Who made David do what he did?

Late in David’s life, he make a foolish and sinful decision. You would expect a man to mature with age and his decision-making to become more God-honoring the older he gets, and in some regards, that was the way David lived. But not on this day. As David prepared to transition the kingdom of Israel […]

Understanding 1 Samuel

Recently we began reading 1 Samuel in our daily Bible reading plan. Here are a couple of charts that you may find helpful in understanding the book. The first provides an overview to the flow and theme of the book and the second offers a perspective of the relationships of the three kings of the […]

When criticized

David was in a tough spot. His son Absalom was after his throne and his life. He was led to believe by a dishonest counselor that Mephibosheth, the son of his beloved Jonathan and the one for whom he had cared for many years, had turned against him also (cf. 16:3-5; 19:24-25). Those he loved […]

He learned his lesson

First David was being chased relentlessly by Saul. He was discouraged and evidently despaired of receiving God’s promise of ascending to the throne of Israel. Then Jonathan came and encouraged his friend in the Lord. But you wonder, don’t you, “did he learn his lesson?” “Did the truths about God that Jonathan used to strengthen […]

Courage for the day

To my knowledge, no one has ever wanted to kill me. Oh sure, I’ve had people angry with me. I’ve had people want to use me as a punching bag (a couple did back in the junior high years). I’ve had people speak to me in angry and hostile tones. Some have shaken in rage […]

Reading Samuel

Samuel’s books are important for the nation of Israel for they provide not only the monarchy for the nation of Israel, but also include the Davidic Covenant (God’s promise that the Messiah would come from the line of David). Yet in the midst of these books there is much about the reality of sin and […]