David’s story descends into soap opera. What a shame. Everything was going so well.
Absalom’s rebellion
2 Samuel 15:1-6
David’s trust in God
Psalm 62
Absalom’s conspiracy
2 Samuel 15:7-12
David’s prayer
Psalm 41
David leaves Jerusalem
2 Samuel 15:13-16
His confidence in God’s protection
Psalm 63
Ittai’s loyalty
2 Samuel 15:17-23
David sends the ark back
2 Samuel 15:24-28
His prayer for protection
Psalm 61
David on the Mount of Olives
2 Samuel 15:29-30
David’s prayer for help
Psalm 3
His cry of anguish
Psalm 22:1-18
Pretty boy Absalom gets fed up of waiting to be king, and decides he’s popular enough to stage a coup. David responds not with anger, not with murderous fury like Colonel Gadaffi, but with tears and mourning.
His Psalms reflect a constant love and trust in God, not saying why have you let this happen, but simply asking God for help in his time of need. The deep poetry of Psalm 22 is strong enough for comparison with Jesus later, and the unshakeable faith in God displayed in Psalm 3 is impressive. Faced with an army of ten thousand, David is at peace enough to enjoy a good night’s sleep.
David’s sexual sins may have wreaked havoc within his family, but personally he has recovered from them, and his faith is intact.
Saturday, 30 April 2011
Friday, 29 April 2011
Day 120: David’s family troubles
Royal wedding day today in England, and in Israel, the birds come home to roost for David. Having pleased himself in sexual matters, one of his sons does the same. Only he’s a bit more messy about it.
David and Joab capture Rabbath
2 Samuel 12:26-31, 1 Chronicles 20:1-3
Praise for victory
Psalm 21
Amnon rapes his sister Tamar
2 Samuel 13:1-20
Absalom murders Amnon
2 Samuel 13:21-29
Absalom flees to Geshur
2 Samuel 13:30-39
Absalom persuaded to return
2 Samuel 14:1-33
David had a sure touch when dealing with kings and enemies. But when it comes to his own family, he is confused. He is either too harsh or too gentle. His family manipulate him, his courtiers and each other.
Only on the battlefield does David find relief. He overcomes the Ammonites completely, adding more glory to his kingdom, just as the cracks within his family get wider and wider.
It’s interesting that Chronicles only records David’s military triumphs - it shows a lofty indifference to his domestic troubles, or is that airbrushing? Even the Bible demonstrates how history is written by the winners - were it not for the honesty of whoever wrote Samuel, David would be remembered as nigh on perfect.
David and Joab capture Rabbath
2 Samuel 12:26-31, 1 Chronicles 20:1-3
Praise for victory
Psalm 21
Amnon rapes his sister Tamar
2 Samuel 13:1-20
Absalom murders Amnon
2 Samuel 13:21-29
Absalom flees to Geshur
2 Samuel 13:30-39
Absalom persuaded to return
2 Samuel 14:1-33
David had a sure touch when dealing with kings and enemies. But when it comes to his own family, he is confused. He is either too harsh or too gentle. His family manipulate him, his courtiers and each other.
Only on the battlefield does David find relief. He overcomes the Ammonites completely, adding more glory to his kingdom, just as the cracks within his family get wider and wider.
It’s interesting that Chronicles only records David’s military triumphs - it shows a lofty indifference to his domestic troubles, or is that airbrushing? Even the Bible demonstrates how history is written by the winners - were it not for the honesty of whoever wrote Samuel, David would be remembered as nigh on perfect.
Thursday, 28 April 2011
Day 119: The birth of Solomon
David has to do something unfamiliar today: repent.
Nathan’s parable and David’s confession
2 Samuel 12:1-15
His prayer for forgiveness
Psalm 51, 32, 38
God’s love and mercy
Psalm 103
David’s intercession
2 Samuel 12:16
His prayer for help
Psalm 6
David’s child dies
2 Samuel 12:17-23
Solomon’s birth
2 Samuel 12:24-25
Thinking about this story, it occurs to me that David is rescued now by his righteous behaviour of the past. He didn’t surround himself with yes-men, instead there’s a man there with the integrity and courage to tell the king the truth about himself. Take a bow, Nathan, you are a hero.
David is shattered. To his credit he admits his sin, and today’s Psalms sing of guilt and sorrow and repentance. Also of God’s grace - David knows he doesn’t deserve to be forgiven, but God is merciful. “he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:10-12)
But things are not completely back to how they were before. There will be shame and disgrace to come, the child of David’s union with Bathsheba dies, even though David prays for him desperately. But he gets to keep Bathsheba, and God’s favourite son is born to her - Solomon.
Nathan’s parable and David’s confession
2 Samuel 12:1-15
His prayer for forgiveness
Psalm 51, 32, 38
God’s love and mercy
Psalm 103
David’s intercession
2 Samuel 12:16
His prayer for help
Psalm 6
David’s child dies
2 Samuel 12:17-23
Solomon’s birth
2 Samuel 12:24-25
Thinking about this story, it occurs to me that David is rescued now by his righteous behaviour of the past. He didn’t surround himself with yes-men, instead there’s a man there with the integrity and courage to tell the king the truth about himself. Take a bow, Nathan, you are a hero.
David is shattered. To his credit he admits his sin, and today’s Psalms sing of guilt and sorrow and repentance. Also of God’s grace - David knows he doesn’t deserve to be forgiven, but God is merciful. “he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:10-12)
But things are not completely back to how they were before. There will be shame and disgrace to come, the child of David’s union with Bathsheba dies, even though David prays for him desperately. But he gets to keep Bathsheba, and God’s favourite son is born to her - Solomon.
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
Day 118: David and Bathsheba
It’s been a long time coming, but David finally puts a foot wrong. Well, more than a foot actually.
