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”

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

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 “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

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Deborah

Daily Bible Reading “David Reinstated as King” (2 Samuel 19:9-23)

Posted on October 7, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

David Reinstated as King

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 19:9-23. The people of Israel were in distress. They were troubled because David had saved them from their enemies, and delivered them out of the hand of the Philistines; and then he was driven out of the land by Absalom.

Now, Absalom, whom they anointed to be king over them, had died in battle. They didn’t understand why there wasn’t talk of bringing King David back.

King David sent word to Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, asking them to talk to the elders of Judah, and ask them, “Why are you the last to bring the king back to his house?” The king had heard the talk that was going around throughout all Israel, he knew that the people were in distress.

The king questioned them saying, “You are my brethren, you are my bones and my flesh: so why are you the last to bring back the king?”

He sent word to Amasa asking, “Are you not my own flesh and bone?” God do the same to me, and even more, if you are not appointed captain of my army instead of Joab.

David won the hearts of all the men of Judah. The men were all in agreement, so they sent word to the king to return and bring all his servants with him.

King David returned. He came as far as Jordan. Judah came to Gilgal, and met the king, to lead him over Jordan.

Shimei, the son of Gera, who was a Benjamite, whose mother was Bahurim, came down with the other men of Judah to meet king David.

There were a thousand men from the tribe of Benjamin with Shimei. Ziba, who was the servant of Saul came to Jordan with his fifteen sons and twenty servants met the king at Jordan as well.

They brought a ferry boat to carry the king’s household, and did whatever the king wished. Shimei, the son of Gera, bowed before the king, when he crossed over Jordan.

He begged the king for forgiveness asking him not to find him guilty, nor remember what he had done to the king the day that the king left Jerusalem.

He knew that he had done the king wrong that is why he was the first that day from the house of Joseph to go down and meet the king.

Abishai, the son of Zeruiah, asked, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD’S anointed?”

David declared, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should this day be adversaries to me? Shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? Today I am king over Israel?” He swore to Shimei, that he wouldn’t die.

Did you notice how those who were closest to David, his own kin folks, were the last to call for his reinstatement as king? Why is it that sometimes the people who we are closest to give the least amount of support? David had to ask them to reinstate him. It was as if they couldn’t see that the people wanted David to return as the king over Israel.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 19:9-23

9 And all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, The king saved us out of the hand of our enemies, and he delivered us out of the hand of the Philistines; and now he is fled out of the land for Absalom.
10 And Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle. Now therefore why speak ye not a word of bringing the king back?
11 And king David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, saying, Speak unto the elders of Judah, saying, Why are ye the last to bring the king back to his house? seeing the speech of all Israel is come to the king, even to his house.
12 Ye are my brethren, ye are my bones and my flesh: wherefore then are ye the last to bring back the king?
13 And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.
14 And he bowed the heart of all the men of Judah, even as the heart of one man; so that they sent this word unto the king, Return thou, and all thy servants.
15 So the king returned, and came to Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to conduct the king over Jordan.
16 And Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, which was of Bahurim, hasted and came down with the men of Judah to meet king David.
17 And there were a thousand men of Benjamin with him, and Ziba the servant of the house of Saul, and his fifteen sons and his twenty servants with him; and they went over Jordan before the king.
18 And there went over a ferry boat to carry over the king’s household, and to do what he thought good. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, as he was come over Jordan;
19 And said unto the king, Let not my lord impute iniquity unto me, neither do thou remember that which thy servant did perversely the day that my lord the king went out of Jerusalem, that the king should take it to his heart.
20 For thy servant doth know that I have sinned: therefore, behold, I am come the first this day of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.
21 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD’S anointed?
22 And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day king over Israel?
23 Therefore the king said unto Shimei, Thou shalt not die. And the king sware unto him.

Things to think about:

Why were the people of Israel in turmoil?
What was the answer to their problem?
Who did King David appeal to in order to resolve the problem?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we see that the people were without a king. Absalom had been killed and David fled from Absalom and his men. David’s own family members were the last to reinstate him as king. Help us to realize that sometimes the ones we love most and expect to support us are the least likely to. Help us to find favor with others who are willing to support us in our endeavors to serve You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Christian Music Video: “King of My Heart”

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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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Daily Bible Reading “A Time to Mourn” (2 Samuel 19:1-8)

Posted on October 6, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

A Time to Mourn

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 19:1-8. Joab heard that King David was weeping and mourning for his son, Absalom. The victory of David’s army was turned to mourning for all of Israel when they heard that the king was grieving for his son.

The men entered the city that day like men who steal in that are ashamed because they escaped from battle.

The king covered his face, and cried with a loud voice, “O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!”

Joab came to the king’s house telling him that he had shamed all of his servants. He reminded David that they had saved his life, and the lives of his sons, daughters, wives, and concubines.

Joab went on to proclaim to the king that he was acting as if he loved his enemies and hated his friends. He told David that he didn’t seem to value the lives of his men. He told David that he would have been happier if Absalom had lived and all of them had died.

Joab told David that he needed to go out and encourage his men or he wouldn’t have any supporters by nightfall, which would be worse than all the evil David had experienced since he was a young man.

So David got up and sat at the gate. When the people heard that King David was sitting at the gate, they left the tents where they had fled, and gathered together before the king.

Why didn’t Joab want the king to mourn? Doesn’t everybody deserve a time to mourn when they have lost someone close to them, even a king? We all go through times of mourning in our lives.

Ecclesiastes 3 tells us that there is a time for everything. Verse 3 reminds us that there is, “A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.”

First Thessalonians 4:13 reminds us, “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.”

As believers in Christ we do have the hope of seeing our loved ones again in heaven if they are also Christians. Holding on to that hope can give us great comfort during times of grief.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 19:1-8

1 And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom.
2 And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people: for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son.
3 And the people gat them by stealth that day into the city, as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle.
4 But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!
5 And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines;
6 In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well.
7 Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants: for I swear by the LORD, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now.
8 Then the king arose, and sat in the gate. And they told unto all the people, saying, Behold, the king doth sit in the gate. And all the people came before the king: for Israel had fled every man to his tent.

Things to think about:

What was Joab’s response to King David’s mourning?
How did David’s mourning affect the victory that the Israelites had in battle?
What did Joab tell King David he needed to do? Why?
What was the people’s response to the king when he sat at the gate?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we see that David was mourning over his son’s death. It is understandable and expected that he would be mourning at this time. But, there were those who didn’t want to let him mourn. Help us to be compassionate toward those who are in mourning. Help us to seek comfort from You during times of mourning and grief in our lives. Give us strength, LORD, to carry on when we don’t feel like we can keep going. Help us to accept the things in our lives that we can’t change. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Christian Music Video: “With Hope” – Steven Curtis Chapman

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

Go to: http://amazon.com/dp/B00O4NVVGQ
Get your copy now!

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman author site to receive

Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah