Ii Samuel 6:2 "And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims."
David learned in this chapter that one can do the right thing the wrong way. He also learned that he could learn to do the right thing the right way and be blessed.
The ark was put in the house of Abinadab after the Philistines stole it and brought it back to Israel. The Philistines loaded it on a cart and sent it down the road. That did not work out so well for them. David also put it on a cart and headed down the road with it. There was a problem with David doing it like the Philistines did it rather than like the LORD said to do it. See Numbers 4:15.
v3 And they set the ark of God upon a new cart and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart."
The oxen had a problem when they came to the threshingfloor of Nachon. Here it says the oxen shook the ark. In Chronicles it further states that the oxen stumbled. Regardless Uzzah reached out to steady it and in so doing he broke the command of the LORD and was struck down.
v6 "And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it."
It may seem a harsh punishment. The offense was harsh. It brings up the issue of sinful man approaching God and why it is necessary to have a savior who can bridge the gap between the sinfulness of man and the purity of God. We have discussed that before. Jesus shed his blood and suffered the penalty for sin so that we can approach God without fear. Although we are sinful, God sees the purity of his Son and therefore accepts us.
When Uzzah died, David was stunned. (It is the best word I can think of.) It was commanded earlier that the laws of God should be in the hands of the king so that he would know how to lead the people and how to obey God. I think after doing it the wrong way that David went back and read up on how he should have done it.
For now look at David's condition after doing it the wrong way: He was displeased,v8 afraid v9 and would not remove the ark of the LORD unto him v10.
v11 "And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obededom the Gittite three months: and the LORD blessed Obededom, and all his household."
I noticed one thing in this part of the chapter. As we have said, David prayed. Before he made a move, 'David enquired of the LORD'. He may have prayed this time but the Bible does not record it. v1 "Again, David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand.' v2 "And David arose, and went with all the people..." Maybe, he forgot to pray in his excitement.
Doing the right thing the right way!
v2 "And it was told king David saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obededom and all that pertainth unto him, because of the ark of God. So, David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness."
Now we see the difference in David when he moved the ark the right way. He does it with gladness. He came down the street dancing with joy. One verse said he danced before the LORD with all his might. This is the warrior who stood before the giant and in the midst of a thousand of the enemy and won. He now put all that energy in celebration of the LORD.
v14-15 "And David danced before the LORD with all his might: and David was girded with a linen ephod. So David and ll the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet."
His wife Michal saw only the physical side of the event and criticized David. She did not see the magnitude of the importance of bringing the ark of the LORD to the capitol city.
In First Chronicles, we get more details of the happenings. Chapters 13, 14, 15.
I Chronicles 15:14-15 "And the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel. And the children of the Levites bare the ark of God upon their shoulders with the staves thereon as Moses commanded according to the word of the LORD."
The ark is now in the tabernacle that David prepared for it. Actually for the LORD so we should say as the Bible says for him. v17 ...set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle..."
See here for a lesson on David feeding the multitude as Jesus feed those he taught.
Psalm 9:1 "I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart, I will shew forth all thy marvellous works."
Keywords: Old Old Story, blog, Bible Study, Old Testament, David, tabernacle, Jerusalem, City of David, Levites, Milton Southerland. The ark is brought home.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
David King over All Israel II Samuel 5
II Samuel 5:3 "So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD; and they anointed David king over Israel."
The elders give David their blessings and anoint him king but the LORD has already anointed him king long ago through the prophet Samuel. See I Samuel 16.
v5 "In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah."
I don't know that it means anything profound but David was 30 years old when he began to reign and Christ was 30 years old when he started his ministry. David reigned 33 years in Jerusalem and Christ lived from his physical birth to his physical death 33 years (about).
v4 "David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years."
Up until now Hebron has been David's home base. In this chapter he moves to Jerusalem. There are several names we should become familiar with or we will get confused. One is found in this verse.
v7 "Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David."
In CI Scofield's notes, he says the is located in the southwest portion of Jerusalem. So we may find that David is in Zion or Jerusalem and be the same place. In the New Testament we read that Christ was born in the city of David which we know to be Bethlehem. I'll have to sort that out in my studies. I don't remember where David was born. Maybe some of you can help me on that one.
We have to remember that Jerusalem is in the development stages now. The temple has not yet been built and I expect it is somewhat like a large city in development with different parts being called by different names like NY. You could say you were in Manhattan but you would still be in NYC. Anyway, David has moved and the king of Tyre has sent him a nice gift.
v9 "So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward. v10 And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him."
v11 "And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house."
Verses 13-16 gives a list of the children born to David in Jerusalem. Remember Jerusalem is Jesbus, where the people dwelt that they did not kill or run out of the country.
The Philistines are back. We have gone through a civil war but the long time enemy is still there. Remember reading about when our country (the US) was being forged. We were in war. We fought on every side and are still fighting. I heard a saying from an actor playing an old American Indian last night. He said: Freedom is our most precious gift and the hardest to keep.
The Philistines are gathered in the valley of Rephaim. David prayed.
v19 "And David enquired of the LORD saying Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them unto mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand."
David won the victory but again the Philistines gathered in the same valley. Here we have the very moving story of the second battle. David was instructed of the LORD to use a different strategy this time.
v23 "And when David enquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees."
Now we come to a verse that is used often in sermons. The LORD himself was to be obvious in this battle. The mulberry trees leaves would move and I got a feeling that was the LORD gliding through the tree tops on the way to battle.
v24 "And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee."
Isn't that just the greatest picture? The One Joshua saw with his sword raised leads the charge with David. Joshua 5.
v25 "And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer." Geba is Gibeon I Chronicles 14:16.
By the way, First Chronicles covers these events in a different way. It clarifies some things and leaves out others. Perhaps, we will get to discuss why that can happen later. It deals with the captivity.
Psalm 33:1 "Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright."
Keywords: Old Old Story, Bible Study, Old Testament, David, Jerusalem, Zion, Hebron, Samuel, Philistines, Hiram, Tyre, Milton Southerland. David is king of all Israel and moves to Jerusalem.
The elders give David their blessings and anoint him king but the LORD has already anointed him king long ago through the prophet Samuel. See I Samuel 16.
v5 "In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah."
I don't know that it means anything profound but David was 30 years old when he began to reign and Christ was 30 years old when he started his ministry. David reigned 33 years in Jerusalem and Christ lived from his physical birth to his physical death 33 years (about).
v4 "David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years."
Up until now Hebron has been David's home base. In this chapter he moves to Jerusalem. There are several names we should become familiar with or we will get confused. One is found in this verse.
v7 "Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David."
In CI Scofield's notes, he says the is located in the southwest portion of Jerusalem. So we may find that David is in Zion or Jerusalem and be the same place. In the New Testament we read that Christ was born in the city of David which we know to be Bethlehem. I'll have to sort that out in my studies. I don't remember where David was born. Maybe some of you can help me on that one.
We have to remember that Jerusalem is in the development stages now. The temple has not yet been built and I expect it is somewhat like a large city in development with different parts being called by different names like NY. You could say you were in Manhattan but you would still be in NYC. Anyway, David has moved and the king of Tyre has sent him a nice gift.
v9 "So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward. v10 And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him."
v11 "And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house."
Verses 13-16 gives a list of the children born to David in Jerusalem. Remember Jerusalem is Jesbus, where the people dwelt that they did not kill or run out of the country.
The Philistines are back. We have gone through a civil war but the long time enemy is still there. Remember reading about when our country (the US) was being forged. We were in war. We fought on every side and are still fighting. I heard a saying from an actor playing an old American Indian last night. He said: Freedom is our most precious gift and the hardest to keep.
The Philistines are gathered in the valley of Rephaim. David prayed.
v19 "And David enquired of the LORD saying Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them unto mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand."
David won the victory but again the Philistines gathered in the same valley. Here we have the very moving story of the second battle. David was instructed of the LORD to use a different strategy this time.
v23 "And when David enquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees."
Now we come to a verse that is used often in sermons. The LORD himself was to be obvious in this battle. The mulberry trees leaves would move and I got a feeling that was the LORD gliding through the tree tops on the way to battle.
v24 "And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee."
Isn't that just the greatest picture? The One Joshua saw with his sword raised leads the charge with David. Joshua 5.
v25 "And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer." Geba is Gibeon I Chronicles 14:16.
By the way, First Chronicles covers these events in a different way. It clarifies some things and leaves out others. Perhaps, we will get to discuss why that can happen later. It deals with the captivity.
Psalm 33:1 "Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright."
Keywords: Old Old Story, Bible Study, Old Testament, David, Jerusalem, Zion, Hebron, Samuel, Philistines, Hiram, Tyre, Milton Southerland. David is king of all Israel and moves to Jerusalem.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
King Ishbosheth Murdered II Samuel 4
II Samuel 4:5-6 "And the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, went and came about the heat of the day to the house of Ishbosheth, who lay on a bed at noon. And they came thither into the midst of the house, as though they would have fetched wheat; and they smote him under the fifth rib: and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped."
