Who is David? As I have read through 2 Samuel I have been getting a better picture of this great leader of Israel. My initial view of David prior to this time of quiet reflection about his character was built upon what I heard in sunday school, church services, and bible studies. I remember hearing that David was a man after God’s own heart but I never wondered about him in a deeper way beyond the touted characteristics repeatedly presented to me. The picture that we are presented in 2 Samuel shapes David into a man plagued with personal problems, family problems, and problems ruling over Israel but the consistent trait that David displays through out his life is total dependance upon God. Continue Reading…
Tag Archive - Nathan
God’s sovereignty in tribulation instills clarity: 2 Samuel 15 and 16
Depravity, sin, death: inherent without Jesus Christ: 2 Samuel 13 and 14
” ‘Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife’ Thus says the Lord, ‘Behold, I will raise up evil against you from your own household; I will even take your wives before your eyes and give them to your companion, an he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. Indeed you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, and under the sun.’ ” 2 Samuel 12: 10-12 The words God spoke to David through Nathan tell of the direst to come within the house of David. Did David’s actions lead to his family thinking that they were above reproach in all of their deeds? How was David as a father? Was David like many men today who give all their effort and skill at work only to reserve nothing for their family where the greatest effort and energy is needed? Continue Reading…
Sin cannot be hidden or cured by our own deeds: 2 Samuel 11 and 12
2 Samuel 11 and 12 recounts the story of David and Bathsheba. This story is one that I have heard taught on many times from various different people. I am concerned that my overfamiliarity with the story can lead to a desensitized view so I have asked questions about the two chapters that helped me think about the text independent from what I have heard before. It can become very easy to look scripture without asking questions that make me think about what God would have me learn if I rely wholly upon what other men have taught me. Continue Reading…
To what foundation is your anchor of life tied: 2 Samuel 7 and 8
What does God truly desire from me? What activities do I feel compelled to do for myself, my family, my friends, or God? How may of these self imposed initiatives are truly the desire God has for my life? In 2 Samuel 7 there is a time of rest from war within Israel and David has a desire to build God a permanent Temple. God tells David that he is not the one who will build a temple for the Lord. Was there something wrong with David’s desire to build God a temple to dwell in? What did the people of Israel need most of all at that moment in time? Was a temple imperative for the people of Israel of God? The people of Israel needed a strong leader to shepherd them more than anything else. The people need to learn how to follow God and honor him and that is the task set before David. Continue Reading…
