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Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 162

Jun11

Day 162.  Reading 1 Kings 5-6, 2 Chronicles 2-3

Read Today’s Scriptures.
What amazes you about Solomon’s Temple?
(We are taking a break from Proverbs for a few days to catch up on Solomon and his building and dedication of the Temple of God.)

1 Kings 5 and 2 Chronicles 2.

PREPARATION & SUPPLIES

Time to build the Temple, for “the LORD my God has given me rest on every side. There is neither adversary nor misfortune.”

Solomon’s father, King David, had known and had good relations with King Hiram of Tyre. (“Hiram had always loved David.”)  So when Solomon sent to him for cedar wood to build the Temple, Hiram was more than willing.

He had woodsmen cut the great logs, carry them to the sea, and raft them down to Joppa, where Solomon took them up to Jerusalem. Hiram also sent cypress and algum (sandalwood) timber.

Interestingly, Solomon also asked Hiram for “a man skilled to work in gold, silver, bronze, and iron, and in purple, crimson, and blue fabrics, trained in engraving, to work with Solomon’s skilled workers.”  (This reminds me of Bezalel, whom God chose to do the same for the building of the original Tabernacle.) Hiram’s man was Huram-abi, whose mother was a Jew from Dan.

Hiram gladly complied with Solomon’s requests, asking only for food to be sent, which Solomon did yearly.  Solomon then counted all the “resident aliens” (people they had conquered in the land but whom God did not command to kill) and found over 150K to use as laborers to carry materials, quarry stone, and oversee the workers.

1 Kings 6 and 2 Chronicles 3.

THE BUILDING BEGINS & FINISHES

In the 4th year of Solomon’s reign, after he had gathered the materials, the king began the construction of the Temple.

  • This was 480 years after the people of Israel came out of Egypt.  THAT’S A LONG TIME.  If we were to think back from today (2025), it would be 1545, and King Henry VIII would be reigning in England!
  • I wonder how the Tabernacle tent was enduring by that time. While King David had brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, the Tabernacle itself, with the bronze altar for sacrifices and all the other holy items, was still in Gibeon, where the people went to worship God.

Solomon built the Temple on Mount Moriah, the very place where Abraham had been willing to sacrifice his son, Isaac, until the Angel of the LORD stopped him, saying, “I will provide a sacrifice,” and indicated a ram caught in the thorn bush.  Mount Moriah is also the place where God provided “THE Sacrifice,” His only begotten Son, Jesus, who died there on the cross.

While Solomon was building the Temple, the LORD came to him and spoke this promise, “Concerning this house that you are building, if you will walk in my statutes and obey my rules and keep all my commandments and walk in them, then I will establish my word with you, which I spoke to David, your father. And I will dwell among the children of Israel and will not forsake my people Israel.”

The materials and measurements, the details of decorations, and the beauty and majesty of the Temple are almost beyond conceiving. The actual building process took seven years to complete. (the perfect number)

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(The following chapters describe the furnishings Solomon made for the Temple, similar to the Tabernacle but more majestic and large. Unlike the Tabernacle furnishings, they didn’t need to be portable.)

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 147

May27

Day 147.  Reading 1 Chronicles 26-29 and Psalm 127.

 
Read Today’s Scriptures.
 

1 Chronicles 26.

David continues to organize the services of the Temple which Solomon will build.  It’s not that he doesn’t trust his young son to do it all, I believe he is super-enjoying the planning of it all, picturing in his mind how it will be.

After all the musicians, David now organizes the gatekeepers.  They will guard the gates and doors in two-week shifts. Note the prominence of Obed-Edom and his sons.  Remember it was at his house the Ark of the Covenant was kept after that disaster when Uzzah touched it and was killed. It stayed in Obed-Edom’s house for three months until David learned the correct way to carry the “Presence of God.”  Meanwhile God had blessed the house of Obed-Edom. 

David also appoints Levites to be in charge of the treasuries of the House of God, and the dedicated gifts, and all of the spoil from the wars, going back to that of King Saul, Samuel, and also from Abner and Joab. David also appoints families to be officers and judges.

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1 Chronicles 27.

David then organizes the military divisions and their commanders who served the king, month by month.

He chose officers over each of the tribes of Israel.  He appointed those over the kings treasuries in the country, cities and villages, as well as those who did the agricultural work. 

Wow – wouldn’t Solomon be grateful for all this organization!!

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1 Chronicles 28.

After all that, David assembled all the officials at Jerusalem.  He then told them how God had chosen him as leader from the house of Judah and his father’s line, and had then, out of his many sons, chosen Solomon to reign after him.  Although David had so yearned to build a House for God, it would be his son, Solomon who would build the temple.  

God had also promised David that his father’s house was to be king over Israel forever.

  • “Now, therefore in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the LORD, and in the hearing of our God, observe and seek out all the commandments of the LORD your God, that you may possess this good land and leave it for an inheritance to your children after you forever.”

And he turned to his son, with this charge,

  • “And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought.  If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever. Be careful now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it!”

Then David gave Solomon the plans he’d made for the Temple, and all that went with building it.

  • “Be strong and courageous and do it.  Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the LORD God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.”

He also encouraged Solomon by saying all the priests, Levites, officers and all the people “will be wholly at your command.”

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1 Chronicles 29.

Then David turns to all the assembly and charges them to work faithfully for Solomon,

  • “whom alone God has chosen. He is young and inexperienced and the work is great, for the palace will not be for man but for the LORD God.  I have provided for the house of my God, so far as I was able, of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and precious stones.  And of his own private treasury, he dedicates to the House of God, gold and silver.”

He the turns to the people,

  • “Who then will offer willingly, consecrating himself to the LORD?”

And the leaders, commanders, and officers brought their freewill offerings, huge amounts of gold, silver, bronze, iron and precious stones.  The people then rejoiced, and David the king also rejoiced greatly.

And so, finally, David turns his thoughts and words to God. 

  • “Blessed are You, O LORD, the God of  Israel, our father, forever and ever. Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens, and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and You are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from You and You rule over all. In Your hand are power and might, and in Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank You, or God, and praise your glorious Name!”

WOW.  No wonder David is a “man after God’s own heart” despite his many sins.  His heart never ever strayed from the LORD God of Israel to other idols. 

Be sure to read the rest of his prayer to God, his humility and knowledge that all he has is from the LORD.

  • “Grant to Solomon my son a whole heart that he may keep your commandments, your testimonies, and Your statutes, performing all, and that he may build the palace for which I have made provision.

Oh, that we prayed for our own children this way!

NOTE: The end of this chapter tells how Solomon was made king in David’s place, how Solomon took the throne, and how David died “at a good old age.”  BUT THERE IS MORE TO READ ABOUT KING DAVID AS WE GO FORWARD INTO THE BOOK OF 1 KINGS  IN A COUPLE DAYS.  HANG IN THERE.  THE SWEET PSALMIST OF ISRAEL IS NOT DEAD YET!

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Psalm 127.

  • “Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain, unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.”

This psalm is written by Solomon.  Could it have been about his task of building the House/Temple of God, and about all those gatekeepers and watchmen that his father, David had organized to keep it safe?

  • “It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for He gives to His beloved sleep.”

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Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 135

May15

Day 135.  Reading 2 Samuel 13-15

 
Read Today’s Scriptures.  Consequences.
 

       And now the trouble begins. God forgave David of his gross sins because he truly repented and confessed. But remember how David raged at the rich man in Nathan’s story, and said he owed the poor man four-fold of what he’d stolen?  Now, God tells David FOUR consequences of his sin. (2 Samuel 12:5-6 and 10-14)

  1. The “sword will not depart from his house; death and division in his family.
  2. His wives will be taken away in a humiliating way.
  3. Enemies will rise against him in his own household.
  4. His baby with Bathsheba will die.

We’ve seen ONE of them fulfilled already. (the baby died)  And now the next one – death and division in his own family.

 

2 Samuel 13.

David’s FIRST son, Amnon inherited some bad traits of his father. (Perhaps he watched all that his father hand done, and saw that no punishment was meted out. He WAS king, after all.) 

Amnon lusted for a woman too, his 1/2 sister, Tamar. He called for his cousin Jonadab, who gave him evil advice on how to lure Tamar and take her. Amnon followed that, and although Tamar cried “NO!” he raped her, ruining any prospects she might have had. Then he cast her out.  

Now Tamar was a full sister to Absalom, David’s third-born (but second living) son. (His mother was the daughter of the Syrian king, Talmai.)  Tamar ran to her brother and stayed in his house for the rest of her life.

David heard about the incident and got angry, but it doesn’t seem he did anything about it.  (Was he seeing himself in his son, hating and feeling guilty for what his own sin had caused, and paralyzed to respond?)

Absalom hated his brother Amnon and would not talk to him. Instead, he plotted a slow-burning revenge that would end Amnon’s life at a party Absalom held two years later for all his half-brothers.  (Absalom had also invited his father. Did he plan to kill HIM as well?  But David declined.)

At first, David thought the gruesome news was that ALL his sons were dead, but his slimy nephew, Jonadab came to him and said “Let not m’lord suppose that they have killed ALL the king’s sons, for Amnon ALONE is dead.  Absalom determined this from the day he violated his sister Tamar. (A pause, perhaps?) Don’t take it to heart. Only Amnon is dead.”  (David had said a similar thing to Joab after Uriah’s death.)

Soon all the other sons of David who were at the party appeared, weeping and wailing for Amnon. (“See, I told you,” said Jonadab.)  And David also wept bitterly for Amnon.  REALLY!!

And Absalom fled to his grandfather, Talmai, in Geshur, in the territory of Syria.  Maybe Tamar went along since he was her grandfather as well. They stayed for three years.

Having committed pre-meditated MURDER, the “avenger of blood” (another son? the king?)  had the right to stalk and kill Absalom if he stayed in Israel. (Numbers 35:21).

 

2 Samuel 14.

(The spirit of King David longed to go to Absalom, but he did not.)

Action-man, Commander Joab thought it time to do something about the breach in the house of David.  He devised a plan (Boy, David’s nephews were always planning sneaky things!)  Joab paid a woman to tell a story to the king – much like Nathan had, but not a story from God.

She was to say SHE, a widow and had two sons. One had killed the other and now the first son was being chased by the avenger of blood.  She didn’t want to lose BOTH her sons. (She’d be a helpless widow.) “Please, let the king invoke the LORD your God, that the avenger of blood kill no more, and my son is not destroyed.”

David falls for the story. “As the LORD  lives, not one hair of your son shall fall to the ground.” (A king’s pardon.)

Then like Nathan, she tells the true story, about Absalom. “The king convicts himself since he does not bring his banished son home.”

Again David catches on. “Is the hand of Joab with you in all this?”

“It was your servant Joab who commanded me. It was he who put all these words in my mouth.”

Then David told Joab to bring Absalom home. Thrilled, Joab went to Geshur and brought back Absalom, but….. David said, “Let him live in his own house. He is not to come into my presence.”

Absalom simmered at this treatment, and he began plotting (for two years again).  He sent for Joab TWO TIMES, but the Commander wouldn’t respond.  So he told his servant, “Go, set Joab’s barley field on fire.”  And of course, Joab now shows up, burning up himself.  “WHY???”

“Go ask the king why he brought me from Geshur if I am to be so treated.  I want an audience with him.  Make it happen!“

Joab did.

Absalom went.

David kissed Absalom.

(Another son NOT judged for his wrong. Did David blame himself?)

 

2 Samuel 15.

David did as he’d answered in the woman’s false story.  Not one hair** on Absalom’s head fell to the ground….he was not punished in any way for murdering Amnon!!!   There was now a murderer in the court. He’d done it once, he could do it again.

(** Whoa! did Absalom HAVE HAIR!!  He cut it every year, and it weighed TWO POUNDS! And Absalom was vain about his hair.)

Absalom now began the process to de-throne his father, King David. 

