Exploring the Scriptures Together
I Samuel 31; II Samuel 1; Psalm 18 How the mighty have fallen! II Samuel 1:19b, 25a, 27a David thus laments the passing of Saul and Jonathan. We should note that the grief expressed in David’s song is not only for Jonathan, his closest friend, but also for Saul. David is well aware of Saul’s …
Continue reading “April 1 / I Samuel 31; II Samuel 1; Psalm 18”
Date Reading(s) Verses 01-Apr I Samuel 31; II Samuel 1; Psalm 18 90 02-Apr II Samuel 2-4 83 03-Apr II Samuel 5-7 77 04-Apr I Chronicles 9:35-11:46 71 05-Apr I Chronicles 12-15 100 06-Apr Psalms 8, 19, 29, 32, 65, 68, 103, 108, 138 136 07-Apr I Chronicles 16 43 08-Apr Psalms 96, 105-106 106 …
Psalm 54; I Samuel 26-30 In Saul we see the desperation of a man who is quick to accept the LORD’s help when it suits his own ambitions, but who steadfastly refuses to surrender to the LORD otherwise. We see that refusal in his persistence in hunting David, despite David’s proofs of innocence and despite …
I Samuel 24; Psalms 57, 142; I Samuel 25 David has the perfect opportunity. With one blow he can eliminate the greatest threat to his own life, Saul. He can step into the kingship that he knows is his. His friends all see the LORD’s hand in providing this opportunity. (I Sam. 24:4) David does …
Continue reading “March 30 / I Samuel 24-25; Psalms 57, 142”
I Samuel 22; Psalm 52; I Samuel 23; Psalm 63 Saul lives in an imaginary world. He imagines that no one cares about him. He imagines that [Jonathan] has stirred up [David] against [him], to lie in wait. (I Sam. 22:8) He imagines that David is actively seeking the throne. He imagines that David wants …
I Samuel 20-21; Psalms 56, 34 Jonathan demonstrates that he is far more worthy of the crown than Saul, his father. Jonathan is a man of honor, integrity, virtue. He is selfless and faithful. He is a true friend and brother to David. And in all of that, he remains a true son, honoring his …
I Samuel 18-19; Psalm 59 Before we move forward with David, let’s take a closer look at Saul. He provides an excellent example — of what not to do. Saul initially welcomes David very positively, recognizing what an asset he is, both as a musician to soothe Saul’s own inner turmoil and as a warrior …
I Samuel 16; Psalm 23; I Samuel 17 David, the man after God’s own heart (I Sam. 13:14; Acts 13:22), the shepherd king, the sweet psalmist of Israel (II Sam. 23:1), the giant killer. This is the man we meet today. I expect that we all have at least a passing familiarity with David. He …
I Samuel 14-15 Saul is such a mixed bag! On the one hand, he leads Israel in battle against their enemies with a good amount of success. On the other hand, he demonstrates a lack of wisdom along with far more regard for looking good than for real obedience. When Jonathan courageously initiates a rout …
I Samuel 11-13 Do you ever think that the God of the Old Testament is somehow different from the God of the New Testament? Are you quick to see His anger and wrath in the Old, but all (and only) forgiveness and mercy in the New? It’s a common idea, one that I hear voiced …