2 Samuel 1-3 Life Isn't Easy for a Reason

Psalm 45:8-17 Bride of a King

Ps 45:8 (6 Your throne, God, is forever and ever. 7 You have loved righteousness, and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.) 8 All your garments smell like myrrh, aloes, and cassia. Out of ivory palaces stringed instruments have made you glad. 9 Kings’ daughters are among your honorable women. At your right hand the queen stands in gold of Ophir.

10 Listen, daughter, consider, and turn your ear. Forget your own people, and also your father’s house. 11 So the king will desire your beauty, honor him, for he is your lord. 12 The daughter of Tyre comes with a gift. The rich among the people entreat your favor. 13 The princess inside is all glorious. Her clothing is interwoven with gold. 14 She shall be led to the king in embroidered work. The virgins, her companions who follow her, shall be brought to you. 15 With gladness and rejoicing they shall be led. They shall enter into the king’s palace. 16 Your sons will take the place of your fathers. You shall make them princes in all the earth. 17 I will make your name to be remembered in all generations. Therefore the peoples shall give you thanks forever and ever."

Observations: 45:1-7 See this post for vv 1-7, in which the psalmist uses the imagery of a royal wedding (perhaps Solomon to Pharaoh's daughter, although he wasn't the warrior type) to contemplate responsibilities of God's people and the coming of the Messiah. The author of Hebrews uses verse 6-7 in Heb 1:8-9 to demonstrate the superiority of the Son, the Messiah over angels since He received a kingdom because of His righteousness.

45:8-17 This second half of the psalm shifts from the king to his bride, and gives her advice. John had this in mind when he wrote Revelation 19 about the marriage supper of the Lamb, but the application to Israel is obscure. Israel was the bride of Yahweh in a number of places (Hosea 1; Jeremiah 31:32) although she was largely unfaithful. The psalm has an application in OT times to encourage Israel to forget her past and look forward to the blessings He has to offer.

If Israel is responsive to Her King gladness and rejoicing and eternal blessings will follow.

Application: Fully embracing God and our relationship with Him is the only way to enjoy what He has to offer, which is far better than anything we could get ourselves.

Prayer: God, thanks for desiring a relationship with me; may I respond totally and completely to You, and bring delight to both of us. Amen.

Proverbs 12:17-23 Wise and Foolish Words

Pr 12:17 “He who is truthful testifies honestly, but a false witness lies. 18 There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise heals. 19 Truth’s lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only momentary. 20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but joy comes to the promoters of peace. 21 No mischief shall happen to the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil. 22 Lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh, but those who do the truth are his delight. 23 A prudent man keeps his knowledge, but the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness.“

Observations: 12:17-23 Those who speak and deal truthfully delight God, and He blesses them to encourage such behavior. Those who lie and deal falsely will suffer His wrath, because they are an abomination to Him. Our words, as well as our deeds, can wound or heal others. The wise person, who has the right objectives for their comments, and the right timing, builds up others so they can be blessed and experience God's peace. Sometimes it is wiser to say nothing even if it's true, if the timing isn't right. The one who just blurts out foolish words from a foolish heart, doesn't build up, but wounds. The wrong objective is to just say what one is feeling, without thinking of the other-centered implications. Those who speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) will have both a legacy and protection from God. Those who don't, will wish they had.

Application: Since words and works are reflective of our hearts, we need to be sure that righteousness (being rightly related to God and others) is the objective our heart embraces.

Prayer: Lord, may my words today be pleasing in your sight and the ears of my hearers; may they accomplish Your objectives and result in peace and blessing. Amen.

2 Samuel 1-3 God's will is rarely easy, since His objective is not to have something done, but to have His people deepen their dependence upon Him. He gets more glory (as do we) when His people trust Him in perilous times rather than just praising Him in peaceful times. Thus He allows or engineers difficulties to cause us to seek Him. The sooner we learn this truth, the easier the life of faith becomes. God's objective was not just to have David be King, or Israel be delivered, but to have His people live in loyal obedience to Him. These next chapters describe David's rise to the Kingship, which could have easily happened by eliminating Saul and all of his sons many chapters ago. However, God has lessons for us to learn, just like He did for David and company.

2 Samuel 1 Bitter-free Song of the Bow

1:1 After the death of Saul, David returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and stayed two days in Ziklag; 2 On the third day, a man came out of the camp from Saul, with his clothes torn, and earth on his head: when he came to David, he fell to the earth, and showed respect. 3 David said to him, "Where do you come from?" He said to him, "I have escaped out of the camp of Israel." 4 David said to him, "How did it go? Please tell me." He answered, "The people have fled from the battle, and many of the people also have fallen and are dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also." 5 David said to the young man who told him, "How do you know that Saul and Jonathan his son are dead?" 6 The young man who told him said, "As I happened by chance on Mount Gilboa, behold, Saul was leaning on his spear; and behold, the chariots and the horsemen followed hard after him. 7 When he looked behind him, he saw me, and called to me. I answered, ‘Here I am.’ 8 He said to me, ‘Who are you?’ I answered him, ‘I am an Amalekite.’ 9 He said to me, ‘Please stand beside me, and kill me; for anguish has taken hold of me, because my life is yet whole in me.’ 10 So I stood beside him, and killed him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he had fallen. I took the crown that was on his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them here to my lord."

11 Then David took hold on his clothes, and tore them; and likewise all the men who were with him. 12 They mourned, and wept, and fasted until evening, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of Yahweh, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword. 13 David said to the young man who told him, "Where are you from?" He answered, "I am the son of a foreigner, an Amalekite." 14 David said to him, "How were you not afraid to put forth your hand to destroy Yahweh’s anointed?" 15 David called one of the young men, and said, "Go near, and fall on him." He struck him, so that he died. 16 David said to him, "Your blood be on your head; for your mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I have slain Yahweh’s anointed.’"

17 David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son 18 (and he commanded them to teach the children of Judah the Song of the Bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jashar): 19 "Your glory, Israel, is slain on your high places! How the mighty have fallen! 20 Don’t tell it in Gath. Don’t publish it in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph. 21 You mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew nor rain on you, neither fields of offerings; For there the shield of the mighty was vilely cast away, The shield of Saul was not anointed with oil. 22 From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, Jonathan’s bow didn’t turn back. Saul’s sword didn’t return empty. 23 Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives. In their death, they were not divided. They were swifter than eagles. They were stronger than lions. 24 You daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet delicately, who put ornaments of gold on your clothing. 25 How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan is slain on your high places. 26 I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan. You have been very pleasant to me. Your love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women. 27 How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!"

Observations: 1:1-10 The Amalakite probably came upon Saul's crown and brought it to David, lying about the events, hoping to be rewarded for killing David's enemy.

1:11-15 David mourns the multiple loss and executes the liar on the basis of his own testimony.

1:16-24 David composes a lament for Saul and Jonathan, called “Song of the Bow” (a symbol of might). It's amazing that David is able to speak well of Saul, eulogizing him as the glory of Israel, loved and delightful, and the one who delivered and blessed the daughters of Israel. Unfortunately Saul's shield (protection) was not anointed, and it failed him. There is no hint of bitterness toward Saul, nor rejoicing that his persecutor had perished. This speaks volumes about David's ability to draw on the grace of God to deal with the difficulties Saul had caused him. Satan uses bitterness to ensnare believers who fail to forgive those who wrong them and acknowledge God's sovereign goodness in permitting the difficulties.

1:26-27 David gives greater praise for his relationship with Jonathan. The Scriptures are not hesitant to talk about sex as it occurs in various contexts. There is a word for sexual love (to know), which is not used here. The word for love in this passage is that of an emotional bond that is used of friendship, or of our love for God (Dt 6:5), or God's love for His people (Dt 23:5). It is specifically differentiated from sexual love in (Gen 29:20,32) There has not been and is not a breath about a sexual relationship between David and Jonathan, which would have been a clear violation of the Scriptures on which both men staked their lives (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Dt 23:17; Job 36:8-14). The essence of love is not self-centered eroticism, but giving/sacrificing of oneself in serving the needs and looking out for the interests of others. That's the kind of love God demonstrates toward His people, a covenantal loyal love, hesed. That's the kind of love Jonathan demonstrated towards David, in sacrificing his own right to the throne in favor of God's choice, and risking his life to encourage David in the Lord.

Application: If you can't fully forgive those evil peoples (especially those of your own family) who have sinfully wronged you, you need to roll up your sleeves and root bitterness out of your heart. Roam around Truthbase.net for more help.

Prayer: Father, I recognize that all You allow into my life is for my benefit; help me demonstrate Christlike forgiveness to those who've sought to hurt me, knowing that You have forgiven me. Amen.

2 Samuel 2 Two Kings and a Truce

2:1 It happened after this, that David inquired of Yahweh, saying, "Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?" Yahweh said to him, "Go up." David said, "Where shall I go up?" He said, "To Hebron." 2 So David went up there, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite. 3 David brought up his men who were with him, every man with his household. They lived in the cities of Hebron. 4 The men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. They told David, saying, "The men of Jabesh Gilead were those who buried Saul." 5 David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead, and said to them, "Blessed are you by Yahweh, that you have shown this hesed/loyal love to your lord, even to Saul, and have buried him. 6 Now may Yahweh show hesed/loyal love and faithfulness to you. I also will reward you for this goodness, because you have done this thing. 7 Now therefore let your hands be strong, and be valiant; for Saul your lord is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them."

8 Now Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul’s army, had taken Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim; 9 and he made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel. 10 Ishbosheth, 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 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 Ishbosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon. 13 Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met them by 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 Abner said to Joab, "Please let the young men arise and play before us!" Joab said, "Let them arise!" 15 Then they arose and went over by number: twelve for Benjamin, and for Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David. 16 They each caught his opponent by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow’s side; so they fell down together: therefore that place was called Field of Swords, which is in Gibeon. 17 The battle was very severe that day: and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.

18 The three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild gazelle. 19 Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he didn’t turn to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner. 20 Then Abner looked behind him, and said, "Is it you, Asahel?" He answered, "It is I." 21 Abner said to him, "Turn aside to your right hand or to your left, and grab one of the young men, and take his armor." But Asahel would not turn aside from following him. 22 Abner said again to Asahel, "Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then should I hold up my face to Joab your brother?" 23 However he refused to turn aside. Therefore Abner with the back end of the spear struck him in the body, so that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place. It happened, that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still. 24 But Joab and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they had come to the hill of Ammah, that lies before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon.

25 The children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner, and became one band, and stood on the top of a hill. 26 Then Abner called to Joab, and said, "Shall the sword devour forever? Don’t you know that it will be bitterness in the latter end? How long shall it be then, before you ask the people to return from following their brothers?" 27 Joab said, "As God lives, if you had not spoken, surely then in the morning the people would have gone away, and not each followed his brother." 28 So Joab blew the trumpet; and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more. 29 Abner and his men went all that night through the Arabah; and they passed over the Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and came to Mahanaim. 30 Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David’s servants nineteen men and Asahel. 31 But the servants of David had struck of Benjamin, and of Abner’s men, so that three hundred sixty men died. 32 They took up Asahel, and buried him in the tomb of his father, which was in Bethlehem. Joab and his men went all night, and the day broke on them at Hebron.

Observations: 2:1-7 David asks God if and where he should go. We frequently ask only the latter, and wonder why there's no answer. In Hebron, the men of Judah anoint David as their king. David blesses the men of Jabesh Gilead for the loyalty they showed to Saul, who had delivered them in his first victory. Their loyalty to Saul, David's enemy might be interpreted as hostility toward David, but he assures them that they did the right thing, and he is not their enemy. He mentions that the men of Judah have acknowledged him as king (hint, hint), but his diplomacy falls on deaf ears, as the rest of the chapter reveals.

2:6-11 Abner, the captain of Saul's defeated army (who should have stayed with Saul to the bitter end, but fled) appoints a puppet king, Ishbosheth. Saul's last son (1Ch 8:33). Ishbosheth means “man of shame” an upgrade or downgrade from his original moniker, Eshbaal “man of Baal”. God has specifically said that Saul's kingdom would not continue (1Sam 13:14) but Abner didn't get the memo.

2:12-24 A meeting between Abner and Joab, David's loyal chief of staff and army turns into a battle in which David's men mightily defeat Saul's men. Joab's brother was a casualty for his refusal to stop chasing Abner, who struck him with the blunt end of his spear, and unintentionally killed him in self-defense.

2:25-32 Abner and Joab call off the conflict so Israelites aren't killing each other.

Application: Just when we think it's smooth sailing, God raises an other storm to cause us to depend more deeply upon Him. It's not just about the product, but the process to get the product. Remember Jonathan won points for doing the right thing, but didn't experience the fruit of his loyalty (but the kingdom story still isn't over).

Prayer: Father, don't let me be so focused on short term objectives, that I lose sight of the bigger objective of why you have me breathing on this planet. Thanks. Amen.

2 Samuel 3 Wait For God's Justice

3:1 Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: and David grew stronger and stronger, but the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker. 2 To David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; 3 and his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; 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.

6 It happened, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong in the house of Saul. 7 Now Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, "Why have you gone in to my father’s concubine?" 8 Then was Abner very angry for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, "Am I a dog’s head that belongs to Judah? Today I show kindness to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers, and to his friends, and have not delivered you into the hand of David; and yet you charge me this day with a fault concerning this woman! 9 God do so to Abner, and more also, if, as Yahweh has sworn to David, I don’t do even so to him; 10 to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba." 11 He could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him. 12 Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, "Whose is the land?" and saying, "Make your covenant/alliance with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you, to bring all Israel around to you." 13 He said, "Good; I will make a covenant/treaty 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 David sent messengers to Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, saying, "Deliver me my wife Michal, whom I pledged to be married to me for one hundred foreskins of the Philistines." 15 Ishbosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Paltiel the son of Laish. 16 Her husband went with her, weeping as he went, and followed her to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, "Go! Return!" and he returned. 17 Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, "In times past, you sought for David to be king over you. 18 Now then do it; for Yahweh has spoken of David, saying, ‘By the hand of my servant David, I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.’" 19 Abner also spoke in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel, and to the whole house of Benjamin. 20 So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. David made Abner and the men who were with him a feast. 21 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 soul desires." David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.

22 Behold, the servants of David and Joab came from a foray, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace. 23 When Joab and all the army who was with him had come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has sent him away, and he is gone in peace. 24 Then Joab came to the king, and said, "What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you. Why is it that you have sent him away, and he is quite gone? 25 You know Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive you, and to know your going out and your coming in, and to know all that you do." 26 When Joab had come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David didn’t know it. 27 When Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the midst of the gate to speak with him quietly, and struck him there in the body, so that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother. 28 Afterward, when David heard it, he said, "I and my kingdom are guiltless before Yahweh forever of the blood of Abner the son of Ner. 29 Let it fall on the head of Joab, and on all his father’s house. Let there not fail from the house of Joab one who has an issue, or who is a leper, or who leans on a staff, or who falls by the sword, or who lacks bread." 30 So Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner, because he had killed their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle. 31 David said to Joab, and to all the people who were with him, Tear your clothes, and clothe yourselves with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. King David followed the bier. 32 They buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up his voice, and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept. 33 The king lamented for Abner, and said, "Should Abner die as a fool dies? 34 Your hands were not bound, nor your feet put into fetters. As a man falls before the children of iniquity, so you fell." All the people wept again over him. 35 All the people came to cause David to eat bread while it was yet day; but David swore, saying, "God do so to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or anything else, until the sun goes down." 36 All the people took notice of it, and it pleased them; as whatever the king did pleased all the people. 37 So all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to kill Abner the son of Ner. 38 The king said to his servants, "Don’t you know that there a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel? 39 I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah are too hard for me. May Yahweh reward the evildoer according to his wickedness."

Observations: 3:1-3 In fulfillment of God's promises, David, the one blessed by God, gets stronger while the house of Saul, cursed by God, gets weaker. This theme is seen in the blessing of the fertility of David's wives, some of whom we hear about for the first time. God cites them positively, and since He makes no negative comment about them, neither will I.

3:4-21 Abner gets grief and religion. Ishbosheth gives Abner grief for taking one of Saul's concubines (who could bear an heir for the throne), and alienates the man who made him king. So Abner switches allegiance to David.

3:9-10,18 Abner acknowledges that Yahweh had promised the kingdom to David! An amazing admission for a guy who supported Saul against David and set up Ishbosheth as king against David.

3:11-21 Abner and David make a covenant, with the stipulation that David gets Michal, his first wife and Saul's daughter back. This gives the ten tribes, who are loyal to Saul's house, a reason to be loyal to David, since he is Saul's son-in-law.

3:22-38 Joab returns from a victory and hears of David's interaction with Abner (his military rival, and slayer of Joab's brother) and expresses concern that Abner will attack David. Joab sends a message to Abner and meets him at the gate of Hebron (a city of refuge) and kills him to avenge Asahel (although it looked like self-defense). David goes ballistic, asserting his blamelessness, and cursing the house of Joab and his father. David laments Abner like he was Jonathan, and experiences no political fall-out from the ten tribes. David exhibits great loyalty to God, but looks like he values his enemies over his loyal friends (and nephews). Joab, the mighty man of valor and action, apparently didn't learn from David the benefits of waiting for God to fight his battles and execute justice. By taking matters into his own hands, he got them dirty.

3:39 Zeruiah was David’s sister, and the mother of Joab, Abishai,and Asahel his loyal nephews (1Ch 2:16) and leaders of David’s men.

Application: Waiting upon God to right wrongs is usually the best course of action unless there is a clear command of God to do otherwise.

Prayer: God, grant me patience to trust in Your goodness and timing, and not usurp Your role in my life by acting independently of Your will. Amen.

Digging Deeper:

God in a nutshell: God can arrange circumstances and move hearts to bring about His perfect will. His will is not just for us to get what we think we want or need, but to have us demonstrate dependent trust in His goodness and justice, expressed in obedience to His revelation. He blesses and prospers those who are loyal to Him, and eventually curses and destroy those who follow their own agenda. He doesn't make things easy for us, because He has better plans for our lives than we do.

Us in a nutshell: We tend to get bitter and angry when we are wronged and can't have our own way. Sometimes we succumb to the temptation to take matters into our own hands rather than seeking God's will and awaiting its fulfillment. This usurping of God's authority in our lives results in cursing rather than blessing.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

Faithfulness with our Time. The outline is also at the end of the TOYL Booklet.

Saga of the Sorry Sluggard.

Rooting out Bitterness

2 Samuel 1-3 complete text

2 Samuel 1

1:1 It happened after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had stayed two days in Ziklag; 2 it happened on the third day, that behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul, with his clothes torn, and earth on his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and showed respect. 3 David said to him, "Where do you come from?" He said to him, "I have escaped out of the camp of Israel." 4 David said to him, "How did it go? Please tell me." He answered, "The people have fled from the battle, and many of the people also have fallen and are dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also." 5 David said to the young man who told him, "How do you know that Saul and Jonathan his son are dead?" 6 The young man who told him said, "As I happened by chance on Mount Gilboa, behold, Saul was leaning on his spear; and behold, the chariots and the horsemen followed hard after him. 7 When he looked behind him, he saw me, and called to me. I answered, ‘Here I am.’ 8 He said to me, ‘Who are you?’ I answered him, ‘I am an Amalekite.’ 9 He said to me, ‘Please stand beside me, and kill me; for anguish has taken hold of me, because my life is yet whole in me.’ 10 So I stood beside him, and killed him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he had fallen. I took the crown that was on his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them here to my lord."

11 Then David took hold on his clothes, and tore them; and likewise all the men who were with him. 12 They mourned, and wept, and fasted until evening, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of Yahweh, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword. 13 David said to the young man who told him, "Where are you from?" He answered, "I am the son of a foreigner, an Amalekite." 14 David said to him, "How were you not afraid to put forth your hand to destroy Yahweh’s anointed?" 15 David called one of the young men, and said, "Go near, and fall on him." He struck him, so that he died. 16 David said to him, "Your blood be on your head; for your mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I have slain Yahweh’s anointed.’"

17 David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son 18 (and he commanded them to teach the children of Judah the song of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jashar): 19 "Your glory, Israel, is slain on your high places! How the mighty have fallen! 20 Don’t tell it in Gath. Don’t publish it in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph. 21 You mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew nor rain on you, neither fields of offerings; For there the shield of the mighty was vilely cast away, The shield of Saul was not anointed with oil. 22 From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, Jonathan’s bow didn’t turn back. Saul’s sword didn’t return empty. 23 Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives. In their death, they were not divided. They were swifter than eagles. They were stronger than lions. 24 You daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet delicately, who put ornaments of gold on your clothing. 25 How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan is slain on your high places. 26 I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan. You have been very pleasant to me. Your love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women. 27 How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!"

2 Samuel 2

2:1 It happened after this, that David inquired of Yahweh, saying, "Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?" Yahweh said to him, "Go up." David said, "Where shall I go up?" He said, "To Hebron." 2 So David went up there, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite. 3 David brought up his men who were with him, every man with his household. They lived in the cities of Hebron. 4 The men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. They told David, saying, "The men of Jabesh Gilead were those who buried Saul." 5 David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead, and said to them, "Blessed are you by Yahweh, that you have shown this kindness to your lord, even to Saul, and have buried him. 6 Now may Yahweh show loving kindness and truth to you. I also will reward you for this kindness, because you have done this thing. 7 Now therefore let your hands be strong, and be valiant; for Saul your lord is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them."

8 Now Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul’s army, had taken Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim; 9 and he made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel. 10 Ishbosheth, 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 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 Ishbosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon. 13 Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met them by 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 Abner said to Joab, "Please let the young men arise and play before us!" Joab said, "Let them arise!" 15 Then they arose and went over by number: twelve for Benjamin, and for Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David. 16 They each caught his opponent by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow’s side; so they fell down together: therefore that place was called Helkath Hazzurim, which is in Gibeon. 17 The battle was very severe that day: and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.

18 The three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild gazelle. 19 Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he didn’t turn to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner. 20 Then Abner looked behind him, and said, "Is it you, Asahel?" He answered, "It is I." 21 Abner said to him, "Turn aside to your right hand or to your left, and grab one of the young men, and take his armour." But Asahel would not turn aside from following him. 22 Abner said again to Asahel, "Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then should I hold up my face to Joab your brother?" 23 However he refused to turn aside. Therefore Abner with the back end of the spear struck him in the body, so that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place. It happened, that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still. 24 But Joab and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they had come to the hill of Ammah, that lies before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon.

25 The children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner, and became one band, and stood on the top of a hill. 26 Then Abner called to Joab, and said, "Shall the sword devour forever? Don’t you know that it will be bitterness in the latter end? How long shall it be then, before you ask the people to return from following their brothers?" 27 Joab said, "As God lives, if you had not spoken, surely then in the morning the people would have gone away, and not each followed his brother." 28 So Joab blew the trumpet; and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more. 29 Abner and his men went all that night through the Arabah; and they passed over the Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and came to Mahanaim. 30 Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David’s servants nineteen men and Asahel. 31 But the servants of David had struck of Benjamin, and of Abner’s men, so that three hundred sixty men died. 32 They took up Asahel, and buried him in the tomb of his father, which was in Bethlehem. Joab and his men went all night, and the day broke on them at Hebron.

2 Samuel 3

3:1 Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: and David grew stronger and stronger, but the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker. 2 To David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; 3 and his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; 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. 6 It happened, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong in the house of Saul.

7 Now Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, "Why have you gone in to my father’s concubine?" 8 Then was Abner very angry for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, "Am I a dog’s head that belongs to Judah? Today I show kindness to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers, and to his friends, and have not delivered you into the hand of David; and yet you charge me this day with a fault concerning this woman! 9 God do so to Abner, and more also, if, as Yahweh has sworn to David, I don’t do even so to him; 10 to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba." 11 He could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him. 12 Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, "Whose is the land?" and saying, "Make your alliance with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you, to bring all Israel around to you." 13 He said, "Good; I will make a treaty 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 David sent messengers to Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, saying, "Deliver me my wife Michal, whom I pledged to be married to me for one hundred foreskins of the Philistines." 15 Ishbosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Paltiel the son of Laish. 16 Her husband went with her, weeping as he went, and followed her to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, "Go! Return!" and he returned. 17 Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, "In times past, you sought for David to be king over you. 18 Now then do it; for Yahweh has spoken of David, saying, ‘By the hand of my servant David, I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.’" 19 Abner also spoke in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel, and to the whole house of Benjamin. 20 So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. David made Abner and the men who were with him a feast. 21 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 soul desires." David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.

22 Behold, the servants of David and Joab came from a foray, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace. 23 When Joab and all the army who was with him had come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has sent him away, and he is gone in peace. 24 Then Joab came to the king, and said, "What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you. Why is it that you have sent him away, and he is quite gone? 25 You know Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive you, and to know your going out and your coming in, and to know all that you do." 26 When Joab had come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David didn’t know it. 27 When Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the midst of the gate to speak with him quietly, and struck him there in the body, so that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother. 28 Afterward, when David heard it, he said, "I and my kingdom are guiltless before Yahweh forever of the blood of Abner the son of Ner. 29 Let it fall on the head of Joab, and on all his father’s house. Let there not fail from the house of Joab one who has an issue, or who is a leper, or who leans on a staff, or who falls by the sword, or who lacks bread." 30 So Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner, because he had killed their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle. 31 David said to Joab, and to all the people who were with him, Tear your clothes, and clothe yourselves with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. King David followed the bier. 32 They buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up his voice, and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept. 33 The king lamented for Abner, and said, "Should Abner die as a fool dies? 34 Your hands were not bound, nor your feet put into fetters. As a man falls before the children of iniquity, so you fell." All the people wept again over him. 35 All the people came to cause David to eat bread while it was yet day; but David swore, saying, "God do so to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or anything else, until the sun goes down." 36 All the people took notice of it, and it pleased them; as whatever the king did pleased all the people. 37 So all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to kill Abner the son of Ner. 38 The king said to his servants, "Don’t you know that there a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel? 39 I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah are too hard for me. May Yahweh reward the evildoer according to his wickedness."

1 Samuel 13-15 What God Wants Most

1 Samuel 13-15 What God Wants Most

Psalm 42:1-5 Talking to Your Soul

Ps 42:1 “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants after you, God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually ask me, "Where is your God?" 4 These things I remember, and pour out my soul within me, how I used to go with the crowd, and led them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, a multitude keeping a holy day. 5 Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise Him for the saving help of His presence.

Observations: Once again God has put you on hold, and your soul is going through withdrawal. Eating tears isn't very soul-nourishing. So what's the solution?

Application: Continue to hope in God and look to praise Him for His presence and help.

See: Praying in the Garden on Truthbase.net for how Jesus poured out His soul to God.

Prayer: God of My Hope, I praise You, the Living God, for being the One who saves and helps His children. Fill me with joy in Your presence. Amen.

Proverbs 11:24-31 The Wise and Righteous Flourish

Pr 11:24 “There is one who scatters, and increases yet more. There is one who withholds more than is appropriate, but gains poverty. 25 The liberal soul shall be made fat. He who waters shall be watered also himself. 26 People curse someone who withholds grain, but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it. 27 He who diligently seeks good seeks favor, but he who searches after evil, it shall come to him. 28 He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf.29 He who troubles his own house shall inherit the wind. The foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart.

30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life. He who is wise wins souls. 31 Behold, the righteous shall be repaid in the earth; how much more the wicked and the sinner!“

Observations: 11:24-29 This first group of verses advocate a generosity that seeks the good of others, and results in multiple blessings accruing to the giver. The selfish person who seeks only their own benefit will be cursed and come to ruin. So choose the wise objective of doing what is benefical to others, and you will flourish.

11:30-31 Proverbs said that wisdom was a tree of life for those who hold on to her. The righteous live and speak wisely, so that others can find life. The one who is wise wins souls, or as some translations put it, the one who wins souls is wise. Either way, souls should be won by the wise, bringing them into the paths of wisdom and righteousness. Those people will be rewarded, repaid here on earth. The wicked will also be paid back, with consequences they could have avoided if they followed the way of wisdom.

Daniel 12:3 Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever.

Application: Be generous with your material and spiritual blessing, and you will be blessed even more.

Prayer: Lord, thanks for the abundance You've bestowed upon me in meeting my needs so that I can share what is good with others; may my words also bless others, winning them to the way of wisdom and life. Amen

1Samuel 13-15 Even though he was God's supernaturally appointed and anointed choice for king, Saul didn't develop a dependent relationship with God. As a result, he unfaithfully looked to his own natural resources when in need, disobeyed God's word, and gets disqualified from his privileged position. He is emblematic of God's chosen people. If you're short on time, skip to the middle of Chapter 15, where God tells us what He values from us above all else.

