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 …
Author Archives: John S.
March 27 / I Samuel 18-19; Psalm 59
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 …
March 26 / I Samuel 16-17; Psalm 23
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 …
March 25 / I Samuel 14-15
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 …
March 24 / I Samuel 11-13
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 …
March 23 / I Samuel 8-10
I Samuel 8-10 Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah and said to him, “Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.” But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, …
March 22 / I Samuel 4-7
I Samuel 4-7 And when the people came to the camp, the elders of Israel said, “Why has the LORD defeated us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD here from Shiloh, that it may come among us and save us from the power of our enemies.” …
March 21 / I Samuel 1-3
I Samuel 1-3 Today we meet a tremendously important figure: Samuel. He is the last — and I daresay, best — of the Judges. Though this book and the next are named for him, Samuel is not really the central character, David is (aside from the LORD, of course). But I’m getting ahead of myself… …
March 20 / Ruth 1-4
Ruth 1-4 After the turmoil of the Book of Judges, it is nice to bask in the sweetness of the story of Ruth — if only for one day! Set in the period of the Judges (Ruth 1:1) this story gives us a portrayal of decency and justice, of love and redemption. The story opens …
March 19 / Judges 19-21
Judges 19-21 In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. Judges 21:25 This final verse of Judges is a repetition of Judges 17:6. Both instances point to the disastrous consequences of a lack of godly leadership, where everyone just flies by the seat of his …