David and Mephibosheth
2 Samuel 9:1-13
Decisive victories over Ammonite-Syrian forces
2 Samuel 10: 1-14, 1 Chronicles 19:1-15
David defeats Syrian forces
2 Samuel 10: 15-19, 1 Chronicles 19:16-19
David’s prayer for victory
Psalm 20
David’s sin
1 Kings 15:5
David’s adultery
2 Samuel 11:1-5
His attempt at concealment
2 Samuel 11:6-13
Uriah murdered
2 Samuel 11:14-27
The story of Mephibosheth is a lovely one. This crippled man is rescued from obscurity and given a place at the kings table by David’s grace. In this, he acts like God perhaps more truly than in anything else he does. David seems to be going from strength to strength, defeating his enemies decisively on all sides. His trust in God is undimmed: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Psalm 20:7.
But then for some unknown reason, David stays at home instead of fighting with the army. Listless and idle, he wanders around his palace, and his eye is caught by beautiful Bathsheba. He is the king. He can do whatever he likes, and no one will say a word against him.
So he sends for her, and begins an affair with her. She conceives, and David hastily arranges for her husband to come home, so that the baby will be thought to be his, not the king’s. But Uriah is a man of honour, and will not sleep with his wife while Israel is still at war. Desperate now, David sends him back with secret orders to see him killed.
What has happened to this man? He refused to raise a hand against Saul, when he could have killed him, he did so many beautiful gestures, including showing mercy to Mephibosheth, and now he sends a man to war with orders in his pocket to have him killed. How can his conscience allow him?
Oh David! Have you forgotten everything you ever sang about the Lord?
David and Mephibosheth
2 Samuel 9:1-13
Decisive victories over Ammonite-Syrian forces
2 Samuel 10: 1-14, 1 Chronicles 19:1-15
David defeats Syrian forces
2 Samuel 10: 15-19, 1 Chronicles 19:16-19
David’s prayer for victory
Psalm 20
David’s sin
1 Kings 15:5
David’s adultery
2 Samuel 11:1-5
His attempt at concealment
2 Samuel 11:6-13
Uriah murdered
2 Samuel 11:14-27
The story of Mephibosheth is a lovely one. This crippled man is rescued from obscurity and given a place at the kings table by David’s grace. In this, he acts like God perhaps more truly than in anything else he does. David seems to be going from strength to strength, defeating his enemies decisively on all sides. His trust in God is undimmed: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Psalm 20:7.
But then for some unknown reason, David stays at home instead of fighting with the army. Listless and idle, he wanders around his palace, and his eye is caught by beautiful Bathsheba. He is the king. He can do whatever he likes, and no one will say a word against him.
So he sends for her, and begins an affair with her. She conceives, and David hastily arranges for her husband to come home, so that the baby will be thought to be his, not the king’s. But Uriah is a man of honour, and will not sleep with his wife while Israel is still at war. Desperate now, David sends him back with secret orders to see him killed.
What has happened to this man? He refused to raise a hand against Saul, when he could have killed him, he did so many beautiful gestures, including showing mercy to Mephibosheth, and now he sends a man to war with orders in his pocket to have him killed. How can his conscience allow him?
Oh David! Have you forgotten everything you ever sang about the Lord?
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
Day 117: David’s songs of thanksgiving
Nothing but Psalms today. No story, just song.
David’s psalm of thanksgiving
2 Samuel 22:1-51
David’s song of victory
Psalm 18
He thanks God for victory
Psalm 144
David declares that when his enemies beat him down, he turned to God. God came in his terrible power and rescued him, and put him “into a spacious place,” because, so he claims, he was innocent and righteous. There’s something simple and direct about David, which hasn’t changed since he was a shepherd boy. He’s got a very straightforward belief in his own innocence and goodness, that is not shaken despite the strength of those who stand against him. This is how David understands himself to be a man after God’s own heart.
He also has an unshakeable trust in God. He knows that next to God he is nothing - he’s not falling for the old delusion that he’s earned a favour or two from God by being a good boy. In Psalm 144 he says, “O LORD, what is man that you care for him, the son of man that you think of him? Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow.” (4,5) He knows he owes God everything.
David’s psalm of thanksgiving
2 Samuel 22:1-51
David’s song of victory
Psalm 18
He thanks God for victory
Psalm 144
David declares that when his enemies beat him down, he turned to God. God came in his terrible power and rescued him, and put him “into a spacious place,” because, so he claims, he was innocent and righteous. There’s something simple and direct about David, which hasn’t changed since he was a shepherd boy. He’s got a very straightforward belief in his own innocence and goodness, that is not shaken despite the strength of those who stand against him. This is how David understands himself to be a man after God’s own heart.
He also has an unshakeable trust in God. He knows that next to God he is nothing - he’s not falling for the old delusion that he’s earned a favour or two from God by being a good boy. In Psalm 144 he says, “O LORD, what is man that you care for him, the son of man that you think of him? Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow.” (4,5) He knows he owes God everything.
Monday, 25 April 2011
Day 116: David’s military victories
David marches on.
Joram congratulates David
2 Samuel 8:9-10, 1 Chronicles 18:9-10
David’s prayer for deliverance
Psalm 60, Psalm 108:6-13
Edom subdued
2 Samuel 8:13-14, 1 Chronicles 18:12-13
Hadad flees to Egypt
1 Kings 11:15-20
Spoils dedicated
2 Samuel 8:12, 1 Chronicles 18:11
David’s mighty men
2 Samuel 23:8-12, 18-39, 1 Chronicles 11:10-14, 20-47
David’s government and officers
2 Samuel 8:15-18, 1 Chronicles 18:14-17
But Psalm 60 suggests it wasn’t all plain sailing. After suffering a setback, David reminds himself of God’s greatness, and prevails in the end. The Psalm begins, “You have rejected us, God, and burst upon us;” and ends “With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.”
One of David’s enemies even fled to Egypt, in a neat reversal of the Exodus. What glee that must have given the Israelites!
A small point of different between Samuel and Chronicles: 2 Samuel says that David’s sons were priests; Chronicles says they were “chief officials.” They shouldn’t be priests, because they’re not Levites, David is descended from Judah. Maybe this is a bit of nepotism on David’s part that Chronicles edits out. One thing is for certain: David’s sons weren’t all shining examples - we’ll find this out later.
