Tag Archive | King David

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 138 &139

May19

Sundays and Mondays studies are posted together on Mondays

Day 138. Reading Psalms 26, 40, 58, 61, 62, 64.

Day 139.  Reading 2 Samuel 19 – 21.

 
Read Today’s Scriptures.
 
Day 138.

(Look for all the trials and triumphs in David’s life in these psalms.  Look for his lows and his times of faith and worship. Here are a few snippets, but read them all.)

Psalm 26.
  • 1-2. Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity, and have trusted in the LORD without wavering.  Prove me, O LORD, and try me; test my heart and my mind.

Psalm  40.

  • 1-3. I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.
  • 13-16. Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me! O LORD, make haste to help me! Let those be put to shame and disappointed altogether who seek to snatch away my life; let those be turned back and brought to dishonor who delight in my hurt! Let those be appalled because of their shame who say to me, “Aha, aha!” BUT, may all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation say continually, “Great is the LORD!”

Psalm 58.

  • 10-11. The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance; he will bathe his feet in the blood of the wicked.  Mankind will say, “Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges on earth.”

Psalm 61.

  • 1-3. Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth, I call to You when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.
  • 6a. Prolong the life of the king …..

Psalm 62.

  • 1-4. For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.  How long will all of you attack a man to batter him, like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?  They only plan to thrust him down from his high position. They take pleasure in falsehood. 
  • 5-6. For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

Psalm 64.

  • 1-2. Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint; preserve my life from dread of the enemy. Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, from the throng of evildoers.
  • 10. Let the righteous one rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in Him!  Let the upright in heart exult!

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Day 139.

2 Samuel 19.

Remember how David is devastated by Absalom’s death.  He’s upstairs wailing his heart out.  The people don’t know what to make of it.  Didn’t they just win the battle against the interlopers?  Wasn’t the one who was stealing the throne and seeking to kill King David, gone?  Why was he acting this way? The people started slinking home with their “tails between their legs.”

Joab would have NONE of that.  He goes to David and rips him royally!

  • “YOU have today covered with shame the faces of all your servants, who have this day SAVED YOUR LIFE and the lives of your sons and daughters and wives and concubines because you love those who HATE YOU and hate those who love you.
  • “You have made it clear today that COMMANDERS AND SERVANTS ARE NOTHING TO YOU!  For today — I know that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead — then you would be pleased!!!
  • “NOW, THEREFORE ARISE, GO OUT AND SPEAK KINDLYTO YOUR SERVANTS, for I swear by the LORD, if you do not go, not a man will stay with you this night, and this will be worse for you than all the evil that has come upon you from your youth until now!”

(Way to go, Joab!)

Then the king arose and took his seat in the gate, (presumably with a nice face), “and all the people came before the king.

Meanwhile, the country is in chaos. 

  • King David had delivered them from all their enemies and saved them from the Philistines.
  • But he has fled because of Absalom.
  • And now, Absalom – whom they anointed over themselves – is dead.
  • Should they bring the king back?

David sent a message to Zadok and Abiathar and told them to speak to the elders of Judah about reinstating him as king.   He also told them to tell Amasa (Commander of Absalom’s army) that the king wants HIM to be HIS commander “in place of Joab.”  Whoa, what???  (David has a lot of grudges against Joab and the chewing-out didn’t help.)

So the king came back to Judah.

On his way back, Shimei (the rock thrower), along with a thousand Benjamite men, Ziba with his 15 sons and 20 servants rushed to help David and his household. Shimei fell on his face and begged forgiveness. Abishai wanted to kill him, but David forgave him.

Mephibosheth came too to meet the king.

DAVID: “Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?”

MEPH.: “My servant Ziba deceived me, took my donkey, and left.”

DAVID (who had given all of Mephibosheth’s stuff to Ziba, now decided to split everything in two between them.)  “I have decided.”

MEPH.: “Oh, let him take it all since my lord the king has come home safely.”

DAVID to Barzillai (who had brought all the food and supplies to him when he was in hiding) “Come with me and I will provide for you in Jerusalem.”

BARZILLA: “Nah. I’m old (80) and have enough money. I’ll stay here, but you can take Chimham (his son?) and do good to him.”

