Daily Bible Reading “Saul’s Sins Revisited” (2 Samuel 21:1-9)

Posted on October 14, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Saul’s Sins Revisited

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 21:1-9. There was a famine during the time of David for three consecutive years. David asked the LORD why there was a famine. The LORD told David that there was a famine because of the bloodshed from the house of Saul, because he slew the Gibeonites.

The Gibeonites were not part of the children of Israel. They were a remnant from the Amorites, but the people of Israel had sworn to spare them. Saul tried to destroy them in his quest for the people of Israel and Judah.

King David went to the Gibeonites to inquire what he could do for them to make atonement for what Saul had done so they would bless the inheritance of the LORD.

The Gibeonites told David that they didn’t want silver, gold, or anything from Saul’s house. They didn’t want him to kill any of the men of Israel. David asked them again what he could do to make this right.

They told David that they wanted seven of Saul’s sons so they could hang them up before the LORD at Gibeah of Saul.

David agreed to give the Gibeonites what they requested. But he spared the life of Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son and Saul’s grandson because of the oath that he made with his best friend, Jonathan.

The king chose Armoni and Mephibosheth, two sons of Rizpah, who was the daughter of Aiah, whom she bare to Saul. He also chose five sons of Michal, the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel, the son of Barzillai, the Meholathite.

King David delivered the seven men into the hands of the Gibeonites, as they requested. They killed the men and hanged them on the hill before the LORD. All seven of the men fell together. They were put to death during the first days of the barley harvest.

This is another example of how there are consequences for our actions. Saul caused a lot of unnecessary blood shed. His family suffered the consequences of his actions. No doubt this caused a lot of grief in his family.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 21:1-9

1 Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites.
2 And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them; (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them: and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.)
3 Wherefore David said unto the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make the atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the LORD?
4 And the Gibeonites said unto him, We will have no silver nor gold of Saul, nor of his house; neither for us shalt thou kill any man in Israel. And he said, What ye shall say, that will I do for you.
5 And they answered the king, The man that consumed us, and that devised against us that we should be destroyed from remaining in any of the coasts of Israel,
6 Let seven men of his sons be delivered unto us, and we will hang them up unto the LORD in Gibeah of Saul, whom the LORD did choose. And the king said, I will give them.
7 But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of the LORD’S oath that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul.
8 But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bare unto Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite:
9 And he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them in the hill before the LORD: and they fell all seven together, and were put to death in the days of harvest, in the first days, in the beginning of barley harvest.

Things to think about:

What was the problem the children of Israel were experiencing? Why?
What did King David do to try to resolve the issue?
What agreement did the king make?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture we see that there are circumstances for the sins that are committed. Help us to realize this and think about the decisions we make. Help us to honor You in all of our ways. Forgive us of all the ways we have failed You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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About the book:
The Book of Malachi: A Message from the LORD is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. Malachi was considered to be a “Messenger of the LORD.” God delivered His message to the people of Israel through Malachi. Malachi was one of the twelve prophets from the Old Testament. The book of Malachi is the last book in the Old Testament of the Bible.

The Book of Malachi: A Message from the LORD includes eight Daily Bible Reading Lessons. Each lesson contains a brief commentary from the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scriptures, a few questions for discussion or contemplation, and a prayer for the day to go along with the lesson. This book is great for a personal daily devotional or for a group Bible study.

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Daily Bible Reading “A Woman Helps Joab” (2 Samuel 20:16-26)

Posted on October 13, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

A Woman Helps Joab

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 20:16-26. A wise woman from the city called out to Joab saying she wanted to talk to him. She asked if he was Joab and if he would listen to her. He told her he was Joab and he would hear her plea.

She told him that she was faithful to Israel and wanted to know if he was trying to destroy the city. He told her that they weren’t trying to destroy the city they were looking for a man named Sheba who had come against the king.

She told Joab that she would give him Sheba’s head if he would not destroy the city. Joab agreed. She conferred with the people of the city and they delivered Sheba’s head across the wall to Joab. Not only did this woman help Joab and his men conquer their enemy, she saved her city from destruction as well.

