Daily Bible Reading “Abigail Takes Action” (1 Samuel 25:18-31)

Posted on July 15, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Abigail Takes Action

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Samuel 25:18-31. When Abigail heard what Nabal had done regarding David’s request and what David’s intentions were she hurried and put together a sort of peace offering for David and his men.

Abigail loaded up two donkeys with supplies for David and his men. She took two hundred loaves of bread, two bottles of wind, five sheep cleaned and ready to cook, five measures of parched corn, a hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs.

Abigail told her servants to go before her, but she didn’t tell her husband anything about what she was up to or where she was going.

David determined in his heart to get back at Nabal for his actions. David and his men had protected Nabal’s men and their belongings and this was the thanks they got for their service. David intended to destroy everything that belonged to Nabal before daylight.

When Abigail saw David and his men, she got off of her donkey and bowed down to David. She asked David to punish her for the sins of her husband. She also asked for David’s permission to speak.

Abigail begged David to forgive her and to let the LORD deal with her husband for his rebellious ways.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Samuel 25:18–

18 Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched corn, and an hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on asses.
19 And she said unto her servants, Go on before me; behold, I come after you. But she told not her husband Nabal.
20 And it was so, as she rode on the ass, that she came down by the covert of the hill, and, behold, David and his men came down against her; and she met them.
21 Now David had said, Surely in vain have I kept all that this fellow hath in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that pertained unto him: and he hath requited me evil for good.
22 So and more also do God unto the enemies of David, if I leave of all that pertain to him by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall.
23 And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground,
24 And fell at his feet, and said, Upon me, my lord, upon me let this iniquity be: and let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thine audience, and hear the words of thine handmaid.
25 Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this man of Belial, even Nabal: for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him: but I thine handmaid saw not the young men of my lord, whom thou didst send.
26 Now therefore, my lord, as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, seeing the LORD hath withholden thee from coming to shed blood, and from avenging thyself with thine own hand, now let thine enemies, and they that seek evil to my lord, be as Nabal.
27 And now this blessing which thine handmaid hath brought unto my lord, let it even be given unto the young men that follow my lord.
28 I pray thee, forgive the trespass of thine handmaid: for the LORD will certainly make my lord a sure house; because my lord fighteth the battles of the LORD, and evil hath not been found in thee all thy days.
29 Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the LORD thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle of a sling.
30 And it shall come to pass, when the LORD shall have done to my lord according to all the good that he hath spoken concerning thee, and shall have appointed thee ruler over Israel;
31 That this shall be no grief unto thee, nor offence of heart unto my lord, either that thou hast shed blood causeless, or that my lord hath avenged himself: but when the LORD shall have dealt well with my lord, then remember thine handmaid.

Things to think about:

What did Abigail do when she heard about Nabal’s indiscretion?

What did Abigail do when she met David on the road?

What was Abigail’s request to David?

Prayer of the Day:

As we read this Scripture we see that Abigail jumped into action when she heard of Nabal’s indiscretion toward David and his men. Help us to find ways to support those who are Your servants. Help us to find favor in Your eyes. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Please invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study. We will continue with the study of The Book of 1 Samuel.

New Release:

The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination
by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination is a Daily Bible Reading Study of the book of Nehemiah by Deborah H. Bateman. The book of Nehemiah is found in the Old Testament of the Bible. Nehemiah was led by God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

Nehemiah was a great leader. He headed up the project. Despite the opposition that the Jewish people encountered they were able to complete this major project in less than sixty days. Their dedication and determination shines through in every aspect of the project.

The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination contains eighteen Daily Bible Reading Lessons. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation or discussion and a prayer for the day. This is a great Bible study that can be used for either a personal Daily Bible Reading Study or for a group Bible study.
Go to: http://amazon.com/dp/B00LLPLGTM
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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Daily Bible Reading “Nabal Refuses David’s Request” (1 Samuel 25:10-17)

Posted on July 14, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Nabal Refuses David’s Request

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Samuel 25:10-17. David’s servants went to see Nabal as they were instructed by David. Nabal wasn’t very receptive to their visit or to David’s request. In fact, he asked them, “Who is David and who is the son of Jesse?”

Nabal told them that there were many servants who broke away from their masters in those days. He questioned them as to why he should take the meat he had killed for his servants, their water, and their bread and give it to people he didn’t know.

David’s men returned to David and told him what Nabal said. David told his men to prepare themselves for battle with their swords. He took four hundred men with him to confront Nabal and left two hundred behind to guard their belongings.

One of Nabal’s servants went to Abigail and told her that David’s men came to request food from Nabal and he refused them. He also told Abigail that David’s men were good to them when they were in Carmel sheering the sheep. The soldiers hadn’t taken anything from them and even proved to be a shield of protection for them while they were working.

He warned Abigail because of Nabal’s rebellious ways he and his whole household were in danger of being destroyed if the men of David came against them. He asked Abigail to consider what she could do about the situation.

Have you ever had to run interference for someone who was rebellious and didn’t want to cooperate with others?

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Samuel 25:10-17

10 And Nabal answered David’s servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master.
11 Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they be?
12 So David’s young men turned their way, and went again, and came and told him all those sayings.
13 And David said unto his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the stuff.
14 But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed on them.
15 But the men were very good unto us, and we were not hurt, neither missed we any thing, as long as we were conversant with them, when we were in the fields:
16 They were a wall unto us both by night and day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep.
17 Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his household: for he is such a son of Belial, that a man cannot speak to him.

Things to think about:

What was Nabal’s response to David’s request?

How did David respond to Nabal’s belligerence?

One of Nabal’s servants ran interference in the situation. What did he do?

Prayer of the Day:

As we read this Scripture in 1 Samuel we see there are all kinds of people in this world. There are those who are unruly and uncooperative. There are those who are faithful and supportive. Teach us how to deal with all types of people. Help us to be the ones who are obedient and not like those who are rebellious. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Christian Music Video: “There is a Way”

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Please invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study. We will continue with the study of The Book of 1 Samuel.

New Release:

The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination by Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination
by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Daily Bible Reading “Samuel Dies” (1 Samuel 25:1-9)

Posted on July 11, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Samuel Dies

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Samuel 25:1-9. We learn in this Scripture that Samuel died. The people of Israel gathered together and mourned over him. They buried him at his home in Ramah. Then David went to the wilderness of Paran.

There was a wealthy man from Maon called Nabal. He owned three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. He was shearing his sheep in Carmel.

Nabal’s wife, Abigail, was a beautiful, intelligent woman. But, Nabal was an evil man. He was a Calebite.

David heard that Nabal was sheering his sheep in Carmel. David sent ten young men to Carmel to greet Nabal in his name. The men were to offer peace to Nabal, his house and all that belonged to Nabal.

They were to tell Nabal that they knew it was sheep-sheering time and they hadn’t harmed one of his sheep-shearers in Carmel. Neither did they take anything from them.

The men were sent to ask favor for David and his men from Nabal since it was a feast time. The men did as David asked and went to see Nabal and seek his generosity toward David and his men.

David and his soldiers were wandering around in the wilderness. They had to seek food and provisions wherever they could. God provided for their needs through different people.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Samuel 25:1-9

1 And Samuel died; and all the Israelites were gathered together, and lamented him, and buried him in his house at Ramah. And David arose, and went down to the wilderness of Paran.
2 And there was a man in Maon, whose possessions were in Carmel; and the man was very great, and he had three thousand sheep, and a thousand goats: and he was shearing his sheep in Carmel.
3 Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb.
4 And David heard in the wilderness that Nabal did shear his sheep.
5 And David sent out ten young men, and David said unto the young men, Get you up to Carmel, and go to Nabal, and greet him in my name:
6 And thus shall ye say to him that liveth in prosperity, Peace be both to thee, and peace be to thine house, and peace be unto all that thou hast.
7 And now I have heard that thou hast shearers: now thy shepherds which were with us, we hurt them not, neither was there ought missing unto them, all the while they were in Carmel.
8 Ask thy young men, and they will shew thee. Wherefore let the young men find favour in thine eyes: for we come in a good day: give, I pray thee, whatsoever cometh to thine hand unto thy servants, and to thy son David.
9 And when David’s young men came, they spake to Nabal according to all those words in the name of David, and ceased.

Things to think about:

Who are we told died at the beginning of this chapter?

Who is the new character that we are introduced to in this chapter?

What did we find out about this character?

Who was his wife and what did we learn about her?

What was David’s request from this wealthy man?

Prayer of the Day:

As we read this Scripture from 1 Samuel we learn of Samuel’s death and the mourning of the people of Israel. We also learn of a wealthy man named Nabal and his wife Abigail. We see that David was trusting You to provide for him and his men on their journey. He was seeking people who were able to help provide for them. Help us to trust Your provision for us as we journey through this life. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Please invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study. We will continue with the study of The Book of 1 Samuel.

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Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Saul and David Make Peace” (1 Samuel 24:16-22)

Posted on July 10, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Saul and David Make Peace

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Samuel 24:16-22. Saul wept when David finished sharing with Saul his true feelings. Saul called David, “My Son,” and told David that he was more righteous than him.

Saul realized that David had rewarded him with good even though Saul only sought evil against David. Saul was impressed that David didn’t kill him even though God had given David the opportunity to annihilate Saul if he wanted to.

Even Saul realized that for a man to let his enemy go away safe when he had the opportunity to do away with him was admirable. Because of David’s actions Saul knew that David should be king of Israel.

Saul asked David to swear to him before God that he wouldn’t cut off Saul’s seed or destroy Saul’s name in his family. David swore as Saul requested. Saul departed and went home. David and his men returned to the cave.

It must have taken a lot of courage on David’s part to confront Saul. How many times do we avoid confrontation with someone who has something against us? God gave David the strength to confront Saul and it paid off big time for David.

Had David not confronted Saul he would have still been on the run, constantly watching over his shoulder and wondering when Saul was going to attack. By David taking the initiative to talk to Saul and trying to resolve the issue Saul saw David’s heart in the matter and accepted the fact that David should be king.

Is there someone you need to confront? Do you need to share your heart with someone so they can know your true intentions? If so, pray and ask God to give you the courage to take the steps necessary to resolve the issue.

Ask God to prepare the heart of the one you need to talk to and help them to accept your proposal. Sometimes a small misunderstanding can be blown out of proportion. People spend years or even a lifetime avoiding one another or worse because of a simple misunderstanding. Why not resolve these issues in your life today so you can live in peace once again?

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Samuel 24:16-22

16 And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept.
17 And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.
18 And thou hast shewed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst me not.
19 For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? wherefore the LORD reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this day.
20 And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand.
21 Swear now therefore unto me by the LORD, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father’s house.
22 And David sware unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men gat them up unto the hold.

Things to think about:

What was Saul’s reaction to David’s heart-felt plea?

What kind of agreement did David and Saul come to?

How can we use David and Saul’s situation to help us in our relationships?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture and see how Saul and David’s conflict was resolved help us to use this example in our own lives. Help us resolve any issues we have with others. Give us the courage that we need and the words to say to handle these matters. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Please invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study. We will continue with the study of The Book of 1 Samuel.

99 Cent Book Launch

The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination
by Deborah H. Bateman

#99Cents Tues 7/8 – Sun 7/13

Go to: http://amazon.com/dp/B00LLPLGTM
Get your copy now!

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Daily Bible Reading “David Confronts Saul” (1 Samuel 24:8-15)

Posted on July 9, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

David Confronts Saul

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Samuel 24:8-15. David ran out of the cave and called for Saul saying, “My lord the king.” Saul looked back at David. David bowed to Saul telling him that he knew that Saul had heard that he was out to get him.

David explains to Saul that he had every opportunity to kill him if he wanted to. David let Saul know that he was encouraged to kill him, but spared his life because he respected Saul as the leader God anointed him to be. David was brave to confront Saul knowing that Saul was looking for him.

He begged Saul to consider the fact that he cut his skirt off, but spared his life. By David’s actions Saul should realize that David didn’t intend to harm him. David couldn’t understand why even though he had not sinned against Saul, Saul was hunting him down to kill him.

David cries out for the LORD to avenge him with Saul and deliver him out of Saul’s hands.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Samuel 24:8-15

8 David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.
9 And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men’s words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt?
10 Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD’S anointed.
11 Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it.
12 The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.
13 As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.
14 After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.
15 The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand.

Things to think about:

Why did David run after Saul?

What did David tell Saul his intentions were?

Who did David ask to deliver him from Saul?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture we see that David had not intentions of hurting Saul. He respected Saul as Your anointed one. David was brave to confront Saul when he knew that Saul was hunting him down to kill him. Help us to be honorable in our actions with one another as David was with Saul. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Please invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study. We will continue with the study of The Book of 1 Samuel.

#99Cent Book Launch
The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination
by Deborah H. Bateman
#99Cents Tues 7/8 – Sun 7/13
Go to: http://amazon.com/dp/B00LLPLGTM
Get your copy now!

Have a blessed day,

Deborah