  1. He got himself a chariot, horses, and 50 men to run before him.
  2. He rose early and stood at the gate of the city diverting people who came with problems to solve, FROM going to the King, and TO himself, saying he was on THEIR side.
  3. Whenever a man would come near to pay homage to him, Absalom would raise him up and kiss him. And so he STOLE the hearts of the men of Israel.
  4. He asked permission and got it from David, to go pay a “vow to the LORD” in Hebron, meaning to stage a coup there. He even enlisted David’s prime advisor, Ahithophel.
  5. He enticed 200 men to go with him and sent messages to all Israel saying that when they heard the sound of the trumpet, they were to say, “Absalom is king at Hebron!  (Where David started out.)

Well, finally a messenger comes to David saying, “The hearts of the men of Israel have gone after Absalom.”

Did David, call for Joab?

Did he raise an army to quell this uprising?

Did he even enquire of the LORD??

No.  He gathered all his servants and said, “Arise and let us flee, or else there will be no escape for us from Absalom.  Go quickly!”

BUT THE KING LEFT TEN CONCUBINES TO KEEP THE HOUSE. (These were considered his wives … remember the #2 consequence (above) that God spoke of because of his sin? The fulfillment is coming.)

The king’s bodyguard filed out with him (the Cherethites and Pelethites, led by Benaiah). Also, came 600 armed Gittites from Gath (Philistines) led by Ittai, who had sworn allegiance to David. For his faithful service, David later made Ittai commander of a third of his army. And the king passed the brook Kidron towards the wilderness.

  • (Can you picture this? David is in Jerusalem, the capital city, where the Tent and the Ark of God are. He and the crowd in front and following him leave through the Eastern Gate, and cross the Kidron Brook and Valley and up the Mount of Olives. This is where Jesus entered on Palm Sunday, from Bethany, riding on a donkey. David might have passed a young olive orchard and olive press (Gethsemane) on his way.)

Abiathar and Zadok the priest, and the Levites came after, bearing the Ark of God on their shoulders!  But David told them to take the Ark back into the city.  “If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD, He will bring me back and let me see both it and His dwelling place.  But, if not, behold here I am, let Him do to me what seems good to Him.”

David is remembering and accepting the consequences of his great sin, weeping as he goes.

  • David also sets up a spy link with Zadok and his two sons to send him news of what is happening in the city. 
  • Then he hears about his chief counselor going over to Absalom!  He prays that God would “turn his counsel into foolishness.” 
  • Then David sends Hushai, his second counselor back to the city,  pretending to be another helper to Absalom, to “defeat the counsel of Ahithophel.”  Hushai is to send any news to David, via Zadok’s sons.  

So Hushai, David’s friend, came into Jerusalem, just as Absalom was entering……..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Days 131 & 132

May12

(Sundays and Mondays studies are both posted on Monday.)

Day 131. Reading 2 Samuel 10, 1 Chronicles 19, and Psalm 20

Day 132.  Reading Psalms 65, 66, 67, 69, 70

Read Today’s Scriptures.

Day 131.

2 Samuel 10 and 1 Chronicles 19  (These two chapters tell the same story with very few differences.)

It started with a good deed. The friendly king of the Ammonites died, and David wanted to show his loyalty to the new king, Hanun, so he sent a company of his servants to console him.  Like many young and pompous advisors to new youthful kings, Hanun’s guys filled his mind with suspicion about David’s servants. They whispered in Hanun’s ear that King David had sent them to search the city, spy on it, and overthrow it. 

Really?  With bouquets of lilies?

The young (and foolish king – he reminds me of Solomon’s son Rehoboam & his foolish advisors – took David’s servants and humiliated them.  Half their beards (a symbol of manhood) were shaved off, and their robes were cut off at hip level, leaving them exposed.  They were greatly ashamed!

David heard about it, sent men to meet them (presumably with decent clothes), and told them to remain in Jericho until their beards grew out.

Young King Hanun, sensing he’d made a mistake and seeing how he now “stunk” in the eyes of Israel, got together an army, added some neighboring soldiers then fanned out for war. (second mistake)

David sent Joab and the host of his mighty men. (The empire strikes back!)

Joab and his co-commander brother Abishai spit up to fight the Syrians and Ammonites. Joab encouraged his brother and men with a great declaration.

  • Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the LORD do what seems good to Him.

Way to go, Joab!

The Syrians fled.  When the Ammonites saw them running away, they fled too.  HA!  Joab and Abishai and their men returned to Jerusalem. 

Now the Syrians were embarrassed and returned with a new, powerful commander to fight again. (third mistake.)  This time DAVID himself, gathered all Israel together, led them across the Jordan River, and fought them.

The Syrians fled again. This time David and the company went after them, killing many thousands. And also, that great commander died too.  When the Syrians saw they were defeated they surrendered and became subject to Israel.

So the Syrians were not willing to save the Ammonites anymore.  (Let that be a lesson learned!)

Psalm 20.

This psalm is titled, “Trust in the Name of the LORD our God.” It’s a song most often sung before going out to battle.

That’s just what Joab and Abishai, and then King David did, and they won the day. All glory to God.

  • May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble! May the Name of the God of Jacob protect you!
  • May He send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion!
  • May He remember all your offerings, and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices!
  • May He grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans!
  • May WE shout for joy over your salvation, and in the Name of our God set up our banners!
  • May the LORD fulfill all your petitions!
  • Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving might of His right hand. 
  • SOME trust in chariots and SOME in horses, but WE trust in the Name of the LORD our God!

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Day 132. (5 more psalms)

Psalm 65.

This psalm is a PRAISE psalm (to the MAX).  It’s hopeful, confident, and enthusiastic in response to God’s goodness.  It’s a celebration at the Tabernacle, probably at one of Israel’s Feasts.

  • Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion
  • O YOU WHO HEAR PRAYER, to You shall all flesh come.
  • Blessed is the one You choose and bring near to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with your goodness and holiness.
  • By awesome deeds You answer us with righteousness, O God of our salvation.
  • You make the going out of the morning and the evening to shout for joy.
  • You crown the year with Your bounty; Your wagon tracks overflow with abundance!

Psalm 66.

Another psalm of praise titled “How Awesome Are Your Deeds”

  • Shout for joy to God, all the earth; sing the glory of His Name; give to Him glorious praise!  Say to God, “How awesome are Your deeds!”  So great is Your power that Your enemies come cringing to You.
  • Come and see what God has done; He is awesome in His deeds toward the children of man.
  • Bless our God, O peoples; let the sound of His praise be heard, who has kept our soul among the living and has not let our feet slip.

And then, a personal testimony;

  • Come and hear all you who fear God, and I will tell you what He has done for my soul.
  • I cried to Him with my mouth, and high praise was on my tongue.
  • If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the LORD would not have listened. 
  • But truly God HAS listened, He has attended to the voice of my prayer.
  • BLESSED be God, because He has not rejected my prayer or removed His steadfast love from me!

Psalm 67.

This psalm shows that God’s desire is to save and bless ALL nations of the earth as they come to Him and fear him! But first a “benediction.”

  • May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face shine on us.…..
  • that Your way may be known on the earth, Your saving power among all NATIONS.
  • Let the PEOPLES praise You, O God: let all the PEOPLES praise you!
  • Let the NATIONS  be glad and sing for joy; for You judge the PEOPLES with equity and guide the NATIONS upon the earth.
  • Let the PEOPLES praise You, O God; let all the PEOPLES praise you. 
  • …let all the ends of the earth fear Him!

Psalm 69.

This psalm is a prayer of desperation, titled “Save Me, O God.”   In it David realizes that he might be shortly killed. He begs for rescue.

This psalm also has inferences concerning the coming Messianic kingdom when God’s enemies are dealt with.  Much of it was applied to Christ in the New Testament – you will catch those parts as you read.  But any believer being ridiculed will identify too.

Read the whole thing.  It shows David’s intimacy with God that he can pray such personal prayers.  It shows US that we can cry out to God, no matter what our heartache or need.  No matter how desperate we are or what sin we have done.   

Psalm 70.

A short psalm, almost identical to Psalm 40.  David prays against his enemies, asking God to turn them back and be brought to shame.

But then he prays that ALL who WILL turn and seek God might be saved!

  • May ALL who seek You rejoice and be glad in You!  May those who LOVE YOUR SALVATION say evermore, “God is Great!”

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Tomorrow, sadly, we will see the great king fall. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 127

May7
Day 127.  Reading 2 Samuel 6-7 and 1 Chronicles 17.
 
 
 
Read Today’s Scriptures.  How did they challenge you?
 

2 Samuel 6.

This chapter reviews the bringing of the Ark of God into Jerusalem (1 Chron 13:1-14), with some added details.

First, he tries to bring to Jerusalem “the Ark of God, which is called by the Name of the LORD of hosts who sits enthroned on the cherubim” (if you want the full name). Remember how he put it on a new ox cart, then one of the beasts stumbled, and Uzzah put out his hand to steady it. ZAP!!  He’s dead.

Procession halted, the Ark stored in the house of Obed-Edom, because “David was afraid of the LORD that day.”  Then David hears how the LORD is blessing Obed-Edom and all that he has because of the Ark of God. So his desire is stirred again to bring it to Jerusalem.  THIS TIME, THE CORRECT WAY.

David danced before the LORD with all his might, wearing a linen robe and ephod. And all the House of Israel were shouting and blowing the ram’s horn.

  • And Michal, Saul’s daughter (and David’s first wife) looked out the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the lord, and she despised him in her heart.

After the Ark of the LORD was in its place, David offered burnt and peace offerings, blessed the people, and gave each of them a sack of party food.  Then they, and he went home. 

Joyful and full of blessing, David walked into his house only to meet the dour-faced Michel.

  • “How the king of Israel honored himself today, uncovering himself today before the eyes of his servants’ female servants, as one of the vulgar fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!”

Wow. Shock.  A big downer on the glorious & holy celebration parade.

(Because the verse identifies Michel as “the daughter of Saul” and not the king’s wife, she might still have been longing for the courts of her father, Saul, where royal decorum was observed. She probably expected King David to be wearing royal robes, a crown, and perhaps being brought through Jerusalem on a royal chariot.  Regardless, she was disgusted with him.)

This absolutely put off David for his wife forever (she would never have children).  He answered her (before leaving her forever) in a calm but intense voice,

  • “It was before the LORD, who chose ME above your father, and above all his house, to appoint ME as prince over Israel, the people of the Lord — I WILL make merry before the LORD.  I will make myself yet MORE contemptible than THIS, and I will be abased in your eyes.”

Okay, then.

 

2 Samuel 7.

With the Ark of God in Jerusalem, all his enemies at rest, and enjoying his own cedar house, David’s thoughts turned to building a House (Temple) for the LORD. He got excited and told Nathan, the prophet about his idea.

  • Go, do all that is in your heart, for the LORD is with you.” answered Nathan.

But later that night, the LORD told Nathan something else, which he retold to David in the morning.

  • So you want to build Me a house to dwell in?  I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel out of Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent for my dwelling. Did I ask any of the judges shepherding My people to build me a house of cedar?

Then God told David what HE would build FOR DAVID.

  • I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people Israel. And I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off all your enemies. And I WILL MAKE FOR YOU A GREAT NAME. And moreover, I WILL MAKE FOR YOU A HOUSE.

Then God told who would build the Temple.

  • When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body and I will establish his kingdom. HE SHALL BUILD A HOUSE FOR MY NAME and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.  

Of course, God knew the weaknesses and faults of Solomon, but He promised David…..

  • When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, BUT MY STEADFAST LOVE WILL NOT DEPART FROM HIM, as I took it form Saul, whom I put away before you.
  • YOUR THRONE WILL BE ESTABLISHED … FOREVER.

Oh, my gosh, was David flabbergasted. 

  • Who am I, O LORD GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me thus far?
  • Because of Your promise, and according to Your own heart, You have brought about all this greatness, to make Your servant know it.  
  • Therefore You are great, O LORD God, For there is none like You, and there is NO God beside You.

And David continues to praise and exalt God for the extraordinary promises He made.  (Yes, David was a man after God’s heart.)

 

1 Chronicles 17.

This chapter reviews and expands on what is said in 2 Samuel 7. 

It tells of David’s desire, and Nathan telling him God’s different plans and His great promise to make David’s house be on the throne forever.  And that, David’s own son would build the House for the Ark of God.