Once they received Sheba’s head Joab’s men returned to their tents and Joab went back to Jerusalem.

Joab was over the army of Israel. Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, was over the Cherethites and Pelethites.

Adoram was over the laborers. Jehoshaphat, the son of Ahilud, was the recorder (record keeper).

Sheva was a scribe. Zadok and Abiathar were the priests. Ira, the Jairite, was a chief ruler for David.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 20:16-26

16 Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee.
17 And when he was come near unto her, the woman said, Art thou Joab? And he answered, I am he. Then she said unto him, Hear the words of thine handmaid. And he answered, I do hear.
18 Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter.
19 I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel: thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the LORD?
20 And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.
21 The matter is not so: but a man of mount Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, hath lifted up his hand against the king, even against David: deliver him only, and I will depart from the city. And the woman said unto Joab, Behold, his head shall be thrown to thee over the wall.
22 Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast it out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king.
23 Now Joab was over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites:
24 And Adoram was over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder:
25 And Sheva was scribe: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:
26 And Ira also the Jairite was a chief ruler about David.

Things to think about:

What was the woman’s concern?
With whom did she barter?
What kind of agreement did they come to?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read the Scripture in 2 Samuel we see that there was a woman who bartered with Joab for Sheba’s head. She wanted to protect her city. Reading this Scripture reminds us that there were wise women who were used to accomplish things even in Biblical times. Help us not to discount our ability to make a difference in the world because we are women. Give us the courage we need to accomplish whatever You would have us to. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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The Book of Malachi: A Message from the LORD
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Daily Bible Reading “David Faced Opposition” (2 Samuel 20:1-15)

Posted on October 10, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

David Faced Opposition

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 20:1-15. There was a wicked man, named Sheba. He was the son of Bichri. He was a Benjamite. He was the rebellious kind. He blew a trumpet and declared that they would have no part of David or the son of Jesse. He commanded the people of Israel to return to their tents. Once again David faced opposition.

The men of Israel chose to stop following David as their king and followed Sheba instead. But the men of Judah from Jordan to Jerusalem continued to honor David as their king.

King David returned to his house in Jerusalem. The king took the ten women concubines that he left to take care of the house and put them in ward. He still provided for them, but no longer had relationships with them. They lived as widows until their death.

The king told Amasa to gather the men of Judah in three days and requested that Amasa be there with them. For some reason Amasa took longer than the king asked.

David told Abishai that Sheba, the son of Bikri, would do them more harm than Absalom did. David instructed him to take his master’s men and pursue Sheba. David was concerned that Sheba would find fenced cities and escape from them.

So Joab’s men, the Cherethites, Pelethites, and all the mighty warriors went out under the command of Abishai. They marched out of Jerusalem to pursue Sheba, the son of Bikri.

While they were at the great rock in Gibeon, Amasa came to meet them. Joab was wearing his military garment, and strapped over it at his waist was a belt with a dagger in its sheath. As he stepped forward, the dagger dropped out of its sheath.

Joab approached Amasa asking, “How are you, my brother?” Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand like he was going to kiss him. Joab caught Amasa off guard. He didn’t realize that Joab had a dagger in his hand. Joab plunged the dagger into Amasa’s belly, and his intestines fell to the ground. Amasa died immediately. Why do you suppose Joab killed Amasa?

Joab and his brother Abishai went on to pursue Sheba. One of Joab’s men stood beside Amasa and told the men that whoever favored Joab, and was for David, to follow Joab. Amasa was laying in the middle of the road in a pool of his own blood. When the troops saw him they all came to a halt. When Joab’s man realized that everyone who saw Amasa stopped, he dragged him out of the road into a nearby field and covered him with a cloth.

After Amasa was removed from the road, everyone went on with Joab to pursue Sheba. Sheba passed through all the tribes of Israel to Abel, Bethmaachah, and through the entire region of the Bikrites, they gathered together and followed him.

All the troops with Joab came and besieged Sheba in Abel, Bethmaachah. They had built a bank against the city, and it stood in the trench. Joab and his men battered the wall and brought it down.

