August 31 – 2 Samuel 6:5-11 [5] And David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals. [6] And when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. [7] And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there because of his error, and he died there beside the ark of God. [8] And David was angry because the LORD had broken out against Uzzah. And that place is called Perez-uzzah to this day. [9] And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and he said, “How can the ark of the LORD come to me?” [10] So David was not willing to take the ark of the LORD into the city of David. But David took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. [11] And the ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months, and the LORD blessed Obed-edom and all his household. We see David an...

August 30 – 2 Samuel 6:1-4 [1] David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. [2] And David arose and went with all the people who were with him from Baale-judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the LORD of hosts who sits enthroned on the cherubim. [3] And they carried the ark of God on a new cart and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. And Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were driving the new cart, [4] with the ark of God, and Ahio went before the ark. The ark of God.   None of them knew the significance of the ark, but very soon they would be reminded.   We all forget from time to time who God really is.   He is our Creator, our Counselor, our Comforter, our Healer, our Judge, He is everything we need, everything we will ever need, and He is to be honored.   In what ways do you honor God?   Do you honor Him as He deserves?  

August 29 – 2 Samuel 5:22-25 [22] And the Philistines came up yet again and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. [23] And when David inquired of the LORD, he said, “You shall not go up; go around to their rear, and come against them opposite the balsam trees. [24] And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then rouse yourself, for then the LORD has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” [25] And David did as the LORD commanded him, and struck down the Philistines from Geba to Gezer. It is amazing that things do work out when we follow God.   They aren’t always easy.   War certainly wasn’t easy, but listening to God means we will be victorious, because He will be victorious. He IS the winning team!

August 28 – 2 Samuel 5:17-21 [17] When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. But David heard of it and went down to the stronghold. [18] Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. [19] And David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?” And the LORD said to David, “Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand.” [20] And David came to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. And he said, “The LORD has broken through my enemies before me like a breaking flood.” Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim. [21] And the Philistines left their idols there, and David and his men carried them away. This is a great time for David.   He was anointed King over Israel and he actually asked God for direction and followed God’s lead.   We will see times David doesn’t follow God so closely, but...

August 27 – 2 Samuel 5:11-16 [11] And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, also carpenters and masons who built David a house. [12] And David knew that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel. [13] And David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem, after he came from Hebron, and more sons and daughters were born to David. [14] And these are the names of those who were born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, [15] Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia, [16] Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet. These verses show us some of the times that David was doing what was popular or expected rather than what God had directed.   We know that God never intended for men to have multiple wives, but the political climate of that day was for powerful and wealthy people to have many wives and concubines.   David loved God, but that doesn’t mean he was always in God’s will in ...

August 26 – 2 Samuel 5:6-10 [6] And the king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who said to David, “You will not come in here, but the blind and the lame will ward you off”—thinking, “David cannot come in here.” [7] Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David. [8] And David said on that day, “Whoever would strike the Jebusites, let him get up the water shaft to attack ‘the lame and the blind,’ who are hated by David’s soul.” Therefore it is said, “The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.” [9] And David lived in the stronghold and called it the city of David. And David built the city all around from the Millo inward. [10] And David became greater and greater, for the LORD, the God of hosts, was with him. No matter what the people around David believed, and no matter what they said that might have been discouraging, David was listening to what they have to say, but what God said.   The ene...

August 25 – 2 Samuel 5:1-5 [1] Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Behold, we are your bone and flesh. [2] In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. And the LORD said to you, ‘You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over Israel.’” [3] So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the LORD, and they anointed David king over Israel. [4] David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. [5] At Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and at Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah thirty-three years. David was young when he became the king over Israel, but certainly not the youngest king we’ve seen.   I think about everything we have learned about David and what he went through and I see God preparing him for his reign.   It wouldn’t be an easy time for Davi...

August 24– 2 Samuel 4:4-12 [4] Jonathan, the son of Saul, had a son who was crippled in his feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel, and his nurse took him up and fled, and as she fled in her haste, he fell and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth. [5] Now the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, set out, and about the heat of the day they came to the house of Ish-bosheth as he was taking his noonday rest. [6] And they came into the midst of the house as if to get wheat, and they stabbed him in the stomach. Then Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped. [7] When they came into the house, as he lay on his bed in his bedroom, they struck him and put him to death and beheaded him. They took his head and went by the way of the Arabah all night, [8] and brought the head of Ish-bosheth to David at Hebron. And they said to the king, “Here is the head of Ish-bosheth, the son of Saul, your enemy, who sought your life. The LORD has ...