No one really likes a cowardly act. Ishbosheth was not an anointed king but he apparently looked after the people for these brothers came under the pretense to get wheat. It seems to be common to get wheat from the king's house.
Abner, the strong man of the kingdom, is dead and the king's hands were feeble v1. It has become known that David is rising to power, so like the Amalekite who thought to win favor with David by saying he had killed Saul, these men thought David would appreciate them killing Ishbosheth. They were wrong.
v10 "When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings: v11 How much more when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth?"
The men were slain and their bodies hung up as an example.
There is another story in this short chapter or at least a part of the story. It tells about Mephibosheth and how he became lame. Mephibosheth is the one that David sought to take under his care to honor the memory of Jonathan.
v4 "And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son that was lame of his feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth."
There were two Mephibosheth's in Saul's family. He had a son by that name who was hanged. The one mentioned here in v4 is his grandson and the son of Jonathan. His name means extermination of idols. He is also called Meribahbaal in I Chronicles 8:34. Meribah means strife. Baal means master. So together that makes it strifemaster. Strange the one name includes the name Baal and the other deals with doing away with idols. It is indicative of the old and new man in the Christian walk.
Up to now the kingdom was divided between Judah and Israel. Although soon to be joined under king David, Judah is often mentioned, later on, as though it were necessary to make a distinction.
Saul and Jonathan are dead. Abner has been killed by Joab for his brother's death. The king Abner set up to rule Israel (apart from Judah) has been murdered. The whole country is gravitating toward David's rule.
We will not find a perfect man in David. We will find a man that sought and talked to the LORD.
Psalm 110:1 "The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool."
Key words: Old Old Story, Bible Study, Milton Southerland, Old Testament, Samuel, David, Abner, Joab, Saul, Jonathan Ishbosheth, Mephibosheth. The nation is about to be rejoined under one king: David.
No one really likes a cowardly act. Ishbosheth was not an anointed king but he apparently looked after the people for these brothers came under the pretense to get wheat. It seems to be common to get wheat from the king's house.
Abner, the strong man of the kingdom, is dead and the king's hands were feeble v1. It has become known that David is rising to power, so like the Amalekite who thought to win favor with David by saying he had killed Saul, these men thought David would appreciate them killing Ishbosheth. They were wrong.
v10 "When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings: v11 How much more when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth?"
The men were slain and their bodies hung up as an example.
There is another story in this short chapter or at least a part of the story. It tells about Mephibosheth and how he became lame. Mephibosheth is the one that David sought to take under his care to honor the memory of Jonathan.
v4 "And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son that was lame of his feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth."
There were two Mephibosheth's in Saul's family. He had a son by that name who was hanged. The one mentioned here in v4 is his grandson and the son of Jonathan. His name means extermination of idols. He is also called Meribahbaal in I Chronicles 8:34. Meribah means strife. Baal means master. So together that makes it strifemaster. Strange the one name includes the name Baal and the other deals with doing away with idols. It is indicative of the old and new man in the Christian walk.
Up to now the kingdom was divided between Judah and Israel. Although soon to be joined under king David, Judah is often mentioned, later on, as though it were necessary to make a distinction.
Saul and Jonathan are dead. Abner has been killed by Joab for his brother's death. The king Abner set up to rule Israel (apart from Judah) has been murdered. The whole country is gravitating toward David's rule.
We will not find a perfect man in David. We will find a man that sought and talked to the LORD.
Psalm 110:1 "The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool."
Key words: Old Old Story, Bible Study, Milton Southerland, Old Testament, Samuel, David, Abner, Joab, Saul, Jonathan Ishbosheth, Mephibosheth. The nation is about to be rejoined under one king: David.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
David, Joab, Abner II Samuel 3
II Samuel 3:1 "Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker."
In regard to the long war, it seems it was about 7 years since after that time David became king of all Israel including Judah.
Verses 2-6 list David's wives to date. It does not list Michal whom Saul gave to Phaltiel after he became enemies with David. The chapter list 6 wives and their firstborn. One note: Abigail's son is called Chileab here but in I Chronicles he is called Daniel. Perhaps he had two names or as was the case with the prophet Daniel, he may have had a Hebrew name and another given by Abigail.
Abner leaves his king in this chapter and has gone over to David's side. The reason is given in this verse:
v7 "And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine? v8 Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth..."
Like the face that launched a thousand ships, so Rizpah was the reason Abner left his king and went over to the other side. It was a turning point for Israel.
David had a condition for meeting with Abner. He was to bring his first wife Michal. Along with telling Abner this he also sent messengers to Ishbosheth the king of Israel and Michal was sent to David. It was a tough time for her then husband.
v16 "And her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim. Then said Abner unto him, Go, return. And he returned."
This being done, Abner then uses his influence to undermine Ishbosheth. He communicated to the elders of Israel to support David as king.
v18 "Now then do it: for the LORD hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the and of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies."
Although Abner was really mad about the concubine or perhaps the king he set up going against him, he now invokes the words of the LORD to win over the elders. Politics was alive and well even then.
David met with Abner and let him go in peace, a sign that David would accept Abner's help.
v20 "So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David made Abner and the men that were with him a feast."
Abner seems to be master of his plan and has consolidated his position. He has perhaps forgotten that he killed the brother of Joab who is David's captain. Abner goes on his way but Joab sent messengers to call him back. I suppose Joab thought the king wanted to tell him something more so he came back. Joab called him aside.
v27 "And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother."
There is often this bloodshed after a war. People do not forget their personal hurt. David then declared his innocence because he knew nothing of Joab's plan to kill Abner. He ordered mourning for him. David fasted that day and Israel was pleased with him.
v38 "And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?"
Joab has avenged his brother's death but the act will follow him as we will see later.
Psalm 14:2 "The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God."
Keywords: Old Old Story, Bible Study, Old Testament, Milton Southerland, David, Abner, Joab, Judah, Israel. Abner has fallen.
In regard to the long war, it seems it was about 7 years since after that time David became king of all Israel including Judah.
Verses 2-6 list David's wives to date. It does not list Michal whom Saul gave to Phaltiel after he became enemies with David. The chapter list 6 wives and their firstborn. One note: Abigail's son is called Chileab here but in I Chronicles he is called Daniel. Perhaps he had two names or as was the case with the prophet Daniel, he may have had a Hebrew name and another given by Abigail.
Abner leaves his king in this chapter and has gone over to David's side. The reason is given in this verse:
v7 "And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine? v8 Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth..."
Like the face that launched a thousand ships, so Rizpah was the reason Abner left his king and went over to the other side. It was a turning point for Israel.
David had a condition for meeting with Abner. He was to bring his first wife Michal. Along with telling Abner this he also sent messengers to Ishbosheth the king of Israel and Michal was sent to David. It was a tough time for her then husband.
v16 "And her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim. Then said Abner unto him, Go, return. And he returned."
This being done, Abner then uses his influence to undermine Ishbosheth. He communicated to the elders of Israel to support David as king.
v18 "Now then do it: for the LORD hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the and of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies."
Although Abner was really mad about the concubine or perhaps the king he set up going against him, he now invokes the words of the LORD to win over the elders. Politics was alive and well even then.
David met with Abner and let him go in peace, a sign that David would accept Abner's help.
v20 "So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David made Abner and the men that were with him a feast."
Abner seems to be master of his plan and has consolidated his position. He has perhaps forgotten that he killed the brother of Joab who is David's captain. Abner goes on his way but Joab sent messengers to call him back. I suppose Joab thought the king wanted to tell him something more so he came back. Joab called him aside.
v27 "And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother."
There is often this bloodshed after a war. People do not forget their personal hurt. David then declared his innocence because he knew nothing of Joab's plan to kill Abner. He ordered mourning for him. David fasted that day and Israel was pleased with him.
v38 "And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?"
Joab has avenged his brother's death but the act will follow him as we will see later.
Psalm 14:2 "The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God."
Keywords: Old Old Story, Bible Study, Old Testament, Milton Southerland, David, Abner, Joab, Judah, Israel. Abner has fallen.
Friday, May 23, 2008
David King of Judah II Samuel 2
II Samuel 2:1 "And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron."
Remember, we talked about David being a praying man. Here he is again having a conversation with the LORD. I am reminded of the day when Joshua was ready to take Canaan and he met the Captain of the Host standing with his sword drawn. The LORD walked the hills with David.
We can jump ahead to chapter 7 verse 8 and 9 and we will see that the Captain of the Host was with David throughout all this ordeal. "Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel: And I was with tee whithersoever thou sentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth."
David is 30 years old.
There are several people who are of note at this time. Saul is dead and Abner is the power in his steed but he made a king of one of Saul's sons.
v8 "But Abner the son of Ner, caption of Saul's host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim; v9 And made him king ... over all Israel."