It seems that King David always faced opposition one way or another. In life things are not always easy. It seems there are always battles to face. Some of the battles may be physical and some may be spiritual. But, if we have God on our side we can be victorious.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 20:1-15

1 And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel.
2 So every man of Israel went up from after David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri: but the men of Judah clave unto their king, from Jordan even to Jerusalem.
3 And David came to his house at Jerusalem; and the king took the ten women his concubines, whom he had left to keep the house, and put them in ward, and fed them, but went not in unto them. So they were shut up unto the day of their death, living in widowhood.
4 Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and be thou here present.
5 So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah: but he tarried longer than the set time which he had appointed him.
6 And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take thou thy lord’s servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us.
7 And there went out after him Joab’s men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.
8 When they were at the great stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa went before them. And Joab’s garment that he had put on was girded unto him, and upon it a girdle with a sword fastened upon his loins in the sheath thereof; and as he went forth it fell out.
9 And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him.
10 But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab’s hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri.
11 And one of Joab’s men stood by him, and said, He that favoureth Joab, and he that is for David, let him go after Joab.
12 And Amasa wallowed in blood in the midst of the highway. And when the man saw that all the people stood still, he removed Amasa out of the highway into the field, and cast a cloth upon him, when he saw that every one that came by him stood still.
13 When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.
14 And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to Bethmaachah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered together, and went also after him.
15 And they came and besieged him in Abel of Bethmaachah, and they cast up a bank against the city, and it stood in the trench: and all the people that were with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down.

Things to think about:

Who was the man who rose up against David?
What tribe of Israel remained loyal to King David?
Who was killed in this Scripture? Why? By whom?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we see that King David had opposition, but he still had faithful followers. Give us people in our lives that will support us no matter the opposition that we face. Help us to be loyal followers of Christ. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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Daily Bible Reading “Barzillai Had a Servant’s Heart” (2 Samuel 19:31-43)

Posted on October 9, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Barzillai Had a Servant’s Heart

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 19:31-43. Barzillai, who was a Gileadite, came from Rogelim and crossed the Jordan with the king and sent him on his way from there.

Barzillai was getting up in age. He was eighty years old at this time. He provided for the king during his stay in Mahanaim, which is mentioned in 2 Samuel 17:27-29. He was a wealthy man who had brought supplies for David and his men. He and his friends saved the lives of the king and his men.

The king asked Barzillai to cross over with him and stay with him in Jerusalem. The king promised to provide for Barzillai.

Barzillai answered the king, “How many more years will I live, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king? He reminded the king that he was eighty years old. He said he had trouble telling the difference between what was enjoyable and what wasn’t. He told the king that he couldn’t taste what he ate and drank. He also said that he couldn’t even hear the voices of male and female singers. He didn’t want to be an added burden to the king.

He told the king that he would cross over the Jordan with him for a short distance, but didn’t want the king to reward him in that way. He asked the king to let him return, so he could die in his own town and be buried near the tomb of his father and mother. He suggested that the king let Chimham cross over with him instead. He asked the king to do for Chimham whatever he wished.

The king agreed to let Chimham cross over with him, and said he would do for him whatever Barzillai wanted. He also told Barzillai that he would do anything for him that he desired.

All the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzillai and told him goodbye. Barzillai returned to his home as he desired.

When the king crossed over to Gilgal, Chimham went with him. All the troops of Judah and half the troops of Israel escorted the king over.

Soon the men of Israel came to the king and asked him, why the men of Judah stole the king away and brought him, his household, and all his men across the Jordan.

The men of Judah told the men of Israel that they did this because the king was closely related to them. They questioned them as to why they were angry about it. They asked, “Have we eaten any of the king’s food? Have we taken anything for ourselves?”

The men of Israel answered the men of Judah, “We have ten shares in the king; so we have a greater claim on David than you have. Why then do you treat us with contempt? We were the first to speak of bringing back our king.” The men of Judah pressed their claims even more forcefully than the men of Israel. These men were acting like King David was their possession to barter for or something.