Joram congratulates David
2 Samuel 8:9-10, 1 Chronicles 18:9-10
David’s prayer for deliverance
Psalm 60, Psalm 108:6-13
Edom subdued
2 Samuel 8:13-14, 1 Chronicles 18:12-13
Hadad flees to Egypt
1 Kings 11:15-20
Spoils dedicated
2 Samuel 8:12, 1 Chronicles 18:11
David’s mighty men
2 Samuel 23:8-12, 18-39, 1 Chronicles 11:10-14, 20-47
David’s government and officers
2 Samuel 8:15-18, 1 Chronicles 18:14-17
But Psalm 60 suggests it wasn’t all plain sailing. After suffering a setback, David reminds himself of God’s greatness, and prevails in the end. The Psalm begins, “You have rejected us, God, and burst upon us;” and ends “With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.”
One of David’s enemies even fled to Egypt, in a neat reversal of the Exodus. What glee that must have given the Israelites!
A small point of different between Samuel and Chronicles: 2 Samuel says that David’s sons were priests; Chronicles says they were “chief officials.” They shouldn’t be priests, because they’re not Levites, David is descended from Judah. Maybe this is a bit of nepotism on David’s part that Chronicles edits out. One thing is for certain: David’s sons weren’t all shining examples - we’ll find this out later.
Sunday, 24 April 2011
Day 115: Israel increases her territory
Happy Easter everyone! On the morning of the Resurrection, we read about the beginning of the Golden Age of Israel.
God’s covenant with David
1Chronicles 17:3-15
David’s prayer and thanksgiving
2 Samuel 7:18-29, 1Chronicles 17:16-27
God’s chosen king
Psalm 2, Psalm 110
David’s prayer of confidence
Psalm 16
Territorial gains
2 Samuel 8:1-8, 1Chronicles 18:1-8
David’s thanksgiving
Psalm 9
Under David, the Israelites are finally able to push back the Philistines and gain more territory, David reflects on kingship in the Psalms - what it means to be Israel’s leader. He has a clear idea of not ruling because of his own achievements, but because of God's provision. God is both above him, far mightier than his enemies, and beside him when he goes into battle. David may be wearing the crown, but God is pulling the strings.
As David’s enemies melt away before him, his times of trouble seem to be past, and it looks as if he can do no wrong.
God’s covenant with David
1Chronicles 17:3-15
David’s prayer and thanksgiving
2 Samuel 7:18-29, 1Chronicles 17:16-27
God’s chosen king
Psalm 2, Psalm 110
David’s prayer of confidence
Psalm 16
Territorial gains
2 Samuel 8:1-8, 1Chronicles 18:1-8
David’s thanksgiving
Psalm 9
Under David, the Israelites are finally able to push back the Philistines and gain more territory, David reflects on kingship in the Psalms - what it means to be Israel’s leader. He has a clear idea of not ruling because of his own achievements, but because of God's provision. God is both above him, far mightier than his enemies, and beside him when he goes into battle. David may be wearing the crown, but God is pulling the strings.
As David’s enemies melt away before him, his times of trouble seem to be past, and it looks as if he can do no wrong.
Day 114: Psalms of Praise
We’ve been seeing for days how with David a song is never far away. Now there is an outpouring of music from the whole nation. This is perhaps part of what it means for David to be a man after God’s own heart - he is a bringer of harmony.
Hymn of praise prepared
1 Chronicles 16:4-7
Hymn of praise sung
1 Chronicles 16:8-22
God and his people
Psalm 105, 1 Chronicles 16:23-26, Psalm 96, Psalm 98, Psalm 106:47-48
Daily sacrifices instituted
1 Chronicles 16:37-43
Michael despises David
2 Samuel 6:20-23
David’s care for the ark
2 Samuel 7:1-3, 1 Chronicles 17:1-2
God’s covenant with David
2 Samuel 7:4-17
David in his songs calls all creation to sing with him in celebration to God. His joy an exuberant thankfulness know no bounds. “Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy.” (Psalm 96:11-12)
In the midst of all these extravagant celebrations, Michal’s heart is cold and unmoved. Like a stuffy Anglican at a Spring Harvest Big Top celebration, she cannot enter into the joy of it all, and her heart turns away from David. Sadly, this also means she has turned away from God’s blessing.
Finally, we hear a word we’ve not heard for some time - covenant. God chooses this moment to make a new promise - David’s royal line will never cease. Like all God’s promises, this is one for the long term, the very long term indeed.
Hymn of praise prepared
1 Chronicles 16:4-7
Hymn of praise sung
1 Chronicles 16:8-22
God and his people
Psalm 105, 1 Chronicles 16:23-26, Psalm 96, Psalm 98, Psalm 106:47-48
Daily sacrifices instituted
1 Chronicles 16:37-43
Michael despises David
2 Samuel 6:20-23
David’s care for the ark
2 Samuel 7:1-3, 1 Chronicles 17:1-2
God’s covenant with David
2 Samuel 7:4-17
David in his songs calls all creation to sing with him in celebration to God. His joy an exuberant thankfulness know no bounds. “Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy.” (Psalm 96:11-12)
In the midst of all these extravagant celebrations, Michal’s heart is cold and unmoved. Like a stuffy Anglican at a Spring Harvest Big Top celebration, she cannot enter into the joy of it all, and her heart turns away from David. Sadly, this also means she has turned away from God’s blessing.
Finally, we hear a word we’ve not heard for some time - covenant. God chooses this moment to make a new promise - David’s royal line will never cease. Like all God’s promises, this is one for the long term, the very long term indeed.
Friday, 22 April 2011
Day 113: The Ark restored
David’s song of triumph
Psalm 68:19-35
Preparation for the Ark
1 Chronicles 15:1-14
The Temple praised
Psalm 132
Musicians chosen
15:15-24
Ark brought to Jerusalem
2 Samuel 6: 12-15, 1 Chronicles 15:25-28
God the supreme ruler
Psalm 97
Ark set in its place
2 Samuel 6:16-17, 1 Chronicles 15:29, 16:1-2, 2 Chronicles 1:4
What God requires
Psalm 15
The great king
Psalm 24
David blesses the people
2 Samuel 6:18-19 1 Chronicles 16:2-3
Chronicles takes the lead in telling the story for the first time, going into more detail than the Samuel account. Clearly the Chronicler was very interested in worship, and give us all sorts of detail.
