The Bible Project @ Kelsey

DAY 93 After today we'll have finished another book of the Bible.  King David's place in the story of God is winding down. DAILY READINGS 2 Samuel 22-24 & Psalm 93 DAILY NOTES 2 Samuel 22 This is a psalm of praise and thanksgiving.  Psalm 18 is a variation of this psalm. 2 Samuel 23 David's reign (and life) are drawing to a close.  These are some of his last words and speak of men that have served under him.   2 Samuel 24 David wants a census of the people.  Since he later sees it as a sin, we can gather that he had prideful purposes for doing so.   The king repents, but also suffers the judgement of the sin.  Technically, 70,000 of the people he just counted suffered. Afterwards, David builds an altar to God. Psalm 93 God's rule over earth is celebrated.  This is what's called an enthronement psalm.  OTHER OBSERVATIONS There's an interesting observation to consider about 2 Samuel 24:1...

DAY 89 In today's reading, the righteous king slips.  Although his people do not know what he has done, God does. DAILY READINGS 2 Samuel 9-12 & Psalm 89 DAILY NOTES 2 Samuel 9 David shows "the kindness of God" to Saul's remaining son, Mephibosheth.  Remember him from Chapter 4? 2 Samuel 11 This chapter tells the story of David and Bathsheba.  Notice how David tries to cover his deeds.  It seems all is unknown to everyone (except Joab), but the next chapter will show us that it was not unknown to God. Verses 20-21 recall a previous story.  Do you remember which one?  Which book? 2 Samuel 12 Nathan uses a story to illustrate David's sin.  David condemns himself by condemning the rich man who took the poor man's lamb.  As David said, "he had not pity." Verse 11 is a turning point in David's reign. Nathan tells of a time when David will suffer because of what he has done. Although Nathan tells David he is forg...

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. ...

DAY 87 We're beginning a new book today! 2 Samuel picks up where 1 Samuel ended.  Watch today's Bible Project video for an introduction to what the book is all about. DAILY READINGS 2 Samuel 1-3 & Psalm 87 DAILY NOTES 2 Samuel 1 As much grief as Saul gave David, David now mourns his loss.   We're given further details of Saul's death. Does David kill the man out of his grief or his mere respect for God's anointing? 2 Samuel 2 Samuel has anointed David before in private.  Now, David is anointed publicly by the people of Judah. Saul's son, Ishbaal, his only remaining son, is anointed king, too.   David's & Ishbaal's troops battle.  David wins. The death of Asahel, depicted in verses 18-23, comes to play in the next chapter. 2 Samuel 3 David's "house" grows while Saul's becomes "weaker and weaker." Abner served in Saul's house, but is accused of a crime by Saul's son, Ishbaal....