In Judah, David is king and Joab is his general. The two captains (generals in our day) met at a pool called Gibeon where they had young men from each side fight each other for, what seemed like, entertainment for them. Perhaps, it was to see whose fighters were the stronger. Joab (David's men) prevailed and Abner went on the run.
v14 "And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise."
When the fight was over Abner was defeated and he and Joab decided to call a truce. It was very costly for Abner.
v30-31 "And Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David's servants nineteen men and Asahel. But the servants of David had smitten of Benjamin, and of Abner's men, so that three hundred and threescore men died."
Asahel is mentioned separately because he was a runner and following Abner when he ran away but Abner killed him. Asahel was Joab's brother. See II Samuel 4:27.
The tribe of Benjamin has lost a lot of people again. Their first loss was when they defended a city that had broken God's law and attempted to harm a priest. Now they are following Abner and have lost again.
To the present, we have seen Saul unseated and David made king in Judah. Abner is in control in the rest of Israel and has made a king of Ishbosheth. The kingdom is divided but will not stay that way for long.
Psalm 44:1 "We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old."
Keywords: Bible Study, Old Testament, Saul, David, Abner, Joab, Israel, Judah, Milton Southerland, "David is made king of Judah and Joab has defeated Abner. The kingdom is divided.
Remember, we talked about David being a praying man. Here he is again having a conversation with the LORD. I am reminded of the day when Joshua was ready to take Canaan and he met the Captain of the Host standing with his sword drawn. The LORD walked the hills with David.
We can jump ahead to chapter 7 verse 8 and 9 and we will see that the Captain of the Host was with David throughout all this ordeal. "Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel: And I was with tee whithersoever thou sentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth."
David is 30 years old.
There are several people who are of note at this time. Saul is dead and Abner is the power in his steed but he made a king of one of Saul's sons.
v8 "But Abner the son of Ner, caption of Saul's host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim; v9 And made him king ... over all Israel."
In Judah, David is king and Joab is his general. The two captains (generals in our day) met at a pool called Gibeon where they had young men from each side fight each other for, what seemed like, entertainment for them. Perhaps, it was to see whose fighters were the stronger. Joab (David's men) prevailed and Abner went on the run.
v14 "And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise."
When the fight was over Abner was defeated and he and Joab decided to call a truce. It was very costly for Abner.
v30-31 "And Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David's servants nineteen men and Asahel. But the servants of David had smitten of Benjamin, and of Abner's men, so that three hundred and threescore men died."
Asahel is mentioned separately because he was a runner and following Abner when he ran away but Abner killed him. Asahel was Joab's brother. See II Samuel 4:27.
The tribe of Benjamin has lost a lot of people again. Their first loss was when they defended a city that had broken God's law and attempted to harm a priest. Now they are following Abner and have lost again.
To the present, we have seen Saul unseated and David made king in Judah. Abner is in control in the rest of Israel and has made a king of Ishbosheth. The kingdom is divided but will not stay that way for long.
Psalm 44:1 "We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old."
Keywords: Bible Study, Old Testament, Saul, David, Abner, Joab, Israel, Judah, Milton Southerland, "David is made king of Judah and Joab has defeated Abner. The kingdom is divided.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Amalekites Story of Saul's Death II Samuel 1
II Samuel 1:6 "And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and , lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him. v8 And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him I am an Amalekite. He said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me for anguish is come upon me, because my life is yet whole in me. v10 So I stood upon him, and slew him..."
These verses are a quote of what the Amalekite said to David as opposed to I Samuel 30 where we are given a Bible narrative of what happened. The stories do not match and I'll take the Bible narrative instead of what an AWOL Amalekite told David. It is obvious that the Amalekite knew that Saul and David were at odds with each other and hoped to win David's favor by telling him he had killed his enemy. I believe Saul killed himself to keep from being taken by the Philistines.
David is not pleased that the Amalekite would take upon himself to kill one anointed of God.
v14 "And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD's anointed? v15 And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, and fall upon him, And he smote him that he died."
So, except for recovery of the bones of Saul and Jonathan, Saul's story ends and David's story begins. David laments their deaths with touching words in the balance of this chapter.
v24 "Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel."
and for Jonathan:
v26 "I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan; very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women. v27 How are the mighty fallen and the weapons of war perished!"
Israel came out of bondage and wandered in the wilderness and fought their way into a land flowing with milk and honey. They are now fighting on every side and amongst themselves.
David must bring unity to the new nation.
Psalm 10:17-18 "Lord, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear: To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress."
Keywords: Bible Study, Old Testament, Israel, Saul, David, Jonathan, Milton Southerland. Saul has died and David reigns in Judah.
These verses are a quote of what the Amalekite said to David as opposed to I Samuel 30 where we are given a Bible narrative of what happened. The stories do not match and I'll take the Bible narrative instead of what an AWOL Amalekite told David. It is obvious that the Amalekite knew that Saul and David were at odds with each other and hoped to win David's favor by telling him he had killed his enemy. I believe Saul killed himself to keep from being taken by the Philistines.
David is not pleased that the Amalekite would take upon himself to kill one anointed of God.
v14 "And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD's anointed? v15 And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, and fall upon him, And he smote him that he died."
So, except for recovery of the bones of Saul and Jonathan, Saul's story ends and David's story begins. David laments their deaths with touching words in the balance of this chapter.
v24 "Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel."
and for Jonathan:
v26 "I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan; very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women. v27 How are the mighty fallen and the weapons of war perished!"
Israel came out of bondage and wandered in the wilderness and fought their way into a land flowing with milk and honey. They are now fighting on every side and amongst themselves.
David must bring unity to the new nation.
Psalm 10:17-18 "Lord, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear: To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress."
Keywords: Bible Study, Old Testament, Israel, Saul, David, Jonathan, Milton Southerland. Saul has died and David reigns in Judah.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Saul Dies I Samuel 31
I Samuel 31:5 "And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him."
David is in Judah fighting the Amalekites. Saul is in the north fighting the Philistines.
We should note that a division has matured in the children of Israel. We now see Judah and Israel separated within the nation. Perhaps we could think of Canaan as having two states.
Saul's forces are overrun by the Philistines and the men of Israel fled and fell in Gilboa. Saul's sons appear to have been protecting Saul for they fell first then only Saul and his armourbearer are left. The archers hit Saul and he is sore wounded. He does not want to be taken by the Philistines and tells his armourbearer to kill him but he can not kill the king. Saul then fell on his own sword and died.
v3 "And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers."
v4 "...Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it."
The Philistines came out the next day to strip the bodies (spoils of war) and when they found Saul and his sons they cut off their heads and put them on display in their land. The bodies were also put on display separately but the men of Jabesh-gilead mustered their courage and took the bodies and buried them.
v10 "And they put his armour in the house of Ashtaroth: and they fastened his body to the wall of Bethshan."
A tragic end to the first anointed king of Israel. He disobeyed the LORD and was rejected. The kingdom was stripped from him and given to David. I have to think back to the young Saul who was too shy to come out when the congregation met to honor him. The big man who stood a shoulder above his fellows. I can almost see him with his back to a tree and his spear in his hand. But it was the LORD who put him in the kingship and the LORD who took his kingdom. It was very costly for him to disobey. Yet, as David did, he is still due some honor as king.
v13 "And they took their bones, and buried them under a tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days."
Special note: There is disagreement on how Saul died. Some take this chapter and agree that Saul fell on his sword. Others (as C.I. Scofield says) believe an Amalekite killed him as described in the first chapter of Second Samuel. Mister Scofield says Saul got up after being struck down but I can find no verse to verify that statement. I believe Saul fell on his own sword and died and here is why. Chapter 31 of First Samuel tells what happens and is not quoting anyone. Chapter 1 of Second Samuel is quoting the Amalekite who could have said anything to try to win David's favor. Both accounts are true records but the Amalekite got this story(a true account of a lie just as the Devil lied to Eve) wrong for his own benefit. We will read about that next.
Psalm 34:7 "The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them."
Keywords: Bible Study, Old Testament, Samuel, Saul, David, Amalekite, Saul's Death, Jonathan's Death, Israel, Judah, Milton Southerland. Our study has progressed to the point where David becomes king of Judah and Saul has died.
David is in Judah fighting the Amalekites. Saul is in the north fighting the Philistines.
We should note that a division has matured in the children of Israel. We now see Judah and Israel separated within the nation. Perhaps we could think of Canaan as having two states.
Saul's forces are overrun by the Philistines and the men of Israel fled and fell in Gilboa. Saul's sons appear to have been protecting Saul for they fell first then only Saul and his armourbearer are left. The archers hit Saul and he is sore wounded. He does not want to be taken by the Philistines and tells his armourbearer to kill him but he can not kill the king. Saul then fell on his own sword and died.
v3 "And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers."
v4 "...Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it."
