Read II Samuel 3 -- 5
In Today's Reading:
Abner deserts Ish-bosheth to join David; Abner murdered by Joab; Ish-bosheth murdered; David declared King of all Israel; the city of Jebus (Jerusalem) is captured
Following the death of Saul, Abner, the powerful commander of Saul's armies, proclaimed Saul's son Ish-bosheth king of Israel. He then controlled the puppet-king and his kingdom.
About seven years later, there was a fierce quarrel between Abner and Ish-bosheth (II Samuel 3:6-11). Because of this, Abner sent messengers as his representatives to say to David. . . . Make your covenant with me, and you may be certainI'll side with you to turn all Israel over to you (3:12-16). Abner contacted the elders of Israel, reminding them: Concerning David, the LORDhas spoken, Through My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies (3:18). A short time after Abner met with David, he was murdered by Joab, the commander of David's army, and then Ish-bosheth was assassinated by two of his own guards.
So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron. . . . and they anointed David king over Israel (5:3). The time had come for David to move his capital from Hebron to a more central location where the Jebusites held a stronghold in the heart of the promised land. The king and his men marched to Jerusalem and David did capture . . . Zion . . . the City of David (5:6-7).
There could never have been a temple for the dwelling place of God in the place that He had chosen until the Jebusites, who held the central position in the promised land, were cast out. This stronghold of Zion is symbolic of strongholds which lie deep within our minds and which may not be known to anyone, either by our conduct or by our conversation. They depict secret thoughts that keep Christ from becoming Lord of our lives. These secret strongholds may not conflict with giving the Lord our time, talents, or tithes. The fleshly mind (Colossians 2:18), with its physical impulses subtly demands to remain within our hearts. As we read God's word daily, we will be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding (Colossians 1:9).
Christ Portrayed:
By David, the anointed king over Israel (II Samuel 5:3). Christ is the Lord's Anointed. "Christ" is Greek for the Hebrew wordMessiah, "Anointed One" (Psalms 2:2; John 1:41). Jesus is the King of the world.Pilate also had a sign lettered and put on the cross. The inscription was: JESUS THE NAZARENE THE KING OF THE JEWS. . . . and it was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek (John 19:19-20).
Prayer Needs:
Country: Venezuela (23 million) on the northern coast of South America · Major languages: Spanish and Indian dialects · Religious freedom · 94% Roman Catholic; 1% Protestant; 1% Indian pagan religions · Prayer Suggestion: Read, study, and listen to the word of God so that your prayers will be answered (Proverbs 28:9).
Optional Reading: Acts 13
Memory Verse for the Week: I John 2:5