Daily Bible Reading “Unless the Lord Builds the House” (2 Samuel 7:1-17)

Posted on September 1, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Unless the Lord Builds the House

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 7:1-17. The LORD finally gave David a break from his enemies and he was settled in the palace. But something else began to play on David’s mind.

David expressed his concerns to Nathan, the prophet, saying that it concerned him that he lived in a house of cedar, but the ark of God was still in a tent. Nathan told David to do whatever was in his heart because God was with him.

That night the LORD spoke to Nathan and told him to go ask his servant David, “Shall you build me an house for me to dwell in?”

The LORD told Nathan that He hadn’t dwelt in a house since He brought the children of Israel out of Egypt. He had been moving from place to place with the people of Israel and had either dwelt in a tent or a tabernacle.

The LORD asked if He had ever asked any of the people who He appointed over Israel to build Him a house.

The LORD told Nathan to remind David that He took him from being a lowly shepherd over the sheep and made him to be king and rule over Israel. The LORD said He was with David everywhere he went. He protected David from his enemies. The LORD made a great name for David as great as any man on earth.

The LORD told Nathan that He would establish a place for His people Israel so they wouldn’t have to travel anymore. He would also keep their enemies at bay and wouldn’t let them bother them like they did in the past. Like He gave David rest from his enemies He would also give His people rest from their enemies. The LORD said He would build a house for David.

The LORD told Nathan to tell David when his days were over and he went to rest with his ancestors the LORD would build his kingdom. He would raise up David’s offspring to succeed him.

The LORD said he would build a house for him and He would establish his kingdom forever. He said that He would be his father and he would be His son. If he sinned He would punish him like a father did his son.

The LORD promised that His mercy wouldn’t depart from him as it did Saul. The LORD said his house and kingdom would be established forever.

Nathan shared with David the vision that the LORD gave him and everything the LORD told him.

David had dreams of building a house for the LORD, but David’s plan and God’s plan were different. If David would have gone on with his plan in spite of what God said his labor would have been in vain.

Psalm 127:1: [[A Song of degrees for Solomon.]] Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

Can you imagine being able to communicate with God like Nathan and some of the other prophets did in the Old Testament?

Sometimes when I’m trying to figure something out I wish I could pick up the phone and call God to ask Him what to do. I pray about it, but sometimes still wonder what is the right thing to do. Does this ever happen to you?

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 7:1-17

1 And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies;
2 That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains.
3 And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the LORD is with thee.
4 And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD came unto Nathan, saying,
5 Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the LORD, Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in?
6 Whereas I have not dwelt in any house since the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle.
7 In all the places wherein I have walked with all the children of Israel spake I a word with any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people Israel, saying, Why build ye not me an house of cedar?
8 Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel:
9 And I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth.
10 Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime,
11 And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house.
12 And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.
13 He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.
14 I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:
15 But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee.
16 And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.
17 According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David.

Things to think about:

What was David’s concern in this Scripture?

Who did David talk to about his concern?

How did the LORD relay the message to David about what was to take place?

What was the LORD’s promise to David?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we see that David wanted to build You a dwelling place. You had honored David and He wanted to honor You. You blessed David for His commitment to You and Your people. Help us to be committed to doing Your will in our lives. Bless us for our service to You and Your people. Help us to spread the good news of Your gospel around the world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Christian Music Video: Psalm 127 “Unless the Lord Builds the House”

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The Book of Zechariah: A Story of Dreams and Visions is a Daily Bible Reading study by Deborah H. Bateman. It is a study of Zechariah from the Old Testament of the Bible. Zechariah was a prophet during Old Testament times. He tells of eight dreams or visions he has where the LORD communicates with him.

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 “Let the Celebration Begin” (2 Samuel 6:12-23)

Posted on August 29, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Let the Celebration Begin

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 6:12-23. David heard the LORD had blessed Obededom and his house because the ark of God was there. So David decided to go get the ark and bring it to Jerusalem. After the catastrophe that happened the last time they tried to move the ark, this time David decided to follow the protocol that the LORD had laid out for them concerning the ark. David was happy and excited to be bringing the ark to Jerusalem.

David created a tabernacle from a tent for the ark. He had the Levites sanctify themselves to carry the ark. This time they didn’t put it on a cart, but the Levites carried it in the manner they were supposed to. When the ones who carried the ark had gone six paces David sacrificed oxen and fatlings.

David was clothed in fine linen and had an ephod of linen. He danced and celebrated before the LORD with all his strength. David and all the people of Israel shouted and blew the trumpet.

As the ark entered Jerusalem, the city of David, his wife Michal, who was Saul’s daughter, looked out the window and saw David dancing before the LORD and she despised him.

They brought the ark and placed it in the tabernacle David had built for it and David made burnt offerings and peace offerings to the LORD. When David finished making the sacrifices to the LORD he blessed the people.

David celebrated with all the people, men and women alike. Their celebration included a meal of meat, bread, and wine. When the party was over they all returned to their houses.

When David returned home to bless his house he was greeted by an angry wife. Michal was upset with David because he had danced shamelessly in front of all the people. In fact she made a slur against him saying, “How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself!”

David told her that he was dancing before the LORD, who had chosen him before her father Saul chose him. It was the LORD who appointed him to be king over Israel and that is who he was celebrating.

David basically let her know that if she thought that was something she hadn’t seen nothing yet. He told her that he would become even more undignified than this. In fact he would be humiliated in his own eyes, but the slave girls that she had mentioned would honor him.

Michal wanted nothing to do with David. Was she jealous of him or what? She had no children with David to the day of her death.

This story is also recorded in 1 Chronicles 15-16, which contains more details about the event in case you would like to read it.

David followed the protocol that the LORD had laid out for them concerning the ark of God and this time the transport of the ark was successful. When we obey God, He will bless us. When we choose not to obey Him, we can’t expect to have His blessings on our lives.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 6:12-23

12 And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness.
13 And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.
14 And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.
15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.
16 And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul’s daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.
17 And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.
18 And as soon as David had made an end of offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts.
19 And he dealt among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. So all the people departed every one to his house.
20 Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself!
21 And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD.
22 And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour.
23 Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death.

Things to think about:

What did David do different this time when they went to get the ark?

How can we tell from this Scripture that this was a time of celebration for David and the people of Israel?

Who was the one person that wasn’t happy about the events that took place?

What was David’s response to her?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we see that David obeyed Your instructions this time concerning the ark. He didn’t disregard them as he had before. He made sure everything was carried out to Your specifications. Help us to honor and obey You in all that we do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Christian Music Video: “Give You My Heart” – Hillsong (Featuring Holly Dawson)

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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.

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:

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The Book of Zechariah: A Story of Dreams and Visions

by Deborah H. Bateman

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Go to: http://amazon.com/dp/B00N1ZAOAM
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Deborah

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.

Christian Music Video: “Our Father Who Art in Heaven”

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:

New Release

The Book of Zechariah: A Story of Dreams and Visions
by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

Go to: http://amazon.com/dp/B00N1ZAOAM
Get your copy now!

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive FREE
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at: http://DeborahHBateman.com/subscribe

Have a blessed day,

Deborah