2nd Samuel 10-24; 1st Kings 1-3 Acts 17-22
Hello again! Hope
you have been enjoying this Bible challenge.
This week our readings are very interesting and
intriguing as we finish the book of 2nd Samuel and begin the 1st Book of
Kings. David has been anointed king of Judah.
God makes a covenant with David that He will never remove his steadfast
love from the house of David and it will last forever.
David is faithful in his love of God and he follows
the commandments – at least he tries to.
Our readings in 2nd Samuel will cover how David sinned
against God by committing adultery and murder – Bathsheba and Uriah. God will not go against his covenant (he
still loves David) but tells David his first born son will die. Not only that, but “I will raise up trouble
against you from within your own house.”
So the intrigue continues and the trouble begins: the story of Tamar, Absalom’s revolt, Joab’s
deceit, and then Bathsheba’s scheme to get Solomon anointed by David as king,
all of this in addition to the usual fight to unite Israel and Judah.
I wondered how the Psalms 93-98 would fit with the
other readings this week – they are enthronement psalms which glorify God and
his sovereignty, hailing him as “a great King above all gods.” Some of these psalms may have been written by
the Israelites after their return from exile, especially Psalm 98. David himself wrote many psalms of praise to
the Lord.
For me it seems that even though they have a king,
the Israelites realized that God was, and is, still the King of all Kings.
And in Acts 17-22, Paul has begun his journey to
proclaim the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to all who would listen. Even though his life is in danger, Paul
continues to encourage those in all areas of Ephesus, Athens, Thessadonica,
Macedonia, and even decides to go to Jerusalem despite warnings from his
disciples.
What great readings! Seems David had problems like many people,
and he still held onto his faith and love for God. And, God still loved David. Story of hope? No matter if we sin, God will still love us
as long as we continue to praise and love him?
What do you think about David? Any new insights from the readings?
Vicki Dorsett
Great reflection Vicki. David certainly did have problems (big ones!) like so many of God's people - broken, yet loved. It IS a story of hope. Of boundless hope. The steadfast love of the Lord endures forever.
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