Category: 2 Samuel

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

This passage reveals why we need a better Christ than David. David had sworn by the LORD that he would not kill Saul’s descendants. (1 Samuel 24:21,22) He broke this promise given in the Lord’s Name (Third Commandment) and gave seven to be killed to make atonement for the land. Jesus did not hang us on the cross to make atonement. Hallelujah for our Saviour!

SJA Notes

* Mighty Lord god, we will sing of Your steadfast love forever – with our mouth we will make known Your faithfulness to all generations.

“… And he gave them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them on the mountain before the LORD,”

God’s word does not give us stories that tickle our ears. It tells us the truth. The reality of our lives and our sin and our need for Jesus.

Does David’s capitulation to the desires of the Gibeonites measure up with the Lord’s words in verse 1?

“There is bloodguilt on Saul and on his house, because he put the Gibeonites to death.”

This is important to wrestle with.

Does God’s statement here mean that He wanted David to give over the majority of Saul’s bloodline to the Gibeonites?

As the Lord’s Christ at that time, David’s response to God’s pronouncement was to hand Saul’s line over to be executed. Murdered.

Jesus, God in the Person of the Son, the true and promised Messiah – His response to our bloodguilt, our sin, was to offer Himself in our place.

Let us be reminded of the folly of thinking that man is good. Even the best of us are the worst!

Let  us be reminded of just how good Jesus is, how loving a Saviour He shows Himself. He gave Himself up in our place!

* Father God,

Sometimes we find Your word hard to understand.

We might not understand this passage, bits and pieces of it, Your proclamation to David, David’s response to the Gibeonites.

But we trust in You. You are our God, we are Your people.

Your word is truth and always true.

Please help us understand You better today Lord God.

Amen.

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

Sheba’s rebellion comes to nothing. The wise woman’s words touch a “Joab’s” heart. Can we in our Church say something similar about ourselves: “We are the peaceful and faithful in Israel … a city that is a mother in Israel.”? In some ways we can! How can we do better?

SJA Notes

* O Lord, God of our salvation – We cry out day and night before You, let our prayer come before You, incline Your ear to our cry!

“So all the men of Israel withdrew from David and followed Sheba the son of Bichri.”

The hearts of Israel were already fractured after Absalom’s conspiracy, and here we read that they very quickly turned again after another so-called king.

David was a great king. He conquered the enemies of the Lord and of Israel.

And yet.

His rule is as the hearts of the people, fractured and without lasting power.

What then for us?

The answer is the same as it has been – Jesus.

He is the greatest King, greater by far than even David.

Once our hearts are His, they cannot be captured by another.

His rule is forever and ever, everlasting.

Praise God for Jesus!

* Dear God,

Thank You that in Jesus we have a King whose reign and rule are forever, whose power is absolute, who keeps our hearts.

Thank You Lord!

Amen.

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

David’s return to the Kingdom is followed by party spirit, factions, discord and rebellion. David’s kingdom is falling apart. He doesn’t have any power stronger than the sin and death at work in himself and his family and kingdom. Why do our people, our families, our friends need Christ Jesus? Because He gives the Spirit; He atones for sin and opens up the only way to eternal life.

SJA Notes

* Holy God, glorious things of Your holy city are spoken, on the holy mount!

“Oh, let him take it all, since my lord the king has come safely home.”

Mephibosheth shows us how to act here, what our attitude is to be.

Even though David was not able to fully discern and deal with Ziba’s trickery, Mephibosheth was not upset.

His king had returned!

When we get caught up in the worries of earthly matters, of the wrong done to us by those around, what are we to do but look to Jesus our King!

As Mephibosheth cared only for the presence of David, so we must let go of the hurst and desires and look to Jesus.

More Him! Less us.

* God Above,

Please help us to seek Your face.

Please help us to let go of our worries and cares, the hardships that are bearing down upon us.

Please help us to cast our cares on You, for You care for us.

Amen.