The Philistines came out the next day to strip the bodies (spoils of war) and when they found Saul and his sons they cut off their heads and put them on display in their land. The bodies were also put on display separately but the men of Jabesh-gilead mustered their courage and took the bodies and buried them.
v10 "And they put his armour in the house of Ashtaroth: and they fastened his body to the wall of Bethshan."
A tragic end to the first anointed king of Israel. He disobeyed the LORD and was rejected. The kingdom was stripped from him and given to David. I have to think back to the young Saul who was too shy to come out when the congregation met to honor him. The big man who stood a shoulder above his fellows. I can almost see him with his back to a tree and his spear in his hand. But it was the LORD who put him in the kingship and the LORD who took his kingdom. It was very costly for him to disobey. Yet, as David did, he is still due some honor as king.
v13 "And they took their bones, and buried them under a tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days."
Special note: There is disagreement on how Saul died. Some take this chapter and agree that Saul fell on his sword. Others (as C.I. Scofield says) believe an Amalekite killed him as described in the first chapter of Second Samuel. Mister Scofield says Saul got up after being struck down but I can find no verse to verify that statement. I believe Saul fell on his own sword and died and here is why. Chapter 31 of First Samuel tells what happens and is not quoting anyone. Chapter 1 of Second Samuel is quoting the Amalekite who could have said anything to try to win David's favor. Both accounts are true records but the Amalekite got this story(a true account of a lie just as the Devil lied to Eve) wrong for his own benefit. We will read about that next.
Psalm 34:7 "The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them."
Keywords: Bible Study, Old Testament, Samuel, Saul, David, Amalekite, Saul's Death, Jonathan's Death, Israel, Judah, Milton Southerland. Our study has progressed to the point where David becomes king of Judah and Saul has died.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
David Rescues His Family I Samuel 30
I Samuel 30:1 "And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire v2 And and taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way."
David and his men have been on a force march from where Saul and the Philistines were about to fight. He and his men must have been very tired. He then found the city burned and his wives gone. In fact, there were probably many of the men whose families were taken. What does David do? First, he prays.
v8 "And David enquired at the LORD, saying Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all."
Guess who it was that took David's family. Amalek. The very one that Saul was suppose to destroy utterly. He did not and lost the kingdom. These were those who attacked Israel while they escaped Egypt back in Exodus and the LORD said he would erase remembrance of them. Rest assured, Amalek will show up in your life. Once the devil has a tool to use against a Christian, he will use it to his full advantage. While you are off fighting the battle, Amalek will show up. Amalek is a type of the flesh and we know that we must continually do battle there.
v11 "And they found an Egyptian in the field and brought him to David and gave him bread, and he did eat: and they made him drink water."
This young man got sick on the march with the Amalekites and they just left him in the field. He lay there three days until David's men found him and were kind to him. He revived and showed David where the enemy camp was. They were having a big ol' time but come the twilight all that came to and end.
v17 "And David smote them from the twilight even unto the evening of the next day: and there escaped not a man of them save four hundred young men, which rode upon camels, and fled."
David had only 400 men with him and 400 of the enemy escaped so there must have been a great number that paid for their invasion with their lives. David's 400 defeated an army, no wonder they are called his mighty men.
Now, 200 of David's men had been too weak to go all the way to the enemy camp, so David left them to watch their stuff at the brook Besor. They return to this camp with their families and the spoils which included a lot of livestock. Some wanted to deny those who watched the stuff any of the spoil but David said they would share equally and so made it a law of the land.
v23 "Then said David, Ye shall not do so, my brethren, with that which the LORD hath given us, who hath preserved us, and delivered the company that came against us into our hand. v24 For who will hearken unto you in this matter? but as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff; they shall part alike."
In modern Christian work, there are those who preach, do mission work and are on the front lines. Then, there are those who cannot go to the front line but stay behind and work in factories or such and send money to support the others with their money and prayers. The latter are those who stay by the stuff. It is good to know that they too will share in the rewards.
David also did a little politicking when he got back to Ziklag although I do not think he saw it as such.
v26 "And when David came to Ziklag, he sent of the spoil unto the elders of Judah, even to his friends saying, Behold a present for you of the spoil of the enemies of the LORD: " Then they are listed. The last verse is enlightening.
v31 "And to them which were in Hebron and to all the places where David himself and his men were wont to haunt."
So a series of events have taken place very quickly. David is living in the enemy camp. He almost fought with the Philistines against Israel but was not allowed to do so. He then executes judgment on the Amalekites while rescuing his family. Saul is facing the Philistines and has been unable to get an answer from the LORD. He goes to a witch who perhaps raises up Samuel who tells him all is lost for him because he did not obey the LORD.
Psalm 32:6 "For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him."
Key words: Old Old Story, Bible Study, Old Testament, Samuel, Israel, David, Saul, Ziklag, Amalek, Jonathan, Philistines, Milton Southerland, Bible, Study, Tracking the salvation story through the scripture.
David and his men have been on a force march from where Saul and the Philistines were about to fight. He and his men must have been very tired. He then found the city burned and his wives gone. In fact, there were probably many of the men whose families were taken. What does David do? First, he prays.
v8 "And David enquired at the LORD, saying Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all."
Guess who it was that took David's family. Amalek. The very one that Saul was suppose to destroy utterly. He did not and lost the kingdom. These were those who attacked Israel while they escaped Egypt back in Exodus and the LORD said he would erase remembrance of them. Rest assured, Amalek will show up in your life. Once the devil has a tool to use against a Christian, he will use it to his full advantage. While you are off fighting the battle, Amalek will show up. Amalek is a type of the flesh and we know that we must continually do battle there.
v11 "And they found an Egyptian in the field and brought him to David and gave him bread, and he did eat: and they made him drink water."
This young man got sick on the march with the Amalekites and they just left him in the field. He lay there three days until David's men found him and were kind to him. He revived and showed David where the enemy camp was. They were having a big ol' time but come the twilight all that came to and end.
v17 "And David smote them from the twilight even unto the evening of the next day: and there escaped not a man of them save four hundred young men, which rode upon camels, and fled."
David had only 400 men with him and 400 of the enemy escaped so there must have been a great number that paid for their invasion with their lives. David's 400 defeated an army, no wonder they are called his mighty men.
Now, 200 of David's men had been too weak to go all the way to the enemy camp, so David left them to watch their stuff at the brook Besor. They return to this camp with their families and the spoils which included a lot of livestock. Some wanted to deny those who watched the stuff any of the spoil but David said they would share equally and so made it a law of the land.
v23 "Then said David, Ye shall not do so, my brethren, with that which the LORD hath given us, who hath preserved us, and delivered the company that came against us into our hand. v24 For who will hearken unto you in this matter? but as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff; they shall part alike."
In modern Christian work, there are those who preach, do mission work and are on the front lines. Then, there are those who cannot go to the front line but stay behind and work in factories or such and send money to support the others with their money and prayers. The latter are those who stay by the stuff. It is good to know that they too will share in the rewards.
David also did a little politicking when he got back to Ziklag although I do not think he saw it as such.
v26 "And when David came to Ziklag, he sent of the spoil unto the elders of Judah, even to his friends saying, Behold a present for you of the spoil of the enemies of the LORD: " Then they are listed. The last verse is enlightening.
v31 "And to them which were in Hebron and to all the places where David himself and his men were wont to haunt."
So a series of events have taken place very quickly. David is living in the enemy camp. He almost fought with the Philistines against Israel but was not allowed to do so. He then executes judgment on the Amalekites while rescuing his family. Saul is facing the Philistines and has been unable to get an answer from the LORD. He goes to a witch who perhaps raises up Samuel who tells him all is lost for him because he did not obey the LORD.
Psalm 32:6 "For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him."
Key words: Old Old Story, Bible Study, Old Testament, Samuel, Israel, David, Saul, Ziklag, Amalek, Jonathan, Philistines, Milton Southerland, Bible, Study, Tracking the salvation story through the scripture.
Monday, May 19, 2008
David Slips - Plans to Fight with Enemy I Samuel 29
I Samuel 29:1 "Now the Philistines gathered together all their armies to Aphek: and the Israelites pitched by a fountain which is in Jezreel"
In the last chapter verse 4, it gives a different set of names(Shunem and Gilboa See my little map). Being ex-military, I understand this procedure. Troops are staged and inspected at one spot before being moved to the point of battle. Saul and Israel are at a fountain in Jezreel and were able to see the numbers of the enemy. So one of these places was where the troops gathered (pitched) and another is where they were for battle (arrayed).
David came up last in this display of the forces. He was with king Achish. When the lords of the Philistines saw David they were angry and insisted that he be sent back for they were afraid he would turn on them in battle.
v6 "Then Achish called David and said unto him, Surely as the LORD liveth, thou hast been upright and thy going out and thy coming in with me in the host is good in my sight, for I have not found evil in thee since the day of thy coming unto me unto this day: nevertheless the lords favour thee not."
