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....

DAY 86 Ever notice these books don't end with happily ever afters?   Remember that we are reading an entire story of God told over many years.  The individual books help us follow that story, but we do well in remembering it's still one complete story. Today, we're finishing 1 Samuel.  As we read, we'll see how far Saul has fallen.  Ultimately, what God said would happen, happens. DAILY READINGS 1 Samuel 28-31 & Psalm 86 DAILY NOTES 1 Samuel 28 This chapter is devoted entirely to Saul's encounter with a medium. Notice that Saul had previously expelled mediums and wizards.  This could be a sign of his former faithfulness. Saul's fear overwhelmed him.  He is up against a Philistine army he does not think he can defeat. Since Saul could not hear from God, he seeks a medium to "inquire of her."  What did he want to know (from God or the medium)?  He asks Samuel what he should do.  So, is that asking whether to...

DAY 84 No daily notes today.  You'll notice in today's reading that David is on the run.  He is traveling from place to place to escape Saul. Do you have any notes that you'd like to share? DAILY READINGS 1 Samuel 21-24 & Psalm 84 OTHER OBSERVATIONS When Jonathan and David meet again, Jonathan tells David that he knows David will be king.  He also tells him that his father, Saul, knows David will be king.  Later, after David spares Saul's life, Saul will confess this. That makes these chapters all the more disturbing. Why is Saul so bent on pursuing David?  At one point, only the threat of a Philistine raid takes Saul away from his chasing David.  Is is merely jealousy?  Madness?  That evil spirit?  What is Saul hoping to (re)gain by killing David?  Did you notice how quickly Saul turns from his anger against David at the end of Chapter 24?   How long do you think that will last? Stay blessed....

DAY 83 The relationship between Saul and David worsens.  David is now Saul's enemy.   DAILY READINGS 1 Samuel 18-20 & Psalm 83 DAILY NOTES 1 Samuel 18 Saul's delight for David quickly turns.  Saul is jealous of David's success and the fact that everyone else seems to like David more than him. Of course, we have to think about what this evil spirit from the Lord might mean. Saul tries to kill David.  He even devises a plan to have him married into the royal family so that he can create a snare for him. What does it say about David that, even after Saul has tried to kill him, he still finds it an honor to be married to the family? David escapes Saul's traps.  So, from here on out, the text says that Saul considered David an enemy.  Think he knows what it means to love your enemies? 1 Samuel 19 Verse 5 reminds us of David's fight with Goliath.  At this point, David has fought other times.  What makes that ...

DAY 82 It's time to meet David.  In today's reading he is anointed king; he will be king later.  He also takes a place in Saul's court and gets a major victory against some tall guy. Pay attention to how the text begins to illustrate the fall of Samuel while describing the rise of David.  Keep note of some of what's said about each man; those little commentaries about their character or their attitude.   DAILY READINGS 1 Samuel 15-17 + Psalm 82 DAILY NOTES 1 Samuel 15:1-9 Samuel told Saul to totally annihilate the Amalekites. "Do not spare them." Some commentaries have said that even the animals should be killed because the people were sorcerers.  They would use the animals in their rituals. Kenites were descendants of Jethro Saul spares King Agag and the people keep the best of the animals. uh oh. 1 Samuel 15:10-23 Samuel is angry to find out, from God, that Saul has not followed through with the commands of God.  He cr...