Barzillai, on the other hand, had a servant’s heart. He had done things to help David, but he didn’t want anything in return. He didn’t want to be a burden to David. He only wanted to be a blessing to him.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 19:31-43

31 And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan.
32 Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.
33 And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem.
34 And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem?
35 I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?
36 Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king: and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward?
37 Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.
38 And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good unto thee: and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, that will I do for thee.
39 And all the people went over Jordan. And when the king was come over, the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned unto his own place.
40 Then the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him: and all the people of Judah conducted the king, and also half the people of Israel.
41 And, behold, all the men of Israel came to the king, and said unto the king, Why have our brethren the men of Judah stolen thee away, and have brought the king, and his household, and all David’s men with him, over Jordan?
42 And all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, Because the king is near of kin to us: wherefore then be ye angry for this matter? have we eaten at all of the king’s cost? or hath he given us any gift?
43 And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, and said, We have ten parts in the king, and we have also more right in David than ye: why then did ye despise us, that our advice should not be first had in bringing back our king? And the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel.

Things to think about:

What did we learn in this Scripture about Barzillai?
Why didn’t he want to stay with the king?
Who did he recommend in his place?

Prayer of the Day:

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we see that there were supporters of King David. There were people like Barzillai who had taken care of the king, but didn’t want anything in return. Help us to find people to partner with to do Your work who a not selfish and self-serving, but truly want to help further Your kingdom. Help us to have a servant’s heart. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Christian Music Video: “Servant’s Heart”

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The Book of Malachi: A Message from the LORD
By Deborah H. Bateman

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Deborah

Daily Bible Reading “Mephibosheth Returns to Jerusalem” (2 Samuel 19:24-30)

Posted on October 8, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Mephibosheth Returns to Jerusalem

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 19:24-30. Mephibosheth, the grandson of Saul, came to Jerusalem to meet King David. He hadn’t washed his feet, trimmed his beard, or washed his clothes since the king left.

When Mephibosheth arrived, David asked him why he didn’t go with him when he left town. Mephibosheth told David that his servant had deceived him. His servant, Ziba, told Mephibosheth that he would saddle a donkey for him so he could go with the king, since he was lame, but he didn’t.

Mephibosheth told King David that his servant had lied to him. He proclaimed that the king was an angel of God and told him to do whatever he pleased.

Mephibosheth acknowledged that all of those from his father’s house were like dead men to the king. But, Mephibosheth had a special relationship with the king since King David had invited him to eat at the kings table.

David asked Mephibosheth why he kept talking about these matters. The king told him that he had already decided that he and Ziba could split the land.

Mephibosheth told King David that Ziba could have the property since the king had returned to the palace in peace.

King David was in no mood to condemn anybody at this time. He was celebrating his return to the palace. It was obvious by the fact that Mephibosheth hadn’t taken care of himself since King David left that he was mourning for David. Because of King David’s relationship with Mephibosheth’s father, Jonathan, he held a special place in the king’s heart.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 19:24-30

24 And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace.
25 And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said unto him, Wherefore wentest not thou with me, Mephibosheth?
26 And he answered, My lord, O king, my servant deceived me: for thy servant said, I will saddle me an ass, that I may ride thereon, and go to the king; because thy servant is lame.
27 And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord the king is as an angel of God: do therefore what is good in thine eyes.
28 For all of my father’s house were but dead men before my lord the king: yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did eat at thine own table. What right therefore have I yet to cry any more unto the king?
29 And the king said unto him, Why speakest thou any more of thy matters? I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land.
30 And Mephibosheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take all, forasmuch as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his own house.

Things to think about:

What was Mephibosheth’s concern?
What did the king ask Mephibosheth?
What did Mephibosheth say his servant had done?

Prayer of the Day:

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we see that Mephibosheth came to the king to try to make things right with him. What Mephibosheth acted like was a big problem didn’t seem to bother King David. Help us when dealing with others not to over react, but to act in humility as King David did. Help us to have a forgiving spirit. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Christian Music Video: “Grace Greater Than Our Sin”

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 Malachi: A Message from the LORD
By Deborah H. Bateman

Go to: http://amazon.com/dp/B00O4NVVGQ
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Deborah