David agreed and possibly gave Chimham a part of his personal estate in Bethlehem. (Jeremiah 41:17)

(David also retired his ten concubines whom Absalom had desecrated. He gave them a special house, and they lived there as widows for the rest of their lives.)

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2 Samuel 20.

Sheba, a Benjamite continued to war against David and gathered an army.  The men of Judah pursued them to Jerusalem.  David called his new Army Commander. Amasa, and said to gather all the men of Judah and be back there IN THREE DAYS.

And so…. Amasa went out to gather Judah but he delayed beyond the time David had set. (On purpose??) So the king called Abishai, his second in command, and sent him to chase Sheba.  Joab heard of all this, and he and his men (and all David’s mighty men & bodyguards) followed Abishai (his brother) chasing Sheba.

Amasa came to meet them, and Joab pretended to greet the man nicely, even reaching out to kiss him. But Joab had a short sword hidden beneath his robe and gutted Amasa as they stood close.   Then Joab and Abishai pursued Sheba.  One of Joab’s men stood by the body of Amasa and directed whoever was “FOR THE KING” to follow Joab.  Finally, he dragged the body into a field and threw his garment over it. 

Sheba made it to a fortified city and Joab’s men surrounded it.  Then a “wise woman” came to meet Joab.

WW: “Are you Joab? Listen to me.”

JOAB: ” I am, and I’m listening.”

WW; “Why will you swallow up a peaceable city for one man?”

JOAB; “I won’t if you will give up the man.

WW: “Behold, his head shall be thrown to you over the wall.”

The wise woman went into the city, and in a short time, the head of Sheba came hurling over the city wall.

JOAB:  “Good enough.”  He blew the trumpet and dispersed from the city. 

And Joab (once more David’s Army Commander) returned to Jerusalem to the king.

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2 Samuel 21.

This chapter is a series of flashbacks.  It begins an epilogue.

First, the story of David making right a terrible wrong that Saul did to the Gibeonites, whom Joshua had made a special deal with, is told here.  When David sought revenge for them, the famine (sent by God) was eased. (This all happened before David initially found and showed kindness to Mephibosheth.) 

Next, Samuel reviews a series of the wars that David fought (and won) against the Philistines,

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 

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 122

May2
Day 122.  Reading Psalm 133.
 
 
 
Read Today’s Scripture. 
 
Psalm 133.

Yes, here’s the whole psalm, written by David after he was crowned King of all Israel.

  • “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!
  • It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!
  • It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion!
  • For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.“
 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 121

May1
Day 121.  Reading 2 Samuel 5 and 1 Chronicles 11-12.

Beginning a new MONTH.

Read Today’s Scriptures about Israel’s new King.

(Did you know that David is the only king mentioned in Hebrew 11’s list of mighty men?

  • (As we study both 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles (and Kings), there will be overlaps.  Chronicles, written 500 years later, will contain things not included in the present-day text of 2 Samuel.)

2 Samuel 5.

Finally, all the northern tribes come together and take David as the King of all Israel.  They said, “When Saul was king over us, it was YOU who led out and brought in Israel. The LORD said to you, ‘You shall be Shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be Prince over Israel.'”

So all the elders came to the king at Hebron and King David made a covenant with them before the LORD, and they anointed him king.  David was 30 years old. (15 years after old Samuel had anointed him.)

David had had his eye on Jerusalem for a long time, so now he fought against the Jebusites to take the city.  They laughed and said, “Oh, the blind and the lame could ward you off!”

HA!

They didn’t know that the LORD also had HIS eye on Jerusalem, that He had loved it from of old (Psalm 87:1-3).  It would be the place where He would set His NAME, and where He would dwell among His people.  It would be the place where the greater Son of David would walk and teach, and eventually be crucified outside its walls.  And then be resurrected.

Jerusalem, the City of God, the City of David. 

And so David sent his best soldiers up the water channel into the city and beat all those “blind and lame” Jebusites.

He lived in the stronghold (fortress) of the city and built it up all around.

“And David became greater and greater, for the LORD, the God of hosts, was with him.”  The king of Tyre, Hiram, sent cedar trees, carpenters, and masons to David so he could build his house in the “City of God.”

The philistines.

When the Philistines (who thought David was with THEM) heard that he’d become King of Israel, they spread out in the Valley of Rephaim, ready for war.

David inquired of the LORD. “Shall I fight? Will you give them into our hands?”  And the LORD said, “Yes” to both.”   And so it happened.

Then the Philistines come up again and spread themselves out for war in the same valley.

David inquired again of the LORD.  “Shall I fight? Will you give them into our hands?”  But this time the LORD said, “No. You shall go behind them. When I cause the leaves of the balsam trees to rustle, THEN, go from behind and strike them down.”  And so it happened.  The Philistines went running.

  • Here, I have to confess, that I WISH my prayers for direction would be answered as quickly and in such detail as David’s were in these verses.  But I know the Holy Spirit dwells in believers today, and that His voice is quiet. We have to ask in faith, and then listen, and search His word.

1 Chronicles 11.

(Chapter 10 ends with, “Therefore the LORD … turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse.”)

In this passage, the people of all Israel who want David to be their king, say, “Behold, we are your bone and flesh,” aligning themselves as one to him. David made the covenant, and they anointed him king over Israel …. “according to the word of the LORD by Samuel.”

And then the taking of the City of Jerusalem.  The man who was David’s commander went up first, becoming chief of his men … Joab.

David’s Mighty Men

These men gave the new king, strong support in his kingdom. There were 300, thirty of which were super-duper mighty men. Three were the Most Mighty, two of them killing 300 at one time, each!

Another, named Benaiah, went down and killed a lion in a pit … on a day when the snow had fallen(???), and also killed a 7.5-foot Egyptian giant, yanking his beam-like spear out of the giant’s hand and killing him with it. (David set this mighty man as head of his bodyguard detail.)

One day, when David was still hiding in the cave of Adullam, with the Philistines below, he mentioned how sweet he remembered the cool water from a well in his hometown of Bethlehem.  Unbeknownst to him, three of the chief men in his army went down, through the Philistines, to the well at Bethlehem, got a flask of the water, and brought it back to their Commander-in-chief.  (Oh, wow!)

David was so astounded and humbled, that he would not drink it and poured out the water before the LORD.  “Far be it for me before my God that I should do this. Shall I drink the lifeblood of these men?  For at the risk of their own lives, they brought it.”  

This is why his army loved him so much.

The list of mighty men goes on.  One name should stand out to us, sadly.  In verse 41, Uriah the Hittite, is listed. He was the righteous man whom David had killed after committing adultery with his wife who turned up pregnant.  Ah, David! How could you fall so low with one of these faithful men?

1 Chronicles 12.

This chapter describes more about David’s mighty men, telling how they came with him when he was still being pursued by Saul.  They were bowmen who could shoot arrows and sling stones – either with their right or left hands from the tribe of Benjamin.

Men from the tribe of Gad also joined with David when he was in the wilderness.  They were experienced warriors, experts with the shield and spear, “swift as gazelles on the mountains”.  They became officers in the army.

Then the Spirit “clothed Amasai,” chief of the thirty who said this blessing, “We are yours, O David, and with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers! For your God helps you.”

Some from the tribe of Manasseh came and helped David against the Philistine raiders.  Also, some came to David from other tribes after Saul died, Simeonites, Ephraimites, those from Issachar, Zebulun, Naphtali, Dan, Asher, and from the east side, Reuben, and Manasseh: 120,000 men armed with weapons of war.

(Also, the relatives of the soldiers came from the tribes, bringing food on donkeys, camels, mules, and oxen, for a big celebration, “for there was joy in Israel.“)

  • I love this portion of scripture, when David is at his height, honoring and seeking God with all his might, loyal to a fault to his men, with a heart to please and serve the LORD.  I’ll “savor” these chapters because I know David falls, and, though forgiven by God, his life and his kingdom are ruined.
  • Maybe I dislike it so much because I see how we, ourselves, sin and ruin our lives, although our God loves and forgives us.
Read today’s scriptures.  How are you challenged by these passages today?

2 Samuel 5.

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 167

Jun15

   Day 167—We are in the 6th month of Bible reading and continue with the history of Israel.

 Day 167 – 1 Kings 9, 2 Chronicles 8. (The LORD’s second appearance to Solomon and all Solomon’s building projects)

2 Kings 9. “As soon as Solomon had finished building the house of the LORD… the LORD appeared to Solomon a second time.”  “I have heard your prayer and your plea…. I have consecrated this house…. putting my name there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time.”

“And as for YOU, if you walk before me…. with integrity of heart and uprightness, doing all I have commanded you… then I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever.”   

“BUT, IF YOU TURN ASIDE from following me…. go and serve other gods and worship them… THEN I will cut off Israel from the land that I have given them, and the house that I have consecrated for my name I will cast out of my sight, and Israel will become a proverb and a byword among the peoples. And this house… will become a heap of ruins.”

Well, Solomon was forewarned by God. 

The rest of 2 Kings 9 and 2 Chronicles 8 describe Solomon’s massive building program that he undertook after the Temple and his Palace were completed (they took 20 years). He and Hiram, the king of Tyre, collaborated to build cities and ships for foreign trade. Solomon gave Hiram twenty cities in Galilee, but after seeing them the king of Tyre didn’t like them. (Did he give them back??)

Again it’s mentioned that Solomon used all the non-Israeli people living in the land as slaves in all his building projects.  He also conscripted Israeli citizens, but they were for soldiers, officials, commanders, captains, chariot commanders, and horsemen. (I assume these were paid wages.)

In addition to the Temple and his own house, Solomon built up “the Millo” and the wall of Jerusalem. (The Millo was a landfill in the depression between the city of David and the Temple complex to the north. The north side of Jerusalem was vulnerable to attack, so this, and the wall were for protection.)

Solomon also fortified the “protection” cities of Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer.  He fortified or built other cities for his own uses, such as for “storage” or to house all his chariots, horses, and horsemen.  He built “whatever he desired to build” in Jerusalem, Lebanon, and all the land of his dominion.” 

Then he brought his wife – Pharaoh’s daughter – to the palace he’d built for her because he did not want this pagan wife to live in the House of King David or near the places where the Ark of the LORD had been.

(Smart move, Solomon. Too bad you didn’t keep the holiness of God in your heart throughout your entire reign.)

The end of 2 Chronicles 8 also tells how King Solomon followed the regulations of the LORD, concerning the daily burnt offerings, the Sabbaths, new moons, and the three Festivals Israel was to keep before the LORD.  He also kept the priestly appointment that David had set up for service in the Temple, plus the gatekeepers at each gate.  

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Psalm 84:1-2, 10.“How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.”  “For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.”

Psalm 100:5. “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name! For the LORD is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”

 

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 161 & 162

Jun10

    Day 161 & 162—We are in the 6th month of Bible reading. Praise God!  What have you learned so far about God and his purposes in your life? Share in the comments.

(Note: SUNDAY’s and MONDAY’s readings are combined.)

    Day 161 – Proverbs 22 – 24. (More proverbs and wise sayings, some compiled by Hezekiah)

There are many familiar and quoted proverbs in this section. It’s good to remember they are “wise sayings” that are generally true and meant for godly living, but NOT promises, prophesies or law.

22:1a – “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches…”

22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

22:7b – “…the borrower is the slave of the lender.”

22:13 – “The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets!”.

22:15 – “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from Him.”   23:13-14 – “Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol.”

23:4-5 _ “Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven.”

23:22, 24, 25 – “Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him. Let your father and mother be glad; let her who bore you rejoice.”

An almost laughable description of a DRUNKARD.

23:29-33 – “Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without a cause? Who has redness of eyes?  (It is) Those who tarry long over wine; those who go to try mixed wind. Do not look at wine when it is red when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end, it bites like a servant and stings like an adder. Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart utter perverse things. You will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, like one who lies on the top of a mast. “They struck me” you will say, “but I was not hurt; they beat me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake? I must have another drink.” 

24:1-2 – “Be not envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them, for their hearts devise violence and their lips talk of trouble.”  24:19-20 – “Fret not yourself because of evildoers and be not envious of the wicked, for the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be put out.”

