Daily Bible Reading “How Excellent is Thy Loving-kindness, O God!” (Psalm 36:1-12)

Posted on May 16, 2024 by Deborah H. Bateman

How Excellent is Thy Loving-kindness,

O God!

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Psalm 36:1-12. Psalm 36 is a Psalm of David to the Chief Musician, which means it was probably used as a song of worship.

David talks about the wicked who have an evil nature in their heart. Wicked people have no fear, or reverence, of God. They speak evil and tell lies. They are not wise nor do they do good. They are blinded to their own sinful nature. Even when the wicked lie in their beds they devise evil. What a graphic description of the sinful man!

It almost seems like David is comparing the evil man to God. Because after describing all the evil attributes of the wicked man, David talks about all the good attributes of God. God’s righteousness is like the mighty mountain. God’s faithfulness reaches to the clouds. We can depend on Him to always be there for us.

God preserves and protects both man and beast. His loving-kindness toward us is immeasurable. We can trust Him and rest under the shadow of His wings. God is the fountain of life. From Him flow rivers of living water. Drink from His well so your soul will never thirst.

David asks God not to let the foot of pride come against him. This may be a prayer that we need to say, as well. We need to pray asking the LORD to remove our pride.
David asks God to protect him from the hand of the wicked, and he declares that the “workers of iniquity” will be defeated.

Daily Bible Reading:

Psalm 36:1-12

1 [[To the Chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David the servant of the LORD.]] The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.
2 For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.
3 The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good.
4 He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil.
5 Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.
6 Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.
7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.
8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
9 For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.
10 O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.
11 Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.
12 There are the workers of iniquity fallen: they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise.

Things to think about:

What does David say about the wicked?
What does David say about God?
How do the attributes of the wicked compare with the attributes of God?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Psalm of David, where he seems to compare the evil man to You. There is no comparison; these descriptions are at opposite ends of the spectrum. You are holy, righteous, loving, and merciful, but, the wicked are evil, liars, and cheaters. LORD, we thank You for Your loving-kindness toward us. Help us to love, worship and praise You for all You are and all You do for us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. – Psalm 36:7

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Excerpt from The Book of Psalms: Part 2 Chapters 31-60

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The Book of Psalms:
Part 2 Chapters 31-60
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About the book:

The Book of Psalms: Part 2 Chapters 31-60 by Deborah H. Bateman is 27th book in the Daily Bible Reading Series. The book of Psalms contains 150 chapters. Deborah divided The Book of Psalms into five books to make it easier to read and study. Each book will contain approximately thirty chapters from the book of Psalms.

Psalm 119 will not be included in The Book of Psalms since Deborah has already published a book about it called: Psalm 119: Thy Word is a Lamp unto My Feet. The book of Psalms is one of Deborah’s favorite books of the Bible. It is a great book to read if you’re ever feeling down or need to renew your relationship with Christ. King David went through a lot of tough times in his lifetime, but he loved God and trusted God to protect him from his enemies.

The book of Psalms was written by various people. About half of it was attributed to King David, whether they were written by David or for David is questioned by some biblical scholars. Some of the Psalms were written by Asaph and some say they were written for the sons of Korah and even Moses and Solomon were writers of the Psalms. The Psalms consists of poetry that was primarily meant to be used as songs of praise to the Lord.

The Book of Psalms: Part 2 Chapters 31-60 contains thirty-five Daily Bible Reading Lessons. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scriptures, a few questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer of the day. It is a great Bible study for individuals or group studies.

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Recipe for Life

Daily Bible Reading “Absalom Meets His Demise” (2 Samuel 18:1-15)

Posted on October 2, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Absalom Meets His Demise

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 18:1-15. David counted the men who were with him and divided them into groups of hundreds and thousands. He appointed commanders over each of the groups. In this Scripture we learn what happened to Absalom during this battle.

A third of David’s troops were under the command of Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai, son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai, the Gittite. The king told the troops that he would march with them.

The men didn’t want King David to go with them. They said, “If we flee, they won’t care about us. If half of us die, they won’t care; but you are worth ten thousand of us. It would be better for you to give us your support from the city.”

The king told them that he would do whatever they thought was best. So he stood beside the gate and watched while all of his men marched out to battle.

The king commanded Joab, Abishai and Ittai to be gentle with his son Absalom for his sake. All the troops heard as the king gave orders to each of the commanders concerning Absalom.

David’s army marched out of the city to fight Israel. The battle took place in the forest of Ephraim.

David’s men were victorious over Israel’s troops. There were twenty thousand men killed that day on the battle field.

The battle spread over the countryside.The forest swallowed up more men that day than the sword.

Absalom met up with David’s men. He was riding on his mule, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak tree, Absalom’s hair got caught in the tree. He was left hanging there, but the mule he was riding kept going.

One of the men who saw what happened told Joab, “I just saw Absalom hanging in an oak tree.”

Joab asked the man who saw Absalom hanging, “What! You saw him? Why didn’t you strike him to the ground right there? Then I would have had to give you ten shekels of silver and a warrior’s belt.”

The man told him even if a thousand shekels were put in his hands, he would not have laid a hand on the king’s son. We all heard what the king said when he commanded you, Abishai and Ittai, to protect Absalom for his sake.