David has been anointed to be king and for him to fight with the Philistines against Israel would have been a grave mistake but the LORD did not let it happen.
v11 "So David and his men rose up early to depart in the morning, to return into the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel."
We know that Saul, upon seeing the number of Philistines was faint and afraid and sought the LORD but was not answered. The LORD had already told him the kingdom was taken from him. Saul went to a witch and received the same answer from the spirit of Samuel (or who ever the witch brought up - as I've said it is often debated if a witch could bring up Samuel).
David is returning home after not being allowed to fight with the Philistines. Tragedy awaits him at Ziklag.
Psalm 25:1-2 "Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my s oul. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me."
Keywords: Bible Study, Old Testament, Samuel, Israel, Philistines, David, Saul,Ziklag, Milton Southerland "Old Old Story is a chapter by chapter study of the Bible, tracking the story of salvation."
In the last chapter verse 4, it gives a different set of names(Shunem and Gilboa See my little map). Being ex-military, I understand this procedure. Troops are staged and inspected at one spot before being moved to the point of battle. Saul and Israel are at a fountain in Jezreel and were able to see the numbers of the enemy. So one of these places was where the troops gathered (pitched) and another is where they were for battle (arrayed).
David came up last in this display of the forces. He was with king Achish. When the lords of the Philistines saw David they were angry and insisted that he be sent back for they were afraid he would turn on them in battle.
v6 "Then Achish called David and said unto him, Surely as the LORD liveth, thou hast been upright and thy going out and thy coming in with me in the host is good in my sight, for I have not found evil in thee since the day of thy coming unto me unto this day: nevertheless the lords favour thee not."
David has been anointed to be king and for him to fight with the Philistines against Israel would have been a grave mistake but the LORD did not let it happen.
v11 "So David and his men rose up early to depart in the morning, to return into the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel."
We know that Saul, upon seeing the number of Philistines was faint and afraid and sought the LORD but was not answered. The LORD had already told him the kingdom was taken from him. Saul went to a witch and received the same answer from the spirit of Samuel (or who ever the witch brought up - as I've said it is often debated if a witch could bring up Samuel).
David is returning home after not being allowed to fight with the Philistines. Tragedy awaits him at Ziklag.
Psalm 25:1-2 "Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my s oul. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me."
Keywords: Bible Study, Old Testament, Samuel, Israel, Philistines, David, Saul,Ziklag, Milton Southerland "Old Old Story is a chapter by chapter study of the Bible, tracking the story of salvation."
Saturday, May 17, 2008
David with the Enemy, Saul and the Witch I Samuel 28
I Samuel 28:1 "And it came to pass in those days, that the Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel. And Achish said unto David, Know thou assuredly, that thou shalt go out with me to battle, thou and thy men."
A major offensive is planned by the Philistines. It would take place in the north while David was operating in the south (Judah). King Achish told David he would be fighting with him. He was drafted. The battle took place in Issachar's area near the northern end of the Jordan River as you look at a map.
v4 And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa."
These two mountains face each other and the battle would traditionally take place in the valley between. Saul was very distressed when he saw the number of the enemy. He prayed but God was silent to him.
v7 "Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor."
Endor is located on the side of mountain the Philistines are gathered on, so Saul put on a disguise and went over to talk to the witch. Whether the witch actually called up Samuel or it was something else is debated. Either way, Saul did not get the answer he was looking for.
v15 "And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do.
v16 "Then said Samuel, Wherefore ten dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy?"
Well, Saul got quite an ear full: the LORD had departed Saul, The kingdom was taken from him, David would get the kingdom, Israel would be lost, Saul and his sons would die.
Saul was faint at all this and at first refused food but was pressed by those around him to eat and he finally did. The chapter ends there. David is set to fight with the Philistines and Saul has stooped to getting help from a witch. It does not look good but we will see how it works out soon.
Psalm 49:20 "Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish."
Keywords: Bible study, Old Testament, Israel, Judah, Saul, David, Philistines,Endor, Milton Southerland
A major offensive is planned by the Philistines. It would take place in the north while David was operating in the south (Judah). King Achish told David he would be fighting with him. He was drafted. The battle took place in Issachar's area near the northern end of the Jordan River as you look at a map.
v4 And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa."
These two mountains face each other and the battle would traditionally take place in the valley between. Saul was very distressed when he saw the number of the enemy. He prayed but God was silent to him.
v7 "Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor."
Endor is located on the side of mountain the Philistines are gathered on, so Saul put on a disguise and went over to talk to the witch. Whether the witch actually called up Samuel or it was something else is debated. Either way, Saul did not get the answer he was looking for.
v15 "And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do.
v16 "Then said Samuel, Wherefore ten dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy?"
Well, Saul got quite an ear full: the LORD had departed Saul, The kingdom was taken from him, David would get the kingdom, Israel would be lost, Saul and his sons would die.
Saul was faint at all this and at first refused food but was pressed by those around him to eat and he finally did. The chapter ends there. David is set to fight with the Philistines and Saul has stooped to getting help from a witch. It does not look good but we will see how it works out soon.
Psalm 49:20 "Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish."
Keywords: Bible study, Old Testament, Israel, Judah, Saul, David, Philistines,Endor, Milton Southerland
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Thank You
Since putting the map of hits on the right and asking you to tell a friend, I have been very touched by the hits from around the world. Thank you so much for participating in this small effort for the King.
David with Philistines I Samuel 27
I Samuel 27:1 "And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand."
It would be easy to criticize David for running away. It must be remembered that Saul came after him with thousands while David had only hundreds. It is noteworthy that David chose to hide in the enemy camp after killing so many of them. But, I think, the most important thing we should remember about David is that he was but a man. He made mistakes like the rest of us. That his life was so diverse and human makes him so loved by those who study him. In spite of his faults, David prayed and trusted the LORD.
v4 "And it was told Saul that David was fled to Gath: and he sought no more again for him."
David went to the king of Gath and asked him for a quiet city to dwell in. He was given Ziklag and dwelt there with his family. He was not a stay at home sort of man. David went and invaded the enemies of Israel toward Egypt. The Amalekites were included. King Achish asked David about his adventures.
v10 "And Achish said, Whither have ye made a road to day? And David said, Against the south of Judah, and against the south of the Jerahmeelites and against the south of the Kenites."
David lied. He had been to the wilderness of Shur and fought Geshurites, Gezrites and Amalekites. v8. It was enough to convince the king that David had made an enemy of his own people and so the king believed David.
v12 "And Achish believed David, saying, He hath made his people Israel utterly to abhor him; therefore he shall be my servant for ever."
This chapter was the setting for the next chapter where David almost fought with the Philistines against Israel. The LORD intervened.
Psalm 2:2-3 "The kings of the earth set themselves and the rulers take counsel together against the LORD, and against his anointed saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. v4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the LORD shall have them in derision."
Keywords: Bible Study, Old Testament, Samuel, Israel, David, Saul, Gath,Milton Southerland
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
David in Saul's Camp I Samuel 26
I Samuel 26:7 "So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster; but Abner and the people lay round about him."
David has fled to Hachilah. The Ziphites came to Saul and told him the area where David was. Saul took 3000 men to hunt down David's 600. They got close but while they camped and slept, David sneaked into the camp and took Saul's spear and water bottle.
v13 "Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of an hill afar off: a great space being between them."
From there David hollered to Abner who was Saul's number one military man. He was also the son of Saul's uncle. David told Abner that he was not doing his job and ought to die for not protecting his master.
v16 "This thing is not good that thou hast done. As the LORD liveth, ye are worthy to die, because ye have not kept your master, the LORD's anointed. And now see where the king's spear is, and the cruse of water that was at his bolster."
Abner demanded to know who was speaking thus to him but Saul recognized David's voice and addressed him. David asked again why he was being hunted down and said how he was unworthy to be chased by the king since he was but a flea.
v20 "Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of the LORD: for the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains."
This is the second time David could have killed Saul while he slept but would not because Saul was anointed to be king by the LORD. Saul pretends to be repentant but we will see that David did not believe a word of it.
v21 "Then said Saul, I have sinned: return my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold I have played the fool and have erred exceedingly." See chapter 24.
I don't know if Saul believed what he said next but it was an accurate prediction.
v25 "Then Saul said to David, Blessed be thou, my son David, thou shalt both do great things, and also shalt still prevail. So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place."
Where does David go now? It is in the next couple of studies, LORD willing.
Psalm 35:4 "Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt."
Keywords: Bible study, Old Testament, Israel, Saul, David, Abner, Samuel, Milton Southerland
David has fled to Hachilah. The Ziphites came to Saul and told him the area where David was. Saul took 3000 men to hunt down David's 600. They got close but while they camped and slept, David sneaked into the camp and took Saul's spear and water bottle.
v13 "Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of an hill afar off: a great space being between them."
