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
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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 “David Grieves” (2 Samuel 1:17-27)

Posted on August 12, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

David Grieves

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 1:17-27. David mourned over the death of Saul and Jonathan. David encouraged the people of Israel to teach the children to use the bow because of the recent events in Israel. He told them not to talk about the news in Gath or in the streets of Askelon. He didn’t want the Philistines to celebrate the loss of lives that had been taken.

He proclaimed that there would be now dew or rain on the mountains of Gilboa because of the loss of Saul’s life there.

David was distraught about the death of Jonathan and Saul. He was upset that Saul wasn’t regarded for the fact that he was anointed by God to be the head of Israel.

Jonathan was like a brother to David. David states that Jonathan’s love meant more to him than the love of women.

When we go through times of mourning it can take a while to get through the sorrow. The memories we have for those we love and care about are with us forever even though they are gone. We have to use the good memories and God’s comfort to get us through times of mourning.

I have lost many people that I cared deeply for in my life including both of my parents, my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and most recently my mother-in-law and sister-in-law. Loss is never easy.

Grief hangs over our heads like a dark cloud that looms on a stormy day. It takes time to work through the grieving process. When you go through these times in life don’t be too hard on yourself. Seek comfort from God to carry you through these difficult times of life.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 1:17-27

17 And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:
18 (Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.)
19 The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!
20 Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.
21 Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew, neither let there be rain, upon you, nor fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, as though he had not been anointed with oil.
22 From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty.
23 Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.
24 Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel.
25 How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places.
26 I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.
27 How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!

Things to think about:

What was David mourning?

What did David have to say about Saul?

What did David say about Saul?

What did David say about the mountains of Gilboa?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we see that David was grieving the loss of Saul and Jonathan, his best friend. We know that only You can comfort us when in our loss. Help us to turn to You in our times of need. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination
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Daily Bible Reading “David Learned of Saul’s Death” (2 Samuel 1:1-16)

Posted on August 11, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 1:1-16. David returned to Ziklag after the slaughter of the Amalekites. David hadn’t heard about Saul and Jonathan’s death yet, but he was about to hear the news. David had only been back in Ziklag three days when he received a visitor.

A man came out from Saul’s camp. He was dirty and his clothes were torn. When he saw David, he bowed down to him.

David asked him where he came from. He told David that he escaped from the Israel’s camp. David asked him how the battle went.

The man told David that the people had fled from the battle and many were dead, including Saul and Jonathan.

David asked the young man how he knew that Saul and Jonathan were dead. The young man explained that the Philistines were chasing hard after Saul and in Saul’s anguish he fell upon his sword.

He told David that when he happened upon Saul at mount Gilboa that Saul called to him and asked him who he was. He told Saul that he was an Amalekite. Saul requested that he take his sword and finish killing him.

So the young man took his sword and killed Saul, because he was sure he wouldn’t survive with the injuries he had already sustained. The young man took Saul’s crown from his head and his bracelet from his arm and brought them to David.

David was so upset he and all the men that were with him tore their clothes and mourned for Saul and Jonathan. Besides being the leader of Israel, Saul had been David’s father-in-law and Jonathan was like a brother to David. He was David’s best friend.

David asked the young man who he was. He told David that he was the son of an Amalekite, who was a stranger. David asked him wasn’t he afraid to slay, Saul, the LORD’s anointed.

David called one of his young men and told them to slay the Amalekite. David told him his blood was on his head because he had testified with his own mouth that he slayed one of the LORD’s anointed.

This was a sad day for David. He had learned that two people who had been influential in his life were dead. If you’ve ever lost a loved one you can imagine the grief David felt.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 1:1-16

1 Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in Ziklag;
2 It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.
3 And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped.
4 And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also.
5 And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead?
6 And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him.
7 And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called unto me. And I answered, Here am I.
8 And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite.
9 He said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me: for anguish is come upon me, because my life is yet whole in me.
10 So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord.
11 Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that were with him:
12 And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.
13 And David said unto the young man that told him, Whence art thou? And he answered, I am the son of a stranger, an Amalekite.
14 And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD’S anointed?
15 And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, and fall upon him. And he smote him that he died.
16 And David said unto him, Thy blood be upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the LORD’S anointed.

Things to think about:

How did David learn about the death of Saul and Jonathan?

What was David and his men’s reaction to Saul’s death?

What happened to the Amalekite who killed Saul?

Prayer of the Day:

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we see David’s grief over the death of Saul and Jonathan. Help us in times of grief to turn to You for comfort. Help us to realize that You are always there for us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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Daily Bible Reading “The Philistines Reject David” (1 Samuel 29:1-11)

Posted on July 24, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

The Philistines Reject David

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Samuel 29:1-11. The Philistines gathered their troops at Aphek and the Israelites camped by a fountain in Jezreel. David and his men were behind the Philistine army with Achish rather than lining up with Israel for battle, but they weren’t there for long.

When the princes of the Philistines saw David and his men they became angry. The Philistine princes asked, “Why are theses Hebrews here?”

Achish told the princes that this was David, servant to Saul, king of Israel. Achish had learned to trust David since he had come to stay in their territory. Achish defended David saying he has been with me for a while now and I haven’t found any fault in him.

The princes demanded that Achish send David away. They didn’t want him to go to battle with them. They were afraid David would turn on them in the heat of the battle.

The princes questioned Achish saying, “Is not this David, of whom they sang one to another in dances, saying, Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thousands?”

Achish called David to him and told David that he had found favor in his sight. Achish admitted that David hadn’t caused him any trouble since he had been with him. Achish asked David to go in peace because the princes of the Philistines weren’t comfortable with him going with them to war.

David questioned Achish asking, “What have I done?” David asked Achish, “Haven’t I been a faithful servant to you, I haven’t caused you any trouble since I’ve been with you?”

Achish once again reassured David that he had been a blessing from God to him, but the princes wouldn’t allow him to go with them. He insisted that David and his men rise early the next morning and return to the land of the Philistines. So David and his men did as Achish requested.

David had been hiding out in enemy territory for a while. Now he was willing to fight on the enemies side in order to protect himself and his men. Can we hide in the light of the world so long that we are willing to fight on opposite sides from the LORD?

God didn’t allow David to fight against Israel. Even though he had been faithful to Achish he was rejected by those in charge of the Philistine army. This reminds me that sometimes God might allow us to get so far away from Him, but there comes a time when He says enough. He draws a line in the sand and points us back in the right direction.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Samuel 29:1-11

1 Now the Philistines gathered together all their armies to Aphek: and the Israelites pitched by a fountain which is in Jezreel.
2 And the lords of the Philistines passed on by hundreds, and by thousands: but David and his men passed on in the rereward with Achish.
3 Then said the princes of the Philistines, What do these Hebrews here? And Achish said unto the princes of the Philistines, Is not this David, the servant of Saul the king of Israel, which hath been with me these days, or these years, and I have found no fault in him since he fell unto me unto this day?
4 And the princes of the Philistines were wroth with him; and the princes of the Philistines said unto him, Make this fellow return, that he may go again to his place which thou hast appointed him, and let him not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he be an adversary to us: for wherewith should he reconcile himself unto his master? should it not be with the heads of these men?
5 Is not this David, of whom they sang one to another in dances, saying, Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thousands?
6 Then Achish called David, and said unto him, Surely, as the LORD liveth, thou hast been upright, and thy going out and thy coming in with me in the host is good in my sight: for I have not found evil in thee since the day of thy coming unto me unto this day: nevertheless the lords favour thee not.
7 Wherefore now return, and go in peace, that thou displease not the lords of the Philistines.
8 And David said unto Achish, But what have I done? and what hast thou found in thy servant so long as I have been with thee unto this day, that I may not go fight against the enemies of my lord the king?
9 And Achish answered and said to David, I know that thou art good in my sight, as an angel of God: notwithstanding the princes of the Philistines have said, He shall not go up with us to the battle.
10 Wherefore now rise up early in the morning with thy master’s servants that are come with thee: and as soon as ye be up early in the morning, and have light, depart.
11 So David and his men rose up early to depart in the morning, to return into the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel.

Things to think about:

Why was David with the Philistine’s?

Whose favor had David earned?
Had David become so devoted to Achish that he was will to fight against Israel?

Who wasn’t comfortable with David being a part of the Philistine army?

What did Achish tell David and his men to do?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture we see that David had been a faithful servant to Achish. He was lined up for battle with the Philistines. David and his men were turned away when it came time for battle. Help us to realize that there is no place for us in enemy territory. Even though we may be accepted to a point there comes a time when the line is drawn in the sand and we must return. Keep us in the center of Your will and don’t allow us to play the games of the enemy. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Christian Music Video: “Battle” – Chris August

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Daily Bible Reading “David Dwells with the Philistines” (1 Samuel 27:1-12)

Posted on July 21, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

David Dwells with the Philistines

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Samuel 27:1-12. David was still concerned that one day he would die by the hand of Saul. So David fled to the land of the Philistines. He and six hundred men went to the king of Gath, Achish, who was the son of Maoch.

David and his two wives, Ahinoam and Abigail, and the men along with their families resided at Gath.

Saul heard that David was at Gath so he didn’t search for him anymore.

After a while David went to Achish and asked him if he had found favor in his eyes if he would give him a place in the country where he and his men could live. Achish gave David and his men Ziklag.

David and his men lived in the land of the Philistines for sixteen months.

David and his men invaded the Geshurites, Gezrites, and Amalekites. They left neither man nor woman alive. They took all the cattle, sheep, oxen, donkey, camels, and apparel.

David came back and told Achish what he had done. Achish believed him and told David that he could be his servant forever. Achish thought that the people of Israel would be against David because of his actions.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Samuel 27:1-12

1 And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand.
2 And David arose, and he passed over with the six hundred men that were with him unto Achish, the son of Maoch, king of Gath.
3 And David dwelt with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, even David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal’s wife.
4 And it was told Saul that David was fled to Gath: and he sought no more again for him.
5 And David said unto Achish, If I have now found grace in thine eyes, let them give me a place in some town in the country, that I may dwell there: for why should thy servant dwell in the royal city with thee?
6 Then Achish gave him Ziklag that day: wherefore Ziklag pertaineth unto the kings of Judah unto this day.
7 And the time that David dwelt in the country of the Philistines was a full year and four months.
8 And David and his men went up, and invaded the Geshurites, and the Gezrites, and the Amalekites: for those nations were of old the inhabitants of the land, as thou goest to Shur, even unto the land of Egypt.
9 And David smote the land, and left neither man nor woman alive, and took away the sheep, and the oxen, and the asses, and the camels, and the apparel, and returned, and came to Achish.
10 And Achish said, Whither have ye made a road to day? And David said, Against the south of Judah, and against the south of the Jerahmeelites, and against the south of the Kenites.
11 And David saved neither man nor woman alive, to bring tidings to Gath, saying, Lest they should tell on us, saying, So did David, and so will be his manner all the while he dwelleth in the country of the Philistines.
12 And Achish believed David, saying, He hath made his people Israel utterly to abhor him; therefore he shall be my servant for ever.

Things to think about:

Why did David go to the land of the Philistines?

How many did David carry with him?

What did David and his men do to seal the deal with Achish?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 1 Samuel, we don’t understand why some things happen. But, we know that there is a plan behind all of this. Help us not to question things we don’t understand that may be Your will. Help us to trust You to work things out in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Christian Music Video: