Daily Bible Reading “God’s Judgment” (2 Samuel 24:10-17)

Posted on October 31, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

God’s Judgment

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 24:10-17. David was convicted in his heart once the census was done to count the fighting men. David prayed to God and acknowledged his sin and asked God to forgive him. Even when we repent of our sins, there are still consequences for the actions that we take.

The Word of the LORD came to Gad telling him to tell David that he had three choices for his punishment. He was to choose which one he preferred. These were his choices:

1) Seven years of famine

2) Three months of fleeing from his enemies

3) Three days of pestilence

Seven years was a long time for a famine. David had already spent a lot of time fleeing from his enemy. David preferred to be at God’s mercy than to fall into the hands of man. If you were in David’s place, which one would you have chosen?

David chose the three days of pestilence over the other two choices he was given. The LORD honored David’s choice and sent pestilence to the land. As a result of this pestilence seventy thousand men died. A lot of people whose lives were cut short because of this situation.

When the angel was about to destroy Jerusalem the LORD stopped him and told him that was enough.

The angel of the LORD was by the threshing place of Araunah, the Jebusite. When David saw the angel who smote the people, he spoke to the LORD saying, “I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father’s house.”

Even though David repented and took responsibility for his actions, there was a price to pay for his sin. His people suffered the consequences for his decisions. He didn’t want the people to suffer any more. He begged the LORD to spare them and to bring the punishment only against him and his father’s house.

Sometimes we don’t realize how many people are affected by our actions. When we choose to do the wrong things there is a ripple effect. When we make wrong choices it not only affects us and our families, but it can affect others as well.

We prefer to think of God as a loving God, and He is. But there is also the other side of God, who is the judge over good and evil. He knows the intents of our hearts.

We all sin and come short of the glory of God. Sin is like a weight or a chain around our necks dragging us down. Thank God for Jesus who took our sin on Himself at the cross.

Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 24:10-17

10 And David’s heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.
11 For when David was up in the morning, the word of the LORD came unto the prophet Gad, David’s seer, saying,
12 Go and say unto David, Thus saith the LORD, I offer thee three things; choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee.
13 So Gad came to David, and told him, and said unto him, Shall seven years of famine come unto thee in thy land? or wilt thou flee three months before thine enemies, while they pursue thee? or that there be three days’ pestilence in thy land? now advise, and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me.
14 And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the LORD; for his mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man.
15 So the LORD sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the time appointed: and there died of the people from Dan even to Beersheba seventy thousand men.
16 And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite.
17 And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father’s house.

Things to think about:

About what was David convicted?
Who did the LORD send to tell David what his choices were?
What did David choose? Why?
How do our actions affect others?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture we see that David became convicted and repented of his sin. We also see that his decisions affected a lot of people. Help us to make right decisions. Help us to realize that if we sin or make wrong decisions it not only affects us, but affects others as well. Help us to search our hearts and repent of our sins. Forgive us of the times we have made wrong decisions. Give us wisdom to make right choices. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Christian Music Video: “Break Every Chain”

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.

Featured Book:

The Book of Malachi: A Message from the LORD
By Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:
The Book of Malachi: A Message from the LORD is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. Malachi was considered to be a “Messenger of the LORD.” God delivered His message to the people of Israel through Malachi. Malachi was one of the twelve prophets from the Old Testament. The book of Malachi is the last book in the Old Testament of the Bible.

The Book of Malachi: A Message from the LORD includes eight Daily Bible Reading Lessons. Each lesson contains a brief commentary from the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scriptures, a few questions for discussion or contemplation, and a prayer for the day to go along with the lesson. This book is great for a personal daily devotional or for a group Bible study.

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Daily Bible Reading “David Counts the Fighting Men” (2 Samuel 24:1-9)

Posted on October 29, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

David Counts the Fighting Men

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 24:1-9. The LORD was angry with his people so He influenced David to count the fighting men of Israel and Judah.

1 Chronicles 21:1 says that Satan was the one who incited David to take a count. Whether it was Satan or the LORD allowed Satan to cause David to do this is irrelevant at this point. The fact that David was determined to do it is what we need to know.

King David told Joab, the captain of the army to go and take a census of the men from Dan to Beersheba so he could know how many warriors there were during that time.

Joab couldn’t understand why the king wanted a count of the soldiers and questioned him about it, but the king prevailed, and Joab did as the king asked.

Joab and the captains of the army went out and counted the men like the king had requested. It took them nine months and twenty days to travel throughout all of Israel and Judah and take a count of the people.