From there David hollered to Abner who was Saul's number one military man. He was also the son of Saul's uncle. David told Abner that he was not doing his job and ought to die for not protecting his master.
v16 "This thing is not good that thou hast done. As the LORD liveth, ye are worthy to die, because ye have not kept your master, the LORD's anointed. And now see where the king's spear is, and the cruse of water that was at his bolster."
Abner demanded to know who was speaking thus to him but Saul recognized David's voice and addressed him. David asked again why he was being hunted down and said how he was unworthy to be chased by the king since he was but a flea.
v20 "Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of the LORD: for the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains."
This is the second time David could have killed Saul while he slept but would not because Saul was anointed to be king by the LORD. Saul pretends to be repentant but we will see that David did not believe a word of it.
v21 "Then said Saul, I have sinned: return my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold I have played the fool and have erred exceedingly." See chapter 24.
I don't know if Saul believed what he said next but it was an accurate prediction.
v25 "Then Saul said to David, Blessed be thou, my son David, thou shalt both do great things, and also shalt still prevail. So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place."
Where does David go now? It is in the next couple of studies, LORD willing.
Psalm 35:4 "Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt."
Keywords: Bible study, Old Testament, Israel, Saul, David, Abner, Samuel, Milton Southerland
Monday, May 12, 2008
"Go Tell it on the Mountain..."
"Perhaps a friend in a foreign country, a soldier, sailor or Marine, a missionary would like to follow along. Do you have such a friend with email? Why not tell them just in case?"
David and Nabal I Samuel 25
I Samuel 25:2 "And there was a man in Maon, whose possessions were in Carmel; and the man was very great, and he had three thousand sheep, and a thousand goats; and he was shearing his sheep in Carmel."
Some time passes between verse 1 when David when down to Paran and the story of the rest of the chapter. David has followers now and must provide for them. He also keeps some standards and does not steal from the people. He did, however, sent some young men to Nabal for some help. David and his men had served as protectors of Nabal's flocks in the wilderness and the man had lost nothing while David was there. Nabal, though, is not willing to share with David and his men and it angers David.
Paran is where Ishmael grew up Genesis 21:21 See also Numbers 10:12 It is also where Israel took their journey from Sinai.
Nabal means fool.
v10 "And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master."
David received the report from these young man and commanded that everyone strap on their swords. He was on the way to Nabal with no good intentions v13 when the wife of Nabal, named Abigal, came to meet David with gifts.
v23 "And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground,"
She had already sent her servants ahead with a nice load of food for David and his men: two hundred loaves, two bottles of wine, five sheep ready dressed, five measures parched corn, a hundred clusters of raisins, two hundred cakes of figs.
Abigail told David of the nature of her husband and informed him that she knew nothing about David being refused food. Her explanation and generosity stopped David's plans to destroy Nabal.
v32-33 "And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me: And blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand."
Abigail went back to her home where Nabal was having a party. He drank a lot. He seems to have gone into a coma v37 then died 10 days later.
v38 "And it came to pass about ten days after, that the LORD smote Nabal, and he died."
David heard of the death of Abigail's husband and sent young men to get her to come to be his wife. It seems to have pleased her very much.
v42 "And Abigail hasted, and arose, and rode upon an ass, with five damsels of her's that went after her and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife."
There is also a mention that David married v43 Ahinoam (See I Samuel 27:3). By this time, Saul has given David's first wife Michal away to another named Phalti the son of Laish of Gallim. v44.
Abigail gave quite a talk when she say David the first time. One verse has a very beautiful phrase in it. I'll type it all.
v29 "Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the LORD thy God: and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle of a sling."
She seemed to be very well informed on matters.
Psalm 66:9 "Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved."
Keywords: Bible Study, Old Testament, Israel, Samuel, David, Abigail, Nabal, Saul, Milton Southerland
Some time passes between verse 1 when David when down to Paran and the story of the rest of the chapter. David has followers now and must provide for them. He also keeps some standards and does not steal from the people. He did, however, sent some young men to Nabal for some help. David and his men had served as protectors of Nabal's flocks in the wilderness and the man had lost nothing while David was there. Nabal, though, is not willing to share with David and his men and it angers David.
Paran is where Ishmael grew up Genesis 21:21 See also Numbers 10:12 It is also where Israel took their journey from Sinai.
Nabal means fool.
v10 "And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master."
David received the report from these young man and commanded that everyone strap on their swords. He was on the way to Nabal with no good intentions v13 when the wife of Nabal, named Abigal, came to meet David with gifts.
v23 "And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground,"
She had already sent her servants ahead with a nice load of food for David and his men: two hundred loaves, two bottles of wine, five sheep ready dressed, five measures parched corn, a hundred clusters of raisins, two hundred cakes of figs.
Abigail told David of the nature of her husband and informed him that she knew nothing about David being refused food. Her explanation and generosity stopped David's plans to destroy Nabal.
v32-33 "And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me: And blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand."
Abigail went back to her home where Nabal was having a party. He drank a lot. He seems to have gone into a coma v37 then died 10 days later.
v38 "And it came to pass about ten days after, that the LORD smote Nabal, and he died."
David heard of the death of Abigail's husband and sent young men to get her to come to be his wife. It seems to have pleased her very much.
v42 "And Abigail hasted, and arose, and rode upon an ass, with five damsels of her's that went after her and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife."
There is also a mention that David married v43 Ahinoam (See I Samuel 27:3). By this time, Saul has given David's first wife Michal away to another named Phalti the son of Laish of Gallim. v44.
Abigail gave quite a talk when she say David the first time. One verse has a very beautiful phrase in it. I'll type it all.
v29 "Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the LORD thy God: and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle of a sling."
She seemed to be very well informed on matters.
Psalm 66:9 "Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved."
Keywords: Bible Study, Old Testament, Israel, Samuel, David, Abigail, Nabal, Saul, Milton Southerland
Samuel Dies I Samuel 25
I Samuel 25:1 "And Samuel died: and all the Israelites were gathered togethre, and lamented him, and buried him in his house at Ramah. And David arose, and went down to the wilderness of Parah."
Friday, May 09, 2008
David Rescues City of Keilah I Samuel 23 & 24
I Samuel 23:1 "Then they told David, saying, Behold the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors."
David is already being pursued by Saul the king. Now word comes to him that the Philistines are overwhelming a city and robbing it. It would be dangerous for him to come out of hiding but with the heart of a king he wants to help his people. His men are fearful.
v3 "And David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?"
One thing we are learning about David is that he is a praying man. He has already prayed in verse 2 but with the fear of his men in mind he goes to the LORD again.
v4 "Then David enquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah: for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand."
David was successful in rescuing Keilah but Saul has learned that he is in the city. Instead of being thankful that Keilah was saved by David, Saul wants to use the opportunity to get rid of David.
v8 "And Saul called all the people together to war, to go down to Keilah to besiege David and his men."
So David goes to the LORD again to find out what will happen.
v10 "Then said David, O LORD God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake. v12 Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver thee up."
So David fled to the wilderness and remained in a mountain but Saul still sought him. During this time Jonathan came to David to reassure him that he would be alright and someday be king. There were some people called Ziphites in the area and they spied that David was there and told Saul. Saul sent them back to keep and eye on David but David moved from Ziph to Maon. Saul heard that too and went after David.
v26 "And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul: for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them."
It seems David is trapped but remember David is a praying man. The LORD is watching and it just so happened that the Philistines choose this time to stir up trouble so Saul had to go fight them.
v27 "But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying Haste thee, and come: for the Philistines have invaded the land."
v29 "And David went up from there and dwelt in strong holds at Engedi."
My note: I expect that about this time David is missing the quiet of being a shepherd. His life changed though when he was anointed to be king and his life would never be the same. These preparations to be king are a difficult time for David but one can see in Psalms how they affected his heart and gives us many verses to comfort us. There is a great price to pay to lead.
Psalm 27:1 "The LORD is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"
A Study of the Bible starting in Genesis and we are now up to Samuel and the life of David. Saul is trying to kill him. We have learned that David is a man of prayer. Milton Southerland
I forgot chapter 24 or it did not take (getting old and bad memory) so I will put it here:
I Samuel 24:1 "And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines that it was told him saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of En-gedi."
David is already being pursued by Saul the king. Now word comes to him that the Philistines are overwhelming a city and robbing it. It would be dangerous for him to come out of hiding but with the heart of a king he wants to help his people. His men are fearful.
v3 "And David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?"
One thing we are learning about David is that he is a praying man. He has already prayed in verse 2 but with the fear of his men in mind he goes to the LORD again.
v4 "Then David enquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah: for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand."
David was successful in rescuing Keilah but Saul has learned that he is in the city. Instead of being thankful that Keilah was saved by David, Saul wants to use the opportunity to get rid of David.
v8 "And Saul called all the people together to war, to go down to Keilah to besiege David and his men."
So David goes to the LORD again to find out what will happen.
v10 "Then said David, O LORD God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake. v12 Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver thee up."