24:11, 17-18 – “Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.”  “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles, lest the LORD see it and be displeased, and turn away his anger.”   (These verses remind me of Jude 22-23 – “And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.”

Instruction learned from the sluggard.

24:32-43 – “Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber and want like an armed man.”

KNOWLEDGE: knowing facts. UNDERSTANDING: knowing what the facts mean. WISDOM: knowing how to apply the facts.

24:3-4 – “By wisdom. a house is built, and by understanding, it is established; by knowledge, the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. 

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    Day 162 – 1 Kings 5 – 6, 2 Chronicles 2 – 3. (Solomon builds the HOUSE OF THE LORD in Jerusalem.)

1 Kings 5 and 2 Chronicles 2.  These two chapters tell of King Solomon’s preparations for building the Temple. His father had collected tons of gold, silver, and precious stones. Now Solomon made a deal with King Hiram of Sidon (Lebanon) to purchase and cut all the cedar and cypress week needed. (It’s a LOT.) They struck a deal. Hiram would send the logs down via the Mediterranean Sea as rafts, and Solomon would supply Hiram with LOTS of grain and oil each month. 

It seems that King Hiram had a great relationship with David and now with his son, Solomon.  And Sidon’s King even had respect for their God. “Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, who made heaven and earth, who has given King David a wise son, who has discretion and understanding, who will build a temple for the LORD and a royal palace for himself.”  2 Chronicles 2:12. 

Solomon drafted forced labor to be stone cutters and burden-bearers. (1 Kings 5:13-16.)  The account in 2 Chronicles 2:17-18 reports that these 153,500 laborers were “resident aliens who lived in the land of Israel.”

2 Kings 6 and 1 Chronicles 3 describe the details and dimensions of the Temple building and surrounding court, that Solomon built on Mt. Moriah, the land David had purchased from the Jebusite after his ill-fated census taking. It was also where Abraham had attempted to sacrifice his son Isaac, before God provided a ram for the offering.

It was a grand and glorious place, on the pattern of the Temple, only solid. The foundation was made of massive dressed stone (weighing hundreds of tons each). as were the walls, all lined inside with cedar boards and covered with gold. Carved cherubim, palm trees, open flowers, and chains were the gold-covered decorations.   Inside the Most Holy Place two massive cherubim with outstretched wings spread across the 30-foot square room over the “throne of God” (Ark of the Covenant).

Two massive pillars of 4″ thick bronze stood at the front of the temple. They were 52.5 feet tall, with an additional 7-food capital on top decorated with chains like a necklace, lilies, and a hundred pomegranates on the chains.  Solomon named them Jachin (“he shall establish”) and Boaz (in it is strength). 

It took Solomon SEVEN YEARS to start and finish the Temple, the House of God in Jerusalem.

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 149

May28

   Day 149—We are in our FIFTH month of Bible reading and we have begun our 13th book – 1 Kings.  Are you loving God more each day? What are you learning about Him?  Share in the comments section.

   Day 149 –  1 Kings 1 – 2, Psalms 37, 71, 94. (David dies, but first stops a coup)

1 Kings 1.  David is old and frail and can’t get warm. The court brings a young and beautiful woman to care for him and keep him warm at night. (No hanky-panky, however.)  

Taking advantage of his father’s advanced age, Adonijah, next in line to be king, claims himself the heir to the throne by collecting chariots, and soldiers, one of the high priests, and even the aging Commander of David’s army, Joab. They hold a huge festival with loads of sacrifices.  

But when the prophet Nathan hears of it, he enlists Bathsheba in a plan to officially crown the LORD’s choice, Solomon, as king after David.  The old king musters enough strength to do just that, authorizing them to have Solomon ride through town on his royal donkey, the priests to anoint him king in front of all the people, encourage them to shout, “Long live King Solomon” and to sit him on his father’s throne.

Adonijah hears the commotion and knows what it means. He makes a wild dash for the horns of the altar at the Tabernacle (a place he can claim clemency). Solomon grants him that… IF HE WILL SHOW HIMSELF A WORTHY MAN.”  (We’ll see about that in a bit.)

By the way, verse 6 points out a fault of David with ALL his sons and probably the reason so many went wrong. It’s a warning to parents today. “His father had never at any time displeased him by asking, ‘Why have you done thus and so?“ Not only was Adonijah handsome like Absalom, he was spoiled rotten.

1 Kings 2. Like all Jewish patriarchs, King David calls for Solomon when he knows he is dying. He blesses Solomon and encourages him in the LORD. “Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the LORD your God, walking in His ways and keeping His statutes, His commandments, His rules, and His testimonies…. that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever your turn, that the LORD may establish His Word that He spoke to me…. ‘you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel’.”

HOWEVER, the old king then instructs Solomon to assassinate two men “according to your wisdom, for you are a wise man.”

  1. He is to kill Joab for revenge-killing the commanders of Saul’s and Absalom’s armies (Abner & Amasa) IN TIME OF PEACE.
  2. He is also to kill Shimei, the Benjamite, who cursed David as he fled from Absalom. David had sworn that HE himself would not kill the man but now instructs Solomon to do it.

Then David dies – after reigning for 40 years as king. He was buried in Jerusalem, the City of David. And Solomon’s kingdom is firmly established…almost.

Next, that slippery Adonijah comes to Bathsheba and asks HER to ask SOLOMON to pretty please give him Abishai as his wife. TWO THINGS TO REMEMBER:  1. Abishai was the beautiful woman given to David to keep him warm and was considered a concubine.. 2. Someone who wanted to claim the kingdom for himself would sleep with the former king’s wife/concubine.

ADONIJAH WAS ATTEMPTING A SNEAKY COUP TO STEAL THE CROWN FROM SOLOMON!!

Solomon sends his commander, Benaiah. to kill Adonijah. 

Solomon sends Benaiah to kill Joab.

After giving Shimei a narrow place to live, and the man leaves it, Solomon sends Benaiah to kill him. 

His oaths to his father accomplished, the kingdom was now established in the hand of Solomon.

Psalm 37.  “Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. Trust in the LORD and do good…”   “Delight yourself in the LORD…”   “Commit your way to the LORD…”   “Be still before the LORD….”

“The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in His way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand.”

“I have young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.”

Psalm 71. “For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O LORD, from my youth.”    “Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent.”    “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.”

Psalm 94. “He who planted the ear, does He not hear? He who formed the eye, does He not see? He who disciplines the nations, does He not rebuke? He who teaches man knowledge – the LORD – knows the thoughts of man, that they are but breath.”

“Blessed is the man whom You discipline, O LORD, and whom You teach out of your law, to give him REST from the days of trouble…”     “If the LORD had not been my help, my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence. When I thought, ‘My foot slips,’ your steadfast love, O LORD, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.”

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 147 & 148

May27

    Day 147 & 148—We are in our FIFTH month of Bible reading and today we finis the 12th book!   What insights have you gained about God and yourself through reading so far?  Share in the comments section.

(Note: SUNDAY’s and MONDAY’s readings are combined.)

    Day 147 – 2 Chronicles 26 – 29, Psalms 127 (David appoints all who will be in charge of the kingdom as it passes to Solomon.)

Chapter 26. David continues to assign specific work in the Kingdom to men and groups who can handle it. Here, he assigns Gatekeepers, the first line of defense for the City of David. He also assigns men in charge of the treasuries of the house of God, and dedicated gifts.

Interestingly, he assigned “men of great ability” to oversee the tribes east of the Jordan in everything pertaining to God and the king’s affairs.  

Chapter 27. Here, David assigned a standing army of 24,000 for each month, rotating throughout the year (total: 288,000). He also appointed one man to oversee each of the tribes. As for his own property, he appointed men over the treasuries in the country, cities, villages, and towers. Chosen men who oversaw the farms, vineyards, wine cellars, olive & sycamore trees, stores of oil, herds of cattle, camels, donkeys, and flocks of sheep. David also appointed men to “oversee” all his sons (for the LORD had given him many.)  

Lastly, Joab stands as the commander of the king’s army. (David didn’t like him because he killed Absalom and tried to replace him, but the army leader persisted, obeyed the king in everything (even when the king sinned), and was a great military leader.)

