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! 

Day 123: The Death of Ish-Bosheth

 Today's readings: 2 Samuel 4, 1 Chronicles 5-6, and Psalm 26.

I. 2 Samuel 4 recounts how Ish-bosheth hears of the death of Abner and becomes discouraged. We are then given a brief intro to Mephibosheth, the lame son of the late Jonathan. Why this intro was shoe-horned here, since there's nothing more on him for several more chapters, I cannot say. At any rate, Rechab and Baanah, two of Ish-bosheth's army captains, kill their king, chop off his head, and flee. They bring Ish-bosheth's head to David, saying that they have avenged him against Saul's house. David is not pleased and reminds them of what happened to the Amalekite who claimed to have killed Saul (2 Sam 1). He has both men executed and Ish-bosheth's head buried with Abner in Hebron.

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

In 2 Samuel 4, David seeks to establish a kingdom of justice. He seeks to have mercy on his enemy Ish-bosheth, who has been hailed as the new king. When Ish-bosheth is murdered by Rechab and Baanah, David does not reward the two men but condemns their evil act. He has them executed in the name of justice. Under David, Israel will be a united kingdom under the Law of the Lord. (p. 8)

II. 1 Chronicles 5 recounts the history of the tribes east of the Jordan, Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, highlighting both their blessings and their eventual exile because of unfaithfulness to God.

In the next chapter, we get even more genealogy, primarily for the tribe of Levi, emphasizing the priests, Levites, temple musicians, and the cities assigned to them.

The BIY Companion, Vol II, notes:

In 1 Chronicles, David is shown to prefigure the Messiah. It is believed that 1 Chronicles was written after the Exile, reflecting how much the people of Israel have suffered. The people long for the reestablishment of the kingdom and Temple worship. The eternal God works in time and history, continuing to guide and protect his people out of love. (p. 8)

III. Psalm 26 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed):

A lament psalm. The speaker, falsely accused, pleads with the Lord for justice. In presenting his case, he combines affirmations of innocence with denials of wrongdoing. The Psalmist hopes to be spared a shameful death that befits the wicked. Coming to the Lord's altar in the sanctuary suggests a scenario such as described in 1 Kings 8:31-32. (p. 851)

That's all for today! 

Day 122: Abner is Killed

Today's readings: 2 Samuel 3, 1 Chronicles 3-4, and Psalm 25.

I. 2 Samuel 3 tells that while the civil war continues, David's house was steadily growing stronger, while the late Saul's house was weakening and declining. Saul's son Ish-bosheth accuses Abner, the man who had made him king over Israel, of sleeping with his father's concubine. That greatly offended Abner, who defected to David. He negotiates with David to unite Israel under him as king, persuading elders and the tribe of Benjamin that it was time to do so. David demands the return of his wife Michal, which oddly enough, Ish-bosheth complies with. Rather strange that he'd do this for his rival, which also benefited the man he accused of betrayal. Meanwhile, Joab returns and kills Abner in revenge for his brother's death. David publicly condemns Joab's actions and curses his house. Then he publicly mourns Abner and leaves judgment for the murder to God, since David isn't yet strong enough to punish him.

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

Because of his character, David is a good and wise leader. We are called to forgive our enemies. We need wisdom in our relationships with people who have hurt us and others. We can grow in trust and pray that the cycle of violence ends in our hearts so that we can forgive and be reconciled. (p. 6)

II. 1 Chronicles 3 gives us more genealogy, the royal line of David, from his sons through the kings of Judah and into the post-exilic period.

In the next chapter, the genealogy continues. Listed are the descendants of Judah and Simeon, with a special emphasis on God's blessing, faithful labor, and territorial expansion.

I understand that these genealogies have importance, but reading through them can be monotonous.

III. Psalm 25 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes:

A lament psalm. The speaker, in a state of distress, asks for the Lord's deliverance, guidance, and forgiveness. The nature of his trouble is unspecified, except that he faces enemies who are treacherous and filled with hatred. God is invoked in the hope that he will intervene and set matters right. Literally, the psalm is an acrostic, which means that each poetic line begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. (p. 850)

That's it for today!

Day 121: Cycle of Violence

Today's readings: 2 Samuel 2, 1 Chronicles 2, and Psalm 24.

I. 2 Samuel 2 recounts first how David sought God's guidance about what to do next. He is told to go to Hebron, and he is anointed king of Judah. David commends the men of Jabesh-Gilead for their courage in retrieving and burying the bodies of Saul and Jonathan, as well as encourages them to remain loyal. Saul's commander, Abner, takes the late king's last remaining son, Ish-bosheth, and makes him king of most of Israel. Abner's forces then meet those of Joab, David's commander, where the latter defeats the former. Job's brother Asahel doggedly pursues Abner, who warns him off. Asahel refuses to listen, and Abner kills him. This sparks a blood feud between Joab and Abner. Both Joab and Abishai, enraged at the death of Asahel, then pursue Abner, who calls for peace and for the fighting to stop. Asahel is buried in Bethlehem, and David's men return to Hebron.

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

Violence does not simply end on its own; it must be ended by those who are fighting. Jesus allows violence to fall upon himself, suffering for the sake of the unrighteous. This puts an end to the cycle in many ways. Jesus gives us an opportunity to be part of the cycle of mercy - the cycle of allowing oneself to suffer for another. He calls us to forgive. Forgiveness, though, is one of the most difficult teachings of Christianity. (p. 4)

II. 1 Chronicles 2 begins by listing the twelve sons of Jacob/Israel. The genealogy then focuses on Judah, from whom the Messiah would come. Included in this are David's military leaders, Joab, Asahel, and Abishai. The remainder of the chapter traces various branches of Judah's family up to the time of David. Rather a dull reading, to be honest, but still important information for narrative story.

As the BIY Companion, Vol II, notes:

This genealogy in Chronicles tells the story from Abraham to David. Then the family line will go on from David to Jesus, who had been promised from the very beginning. Some of the names may be unfamiliar, but each individual has a place in salvation history. (p. 4)

III. Psalm 24 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes:

An entrance liturgy. Its Temple setting and its reference to God entering the gates point to a ritual procession featuring the Ark of the Covenant. Perhaps it was a ceremony for reinstalling the ark in the Temple after it had been carried forth into battle (24:8; cf. Num 10:35-36; 1 Sam 4:3-4). The psalm's questions and answers form an antiphonal dialogue that would have been sung in the Temple choir and the assembled congregation. Scholars also identify Ps 15 as an entrance liturgy. (p. 849)

That's all for today!

Day 120: David Mourns Saul

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

I. 2 Samuel 1 recounts David's mourning for Saul and Jonathan. It begins with an Amalekite coming to David, carrying Saul's crown and bracelet, telling him that both had died and he had finished off a gravely wounded Saul at his own request. David orders his execution because, by his own words, he had claimed to kill the Lord's anointed (Saul). He then composes a moving funeral song, honoring both Saul and Jonathan.

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

David mourns the deaths of his enemy Saul and his dear friend Jonathan by singing a song of lamentation. David entreats the people of Israel to learn this song and sing it. David refuses to be held captive by the memory of Saul's animosity and jealousy. Rather, he honors Saul. The wounds of our pasts are real, but the freedom we have in Jesus is greater. We do not need to be held captive by the past or even by any present sorrow or pain. With God's grace, like David, we can move forward. (p. 256)

II. 1 Chronicles 1 gives a genealogy from Adam, showing that the God of Israel is the Creator and Lord of all peoples, not only Israel.

The BIY Companion, Vol 1, notes:

1 Chronicles begins with a listing of many prominent biblical figures, including Adam, Seth, and Noah. Though there is no explicit mention of God here, he is directly involved in all their stories. These names mean something to us only because of what God has done through them. God can sometimes seem unnoticed in our lives, yet our lives matter because he is present. (p. 256)

III. Psalm 13 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed): 

A lament psalm. Anguish and distress have taken hold of the Psalmist, whose health is fading quickly and whose enemies have gained the upper hand over him. As in many lament psalms, complaints give way to a renewed confidence in the Lord's help in the final verses. The poet comes to trust that God will transform his sorrowful heart into a heart filled with joy. (p. 840)

That's it for today!

Day 119: David's Wisdom

 Today's readings: 1 Samuel 29-31 and Psalm 18.

I. 1 Samuel 29 recounts how David and his men marched with the Philistine army, but although Achish trusts him, the other Philistine leaders do not. So he is sent away and returns to Ziklag, while the Philistines continue on to Jezreel to do battle with Saul and the Israelite army. I'd say this is a good thing because David was spared fighting against his own kinsmen.

In the next chapter, David returns to Ziklag, and he and his men discover that it had been sacked and burned down by the Amalekites, who also carried away all the women, children, and possessions. David's wives were among those taken. They are grief-stricken, with the men grumbling about stoning David. David, though, turns to the Lord and is strengthened, telling him to pursue the Amalekites. They all set off in pursuit, finding an abandoned Egyptian servant along the way, who leads them to the Amalekite camp. David attacks and defeats the Amalekites, rescuing all of the hostages and retaking all the stolen possessions. They even increased their gain by spoils from the Amalekites, sharing some of this with the 200 men who had stayed behind at Ziklag. 

1 Samuel 31 finishes out the book by recounting the defeat of Saul's army at the hands of the Philistines. In the battle, Saul's sons, including Jonathan, were all killed, while Saul himself had been badly wounded and committed suicide to avoid torture and humiliation. The Philistines cut off the head of Saul's body, stripped off his armor, and made a spectacle of the body in their capital city to shame the Israelites and glorify their pagan gods. The men of Jabesh-Gilead heard about what had happened, and secretly recovered the bodies of Saul and his sons, burning them and giving the remains burial.

Saul was a tragic figure, one whose own actions led him down to such an ignominious end. What was even more tragic, sad even, was the death of his son Jonathan. He seemed to be a good man and obviously cared for David, yet he too was struck down. After reading this, I feel like I should pray for God's mercy on their souls.

II. Psalm 18 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed):

A victory hymn. It extols the Lord as the Savior of his servants, particularly David, whom the Lord rescued from many dangers. God also gave David victory in war and made him a ruler over nations bordering Israel. In all of this, God's covenant of kingship with David was confirmed. Psalm 18 is nearly identical to 2 Sam 22:1-51. (p. 843)

That's all for today!

Day 118: King Saul Despairs

 Today's readings: 1 Samuel 27-28 and Psalm 34.

I. 1 Samuel 27 recounts how David fled to Gath to seek refuge with Achish again. David asks for, and is granted, the frontier town of Ziklag in the Negev as the place where he and his men can reside. From there, he raids the Geshurites, Gezerites, and the Amalekites, longstanding enemies, and "did not leave a man or woman alive." Achish inquires as to whom David was attacking, and is led to believe that it was against Judah and her allies. As there were no survivors from the raids to say differently, and being misled, Achish concluded: "He has made himself an utter stench to his people Israel; therefore he shall always be my servant."

In the next chapter, Achish tells David that he and his men will accompany the Philistine army to fight against Israel. David tells him cryptically, "You will see what your servant can do." Achish thinks that David is his loyal servant at this point, appointing him as his personal bodyguard. Interesting how such enemies can intermingle like this at times.

The narrative then switches to Saul, who is terrified about the gathering storm from the Philistines. He fervently seeks God's guidance, but receives no answer. Saul had expelled all those who practiced the forbidden dark arts, like necromancy. Yet in his desperation, he goes to the Witch of Endor in disguise to have her summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel. She does so and is terrified when it seems the prophet appears. Samuel tells Saul that God had abandoned him due to his disobedience, and that he with his sons would die the next day when the Philistines defeat Israel. Saul, of course, has a breakdown, but after resting a bit, leaves.

II. Psalm 34 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes:

A thanksgiving psalm with elements of a wisdom psalm. It gives personal testimony to the power of prayer as well as ethical instruction on the benefits of righteousness. Psalm 34 is also an acrostic psalm, meaning each poetic line begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. (p. 858)

That's it for today!

Day 117: Reverence and Faithfulness

Today's readings: 1 Samuel 26 and Psalm 56.

I. 1 Samuel 26 recounts how David again spared Saul's life. He went to where Saul and his forces were encamped and found the king sleeping, with a jar of water and a spear near his head. David and his companion quietly took these items and left without anyone knowing. He returned to his own army and called out to Saul's forces. David rebuked Abner, head of Saul's army, for not protecting him well and showed the spear and water jar he had taken. Upon being asked why he kept pursuing him, Saul admitted that he had sinned and blessed David. The two depart in separate ways, and this is the last time they would meet.

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

David has three prominent virtues: mercy, reverence, and faithfulness. Though his comrade Abishai says he could easily kill Saul with his spear, David knows it is not his job to kill the Lord's anointed. David hopes the Lord will treat him the way he has treated Saul. He says to Saul, "As your life was precious this day in my sight, so may my life be precious in the sight of the Lord" (1 Samuel 26:24). Here, we see a foreshadowing of the Our Father: "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." David says, "As I am treating others, please, Lord, treat me" - that is, with mercy. (p. 250)

II. Psalm 56 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed):

A lament psalm. The speaker is pursued by ruthless men who seek to do him harm. He overcomes his fear with trust in the God of mercy, being convinced that human foes can scheme and threaten, but they have no power to thwart the Almighty or to take away his reliance on him. On the contrary, he is sure that God can put his enemies to flight and cast them down. (p. 877)

What has been enjoyable to see over the last couple of days is just how closely these psalms relate to the events in 1 Samuel! Somehow, I missed this without having them connected like this through Bible in a Year.

That's all for today!

Day 116: David and Abigail

Today's readings: 1 Samuel 25 and Psalm 63.

I. 1 Samuel 25 begins with a quick note that Samuel the prophet dies and is buried while Israel mourns. Then we are shifted to a story of David being insulted by a rich man. Nabal, living in Maon, is approached by some of David's men, seeking provisions. He contemptuously rebuffs them. David, hearing of this, sets out with his men to destroy Nabal's household in revenge for the insult. Abigail, Nabal's wife, is told of all this and rushes to David with gifts to avert disaster. She falls before David and gives a moving speech that changes his mind. David praises God and Abigail's wisdom, accepts the gifts, and calls off the attack. When Abigail returned home, Nabal had been drunkenly feasting. He died ten days later, with the text explicitly saying that his death was due to God's judgment rather than David's sword. After this, David wooed Abigail to be his wife, which she accepted. The chapter ends by noting that David also married Ahinoam of Jezreel and that Saul, before he died, had given his daughter Michal, also David's wife, to Palti, son of Laish. Cue the ominous underscore, because giving another man his first wife will not sit well with David.

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

David is not perfect. Though he is an Old Testament hero, who is portrayed as a type (or, figure) of the future Messiah, he has faults. The people following David see him as a just and upright leader. We often look to those who lead us to know how to act, and we benefit from just leaders. Abigail stands up to the evil in David's heart, demonstrating her wisdom and courage. David seeks revenge due to a personal insult. Abigail stands in David's way not only to protect Nabal's life but also to protect David from guilt. (p. 248)

II. Psalm 63 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed):

A lament psalm. The speaker compares his desire for God to a burning thirst that leaves him parched and exhausted. He yearns to worship in the Lord's sanctuary, the place where his presence is most tangibly experienced. In the meantime, his sleepless nights are spent meditating upon God and his divine help. The prayer ends with the Psalmist confident that his enemies will come to judgment. (p. 882)

That's it for today!

Day 115: David Spares King Saul

 Today's readings: 1 Samuel 24 and Psalm 57.

I. In 1 Samuel 24 , Saul is told that David had been spotted in the Engedi wilderness, so he took 3,000 men to pursue him by the Wildgoats' Rocks. Saul went to relieve himself inside a cave, which, unbeknownst to him, David was hiding with his men. David's men encouraged him to kill Saul, but he quietly cut off a piece of the man's robe instead. When Saul left, David called to him and gave him honor as the king. He showed David the cut piece of fabric and told him that he could have killed him, but would never do so. Saul expressed regret for pursuing him, but when he left for home, David and his men didn't accompany him.

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

God can give and take kingship from anyone he wants, but David is not God. He cannot kill the Lord's anointed. God has not given him that job. Though God has told him he will be Saul's successor as king, David recognizes his own limits. At times, we might be tempted to overextend our reach into battles that God has not asked us to fight. Being aware of your limitations is not the same thing as limiting ourselves. David never shrinks back from a battle, and neither does Jonathan. But he seeks the Lord's guidance first... David will only fight when the Lord wants him to. (p. 246)

What I found remarkable in this scene is that David's sparing Saul shows his mercy and helps explain why Scripture calls him a "man after God's own heart."  

II. Psalm 57 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (most verse numbers removed):

A lament psalm. The speaker seeks shelter from God in storms of danger that rage about him. His adversaries are like lions ready to devour him and like hunters setting traps to ensnare him. He is confident that salvation is on its way from heaven, along with humiliation for his foes. The prospect of divine help leads to promises of musical celebration and gratitude. The two halves of the psalm end with the same refrain: "Be exalted, O God...over all the earth" (57:5, 11). Part of the psalm, 57:7-11, reappears with slight variations in 108:1-5. (p. 877)

That's all for today!

Day 114: David Saves Keilah

Today's readings: 1 Samuel 23 and Psalm 54.

I. 1 Samuel 23 recounts how David heard of the Philistine attack on Keilah, and after seeking God's advice, he rushes to defeat the Philistines and save the city. Next, Abiathar the priest had survived the massacre at Nob and fled to David with the ephod. Saul mistakenly thinks that this meant God would deliver David into his hands. David, meanwhile, consulted God and learned that Saul would indeed come for him and the people of Keilah would betray him by handing him over, so he fled to the wilderness of Ziph before the mad king arrived. Unfortunately for him, the Ziphites betray David by informing Saul of his whereabouts, who then sets off after him. David then fortunately escapes at the last moment to En-Gedi.

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

David's action gives us great insight into his heart. He is showing that he is truly a man after God's own heart by appealing to the Lord for direction... God's protection of David in this instance reminds us of all the ways he is working of which we are unaware. Many times difficult things happen to us and those we love, but we do not know how many times the Lord delivered us from harm. In heaven, we will see all the moments that could have been catastrophes but were not, due to God's actions. God remains close to us in his mysterious will. Even when we cannot sense him, his hand is outstretched to us whenever we appeal to him for his guidance and aid. (p. 244)

II. Psalm 54 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed):

A lament psalm. The speaker is a hunted man fleeing from the evil designs of his enemies. He cries out to God for help, trusts in God's protection, and vows to celebrate his rescue with a sacrifice of thanksgiving. (p. 875)

That's it for today!

Day 113: Broken Trust

Today's readings: 1 Samuel 21-22 and Psalm 52.

I. 1 Samuel 21 tells part of David's life as a fugitive from Saul's murderous rage. He arrives at Nob, where he meets the priest Ahimelech, whom he deceives to obtain food for himself and the men with him. Having no ordinary bread, Ahimelech gives him the consecrated Showbread and the sword of Goliath, which had been stored there. Jesus would later refer back to this incident when challenged by the Pharisees about the Sabbath (Mk 2:25-28). David fled to Gath, where he tricked the Philistine king into thinking he was mad. This was presumably done so he could hide there for a time unmolested. 

In the next chapter, David then fled to the Cave of Adullam. There, he is joined by his family and 400 loyal followers, and he becomes their leader. He takes his parents to Moab for safety and returns to Judah upon the direction of the prophet Gad. Then Saul reveals the depth of his madness as he orders the slaughter of Ahimelech and the priests at Nob for assisting David. Doeg the Edomite happily carried out the massacre, which included a general massacre of the families of the priests, when Saul's guards refused to commit such sacrilege.

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

The bread of the presence is a sign of how God, out of love, fed the people of Israel in their desert wanderings. At every Mass, the priest elevates the true bread of the presence, the Eucharist, saying, "Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb." (p. 242)

II. Psalm 52 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed):

A lament psalm that contrasts the godly and the ungodly. Like the Psalmist, those who trust in God's mercy will be planted securely in God's presence and thank him forever. Those who trust in riches, speak arrogantly and deceptively, and devise schemes to oppress the faithful will not escape God's judgment. (p. 874)

The BIY Companion, Vol I, has some good commentary on this psalm as well:

Doeg the Edomite betrays Ahimelech and the priests, but David responds with Psalm 52. David prays for justice, committing himself to walk in righteousness even in the midst of dishonest and evil people. In his Inferno, Dante places traitors at the deepest level of hell. Judas is one of the figures portrayed in this circle of hell, along with Lucifer and other deceivers. (p. 242)

Presumably, Doeg the Edomite is a resident of Dante's lowest level of hell, also. That's all for today!

Day 112: True Friendship

Today's readings: 1 Samuel 20 and Psalm 142.

I. 1 Samuel 20 tells of the deep friendship between David and Jonathan as they discover that Saul really is determined to kill David. I'm guessing the previous attempts weren't clear enough for them. Their friendship is indeed a deep one, given almost marital terms that have been misunderstood or exploited, really, by certain groups today seeking approval for same-sex relationships. They loved each other, which is true, but theirs was a philia kind of love, not one of eros. So much so that Jonathan could say that he loved David "as his own soul," without intending any sort of sexual attraction towards him. I'm not sure how far back such disordered speculation goes about their relationship, but it does seem to be quite popular nowadays among some, sadly enough. That not only distorts Scripture, which clearly condemns such behavior, but also dishonors both biblical figures and all men who care for each other like they did.

At any rate, when Saul throws a spear at Jonathan in anger upon discovering the absence of David at a dinner meal, it becomes clear to both David and Jonathan that Saul has murderous intent towards David. So David flees.

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

Scripture makes clear that David and Jonathan love one another. Their love is not disordered, however - it is philia, a true friendship love... In 1 Samuel, we see this type of love reflected in the brotherhood between David and Jonathan. They are united in their pursuit of honoring Israel and seeking the glory of God. David and Jonathan recognize this virtue in each other, so they love each other and help each other in a particular way... If you have experienced philia, then you know its power. Philia is closest to a fourth kind of love, agape - sacrificial, divine love. Agape has become a reality for Christians through the grace of God in Jesus Christ. All the loves come to perfection in the person of Jesus Christ, who loves us to the point of death, calls us friends, and gives us his Spirit. (p. 240)

II. Psalm 142 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed):

A lament psalm. The poet complains of his troubles, mourns that no one will help him, and turns to the Lord as his only refuge. The nature of his plight is unclear, although he mentions "persecutors" who are too powerful for him to resist or escape. The psalm ends with a hopeful prospect of giving "thanks" to God for coming to his rescue. (p. 951)

The BIY Companion, Vol I, also recommends this video with Fr. Mike Schmitz on why love is more than a feeling:

That's it for today! Happy 250th Independence Day!!! God bless the USA! 

Day 111: Saul Tries to Kill David

Today's readings: 1 Samuel 18-19 and Psalm 59.

I. In 1 Samuel 18, Jonathan and David have developed a deep friendship with one another, so much so that Jonathan made a covenant with David. To do this at that time showed great affection, loyalty, and trust. David is successful in all the missions he is sent on by Saul, who then grows very jealous of him as he is loved by the people. Part of his jealousy also stems from his loss of the "Spirit of the Lord," which David clearly has himself.  He tries to kill David, but is unsuccessful. David takes the hand of Saul's daughter Michal in marriage, after doubling the requirement of 100 foreskins of Philistine men (basically, killing these men).

The next chapter sees Saul more openly seeking the death of David, who again eludes destruction by the protection of the Lord. Jonathan warns David to hide himself and then intercedes for him to Saul. The king relented, but later tried to kill David with a spear, so he fled and escaped. Michal helped him escape, and he went to Samuel. Saul sent soldiers to arrest David, but they were moved to prophecy and were not able to carry out his command. Saul himself went, but he too fell into prophecy. 

