Week 80, Day 1: David hears of Saul
Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 1:1-27
Some thoughts from today’s reading…
This chapter details for us how David finds out about the death of Saul and Jonathan. Even after all that David went through he still shows respect for Saul. Even though Saul persecuted him and tried repeatedly to return evil for good, David still showed remorse over his death. And David even avenged Saul’s death on the man who claimed to strike him dead. We know from the account earlier what actually happened was Saul killed himself but here is a man proclaiming that he struck Saul dead (lying about it all) but he had the evidence in his hands – Saul’s crown. This man claims to have struck down the Lord’s annointed and for this David deals out justice.
Question: How easy would it be for David to rejoice over Saul’s death? What kept David from exalting in the calamity that fell on Saul?
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Week 79, Day 5: In His Time
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 31:1-13
Some thoughts from today’s reading…
The battle between the Philistine army and Israel’s army finally takes place. We have been leading up to this battle for several chapters now. Saul had been told by Samuel, through a medium, that he and his sons would be dead after this battle. Now it takes place that Saul and three of his sons are slain on the battlefield. Finally the day has come that God has removed David’s adversary. David had said that God would strike Saul at some point, but that he himself would not raise his hand against the Lord’s anointed – out of respect for his position. How many years this took is not easily determined. We sometimes sing a song about God taking care of things in His time. It is so hard for us to have this etched in our minds and heart when adversity comes or when we are faced with challenges in life. And yet here the day has finally come to punish Saul and remove the kingdom from his grip. It is sad to see that Jonathan, a good and just man is struck down with his father. We also have a hard time accepting when the good suffer with the wicked but here is a prime example of such an occasion. I wonder what it takes to reinforce in our minds that God is in control. That He will do what is right. That He is our only hope and refuge in this life, no matter what happens. And that things will work out for those who love the Lord, they will not happen according to our schedule but God will take care of us.
Question: What do you think we can do to help us remember to trust in God and not dispair or worry over things? How do we get ourselves to let go and accept God’s timing?
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Week 79, Day 2: Saul’s pending doom
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 28:1-25
Some thoughts from today’s reading…
Facing the threat of the Philistine army, Saul goes looking for help from the Lord. How many times is this the way people act. Saul has been actively fighting against God’s will. He knows David is to replace him and yet he has been trying to find and kill him. It wasn’t just that Saul knew God’s plans and didn’t like them, he was actively working to try to subvert these plans. Now that danger is at hand he “turns” to God. Help me! So many times people have no use for God’s word and for having a relationship with the Lord and yet when tough times come they then run for help. It is sad to see this.
To add further insult to this Saul goes looking for a medium to consult. The man will cast aside God’s commands when it suits him. “But this is an emergency.” When we are hard pressed shows how much we really value keeping God’s commands. Saul quickly hits the panic button and runs for a medium, whom God had commanded not to be used and to be killed for their evil practices. Saul makes me think of those kind of people who know God’s commands but “bend” the rules because they consider their situation to be a crisis that justifies them violating God’s commands. For example: lying to keep your job or being willing to work Sunday’s for the overtime pay.
Question: Why do you think Saul was in such a state of shock after hearing what Samuel had to say to him?
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Week 78, Day 5: Saul spared…again
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 26:1-25
Some thoughts from today’s reading…
David has a change of heart again. The Ziphites again come and tell Saul that David is in their region. Saul comes with 3000 men again to try to kill David. What is wrong with Saul? Has he already forgotten that David spared his life the last time he came down? Has he forgotten that David displayed clearly, without doubt his faithfulness to Saul. That any rumors of disloyalty were untrue. It is interesting that we are not told anything about rumors being circulated about David’s unfaithfulness. These things make me wonder about Saul’s motivations. He has displayed an arrogance and power hungry attitude. I wonder if David covered all aspects when he spoke to Saul. David repeated when he spoke to Saul the various things that might have brought Saul out against him. If God has directed him to come then David would offer sacrifice to the Lord to make amends for his sin. If men have incited Saul then let them be cursed for their lies. And he then speaks of himself as nothing to be worried about, a flea – which plays on Saul’s arrogance. A little buttering up maybe. David has not struck back against those who have sought to harm him. He has displayed his respect for God by not killing the Lord’s anointed. That punishment will be up to God to deliver.
Question: Was David wrong to not end his trials? What good do you think comes from when we persevere through suffering and troubles?
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Week 78, Day 1: Saul kills the priests
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 22:1-23
Some thoughts from today’s reading…
Saul hears that David received aid from the priest Ahimelech. He orders that Ahimelech and all of his household come before him. Ahimelech’s answers makes sense. He says that David is a faithful servant, well respected and this was not the first time that David came to inquire of God by him. He also asserts that he knows nothing of all the affairs the king speaks of. Saul will not be reasoned with. Saul was already in a foul mood when Doeg told him about seeing David with the priests. Now Saul is going to take out his venom on them. His guard will not strike the priests of the Lord but Doeg the Edomite is more than happy to help. Doeg kills everything and everyone. He kills even the women, children and infants. What a horrible thing Saul has done. His fear of a conspiracy has driven him to reckless carnage.
Question: When someone is angry about something, is this a good time for them to make sound decisions? What should a person do in such a situation?
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Week 77, Day 4: Jonathan’s aid
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 20:1-42
Some thoughts from today’s reading…
Jonathan was not told about Saul’s attempts this time to kill David. David asserts to Jonathan that there is a death plot against him. Jonathan and David work out a plan to be able to gauge what is Saul’s intentions regarding David. Once this plan is executed there can be no doubt that Saul is past reasoning with and has set his mind on killing David.
At the feast Saul is so angry with Jonathan that he slings his spear at his own son. Saul has sunk to such a low. Going from a very lowly man who found it hard to believe that he was to be made king over Israel to this arrogant man consumed with maintaining his rule and the rule of his descendants. The phrase power corrupts absolutely seems to fit very well here.
Jonathan is true to his word and warns David to flee. Jonathan continues to prove to be a true friend to David.
Question: Why was there the need for Jonathan to come up with a hidden way to convey a message to David? Why could Jonathan not sneak away and just deliver a message?
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Week 76, Day 3: Partial Victory
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 14:1-52
Some thoughts from today’s reading…
Saul’s son Jonathan displays great confidence in God. But Saul displays further foolish actions. Jonathan went boldly against the Philistine garison and helped cause the route of the entire Philistine army. But Saul orders to people not to eat anything while they are fighting the Philistines. It sounds like the people were so weary they could barely pursue the Philistines. What a foolish order to restrict the people from renewing their strength. Thus the battle was not as great a defeat for the Philistines as it could have been.
Saul does demonstrate an unique trait when it came to his son. He finds out through casting lots that Jonathan had broken his command. Saul appears ready to kill Jonathan over this. He was not going to make an exception for his son. Saul is all for upholding his command and enforcing punishment, even when it is his son. And yet Saul has shown a disregard for the commands of God. He “forced” himself to offer the burnt sacrifice. Saul recognizes the importance of keeping his command but not for keeping God’s commands.
Question: What did Saul’s foolish order help lead the people to do right after the battle?
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Week 76, Day 2: Saul departure
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 13:1-23
Some thoughts from today’s reading…
Saul’s son Jonathan attacks the Philistine garrison at Geba. This of course stirs up a hornet’s nest. The Philistine’s gather against Israel. They have a massive army. Understandably Israel is intimidated. Seeing this massive number of troops coming against them many of the Israelites flee. They fled into caves and over the river. Saul is left with a relative few people who are following him trembling. When seven days have passed it is time when Samuel was supposed to come to offer a sacrifice for Israel. This is most likely supposed to be an occasion where Israel is sacrificing to God to ask for his blessing in their fight with the Philistines. But Saul is getting anxious. He is watching teh people beginning to leave him and it is getting later and later and Samuel has not come yet. As soon as Samuel had offered the sacrifice himself, Saul shows up. What have you done? This occasion is the beginning of Saul’s end. His reign has just begun but this marks the beginning of the end. God will now seek out another to be the ruler.
Question: Why is it such a big deal that Samuel has offered the sacrifice instead of Samuel?
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Week 76, Day 1: Samuel’s defense
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 12:1-25
Some thoughts from today’s reading…
Samuel addresses the people of Israel and makes an interesting case to them. He says that he never took anything from someone or took a bribe to pervert justice. No one can convict him of wrong doing in his service to Israel. Then Samuel points out that God appointed leaders and judges to lead Israel in the past. God was always faithful to deliver them and provide for them. Yet, now they have told God no, but we want a king. They have rejected how God set up things to work in Israel and have instead demanded a king.
The people admit that they have done wrong and ask that Samuel continue to pray for them and instruct them. Samuel says that he will not sin against God by ceasing to pray for them and instruct them. Samuel was tasked by God to serve as a prophet to the people. To turn away from his duties would be sin and rejecting the work God has given to him.
Question: Verses 14-15 links listening to God to following Him. Why is it that listening to God is so important to being a follower of God and not rebelling against Him? Do many churches today display that they are listening to God?
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Week 75, Day 5: Victory over Ammon
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 11:1-15
Some thoughts from today’s reading…
Soon the Ammonites have come up against the city of Jabesh-Gilead. Israel has already been loosing some of its territory on the east side of the Jordan. This attack is against what sounds like a fairly large and important city. The Ammonites must have been very arrogant about their impending victory because they agree to let Jabesh send a message for help. The circumstances are dire though. If no one comes then all the men will have their right eye put out and they will have to serve the Ammonites.
It is time for Saul to rise to the occasion. Here is his chance to demonstrate that he is the leader in Israel. God grants them victory and the people rejoice in Saul. Thus Israel has now been convinced about Saul as their king.
Question: Why did it take Saul’s victory before the people of Israel were ready to have Saul as their king (didn’t they want and ask for a king)?
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