Day 132: David and Absalom

 Today's readings: 2 Samuel 14, 1 Chronicles 18, and Psalm 14.

I. 2 Samuel 14 recounts how David tries to reconcile with Absalom. Joab brings a "wise woman" to tell a story which helps convince David to restore Absalom. His son returned, but David wouldn't see him as their relationship remained emotionally broken. Joab is made to help Absalom get an audience with the king. David visits and forgives him. Yet, there is no word of repentance by Absalom or genuine healing between father and son. We have unresolved family conflict and a superficial peace between David and Absalom that will quickly lead to problems.

II. 1 Chronicles 18 records the expansion of King David's kingdom after God established His covenant with him in the previous chapter. From what I see, it parallels much of what was told in 2 Samuel 8.

III. Psalm 14 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (some verse numbers removed):

A lament psalm that bemoans how godless fools devour God's faithful ones. The Psalmist is distressed by the moral depravity that surrounds him, but he is confident that a judgment is coming that will seize the wicked with "terror" and provide "refuge" for the oppressed poor. A similar version of this lament appears as Ps 53. Paul excerpts from the Greek LXX version of 14:1-3 to support the claim that Jews are captives to the power of sin, just as Gentiles are (Rom 3:10-12). He rightly understands that the Psalmist laments the prevalence of sin among fellow Israelites. (p. 841)

That's it for today! 

Day 131: Hope for the Future

 Today's readings: 2 Samuel 13, 1 Chronicles 17, and Psalm 35.

I. 2 Samuel 13 recounts one of the darkest episodes in the history of David's family. Lust, abuse of power, revenge, and David's failure to administer justice are all in play in this. Amnon, David's heir apparent and the half-brother of Tamar, is consumed by lust for her. He schemes to rape her, which he successfully does. Afterward, an enraged Absalom, the full-brother of Tamar, assassinates Amnon two years after David failed to punish him for this outrage. I presume as a father he was torn over whether or not to enforce Mosaic Law on his errant son, but Tamar was his child too. He showed weakness as a king and a father. Thus, Absalom chose revenge and murdered his half-brother Amnon. He fled to Geshur after the killing (remember, he committed murder of his half-brother and the heir apparent). The chapter ends with David seeking to reconcile with Absalom. I must confess, if I were in a similar situation to Absalom, I would have been very tempted to do like him in this case.

The BIY Companion, Vol II, notes:

Ultimately, Absalom avenges his sister by killing his half-brother Amnon. This begins Absalom's rebellion against his father David. When David learns that Amnon raped Tamar, he is angry but does nothing. He does not defend his daughter or confront his son. He does not act like a father. This failure will mark David's life with his family. His actions do not live up to his high calling. (p 24)

II. 1 Chronicles 17 retells the story of God's covenant with David from 2 Samuel 7. The differences are only minor from what I see.

III. Psalm 35 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed):

A lament psalm. The speaker, a victim of false accusations, prays for God to expose the treachery of his enemies. His distress is acute, for he is not only attacked "without cause," but he is betrayed by old friends for whom he used to pray and fast. The psalm unfolds in three cycles of petitions and complaints that culminate in a vow of thanksgiving... (p 858)

That's all for today!

Day 130: Nathan Condemns David

 Today's readings: 2 Samuel 12, 1 Chronicles 16, and Psalm 51.

I. In 2 Samuel 12 the prophet Nathan confronts King David using a parable: a rich man steals a poor man’s only lamb. David, angered, condemns the man only for Nathan to declare: “You are the man!” (12:7). David has committed a most grievous sin in the killing of Uriah and taking his wife, Bathsheba, for his own pleasure. For this, Nathan promised that while God "put away your sin; you shall not die," the child conceived from this adulterous union would die as punishment. David repented of what he had done, giving us some of the most moving of the Psalms, but the temporal consequences of his sin remained. He fasted and wept for the child, calling upon God's mercy, but it was not to be. The child died a week later. When told, David rose up, cleaned himself, and went to worship God. When questioned by his astonished servants, he replied: "[N]ow he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me" (12:23). It's a touching scene, but I cannot help but think of the poor child. I pray he didn't suffer and was welcomed to Paradise upon his death.

Next, David went to comfort Bathsheba over the death of their child, and soon they conceived another, whom they named Solomon. The chapter ends with the defeat of the Ammonites and capture of their royal city, including their king and his crown.

The BIY Companion, Vol II, notes:

David is a flawed hero. He is a sinner and broken man. David's sin in the dark needs to be brought into the light for God to save him. He is an example of God's ability to save... Nathan the prophet tells David that the Lord forgives him but that there are consequences to his actions. (p. 22)

II. 1 Chronicles 16 records what happens after the Ark of the Covenant is successfully brought to Jerusalem. There is much joy and thanksgiving to God, with regular worship being established (16:37-43).

III. Psalm 51 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes:

A lament psalm that Christian tradition counts as one of the seven penitential psalms, along with Pss 6, 32, 38, 102, 130, 143. It is often called the Miserere (Latin for "Have mercy..."). It presents essential elements for reconciliation with God: the sinner confesses his sin to the Lord, accepts responsibility for his wrongdoing, expresses contrition, and asks for forgiveness, inward healing, and renewed joy. (p. 873)

This psalm is believed to have been composed in repentance in the aftermath of David's great sin.

That's it for today!

Day 129: David Commits Adultery

 Today's readings: 2 Samuel 11, 1 Chronicles 14-15, and Psalm 32.

I. 2 Samuel 11 recounts the notorious sins of David, his adultery with Bathsheba and the arranged death of her husband, Uriah. It marks a dramatic turning point in David's reign. What I find really amazing about this whole sordid affair is Scripture isn't afraid to show that even one of its most prominent biblical heroes committed grave sins. We are also given in Scripture some of the most moving Psalms crying out to God for forgiveness.

The BIY Companion, Vol II, has some good commentary on this:

We read that David sends Joab and his army into battle while he remains in Jerusalem. In the ancient world, a king typically led his soldiers in battle; he literally fought for his people. In previous battles, David did this, but now he is sending someone else to lead. Sin usually begins small, by neglecting our daily duties and avoiding the everyday tasks God has given us... This grave sin of David [adultery & murder] began simply by his seeking comfort rather than doing his duty as king. God convicts David of the evil he has done, and he repents... Even the worst sin does not mean the end. God knows David's heart, and he keeps calling David back to him. He continues calling us back to him. He continues calling us back as well when we sin. (p. 20)

II. 1 Chronicles 14 describes David's growing kingdom, his family, and two victories over the Philistines. Interestingly though, Chronicles leaves out David's sin with Bathsheba.

In the next chapter, David successfully has the Ark of the Covenant moved to Jerusalem after the earlier failed attempt. He has learned from his previous mistake (poor Uzzah) and now follows God's instructions carefully.

III. Psalm 32 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (some verse numbers removed):

A wisdom psalm that Christian tradition counts as one of the seven penitential psalms, along with Pss 6, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143. The Psalmist rejoices in God's forgiveness, shows its link with confession, and considers his own experience a lesson for others to follow. (p. 856)

That's all for today!

Day 128: Mighty Men of Valor

 Today's readings: 2 Samuel 10, 1 Chronicles 13, and Psalm 31.

I. 2 Samuel 10 tells of David's war against the Ammonites and their Syrian allies after his diplomatic mission is insulted.

II. 1 Chronicles 13 recounts David's first attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Although his desire is good, the Ark is transported contrary to God's instructions, resulting in the death of Uzzah. I still question if there is more to this story.

III. Psalm 31 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed):

A thanksgiving psalm. The Psalmist cries out to God in distress, because not only is he scorned by enemies and slandered with lies, but conspirators are plotting against his life. The first part of the psalm highlights his confidence in the midst of adversity; the second offers words of grateful praise in anticipation of the Lord's help. (p. 855)

Psalm 31:5 should sound very familiar to Christians, for Jesus quotes this on the Cross in Luke 23:46: "Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!"

That's it for today!

Day 127: Kindness for the House of Saul

 Today's readings: 2 Samuel 9, 1 Chronicles 12, and Psalm 28.

I. 2 Samuel 9 recounts how, after becoming king, David asks if anyone from Saul's family is still alive so that he can show them kindness because of his covenant with Jonathan. Poor Mephibosheth, he lost his whole family and undoubtedly feared being killed by the man who replaced his grandfather as king. It's good to see that David was moved to treat the young man with kindness.

II. 1 Chronicles 12 records the warriors who joined David before and after he became king. Men from nearly every tribe of Israel came to support him, showing that God was bringing the entire nation together under David's rule.

The BIY Companion, Vol II, has some good commentary on this:

Jonathan's remaining son is Mephibosheth. As Saul's grandson, he would be David's enemy, but David treats him like his own son. Typically, a new king would have any descendants of the old king killed. Instead, David shows compassion and wisdom by honoring Mephibosheth... David's men are characterized by bravery, valor, and wisdom. They are dedicated and persevering in defending the king and fighting against Israel's enemies. (p. 16)

III. Psalm 28 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed):

A lament psalm. The speaker asks the Lord for deliverance from the threat of death and for divine punishment to all his persecutors. The Psalmist concludes his prayer with a burst of confidence and praise. (p. 852)

That's all for today!

Day 126: David's Victories

 Today's readings: 2 Samuel 8, 1 Chronicles 10-11, and Psalm 60.

I. 2 Samuel 8 records King David's military victories and the establishment of his kingdom. It stresses that his many victories were the result of the Lord's favor. His principal officials are listed: Joab, Jehoshaphat the Recorder, Zadok and Ahimelech, Seraiah, Benaiah, and his sons.

II. 1 Chronicles 10 recounts the death of Saul and serves as the transition from Saul's reign to David's. Unlike in 1 Samuel, Chronicles omits much of Saul's earlier life and focuses on why his reign ended.

In the next chapter, tells of the beginning of David's reign over all Israel. It parallels 2 Samuel 5, but the Chronicler gives greater attention to David's mighty warriors.

The BIY Companion, Vol II, has some good commentary on this:

There is a reason the stories of Saul and David are repeated in Chronicles: their author, Ezra, writes of the past to give the people a vision for the future - with a king and Temple worship. Ezra seeks to give Israel a clear sense of God's presence, both in the past and the present. He reminds them of their pedigree, of where they came from. He writes not only about David but of other mighty men of the time... The events described in the Bible are not incidental or arbitrary. They are meant for our direction, our education, and our vision. (p. 14)

III. Psalm 60 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (most verse numbers removed):

A lament psalm. Israel appears to have suffered a military defeat, suggesting God was displeased with his people. Hope remained that Israel could rally if it recovered its fear of the Lord and recognized that victory in battle depends on divine and not human strength. An oracle of God, perhaps delivered by a prophet or priest, is quoted by the Psalmist (60:6-8). (p. 880)

That's it for today!