August 23 – 2 Samuel 4:1-3 [1] When Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, heard that Abner had died at Hebron, his courage failed, and all Israel was dismayed. [2] Now Saul’s son had two men who were captains of raiding bands; the name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab, sons of Rimmon a man of Benjamin from Beeroth (for Beeroth also is counted part of Benjamin; [3] the Beerothites fled to Gittaim and have been sojourners there to this day). This is an interesting couple of verses to me.   There is a reason for every word in the Bible and all is for us to learn.   I had to ask myself, “What do we learn from these verses?”   My conclusion might be different than what some would read into these verses, but one thing I have learned is that although there is one interpretation that God intends for us to see in His Word, there are many ways to apply that interpretation.   I see these verses showing me that decisions I make not only impact me, but those around ...

August 22 – 2 Samuel 3:31-39 [31] Then David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, “Tear your clothes and put on sackcloth and mourn before Abner.” And King David followed the bier. [32] They buried Abner at Hebron. And the king lifted up his voice and wept at the grave of Abner, and all the people wept. [33] And the king lamented for Abner, saying,                 “Should Abner die as a fool dies?                 [34] Your hands were not bound;                                 your feet were not fettered;                 as one falls before the wicked      ...

August 21 – 2 Samuel 3:26-30 [26] When Joab came out from David’s presence, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the cistern of Sirah. But David did not know about it. [27] And when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the midst of the gate to speak with him privately, and there he struck him in the stomach, so that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother. [28] Afterward, when David heard of it, he said, “I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the LORD for the blood of Abner the son of Ner. [29] May it fall upon the head of Joab and upon all his father’s house, and may the house of Joab never be without one who has a discharge or who is leprous or who holds a spindle or who falls by the sword or who lacks bread!” [30] So Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner, because he had put their brother Asahel to death in the battle at Gibeon. Joab carefully engineered this murder so that the killing was done  outside  the gate o...

August 20 – 2 Samuel 3:22-25 [22] Just then the servants of David arrived with Joab from a raid, bringing much spoil with them. But Abner was not with David at Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace. [23] When Joab and all the army that was with him came, it was told Joab, “Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has let him go, and he has gone in peace.” [24] Then Joab went to the king and said, “What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you. Why is it that you have sent him away, so that he is gone? [25] You know that Abner the son of Ner came to deceive you and to know your going out and your coming in, and to know all that you are doing.” Joab is not a fan of Abner. Remember that Abner had killed the brother of Joab and Joab is still seeking justice for this murder. He also feels strongly that Abner might be acting as a double agent so that he can report back to Ish-bosheth about the comings and goings of David. Perhaps Joab also feels a little protect...

August 19 – 2 Samuel 3:20-21 [20] When Abner came with twenty men to David at Hebron, David made a feast for Abner and the men who were with him. [21] And Abner said to David, “I will arise and go and will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may reign over all that your heart desires.” So David sent Abner away, and he went in peace. Here we see David receiving Abner by preparing a great feast for Abner and his men. I find this very generous of David. Abner had been an adversary of David’s and yet David chooses to be both generous and forgiving. May we treat our enemies and adversaries in such a wise manner.

August 18 – 2 Samuel 3:17-19 [17] And Abner conferred with the elders of Israel, saying, “For some time past you have been seeking David as king over you. [18] Now then bring it about, for the LORD has promised David, saying, ‘By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines, and from the hand of all their enemies.’” [19] Abner also spoke to Benjamin. And then Abner went to tell David at Hebron all that Israel and the whole house of Benjamin thought good to do. It is interesting that this word came from Abner and not David himself. I read a commentary that likened this situation to our relationship with Christ. David would not rule over Israel until the people submitted to him He did not seek to establish his authority over the nation. He desired that the nation come to him. Jesus does not assert himself as king of our life until we invite him into our heart.   But He chooses (for the most part) to exercise His sovereignty only at ou...

August 17 – 2 Samuel 3:12-16 [12] And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, “To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you to bring over all Israel to you.” [13] And he said, “Good; I will make a covenant with you. But one thing I require of you; that is, you shall not see my face unless you first bring Michal, Saul’s daughter, when you come to see my face.” [14] Then David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, saying, “Give me my wife Michal, for whom I paid the bridal price of a hundred foreskins of the Philistines.” [15] And Ish-bosheth sent and took her from her husband Paltiel the son of Laish. [16] But her husband went with her, weeping David received Michal in marriage. Saul had required a payment from David for his bride, Michal. David had done as asked and yet Saul took her away to spite David. Now Daid realized he could have Michal back. Even though Michal already had a husband, David insisted that sh...

August 16 – 2 Samuel 3:6-11 [6] While there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul. [7] Now Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah. And Ish-bosheth said to Abner, “Why have you gone in to my father’s concubine?” [8] Then Abner was very angry over the words of Ish-bosheth and said, “Am I a dog’s head of Judah? To this day I keep showing steadfast love to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers, and to his friends, and have not given you into the hand of David. And yet you charge me today with a fault concerning a woman. [9] God do so to Abner and more also, if I do not accomplish for David what the LORD has sworn to him, [10] to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan to Beersheba.” [11] And Ish-bosheth could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him. Once again we see a power struggle between the ...

August 15 – 2 Samuel 3:1-5 [1] There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul became weaker and weaker. [2] And sons were born to David at Hebron: his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam of Jezreel; [3] and his second, Chileab, of Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; [4] and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; [5] and the sixth, Ithream, of Eglah, David’s wife. These were born to David in Hebron. David had six wives while he resided in Hebron. This was clearly not what God wanted and goes against what God had commanded kings (Deuteronomy 17:17) and went against God’s heart for marriage. As we continue to study the life of David, we see that his sons were not always loyal to their father nor were some of them living moral lives. God has a plan for us just as He had a pl...

August 14 – 2 Samuel 2:29-32 29  And Abner and his men went all that night through the Arabah. They crossed the Jordan, and marching the whole morning, they came to Mahanaim.  30  Joab returned from the pursuit of Abner. And when he had gathered all the people together, there were missing from David's servants nineteen men besides Asahel.  31  But the servants of David had struck down of Benjamin 360 of Abner's men.  32  And they took up Asahel and buried him in the tomb of his father, which was at Bethlehem. And Joab and his men marched all night, and the day broke upon them at Hebron. God had given victory to David’s army. An accounting of the men makes this very clear. Abner had lost 360 men while the count on David’s side was twenty of his servants. God clearly wanted David to reign as the kingdom of Israel. Bloodshed and war are difficult to process and grief is such a strong feeling. None of this need happen except that men wanted...

August 13 – 2 Samuel 2:24-28 24  But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner. And as the sun was going down they came to the hill of Ammah, which lies before Giah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon.  25  And the people of Benjamin gathered themselves together behind Abner and became one group and took their stand on the top of a hill.  26  Then Abner called to Joab, “Shall the sword devour forever? Do you not know that the end will be bitter? How long will it be before you tell your people to turn from the pursuit of their brothers?”  27  And Joab said, “As God lives, if you had not spoken, surely the men would not have given up the pursuit of their brothers until the morning.”  28  So Joab blew the trumpet, and all the men stopped and pursued Israel no more, nor did they fight anymore. The brothers of Asahel wanted vengeance for the death of their brother. This ongoing war between the house of Saul and the house of David would continue f...

August 12 – 2 Samuel 2:18-23 18  And the three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was as swift of foot as a wild gazelle.  19  And Asahel pursued Abner, and as he went, he turned neither to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.  20  Then Abner looked behind him and said, “Is it you, Asahel?” And he answered, “It is I.”  21  Abner said to him, “Turn aside to your right hand or to your left, and seize one of the young men and take his spoil.” But Asahel would not turn aside from following him.  22  And Abner said again to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I lift up my face to your brother Joab?”  23  But he refused to turn aside. Therefore Abner struck him in the stomach with the butt of his spear, so that the spear came out at his back. And he fell there and died where he was. And all who came to the place where A...

August 11 – 2 Samuel 2:8-17   8  But Abner the son of Ner, commander of Saul's army, took Ish-bosheth the son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim,  9  and he made him king over Gilead and the Ashurites and Jezreel and Ephraim and Benjamin and all Israel.  10  Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David.  11  And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months. 12  Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.  13  And Joab the son of Zeruiah and the servants of David went out and met them at the pool of Gibeon. And they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool.  14  And Abner said to Joab, “Let the young men arise and compete befor...

August 10 – 2 Samuel 2:1-7   2 After this David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?” And the LORD said to him, “Go up.” David said, “To which shall I go up?” And he said, “To Hebron.”  2  So David went up there, and his two wives also, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel.  3  And David brought up his men who were with him, everyone with his household, and they lived in the towns of Hebron.  4  And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. When they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul,”  5  David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead and said to them, “May you be blessed by the LORD, because you showed this loyalty to Saul your lord and buried him.  6  Now may the LORD show steadfast love and faithfulness to you. And I will do good...

August 9 – 2 Samuel 1:17-27   17  And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and Jonathan his son,  18  and he said it should be taught to the people of Judah; behold, it is written in the Book of Jashar. He said: 19  “Your glory, O Israel, is slain on your high places! How the mighty have fallen! 20  Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised exult. 21  “You mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew or rain upon you, nor fields of offerings! For there the shield of the mighty was defiled, the shield of Saul, not anointed with oil. 22  “From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty. 23  “Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely! In life and in death they were not divided; they were swifter than eagles; they...

August 8 – 2 Samuel 1:11-16   11  Then David took hold of his clothes and tore them, and so did all the men who were with him.  12  And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son and for the people of the LORD and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.  13  And David said to the young man who told him, “Where do you come from?” And he answered, “I am the son of a sojourner, an Amalekite.”  14  David said to him, “How is it you were not afraid to put out your hand to destroy the LORDs anointed?”  15  Then David called one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him.” And he struck him down so that he died.  16  And David said to him, “Your blood be on your head, for your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I have killed the LORD’s anointed.’”   These scriptures give the distorted account of ...

August 7 - 2 Samuel 1:1-10   1 After the death of Saul, when David had returned from striking down the Amalekites, David remained two days in Ziklag.  2  And on the third day, behold, a man came from Saul’s camp, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. And when he came to David, he fell to the ground and paid homage.  3  David said to him, “Where do you come from?” And he said to him, “I have escaped from the camp of Israel.”  4  And David said to him, “How did it go? Tell me.” And he answered, “The people fled from the battle, and also many of the people have fallen and are dead, and Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.”  5  Then David said to the young man who told him, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?”  6  And the young man who told him said, “By chance I happened to be on Mount Gilboa, and there was Saul leaning on his spear, and behold, the chariots and t...

August 6 – 1 Samuel 31:8-13   8  The next day, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, they found Saul and his three sons fallen on Mount Gilboa.  9  So they cut off his head and stripped off his armor and sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines, to carry the good news to the house of their idols and to the people.  10  They put his armor in the temple of Ashtaroth, and they fastened his body to the wall of Beth-shan.  11  But when the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul,  12  all the valiant men arose and went all night and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and they came to Jabesh and burned them there.  13  And they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh and fasted seven days.   Saul was often found to be folly and foolish.   In the end, hi...

August 5 – 1 Samuel 31:1-7   31 Now the Philistines were fighting against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before the Philistines and fell slain on Mount Gilboa.  2  And the Philistines overtook Saul and his sons, and the Philistines struck down Jonathan and Abinadab and Malchi-shua, the sons of Saul.  3  The battle pressed hard against Saul, and the archers found him, and he was badly wounded by the archers.  4  Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword, and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and mistreat me.” But his armor-bearer would not, for he feared greatly.   Therefore Saul took his own sword and fell upon it.  5  And when his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell upon his sword and died with him.  6  Thus Saul died, and his three sons, and his armor-bearer, and all his men, on the same day together.  ...

August 4 – 1 Samuel 30:21-31   21  Then David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow David, and who had been left at the brook Besor. And they went out to meet David and to meet the people who were with him. And when David came near to the people he greeted them.  22  Then all the wicked and worthless fellows among the men who had gone with David said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered, except that each man may lead away his wife and children, and depart.”  23  But David said, “You shall not do so, my brothers, with what the LORD has given us. He has preserved us and given into our hand the band that came against us.  24  Who would listen to you in this matter? For as his share is who goes down into the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage. They shall share alike.”  25  And he made it a statute and a ru...

August 3 – 1 Samuel 30:16-20   16  And when he had taken him down, behold, they were spread abroad over all the land, eating and drinking and dancing, because of all the great spoil they had taken from the land of the Philistines and from the land of Judah.  17  And David struck them down from twilight until the evening of the next day, and not a man of them escaped, except four hundred young men, who mounted camels and fled.  18  David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken, and David rescued his two wives.  19  Nothing was missing, whether small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything that had been taken. David brought back all.  20  David also captured all the flocks and herds, and the people drove the livestock before him, and said, “This is David’s spoil.”              As David and his men followed God’s direction they found the Amalekites sp...

August 2 – 1 Samuel 30:7-15   7  And David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought the ephod to David.  8  And David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I pursue after this band? Shall I overtake them?” He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake and shall surely rescue.”  9  So David set out, and the six hundred men who were with him, and they came to the brook Besor, where those who were left behind stayed.  10  But David pursued, he and four hundred men. Two hundred stayed behind, who were too exhausted to cross the brook Besor. 11  They found an Egyptian in the open country and brought him to David. And they gave him bread and he ate. They gave him water to drink,  12  and they gave him a piece of a cake of figs and two clusters of raisins. And when he had eaten, his spirit revived, for he had not eaten bread or drunk water for three ...

August 1 – 1 Samuel 30:1-6 30 Now when David and his men came to Ziklag on the third day, the Amalekites had made a raid against the Negeb and against Ziklag. They had overcome Ziklag and burned it with fire  2  and taken captive the women and all who were in it, both small and great. They killed no one, but carried them off and went their way.  3  And when David and his men came to the city, they found it burned with fire, and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive.  4  Then David and the people who were with him raised their voices and wept until they had no more strength to weep.  5  David’s two wives also had been taken captive, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel.  6  And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the...