

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Solomon Rules

1 Kings 2-3 and Psalm 51

Psalm 51 is one of my favorites, forever implanted in my memory. Nathan revealed King David’s horrible transgressions with Bathsheba and against Uriah (2 Samuel 11ff) and David confessed. A man after God’s heart, this psalm is attributed to David as his plea for forgiveness.

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
so that sinners will turn back to you.” Psalm 51:10-13

Such great words! The tune is still in my mind from years ago when our high school a cappella choir sang these words…yes, a public high school with over 100 students in the choir singing these words in competitions throughout the state. Those were the days. Even today I reflect and request of God to restore the joy of my salvation, which he does every day as I sit and read and write these words. Thank you Lord for your love and your great desire to forgive, we would all be lost indeed without both!

Chapter 2 begins with David’s charge to Solomon to “be strong, act like a man” (1 Kings 2:2). I’ve seen this phrase in other places…interesting translation, but I don’t want to read too much into it, simply put: don’t be a child. David implores Solomon to wrap up a few loose ends he was never able to tie: Joab and Shimei. These two, David encourages Solomon to announce their death. For his friends during his escape from Absalom, peace.

Adonijah has one more card to play. He’s given up the idea that he can be the king, so he makes a move for the woman sent to comfort David in his last days by asking Bathsheba to ask Solomon. She doesn’t appear to appreciate the weight of the request when she asks, but Solomon immediately responds and Adonijah is killed for his foolishness–he violated the principal and Solomon removes him before any insurrection arises.

Joab gets the news and heads for the tent of the Lord and grabs the horns of the altar. This is the first time Joab has ever shown any fear. Interesting, though not for long, that is, Benaiah was dispatched to kill Joab. Done.

Shimei is next on the list. Solomon calls him in and gives him some strict orders, essentially allows him to live in Jerusalem, but not to leave and cross the Kidron Valley. Shimei agrees to the plan, but 3 years later he defied the orders and Benaiah strikes again. Shimei is dead.

Chapter 2 ends: “The kingdom was now established in Solomon’s hands.”

Solomon enters a pact with Egypt and marries one of Pharaoh’s daughters (strange customs in those days). Interesting to note:

Solomon showed his love for the Lord by walking according to the instructions given him by his father David, except that he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places. 1 Kings 3:3

Even with this exception, the Lord meets with Solomon and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (1 Kings 3:5) Solomon’s answer is beyond wise:

So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. 1 Kings 3:9

The Lord is pleased with his answer and grants his desire and then some: “both wealth and honor.”

Solomon begins his governing with a wise ruling over two prostitutes arguing over a baby. The women both claim the child is theirs, so Solomon provides a solution: let’s cut the baby in half and you can each have your share! This, of course, identifies the true mother and the child is returned.

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Aged David Makes Solomon King

1 Kings 1 and Psalm 50

Psalm 50 spoke to me this morning:

But to the wicked person, God says: “What right have you to recite my laws or take my covenant on your lips? You hate my instruction and cast my words behind you…”Psalm 50:16-17

The psalm compares those who are good, striving to serve God and beginning in verse 16, those who are wicked. Currently, our nation is divided because of our elected president. Many people who claim to be Christ followers have taken sides. When I read the quote above I see there are many that fall into this camp, casting God’s words behind them. Simply makes me sad. Should I be mad as well? Should I join the throngs that march?

Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.Psalm 50:14-15

Lord, give me wisdom to offer thanks to you, to fulfill the vows to honor and give you all the glory.

David Makes Solomon King

David is so old that his attendants have to have someone sleep with him to keep him warm (not a sexual advance). He’s coming to the end of his days and everyone knows the time is nearly come.

Adonijah, the next son in succession after Absalom, takes it upon himself to become David’s successor. He doesn’t ask, but David hasn’t actually said anything in rebuke, so Adonijah presses on. He quite intentionally doesn’t invite Nathan (the prophet) and others close to David, but he does get the support of Joab and Abiathar the priest, so they head off to begin establishing themselves by offering sacrifices.

Nathan hears about this and confers with Bathsheba (Solomon’s mother). He advises her to go to David and tell him what is going on, assuming David doesn’t know, and remind him of his promise to the Lord that Solomon would become king after David. Nathan assures her he will follow right behind so David gets a one-two punch reminder of his oath.

Bathsheba goes in and reminds David, followed by Nathan. David doesn’t miss a beat. He recalls Bathsheba and proclaims “Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he will sit on my throne in my place.” 1 Kings 1:30 Further, David gave instructions for Solomon’s anointing and presentation to the people.

Blow the trumpet and shout, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ Then you are to go up with him, and he is to come and site on my throne and reign in my place.1 Kings 1:34-35

Meanwhile, Adonijah’s party hears the commotion and wonders what’s happening. Abiathar’s son Jonathan comes to give a report, not the news they wanted to hear, “Not at all!” (1 Kings 1:43) I’m sure he remembered that messengers bringing bad news to kings had fatal results, so Jonathan lets them know up front: I have bad news to tell!! He’s careful to report accurately without gloating or emotion, facts.

At this, all Adonijah’s guests rose in alarm and dispersed. 1 Kings 1:49

We’re outta here! Everyone, including Adonijah, is afraid of what’s next (although there’s no hint that Joab is concerned). He asks Solomon to swear that he will not be harmed. Solomon, already wise, even before asking for the blessing of wisdom replies:

If he shows himself to be worthy, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground; but if evil is found in him, he will die. 1 Kings 53

Adonijah comes and bows before Solomon and Solomon sends him home. The conclusion of this thread is in the next chapter. Spoiler alert: not so good for those who crossed David in the past!

And so we have the introduction to the Kings beyond David and the drama begins to unfold. I’ve never watched Game of Thrones, only seen ads and snippets, but it seems like it could be based on narratives such as this (okay, loosely based, but you get what I mean). Up and down. Lies and deceit. May we learn what was said in Psalm 50 and give God the honor and glory.

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David’s Kingdom Reestablished; The Census

2 Samuel 21-24

The NIV Study Bible notes that this section is like an appendix to the story of 1st and 2nd Samuel. It contains narrative descriptions of David dealing with God’s wrath as a result of Saul, 2 Samuel 21:1-14 and his own errors, 2 Samuel 24:1-25.

Dealing with Saul’s Mess – The Gibeonites Avenged

There was a famine during David’s reign “on account of Saul and his blood-stained house; it is because he put the Gibeonites to death,” says the Lord! (2 Samuel 21:1) The penalty for Saul’s aggressive behavior is impossible to understand from our current, somewhat civilized perspective. David approaches the Gibeonites and asks what he can do to make amends. The Gibeonites have this brutal request:

As for the man who destroyed us and plotted against us so that we have been decimated and have no place anywhere in Israel, let seven of his male descendants be given to us to be killed and their bodies exposed before the Lord at Gibeah of Saul — The Lord’s chosen one. 2 Samuel 21:5-6

David complies. Seven men are killed, including a second Mephibosheth (not Jonathan’s son) and their bodies put on display. The rains commence. This story clearly falls into the category of that which is beyond my comprehension. To merely say this demonstrates obedience and David’s desire to make amends for Saul’s error is difficult to swallow. One could easily misinterpret this to suggest humans were sacrificed to appease God, after all, once they are on display, the rains begin. The warning here is to avoid taking things out of context and building a counter-story to support pagan aggression. Lord, give us peace and understanding as we read these histories.

Four Descendants of Rapha (giants)

Chapter 21 concludes with a brief description of David’s men protecting him by killing four giants: “These four were descendants of Rapha in Gath, and they fell at the hands of David and his men.” 2 Samuel 21:22 The four include:

  1. Ishbi-Benob: killed by Abishai (Joab’s brother)
  2. Saph: killed by Sibbekai the Hushathite
  3. brother of Goliath: killed by Elhanan son of Jair the Bethlehemite
  4. Six-toed, Six-fingered (24 in all): killed by Jonathan son of Shimeah, David’s brother

Dealing with David’s Mess – David’s Census

Chapter 24 describes a time when David sent his army out to take a census, typically a prideful act merely meant to boast about the size of the kingdom. God did not prompt David. Surprisingly (to me), Joab objects, “why does my lord the king want to do such a thing?” 2 Samuel 24:3 The census took nine months and twenty days (but who was counting!!).

David was conscience-stricken after he had counted the fighting men, and he said to the Lord, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, Lord, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing.” 2 Samuel 24:10

Through the prophet Gad, the Lord gives David three options:

  1. three years of famine
  2. three months of fleeing from your enemies
  3. three days of plague

David picked option #3 and 70,000 people died. Seventy thousand.

When David saw the angel who was striking down the people, he said to the Lord, “I have sinned; I, the shepherd, have done wrong. These are but sheep. What have they done? Let your hand fall on me and my family.” 2 Samuel 24:17

Gad tells David to build an altar where the angel of death stopped, so he goes to Araunah to purchase the threshing floor to build an altar and offer a sacrifice. Araunah offers to give “whatever he wishes,” but David insists on paying for the property. The NIV Study Bible notes this will ultimately become the site of the temple.

The plague relented, the Lord answered David’s prayer.

Award Ceremony

2 Samuel 23:8-39 provides a list of valiant fighting men and give a snippet of their actions during David’s reign as king. This reads like an award ceremony as part of David’s concluding remarks near the end of his life.

David’s Song of Praise

2 Samuel 22:2-51 and Psalm 18 both include an overarching song that sings of God’s protection and strength in battles won because of the Lord. We can cherry-pick a few verses and feed our egos, but I’m pretty confident David is not gloating over victories nor his position as king:

Therefore I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
I will sing the praises of your name.He gives his king great victories;
he shows unfailing kindness to his anointed,
to David and his descendants forever. 2 Samuel 22:50-51, Psalm 18:49-50

David’s Last Words

These include just a few words that, once again, point to God for his blessings,

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… 2 Samuel 23:5

Not quite the actual last words of David, but we’re getting close to his appointment of Solomon as we switch from Samuel to Kings.

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Absalom’s Rebellion and Defeat

2 Samuel 15-20 and Psalm 48

The narrative for this story has several plot lines. The first involves Absalom’s deception and rise to power.

Absalom begins taking steps to establish himself as judge and then as king by acting as if he truly cared, “he stole the hearts of the people of Israel” (2 Samuel 15:6). Slowly and surely, Absalom turned people toward himself and away from David. Perhaps the people knew that David is getting older and a new king only made sense. David’s response: run!

David is a shrewd leader, far greater than his son Absalom and his charismatic style of leadership. David plants an informant (Hushai) inside Absalom’s advisor team to frustrate Ahithophel’s advice (2 Samuel 15:31-34). Hushai gives advice that seems better then Ahithophel to Absalom. Essentially, the first was a tactical strike that removed David, the second was a massive attack that fed Absalom’s ego and need for visibility.

Side note: Shimei son of Gera sees David and his men running off into hiding and decides it makes sense to protest, to throw dirt and stones at his men. David shrugs it off and lets him continue his tirade. Interesting that it’s mentioned here (2 Samuel 16:5-14). It’s concluded in 2 Samuel 19:16-23).

Absalom marches out on his donkey as a king riding onto certain victory. David deploys his troops strategically and they do what the do best, inflicting some 20,000 casualties immediately! David’s one order was to be kind to Absalom, but Joab is involved in this fight–not going to go well for sure!

Now Absalom happened to meet David’s men. He was riding his mule, and as the mule when under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom’s hair got caught in the tree. He was left hanging in midair, while the mule he was riding kept on going. 2 Samuel 18:9

Absalom was proud of his personal beauty, his lovely hair. His vanity now gets the best of him. As he is hanging there Joab learns of his location and tosses 3 javelins into his heart. Joab’s men make sure he’s dead. Joab has done what Joab does best. He knows the news will not go well, so he devises a plan to soften the blow. When David finds out Absalom is dead he grieves openly.

O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom, my son, my son! 2 Samuel 18:33

Joab is ticked! He confronts David and rebukes his behavior.

“Today you have humiliated all your men, who have just saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and the lives of your wives and concubines. You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you.” 2 Samuel 19:5-6

David does what Joab says, but puts Amasa in charge of the army in place of Joab (2 Samuel 19:13. Joab is cool and calculating as ever. He waits for the opportunity. Chapter 20 shows this doesn’t take long. A troublemaker, Bikri, decides to stir the pot. He musters the men of Israel (except Judah) to defy David. David tells Amasa to summon the men of Judah, so he goes out to deliver the message, but takes too long (he’s still new!). David then orders Abishai to find Bikri, so Abishai (and his brother Joab), set off to pursue Bikri.

Amasa meets Joab along the way. Not a good plan. Joab takes his dagger and splits open the belly of Amasa so his intestines fall out and leaves him in the middle of the road to wallow in his blood and die. The troops rally around Joab, their seasoned commander. Someone drags Amasa off the road and covers him with a garment to let him die.

Joab corners Bikri and builds a siege ramp in preparation to destroy the entire city.

While they were battering the wall to bring it down, a wise woman called from the city, “Listen! Listen! Tell Joab to come here so I can speak to him.” 2 Samuel 20:18

A wise woman. Odd isn’t it? An army advances on a city, has time enough to build a siege ramp and begins battering down its walls and a woman appears to negotiate with this brutal warrior. Joab agrees to the meeting and somehow agrees to cease operations if she will deliver Bikri’s head.

The 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. 2 Samuel 20:22

End of Absalom. End of Amasa. End of Bikri. David is fully restored as king with Joab as the commander of the army.

As God promised David, his years would be filled with bloodshed, living by the sword.

[Nathan speaking] Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own. This is what the Lord says: “Our 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. 2 Samuel 12:10-11

All this came to pass in this narrative. Absalom setup a tent and had sex with David’s concubines on the roof of the palace for all to see. Amasa was his own flesh and blood (somewhere in the lineage) and Absalom, of course, was one of his sons.

Through it all, David remains steadfast as a man of God. He openly expresses his anguish and joy throughout the psalms. One lesson I take from this narrative is simply this: I can only be fully responsible for my own actions, not that I should condone anyone else’s behavior, but I can decide to follow Christ, regardless of what goes on around me. There will be Shimei’s of the world to throw dirt and stones at me, even shout obscenities, but I must remain steadfast. Lord, help my actions, my words, my loyalty, my love to be ever yours in this day and age. Teach me to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ, to be one worthy of making disciples who make disciples, even if that number is only one. May you be honored through all of my actions.

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David’s Problem Sons

2 Samuel 13-14

Amnon, David’s first son, lusts after his beautiful sister Tamar to the point of obsession. He asks his advisor for a plan to get Tamar alone with him so he can seduce her. She refuses to be disgraced and Amnon rapes her then sends her out.

When King David heard all this, he was furious. And Absalom never said a word to Amnon, either good or bad; he hated Amnon because he had disgraced his sister Tamar. 2 Samuel 13:21-22

Absalom’s anger boiled inside of him. Two years later, he exacts his revenge and has Amnon killed. It’s an odd story, but part of it includes David listening to Jonadab son of Shimeah, his brother, the same “advisor” that gave Amnon the plan to rape Tamar. In this narrative, Jonadab tells David the rumor of all of his sons being killed is inaccurate, “only Amnon is dead” (2 Samuel 13:32). Absalom fled and hid for three years. “And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he was consoled concerning Amnon’s death.” (2 Samuel 13:39)

Chapter 14 describes Joab’s effort to reinstate Absalom by having David forgive him. Joab uses a wise women to tell David a story that convicts him and compels him to have Joab retrieve Absalom. Joab goes and gets Absalom with a proviso:

Then Joab went to Geshur and brought Absalom back to Jerusalem. But the king said, “He must go to his own house; he must not see my face.” So Absalom went to his own house and did not see the face of the king. 2 Samuel 14:23-24

After another two years, Absalom demands to see the king, but Joab refuses to even come to him, so Absalom sets Joab’s field on fire to get his attention (I’m thinking it is not a good idea to make Joab angry).

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 2 Samuel 14:33

We pick up the story of Absalom tomorrow.

 

2 Samuel 3:2-3

Sons were born to David in Hebron:
His firstborn was Amnon the son of Ahinoam of Jezreel;
his second, Kileab the son of Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel;
the third, Absalom the son of Maakah daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; …

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David and Bathsheba

2 Samuel 10-12 and Psalm 47

Before diving into the main theme today, chapter 10 recounts the foolish behavior of Hanun, the son of the king of the Ammonites. David sent an envoy to show kindness, but Hanun was advised by his commanders, “David sent them to you only to explore the city and spy it out” (2 Samuel 10:3). They decided to humiliate the men and send a signal to David,

So Hanun seized David’s envoys, shaved off half of each man’s beard, cut off their garments at the buttocks, and sent them away. 2 Samuel 10:4

From the narrative, David did not overreact to this ridiculous behavior. He sent messengers to his envoys and had them go to Jericho until their beards grew back. I suppose he replaced their robs and gave them grace. Hanun, however, knew he was an idiot and continued his foolish ways by hiring an army to attack Israel. David dispatched Joab to handle the aggression. Suffice it to say, it didn’t go well with Hanun and the Arameans no longer took contracts with the Ammonites!

Chapters 11 & 12 contain the narrative that describes David’s great sin. His lust for Bathsheba dominates his thinking and demonstrates what can happen when leaders’ actions go unchecked, the shameful abuse of royal powers. This should be required reading for any in leadership positions.

Similar to the account in chapter 10, David sends Joab out to deal with the Ammonites. I’ve heard sermons suggest David was getting lazy in his old age, but reading this today, it seems like the normal course of events: send Joab, if he needs help (doubtful), David will join the battle. In any case, David and his wandering eyes survey the city beneath him and sees Bathsheba bathing herself on a rooftop. She’s bathing because her menstrual cycle is over and she is now able to rejoin society (from unclean to clean). Clearly, she is not pregnant.

David sends for her. No pretense here. It’s not like he’s looking for a partner to play cards with. It didn’t take long to discover she was pregnant. David’s first plan is to get Bathsheba’s husband home from the battle so he would sleep with her and conceal David’s affair. Uriah, however, is an honorable soldier,

How could I go to my house to eat and drink and make love to my wife? As surely as you live, I will not do such a thing! 2 Samuel 11:11

How can Uriah lead his men in battle if he gets a break from war while they’re out fighting? He knows his men will hear about this, so he chastens himself and sleeps at the palace entrance.

The second plan was to get Uriah drunk, so he stayed another day, but still refused to go home. Now considering David was watching Bathsheba from the palace, it’s not far to his house. Bathsheba, on the other hand, probably knew Uriah was there, but dared not go to him. This was probably a cultural breech of protocol (my guess), but certainly didn’t want him to detect she was pregnant. Anyway, as close as home was, Uriah refused.

The third plan was outright cruel. In a letter to Joab he wrote, “Put Uriah out in front where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from his so he will be struck down and die.” 2 Samuel 11:15 Joab doesn’t blink and it’s no surprise that Uriah was killed that day. Joab sends a messenger with a warning that the king might overreact, so he reminds the messenger about Samson’s son being killed under similar battle conditions, blah, blah, blah. Joab is not fool. He knows that David had a plan to murder Uriah and he is playing along. David continues the drama by responding with words to “encourage Joab.” Seriously!

Bathsheba is told about Uriah’s death. After a period of obligatory morning, she becomes one of David’s wives.

Nathan Rebukes David

“The Lord sent Nathan to David.” (2 Samuel 12:1) David has no clue what’s about to unfold. Nathan tells a story that pits a rich man against a poor man. The rich man acts outrageously in the story and David’s anger is aroused, “As surely as the Lord live, the man who did this must die!” (2 Samuel 12:5)

Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. I gave your master’s house to you, and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you all Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more…” 2 Samuel 12:7-8

The words then get specific, revealing the secret actions of David. David immediately confesses, “I have sinned against the Lord.” You don’t say.

Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But because by doing this you have shown utter contempt for the Lord, the son born to you will die.” 2 Samuel 12:13-14

The sin is forgiven. Sadly, the child dies, but David’s confession is heartfelt, he is sincere.

Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and made love to her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. 2 Samuel 12:24

Solomon is the son of David and Bathsheba. That is remarkable, a detail that should not be overlooked. The relationship began with sin: David’s lust for Bathsheba and no signs of her complaining that the king wanted her. Both sinned, though clearly David’s was far greater. God still forgives as we know Solomon will rise to great power.

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God’s Promise to David; Mephibosheth

2 Samuel 7-9 and Psalm 46

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 God remains in a tent” 2 Samuel 7:2. Nathan has vision from the Lord that assures David’s family line and his fame, but also says David will not build the temple. David’s response includes:

How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears. 2 Samuel 7:22

Chapter 8 highlights some of David’s victories over the Philistines, the Moabites, Hadadezer, the Arameans who came to help Hadadezer and the Edomites. “The Lord gave David victory wherever he went.” 2 Samuel 7:14

Chapter 9 records David’s kindness to Mephibosheth. David discovers Mephibosheth is Jonathan’s son and invites him to the palace as a way to honor any of Saul’s descendants, especially Jonathan.

Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?” 2 Samuel 9:8

David demonstrates his loyalty by giving him “everything that belonged to Saul and his family” 2 Samuel 9:9.

And Mephibosheth, grandson of your master, will always eat at my table. 2 Samuel 9:10

The fact that Mephibosheth is lame in both feet is mentioned more than once; this must be especially important to notice. My guess is this makes him socially awkward at best, certainly unable to fight or defend his family. I suspect he would be considered one of “the least of these” among his people. David includes Mephibosheth at the royal table.

In such a time as this where kings won their position in battle and their children ruled in succession, David changes the conversation. No more discussion about Saul or his descendants. End of discussion.

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David Gains Power, Takes Jerusalem

2 Samuel 1-6

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.” 2 Samuel 2:4

This messenger is a scoundrel, and a fool, groveling to win David’s favor. His lips deceive him as he fabricates the story of Saul’s death and his flippant statement that Jonathan is dead weighs heavily on David. While there’s no indication that David knows the truth, perhaps there is some divine discernment in this Amalekite’s testimony. In any case, David’s verdict is swift.

Then David called one of his men and said, “Go, strike him down!” So he struck him down, and he died. For David had said to him, “Your blood be on your own head. Your own mouth testified against you when you said, ‘I killed the Lord’s anointed.’” 2 Samuel 1:15-16

David grieves for Saul and Jonathan. True to form, he expresses his emotion in song. He demonstrates great respect for “the Lord’s anointed” and his great love for his “brother” Jonathan. David is not looking forward to this day and he does not rejoice that the crazy man is dead.

“In the course of time,” chapter 2 begins, David asks the Lord for direction and is told to go to Hebron where he is officially crowned King of Judah. Meanwhile, Abner is executing his plan on Saul’s side and appoints Ish-Bosheth king of Israel since he is one of Saul’s sons.

Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, had taken Ish-Bosheth son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim. He made him king over Gilead, Ashuri and Jezreel, and also over Ephraim, Benjamin and all Israel. 2 Samuel 2:8-9

The bulk of the next chapters in this reading is all about the shifting of power in the kingdom. This was a time and age when kings won war by brutal force and women were taken as possessions to quickly expand the king’s offspring. The narrative provides details that are not easy to read, honestly, but part of the story of our ancestors.

We are introduced to Joab at the beginning of this narrative. He’s a mighty warrior that will appear time and time again throughout the course of David’s history. It will be interesting to note his actions as we read through 2 Samuel. It seems Joab is a necessary evil when controlled, but bridling him is beyond anyone, or so it seems.

Abner and Joab meet and decide to have 12 men fight from each camp. “Then each man grabbed his opponent by the head and thrust his dagger into his opponent’s side, and they fell down together.” 2 Samuel 2:16 The battle begins. Abner kills Joab’s brother Asahel after a chase and Joab is ticked! (Not a good thing for anyone near!!).

Abner called out to Joab, “Must the sword devour forever? Don’t you realize that this will end in bitterness? How long before you order your men to stop pursuing their fellow Israelites?” 2 Samuel 2:26

David’s position continued to grow stronger during the civil war between the Israelites. I can only think the Philistines are watching as the tribes of Israel fight each other, hoping they will kill each other off to the point that they can take over when the time is right.

In chapter 3, while the war rages, Abner continues to strengthen his position when we run across an odd encounter between Abner and Ish-Bosheth, “Why did you sleep with my father’s concubine?” 2 Samuel 3:7. Ish-Bosheth is calling Abner out…not a good idea! He has to let Ish-Bosheth continue as king and hold his anger inside.

It seems Abner has a plan to position himself with David, so he sends a message to David to begin negotiations. David responds to Ish-Bosheth, the puppet-king, and demands Michal be returned to him as his betrothed. Yep, David wants another wife. Chapter 3 began listing six sons born to David through six wives, now he gets Michal back.

Her husband, however, went with her, weeping behind her all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go back home!” So he went back.2 Samuel 3:16

Abner is in control, let there be no doubt. This is all part of his ploy to maintain his powerful position as head of the army. He goes over to David and is greeted in peace. Joab, on the other hand, is looking for an opportunity to avenge his brother.

Now when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into an inner chamber, as if to speak with him privately. And there, to avenge the blood of his brother Asahel, Joab stabbed him in the stomach, and he died. 2 Samuel 3:27

David finds out what Joab did and curses his family, but doesn’t remove him from his position. Hmmm. The subtleties of war? I don’t understand why Joab remains, but his value to David must be greater than his liability. The story continues.

Then the king said to his men, “Do you not realize that a commander and a great man has fallen in Israel this day? And today, though I am the anointed king, I am weak, and these sons of Zeruiah are too strong for me. May the Lord repay the evildoer according to his evil deeds!” 2 Samuel 3:38-39

Ish-Bosheth is not much of a leader, one who is referred to as “frightened” several times. Chapter 4 recounts his assassination by Beenah and Rekab. When these two idiots cut off Ish-Bosheth’s head and present it to David, he has them executed, cuts off their heads AND feet and sends a clear signal to those watching, don’t mess with the royal family!

Chapter 4 also introduces Mephibosheth, Saul’s son, who escapes with his nurse, but crippled in the process. We’ll come back to that part of the story later.

Chapter 5 finally crowns David as king, the civil war is over.

When all the elders of Israel had come to King David at Hebron, the king made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel.2 Samuel 5:3

David goes on to capture Jerusalem and defeats the Philistines in several battles as he wisely inquires of the Lord for guidance.

Chapter 6 includes two particularly interesting points: 1) the ark mishandled and 2) Michal’s displeasure with David’s behavior. David is settling into his new palace and decides to relocate the ark. Apparently, those who got the message didn’t understand the process for handling the ark and they put is on a cart (it’s supposed to be carried with poles, etc.):

When they came to the threshing floor of Nakon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. The Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down, and he died there beside the ark of God. 2 Samuel 6:6-7

David is now scared of the ark, so he lets it stay at the house of Obed-Edom for a while. It doesn’t take long for Obed-Edom to begin to prosper (it appears God’s favor is upon them), so David sends for the ark to come to Jerusalem. He’s still frightened of the ark, so he has a parade stop every 6 steps while he dances like a crazy man to show his commitment to the Lord and reverence for the ark. Here’s the second point, Michal is not impressed.

As the ark of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him in her heart. … “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, going around half-naked in full view of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!” 2 Samuel 6:16, 20

David is not so pleased with her words,

I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor.” And Michal daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.2 Samuel 6:22-23

And so the story of King David begins.

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Saul and the Medium; Saul Dies

1 Samuel 28-31 and Psalm 45

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 to hear, “the Lord has departed from you” (1 Samuel 28:16). Saul prostrates himself and it appears he nearly passes out since he hasn’t eaten anything. After prodding, he and his men are fed by the medium before they got up and departed.

Chapter 29 continues the story that began in 28:1-2 (not directly related to Saul’s encounter) where Achish asked David to join in the coming battle and David agreed. Now they are all assembling for the battle when the other commanders notice the Hebrews. They are angry with Achish and force him to send David and his group back to the camp. He reluctantly submits.

While they were on their way back, they discovered the Amalekites had attacked Ziklag and taken their wives, sons and daughters captive (including David’s two wives). David inquired of the Lord and was given the go ahead to pursue the Amalekites. Along the way they found an Egyptian who was a slave of the Amalekites. They interrogate him and agree not to harm him if he can lead them to their camp.

David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken, including his two wives. Nothing was missing: young or old, boy or girl, plunder or anything else they had taken. David brought everything back. 1 Samuel 30:18-19

David wisely deals with those who were not able to go into battle with them and distributes the plunder among everyone, including friends in Judah.

Meanwhile, on the battlefront, the Philistines are fighting Saul and his army. Many Israelites were killed, many fled. Saul’s sons, including Jonathan died in the battle and Saul was severely injured. He begged his armor bearer to kill him. When he refused, Saul fell on his own sword.

The end of Saul. The end of 1 Samuel.

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Abigail, David Again Spares Saul

1 Samuel 25-27

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 my men, since we come at a festive time. Please give your servants and your son David whatever you can find for them.1 Samuel 25:8

Nabal acted like an idiot, to put it mildly, and David ordered two-thirds of his men to strap on swords! Fortunately, Abigail heard about the incident,

Abigail acted quickly. She took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred cakes of raisins and two hundred cakes of pressed figs, and loaded them on donkeys. 1 Samuel 25:18

Abigail intercepts David, falls down before him and says,

Please pay no attention, my lord, to that wicked man Nabal. He is just like his name—his name means Fool, and folly goes with him.1 Samuel 25:25

When she returns Nabal is having a feast like a king, completely drunk, acting like to fool he was characterized to be. Nabal has a heart attack and dies within 10 days, so David sends word and Abigail becomes one of David’s wives.

In Chapter 26, David spares Saul’s life again. He finds Saul with his army camping nearby, so he and Abishai sneak into the camp and take Saul’s spear and water jug without waking anyone.

So David took the spear and water jug near Saul’s head, and they left. No one saw or knew about it, nor did anyone wake up. They were all sleeping, because the Lord had put them into a deep sleep.1 Samuel 26:12

David calls out to Abner, the one responsible for guarding the king and Saul hears David. Once again Saul admits his sin and once again they part ways, but Saul is not done yet.

Chapter 27 briefly describes David’s life of exile in Gath, the land of the Philistines and ironically, the previous home of Goliath. He lives there for one year and four months. Patiently waiting. Incredible.

 

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