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Bible Pathways 05/15/2002


May 15

Read 1 Chronicles 11 -- 13

In Today's Reading:

The leaders of Israel anoint David king; David captures and then reigns in Jebus (Jerusalem); mighty men of David and his army attempt to take the Ark to Jerusalem; Uzza struck dead; Ark of God taken to the house of Obededom.

Verse for Today:

When Saul was King . . . the Lord thy God said unto thee, Thou shalt feed My people Israel, and thou shalt be ruler over My people Israel (1 Chronicles 11:2).

When David was only a teenager, he was anointed King of Israel by Samuel the prophet. But, after about 10 years of living in exile, David appeared to lose faith in the fulfillment of the prophet's anointing, and said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines (1 Samuel 27:1).

David could not see how he could ever be King of Israel or even remain alive in the country. Saul was King of Israel and, with all his authority and his army, he was determined to kill David. Saul was also far from being an old man, and his sons would be the rightful heirs to the throne. Moreover, how could David expect that the prominent and jealous Ephraimites would agree that David, from the tribe of Judah, should rule over them? How would Saul's tribe, the Benjamites, permit the monarchy to be taken from them?

David suffered under very difficult circumstances for at least 10 years, until it seemed that his only hope of remaining alive was to flee into the land of the Philistines, Israel's long-standing enemy. But, in the Lord's perfect timing, Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the Lord (1 Chronicles 10:13), as well as all of his sons except one who was crippled. Then, in answer to David's prayer, God led him to be king over his own tribe of Judah. Ish-bosheth, the crippled son of Saul, was made King of Israel and reigned over the remaining tribes for two turbulent years before he was murdered (2 Samuel 2:10).

After Ish-bosheth's death, the leaders of all Israel gathered . . . to David [at] Hebron. . . . and they anointed David King over Israel, according to the Word of the Lord by Samuel (1 Chronicles 11:1-3).

In many respects, David's problems parallel situations that some of us face today. The Lord has never promised an easy road for any of His followers. Just as surely as the Lord gives us a desire to accomplish something for His honor, obstacles will appear. It may be a financial situation that seems hopeless, or simply a helpless feeling of inability to cope with a situation. Whatever the case, overcoming these difficulties may seem as impossible as David becoming King of Israel. For some, not much opposition is needed before they feel there is no use in trying. But our God is faithful and led David to write: The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand (Psalms 37:23-24).

Christ Portrayed:

By David, the anointed king (1 Chronicles 11:3). Christ is the Anointed One who will soon reign as KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS (Revelation 19:16).

Word Studies:

11:16 hold = stronghold; 12:1 close = restricted in his movements; 12:17 knit = joined, united; 12:19 fell = deserted.

Prayer Needs:

Government Officials: Rep. Tom Udall (NM) · Pray for your Sunday School teacher · Country: Egypt (67 million) in northeastern Africa · Major languages: Arabic and English · Christians are not permitted to evangelize Muslims · 82% Muslim; 16% Coptic; .6% Protestant; .6% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Pray persistently (Isaiah 62:6).

Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 2

Memory Verse for the Week: Colossians 3:16



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