Then comes David’s wonderful prayer of awe, wonder, thanksgiving, and praise for what God has promised.

(It’s glorious to read it a second time!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Days 124 & 125 — Part A.

May5
PART A – Day 124.  Reading 1 Chronicles 13-16.
 
Day 125. Reading Psalms 1, 2, 15, 22, 23, 24, 47, and 68.
 
(Sundays and Mondays studies are posted together on Mondays,
but since these two are long posts, I will put them into Part A and Part B. )
 
 
 
Read Today’s Scriptures.
 

PART A. 

1 Chronicles 13.

Today we read of a good plan, approved “in the eyes of all the people.” David’s heart was in the right place.  He wanted the Ark of the Covenant near him in Jerusalem in the Tent (Tabernacle) he’d set up.  He called all the people of Israel from the land and all the Levites from their cities to celebrate this wonderful plan.

But, David had forgotten to consult with the LORD. Yes, the Ark of God WOULD DWELL in Jerusalem and David’s desire was a good thing.  However, the HOLINESS of the Ark and of God had not been considered in his plans.

The Ark of God had resided about 10 miles west of Jerusalem in Kiriath-Jearim, ever since the Philistines had sent it back after they’d captured it, because the LORD had afflicted them horribly.

It’d been twenty years, so maybe the people had forgotten that small incident that happened when the Ark was returned. (David had been only ten years old.)  When the people of Beth-Shemesh first saw the milk cows bringing the Ark home on a cart, 70 of them came in from the fields to look at (look into?) it?  God had zapped them all dead. (See 1 Samuel 7:19-21) They’d been terrified and sent the Ark from Beth-Shemesh to Kiriath-Jearim to stay. 

Now, David wanted it in Jerusalem.  Seems an ox-cart (a new one) would be a good travel method again.

 NOT!!  

As the joyful procession danced and sang around the symbol of their God, the oxen stumbled.  So, naturally, Uzzah, walking next to the cart … put out his hand to steady the Ark.  (As if God couldn’t protect his own “throne on earth”!) 

The second he touched it, Uzzah was DEAD! 

It was quite a dampener on the celebration.   

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1 Chronicles 14.

This chapter is a repeat of parts of 1 Samuel 5 and 1 Chronicles 3. These happened BEFORE 1 Chronicles 13.  It mentions David’s growing family of wives and daughters, and the two attacks by the Philistines which God had helped David overwhelmingly win.

The end of verse 17 says, “The fame of David went out into all lands, and the LORD brought the fear of him upon all nations.”

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1 Chronicles 15.

After King Hiram of Tyre supplied David with materials, and he’d built himself (and his wives) a nice place to live …. David prepared a place for the Ark, a new Tabernacle. (See Deuteronomy 12:5-7)  Then, after obviously studying, or requesting the Levites to tell him HOW to transport the Ark to Jerusalem. (Good boy, David!) He began again. (It had been three months since that “incident.”)

He learned that NO ONE except the Levites could transport the Ark of God and that it would be suspended between them by poles resting on their shoulders.  So, along with all the people of Israel, David gathered the Levites, particularly the “sons of Aaron” and the sons of Kohath. He sent for Zadok and Abiathar, the priests “to bring up the Ark of the LORD, the God of Israel to the place he had prepared for it.

Confession by David:  “It was because you did not carry it the first time, the LORD our God broke out against us, because we did not seek Him according to the rule.”

So the priests consecrated themselves (as per the law) and carried the Ark of God on their shoulders with the poles, as Moses had commanded according to the word of the LORD. 

There were musical instruments played, harps, lyres, cymbals, all to raise a joyful sound. Heman, Asaph and Ethan composed psalms and sounded the bronze symbols. 

So, David and the elders of Israel and the commanders of thousands went to bring up the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord from the home of Obed-Edom … with rejoicing.  And they sacrificed 7 bulls and 7 rams “because God helped them.”  

David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and along with the crowd was shouting to the sound of the horn, trumpets, and cymbals and the loud music on the harps and lyres,

“And as the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul (David’s first wife) looked out the window and saw King David dancing and rejoicing ….

….. and she despised him in her heart.”

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1 Chronicles 16.

After the Ark of God was placed inside the tent, they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before God.   Then David blessed the people in the name of the LORD and distributed to each (men and women) a loaf of bread, a portion of meat, and a raisin cake.

He instructed the Levites to invoke, thank, and praise the LORD, God of Israel.  He appointed that THANKSGIVING be sung to the LORD by Asaph and his brothers.. His song follows. (It echoes Psalms 86, 105, and 106.)

  • Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples!
  • Sing to Him, sing praises to Him, tell of all His wondrous works!
  • Glory in His holy Name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!
  • Seek the LORD and His strength; see His presence continually!
  • Sing to the LORD, all the earth!
  • Tell of His salvation from day to day.
  • Declare His glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!
  • For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and He is to be held in awe above all gods.
  • Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!
  • Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his Name; bring an offering and come before Him!
  • Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth; 
  • Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; and let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!”
  • Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting!

WOW!!

Then David left Asaph and his brothers to minister regularly before the Ark as each day required.

He left Zadok the priest and his brothers to offer burn offerings to the LORD on the alter of burnt offering regularly morning and evening, and to do all that is written in the Law of the LORD.

Then all the people departed, each to his house, and David went home to bless his household.

 

Such a glorious day. When we seek the LORD and obey His word, we are blessed with joy.

 
 
 
 
 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 123

May3
Day 123.  Reading Psalm 106, 107.
 
 
 
Read Today’s Scriptures.
 
Psalm 106.

(This Psalm reviews God’s mercy on Israel despite their sinfulness. This history of Israel was most likely sung when David brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. See 2 Samuel 6 and 1 Chron. 16.)

“Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His steadfast love (mercy) endures forever!”

ONE

  • Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness.” 
  • “Yet He saved them for His name’s sake, that He might make known His mighty power.”  “He saved them from the land of the foe and redeemed them from the power of the enemy.” 
  • “Then they believed His words; they sang his praise.”