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

David and Jonathan make a covenant with one another. The relationship between David and  Jonathan is one of the greatest examples of friendship in Scripture. The highest form of friendship is based on virtue - a virtuous friendship. There are many examples in the early Church of saints who form deep friendships because of their mutual devotion to Christ. It is powerful to discover that someone else is captivated by the same thing - or person - that has captivated you. This is the foundation of a virtuous friendship... In his envy and bitterness, Saul tries to kill David several times. So David is on the run from Saul, but whenever he is given the opportunity, he responds with mercy and forgiveness. (p. 238)

II. Psalm 59 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed):

A lament psalm. The speaker is stalked by bloodthirsty men who are like a pack of wild dogs prowling for food. He protests his innocence, which may imply he was falsely accused of wrongdoing. He seeks protection and vindication from God, who is a fortress, a shield, and a refuge for the faithful. The Psalmist closes with a promise to praise the Lord once deliverance comes. (p. 879)

That's all for today!

Day 110: David and Goliath

Today's readings: 1 Samuel 17 and Psalm 12.

I. 1 Samuel 17 tells the famous story of young David defeating the giant Philistine warrior Goliath in single combat. David, a young teenage shepherd boy, used his slingshot and brought down an experienced soldier, Goliath. He had been their champion and struck fear in the Israelites, all except David. After he was struck down, the Philistine fled in terror, pursued by the Israelites. This is one of my favorite stories in the Old Testament!

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

David has been training to fight simply by doing his father Jesse's will. Jesse has sent David to guard the flocks, putting his life on the line, and this has prepared him to fight Goliath. We do not know the battles we will face in the future. When we are obedient to the tasks God gives us in the present, we are preparing for future battles... When Goliath draws near, David runs quickly to meet him. Sometimes, we hesitate in doing what is right in the moment. We should ask the Lord when he wants us to wait and when he wants us to "race into battle." David is a man after God's own heart; he does not fight to win prizes or gain glory. He fights because Goliath has insulted the name of the living God. David defends the honor of the Lord. (p. 236)

II. Psalm 12 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed):

A lament psalm. It decries the moral corruption that prevails in society and victimizes the poor. The Psalmist uses the plural "us" to pray on their behalf. Central to the psalm is a contrast between the lying words of men and the trustworthy promises of God. (p. 840)

That's it for today!

Day 109: A Heart of Obedience

 Today's readings: 1 Samuel 15-16 and Psalm 61.

I. In 1 Samuel 15, Saul defeats the Amalekites, but spares Agag, their defeated king, as well as kept some of the spoils. On the surface, I can sort of understand this, as we would not want to engage in the genocide of an entire people. Yet, total destruction was commanded by God for Amalek, and though we don't fully understand it today, Saul did disobey what He told him to do. Actually, keeping some of the spoils contrary to what God commanded seems like greed to me, and I have to wonder if he spared Agag for similar reasons (i.e., hoping he could get something of value from him). Regardless, God told Samuel of His displeasure with Saul and that He rejected him as king. Saul tries to explain that he kept some of the spoils to make sacrifices to God, but Samuel tells him that obedience is better than burnt offerings. Samuel has Agag brought and executes him as the chapter ends.

The next chapter sees David, the youngest son of Jesse, anointed by Samuel as the next king of Israel. The "Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul," and he was tormented by this. So, upon the suggestion of his servants, David is brought to him to play the lyre and soothe away what afflicted him.

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

Recall that Saul's weakness is his inordinate preoccupation with how others view him. This is the sin of vanity, which is more than simply an obsession with one's physical appearance. While we should care to some degree about what others think of us, we cannot let this become our primary motive for how we act. We cannot let this become vanity... Obedience to the will of God is the heart of holiness... Remember that God does not judge by appearance but by our hearts. The Lord desires an obedient heart, a heart that wants what he wants. This is what it means to have "a heart after God's heart." It can be difficult. To listen to him and understand what he wants us to do, particularly when we would rather be doing other things, we need the help of his grace. (p. 234)

II. Psalm 61 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed):

A lament psalm. Facing various struggles, the speaker declares God to be his "refuge" and "tower" of defense and seeks the "shelter" of his sanctuary. It is debated whether or not the Psalmist is a king and whether he is close to death, living in exile, or simply far away from Jerusalem. He shows concern not only for his personal well-being but for God's people and their anointed Davidic ruler. The psalm ends with a vow to praise the Lord in response to answered prayer. (p. 880)

That's all for today!