Joab reported back to the king with the numbers. There were eight hundred thousand valiant men in Israel and five hundred thousand men in Judah.

What was the purpose of counting the men? Was this a pride thing for David? Did he want to know how many men there were in his army so he could brag about it, or what?

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 24:1-9

1 And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.
2 For the king said to Joab the captain of the host, which was with him, Go now through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan even to Beersheba, and number ye the people, that I may know the number of the people.
3 And Joab said unto the king, Now the LORD thy God add unto the people, how many soever they be, an hundredfold, and that the eyes of my lord the king may see it: but why doth my lord the king delight in this thing?
4 Notwithstanding the king’s word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the host. And Joab and the captains of the host went out from the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel.
5 And they passed over Jordan, and pitched in Aroer, on the right side of the city that lieth in the midst of the river of Gad, and toward Jazer:
6 Then they came to Gilead, and to the land of Tahtimhodshi; and they came to Danjaan, and about to Zidon,
7 And came to the strong hold of Tyre, and to all the cities of the Hivites, and of the Canaanites: and they went out to the south of Judah, even to Beersheba.
8 So when they had gone through all the land, they came to Jerusalem at the end of nine months and twenty days.
9 And Joab gave up the sum of the number of the people unto the king: and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men that drew the sword; and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men.

Things to think about:

Why did the king want a count of all of the men?
Who did he put in charge of the project?
Who went with him to count the men?
What was the results of their census?

Prayer of the Day:

As we read this Scripture we see that You were angry with Israel. We see that David was enticed to count the fighting men. Help us to discern whether our ideas are from you or from the enemy. Give us strength and wisdom to make the right decisions. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Christian Music Video:

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.

Featured Book:

The Book of Malachi: A Message from the LORD
By Deborah H. Bateman

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Deborah

Daily Bible Reading “David’s Thirty” (2 Samuel 23:24-39)

Posted on October 29, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

David’s Thirty

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 23:24-39. The Scripture for today lists thirty of David’s men. Read through the list and see if there are any of the names that you recognize.

These were some of the people who were closest to King David. They were among the top men in his army. They learned from one of the best warriors how to fight and defend their country.

As part of this lesson, I would like to introduce you to a tool that I use in preparing for these Bible studies. It is a Strong’s concordance. Beside each name of these men there is a number that you can click on to see who they were. If you’re curious and have the time I’d like to suggest you give it a try. Click on this link and check it out: http://tinyurl.com/kn66e6f

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 23:24-39

24 Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,
25 Shammah the Harodite, Elika the Harodite,
26 Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite,
27 Abiezer the Anethothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite,
28 Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite,
29 Heleb the son of Baanah, a Netophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai out of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin,
30 Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash,
31 Abialbon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite,
32 Eliahba the Shaalbonite, of the sons of Jashen, Jonathan,
33 Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Hararite,
34 Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maachathite, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite,
35 Hezrai the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite,
36 Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite,
37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armourbearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah,
38 Ira an Ithrite, Gareb an Ithrite,
39 Uriah the Hittite: thirty and seven in all.

Things to think about:

Can you imagine being one of the top thirty in the king’s tribe.
How would it feel to be in the king’s inner circle?
Can you imagine having to constantly defend yourself, your fellow soldiers, your country, and the king?
What are some of the characteristics that it would take to be a good soldier?

Prayer of the Day:

As we read this Scripture and learn about the men that were closest to King David we think about what it would take to be in this group. Help us to have the characteristics that these men had. Help us to defend You and Your Word like these men defended their country and their king. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Christian Music Video: “He Knows My Name” ~ Francesca Battistelli

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.

Featured Book:

The Book of Malachi: A Message from the LORD
By Deborah H. Bateman

Go to: http://amazon.com/dp/B00O4NVVGQ
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Deborah

Daily Bible Reading “Mighty Warriors” (2 Samuel 23:18-23)

Posted on October 28, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Mighty Warriors

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 23:18-23. Abishai, Joab’s brother and Zeruiah’s son, was chief of another three. He slew three hundred men with his sword. He was the most honorable of these three so he was chosen to be their captain. But, he didn’t obtain as much as the first three, which were mentioned in the previous lesson.

Benaiah, Jehoiada’s son, a valiant man, from Kabzeel, did many acts. He slew two lion-like men from Moab. He also slew a lion in the middle of a pit in the snow.

He slew an Egyptian who was a good man. The Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he struck him with a staff, and took the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, then slew him with his own spear.

