Bible Pathways - April 11, 2006

April 11, 2006

In Today's Reading:

Saul killed in battle; David mourns the deaths of Saul and Jonathan; David crowned king of Judah; Ish-bosheth made king of Israel

Saul had driven David from his family, his wife, his friends, and then into exile as a fugitive far from the palace. An Amalekite nomad, who carried in his hand the crown of Saul, mistakenly thought David would be pleased that he had executed him. The Amalekite could not conceive of David not rejoicing over the death of such an enemy. But, David mourned, and wept, and fasted until even (evening) . . . because they were fallen by the sword. . . . David lamented. . . . The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen! Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice (II Samuel 1:12,17,19-20).

The world delights in the failures of Christians. Surely no Christian should ever be involved in gossip about the failures of fellow Christians. If any man among you seem to be religious (God-fearing), and bridleth (controls) not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain (worthless) (James 1:26).

Now that Saul was dead, who would reign in his place? Israel was without a king. David had been anointed long ago by Samuel the prophet to be the next king of Israel (I Samuel 16:13). However, Abner, Saul's cousin and the powerful commander of Saul's army, was determined to retain his position. He persuaded the elders of Israel to put Saul's crippled and only-remaining son Ish-bosheth on the throne over the 10 tribes. David could have felt justified to face Abner in battle for his right as God's chosen successor. Instead, David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And He said, Unto Hebron. . . . And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah (II Samuel 2:1,4).

How prone we are to jump at opportunities for personal advancement rather than seek God and His plan for our lives. But we need not fight for our rights. David prayed for God's will to be done in His way and at His time. It is comforting for Christians to know that great peace have they which love Thy Law: and nothing shall offend them (Psalm 119:165).

Word Studies:

1:2 did obeisance = bowed in honor; 1:9 anguish = extreme pain; 1:18 use = song; 2:6 requite = repay; 2:14 play before us = hold a contest as to which side has the best soldiers; 2:17 sore = fierce; 2:26 following = pursuing; 2:32 sepulchre = tomb.

Christ Revealed:

In David's noble poem of sorrow (II Samuel 1:17-27). David forgot all his years of suffering at the hand of Saul and considered only the pleasant things. Here David typifies Christ, who loved us even when we were dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1).

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mrs. Harold J. Foerder · Staff: Diana Hash · Government Officials: Rep. Kevin Brady (TX) and Rep. Mark Kennedy (MN) · Country: Portugal (10 million) in western Europe · Major language: Portuguese · Limited religious freedom · 90% Roman Catholic; .75% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Don't try to impress others with your prayers; pray about whatever is on your heart (Matthew 6:7-8).

Optional Reading: Acts 12

Memory Verse for the Week: I Samuel 15:23