David now thinks he’s worked out why God burst out against Uzzah when he was transporting the ark - it was the Levites’ job to carry the ark in the wilderness, so David renews their function. It makes me wonder if all the sacrifices had stopped when the ark was stolen, or slipped away gradually once Israel entered the Promised Land.
So with pomp and ceremony, the ark is brought to Jerusalem. David knows how to do the big occasion. We read Psalms of glory extolling God and his chosen city Jerusalem, and there is an emphasis on purity - only righteous people can approach God.
That’s all well and good, but what is David going to do when he is no longer righteous?
Psalm 68:19-35
Preparation for the Ark
1 Chronicles 15:1-14
The Temple praised
Psalm 132
Musicians chosen
15:15-24
Ark brought to Jerusalem
2 Samuel 6: 12-15, 1 Chronicles 15:25-28
God the supreme ruler
Psalm 97
Ark set in its place
2 Samuel 6:16-17, 1 Chronicles 15:29, 16:1-2, 2 Chronicles 1:4
What God requires
Psalm 15
The great king
Psalm 24
David blesses the people
2 Samuel 6:18-19 1 Chronicles 16:2-3
Chronicles takes the lead in telling the story for the first time, going into more detail than the Samuel account. Clearly the Chronicler was very interested in worship, and give us all sorts of detail.
David now thinks he’s worked out why God burst out against Uzzah when he was transporting the ark - it was the Levites’ job to carry the ark in the wilderness, so David renews their function. It makes me wonder if all the sacrifices had stopped when the ark was stolen, or slipped away gradually once Israel entered the Promised Land.
So with pomp and ceremony, the ark is brought to Jerusalem. David knows how to do the big occasion. We read Psalms of glory extolling God and his chosen city Jerusalem, and there is an emphasis on purity - only righteous people can approach God.
That’s all well and good, but what is David going to do when he is no longer righteous?
Thursday, 21 April 2011
Day 112: Israel’s victory
My favourite Psalm today - Psalm 139. It contains so many layers. I wonder what will strike me from it today?
Victory at Baal Perazim
2 Samuel 5:19-21, 1 Chronicles 14:10-12
The second conflict
2 Samuel 5:22-25, 1 Chronicles 14:13-17
Decision to bring ark back
1 Chronicles 13:1-4
God’s complete knowledge and care
Psalm 139
Journey of ark from Kiriath Jearim
2 Samuel 6:1-5, 1 Chronicles 13:5-8
God and his people
Psalm 781-11, 67-72
Ark brought to the house of Obed-Edom
2 Samuel 6:;6-11, 1 Chronicles 13:9-14
David’s song of triumph
Psalm 68
Here is the first significant difference between the 2 Samuel account ad the Chronicles version. 2 Samuel has David carrying off the Philistines’ idols, while in Chronicles he orders them to be burnt. Chronicles tells us that people ignored the ark during Saul’s reign - is this an example of the narrator explaining why David was better than Saul? Saul didn’t instinctively turn to God, while David does.
Then a strange thing happens - the ark wobbles, and Uzzah stretches out a hand to steady it, so God strikes him down. David, for the first time, is bewildered by God, and falters. God is too mysterious even for David to fathom out completely.
Psalm 139 is headed in my Bible “The inescapable God.” I wonder if this is a rare moment when David wishes he could escape the gaze of God?
Victory at Baal Perazim
2 Samuel 5:19-21, 1 Chronicles 14:10-12
The second conflict
2 Samuel 5:22-25, 1 Chronicles 14:13-17
Decision to bring ark back
1 Chronicles 13:1-4
God’s complete knowledge and care
Psalm 139
Journey of ark from Kiriath Jearim
2 Samuel 6:1-5, 1 Chronicles 13:5-8
God and his people
Psalm 781-11, 67-72
Ark brought to the house of Obed-Edom
2 Samuel 6:;6-11, 1 Chronicles 13:9-14
David’s song of triumph
Psalm 68
Here is the first significant difference between the 2 Samuel account ad the Chronicles version. 2 Samuel has David carrying off the Philistines’ idols, while in Chronicles he orders them to be burnt. Chronicles tells us that people ignored the ark during Saul’s reign - is this an example of the narrator explaining why David was better than Saul? Saul didn’t instinctively turn to God, while David does.
Then a strange thing happens - the ark wobbles, and Uzzah stretches out a hand to steady it, so God strikes him down. David, for the first time, is bewildered by God, and falters. God is too mysterious even for David to fathom out completely.
Psalm 139 is headed in my Bible “The inescapable God.” I wonder if this is a rare moment when David wishes he could escape the gaze of God?
Wednesday, 20 April 2011
Day 111: David: King of Israel and Judah
Round about now, Chronicles begins to hit its narrative stride, which means that many of the stories will be told twice. It will be interesting to compare the different outlooks of the two accounts.
Length of David’s reign
2 Samuel 5:5
Punishment of the wicked
Psalm 58
God the great king
Psalm 93
A song of praise
Psalm 95
Jerusalem becomes the capital city
2 Samuel 5:6-10, 1 Chronicles 11:4-9
A prayer of thanksgiving
Psalm 118
House built for David
2 Samuel 5:11-12, 1 Chronicles 14:1-2
David’s promise
Psalm 101
Children born in Jerusalem
2 Samuel 5:13-16, 1 Chronicles 14:1-2
Wars against the Philistines
2 Samuel 5:17, 1 Chronicles 14:8
The Gadites join David
1 Chronicles 12:8-15
The Philistines gather
2 Samuel 5:18, 1 Chronicles 14:9
David brought water from Bethlehem
2 Samuel 23:13-17, 1 Chronicles 11:15-19
Chronicles seems to specialise in celebrating the names of great heroes - their mighty deeds are written down to be preserved. Bits of the story are told identically, such as David conquering Jerusalem and fighting off the Philistines.