Benaiah, did these things to make a name for himself among these three mighty men. He was more honorable than the other thirty, but he didn’t attain the level of the first three. So David put him over his guard.

For some reason the mighty men were broken up into groups of three. But the third one in the second group was not mentioned by name nor was it disclosed what his accomplishments were. Obviously they were not as significant as the other two in this group. So there were a total of five of David’s most accomplished warriors listed. Three in the first group and two in this group.

Those who were the most victorious in the fight against their enemies were made leaders over the other soldiers. These men earned their position and the respect of their trusted leader who taught them to be great warriors like he was.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 23:18-23

18 And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief among three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew them, and had the name among three.
19 Was he not most honourable of three? therefore he was their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the first three.
20 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow:
21 And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and slew him with his own spear.
22 These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among three mighty men.
23 He was more honourable than the thirty, but he attained not to the first three. And David set him over his guard.

Things to think about:

Who were the men mentioned in this Scripture?
What did they do to attain leadership positions in David’s army?
What can we learn from this lesson?

Prayer of the Day:

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we see that David had some brave men in his army. He had men who risked their own life to help him win the battles of his day. Help us to see the dedication of these men and strive to be as dedicated to Your work as they were to helping David defend their nation during his time. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Christian Music Video: “Mighty Warrior” – Elevation Worship

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.

Featured Book:

The Book of Malachi: A Message from the LORD
By Deborah H. Bateman

Go to: http://amazon.com/dp/B00O4NVVGQ
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Deborah

Daily Bible Reading “David’s Mighty Men” (2 Samuel 23:8-17)

Posted on October 27, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

David’s Mighty Men

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 23:8-17. These are the names of David’s three mightiest warriors: Josheb-basshebeth, the Tachmonite, who was the chief among the captains. He was also called Adino the Eznite, because he used his spear to slay eight hundred of their enemies in one battle.

The next in line was Eleazar, the son of Dodo the Ahohite. He was with David at Pas Dammin when they came against the Philistines while the rest of the Israelite army fled.

Eleazar smote the Philistines until his hand was tired from holding his sword. God gave he and David a great victory against the Philistines there. The other soldiers returned after he conquered the Philistines to gather their spoils.

The third of David’s chiefs was Shammah, the son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistine army gathered together where there was a field full of lentils. The rest of the Israelite soldiers fled from the Philistines. But Shammah stood in the middle of the field, and defended it. He slew the Philistines and the LORD gave him a great victory there.

These three of the thirty chiefs came to David’s rescue at the cave of Adullam during the time of harvest. The Philistine army was camped in the valley of Rephaim. David was in a stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was in Bethlehem.

David desired a drink of water from the well at Bethlehem and expressed his desire to his men. These three men went down through the army of the Philistines to the well by the city gate and got some water for David and brought it back to him.

When they got back with the water, David wouldn’t drink it. He poured it out on the ground as a drink offering to the LORD. He realized that he had risked the lives of these three devoted men by asking them to get him some water from the well at Bethlehem.

The men showed their devotion for David by risking their lives to get him some water. He showed his devotion to them by not drinking it, even though he was thirsty. He also showed his devotion to God by offering up something he was so desirous of to the LORD.

Have you ever had a desire for something and then once you got it realized it wasn’t worth the sacrifice that was made to have it? There are things in this life that we think we want, but they’re not worth sacrificing our life, the life of others, our future, or our soul to get them. There is really only one thing that can satisfy our soul and that is a relationship with the Lord.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 23:8-17

8 These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time.
9 And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away:
10 He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil.
11 And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines.
12 But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory.
13 And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David in the harvest time unto the cave of Adullam: and the troop of the Philistines pitched in the valley of Rephaim.
14 And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.
15 And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!
16 And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD.
17 And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men.

This story is also mentioned in 1 Chronicles 11:10-19 with a little more detail than here in 2 Samuel.

Things to think about:

Who were David’s three mighty men?
What was significant about each one of them?
How did they show their devotion to David?
How did David show his devotion to them?
How did David show his devotion to God?
What can we learn from this story?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we see that David had some men who were devoted to serving him. We also see that he was devoted to his men. Most importantly we see David’s devotion to You. Help us to find people who are devoted to helping us win the battles of this life for Your cause. Help us to be devoted to You in all that we do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Christian Music Video: “Fill My Cup Lord”

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.

Featured Book:

The Book of Malachi: A Message from the LORD
By Deborah H. Bateman

Go to: http://amazon.com/dp/B00O4NVVGQ
Get your copy now!

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman author site to receive

Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox

Monday – Friday.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah