Daily Bible Reading “David and Bathsheba’s Son Dies” (2 Samuel 12:18-25)

Posted on September 15, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

David and Bathsheba’s Son Dies

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 12:18-25. For seven days David laid on the ground praying, fasting, and seeking God’s face. On the seventh day his son died. Seven is the number of completeness and perfection in the Bible. Wonder if there is some significance in this instance to the child dying on the seventh day.

David’s servants were afraid to tell him of his son’s death because David wouldn’t respond to them when they talked to him before the child was dead. They didn’t know how he would react to the news now that his son was dead.

David saw them whispering and realized that the child had died. So he asked them if the child was dead. David’s servants responded to him saying, “He is dead.”

David got up, bathed, anointed himself, and changed his clothes. Then, he went to the house of the LORD and worshiped. Despite this tragedy in David’s life, he loved the LORD and one of the first things he did was go to worship Him. David knew God loved him as well. When David was ready, his servants prepared food for him and he ate.

The servants asked David why he fasted, prayed, and cried over his child while he was alive, but now that he was dead he got up and ate.

David told them that he fasted and prayed to God hoping that He would be gracious to him and spare his son’s life. But now that he was dead, what could he do, he could go to his son, but his son couldn’t return to him.

David went in to comfort his wife, Bathsheba. He slept with her and she conceived a son who they called Solomon, whom the LORD loved.

David sent word to Nathan that they were having a son and he called him Jedidiah, which means “beloved of Jehovah.”

Sometimes we don’t understand why God allows things to happen. We may have prayed and asked God not to allow something bad to happen as David did. But, God has his reasons for allowing things to happen, both bad and good. In this Scripture God not only allowed their son to die, but he also blessed them with another son.

Isaiah 55:9 tells us, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Psalm 51 speaks of this time in David’s life. Where David repented of his sins to the LORD and asked for God’s forgiveness.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 12:18-25

18 And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead?
19 But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead.
20 Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat.
21 Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread.
22 And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?
23 But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.
24 And David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: and the LORD loved him.
25 And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he called his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD.

Things to think about:

What had David done for seven days?
What did David do once he found out his son died?
Why did David say his actions changed?
How did God bless David and Bathsheba in this Scripture?

Prayer of the Day:

As we read this Scripture our hearts are grieved for the loss that David and Bathsheba experienced. We also see that You blessed them with another son shortly after their loss. Help us to realize that Your ways are higher than our ways. Even though we might not understand why some things happen You have Your reasons for allowing them. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Christian Daily Resources: “Friend of Sinners”

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:

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.

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

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman author site to receive

FREE Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox

Monday – Friday.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Daily Bible Reading “Nathan Tells David a Story” (2 Samuel 12:1-6)

Posted on September 11, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Nathan Tells David a Story

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 12:1-6. The LORD sent Nathan to talk to David. Nathan told David a story about two men who lived in a city, one man was rich and one man was poor.

The rich man was blessed with many flocks and herds. The poor man had nothing except one ewe lamb that lived with him and his children. This lamb was like a member of the family. It ate what the man ate and drank what he drank. It slept on the man’s chest.

There was a traveler who came to the rich man. Instead of the rich man taking one of his flock to prepare for the traveler he took the poor man’s only little ewe and dressed it and fed it to the visitor.

David grew very angry when he heard Nathan’s story. He told Nathan that this man should die for his actions. He also said the man should repay the man four times for his selfish act.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 12:1-6

1 And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.
2 The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds:
3 But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter.
4 And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man’s lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him.
5 And David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die:
6 And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.

Things to think about:

Why did the LORD send Nathan to talk to David?
Who were the two people that were in Nathan’s story?
What did the rich man do to the poor man?
What did David say should happen to the rich man for his transgressions?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture we see in the story that Nathan told David that the rich man took from the poor man his only possession. Help us not to be selfish. Help us to share with the poor instead of take what little they have. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Christian Music Video: “Lamb of God”

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 author site to receive

FREE Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox

Monday – Friday.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Daily Bible Reading “David Sent Uriah to the Front line” (2 Samuel 11:14-27)

Posted on September 10, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

David Sent Uriah to the Front line

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 11:14-27. The next morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah back to the battlefield.

David told Joab in the letter to put Uriah on the front lines of the battle and leave him there so he will be killed.

So Joab assigned Uriah in a place where he knew there were valiant men to fight the battle. Uriah along with some of Joab’s other men were killed.

Joab sent word to David about the happenings of the war. He told the servant if David got angry and asked why they went so close to the city wall tell him that Uriah was dead as well.

The servant went to David and gave him a report on the battle as Joab had requested.

David sent word back to Joab telling him not to let this discourage him, but to go even harder against the city and overthrow it.

When Bathsheba, Uriah’s wife, heard that he was killed she mourned for him.

When Bathsheba had finished mourning for her husband, Uriah, David sent for her. She became David’s wife and had his son.

David thought he had fixed the problem, but the LORD was not happy with David and his actions.

Have you ever done anything that you knew displeased the LORD? How did it make you feel to know that God was not pleased with you? How do you think David felt?

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 11:14-27

14 And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah.
15 And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die.
16 And it came to pass, when Joab observed the city, that he assigned Uriah unto a place where he knew that valiant men were.
17 And the men of the city went out, and fought with Joab: and there fell some of the people of the servants of David; and Uriah the Hittite died also.
18 Then Joab sent and told David all the things concerning the war;
19 And charged the messenger, saying, When thou hast made an end of telling the matters of the war unto the king,
20 And if so be that the king’s wrath arise, and he say unto thee, Wherefore approached ye so nigh unto the city when ye did fight? knew ye not that they would shoot from the wall?
21 Who smote Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? did not a woman cast a piece of a millstone upon him from the wall, that he died in Thebez? why went ye nigh the wall? then say thou, Thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.
22 So the messenger went, and came and shewed David all that Joab had sent him for.
23 And the messenger said unto David, Surely the men prevailed against us, and came out unto us into the field, and we were upon them even unto the entering of the gate.

24 And the shooters shot from off the wall upon thy servants; and some of the king’s servants be dead, and thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.
25 Then David said unto the messenger, Thus shalt thou say unto Joab, Let not this thing displease thee, for the sword devoureth one as well as another: make thy battle more strong against the city, and overthrow it: and encourage thou him.
26 And when the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband.
27 And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD.

Things to think about:

What was David’s plan to get rid of Uriah?
How did David’s plan play out?
What did David do once Uriah was dead?
How did the LORD feel about David’s actions?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we see how David dealt with his sin and we see that You were not happy with him. Help us to think about the consequences of the things we do before we do them. Help us to not only think of ourselves and our own desires, but to think of the others it will affect. Help us to realize that when we sin it grieves You. Help us to consider all these things before we make decisions that we can’t reverse. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Christian Music Video: “Need You Now” – Plumb

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 author site to receive

FREE Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox

Monday – Friday.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Daily Bible Reading “David Meets Bathsheba” (2 Samuel 11:1-13)

Posted on September 9, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

David Meets Bathsheba

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 11:1-13. When the year was past and it was time for the kings to go to battle David sent Joab and the men of Israel to conquer the children of Ammon. They destroyed the people of Ammon and took siege of Rabbah. Meanwhile David remained in Jerusalem.

Come evening David got up from his bed and went to the roof. When he looked over he saw a beautiful woman bathing.

David inquired as to who this beautiful woman was. He was told that this was Bathsheba, daughter of Eliam, and wife of Uriah the Hittite. Uriah was one of the soldiers in David’s army.

David sent messengers to get Bathsheba. She came to the king’s palace and he slept with her. Then she returned to her home.

Bethsheba conceived. She sent word to David that she was going to have a baby. David messed up and wanted cover his tracks so he sent word to Joab to send Uriah to him. Joab did as David requested.

When Uriah arrived David tried to make small talk with him questioning him about the war. David asked Uriah how Joab did, how the people were doing and how the war was going.

David told Uriah to wash his feet and go to his house. David also sent meat for a celebration feast. But, Uriah refused to go home. Instead he slept with the king’s servants at the king’s door.

When David heard that Uriah didn’t go home he sent for him and questioned him as to why he didn’t go home since he was allowed to come back from the battlefield.

Uriah didn’t think it was fair for him to go home and be with his wife when Joab and the other guys were still out in the field. He also acknowledged that the ark, Israel and Judah were abiding in tents therefore he didn’t think it would be right for him to go home. He refused to do what the king told him to do.

David told Uriah to stay another day in Jerusalem and then he would let him go back. David invited Uriah to eat with him. He got Uriah drunk. Maybe David was hoping if he got him drunk enough he would go home and sleep with his wife, but David’s plan failed. Uriah slept again that night with the king’s servants instead of going to his own house.

Have you ever really messed up and then tried to cover your tracks, but your attempts failed as David’s did?