The Psalms that accompany this phase of David’s life are very different from the ones I read a few days ago - gone are the laments about David’s enemies, now we see God in majesty, ruling over all the earth, and his enemies are crushed beneath his feet. David is doing the crushing, but God’s getting the glory.
Length of David’s reign
2 Samuel 5:5
Punishment of the wicked
Psalm 58
God the great king
Psalm 93
A song of praise
Psalm 95
Jerusalem becomes the capital city
2 Samuel 5:6-10, 1 Chronicles 11:4-9
A prayer of thanksgiving
Psalm 118
House built for David
2 Samuel 5:11-12, 1 Chronicles 14:1-2
David’s promise
Psalm 101
Children born in Jerusalem
2 Samuel 5:13-16, 1 Chronicles 14:1-2
Wars against the Philistines
2 Samuel 5:17, 1 Chronicles 14:8
The Gadites join David
1 Chronicles 12:8-15
The Philistines gather
2 Samuel 5:18, 1 Chronicles 14:9
David brought water from Bethlehem
2 Samuel 23:13-17, 1 Chronicles 11:15-19
Chronicles seems to specialise in celebrating the names of great heroes - their mighty deeds are written down to be preserved. Bits of the story are told identically, such as David conquering Jerusalem and fighting off the Philistines.
The Psalms that accompany this phase of David’s life are very different from the ones I read a few days ago - gone are the laments about David’s enemies, now we see God in majesty, ruling over all the earth, and his enemies are crushed beneath his feet. David is doing the crushing, but God’s getting the glory.
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
Day 110: Israel united
This brief civil war can have only one end. David is on the ascendancy, and nothing can stop him. His wisdom in not killing Saul himself is perhaps shown - if Saul’s loyal supporters were willing to fight a civil war, then how much worse would it have been if they viewed David as a usurper?
Michal and Abner return to David
2 Samuel 3:6-21
Joab murders Abner
2 Samuel 3:22-29
Murder of Ish-Bosheth
2 Samuel 4:1-3, 5-12
David made king over Israel
2 Samuel 5:1-3, 1 Chronicles 11:1-3
List of David’s warriors
2 Samuel 1 Chronicles 12:23-40
Israel united under David
1 Chronicles 29:26
Abner, who had been Saul’s general. can see which way the wind is blowing, and he decides to jump ship. Having made Ish-Boseth king, he now deserts him, acting ruthlessly, like a good general should. David receives him with honour and makes an agreement with him - much to the annoyance of his own general, Joab, who would have killed him, and indeed does. Now we see David the statesman, mourning at the grave of someone who was his enemy, but who commanded the respect of much of Israel. In this way David wins the hearts and minds of the north.
Chronicles lists the people who come out to make David king, listing them with approval, as people who have seen what is the right thing to do: people “who understood the times and knew what Israel should do.” And so the civil war is ended, and David is accepted as Israel’s undisputed king.
Michal and Abner return to David
2 Samuel 3:6-21
Joab murders Abner
2 Samuel 3:22-29
Murder of Ish-Bosheth
2 Samuel 4:1-3, 5-12
David made king over Israel
2 Samuel 5:1-3, 1 Chronicles 11:1-3
List of David’s warriors
2 Samuel 1 Chronicles 12:23-40
Israel united under David
1 Chronicles 29:26
Abner, who had been Saul’s general. can see which way the wind is blowing, and he decides to jump ship. Having made Ish-Boseth king, he now deserts him, acting ruthlessly, like a good general should. David receives him with honour and makes an agreement with him - much to the annoyance of his own general, Joab, who would have killed him, and indeed does. Now we see David the statesman, mourning at the grave of someone who was his enemy, but who commanded the respect of much of Israel. In this way David wins the hearts and minds of the north.
Chronicles lists the people who come out to make David king, listing them with approval, as people who have seen what is the right thing to do: people “who understood the times and knew what Israel should do.” And so the civil war is ended, and David is accepted as Israel’s undisputed king.
Monday, 18 April 2011
Day 109: David becomes king
So here it is at last: from shepherd boy, to royal favourite, to outlaw and mercenary, to king. It’s been an eventful journey for David, but finally he has his chance to savour his destiny.
Mephibosheth’s lameness
2 Samuel 4:4
David hears of Saul’s death
2 Samuel 1:1-16
David’s lamentation
2 Samuel 1:17-27
Saul’s descendants
2 Samuel 1 Chronicles 8:29-40, 9:36-44
David becomes king
2 Samuel 5:4, 1 Kings 2:11, 1 Chronicles 29:27
Reign of David 1025-985BC
David anointed king of Judah
2 Samuel 2:1-7
Ish-Bosheth made king of Israel
2 Samuel 2:8-11
Civil war in Israel
2 Samuel 2:12-32, 2 Samuel 3:1
Children born in Hebron
2 Samuel 3:2-5, 1 Chronicles 3:1-4
Yet another version of the death of Saul! Today, we are told that an Amalekite killed Saul, only to be executed by David for daring to lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed. This sounds like an “official” story to me - preserving Saul’s honour, and the only witness is conveniently dead.
David sings a song of lament for Saul and Jonathan - he could certainly tell a story to pull on the heartstrings!
Saul’s old commander, Abner, makes one of Saul’s surviving sons king in the north, while David is proclaimed king in the south, and a time of civil war follows: north against south, tribe against tribe, for Saul was a Benjamite, David from the tribe of Judah.
David seems to have sprouted a few more wives, and we hear about some of his children born in Hebron.
Mephibosheth’s lameness
2 Samuel 4:4
David hears of Saul’s death
2 Samuel 1:1-16
David’s lamentation
2 Samuel 1:17-27
Saul’s descendants
2 Samuel 1 Chronicles 8:29-40, 9:36-44
David becomes king
2 Samuel 5:4, 1 Kings 2:11, 1 Chronicles 29:27
Reign of David 1025-985BC
David anointed king of Judah
2 Samuel 2:1-7
Ish-Bosheth made king of Israel
2 Samuel 2:8-11
Civil war in Israel
2 Samuel 2:12-32, 2 Samuel 3:1
Children born in Hebron
2 Samuel 3:2-5, 1 Chronicles 3:1-4
Yet another version of the death of Saul! Today, we are told that an Amalekite killed Saul, only to be executed by David for daring to lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed. This sounds like an “official” story to me - preserving Saul’s honour, and the only witness is conveniently dead.
David sings a song of lament for Saul and Jonathan - he could certainly tell a story to pull on the heartstrings!
Saul’s old commander, Abner, makes one of Saul’s surviving sons king in the north, while David is proclaimed king in the south, and a time of civil war follows: north against south, tribe against tribe, for Saul was a Benjamite, David from the tribe of Judah.
David seems to have sprouted a few more wives, and we hear about some of his children born in Hebron.
Sunday, 17 April 2011
Day 108: The deaths of Saul and Jonathan
David’s success continues, Saul’s decline reaches the end of the road. Today, the inevitable happens: Saul hits the buffers.
Ziklag spoiled
1 Samuel 30:1-6
David pursues the Amalekites
1 Samuel 30:7-15
He recovers everything
1 Samuel 30:16-20
David’s distribution of the spoil
1 Samuel 30:21-31
Battle positions
1 Samuel 28:4
Saul consults the witch of Endor
1 Samuel 28:3,5-19
Saul’s terror
1 Samuel 28:20-25
Saul’s defeat and death
1 Samuel 31:1-13, 1 Chronicles 10:1-14
If we wanted a clear indication of the difference between David’s character and Saul’s, we find in 30 verse 6: “David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.” Having had their town attacked, their women and children carried away as spoils of war, David’s men nearly turn against him. This setback would have put Saul into a flat spin. But David finds strength in God.
Meanwhile Saul is unable to get in touch with God. In desperation, he turns to a medium, to conjure up the spirit of the dead Samuel. He knows full well this is forbidden behaviour - indeed he has done his best in the past to eliminate mediums and spiritists from Israel. Samuel tells him nothing he didn’t already know - he is losing.
In the end, he chooses to kill himself rather than be slain by the Philistines. The 1 Samuel account is slightly kinder to Saul than the Chronicles version - suggesting that Saul’s sons killed themselves to avoid the dishonour of being killed by the Philistines. Chronicles simply says they died in action. It’s a sad and perfunctory end to a man who promised so much, but was unable to deliver.
Ziklag spoiled
1 Samuel 30:1-6
David pursues the Amalekites
1 Samuel 30:7-15
He recovers everything
1 Samuel 30:16-20
David’s distribution of the spoil
1 Samuel 30:21-31
Battle positions
1 Samuel 28:4
Saul consults the witch of Endor
1 Samuel 28:3,5-19
Saul’s terror
1 Samuel 28:20-25
Saul’s defeat and death
1 Samuel 31:1-13, 1 Chronicles 10:1-14
If we wanted a clear indication of the difference between David’s character and Saul’s, we find in 30 verse 6: “David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.” Having had their town attacked, their women and children carried away as spoils of war, David’s men nearly turn against him. This setback would have put Saul into a flat spin. But David finds strength in God.
Meanwhile Saul is unable to get in touch with God. In desperation, he turns to a medium, to conjure up the spirit of the dead Samuel. He knows full well this is forbidden behaviour - indeed he has done his best in the past to eliminate mediums and spiritists from Israel. Samuel tells him nothing he didn’t already know - he is losing.
In the end, he chooses to kill himself rather than be slain by the Philistines. The 1 Samuel account is slightly kinder to Saul than the Chronicles version - suggesting that Saul’s sons killed themselves to avoid the dishonour of being killed by the Philistines. Chronicles simply says they died in action. It’s a sad and perfunctory end to a man who promised so much, but was unable to deliver.
Saturday, 16 April 2011
Day 107: David builds a great army
David on the ascendancy, his rag tag followers are growing into a military force. Right now he’s a mercenary, respected by other rulers, and feared by the Philistines.
David marries Abigail
1 Samuel 25:39-44
David again spares Saul’s life
1 Samuel 26:12-12
David confronts Saul
1 Samuel 26:13-25
David retires to Gath
1 Samuel 27:1-7
David deceives Achish
1 Samuel 27:8-12
David’s friends
1 Chronicles 12:1-7
The Philistines gather for battle: Achish’s confidence in David
1 Samuel 28:1-2
David prevented from fighting
1 Samuel 29: 1-11
Men who joined David
1 Chronicles 12:19-22
David starts to accumulate wives. Abigail at least is a shrewd woman, and will no doubt be a valuable helper. But women are like trophies, not people, and this is hard to swallow 3000 years later.
David again has the chance to kill Saul, but resists, and appeals to the king. Saul again is penitent, but nothing really changes. Saul seems powerless to break out of his pattern of behaviour, and David is content to wait, not to push events along.
But David then pursues a high risk strategy, and goes to live among the Philistines. He serves Achish the king faithfully, and gains his complete trust. But how long will it be before David is ordered to fight against the Israelites?
But events turn out well - other Philistine leaders a suspicious of David, and refuse to let him fight with them, and David gets away without having to choose where his loyalties lie. He’s lucky, as well as blessed.
David marries Abigail
1 Samuel 25:39-44
David again spares Saul’s life
1 Samuel 26:12-12
David confronts Saul
1 Samuel 26:13-25
David retires to Gath
1 Samuel 27:1-7
David deceives Achish
1 Samuel 27:8-12
David’s friends
1 Chronicles 12:1-7
The Philistines gather for battle: Achish’s confidence in David
1 Samuel 28:1-2
David prevented from fighting
1 Samuel 29: 1-11
Men who joined David
1 Chronicles 12:19-22
David starts to accumulate wives. Abigail at least is a shrewd woman, and will no doubt be a valuable helper. But women are like trophies, not people, and this is hard to swallow 3000 years later.
David again has the chance to kill Saul, but resists, and appeals to the king. Saul again is penitent, but nothing really changes. Saul seems powerless to break out of his pattern of behaviour, and David is content to wait, not to push events along.
But David then pursues a high risk strategy, and goes to live among the Philistines. He serves Achish the king faithfully, and gains his complete trust. But how long will it be before David is ordered to fight against the Israelites?
But events turn out well - other Philistine leaders a suspicious of David, and refuse to let him fight with them, and David gets away without having to choose where his loyalties lie. He’s lucky, as well as blessed.
Friday, 15 April 2011
David and Saul
The stories of Israel’s first two kings overlap. While the first king is in decline, the second is beginning his rise to greatness. The story gives us plenty of opportunities to compare the two, but perhaps none more poignant than 1 Samuel 24.
In chapter 24. we have a point of intersection. Saul and David pass each other - one on the way down, the other on the way up. But at this moment, they are equal.
As the king of Israel, Saul was the man who "stood head and shoulders above everyone else" (9.2). But Saul faltered. and lost his way. Samuel, who anointed him king, heard Yahweh say, "l regret that I made Saul king" (15.11). Desperate to atone for his mistakes, Saul grabbed hold of Samuel as the prophet was turning his back on him, and tore his robe. The seer commented sadly, "Yahweh has torn the kingdom of lsrael from you." (15.28)
When Samuel went to find young David to anoint him, he first met his seven elder brothers. On seeing, Eliab first, a fine looking man, Samuel thought. "Surely before Yahweh, is his anointed king!" (16.6) But Yahweh had not chosen him, nor' six of his brothers who each
their turn before Samuel’s eyes. Seven is the complete number, but it was the eighth son (an afterthought?) and just a boy, who was 'the one Yahweh had chosen.’ So David made his inauspicious entrance.
At first Saul was delighted to have David around, but he soon regretted inviting a rising star into his lacklustre court. People liked David more than Saul. He made him an general, to get him out of the public gaze. But this backfired too - people started singing his victories.
Rejected by God, and troubled by an evil spirit, Saul drove David out and in fits and starts he pursued him, looking to kill him.
David and his band of outlaws were hiding in some caves when Saul and a company of three thousand men passed through, hunting them. Three thousand would have easily overpowered David's rag tag army. but for the chance that made Saul turn aside into the very cave where David was hiding. He was off guard. he was fatally relaxed, and David stood behind him, sword in hand.
KILL HIM!!!
He could be king tomorrow, he could be enjoying life in a palace, not skulking in a cave, living out the destiny that Yahweh through Samuel had promised him.
With these thoughts (maybe) in mind, David raised his sword...and cut the corner of the kingly robe.
Saul is at his mercy, but David cannot bring himself to take events into his own hands. But just as Samuel’s robe tore, and the old prophet wryly passed comment on Saul’s declining fortunes, so now David re-enacts the moment.
Having cut the robe, David is “stricken to the heart.” Why is he so upset? These words seem out of place, but they remind us how deeply David felt in this matter. As far as David’s followers were concerned, he was Robin Hood, and Saul was the Sheriff of Nottingham. But David gives them a stinging rebuke, and does not permit them to harm Saul. There is more behind this than respect for Yahweh’sanointed. David loved Saul like a father. To become king in place of Saul is as much tragedy as triumph for David.
When Saul leaves the cave, David hurries after him, and kneels before
him. Turn and turn about. Now David is at Saul’s mercy. With touching devotion he appeals to Saul. "My Lord! Your majesty! It's me, David! Why do you listen to those who tell you that I want to kill you? You are anointed by God. Look, here's proof that I don't wish you
harm.I could have killed you now, Yahweh gave you into my power. but all I did was cut the corner of your cloak. See, here it is! I've done you no wrong, you're a father to me, even though you're hunting me to put me to death. Who are you chasing, anyway? What am I compared to you? I'm like a dead dog or a flea! I will let Yahweh decide between us, I will never take vengeance into my hands."
It’s a long speech, and an extraordinary one in many ways. David’s extravagant humility might make it seem ridiculous, but he also prays, “May Yahweh avenge me on you.” He says things you would say to a mortal enemy, but also things you would say to someone in total authority over you, whom you admire, respect and love. Strange though it is, we feel the power of David’s appeal - our hearts melt as we read it.
As for Saul, he lifted up his voice and wept. Saul wept, because he wished that David was dead, and wished that he didn’t wish that. He recalled his own anointing by Samuel and knew how it will end and refused to believe it. He wept because he loved David and hated him in the same breath: he wept because the two of them were passing each other and going in opposite directions and there was nothing he could do to change it. Saul’s tears acknowledge David’s greatness, and mark the significance of the moment for us. His words, “is this your voice, my son?” will be echoed much later when it will be David’s turn to lift up his voice and weep, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son!” (2 Samuel 18:33).The moment ends, and the two move on. Saul, bowing to the inevitable, that David will be king after him, asks David for the only mercy he feels there is any chance of God allowing him - clemency for his family. David promises this. and they part from each other.
Why, when this feels an like a reconciliation, does David not return to Saul's court?
To expect that is to overlook the powerful currents tugging these two characters in opposite directions. The two men will never stand face to face again. Next time they speak it is after a similar story when David has spared Saul’s life, but they shout to each other "with a great distance between them." (26.13) The currents have moved them both on. Soon after that, Saul kills himself after suffering defeat in battle.
Why should it be that Saul is rejected by Yahweh, while David is “a man after [his] own heart”? (13:14) David’s sins - adultery and murder - seem a lot worse than Saul’s - offering a sacrifice when he shouldn’t have, making a rash oath, and failing to utterly destroy the Amalekites. (13:9, 14:24 & 15:9) But for all David’s failings, he did not lose faith with Yahweh, while Saul’s trust all too easily faltered.
