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March 29 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 88

Now that Israel has one king, it's a good time to consider the role of Israel's messiah.  Check out today's Bible Project video that explains how Jesus fits the narrative of messiah.


DAILY READINGS

2 Samuel 4-8 & Psalm 88

DAILY NOTES

2 Samuel 4-5

  • The murder of Ishbaal, Saul's surviving son, prompts all the people to anoint David king over the entire kingdom.
    • Notice that over the last several chapters, David does not approve of these political murders.
  • The first act of David, as the narrative is concerned, is to stand against the Jebusites.  These are the people Joshua did not drive away (Joshua 15:63).  As a result of their conquest, David makes Jerusalem the capital of the kingdom.  
  • David continues to rise in stature and respect.
2 Samuel 6
  • After establishing Jerusalem as the capital, David's next effort is to bring the ark to the capital.  It is the nation's most sacred object and it belongs in the nation's capital.
  • Initially, the ark proves dangerous.  A man is killed because he reached out his hand to keep it from falling.  Unfortunately, he wasn't ritually apportioned to do that, and he died on the spot.
    • Is David angry at God?  Angry because bring the ark looks like a mistake?  Angry at himself?  The question bears asking because the text merely says "David was angry" (verse 8).  The next verse says that David was "afraid of the Lord that day."
  • David sends the ark away to another place; the people fair well with the ark there so David has it brought to Jerusalem.
  • David offers sacrifices and dances along the route into the city.  Apparently, he looses some clothes along the way.  His wife, Michal, is not pleased with his display.  She lets him know about it.  Is Michal's barrenness supposed to be a consequence of her harsh judgement?
2 Samuel 7-8
  • Capital? Check. Ark? Check.  A new house for God? Let's do it!  
    • David wants to build a house for the ark (God).  Nathan initially approves, but receives a word from God that it is not his responsibility.  
    • As a result, David prays that God would hold true to his promise to establish David's house and "confirm it forever."
  • Chapter 8 is a summary of some of David's military victories.
Psalm 88
  • Notice that this is a psalm asking God why he isn't listening to the psalmist's prayer.  The psalmist is praying to God, asking why God doesn't respond to his prayer.  
    • He has not lost his trust in God or in the ability to pray.

OTHER OBSERVATIONS

Just because it's a good idea doesn't mean it's a God idea.

David learned that lesson in today's reading.  It's interesting because several times we read about David asking God whether he should go out against a certain people to fight.  God answers David with a yes or no. 

So, why doesn't David ask God about bringing the ark?  Building a temple?

Was he too caught up in what he was doing that he forgot?  Did he assume these would be things God would want?  

Whatever the answers, it's a great reminder for us to continually seek God's direction for our lives.  "God what do you want me to do today?"  "Lord, is this your will?"  "Holy Spirit, is this your nudging that I feel?"

Stay blessed...john
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