Chapter 28.  David assembled all the officials of Israel at Jerusalem.  He tells them how it was in his heart to build a House for the LORD, but that God had given that task to Solomon. He tells how God allowed him to amass all the materials and make the plans.  He also tells them again that young SOLOMON will be the next king of Israel, chosen by GOD! 

David charges Solomon with the task and with obedience to God and then gives him the plans. He reminds him (and the assembled officials there) that “the people will be wholly at your command.”

Chapter 29. David challenges the assembly that the task of building the Temple is great and Solomon is young. He tells of the huge offerings he himself has given and asks, “Who then will offer willingly, consecrating himself today to the LORD?”   As one, they come forward with huge offerings for the treasury for the House of the LORD.  Then everyone REJOICES greatly.

David blesses the LORD in their presence. “Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and 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, our God, and praise YOUR GLORIOUS NAME.”

“O LORD, our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building You a house for Your holy name comes from Your hand and is all Your own.”     “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.”

Then the whole congregation made Solomon, the son of David, king a second time, and they appointed him as Prince for the LORD.

Psalm 127 is a psalm written by Solomon.  “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.” 

King David’s death is mentioned at the end of 2 Chronicles, but we’ll see a little more of him in 1 Kings.

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    Day 148 – Psalms 111 – 118 (Psalms of assents and praise written by others)

111. “I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart.”    “Holy and awesome is His name! The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: all who practice it have a good understanding.”

112.  “Blessed be the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments!    “It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice.”

113. “Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and forevermore! From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised.”

The above reminds me of the modern song “10,000 Reasons” by Matt Redman —

Verse 1
The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning;
It’s time to sing Your song again.
Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me,
Let me be singing when the evening comes.

Chorus
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
O my soul, worship His holy Name.
Sing like never before, O my soul.
I’ll worship Your holy Name.

114. “Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, who turns the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a spring of water.”

115.  “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name give glory for the sake of your mercy and your faithfulness.”    “Our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases.”    

116. “I love the LORD because He has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy, because He inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call on Him as long as I live. The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish. Then I called on the name of the LORD; ‘O LORD, I pray, deliver my soul!’ Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful.”

“For You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling;…”    “What shall I render to the LORD for all his benefits to me?”

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints…“

117. “Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol Him, all peoples!”

118. “Out of my distress, I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?  The LORD is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.”    “The LORD is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation..”

“I shall not die, but I shall live and recount the deeds of the LORD. The LORD has disciplined me severely, but He has not given me over to death.”   “I thank You that You have answered me and have become my salvation.”

“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 145

May24

   Day 145—We are in our FIFTH month of Bible reading. Are you loving God more each day? What are you learning about Him?  Share in the comments section.

   Day 145 –  1 Chronicles 23 – 25, (David “setting his house in order”)

Surprise! We will be reading more genealogies today (and in chapters 26-27)

These genealogies are specific to the tribe of Levi and are part of King David’s plans for the “House of God” that he so yearns to build.  His son, Solomon, will do it, but David took pleasure in making the plans and collecting the building materials. And now, he revels in setting up the care, maintenance, and worship in the Temple once it is finished. 

Chapter 23. “When David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel,” reads verse one.  That’s all. But we’ll read much more about Solomon’s coronation later.  For now, David’s heart and eyes are on the future House of God (which I think he can “picture” perfectly in his mind’s eye).

He gathers all the leaders in Israel, the priests and Levites, and presents his plans.  There are 38K Levites.  “Twenty-four thousand of them will be in charge of the work in the house of the LORD.” Another 6K will be officers and judges, 4K will be gatekeepers, and the remaining 4K will offer praises to the LORD with instruments and songs. 

He then goes into detail, including the names of tribe leaders and their descendants. 

Chapter 24. “The divisions of the sons of Aaron were these. The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. But Nadab and Abihu died before their father and had no children, so Eleazar and Ithamar became priests.  With the help of Zadok of the sons of Eleazar and Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar (priests during David’s time), David organized them according to the appointed duties in their service.”

