Category Archives: Readings

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 →

Posted in Readings | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Readings | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Readings | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Readings | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Readings | Leave a comment

July 24, 2022 – 1 Samuel 31 – The Last Days of Saul

King Saul’s reign ends in tragedy as Israel’s army is routed by the Philistines, and Saul takes his own life under confusing circumstances. The body of Saul and his sons are desecrated and hung up in a Philistine city. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Readings | Leave a comment

July 10, 2022 – 1 Samuel 29 & 30 – David Remembers Who He Is

The Philistine leaders don’t trust David to join their invasion of Israel, so he and his men are sent back to Ziklag. They find a disaster – the Amalekites have burned their homes and captured their wives and children. In … Continue reading →

Posted in Readings | Leave a comment