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 11:1-13

1 And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.
2 And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.
3 And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?
4 And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house.
5 And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child.
6 And David sent to Joab, saying, Send me Uriah the Hittite. And Joab sent Uriah to David.
7 And when Uriah was come unto him, David demanded of him how Joab did, and how the people did, and how the war prospered.
8 And David said to Uriah, Go down to thy house, and wash thy feet. And Uriah departed out of the king’s house, and there followed him a mess of meat from the king.
9 But Uriah slept at the door of the king’s house with all the servants of his lord, and went not down to his house.
10 And when they had told David, saying, Uriah went not down unto his house, David said unto Uriah, Camest thou not from thy journey? why then didst thou not go down unto thine house?
11 And Uriah said unto David, The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord, are encamped in the open fields; shall I then go into mine house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? as thou livest, and as thy soul liveth, I will not do this thing.
12 And David said to Uriah, Tarry here to day also, and to morrow I will let thee depart. So Uriah abode in Jerusalem that day, and the morrow.
13 And when David had called him, he did eat and drink before him; and he made him drunk: and at even he went out to lie on his bed with the servants of his lord, but went not down to his house.

Things to think about:

What was David’s first mistake in this Scripture?
What was David’s second mistake?
How was David going to try to cover up his mistake?
Did David succeed at attempting to cover his trouble?
What can we learn from this lesson?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we see that David had gotten himself into trouble. His attempts to cover his mistakes failed. Help us to be careful about what we do. Help us to not attempt to cover our sin, but to confess our sins to You and ask for forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Christian Music Video: “Oh My Soul Repent for Your Sins”

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 author site to receive

FREE Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox

Monday – Friday.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Daily Bible Reading “David Meets Mephibosheth” (2 Samuel 9:1-13)

Posted on September 5, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

David Meets Mephibosheth

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 9:1-13. David inquired if there was anyone left from the house of Saul. He wanted to show kindness to them for his friend, Jonathan’s sake.

There was a servant by the name of Ziba from Saul’s house. They called him to come to David. When he arrived the king asked him if he was Ziba. He answered, “Thy servant is he.”

The king asked Ziba if there was anyone from the house of Saul left, so he could show the kindness of God to him. Ziba told David that Jonathan’s son, who was lame, was still living.

The king asked, “Where is he?” Ziba told the king that he was in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lodebar.

King David sent for him. When Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he fell on his face, and showed reverence to the king. David called him by name saying, “Mephibosheth.” He answered David saying, “Behold thy servant!”

David told him that he didn’t need to be afraid all he wanted was to show him kindness for his father Jonathan’s sake. David also promised Mephibosheth that he would restore to him all of Saul’s land which was his grandfather. David also invited him to eat at the king’s table .

Mephibosheth bowed down, and asked, “What is thy servant, that you should look upon such a dead dog as I am?”

The king called to Ziba, Saul’s servant, and told him, that he gave to his master’s son all that belonged to Saul and to his house.

David told Ziba that he, his sons, and his servants, were to till the land for Mephibosheth. Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. They were to bring in the fruits so his master’s son would have food to eat. David also told Ziba that Mephibosheth, his master’s son, was invited to eat at his table.

Ziba told David he would do everything David asked him to do. As for Mephibosheth, said the king, he will eat at my table, as one of the king’s sons.

Mephibosheth also had a young son, whose name was Micha. All those who lived in the house of Ziba were servants to Mephibosheth.

Mephibosheth stayed in Jerusalem and ate at the king’s table as the king had insisted. Mephibosheth was lame on both of his feet.

Why was David so insistent on Mephibosheth eating at his table? Was it because he was Jonathan’s son? Was it because he was lame? Can you imagine being invited to eat at the king’s table?

Mephibosheth was invited to dine there on an ongoing basis as one of the king’s sons. As Christians one day we will be invited to dine at the table of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords as sons and daughters of the King.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 9:1-13

1 And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?
2 And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he.
3 And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet.
4 And the king said unto him, Where is he? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lodebar.
5 Then king David sent, and fetched him out of the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, from Lodebar.
6 Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant!
7 And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.
8 And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?
9 Then the king called to Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said unto him, I have given unto thy master’s son all that pertained to Saul and to all his house.
10 Thou therefore, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him, and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy master’s son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master’s son shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.
11 Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that my lord the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do. As for Mephibosheth, said the king, he shall eat at my table, as one of the king’s sons.
12 And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Micha. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants unto Mephibosheth.
13 So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king’s table; and was lame on both his feet.

Things to think about:

Why was David inquiring about descendants of Saul?
Who was David wanting to show honor to? Why?
Which of Saul’s descendants did David find was still living?
What did David grant to the descendant of Saul?
What are some things we can learn from this lesson?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we see that David was an honest man. He searched out Saul’s descendants to give them what was rightfully theirs. He also showed honor to Jonathan by treating his son as his own son. Help us to be honest in all our dealings. Help us to show honor to those who honor is due. 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:

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 author site to receive

FREE Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox

Monday – Friday.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah