Daily Bible Reading “Joab Kills Abner” (2 Samuel 3:22-30)

Posted on August 21, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Joab Kills Abner

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 3:22-30. Joab and David’s servants came in from pursuing a troop. They brought in great treasures which they had collected from the troops. Abner was no longer with David because David sent him away in peace.

When Joab heard that Abner had been there to visit David he was upset. Joab went to David and asked him why he sent Abner away. Joab asked David didn’t he know that Abner only came to make a league with him so he could know David’s comings and goings.

Joab left David and sent messengers to get Abner and bring him back to the well at Sirah, but David didn’t know anything about it.

When Abner returned Joab took him aside to talk to him privately. Then Joab stabbed Abner with his sword and killed him because Abner had killed Ashahel, Joab’s brother, in the battle at Gibeon.

When David heard what Joab did to Abner he said that he and his servants were guiltless of the death of Abner, the son of Ner.

David declared that the responsibility for Abner’s death would fall on Joab and his father’s house since he and his brother conspired to kill Abner in revenge for their brother’s death. They caused even more trouble for their family by taking revenge.

David had no idea what Joab’s intentions were. Had David known he may have been able to stop this from happening.

It is understandable that Joab and his brother were upset over their brother’s death, but does killing someone else resolve the issue? Could we forgive someone for doing such as this?

We are told in Romans 12:19 that vengeance belongs to the Lord, “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

We are not to take vengeance into our own hands. If someone does us wrong or hurts us in some way we should turn it over to the Lord and He will take care of it. In due time, everyone will get their just rewards.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 3:22-30

22 And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace.
23 When Joab and all the host that was with him were come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he hath sent him away, and he is gone in peace.
24 Then Joab came to the king, and said, What hast thou done? behold, Abner came unto thee; why is it that thou hast sent him away, and he is quite gone?
25 Thou knowest Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive thee, and to know thy going out and thy coming in, and to know all that thou doest.
26 And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, which brought him again from the well of Sirah: but David knew it not.
27 And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.
28 And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner:
29 Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father’s house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread.
30 So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.

Things to think about:

Where had Joab and David’s men been when Abner visited the king?

What did Joab tell David when he found out Abner had been there?

Who did Joab send to find Abner?

What did Joab do when Abner returned?

What was David’s reaction to what Joab did?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we learn that Joab was angry with Abner because of his brother’s death. Joab took his vengeance out on Abner and killed him. You told us in the Scriptures that vengeance belongs to You and You will repay. Help us not to take vengeance into our own hands. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

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Daily Bible Reading “Who Can You Trust?” (2 Samuel 3:12-21)

Posted on August 20, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Who Can You Trust?

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 3:12-21. Abner sent messengers to David asking, “Whose is the land?” He also told them to ask David to make a league with Abner to bring all of Israel under David’s leadership. David agreed to make a league with Abner, but sent word that Abner couldn’t see him unless he brought Michal, Saul’s daughter, who was David’s wife, with him.

David sent messengers to Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, telling him to send David’s wife Michal, whom he acquired from Saul for a hundred Philistine foreskins.

Obviously Michal had married someone else because Ishbosheth took Michal from her husband Phaltiel, who was the son of Laish, and sent her to David as he requested. Phaltiel followed her to Bahurim weeping. Then Abner told him to return. So he returned home.

Abner spoke with the elders of Israel, saying, “In the past you wanted David to be king over you, now is the time.” The LORD has spoken saying, “By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.”

Abner also spoke to Benjamin and he went to speak to David in Hebron about what seemed good for Israel, and for the house of Benjamin. When Abner came to David at Hebron he brought twenty men with him. David made Abner and the men who were with him a feast.

Abner told David that he would go and gather all of Israel to my lord the king, so they could make a league with him, so he might reign over all that his heart desired. David sent Abner away. He went in peace.

Could David trust Abner? Was Abner really looking out for David and for Israel? Do you ever wonder, “Who can you trust?”

Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

When we put our trust in the LORD and lean on Him to lead, guide and direct our paths, we are less likely to make bad choices about who we can trust.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 3:12-21

12 And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying also, Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee.
13 And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saul’s daughter, when thou comest to see my face.
14 And David sent messengers to Ishbosheth Saul’s son, saying, Deliver me my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines.
15 And Ishbosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Phaltiel the son of Laish.
16 And her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim. Then said Abner unto him, Go, return. And he returned.
17 And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you:
18 Now then do it: for the LORD hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.
19 And Abner also spake in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel, and that seemed good to the whole house of Benjamin.
20 So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David made Abner and the men that were with him a feast.
21 And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.

Things to think about:

What kind of pact was Abner trying to make with David?

What was David’s request of Abner?

Have you ever made a pact with someone who had previously been your enemy?

If so, how did it work out?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we see that David and Abner make a league with one another even thought they had previously been enemies. Help us to know who we can trust. Help us to trust Your leadership, guidance and direction in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Christian Music Video: “Trust in Jesus” – Third Day

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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.

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Daily Bible Reading “Accusations Fly” (2 Samuel 3:6-11)

Posted on August 19, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Accusations Fly

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 3:6-11. Abner was strengthening his position during the war between the house of David and the house of Saul. Saul had a concubine named Rizpah, who was the daughter of Aiah. Ishbosheth asked Abner why he slept with his father’s concubine. Abner was very angry at his brother’s accusations.

Abner asked his brother who he thought he was. Abner told his brother that he had been faithful to the house of Saul and to his friends and family. He told him that he hadn’t handed him over to David. Yet his brother brought these accusations up concerning this woman. We have no way of knowing whether the accusations against Abner were true or false.

Abner told him may God deal with me if I don’t turn the house of Saul over to David and make him king over both Israel and Judah.
His brother couldn’t even answer Abner because he was too afraid of him.

Abner wasn’t the only one who ever had accusations brought against him. David addresses this in Psalm 38:20, “Those who repay my good with evil lodge accusations against me, though I seek only to do what is good.”

Has anyone ever brought accusations against you? Whether the accusations were true or not, the fact that someone you cared about would accuse you may upset you. It is human nature to want people to trust us and when we find out they don’t it’s upsetting.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 3:6-11

6 And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul.
7 And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father’s concubine?
8 Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a dog’s head, which against Judah do shew kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman?
9 So do God to Abner, and more also, except, as the LORD hath sworn to David, even so I do to him;
10 To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba.
11 And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.

Things to think about:

Of what did Abner’s brother accuse him?

What was Abner’s response?

How do you respond to accusations brought against you?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We see in this Scripture in 2 Samuel that Abner’s brother made accusations against him. Help us to know how to respond when accusations are made against us. Help us to respond in a way that is pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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Daily Bible Reading “King David’s Family” (2 Samuel 3:1-5)

Posted on August 18, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

King David’s Family

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 3:1-5. There was a long battle between the house of Saul and the house of David. David and his army became stronger and Saul and his army became weaker.

David bore six sons in Hebron. His first son was named Amnon. His mother was Ahinoam the Jezreelitess.

David’s second born son was called Chileab. His mother was Abigal who had been previously married to Nabal the Carmelite.

David’s third son was named Absalom. Absalom’s mother was Maacah, who was the daughter of Talmai, the king of Geshur. David’s fourth son was called Adonijah. His mother was Haggith.

David’s fifth son was named Shephatiah. His mother was Abital. David’s sixth son was called Ithream. His mother was Eglah. Notice that each one of David’s sons listed in this Scripture were born to a different wife.

These are only the sons that David had while he was in Hebron. His other children are listed in 1 Chronicles 3:4-9. I have included that Scripture below for your convenience. David had a large family. It almost seemed he was building his own army. Out of all his children there was only one daughter whose name was Tamar.

Family is important to God. His desire is for us to raise our children to love and honor Him.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 3:1-5

1 Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.
2 And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;
3 And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
4 And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;

5 And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David’s wife. These were born to David in Hebron.

1 Chronicles 3:4-9

4 These six were born unto him in Hebron; and there he reigned seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years.
5 And these were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shimea, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, four, of Bathshua the daughter of Ammiel:
6 Ibhar also, and Elishama, and Eliphelet,
7 And Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia,
8 And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphelet, nine.
9 These were all the sons of David, beside the sons of the concubines, and Tamar their sister.

Things to think about:

How many sons did David have in this Scripture?

How many of David’s wives are mentioned in this Scripture?

What were the names of David’s sons that were mentioned in this Scripture?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we learn much about David and his family. We learn that David had a large family. Thank You for the family You have given us. Help us to raise our families to love and honor You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Christian Music Video: The Family Prayer Song – Maranatha Singers

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Daily Bible Reading “A Truce is Called” (2 Samuel 2:24-32)

Posted on August 15, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

A Truce is Called

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 2:24-32. Joab and Abisha trailed Abner until sundown when they arrived at Ammah which is before you get to Giah on the way to Gibeon.

The men of Benjamin rallied together on top of a hill to continue their quest to conquer Abner.

Abner called out to Joab asking him if the sword would devour forever. He also asked Joab didn’t he realize that this would end in bitterness. Abner wanted to know how long before Joab would tell his men to stop following him.

Joab answered Abner saying, as sure as God lives if you hadn’t spoken they would have followed you until morning.

Joab blew a trumpet, and all the men stood still, and no longer pursued Israel, or fought with them.

Abner and his men continued on their journey. They walked all night through the plain, over Jordan. They also went through Bithron until they came to Mahanaim.

When Joab returned from following Abner and gathered all the men together, they were missing nineteen of David’s servants and Asahel.

David’s men clearly won the battle. They killed three hundred sixty of Benjamin and Abner’s men.

They took Asahel and buried him in his father’s sepulcher that was in Bethlehem. Joab and his men traveled all night until they came to Hebron at the break of day.

We all go through battles in our lives. Have you ever been in a battle with someone? Sometimes you hear of family feuds that last for years or even decades. Eventually someone has to call a truce or the battle will go on forever.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 2:24-32

24 Joab also and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they were come to the hill of Ammah, that lieth before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon.
25 And the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner, and became one troop, and stood on the top of an hill.
26 Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour for ever? knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? how long shall it be then, ere thou bid the people return from following their brethren?
27 And Joab said, As God liveth, unless thou hadst spoken, surely then in the morning the people had gone up every one from following his brother.
28 So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more.
29 And Abner and his men walked all that night through the plain, and passed over Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and they came to Mahanaim.
30 And Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David’s servants nineteen men and Asahel.
31 But the servants of David had smitten of Benjamin, and of Abner’s men, so that three hundred and threescore men died.
32 And they took up Asahel, and buried him in the sepulchre of his father, which was in Bethlehem. And Joab and his men went all night, and they came to Hebron at break of day.

Things to think about:

Why was Joab and his men pursuing Abner?

How many of Abner’s men were killed in the battle?

How many of David’s men were killed in the battle?

Who was responsible for calling a truce?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we see there was a hot pursuit for Abner and his men. Eventually Abner spoke up and asked how long the battle was going to continue. Help us to call a truce or ask for forgiveness in order to stop conflicts from continuing. Help us to lean on You to lead us in these types of situations. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Christian Music Video: “Perfect Peace” Laura Story

PS. We 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:

Our Newest Release:

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

About the book:

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

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive FREE
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Deborah

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