So David fled to the wilderness and remained in a mountain but Saul still sought him. During this time Jonathan came to David to reassure him that he would be alright and someday be king. There were some people called Ziphites in the area and they spied that David was there and told Saul. Saul sent them back to keep and eye on David but David moved from Ziph to Maon. Saul heard that too and went after David.
v26 "And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul: for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them."
It seems David is trapped but remember David is a praying man. The LORD is watching and it just so happened that the Philistines choose this time to stir up trouble so Saul had to go fight them.
v27 "But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying Haste thee, and come: for the Philistines have invaded the land."
v29 "And David went up from there and dwelt in strong holds at Engedi."
My note: I expect that about this time David is missing the quiet of being a shepherd. His life changed though when he was anointed to be king and his life would never be the same. These preparations to be king are a difficult time for David but one can see in Psalms how they affected his heart and gives us many verses to comfort us. There is a great price to pay to lead.
Psalm 27:1 "The LORD is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"
A Study of the Bible starting in Genesis and we are now up to Samuel and the life of David. Saul is trying to kill him. We have learned that David is a man of prayer. Milton Southerland
I forgot chapter 24 or it did not take (getting old and bad memory) so I will put it here:
I Samuel 24:1 "And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines that it was told him saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of En-gedi."
This is goat country and a very rocky area with at least one cave. Saul is seeking David and goes into one of these caves to rest. While he is asleep we find that David is also in the cave and is standing back in the dark areas.
v4 "And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily,"
One thing to note here: I cannot remember the verse David's man quoted. I think it was not so accurate. David did let Saul know he had been there though by cutting off part of his robe. David regretted that action later though.
v8 "David also arose afterward and went out of the cave and cried after Saul saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with is face to the earth, and bowed himself."
David pleaded his case with Saul and wondered to him why he was being chased.
v14 "After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea."
Saul responds, although I think not so sincerely.
v17-18 "And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil, And thou hast shewed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me: forasmuch as wen the LORD had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst me not."
Here Saul is trying to kill David yet David shows mercy and even promised to not utterly destroy Saul's family but he had already promised that to his friend Jonathan.
Psalm 26:2 "Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart."
Thursday, May 08, 2008
David Gathers Followers I Samuel 22
I Samuel 22:1 "David therefore departed thence and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him."
Adullam: resting place
There are really two stories in this chapter. The one is David gathering men to him at the cave and that of Doeg the Edomite who is Saul's henchman. First we will look at David.
David, whether he is aware or not, is preparing for war. There are many in Israel who are affected by all the chaos. They have heard of David and now go to join him.
v2 "And every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him, and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men."
Then David thought of his parents and made arrangements with the king of Moab for them to stay there until he knew what would happen to him.
v4 "And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold."
David listened to the men of God. A prophet named Gad told David to return to Judah which David did. Saul, hearing of David's return, is angry with all around him for not telling him the movements of David. Then we go into the story of a man Doeg. He is a crafty fellow and plays Saul to his benefit.
Doeg was there when David received the sword of Doeg but did not tell Saul. Now he points the finger at the priest Ahimelech, who helped David.
v9 "Then answered Doeg the Edomite, which was set over the servants of Saul, and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub. And he enquired of the LORD for him, and gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine."
There is a lie in this testimony. The priest did not enquire of the LORD as he states in verse 15. But this lie mixed with the truth of what happened was enough to turn Saul on the priest. He ordered the people to kill the priests but they would not. So, the man Doeg of Edom volunteered his services and killed 65 that day who wore a linen ephod.
v18 "And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod."
That was not enough for them, so they went to Nob and went on a killing spree there to, killing everything in sight. v19. One of the men escaped, named Abiathar, a son of Ahimelech, and ran to tell David. David remembered the man Doeg being there and told of his suspicions. he gave protection to the man and took blame for the deaths.
v22 "And David said unto Abiathar, I knew it that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul: I have occasioned the death of all the persons of thy father's house."
We have learned about David in this chapter. He cared for his parents. He listened to the man of God. He took blame for his mistakes. He did not turn the downcast away.
Psalm 107:6 "Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses."
keywords: Bible Study, Old Testament, Israel, David, Saul,Milton Southerland, Old Old story blog.
Adullam: resting place
There are really two stories in this chapter. The one is David gathering men to him at the cave and that of Doeg the Edomite who is Saul's henchman. First we will look at David.
David, whether he is aware or not, is preparing for war. There are many in Israel who are affected by all the chaos. They have heard of David and now go to join him.
v2 "And every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him, and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men."
Then David thought of his parents and made arrangements with the king of Moab for them to stay there until he knew what would happen to him.
v4 "And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold."
David listened to the men of God. A prophet named Gad told David to return to Judah which David did. Saul, hearing of David's return, is angry with all around him for not telling him the movements of David. Then we go into the story of a man Doeg. He is a crafty fellow and plays Saul to his benefit.
Doeg was there when David received the sword of Doeg but did not tell Saul. Now he points the finger at the priest Ahimelech, who helped David.
v9 "Then answered Doeg the Edomite, which was set over the servants of Saul, and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub. And he enquired of the LORD for him, and gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine."
There is a lie in this testimony. The priest did not enquire of the LORD as he states in verse 15. But this lie mixed with the truth of what happened was enough to turn Saul on the priest. He ordered the people to kill the priests but they would not. So, the man Doeg of Edom volunteered his services and killed 65 that day who wore a linen ephod.
v18 "And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod."
That was not enough for them, so they went to Nob and went on a killing spree there to, killing everything in sight. v19. One of the men escaped, named Abiathar, a son of Ahimelech, and ran to tell David. David remembered the man Doeg being there and told of his suspicions. he gave protection to the man and took blame for the deaths.
v22 "And David said unto Abiathar, I knew it that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul: I have occasioned the death of all the persons of thy father's house."
We have learned about David in this chapter. He cared for his parents. He listened to the man of God. He took blame for his mistakes. He did not turn the downcast away.
Psalm 107:6 "Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses."
keywords: Bible Study, Old Testament, Israel, David, Saul,Milton Southerland, Old Old story blog.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
David on the Run I Samuel 21
I Samuel 21:1 "Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why art thou alone, and no man with thee?"
(Note: the priest name is Ahimelech not Amalek who was of Edom or Abimelech notice the 'b' instead of the 'h' in the spelling)
Ahimelech was taken back because David did not have men with him. He was after all a warrior for the kingdom. David lied that he was on a secret mission and did not have time to even get his sword and other gear. David was also hungry and asked for bread. There was none except the showbread (shewbread) which the priest gave to David. See Exodus 25:30. John 6:33-35.
Ahimelech also received the sword of Goliath which the priest had kept and wrapped in cloth.
v10 "And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath."
Here David was scoffed at as the king of the land v11. He pretended to be a mad man and was turned away by Achish.
v15 "Have I need of mad men, that ye have brought this fellow to play the mad man in my presence? shall this fellow come into my house?"
So David, the slayer of tens of thousands, is rejected. He was without weapons and hungry. Now, he must move on again.
Matthew 25:34 "Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me."
We are on a journey with David. From a shepherd to the slayer of Goliath and anointed king. It seems that now he must endure the suffering that comes before all great deeds.
Psalm 136:1 "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever."
keywords: Bible study, Old Testament, Israel, Judah, David, Jonathan, Saul, showbread,Goliath, Milton Southerland
(Note: the priest name is Ahimelech not Amalek who was of Edom or Abimelech notice the 'b' instead of the 'h' in the spelling)
Ahimelech was taken back because David did not have men with him. He was after all a warrior for the kingdom. David lied that he was on a secret mission and did not have time to even get his sword and other gear. David was also hungry and asked for bread. There was none except the showbread (shewbread) which the priest gave to David. See Exodus 25:30. John 6:33-35.
Ahimelech also received the sword of Goliath which the priest had kept and wrapped in cloth.
v10 "And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath."
Here David was scoffed at as the king of the land v11. He pretended to be a mad man and was turned away by Achish.
v15 "Have I need of mad men, that ye have brought this fellow to play the mad man in my presence? shall this fellow come into my house?"
So David, the slayer of tens of thousands, is rejected. He was without weapons and hungry. Now, he must move on again.
Matthew 25:34 "Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me."
We are on a journey with David. From a shepherd to the slayer of Goliath and anointed king. It seems that now he must endure the suffering that comes before all great deeds.
Psalm 136:1 "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever."
keywords: Bible study, Old Testament, Israel, Judah, David, Jonathan, Saul, showbread,Goliath, Milton Southerland
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Jonathan Sees the Truth I Samuel 20
I Samuel 21:34 "So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month: for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame."
Jonathan is in a tough spot. He loves his father (Saul) and also loves his friend David. It was customary for David to take his meal with the king but he feared for his life, so they used it for a test. If Saul became angry that David was gone, then Jonathan would know that Saul wanted to kill David.
