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! 

Day 125: Covenant With David

 Today's readings: 2 Samuel 6-7, 1 Chronicles 9, and Psalm 89.

I. 2 Samuel 6 recounts King David's efforts to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. I have to wonder if there is more to the death of Uzzah for touching the Ark, when, from the text, he was just trying to steady it after the cart was jarred. Yes, even though this seemed well-intentioned, it did break God's law (Nu 4:15), but his intent should be considered at least. Perhaps that is part of what we're missing: Uzzah's intent and how he touched the Ark. This is one of those things where we probably don't have all the details and are forced to trust in the Lord without answers, not that we're entitled to have them anyway. 

One thing is for sure: this incident is used at times as a warning to others. For example, St. Jerome's harsh chastisement of Sabinianus, a deacon, for his notorious sexual sins, including trying to seduce a nun. Basically, if God struck down someone who appeared to be trying to do a good thing, how would this sinner fare if he didn't seriously repent?

At any rate, David eventually brings the Ark to Jerusalem, dancing before it in joy. His wife Michal is disgusted by this behavior and criticizes him for it. The chapter ends by noting that she "had no child to the day of her death," presumably in punishment for her comments here.

In the next chapter, we have God's covenant with David, which lays the foundation for the expectation of the Messiah. David tells Nathan the prophet that he wishes to build a temple for God to house the Ark, who initially approves. Yet later that night, God tells Nathan to correct this with David. God tells him that He has blessed David greatly, has "resided" in a tent for years, and promises instead to build David a "house," that is, a lasting dynasty. David praises God and marvels at being chosen by Him, giving a moving prayer that finishes the chapter.

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

Recall that the Ark contains the Ten Commandments, Aaron's staff, and manna... Mary, the Mother of God, is the "new Ark of the Covenant,' who carries the Word made flesh and "the living bread which came down from heaven" (John 6:51) in her womb. Just as David leaps and dances with joy before the Ark, the infant in Elizabeth's womb (St. John the Baptist) leaps for joy in the presence of Mary, the new Ark. Here we see how Jesus fulfills all the promises and foreshadowing of the Old Testament. (p. 12)

II. 1 Chronicles 9 explains who first resettled Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile and emphasizes the restoration of worship with the priests, Levites, and other Temple personnel. The chapter closes by repeating the genealogy of Saul, whom David has now replaced as king. So after God's judgment came restoration, as the returned exiles not only rebuilt their homes but also resumed proper worship of the Lord.

III. Psalm 89 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes:

A royal psalm. It celebrates the Lord's everlasting faithfulness as well as his everlasting covenant with David. After introducing these themes, it expounds the greatness of God, who is exalted over the angels of heaven, and the greatness of David, who was exalted over the kings of the earth. This is followed by a prayer of lament that wrestles with the discrepancy between Israel's faith (God swore an oath to establish David's throne for all time) and the facts of history (the Davidic monarchy disappeared with the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C.). Because a restoration of David's kingdom was politically impossible after 586 B.C., the psalm came to fuel Israel's hopes for a future Davidic messiah. Selections from Ps 89 are read on the feast of St. Joseph, the husband of the Virgin Mary, because through him Jesus was grafted into David's royal line (Mt 1:1-16) (CCC 437). (p. 906)

That's all for today!

Day 124: King David Rules

 Today's readings: 2 Samuel 5, 1 Chronicles 7-8, and Psalm 27.

I. 2 Samuel 5 recounts how all the tribes and elders of Israel went to Hebron and recognized David as king. He attacks Jerusalem, captures it from the Jebusites, and makes the city his capital. Then Hiram, king of Tyre, sends gifts and workers to build David a palace, essentially allying himself with the new Israelite king. David takes more wives and has more children, among whom is Solomon, who will become important later. He fights two battles with the Philistines after they attacked when they heard he had become king. David sought guidance from God before each battle and was victorious.

The BIY Companion, Vol II, notes:

When David becomes the king of Israel, he makes Jerusalem its capital, choosing it as his stronghold... The Philistines, when they learn that David has become king of Israel, want to fight him... In our lives, we should pray for God's guidance whether we should fight a certain battle or not. In Deuteronomy 17:17, the Law says that a king should not have multiple wives "lest his heart turn away." In disobedience to this command of the Lord, David takes many wives and concubines (see 2 Samuel 5:13). As a result, the majority of David's problems will come not from external enemies, but from his own family. (p. 10)

That does seem to be one of David's greatest weaknesses, which will lead to his greatest known sin later with Bathsheba. Not to put it too crudely, he tended to think with his smaller "head" instead of the one between his shoulders. He's not the only one, as even a cursory look at human history shows.

II. 1 Chronicles 7 continues the genealogies of the tribes of Israel, focusing on several northern tribes. These genealogies emphasize God's preservation of His people and identify families that would later inherit land or serve in Israel.

The next chapter gives even more genealogy, this time a more detailed one for the tribe of Benjamin, especially the family of the late King Saul.

III. Psalm 27 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed):

A lament psalm with elements of a psalm of trust. The speaker has supreme confidence in the Lord, and delights in God's presence in the Temple. However, he has been disowned by family and dogged by enemies making false accusations against him. (p. 851)

That's it for today!