Daily Bible Reading “Moving the Ark to Jerusalem” (2 Samuel 6:1-11)

Posted on August 28, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Moving the Ark to Jerusalem

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 6:1-11. David gathered all the chosen men of Israel, which during that time was a total of thirty thousand. David and the men went from Baale of Judah to bring the ark of God, which is called by that name because the LORD of hosts dwells between the cherubims of the ark. The ark of God was sacred and holy.

1 Chronicles 13 is almost the same as this Scripture. There are a few details that are different in the story. 1 Chronicles 13:1-2 tells us that David consulted with all the leaders of Israel and the congregation, but there is no mention of David praying and asking God what He thought about this decision.

You may wonder why it took so many men to escort the ark of God back to Jerusalem. Remember that the ark was taken from them once before when they were in a battle with the Philistines. They probably needed all those men to protect the ark of God.

There were certain rules regarding the ark of God which are mentioned in Numbers 4. They were to carry it on poles. They were not to touch the ark. But, they didn’t follow the instructions concerning the ark and the consequences were deadly.

The first mistake they made was putting the ark of God on a cart, even though it was a new cart, the ark was supposed to be carried on poles. Maybe they were thinking it would be easier to transport the ark on a cart. After all they had seen the Philistines transport it this way when the took the ark. So they followed the ways of the Philistines instead of the ways of God.

They brought the ark from the house of Abinadab which was in Gibeah. Abinadab’s sons, Uzzah and Ahio, drove the cart. Ahio led the way by going in front of the ark.

David was excited to have the ark coming to Jerusalem. David had always been a worshiper of God and he was looking forward to getting the people of Jerusalem back to worshiping God.

David and all the men of Israel celebrated by playing their instruments before the LORD. The instruments were made of fir wood. They played harps, psalteries, timbrels (tambourine), cornets (rattle), and cymbals. They were making a joyful noise to the LORD.

As they entered Nachon’s threshing (barn) floor with the ark, the oxen stumbled (1 Chronicles 13:9) and shook the ark. Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, which was strictly forbidden.

Why would Uzzah do such a thing? Did he not know what the laws were governing the ark? Could he have gotten so used to being around the ark that he forgot? Was he trying to protect the ark?

Whatever his reason, it angered the LORD and His anger raged against Uzzah. God smote him instantly because of his actions. Uzzah died right beside the ark of God.

David was upset because of the LORD’s outburst of anger against Uzzah. David named the place Perezuzzah, which means, “breach of Uzza,” since Uzza died there.

David feared the LORD and wondered how he could take the ark of God with him. David decided not to take the ark of the LORD with him to Jerusalem at that time, instead he took the ark to the house of Obededom the Gittite.

The ark of God remained at the house of Obededom for three months and the LORD blessed him and his household.

Are there times when we don’t consult God, but move on our own ideas as David did in this instance? Are there times when we try to make our worship of God convenient or easy? Are there times when we don’t honor God by the way we worship Him? Are there times when we make worship about other things instead of worshiping God?

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 6:1-11

1 Again, David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand.
2 And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims.
3 And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart.
4 And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab which was at Gibeah, accompanying the ark of God: and Ahio went before the ark.
5 And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.
6 And when they came to Nachon’s threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it.
7 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.
8 And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzzah: and he called the name of the place Perezuzzah to this day.
9 And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?
10 So David would not remove the ark of the LORD unto him into the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite.
11 And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obededom the Gittite three months: and the LORD blessed Obededom, and all his household.

Things to think about:

How many men did David take with him to get the ark of God?

Why did David need so many men to go with him to get the ark?

Where did they go to get the ark?

Who were the two men who escorted the ark?

How did David and his men celebrate the fact that they were taking the ark to Jerusalem?

What terrible incident happened as they were transporting the ark?

What did David decide to do with the ark at that time?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we see that David and his men were excited about bringing the ark of God back to Jerusalem. Help us to understand that there are some things that are sacred and holy. Help us to always honor You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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In the beginning of the book the LORD is beckoning His people to return to Him and He will return to them. The dreams that Zechariah has are dreams that are pertinent to his day as well as dreams about the future.

The Book of Zechariah: A Story of Dreams and visions contains twenty-two Daily Bible Reading Lessons that take you through the entire book of Zechariah. Each lesson contains a commentary by the author, the Scriptures for Daily Bible Reading, a few questions for contemplation called “Things to think about,” and a Prayer for the Day. It is a great book for individual or group Bible studies.

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Daily Bible Reading “The Battle Continues” (2 Samuel 5:11-25)

Posted on August 27, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

The Battle Continues

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 5:11-25. Hiram, the king of Tyre, sent messengers, carpenters, and masons to David. They brought cedar trees with them and built a house for David.

By this David perceived that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of the people of Israel. David’s celebration didn’t last long once the Philistines heard that he had been anointed king.

David took more concubines and wives in Jerusalem and bore more sons and daughters. These are the names of the children that David fathered in Jerusalem; Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphalet.

When the Philistines heard that David was anointed king over Israel they came looking for David. When David heard that they were searching for him he went down to the fort. The Philistines gathered together in the valley of Rephaim as well.

David asked the LORD if he should go up to the Philistines and if he did go would He deliver them into his hands. The LORD confirmed to David that he should go and He would deliver the Philistines into his hands.

David went to Baalperazim, and David smote them there. He said, “The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters.” So he called that place Baalperazim. The Philistines left their images there, and David and his men burned them.

The Philistines came a second time to the valley of Rephaim. David inquired of the LORD again if he should go up and fight the Philistines. This time the LORD told him to get a compass and come up behind them by the mulberry trees.

The LORD told David when he heard the wind blowing the top of the mulberry trees then He would go before them to smite the Philistines.

David did as the LORD commanded him and they smote the Philistines from Geba to Gazer.

David didn’t enter this battle blindly; he prayed and asked the LORD what He should do. He didn’t want to face the enemy without having the LORD on his side. How many times do we try to face the enemy and the trials of this life on our own? We would be much better off if we would inquire of the LORD before we faced the battles in our lives.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 5:11-25

11 And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house.
12 And David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel’s sake.
13 And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David.
14 And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,
15 Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,
16 And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet.
17 But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the hold.
18 The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
19 And David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.
20 And David came to Baalperazim, and David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baalperazim.
21 And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them.
22 And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
23 And when David enquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.
24 And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.
25 And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer.

Things to think about:

Who did God use to build the house of David in Jerusalem?

How many more children of David are listed in this passage of Scripture?

What did the Philistines do when they heard David was king of Israel?

How were David and his men able to conquer the Philistines in this battle?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we see that David prayed to You for Your advice and guidance before he faced the enemy. Help us to do as David did and come to You with the troubles we face in this life. Help us not to go blindly before the enemy, but always make sure we have Your blessings and You on our side. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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Daily Bible Reading “David Becomes King of Israel” (2 Samuel 5:1-10)

Posted on August 26, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

David Becomes King of Israel

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 5:1-10. All the tribes of Israel came to Hebron to see David. They acknowledged David as their flesh and bone. They also acknowledge him for his leadership even when Saul was king.

The elders of Israel anointed David as king over Israel. David was thirty years old when he began to reign over Israel. He reigned as king for a total of forty years. He reigned over Judah seven years and six months in Hebron. He reigned over Judah and Israel for thirty three years in Jerusalem.

David and his men went to Jerusalem, but the Jebusites, who were the inhabitants of Jerusalem, gave them a hard time. They told David and his men they could only come in if they took away the blind and lame.

David and his men took the stronghold and told them that whoever conquered the Jebusites along with the lame and blind would become the captain.

David and his men established Jerusalem as the city of David, which they built from Millo inward. David grew to be a great king. The LORD was with him and blessed him.

One day the King of Kings and Lord of Lords will reign over Jerusalem.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 5:1-10

1 Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.
2 Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.
3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel.
4 David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.
5 In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah.
6 And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither.
7 Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.
8 And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind, that are hated of David’s soul, he shall be chief and captain. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.
9 So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.
10 And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him.

Things to think about:

Who anointed David as king of Israel?

Who rebelled against David at Jerusalem?

How did David establish his kingdom in Jerusalem?

Who is the coming king who will establish His kingdom in Jerusalem?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel about David’s reign as king over Israel and Judah. We see that there was some resistance to him setting up his kingdom in Jerusalem. We see that he succeeded and You blessed him as the king of Israel. Help us to stay faithful to You as we wait for the coming king. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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Daily Bible Reading “Evil Acts Backfire” (2 Samuel 4:1-12)

Posted on August 25, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Evil Acts Backfire

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 4:1-12. When Saul’s son heard about Abner’s death, he was feeble. All of the Israelites were mourning over Abner.

Saul had two men who were captains of bands. One was named Baanah and the other was called Rechab. They were the sons of Rimmon, who was a Beerothite. He was one of the children of Benjamin.

Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son named Mephibosheth who was lame since he was five years old. He fell and got hurt as his nurse tried to flee when they heard of Saul and Jonathan’s death.

Rechab and Baanah went to Ishbosheth’s house one day about noon while he was taking a nap. Ishbosheth wasn’t bothering anybody. He was laying on his bed trying to rest. They pretended they were there to gather wheat. They went into his house and killed him. Then they cut his head off and fled with it.

They took Ishbosheth’s head and presented it to David. Somehow they thought David would be happy about their actions since Saul had pursued David for so long. They acted as if they were doing David a service.

David wasn’t happy about their actions at all. He wasn’t even happy when he was told that Saul had been slain. David insisted that those who did this act had to be punished. He instructed his men to slay the two men for their actions.

Then, they took the head of Ishbosheth and buried it, along with Abner, in Abner’s tomb in Hebron.

I know some of these lessons are hard. They aren’t encouraging and inspirational as I would like them to be, but when we’re studying through a book of the Bible we have to take the bad with the good. We’re learning the history of the Bible. That history includes not only the births of the people of the Bible, but also how and when their lives were ended.

One thing we can learn from this lesson is that we can’t expect good to come from evil. When people do sinful acts eventually they will have to pay for them one way or the other. We also learn that David wasn’t looking for revenge on Saul’s family because Saul had pursued him for many years.

First Peter 3:8-9 reminds us, “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.”

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 4:1-12

1 And when Saul’s son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands were feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled.
2 And Saul’s son had two men that were captains of bands: the name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab, the sons of Rimmon a Beerothite, of the children of Benjamin: (for Beeroth also was reckoned to Benjamin:
3 And the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, and were sojourners there until this day.)
4 And Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son that was lame of his feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth.
5 And the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, went, and came about the heat of the day to the house of Ishbosheth, who lay on a bed at noon.
6 And they came thither into the midst of the house, as though they would have fetched wheat; and they smote him under the fifth rib: and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.
7 For when they came into the house, he lay on his bed in his bedchamber, and they smote him, and slew him, and beheaded him, and took his head, and gat them away through the plain all night.
8 And they brought the head of Ishbosheth unto David to Hebron, and said to the king, Behold the head of Ishbosheth the son of Saul thine enemy, which sought thy life; and the LORD hath avenged my lord the king this day of Saul, and of his seed.
9 And David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said unto them, As the LORD liveth, who hath redeemed my soul out of all adversity,
10 When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings:
11 How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth?
12 And David commanded his young men, and they slew them, and cut off their hands and their feet, and hanged them up over the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ishbosheth, and buried it in the sepulchre of Abner in Hebron.

Things to think about:

Who was Mephibosheth? What did we learn about him?

Who were Saul’s two band leaders? What did they do?

What was David’s response to their actions?

How did David honor Ishbosheth?

Prayer of the Day:

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we learn that there were those who were evil back in David’s day as well. They did things out of spite, but their actions backfired on them. Help us to realize that it’s not our place to take revenge on those who have wronged us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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Daily Bible Reading “David Mourns for Abner” (2 Samuel 3:31-39)

Posted on August 22, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

David Mourns for Abner

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 3:31-39. David instructed Joab and those with him to tear their clothes and dress in sackcloth to mourn Abner’s death. David also mourned for Abner.

They buried Abner in Hebron. King David and all those attending Abner’s burial cried over him. David was very upset. He said Abner died a fool’s death.

The people tried to get David to eat, but he refused. He said if he ate before sundown the LORD might do the same thing to him or worse than that which happened to Abner. David was showing respect for Abner by refraining from eating.

The people were pleased with David’s response. The people knew by David’s response that it wasn’t his will that Abner was killed. David told them that Abner was a great man and a prince who was killed.

David was so distraught about Abner’s death that he was weak. Have you ever felt weak in the knees during a time of mourning? We see David’s caring, compassionate side during this time of mourning. He may have been the king and a tough warrior but he also had a heart for people.

David declared that the LORD would reward those who did this evil.

There are always consequences for our actions. God may give us a free will, but we will have to suffer the consequences for bad choices that we make.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 3:31

31 And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier.
32 And they buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up his voice, and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept.
33 And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth?
34 Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou. And all the people wept again over him.
35 And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down.
36 And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them: as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people.
37 For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner.
38 And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?
39 And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.

Things to think about:

Why did David make Noab and his people dress in sackcloth?

Why did David refuse to eat that day?

What kind of death did David say Abner had? Why?

What did David say would happen to those who committed evil acts?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we learn more about the kind of man David was. He was a caring, compassionate person even though he was a warrior and a king. Help us to show our love and concern for others as David did. Help us to be careful about the choices we make in this life. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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