If I had put my life in jeopardy–and nothing is hidden from the king–you would have kept your distance from me.”

Joab said, “I’m not going to wait like this for you.” He took three javelins in his hand and plunged them into Absalom’s heart while Absalom was still alive and hanging in the oak tree.

Joab took advantage of Absalom’s mishap. He completely defied the order that King David gave to him and the other leaders of his army.

If that wasn’t enough, then, ten of Joab’s armor-bearers surrounded Absalom, smote him and killed him.

I’m always looking to see what we can learn from our daily lessons. I was telling my granddaughter about this lesson and asked her what we could learn from it. She said, “Keep your hair wrapped up tight.” I had to laugh. I don’t think that’s exactly our best lesson from this Scripture, but I thought it was cute.

David trusted the leaders of his army to protect Absalom. The only command he gave them before leaving for battle was that they be gentle with his son. Even though his son was seeking to overtake his kingdom, David still didn’t want anything bad to happen to him. David loved his son, Absalom.

David must have felt like there was nobody he could trust. Have you ever felt that way?

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 18:1-15

1 And David numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them.
2 And David sent forth a third part of the people under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said unto the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also.
3 But the people answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but now thou art worth ten thousand of us: therefore now it is better that thou succour us out of the city.
4 And the king said unto them, What seemeth you best I will do. And the king stood by the gate side, and all the people came out by hundreds and by thousands.
5 And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.
6 So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim;
7 Where the people of Israel were slain before the servants of David, and there was there a great slaughter that day of twenty thousand men.
8 For the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country: and the wood devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.
9 And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away.
10 And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak.
11 And Joab said unto the man that told him, And, behold, thou sawest him, and why didst thou not smite him there to the ground? and I would have given thee ten shekels of silver, and a girdle.
12 And the man said unto Joab, Though I should receive a thousand shekels of silver in mine hand, yet would I not put forth mine hand against the king’s son: for in our hearing the king charged thee and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Beware that none touch the young man Absalom.
13 Otherwise I should have wrought falsehood against mine own life: for there is no matter hid from the king, and thou thyself wouldest have set thyself against me.
14 Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak.
15 And ten young men that bare Joab’s armour compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him.

Things to think about:

Who were the leaders of David’s army?
What was the one command David gave them?
What happened to Absalom?
Who disobeyed the king’s command?
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 a mighty army. He had leaders in his army that he trusted with his son’s life. Help us to be able to discern who we can trust. Lead, guide and direct in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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The Book of Zechariah: A Story of Dreams and Visions

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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.

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Daily Bible Reading “Absalom’s Conspiracy” (2 Samuel 15:1-18)

Posted on September 24, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Absalom’s Conspiracy

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 15:1-18. Soon after Absalom was pardoned by David, Absalom prepared chariots with horses and got fifty men to run with him.Absalom was about to make his moves.

Absalom got up early every day and stood outside the gates at the king’s palace. When someone came with a problem, he would greet them and tell them that the king didn’t have anyone to hear their problems. Then he told them if he was appointed judge then they would have someone to go to that would hear their problems and make judgment on them.

When the men tried to bow to Absalom, he’d take them by the hand and kiss them instead of allowing them to bow to him. By doing this Absalom stole the hearts of all the men of Israel. He was a great politician.

After forty years Absalom asked for the king’s permission to go to Hebron to pay his vows to the LORD. Absalom told the king that he had made a vow to the LORD while he was in Geshur that if the LORD let him return to Jerusalem he would serve Him. The king told Absalom to go in peace.

Absalom went to Hebron. He sent spies throughout Israel and told them as soon as they heard the trumpet sound they would know that he reigned in Hebron.

Absalom took two hundred men with him from Jerusalem, but they didn’t have any clue what he was up to.

Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counsellor, from his city of Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. The conspiracy grew stronger and Abasalom’s following increased as well.

A messenger came to David and told him what was going on. So David told all his servants to get ready to go. They needed to leave before Absalom and his followers attacked them.

King David, his family and his servants left and went far away. The only ones who stayed behind were ten concubines who were left to take care of the house.

All of David’s servants and the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and the Gittites, passed on before the king. There was a total of six hundred men which went with from Gath.

Have you ever had anybody in your life that you couldn’t trust? How did it make you feel to know that someone you cared about turned their back on you? How would you feel if you were David and your son had become your enemy? Do you find it hard sometimes to know who you can trust?

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 15:1-18

1 And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
2 And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.
3 And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.
4 Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!
5 And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.
6 And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
7 And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the LORD, in Hebron.
8 For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the LORD shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD.
9 And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron.
10 But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron.
11 And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing.
12 And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.
13 And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.
14 And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.
15 And the king’s servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.
16 And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, which were concubines, to keep the house.
17 And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off.
18 And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.

Things to think about:

How did Absalom win the trust of the people?
Why didn’t David have any clue what Absalom was up to?
What happened when David found out what Absalom was doing?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we see that Absalom conspired against David to try to win over the people of Israel. Help us to be alert and have discernment concerning those who are close to us. Help us to know when something isn’t going right. Help us to know who we can trust. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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Featured Book:

The Book of Zechariah: A Story of Dreams and Visions

by Deborah H. Bateman

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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.

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Our Newest Release:

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

About the book:

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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