In Today's Scripture 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 both 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 to David on his behalf, saying . . . Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee (3:12-16). Abner contacted the elders of Israel, reminding them: The Lord hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of My servant David I will save My people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of 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 to 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 went to Jerusalem. . . . David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is 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 strong hold of Zion is symbolic of strongholds which lie deep within our minds and hearts and which may not be known to anyone, either by our conduct or by our conversation. They depict secret thoughts and desires that keep Christ from becoming Lord of our lives. These secret strongholds may not conflict with giving the Lord our time, talents, or tithes. But the fleshly mind (Colossians 2:18), with its physical impulses subtly demands to remain within our hearts. It is overcome as we daily read and obey God's Word and are filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding (Colossians 1:9).
Word Studies:
3:1 waxed =rew; 3:10 translate =ransfer; 3:12 league =ovenant; 3:27 smote =tabbed; 3:31 bier = stand for carrying a corpse; 4:2 reckoned to =onsidered part of; 5:8 getteth up to the gutter =nters the city through the water tunnel; 5:23 fetch a compass =ircle around behind them.
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 word Messiah, "Anointed One" (Psa. 2:2; John 1:41). Jesus is the rightful King of the world. Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. . . . and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin (John 19:19-20).
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in memory of Pastor Clay Taylor Staff: Karen Hawkins Government Official: Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (GA) Country: Mongolia (3 million) in east-central Asia Major language: Khalkha Mongol As a 70-year era of communism wanes, Bibles are now on sale in the capital, Ulaanbaatar 29% Shamanist; 2% Buddhist; 2% Muslim; .2% Christian Prayer Suggestion: Pray in faith and the Lord will answer (Mark 11:24).
Optional Reading: Acts 13
Memory Verse for the Week: II Peter 1:8