TWO

  • “But they soon forgot His works; they did not wait for His counsel, but had a wanton craving in the wilderness, and put God to the test.”  “They exchanged the GLORY OF GOD for the image of an ox that eats grass!”   “They forgot God their savior.
  • “He said He would destroy them — had not Moses stood in the breach before Him to turn Him away from His wrath.”

THREE

  • “They despised the pleasant land, had no faith in His promise. They murmured…. they did not obey…. Therefore He swore to them that He would make them fall in the wilderness.”
  • They yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor and ate sacrifices offered to the dead. They provoked the LORD to anger, and a plague broke out among them.
  • Then Phinehas stood up and intervened and the plague was stayed.  That was counted to him for righteousness.

FOUR

  • They angered Him at the waters of Meribah, and it WENT ILL WITH MOSES on their account, for they made His spirit bitter, and he spoke rashly with his lips.
  • They disobeyed and did not destroy the people as the LORD commanded. They mixed with the nations and learned to do as they did.  They served idols. They sacrificed their sons and daughters to demons.”  “Thus they became unclean by their acts and played the whore.
  • Then the anger of the LORD was kindled against His people and He abhorred His heritage. He gave them into the hands of the nations.  Their enemies oppressed them.
  • Nevertheless … He looked upon their distress, He heard their cry, He remembered His covenant, and relented according to the abundance of His steadfast love.

“BLESSED BE THE LORD, THE GOD OF ISRAEL, from everlasting to everlasting. “Amen. Praise the LORD.”

  • What mercy and forgiveness we see in our God. These verses remind me of 1 John 1:9. “If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” How I thank and praise Him. 

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Psalm 107.

“Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for his steadfast love (mercy) endures forever.”  “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north and from the west.

SOME wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to a city to dwell in; hungry and thirsty.

  • “But they cried to the LORD in their trouble and He delivered them from their distress.  He led them by a straight way till they reached a city to dwell in.
  • “He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things.

SOME sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and in irons. 

  • “Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress.
  • He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart.

SOME were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities, suffered affliction. They loathed food and drew near to the gates of death.

  • “Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress.
  • He sent out His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.

SOME went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the great waters; they saw the deeds of the LORD, his wondrous works in the deep.

  • “He commanded and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea.
  • They mounted up to heaven; then went down to the depts; their courage melted away in their evil plight; they reeled and staggered like drunken men and were at their wits’ end.
  • Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.
  • He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. He brought them to their desired haven.

Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the LORD.

 

This is a great thing to consider and think on today!

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Days 117 & 118

Apr28
(I post Sunday’s and Monday’s studies together.)
 
Day 117.  Reading 1 Chronicles 6
Day 118. Reading Psalms 81, 88, 92 & 93
 

Read today’s scripture.

What do you learn about the tribe of Levi and singing in Chronicles?

What encourages you in these Psalms?

Day 117.

1 Chronicles 6.

Remember these genealogies of the tribes, were needed, after they all went into captivity, and then RETURNED. They people who hadn’t been in the Promised Land for 70 or more years had no idea where they were to live.  PLUS!!!  Those from the tribes of Levi were the priests who would serve Israel and eventually work again in the temple when it was re built.

Today’s reading is all on that priestly tribe of Levi, and his three sons, Kohath (Aaron the priest), Gershon, and Merari. 

There are many, many priests listed in the sub-tribe of Kohath, all descended from Aaron. These were the priests in charge of the Tabernacle/Temple and all the Holy things.  This chapter lists them down to Jehozadak, who went into exile when the LORD sent Judah and Jerusalem into exile by Nebuchadnezzar.

The sub-tribe of Gershon has a smaller list of names, and the sub-tribe of Merari has even fewer.

Then this chapter (verses 31-48), shows a new group of priests (from each of the sub-tribes) to fulfill another task in the Tabernacle/Temple.  Since David was a singer (psalms), he wanted music to be a part of the service in the house of the LORD, after the Ark was brought to Jerusalem, both in the Tabernacle and then in the Temple that Solomon built. 

Of the Kohathites, Heman, the singer, was chosen. 

Of the Gershonites, Asaph was also chosen. Many of the songs in Psalms were composed by Asaph.

Of the Merarites, Ethan was chosen.

The duties of the High Priests are listed here too. They were to make offerings on the altar of burnt offerings and on the altar of incense for all the work of the Most Holy Place and to make atonement for Israel. After Aaron, was Eleazar, then Phinehas, his son, and so on. 

Then the cities and pasturelands are recorded that belonged to each of the sub-tribes of Kohath, Gershon, and Merari.  All are listed, so their post-exile descendants would know where their inheritances lay. 

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Day 118.

Psalm 81.

(So here is an example of a psalm written by Asaph).

Wow, can you hear the joy and worship in this congregation?  Asaph calls the people of God to SING aloud, SHOUT for joy, RAISE a song, and SOUND the music of the tambourine, lyre, harp, and shofar (trumpet). 

Then his song tells of how God rescued them from slavery, answered their prayers (and grumbles), and tested them.

They his song says. “I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.   WOW!  But, Israel didn’t do it.

Then you hear God’s plea, “Oh, that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways! I would soon subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes.” 

And God’s promise if they did listen.  “He would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”

Psalm 88.

This psalm was written by Heman and is very dark. It was sung to the music of a reed, a mournful instrument.) Sometimes my prayers echo his depression and despair.

  • O LORD, God of my salvation; I cry out day and night before you.
  • Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry!
  • For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol (the grave).
  • I am counted among those who go down to the pit;  I am a man who has NO STRENGTH, like one set loose among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave….. like one whom You remember no more.

Then he continues with harsh anger toward the LORD. (Yep, I’ve prayed this way too!)

  • YOU have put me in the depths of the pit, in the regions of dark and deep.
  • YOUR wrath lies heavy upon me, and YOU overwhelm me with all your waves.
  • YOU have caused my companions to shun me; YOU have made me a horror to them.

Yikes!  Yes, you CAN pray to God like this when your heart is broken and in torment!

  • But I, O LORD, cry to you; in the morning my prayer comes before You.
  • O LORD, why do YOU cast my soul away?
  • Why do YOU hide Your face from me?
  • Afflicted and close to death from my youth up, I suffer YOUR terrors; I am helpless.
  • YOUR wrath has swept over me; YOUR dreadful assaults destroy me.
  • YOU have caused my beloved and my friend to shun me; 
  • My companions have become darkness…………………………………… 

Heman bemoans God’s failure to hear his prayer for GOOD HEALTH.  (Have You done this? I have.)  He assumes God is angry with him, but, LIKE JOB, he knows of no cause for that anger. But, his crying out to “the LORD, the God of his salvation,” proves that he has an underlying trust; it just seems invisible in this horrible, dark time. 

Psalm 92.

(Now, a glad, bright psalm for the Sabbath!  But don’t let it mock Heman’s desperate prayer, above.)

  • It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to Your name, O Most High, to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and Your faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre.
  • For YOU, O LORD, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy

Hear the joy in serving the LORD even into old age!

  • The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
  • They are planted in the house of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our God.
  • They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, To declare that the LORD is upright.
  • He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him!

Psalm 93.

Another glorious song of praise!

  • The LORD reigns; He is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed; He has put on strength as His belt.
  • Yes, the world is established, it shall never be moved.
  • Your throne is established from of old; YOU are from everlasting.
  • Your decrees are very trustworthy; holiness befits your house, O LORD, forevermore.

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No matter how our heart feels or the circumstances we are in, we can always go to our God and pour out our pain or praise.  He listens. He knows, like He did in Job’s suffering. Sometimes, He allows us to endure for a while, for our good and His glory.

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 116

Apr26
Day 116.  Reading Psalms 73, 77, 78.
 

Read today’s scripture.

How do these Psalms about trouble, heartache, and persecution speak to you?

Psalm 73.

Have you ever felt like this?

  • Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 

Then the Psalmist continues to describe the “arrogant and wicked” in verses 4-12. (See if you recognize them as you read those verses.)

  • All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence. For all day long I have been stricken and rebuked every morning.
  • But when I thought HOW to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, UNTIL I WENT INTO THE SANCTUARY OF GOD; then I discerned their end.

And his glorious ending thoughts!

  • YOU hold my right hand. YOU guide me with your counsel, and afterward, YOU will receive me to glory.
  • Whom have I in heaven but YOU?  And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides YOU.
  • My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever. 

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Psalm 77.

Have you done or felt these things when you are suffering in some way?

  • I cry aloud to God, and he will hear me.

This is the Psalmist’s hope, but he admits to the opposite. 

  • In the day of my trouble I seek the LORD.
  • In the night my hand is stretched out without wearing, and my soul refuses to be comforted. 
  • When I remember God, I moan: when I meditate, my spirit faints. 
  • You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak.
  • I said, “Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart.” 
  • Then my spirit made a diligent search…..

Here, the Psalmist turns to his knowledge of His Lord and asks questions that have a resounding “NO!” answer.

  1. Will the Lord spurn forever and never again be favorable?
  2. Has His steadfast love forever ceased?
  3. Are His promises at an end for all time?
  4. Has God forgotten to be gracious?
  5. Has He in anger shut up his compassion?

And those “No” questions gave him hope and comfort.  Hear him “preach to himself!”  USE THESE TO PREACH TO YOURSELF TOO!!

  • I WILL REMEMBER the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old.
  • I WILL ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.
  • YOUR WAY, O God, is holy.
  • WHAT GOD is great like our God?
  • YOU are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. 
  • YOU with Your arm redeemed your people…

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Psalm 78.

(A good LONG psalm, looking forward to the next generation.)

  • Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth!

The hope of this Psalm.

  • I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have heard and known, things that our fathers have told us.  We will not hide them from our children but tell the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and His might, and the wonders that he has done……..which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, who will rise and tell them to THEIR children, so that they should SET THEIR HOPE IN GOD, and not forget His works, but keep His commandments.

The Psalm goes on to tell how the Israelites of old, SINNED against God, REBELLED, TESTED, and SPOKE AGAINST God until He was full of wrath against them. 

  • And their main sin:  “They did not believe in God and did not trust his saving power.“

This is a huge “beware” to us today!!!

  • AND YET HE FED them grain from Heaven and water from the Rock (both pictures of Jesus Christ).  YET, HE, BEING COMPASSIONATE, ATONED for their iniquity and did not destroy them;
  • He restrained His anger often and did not stir up ALL his wrath.
  • He remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passes…

The psalm goes on to tell how Israel tested God again and again, provoked Him, and did not remember His power, They turned away, acted treacherously, twisted like a bow strong, and rebelled against the Most High God…..  And He rejected Israel, the tent of Joseph, and the tribe of Ephraim.

So sad, but so like us sometimes.   But then…..

  • He chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion, which He loves. He built his sanctuary like the high heavens…
  • He chose David, His servant. He took him from the sheepfolds and brought him to shepherd Jacob, His people, and Israel, His inheritance. 
  • With an upright heart he (David) shepherded them and guided them with a skillful hand.

 

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In a few days, we will get back to the story of King David. 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Days 110 & 111

Apr21
(I post Sunday’s and Monday’s studies together.)
 
Day 110.  Reading Psalms 121, 123, 124, 125, 128, 129 & 130
Day 111. Reading 2 Samuel 1 – 4.
 

Read today’s scripture passages.

What specific thing encourages you in these Psalms?

EASTER SUNDAY.  What a wonderful way to begin this day – with Psalms of praise – what good timing.

Psalm 121.

  • I lift up my eyes to the hills.
  • From where does my help come from? 
  • My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 123.

  • To You I lift up my eyes, O You who are enthroned in the heavens!

Psalm 124.

  • If it had not been the LORD who was on our side when people rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us alive…
  • Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth!
  • Our help is in the Name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 125.

  • Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides forever.
  • Peace be upon Israel!

Psalm 128.

  • Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in His ways!
  • May you see your children’s children! Peace be upon Israel!

Psalm 129.

  • The blessing of the LORD be upon you! We bless you in the name of the LORD.

Psalm 130.

  • O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy!
  • If You, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?
  • But with You there is forgiveness that you may be feared.
  • I wait for the LORD, my soul waits and in His word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord, more than the watchman for the morning.
  • O Israel, hope I the LORD. For with the LORD, there is steadfast love, and with Him is plentiful redemption.
  • And He will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

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Day 111.

To set the scene for what has happened thus far —

  1. The Philistines planned to march on Israel, focusing on Saul’s hometown.
  2. The Philistine commanders refused to let David and his men accompany them.
  3. David returns home only to find his town burned and all the families kidnapped.
  4. An abandoned slave tells them about the Amalekites and shows David where they are.
  5. David & men defeat them all and bring back their families.
  6. Meanwhile Saul is quaking in his sandals and hears no word from God about what to do. He goes to a witch, who calls up the dead Samuel.
  7. Samuel asks WHAT SAUL IS DOING and says he and his sons will all die the next day.
  8. The Philistines attack. Jonathan and Saul’s other two sons die. He finally dies too at his own hand after being badly wounded.
  9. All the rest of Israel run away and the Philistines live in their towns.

2 Samuel 1.

Two days after David returns home to Ziklag, a messenger, a young Amalekite (Israel’s enemy!), comes from Saul’s camp. He falls to the ground in homage (a hint of the news to follow) and tells David, that the people have fled from the battle and many of them died.

“Saul and his son, Jonathan are dead.”

“How do you know that Saul and his son, Jonathan are dead??”

Here the Amalekite fabricates, saying he found Saul mortally injured. The king asked him to kill him “for anguish has seized me and yet my life lingers.”

“So I killed him because I was sure he was going to die anyway.  Oh, and by the way!  Here are his crown and amulet.  I have brought them here to m’lord.”  (You can bet he was expecting a reward.)

David tore his clothes, mourned, and wept, and fasted until evening for Saul, and Jonathan, and Israel.

Then he called back the young Amalekite. “How is it you were not afraid to put out your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?” Then, David called one of his own men, “Go, execute him!“

And so the enemy liar paid with his own blood for killing the LORD’s anointed.

Then David wrote a lamentation over Saul and Jonathan and said it should be taught to the people of Judah. Here it is in part.

  • Your glory, O Israel, is slain on your high places. How the mighty have fallen! 
  • Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice.
  • You mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew or rain on you nor your fields of offerings.
  • For there the shield of the mighty was defiled, the shield of Saul.
  • From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back, the sword of Saul returned not empty.
  • Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely! In life and in death they were not divided; they were swifter than eagles; they were stronger than lions.
  • How the mighty have fallen; and the weapons of war perished!

2 Samuel 2.

David inquired of the LORD.  And the LORD told him to go up to Hebron. So David and his two wives, Abigail and Ahinoam, plus all his men and their families lived in the towns of Hebron.  The men of Judah came, and there they anointed David King over the house of Judah.

When David was told that it was the men of Jabesh-Gilead who had buried Saul, David sent messages of blessing to them, praying that the LORD would show mercy and faithfulness to them. He too would show them goodness as King of Judah.

However…..

Abner, the commander of Saul’s Army, took Ish-bosheth, another son of Saul, and made HIM king over Gilead, the Ashurites, Jezreel, Ephraim, Benjamin, and the rest of Israel. He reigned two years.

Soon there was a clash between Abner and Joab, commander of the army of David. Abner and Joab sat down on either side of a pool. Abner suggested a contest between some of his men and some of Joab’s men to decide the conflict – instead of the whole army fighting.  Joab agreed.

However, the two sides were so closely matched, they killed each other, and nothing was settled.  And so… a battle royal ensued.  A younger brother of Joab chased Abner. As they ran, Abner told him three times to turn aside, but young Asahel persisted. Abner finally turned and killed the young man. (Joab would never forget this!!!) 

Abner made it home and the Benjaminites surrounded him.  He called to Joab. “Shall the sword devour forever? The end will be bitter! How long will it be before you tell your people to turn from the pursuit of their brothers?”

Joab thought it over, then blew the trumpet for his men to stop. They did not fight Israel anymore that time.

2 Samuel 3.

There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David, and David grew stronger.  Meanwhile, sons were born to David from his now six wives. (Remember Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah.)

And there was a fight between Ish-Bosheth and Abner because Saul’s son accused the loyal Abner of treason.  Fed up, Abner said he was defecting to David and sent messages to the King of Judah.  Abner told David he could bring all Israel to David.

David agreed with one provision, that Abner bring Michel, Saul’s daughter and David’s first wife to him. (Saul had given her to another man.)  Abner agreed.  The new husband tagged along after Michel, weeping for his wife until Abner told him to go back. 

So David made a feast for Abner with his twenty men. Abner said he’d go and bring all Israel to David. They left each other in peace.

Just then Commander Joab and his men arrived with loot from a raid they’d come from. He was angry with David for making a deal with Abner. “Don’t you know Abner came to deceive you???” 

Joab sent men to bring Abner back on some pretense, and when Abner was back in Hebron, Joab killed him.  “For his brother, Asahel,” and NOT out of concern for David. 

David was furious and full of guilt. He cursed the house of Joab.

And David made Joab and all the people put on sackcloth and mourn before Abner. David wept and lamented Abner, saying,

  • “Should Abner die as a fool dies?
  • Your hands were not bound; your feet were not fettered, 
  • As one falls before the wicked you have fallen.”

And David fasted till the sun went down.  And all the people and all Israel understood that day that it had NOT been the king’s will to put to death Abner.

2 Samuel 4.

Ish-Bosheth’s courage failed.  Two of Saul’s men came into his house in pretense and killed him. They beheaded him and brought the head to David at Hebron!  Well, you know what happened —- the same thing as what happened to the Amalekite who brought news of Saul’s death.  Yep. They were killed. David buried the head of Ish-Bosheth. 

David wanted NO BLOOD on his hands from the house of Saul.  It was God who had chosen him King.  David would not “take” the throne from any of the LORD’s anointed.  Period.

David did not know it yet, but there was one descendant of Saul left, a son of Jonathan named Mephibosheth.  Back when Saul was killed, the little boy’s nurse grabbed him and rushed him to safety from the Philistines.  HOWEVER…. the little guy fell in her haste and became lame from then on. 

(Stay tuned about this guy.)