Chapter 25. “David and the chiefs of the service also set apart for the service the sons of Asaph, and of Herman, and of Jeduthun (Ethan), who prophesied (wrote inspired songs) with lyres, with harps and with cymbals.” 

David then lists all those who did the work and their duties in “music ministry,” as well as the order in which they would serve. 

The King was nothing but organized in this! 

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 143

May22

   Day 143—We are in our FIFTH month of Bible reading, and today, we finish our ELEVENTH Book (2 Samuel).   Are you loving God more each day? What are you learning about Him?  Share in the comments section.

   Day 143 –  2 Samuel 24, 1 Chronicles 21 – 22, Psalm 30. (Census, judgment, alter/temple, joy)

What exactly incited King David to call for a census of all his military men?  2 Samuel seems to say that the LORD (in His anger) did, while 1 Chronicles says that Satan did. Both instances began with Israel’s sin, which is important when the consequences fall. 

Perhaps God, in His anger against Israel, allowed Satan to put the need to see how big his army was in David’s mind. Israel and her king needed to trust ONLY in the LORD  for victory in battle and not in the amount of military power that had.

Interestingly enough, Commander Joab confronted the king and said a census was NOT a good idea. But David, who didn’t like Joab anyway, ignored his advice and sent him throughout Israel with an abacus.

The tally numbers also seem to conflict. 2 Samuel‘s number could be the amount of standing army soldiers, and 1 Chronicles could also include all men of military age, whether seasoned or not. 

Also, 1 Chronicles mentioned that Joab hadn’t gotten to the tribes of Benjamin and Levi when God stopped the process.  (The Levites wouldn’t stand in battle, but only in defense of the Tabernacle and its contents.) 

In either case, the whole thing displeased God, and he sent His Seer, Gad, to David to give him three choices as to the consequences of showing this lack of trust in Him.  (And NO, this is not like having a Genie in a bottle.)  For one thing, the choices were horrific.  1) 3 years of famine, 2) 3 months of devastation by their enemies, and 3) 3 days of pestilence/plague.  What a choice!!

David chose #3 for the shorter duration and because he would rather trust himself in the hands of God than the hands of the Philistines, etc. And the Angel of the LORD killed 70,000 men in Israel. (soldiers?) But the Angel stopped when He came to Jerusalem and allowed the king to offer burnt (sin) offerings on the threshing floor of a Jebusite (People who held Jerusalem before David conquered it.) 

After seeing the Angel of the Lord, the Jebusite and his sons ran and hid, but then he fearfully approached the King and offered his threshing area, his oxen, and all the wooden implements to use in his offerings.  But David refused the offer and insisted on buying everything. “I will not take for the LORD what is yours, nor offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” (2 Samuel – 50 shekels for the oxen and implements & 1 Chronicles – 600 for the land)

It reminds me of Abraham, who was looking for a burial place for his wife, Sarah. He did not accept the land as a gift but insisted on paying for it. Both that land and the area David bought became a permanent possession.

This purchased area would become the site of Solomon’s magnificent Temple. (Currently, the Dome of the Rock (“threshing floor”) sits on top of it.)

2 Chronicles.  This chapter flows from the previous verses about that area in Jerusalem, which would become the place where Solomon would build a House for the LORD. David was not allowed to build it because he was a man of war and bloodshed, while Solomon, who was a man of peace, could.  Meanwhile, God allowed David to make the plans and collect all the materials needed, from great stones and cedar trees to the iron nails for the doors, clamps, etc.

King David even called his young son and charged him with the task, telling him that the LORD would be with him and establish his royal throne in Israel forever. “Now my son, the LORD be with you, so that you may succeed in building the house of the LORD you God as He has spoken concerning you. Only may the LORD grant you discretion and understanding, that when He gives you charge over Israel, you may keep the law of the LORD your God…..  Be strong and courageous. Fear not; do not be dismayed. With great pains, I have provided for the house of the LORD.”

Psalm 30. “O LORD my God, I cried to You for help, and You have healed me. O LORD, you have brought up my soul from the grave.; You restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.  Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints, and give thanks to His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, and His favor is for a lifetime.  Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”   “O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever.”