Monthly Archives: September 2012
humpty dumpty
2 Samuel 20 Another rebellion, this time led by Sheba from the northern tribes, highlights the instability of David’s kingdom after his sin. Also, Joab’s murder of Amasa shows his unwillingness to submit to David’s choice of commander. The whole … Continue reading
the ravages of time
2 Samuel 19 The fighting is over,the rebellion put down, and David is restored as king over Judah and Israel. But there is still conflict. There are still disagreements, ill feelings, tensions that would later disrupt into a divided kingdom … Continue reading
a costly deliverance
2 Samuel 17:24-18:33 The good news which these runners brought to David that day was bittersweet. He had been delivered from the rebellion that had temporarily cost him his throne. But his deliverance came at the cost of the death … Continue reading
two counselors
2 Samuel 16:15-17:23 Absalom called upon the wisdom of two counselors. Ahithophel gave him counsel that would have succeeded in finding and killing David. Hushai (who was acting secretly for David) advised another tactic. The LORD sovereignly directed the people … Continue reading
transition
2 Samuel 15:13-16:14 Due to the rebellion of his son Absalom, David finds himself in transition after years of ruling Israel. He must flee Jerusalem, some friends going with him, and others staying behind to communicate to him later. This … Continue reading
seeing the devil
2 Samuel 14:25-15:12 David so much wants to believe that the worst is over for him. He does not choose to see that Absalom is planning a conspiracy against him. It is difficult to keep a positive faith while not … Continue reading
changing the course of things
2 Samuel 14:1-24 Did Joab’s trick work? yes, and no. He succeeded in getting David to allow Absalom back into Jerusalem from which he had been banished. He did not succeed in reconciling the two. It was a partial fix … Continue reading
a spiraling world
2 Samuel 13 The consequences of David’s sin with Bathsheba continue to play out in the lives of his children. Had David been able to see all that would happen as a result of his indiscretion perhaps it would have … Continue reading
mercy and judgment
2 Samuel 12 David’s confession before Nathan was a sign of true repentance, so the LORD chose to forgive his sins. But because his actions had brought dishonor to God, the consequences remained. Bathsheba’s child would die. God’s mercy is … Continue reading
forgive us
2 Samuel 11 This passage stands as a warning for all of us who consider ourselves faithful to the LORD. When we sin, it displeases him – it makes no difference how loyal we have been in other matters. He … Continue reading