After David made his poignant appeal, Saul lifted up his voice...to weep. To whom did he lift up his voice? Who else but Yahweh?Yahweh has been the unseen actor in this intense and emotional play. David’s men say to their leader, "Yahweh has put your enemy into your hands." But David’s response is to remind them that it was Yahweh’s initiative to anoint that man, and to forbid them to presume to harm him. He calls for Yahweh to avenge him, but will not usurp Yahvveh’s prerogative.
So it is David. not Saul, who is the man after Yahweh’s heart. And it will he the Son of David, many centuries later who will be Called "My Son!" - not by a king - but by Yahweh himself.
In chapter 24. we have a point of intersection. Saul and David pass each other - one on the way down, the other on the way up. But at this moment, they are equal.
As the king of Israel, Saul was the man who "stood head and shoulders above everyone else" (9.2). But Saul faltered. and lost his way. Samuel, who anointed him king, heard Yahweh say, "l regret that I made Saul king" (15.11). Desperate to atone for his mistakes, Saul grabbed hold of Samuel as the prophet was turning his back on him, and tore his robe. The seer commented sadly, "Yahweh has torn the kingdom of lsrael from you." (15.28)
When Samuel went to find young David to anoint him, he first met his seven elder brothers. On seeing, Eliab first, a fine looking man, Samuel thought. "Surely before Yahweh, is his anointed king!" (16.6) But Yahweh had not chosen him, nor' six of his brothers who each
their turn before Samuel’s eyes. Seven is the complete number, but it was the eighth son (an afterthought?) and just a boy, who was 'the one Yahweh had chosen.’ So David made his inauspicious entrance.
At first Saul was delighted to have David around, but he soon regretted inviting a rising star into his lacklustre court. People liked David more than Saul. He made him an general, to get him out of the public gaze. But this backfired too - people started singing his victories.
Rejected by God, and troubled by an evil spirit, Saul drove David out and in fits and starts he pursued him, looking to kill him.
David and his band of outlaws were hiding in some caves when Saul and a company of three thousand men passed through, hunting them. Three thousand would have easily overpowered David's rag tag army. but for the chance that made Saul turn aside into the very cave where David was hiding. He was off guard. he was fatally relaxed, and David stood behind him, sword in hand.
KILL HIM!!!
He could be king tomorrow, he could be enjoying life in a palace, not skulking in a cave, living out the destiny that Yahweh through Samuel had promised him.
With these thoughts (maybe) in mind, David raised his sword...and cut the corner of the kingly robe.
Saul is at his mercy, but David cannot bring himself to take events into his own hands. But just as Samuel’s robe tore, and the old prophet wryly passed comment on Saul’s declining fortunes, so now David re-enacts the moment.
Having cut the robe, David is “stricken to the heart.” Why is he so upset? These words seem out of place, but they remind us how deeply David felt in this matter. As far as David’s followers were concerned, he was Robin Hood, and Saul was the Sheriff of Nottingham. But David gives them a stinging rebuke, and does not permit them to harm Saul. There is more behind this than respect for Yahweh’sanointed. David loved Saul like a father. To become king in place of Saul is as much tragedy as triumph for David.
When Saul leaves the cave, David hurries after him, and kneels before
him. Turn and turn about. Now David is at Saul’s mercy. With touching devotion he appeals to Saul. "My Lord! Your majesty! It's me, David! Why do you listen to those who tell you that I want to kill you? You are anointed by God. Look, here's proof that I don't wish you
harm.I could have killed you now, Yahweh gave you into my power. but all I did was cut the corner of your cloak. See, here it is! I've done you no wrong, you're a father to me, even though you're hunting me to put me to death. Who are you chasing, anyway? What am I compared to you? I'm like a dead dog or a flea! I will let Yahweh decide between us, I will never take vengeance into my hands."
It’s a long speech, and an extraordinary one in many ways. David’s extravagant humility might make it seem ridiculous, but he also prays, “May Yahweh avenge me on you.” He says things you would say to a mortal enemy, but also things you would say to someone in total authority over you, whom you admire, respect and love. Strange though it is, we feel the power of David’s appeal - our hearts melt as we read it.
As for Saul, he lifted up his voice and wept. Saul wept, because he wished that David was dead, and wished that he didn’t wish that. He recalled his own anointing by Samuel and knew how it will end and refused to believe it. He wept because he loved David and hated him in the same breath: he wept because the two of them were passing each other and going in opposite directions and there was nothing he could do to change it. Saul’s tears acknowledge David’s greatness, and mark the significance of the moment for us. His words, “is this your voice, my son?” will be echoed much later when it will be David’s turn to lift up his voice and weep, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son!” (2 Samuel 18:33).The moment ends, and the two move on. Saul, bowing to the inevitable, that David will be king after him, asks David for the only mercy he feels there is any chance of God allowing him - clemency for his family. David promises this. and they part from each other.
Why, when this feels an like a reconciliation, does David not return to Saul's court?
To expect that is to overlook the powerful currents tugging these two characters in opposite directions. The two men will never stand face to face again. Next time they speak it is after a similar story when David has spared Saul’s life, but they shout to each other "with a great distance between them." (26.13) The currents have moved them both on. Soon after that, Saul kills himself after suffering defeat in battle.
Why should it be that Saul is rejected by Yahweh, while David is “a man after [his] own heart”? (13:14) David’s sins - adultery and murder - seem a lot worse than Saul’s - offering a sacrifice when he shouldn’t have, making a rash oath, and failing to utterly destroy the Amalekites. (13:9, 14:24 & 15:9) But for all David’s failings, he did not lose faith with Yahweh, while Saul’s trust all too easily faltered.
After David made his poignant appeal, Saul lifted up his voice...to weep. To whom did he lift up his voice? Who else but Yahweh?Yahweh has been the unseen actor in this intense and emotional play. David’s men say to their leader, "Yahweh has put your enemy into your hands." But David’s response is to remind them that it was Yahweh’s initiative to anoint that man, and to forbid them to presume to harm him. He calls for Yahweh to avenge him, but will not usurp Yahvveh’s prerogative.
So it is David. not Saul, who is the man after Yahweh’s heart. And it will he the Son of David, many centuries later who will be Called "My Son!" - not by a king - but by Yahweh himself.
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