In First Kings, chapter two, verse five, David instructed Solomon to begin his reign by exercising justice on Joab, who was worthy of death for murdering Abner and Amasa, as in Second Samuel three, verse twenty-seven, chapter twenty, verses nine to ten, and Matthew twenty-six, verse fifty-two, respectively. The charge as to Joab has a […]
Joab did to the two captains Read More »
In First Kings, chapter two, verse four, David had learned through painful experience and discipline that success and God’s blessing depended on remaining in the ways and truth of God. Therefore, David was deeply concerned that Solomon lived a life of obedience and faithfulness to God. Yet Solomon and his sons failed to listen to
If thy children take heed to their way Read More »
In First Kings, chapter one, verse fifty, the horns of the altar symbolize God’s mercy, forgiveness, and protection. Adonijah fled to the altar, believing Solomon would not kill him in such a sacred place as in Exodus twenty-one, verses thirteen to fourteen. The news spread terror. All the guests of Adonijah fled, every man his
The horns of the altar Read More »
In First Kings, chapter one, verse six, Adonijah, David’s fourth son, rebelled against his father by proclaiming himself king of Israel, even though God and David designated Solomon as the next king in verses five, seventeen, thirty, and chapter two, verse fifteen. Until his death, David had trouble with his sons: despite his record as
His Father had not displeased him Read More »
In Second Samuel, chapter twenty-four, verse twenty-four, David’s words reveal that, to God, the value of our gifts, worship, and life service is measured primarily by the depth of our love and the sacrifice it involves. Jesus modeled worship and service motivated by love, as in St.John thirteen, verse one, and chapter seventeen, verse six.
Offerings which doth cost me nothing Read More »
In Second Samuel, chapter twenty-four, verse seventeen, David knew that he was a leader of Israel and his sin was more severe than the sins of others. In concern for them, he was ready to accept all the punishment. One of David’s valuable character traits was his willingness to accept God’s punishment humbly for his
Let thine hand be against me Read More »
In Second Samuel, chapter twenty-four, verse one, this was not in consequence of the numbering of the people but that which ultimately led to that act. The chapter does not say why the anger of the Lord was burning, but doubtless, because He saw both in king and people that rising spirit of earthly pride
Go number Israel with Judah Read More »
In Second Samuel, chapter twenty-two, verse twenty-two, David was not maintaining that he had never sinned or was perfect. David was expressing his desire to please the Lord with a heart that had been, up to this point, habitually turned toward Him in faith. The psalm may be composed after God delivered him from Saul
I have kept the ways of the Lord Read More »
In Second Samuel, chapter twenty-one, verse one, Joshua and Israel made a league with the Gibeonites so they would not be killed along with the other Caananites, as in Joshua nine, verses fifteen through twenty-one. However, Saul breaks this vow in the following verse. Why did not God punish Saul while he was alive for
He slew the Gibeonites Read More »
In Second Samuel, chapter eighteen, verse thirty-three, David’s unremitting grief was more than a father for his son: The anguish for a son slain in the act of rebellion and sin. From the beginning of verse nineteen to the end of this chapter, David is told of Absolam’s death. Throughout these verses, the preparation to
Absolam would God I had died for thee Read More »