I Samuel 20:7 "If he say thus, It is well; thy servant shall have peace, but if he be very wroth, then be sure that evil is determined by him."
There was no doubt how Saul felt after this test. Saul belittled Jonathan's mother and threw a javelin at him. Jonathan now knew that Saul hated David. They had set up a signal so that David would know it was okay to come out of hiding and to meet with Jonathan. It involved Jonathan shooting arrows a certain way to alert David. They meet there and said their goodbyes but not until Jonathan had a promise from David that he would not wipe his whole family from existence when God defeated his enemies. Jonathan knows that David is chosen to win in the end.
v14-15 "And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD that I die not; But also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever; no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth."
Jonathan was true to his father as long as he could be. He still stayed by his side but he was now aware of the truth, that Saul hated God's anointed and was willing to kill him which made him in enmity with the LORD. He sends David away.
v42 "And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city."
Friendships like David's and Jonathan's are a great thing. They are also sometimes costly. When something comes into place that rips friendships apart, it is like one cloth being torn into two pieces. I experienced such friendships while in the military. We parted, not knowing if the other would survive. Often, never seeing the other again. It was tempting then to never get close to anyone for fear of the pain of loosing a good friend, a stranger would not cause as much hurt. But friendship is worthy even if there is also great pain to bear. Such was the friendship of David and Jonathan.
Psalm 17:17 "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
keywords: Bible Study, Bible, Old Testament, Israel, Samuel, Saul, Jonathan, David, Milton Southerland
Jonathan is in a tough spot. He loves his father (Saul) and also loves his friend David. It was customary for David to take his meal with the king but he feared for his life, so they used it for a test. If Saul became angry that David was gone, then Jonathan would know that Saul wanted to kill David.
I Samuel 20:7 "If he say thus, It is well; thy servant shall have peace, but if he be very wroth, then be sure that evil is determined by him."
There was no doubt how Saul felt after this test. Saul belittled Jonathan's mother and threw a javelin at him. Jonathan now knew that Saul hated David. They had set up a signal so that David would know it was okay to come out of hiding and to meet with Jonathan. It involved Jonathan shooting arrows a certain way to alert David. They meet there and said their goodbyes but not until Jonathan had a promise from David that he would not wipe his whole family from existence when God defeated his enemies. Jonathan knows that David is chosen to win in the end.
v14-15 "And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD that I die not; But also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever; no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth."
Jonathan was true to his father as long as he could be. He still stayed by his side but he was now aware of the truth, that Saul hated God's anointed and was willing to kill him which made him in enmity with the LORD. He sends David away.
v42 "And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city."
Friendships like David's and Jonathan's are a great thing. They are also sometimes costly. When something comes into place that rips friendships apart, it is like one cloth being torn into two pieces. I experienced such friendships while in the military. We parted, not knowing if the other would survive. Often, never seeing the other again. It was tempting then to never get close to anyone for fear of the pain of loosing a good friend, a stranger would not cause as much hurt. But friendship is worthy even if there is also great pain to bear. Such was the friendship of David and Jonathan.
Psalm 17:17 "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
keywords: Bible Study, Bible, Old Testament, Israel, Samuel, Saul, Jonathan, David, Milton Southerland
Friday, May 02, 2008
Saul Tries to Kill David I Samuel 19
I Samuel 19:1 "And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David."
David now goes on the run. Jonathan defends David to his father Saul. Jonathan also becomes David's informant. This verse sets the stage.
v2 "But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David saying Saul my father seeketh to kill thee, now therefore I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself."
Jonathan now talks with is father concerning David. He tells of how David has put his life in jeopardy for Saul. He used the fight with the giant to illustrate his point.
v5 For he did put his life in his hand and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?"
Saul undoubtedly loved Jonathan very much. He hearkened v6 to Jonathan for a time but his fear and jealousy was strong upon him. David is again playing for Saul in his house. Saul has his javelin in his hand when the evil spirit came on him again.
v10 "And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night."
David went home to Michal, his wife, but Saul sought him there. Michal let him down in a basket and he escaped again. David went to Ramah where Samuel was then the two went to Naioth in Ramah (Samuel's home).
Saul sent messengers to take David but when they came upon the place where the prophets were prophesying, they also prophesied. Saul sent messengers the second time and the same thing happened and also the third time. Finally Saul came himself.
v23 "And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah.
Saul lay down naked all day and David escaped.v24
Psalm 103:1 "Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name."
Keywords: Bible Study, Old Testament, Samuel, Israel, David, Saul, Jonathan, Ramah, Milton Southerland
David now goes on the run. Jonathan defends David to his father Saul. Jonathan also becomes David's informant. This verse sets the stage.
v2 "But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David saying Saul my father seeketh to kill thee, now therefore I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself."
Jonathan now talks with is father concerning David. He tells of how David has put his life in jeopardy for Saul. He used the fight with the giant to illustrate his point.
v5 For he did put his life in his hand and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?"
Saul undoubtedly loved Jonathan very much. He hearkened v6 to Jonathan for a time but his fear and jealousy was strong upon him. David is again playing for Saul in his house. Saul has his javelin in his hand when the evil spirit came on him again.
v10 "And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night."
David went home to Michal, his wife, but Saul sought him there. Michal let him down in a basket and he escaped again. David went to Ramah where Samuel was then the two went to Naioth in Ramah (Samuel's home).
Saul sent messengers to take David but when they came upon the place where the prophets were prophesying, they also prophesied. Saul sent messengers the second time and the same thing happened and also the third time. Finally Saul came himself.
v23 "And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah.
Saul lay down naked all day and David escaped.v24
Psalm 103:1 "Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name."
Keywords: Bible Study, Old Testament, Samuel, Israel, David, Saul, Jonathan, Ramah, Milton Southerland
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Don't forget to tell someone (if you like)
We are in the book of Samuel, studying the exciting story of Saul, David and Jonathan. I hope you will tell someone. A small note in your next email (or a link back) to your friends: http://oldoldstory.blogspot.com It is a good way to go through the Bible a few minutes a day.
David & Jonathan, Saul's Jealousy I Samuel 18
I Samuel 18:1 "And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul."
We come to a chapter where David is winning favor with the people. Jonathan, the son of Saul, values David's life above the will of king Saul. As for Saul, he sees David as a rival instead of a helper. Saul heard the praise heaped on himself and on David. The praise for David was more.
v7 "And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands."
David had respect for the king. He fought his battles but still played for the king. It was during these sessions that Saul attempted to kill David.
v11 "And Saul cast the javelin, for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice."
Saul had two main problems with David. He was jealous of him and afraid of him.
v15-16 "Wherefore when Saul saw that he(David) behaved himself wisely, he was afraid of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them."
Saul promised David his eldest daughter Merab but gave him Michal. He turned out Michal loved David v20. Then Saul sent David on a mission which Saul thought would get him killed but David succeeded. All of Saul's efforts to put David down were fruitless. Finally, Saul saw the light but did not humble himself or accept that the kingdom was lost to him.
v28-29 "And Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal Saul's daughter loved him. And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David's enemy continually."
In the book of Acts the apostles had been called before the council for the gospels sake. One of the council spoke up (Gamaliel) to advise the council.
Acts 5:39 "But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it, lest haply ye be found even to fight against God."
So it is with Saul. David has been anointed king. Saul has been rejected. He is not fighting against David alone but the very will of God. He will not win.
The LORD to Job:
Job 40:2 "Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it."
keywords: Old Testament, Bible Study, Israel, Samuel, David, Saul, Jonathan, Milton Southerland
We come to a chapter where David is winning favor with the people. Jonathan, the son of Saul, values David's life above the will of king Saul. As for Saul, he sees David as a rival instead of a helper. Saul heard the praise heaped on himself and on David. The praise for David was more.
v7 "And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands."
David had respect for the king. He fought his battles but still played for the king. It was during these sessions that Saul attempted to kill David.
v11 "And Saul cast the javelin, for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice."
Saul had two main problems with David. He was jealous of him and afraid of him.
v15-16 "Wherefore when Saul saw that he(David) behaved himself wisely, he was afraid of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them."
Saul promised David his eldest daughter Merab but gave him Michal. He turned out Michal loved David v20. Then Saul sent David on a mission which Saul thought would get him killed but David succeeded. All of Saul's efforts to put David down were fruitless. Finally, Saul saw the light but did not humble himself or accept that the kingdom was lost to him.
v28-29 "And Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal Saul's daughter loved him. And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David's enemy continually."
In the book of Acts the apostles had been called before the council for the gospels sake. One of the council spoke up (Gamaliel) to advise the council.
Acts 5:39 "But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it, lest haply ye be found even to fight against God."
So it is with Saul. David has been anointed king. Saul has been rejected. He is not fighting against David alone but the very will of God. He will not win.
The LORD to Job:
Job 40:2 "Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it."
keywords: Old Testament, Bible Study, Israel, Samuel, David, Saul, Jonathan, Milton Southerland
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