Author Archives: Jefferson Vann
the kindness of God
2 Samuel 9 Jonathan was dead and gone, but his kindness to David was still alive, as David sought to repay him by showing good will to Mephibosheth and Ziba. That is how the kindness of God works. Your acts … Continue reading
good government
2 Samuel 8 After succeeding in gaining control over the nation, David wins battles which cause his enemies to fear him, and the wise nations to respect him. He then sets his heart to administer justice and equity to all … Continue reading
building a house
2 Samuel 7 David had determined to build a house (temple) for God. God said no. Instead, the LORD responded to David’s intention by promising to build David a house (dynasty). David’s dynasty lives on to this day in the … Continue reading
correcting the holy
2 Samuel 6 This chapter records two mistakes with dire consequences. First, Uzzah sees the oxen stumble, and reaches out his hands to stabilize the ark of the covenant. He is struck dead because he presumed to correct something that … Continue reading
almost right
2 Samuel 5 David reigned in Hebron over Judah for 7 1/2 years before he was finally accepted as king over all Israel. It took time for the people to accept David as king because they had been loyal to … Continue reading
the treachery continues
2 Samuel 4 You would think that Rechab and Baanah would know better than to try and impress David by killing Ishbosheth. But, no, they march confidently into his presence, the severed head of their former king prominently displayed. God’s … Continue reading
damage control
2 Samuel 3 David saw in Abner not only a great warrior, but also a means by which the long war between David’s men and Saul’s could have been shortened. Joab’s vengeance ruined those hopes. It also put David’s reputation … Continue reading
self-destruct mode
2 Samuel 2 Saul’s death brought about the first political division of the people of Israel. While the men of Judah accepted David as their king, General Abner made Saul’s son Ish-bosheth king instead. The result was that men who … Continue reading
respecting authority
2 Samuel 1 The looter who came into David’s camp with news of Saul’s death thought that he would get a reward. He thought his reward would be greater if he took the credit for Saul’s suicide. But all David … Continue reading
a dismal day
1 Samuel 31 The leader chosen by the Israelite people dies a shameful death, loses all his fighting men, his sons, his armor bearer, and his bases camps. The body of one who was expected to rescue the people from … Continue reading
