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September 18, 2022 – 2 Samuel 5:17-25 – David Defeats the Philistines at Baalparazim

In a battle that foreshadows the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, God gives the Israelites victory over the Philistines when they hear the “sound of marching” in the rustling leaves of the baka = the “trees of weeping.” … Continue reading

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September 11, 2022 – 2 Samuel 5:1-16 – David Anointed King Over All Israel

The remaining tribes of Israel approach David to invite him to be king over them. He makes a “league” or covenant with them and is anointed for a third time, cementing his rule. Then he takes the citadel of Jerusalem … Continue reading

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August 28, 2022 – 2 Samuel 4 – The Murder of Ishbosheth

Hearing of Abner’s death, two of king Ishbosheth’s captains decide to murder their king to curry favor with David. They badly miscalculate and are themselves executed. The last remaining descendant of Saul, Jonathan’s young son Mephibosheth, is lame and unable … Continue reading

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August 21, 2022 – 2 Samuel 3 – Abner joins David but is murdered by Joab

Violence and revenge are byproducts as David consolidates his kingdom. Ishboshth accuses Abner of sleeping with Saul’s concubine. The charge angers Abner, who defects to support David. But while in Hebron, Joab murders Abner as revenge for killing his brother … Continue reading

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August 14, 2022 – 2 Samuel 2 – David anointed in Judah, but Ishbosheth rules in Israel

David is anointed king of Judah, while Saul’s son Ishbosheth is made king of Israel. Their conflicting reigns illustrate the internal spiritual struggle that takes place when we hear the gospel but “self” tries to maintain control. Notes on 2 … Continue reading

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August 7, 2022 – Observe the Fast of Ab

The destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple – first by the Babylonians in 587 B.C. and later by the Romans in 70 A.D. – are marked by Jews each year at the Fast of Ab. It is a time of … Continue reading

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July 31, 2022 – 2 Samuel 1 – David Learns of Saul’s Death

This begins the new book of 2 Samuel. When an Amalekite turns up in David’s camp, he brings news of the Israelite defeat and the death of Saul and Jonathan. He also gives David Saul’s crown and bracelet in an … Continue reading

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