1 Samuel 13 The Test of the Timetable

13:1 Saul reigned...over Israel 2 Saul chose for himself three thousand men of Israel, of which two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in the Mount of Bethel, and one thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent. 3 Jonathan struck the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba: and the Philistines heard of it. Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, "Let the Hebrews hear!" 4 All Israel heard that Saul had struck the garrison of the Philistines, and also that Israel was had in abomination with the Philistines. The people were gathered together after Saul to Gilgal. 5 The Philistines assembled themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the seashore in multitude: and they came up, and encamped in Michmash, eastward of Beth Aven. 6 When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait (for the people were distressed), then the people hid themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in coverts, and in pits. 7 Now some of the Hebrews had gone over the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead; but as for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling.

8 He stayed seven days, according to the time set by Samuel: but Samuel didn’t come to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. 9 Saul said, "Bring here the burnt offering to me, and the peace offerings." He offered the burnt offering. 10 It came to pass that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might greet him. 11 Samuel said, "What have you done?" Saul said, "Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you didn’t come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines assembled themselves together at Michmash; 12 therefore I said, ‘Now the Philistines will come down on me to Gilgal, and I haven’t entreated the favor of Yahweh.’ I forced myself therefore, and offered the burnt offering."

13 Samuel said to Saul, "You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of Yahweh your God, which he commanded you; for now Yahweh would have established your kingdom on Israel forever. 14 But now your kingdom shall not continue. Yahweh has sought for himself a man after his own heart, and Yahweh has appointed him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept that which Yahweh commanded you."

15 Samuel arose, and went from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin. Saul numbered the people who were present with him, about six hundred men. 16 Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people who were present with them, stayed in Geba of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmash. 17 The spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned to the way that leads to Ophrah, to the land of Shual; 18 and another company turned the way to Beth Horon; and another company turned the way of the border that looks down on the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness. 19 Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel; for the Philistines said, "Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears"; 20 but all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his plowshare, picks, axe, and sickle; 21 yet they had a file for the pick, and for the plowshares, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to set the goads. 22 So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people who were with Saul and Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found. 23 The garrison of the Philistines went out to the pass of Michmash.

Observations: 13:1-7 The exact number of years are corrupted in the original Hebrew text which is why translations differ here; no biggie. Jonathan, Saul's son attacks the Philistines; they counter-attack with a multitude; Saul assembles the troops who start to panic.

13:8-12 Saul half-heartedly obeys the first command given him (10:8), to wait seven days for Samuel to come and offer the sacrifice. Looking at the people scattering rather than at God's command, Saul concludes that Samuel isn't going to show up, and violates another command of intruding into the priest's office. Just as he finishes (great timing, as are most of God's tests) Samuel shows up as promised. He blames Samuel and justifies himself with excuses, cloaking his disobedience under the religious veneer of seeking God's favor (he had to force himself to do it, since he knew it was wrong). If only he had waited like God said...(sigh).

13:13-14 The consequence of his unfaithful disobedience is loss of the kingship. Ouch! He rejected God's command; God rejects him, and seeks a man after God's own heart, who will do what God wants. We'll meet him in a few chapters.

13:15-23 Samuel leaves, and Saul is left with 600 men without real weapons. The Philistines deploy their troops to utterly destroy Saul.

Questions: When God doesn't meet your “reasonable” timetable, what do you do?

Application: God is never late, but tests our loyalty and obedience by sometimes waiting to beyond the last minute (from our perspective) to act. When tempted to take matters into your own hands, choose to obey the revealed will of God and trust Him for the fallout.

Prayer: Great and Mighty God, You have repeatedly shown Yourself to be trustworthy; don't let me ever abandon my commitment of trust and let me obey You. Amen.

1 Samuel 14 Smart Son, Stupid King

14: 1 Now it fell on a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said to the young man who bore his armor, "Come, and let us go over to the Philistines’ garrison, that is on the other side." But he didn’t tell his father. 2 Saul stayed in Gibeah...3 and Ahijah, the son of Ichabod’s brother...wearing an ephod. 6 Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, "Come, and let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that Yahweh will work for us; for there is no restraint on Yahweh to save by many or by few." 7 His armor bearer said to him, "Do all that is in your heart. Turn and, behold, I am with you according to your heart." 8 Then Jonathan said, "we will reveal ourselves to them. 9 If they say thus to us, ‘Wait until we come to you!’ then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up to them. 10 But if they say this, ‘Come up to us!’ then we will go up; for Yahweh has delivered them into our hand. This shall be the sign to us." 11 Both of them revealed themselves to the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, "Behold, the Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they had hidden themselves!" 12 "Come up to us, and we will show you something!" Jonathan said to his armor bearer, "Come up after me; for Yahweh has delivered them into the hand of Israel." 13 Jonathan climbed up..and they fell before Jonathan; and his armor bearer killed them after him. 14 That first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armor bearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were half a furrow’s length in an acre of land. 15 There was a trembling in the camp, in the field, and among all the people; the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled; and the earth quaked: so there was an exceeding great trembling.

16 The watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and behold, the multitude melted away, and scattered. 17 Then Saul said to the people who were with him, "Count now, and see who is missing from us." When they had counted, behold, Jonathan and his armor bearer were not there. 18 Saul said to Ahijah, "Bring the ark of God here." For the ark of God was with the children of Israel at that time. 19 It happened, while Saul talked to the priest, that the tumult that was in the camp of the Philistines went on and increased: and Saul said to the priest, "Withdraw your hand!" 20 Saul and all the people who were with him were gathered together, and came to the battle: and behold, every man’s sword was against his fellow: a very great confusion. 21 Now the Hebrews who were with the Philistines...turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. 22 Likewise all the men of Israel who had hidden themselves in the hill country of Ephraim, when they heard that the Philistines fled, even they also followed hard after them in the battle. 23 So Yahweh saved Israel that day: and the battle passed over by Beth Aven.

24 The men of Israel were distressed that day; for Saul had adjured the people, saying, "Cursed is the man who eats any food until it is evening, and I am avenged of my enemies." So none of the people tasted food. 25 All the people came into the forest; and there was honey on the ground. 26 When the people had come to the forest, behold, the honey dropped: but no man put his hand to his mouth; for the people feared the oath. 27 But Jonathan didn’t hear when his father commanded the people with the oath: therefore he put forth the end of the rod who was in his hand, and dipped it in the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened. 28 Then one of the people answered, and said, "Your father directly commanded the people with an oath, saying, ‘Cursed is the man who eats food this day.’" The people were faint. 29 Then Jonathan said, "My father has troubled the land. Please look how my eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey. 30 How much more, if perhaps the people had eaten freely today of the spoil of their enemies which they found? For now has there been no great slaughter among the Philistines." 31 They struck of the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. The people were very faint; 32 and the people flew on the spoil, and took sheep, and cattle, and calves, and killed them on the ground; and the people ate them with the blood. 33 Then they told Saul, saying, "Behold, the people are sinning against Yahweh, in that they eat meat with the blood." He said, "You have dealt treacherously. Roll a large stone to me this day!" 34 Saul said, "Disperse yourselves among the people, and tell them, ‘Bring me here every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and kill them here, and eat; and don’t sin against Yahweh in eating meat with the blood.’" All the people brought every man his ox with him that night, and killed them there. 
35 Saul built an altar to Yahweh. This was the first altar that he built to Yahweh. 36 Saul said, "Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and take spoil among them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them." They said, "Do whatever seems good to you." Then the priest said, "Let us draw near here to God." 37 Saul asked counsel of God, "Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you deliver them into the hand of Israel?" But he didn’t answer him that day. 38 Saul said, "Draw near here, all you chiefs of the people; and know and see in which this sin has been this day. 39 For, as Yahweh lives, who saves Israel, though it is in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die." But there was not a man among all the people who answered him. 40 Then he said to all Israel, "You be on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side." The people said to Saul, "Do what seems good to you." 41 Therefore Saul said to Yahweh, the God of Israel, "Show the right." Jonathan and Saul were chosen; but the people escaped. 42 Saul said, "Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son." Jonathan was selected. 43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, "Tell me what you have done!" Jonathan told him, and said, "I certainly did taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in my hand; and behold, I must die." 44 Saul said, "God do so (to me) and more also; for you shall surely die, Jonathan." 45 The people said to Saul, "Shall Jonathan die, who has worked this great salvation in Israel? Far from it! As Yahweh lives, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he has worked with God this day!" So the people rescued Jonathan, that he didn’t die. 46 Then Saul went up from following the Philistines; and the Philistines went to their own place.

47 Now when Saul had taken the kingdom over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and wherever he turned himself, he defeated them. 48 He did valiantly, and struck the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of those who despoiled them. 52 There was severe war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw any mighty man, or any valiant man, he took him to him.

Observations: 14:1-5 Here's an interesting variation on a theme, the son surpasses the father in trusting and serving God. Usually it's the other way around. Jonathan, who initiated the offensive against the Philistines (king's job) is now used by God to deliver the nation (king's job). Saul stays in camp with a nephew of Ichabod (glory departed). Saul eventually moves in the right direction, after a couple of stupid, self-centered blunders.

14:6-16 Jonathan has the right view of the situation and of God, recognizing that He can save with many or few (Lev 26:8; Dt 32:20), against hundreds of thousands of the uncircumcised enemies of God and His people. He steps out in faith in the revelation that God is the deliverer of Israel, and that He uses people to accomplish His purposes. A victory over twenty and a timely earthquake causes the multitude to melt and attack each other.

14:17-33 Impotent Saul-come-lately and the Israelites join in chasing the fleeing Philistines. Even though Yahweh had saved Israel in verse 23, Saul pridefully wants to be avenged against “his” enemies, so he troubles/distresses Israel by cursing anyone who eats anything rather than killing Philistines. Jonathan is busy doing God's work, didn't hear and tastes some honey, which strengthens him. Due to their lack of energy, the slaughter of the enemy was much less than it could have been. The hunger impels people to eat the improperly slaughtered captured animals with the blood, sinning against Yahweh.

14:34-46 Saul sets up a stone and altar, his first (about time) and inquires of God to see if they should continue the moping up at night. God doesn't answer (sin has that effect on one's relationship with God), so Saul pronounces a death sentence upon whomever has sinned, even if it's Jonathan (ha-ha). Casting lots reveal that Jonathan has violated the kings rash curse. Jonathan confesses without any excuse or justification, and accepts the death sentence. Saul with a repulsive slimy hypocrisy takes another stupid oath asking God to punish himself (and more) if Jonathan doesn't die. Fortunately the people have more sense than stupid Saul and rescue Jonathan whom God used to rescue them. Historically, it usually doesn't work like this. Saul reveals his insensitivity to God's heart and will, and is disgraced as the people overrule his silliness.

14:47-52 Saul has limited success in constant battles all of his days. He doesn't secure peace for Israel by eliminating their enemies. He has to recruit his army of valiant men (people volunteered for David's army).

Application: God works through those who have faith in His revealed will and character, and disgraces the disloyal.

Prayer: Lord, I believe that You will do what You said You'd do; I devote my life to being used by You for Your glory. Amen.

1 Samuel 15 Obedience Beats Ritual

15:1 Samuel said to Saul, "Yahweh sent me to anoint you to be king over his people, over Israel. Now therefore listen to the voice of the words of Yahweh. 2 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, ‘I have marked that which Amalek did to Israel, how he set himself against him in the way, when he came up out of Egypt. 3 Now go and strike Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and don’t spare them; but kill both man and woman, infant and nursing baby, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.’"

4 Saul summoned the people, and numbered them in Telaim, two hundred thousand footmen, and ten thousand men of Judah. 5 Saul came to the city of Amalek, and laid wait in the valley. 6 Saul said to the Kenites, "Go, depart, go down from among the Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them; for you showed kindness to all the children of Israel, when they came up out of Egypt." So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites. 7 Saul struck the Amalekites, from Havilah as you go to Shur, that is before Egypt. 8 He took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. 9 But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the cattle, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and wouldn’t utterly destroy them: but everything that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.

10 Then the word of Yahweh came to Samuel, saying, 11 "It grieves me that I have set up Saul to be king; for he is turned back from following me, and has not performed my commandments." Samuel was angry; and he cried to Yahweh all night. 12 Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning; and it was told Samuel, saying, "Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set up a monument for himself, and turned, and passed on, and went down to Gilgal." 13 Samuel came to Saul; and Saul said to him, "You are blessed by Yahweh! I have performed the commandment of Yahweh." 14 Samuel said, "Then what does this bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the cattle which I hear mean?" 15 Saul said, "They have brought them from the Amalekites; for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the cattle, to sacrifice to Yahweh your God. We have utterly destroyed the rest."

16 Then Samuel said to Saul, "Stay, and I will tell you what Yahweh has said to me last night." He said to him, "Say on." 17 Samuel said, "Though you were little in your own sight, weren’t you made the head of the tribes of Israel? Yahweh anointed you king over Israel; 18 and Yahweh sent you on a journey, and said, ‘Go, and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.’ 19 Why then didn’t you obey the voice of Yahweh, but took the spoils, and did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh?" 20 Saul said to Samuel, "But I have obeyed the voice of Yahweh, and have gone the way which Yahweh sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. 21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and cattle, the chief of the devoted things, to sacrifice to Yahweh your God in Gilgal." 22 Samuel said, "Has Yahweh as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Yahweh? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim. Because you have rejected the word of Yahweh, he has also rejected you from being king."

24 Saul said to Samuel, "I have sinned; for I have transgressed the commandment of Yahweh, and your words, because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. 25 Now therefore, please pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship Yahweh." 26 Samuel said to Saul, "I will not return with you; for you have rejected the word of Yahweh, and Yahweh has rejected you from being king over Israel." 27 As Samuel turned about to go away, Saul grabbed the skirt of his robe, and it tore. 28 Samuel said to him, "Yahweh has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this day, and has given it to a neighbor of yours who is better than you. 29 Also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent; for he is not a man, that he should repent." 30 Then he said, "I have sinned: yet please honor me now before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and come back with me, that I may worship Yahweh your God." 31 So Samuel went back with Saul; and Saul worshiped Yahweh.

32 Then Samuel said, "Bring here to me Agag the king of the Amalekites!" Agag came to him cheerfully. Agag said, "Surely the bitterness of death is past." 33 Samuel said, "As your sword has made women childless, so your mother will be childless among women!" Samuel cut Agag in pieces before Yahweh in Gilgal. 34 Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house to Gibeah of Saul. 35 Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death; for Samuel mourned for Saul: and Yahweh grieved that he had made Saul king over Israel.

Observations: 15:1-15 Saul again fails to completely and wholeheartedly obey, and blames others for his failure. Even though chosen by God, he is so insensitive to His will (because of his preoccupation with his own will stemming from his inadequacy), that he boasts that he's doing good. The bleating of the sheep betrays his folly of turning from following God.

15:16-23 Even though he knows he's wrong (next comment) Saul adds more lies to his rebellion (they often go hand in hand), again asserting his innocence, and blaming the people. Samuel reproves him in words that every religiously inclined person should cross-stitch on their pillowcase: God values the total obedience of our will more than the totality of the trinkets we offer Him. Failure to obey is rebellion, as displeasing to God as demonic divination. So is stubbornness, which comes from a word that means to push or urge one's will upon another; it was used of the Sodomites seeking to exert their will upon Lot's visitors (Gen 19). In the Hiphil (causative stem) it carries the meaning of arrogant presumption, and in our verse is equated with idolatry (see the first commandment -Ex 20).

15:24-31 The hypocritical liar is unmasked, as Saul confess the conscious reason for his sin: he feared people rather than God, and obeyed them rather than Him. In response to the disloyal exercise of Saul's will, God rejects him, because Saul first rejected God. Saul appears more concerned about how things will appear in front of people than with losing the kingship.

15:32-35 Samuel finishes the job in killing Agag. He mourns for Saul, and God grieves (just like in the days of Noah) that He made Saul king.

Application: Never confuse religious ritual with obsessive obedience to the revealed will of God. God requires our totally loyal obedience, and will accept no substitutes.

Prayer: God, You are worthy of the utter and complete devotion of my life; may I never offer You anything less. Show me any spots where the stain of Saul has soiled my service of You. Amen.

Digging Deeper:

God in a nutshell: God has a will that He expects us to do. He delights in our complete unreserved obedience, and despises our disloyalty and rebellion. He intervenes in human affairs for the benefit of His people, using our faithful service to accomplish His purposes to bless or curse. He can bring about incredible victory through one individual who is willing to take Him at His word. God patiently and graciously spares us from some of the consequences of our sin, giving us time to learn and repent, but when we reject Him, He has no choice but to give us the sovereign consequences we've chosen.

Us in a nutshell: We are masters at coming up with reasons for doing our will at the expense of God's will. If we don't get our worth and value from pleasing God, we will sell out our obedience to Him in order to get our self-worth and significance from doing what is pleasing in the sight of others. This usually backfires, and we get covered with soot. We foolishly think we can deceive God with excuses and appease Him with religious ritual. (He's too smart to be taken in by our schemes.) We have the capacity to reject God and His will for us, and reap what we have sown. When caught by our sin, repentance is always the best course of action, even if it doesn't remove all our consequences.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net
Role of Obedience (see part 2 and the contrast with Rebellion)
How Obedience Glorifies God

1Samuel complete text

1 Samuel 13

13:1 Saul reigned a year; and when he had reigned two years over Israel, 2 Saul chose for himself three thousand men of Israel, of which two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in the Mount of Bethel, and one thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent. 3 Jonathan struck the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba: and the Philistines heard of it. Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, "Let the Hebrews hear!" 4 All Israel heard that Saul had struck the garrison of the Philistines, and also that Israel was had in abomination with the Philistines. The people were gathered together after Saul to Gilgal. 5 The Philistines assembled themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the seashore in multitude: and they came up, and encamped in Michmash, eastward of Beth Aven. 6 When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait (for the people were distressed), then the people hid themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in coverts, and in pits. 7 Now some of the Hebrews had gone over the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead; but as for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling.

8 He stayed seven days, according to the time set by Samuel: but Samuel didn’t come to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. 9 Saul said, "Bring here the burnt offering to me, and the peace offerings." He offered the burnt offering. 10 It came to pass that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might greet him. 11 Samuel said, "What have you done?" Saul said, "Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you didn’t come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines assembled themselves together at Michmash; 12 therefore I said, ‘Now the Philistines will come down on me to Gilgal, and I haven’t entreated the favour of Yahweh.’ I forced myself therefore, and offered the burnt offering." 13 Samuel said to Saul, "You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of Yahweh your God, which he commanded you; for now Yahweh would have established your kingdom on Israel forever. 14 But now your kingdom shall not continue. Yahweh has sought for himself a man after his own heart, and Yahweh has appointed him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept that which Yahweh commanded you."

15 Samuel arose, and went from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin. Saul numbered the people who were present with him, about six hundred men. 16 Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people who were present with them, stayed in Geba of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmash. 17 The spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned to the way that leads to Ophrah, to the land of Shual; 18 and another company turned the way to Beth Horon; and another company turned the way of the border that looks down on the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness. 19 Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel; for the Philistines said, "Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears"; 20 but all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his plowshare, mattock, axe, and sickle; 21 yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the plowshares, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to set the goads. 22 So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people who were with Saul and Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found. 23 The garrison of the Philistines went out to the pass of Michmash.

1 Samuel 14

14: 1 Now it fell on a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said to the young man who bore his armour, "Come, and let us go over to the Philistines’ garrison, that is on the other side." But he didn’t tell his father. 2 Saul stayed in the uttermost part of Gibeah under the pomegranate tree which is in Migron: and the people who were with him were about six hundred men; 3 and Ahijah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod’s brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the priest of Yahweh in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. The people didn’t know that Jonathan was gone. 4 Between the passes, by which Jonathan sought to go over to the Philistines’ garrison, there was a rocky crag on the one side, and a rocky crag on the other side: and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh. 5 The one crag rose up on the north in front of Michmash, and the other on the south in front of Geba. 6 Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, "Come, and let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that Yahweh will work for us; for there is no restraint on Yahweh to save by many or by few." 7 His armor bearer said to him, "Do all that is in your heart. Turn and, behold, I am with you according to your heart." 8 Then Jonathan said, "Behold, we will pass over to the men, and we will reveal ourselves to them. 9 If they say thus to us, ‘Wait until we come to you!’ then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up to them. 10 But if they say this, ‘Come up to us!’ then we will go up; for Yahweh has delivered them into our hand. This shall be the sign to us." 11 Both of them revealed themselves to the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, "Behold, the Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they had hidden themselves!" 12 The men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armor bearer, and said, "Come up to us, and we will show you something!" Jonathan said to his armor bearer, "Come up after me; for Yahweh has delivered them into the hand of Israel." 13 Jonathan climbed up on his hands and on his feet, and his armor bearer after him: and they fell before Jonathan; and his armor bearer killed them after him. 14 That first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armor bearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were half a furrow’s length in an acre of land. 15 There was a trembling in the camp, in the field, and among all the people; the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled; and the earth quaked: so there was an exceeding great trembling.

16 The watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and behold, the multitude melted away, and scattered. 17 Then Saul said to the people who were with him, "Count now, and see who is missing from us." When they had counted, behold, Jonathan and his armor bearer were not there. 18 Saul said to Ahijah, "Bring the ark of God here." For the ark of God was with the children of Israel at that time. 19 It happened, while Saul talked to the priest, that the tumult that was in the camp of the Philistines went on and increased: and Saul said to the priest, "Withdraw your hand!" 20 Saul and all the people who were with him were gathered together, and came to the battle: and behold, every man’s sword was against his fellow: a very great confusion. 21 Now the Hebrews who were with the Philistines as before, and who went up with them into the camp, from all around, even they also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. 22 Likewise all the men of Israel who had hidden themselves in the hill country of Ephraim, when they heard that the Philistines fled, even they also followed hard after them in the battle. 23 So Yahweh saved Israel that day: and the battle passed over by Beth Aven.

24 The men of Israel were distressed that day; for Saul had adjured the people, saying, "Cursed is the man who eats any food until it is evening, and I am avenged of my enemies." So none of the people tasted food. 25 All the people came into the forest; and there was honey on the ground. 26 When the people had come to the forest, behold, the honey dropped: but no man put his hand to his mouth; for the people feared the oath. 27 But Jonathan didn’t hear when his father commanded the people with the oath: therefore he put forth the end of the rod who was in his hand, and dipped it in the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened. 28 Then one of the people answered, and said, "Your father directly commanded the people with an oath, saying, ‘Cursed is the man who eats food this day.’" The people were faint. 29 Then Jonathan said, "My father has troubled the land. Please look how my eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey. 30 How much more, if perhaps the people had eaten freely today of the spoil of their enemies which they found? For now has there been no great slaughter among the Philistines." 31 They struck of the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. The people were very faint; 32 and the people flew on the spoil, and took sheep, and cattle, and calves, and killed them on the ground; and the people ate them with the blood. 33 Then they told Saul, saying, "Behold, the people are sinning against Yahweh, in that they eat meat with the blood." He said, "You have dealt treacherously. Roll a large stone to me this day!" 34 Saul said, "Disperse yourselves among the people, and tell them, ‘Bring me here every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and kill them here, and eat; and don’t sin against Yahweh in eating meat with the blood.’" All the people brought every man his ox with him that night, and killed them there. 35 Saul built an altar to Yahweh. This was the first altar that he built to Yahweh.

36 Saul said, "Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and take spoil among them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them." They said, "Do whatever seems good to you." Then the priest said, "Let us draw near here to God." 37 Saul asked counsel of God, "Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you deliver them into the hand of Israel?" But he didn’t answer him that day. 38 Saul said, "Draw near here, all you chiefs of the people; and know and see in which this sin has been this day. 39 For, as Yahweh lives, who saves Israel, though it is in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die." But there was not a man among all the people who answered him. 40 Then he said to all Israel, "You be on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side." The people said to Saul, "Do what seems good to you." 41 Therefore Saul said to Yahweh, the God of Israel, "Show the right." Jonathan and Saul were chosen; but the people escaped. 42 Saul said, "Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son." Jonathan was selected. 43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, "Tell me what you have done!" Jonathan told him, and said, "I certainly did taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in my hand; and behold, I must die." 44 Saul said, "God do so and more also; for you shall surely die, Jonathan." 45 The people said to Saul, "Shall Jonathan die, who has worked this great salvation in Israel? Far from it! As Yahweh lives, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he has worked with God this day!" So the people rescued Jonathan, that he didn’t die. 46 Then Saul went up from following the Philistines; and the Philistines went to their own place.

47 Now when Saul had taken the kingdom over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and wherever he turned himself, he defeated them. 48 He did valiantly, and struck the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of those who despoiled them. 49 Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishvi, and Malchishua; and the names of his two daughters were these: the name of the firstborn Merab, and the name of the younger Michal: 50 and the name of Saul’s wife was Ahinoam the daughter of Ahimaaz. The name of the captain of his army was Abner the son of Ner, Saul’s uncle. 51 Kish was the father of Saul; and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel. 52 There was severe war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw any mighty man, or any valiant man, he took him to him.

1 Samuel 15

15:1 Samuel said to Saul, "Yahweh sent me to anoint you to be king over his people, over Israel. Now therefore listen to the voice of the words of Yahweh. 2 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, ‘I have marked that which Amalek did to Israel, how he set himself against him in the way, when he came up out of Egypt. 3 Now go and strike Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and don’t spare them; but kill both man and woman, infant and nursing baby, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.’" 4 Saul summoned the people, and numbered them in Telaim, two hundred thousand footmen, and ten thousand men of Judah. 5 Saul came to the city of Amalek, and laid wait in the valley. 6 Saul said to the Kenites, "Go, depart, go down from among the Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them; for you showed kindness to all the children of Israel, when they came up out of Egypt." So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites. 7 Saul struck the Amalekites, from Havilah as you go to Shur, that is before Egypt. 8 He took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. 9 But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the cattle, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and wouldn’t utterly destroy them: but everything that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.

10 Then the word of Yahweh came to Samuel, saying, 11 "It grieves me that I have set up Saul to be king; for he is turned back from following me, and has not performed my commandments." Samuel was angry; and he cried to Yahweh all night. 12 Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning; and it was told Samuel, saying, "Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set up a monument for himself, and turned, and passed on, and went down to Gilgal." 13 Samuel came to Saul; and Saul said to him, "You are blessed by Yahweh! I have performed the commandment of Yahweh." 14 Samuel said, "Then what does this bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the cattle which I hear mean?" 15 Saul said, "They have brought them from the Amalekites; for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the cattle, to sacrifice to Yahweh your God. We have utterly destroyed the rest." 16 Then Samuel said to Saul, "Stay, and I will tell you what Yahweh has said to me last night." He said to him, "Say on." 17 Samuel said, "Though you were little in your own sight, weren’t you made the head of the tribes of Israel? Yahweh anointed you king over Israel; 18 and Yahweh sent you on a journey, and said, ‘Go, and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.’ 19 Why then didn’t you obey the voice of Yahweh, but took the spoils, and did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh?" 20 Saul said to Samuel, "But I have obeyed the voice of Yahweh, and have gone the way which Yahweh sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. 21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and cattle, the chief of the devoted things, to sacrifice to Yahweh your God in Gilgal." 22 Samuel said, "Has Yahweh as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Yahweh? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim. Because you have rejected the word of Yahweh, he has also rejected you from being king."

24 Saul said to Samuel, "I have sinned; for I have transgressed the commandment of Yahweh, and your words, because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. 25 Now therefore, please pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship Yahweh." 26 Samuel said to Saul, "I will not return with you; for you have rejected the word of Yahweh, and Yahweh has rejected you from being king over Israel." 27 As Samuel turned about to go away, Saul grabbed the skirt of his robe, and it tore. 28 Samuel said to him, "Yahweh has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this day, and has given it to a neighbour of yours who is better than you. 29 Also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent; for he is not a man, that he should repent." 30 Then he said, "I have sinned: yet please honour me now before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and come back with me, that I may worship Yahweh your God." 31 So Samuel went back with Saul; and Saul worshipped Yahweh.

32 Then Samuel said, "Bring here to me Agag the king of the Amalekites!" Agag came to him cheerfully. Agag said, "Surely the bitterness of death is past." 33 Samuel said, "As your sword has made women childless, so your mother will be childless among women!" Samuel cut Agag in pieces before Yahweh in Gilgal. 34 Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house to Gibeah of Saul. 35 Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death; for Samuel mourned for Saul: and Yahweh grieved that he had made Saul king over Israel.