How are we to view leadership? How were Saul and David as leaders over Israel? In 2 Samuel 5 David was finally anointed king over all of Israel and in 2 Samuel 5:2 the people say to David that “when Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and in. And the Lord said to you, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be a ruler over Israel.’ ” While Saul was sitting upon the throne of Israel it was David who was among the people helping and leading them. It is amazing to think that David who was a shepherd of his fathers flocks of sheep was using the same skills as he shepherded the people of Israel. Continue Reading…
Tag Archive - 2 Samuel
True leadership found in a shepherd’s heart: 2 Samuel 5 and 6
In life will you seek forgiveness and humility: 2 Samuel 3 and 4
How often do you feel yourself becoming filled with anger, fear, pride, hate, or discontent? What is the motivation behind your actions when you are like this? Do you label your feelings as righteous to justify your actions? Can we label any action by man as righteous? During the time of conflict between Israel and Judah in 2 Samuel 3 and 4 men make accusations, decisions, and assumptions that illustrate the need for true forgiveness and humility.
Abner is accused by Ish-bosheth, the son of Saul and king of Israel, of sleeping with a concubine of Saul’s in 2 Samuel 3. Did Abner truly sleep with the concubine? Was Ish-bosheth afraid of losing his authority as king making him not trust Abner? Was it so easy for Ish-bosheth to forget that it was Abner who established him as king over Israel after Saul’s death? Why did Abner seek to establish Ish-bosheth as king? What motivated thes men? Why do people so quickly turn upon the ones who truly care for them when their personal security feels threatened? After these accusations were made Abner chooses to no longer support the lineage of Saul as king and he seeks out David to make a covenant to serve him and help establish his rule as king. What motivated Abner to make peace with David? Was it spite of Ish-bosheth or a desire for renown that prompted Abner t? Continue Reading…
Seek the truth because it will always find you out: 2 Samuel 1 and 2
How did Saul the first king of Israel die? In 1 Samuel 31:4 it tells that after Saul had been severely wounded by Philistine archers that he took his own life by falling on his sword. An apparently conflicting story is presented in 2 Samuel 1:1-16 about an Amalekite who said that he killed Saul. Which story is true? Why would an Amalekite be fighting near Saul during the battle? Why would Saul ask an Amalekite to kill him? Wouldn’t Saul be worth more alive to an enemy such as the Amalekite? Why did this man find it so important to bring the crown and bracelet that Saul wore to David? Continue Reading…
