Daily Bible Reading “Mighty Warriors” (2 Samuel 23:18-23)

Posted on October 28, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Mighty Warriors

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 23:18-23. Abishai, Joab’s brother and Zeruiah’s son, was chief of another three. He slew three hundred men with his sword. He was the most honorable of these three so he was chosen to be their captain. But, he didn’t obtain as much as the first three, which were mentioned in the previous lesson.

Benaiah, Jehoiada’s son, a valiant man, from Kabzeel, did many acts. He slew two lion-like men from Moab. He also slew a lion in the middle of a pit in the snow.

He slew an Egyptian who was a good man. The Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he struck him with a staff, and took the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, then slew him with his own spear.

Benaiah, did these things to make a name for himself among these three mighty men. He was more honorable than the other thirty, but he didn’t attain the level of the first three. So David put him over his guard.

For some reason the mighty men were broken up into groups of three. But the third one in the second group was not mentioned by name nor was it disclosed what his accomplishments were. Obviously they were not as significant as the other two in this group. So there were a total of five of David’s most accomplished warriors listed. Three in the first group and two in this group.

Those who were the most victorious in the fight against their enemies were made leaders over the other soldiers. These men earned their position and the respect of their trusted leader who taught them to be great warriors like he was.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 23:18-23

18 And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief among three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew them, and had the name among three.
19 Was he not most honourable of three? therefore he was their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the first three.
20 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow:
21 And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and slew him with his own spear.
22 These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among three mighty men.
23 He was more honourable than the thirty, but he attained not to the first three. And David set him over his guard.

Things to think about:

Who were the men mentioned in this Scripture?
What did they do to attain leadership positions in David’s army?
What can we learn from this lesson?

Prayer of the Day:

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we see that David had some brave men in his army. He had men who risked their own life to help him win the battles of his day. Help us to see the dedication of these men and strive to be as dedicated to Your work as they were to helping David defend their nation during his time. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Christian Music Video: “Mighty Warrior” – Elevation Worship

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Featured Book:

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 “David’s Mighty Men” (2 Samuel 23:8-17)

Posted on October 27, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

David’s Mighty Men

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 23:8-17. These are the names of David’s three mightiest warriors: Josheb-basshebeth, the Tachmonite, who was the chief among the captains. He was also called Adino the Eznite, because he used his spear to slay eight hundred of their enemies in one battle.

The next in line was Eleazar, the son of Dodo the Ahohite. He was with David at Pas Dammin when they came against the Philistines while the rest of the Israelite army fled.

Eleazar smote the Philistines until his hand was tired from holding his sword. God gave he and David a great victory against the Philistines there. The other soldiers returned after he conquered the Philistines to gather their spoils.

The third of David’s chiefs was Shammah, the son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistine army gathered together where there was a field full of lentils. The rest of the Israelite soldiers fled from the Philistines. But Shammah stood in the middle of the field, and defended it. He slew the Philistines and the LORD gave him a great victory there.

These three of the thirty chiefs came to David’s rescue at the cave of Adullam during the time of harvest. The Philistine army was camped in the valley of Rephaim. David was in a stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was in Bethlehem.

David desired a drink of water from the well at Bethlehem and expressed his desire to his men. These three men went down through the army of the Philistines to the well by the city gate and got some water for David and brought it back to him.

When they got back with the water, David wouldn’t drink it. He poured it out on the ground as a drink offering to the LORD. He realized that he had risked the lives of these three devoted men by asking them to get him some water from the well at Bethlehem.

The men showed their devotion for David by risking their lives to get him some water. He showed his devotion to them by not drinking it, even though he was thirsty. He also showed his devotion to God by offering up something he was so desirous of to the LORD.

Have you ever had a desire for something and then once you got it realized it wasn’t worth the sacrifice that was made to have it? There are things in this life that we think we want, but they’re not worth sacrificing our life, the life of others, our future, or our soul to get them. There is really only one thing that can satisfy our soul and that is a relationship with the Lord.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 23:8-17

8 These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time.
9 And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away:
10 He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil.
11 And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines.
12 But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory.
13 And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David in the harvest time unto the cave of Adullam: and the troop of the Philistines pitched in the valley of Rephaim.
14 And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.
15 And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!
16 And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD.
17 And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men.

This story is also mentioned in 1 Chronicles 11:10-19 with a little more detail than here in 2 Samuel.

Things to think about:

Who were David’s three mighty men?
What was significant about each one of them?
How did they show their devotion to David?
How did David show his devotion to them?
How did David show his devotion to God?
What can we learn from this story?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we see that David had some men who were devoted to serving him. We also see that he was devoted to his men. Most importantly we see David’s devotion to You. Help us to find people who are devoted to helping us win the battles of this life for Your cause. Help us to be devoted to You in all that we do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Christian Music Video: “Fill My Cup Lord”

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:

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

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

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Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Daily Bible Reading “King David’s Last Words” (2 Samuel 23:1-7)

Posted on October 24, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

King David’s Last Words

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 23:1-7. These were the last words of King David. David was the son of Jesse. He was a man who was raised up on high as the king over Israel. He was anointed by the God of Jacob. He was the sweet psalmist of Israel.

David said that the spirit of the LORD spoke to him and the words of the LORD were on his tongue.

The God of Israel, the Rock of Israel spoke to David saying that those who rule over man must be just and rule in the fear of God.

“He shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun rises, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.”

David said, even though his house was not so with God; yet God made an everlasting covenant with him, ordered in all things, and sure. This was David’s salvation, and his desire, although he make it not to grow.

Wicked people will be like thorns that are cast away because they can’t be gathered by hand. The man who touches them must be armed with iron and the staff of a spear. They must be burned where they are.

Have you ever tried to cut down bushes that had thorns on them? You would need a tool that could cut them without getting thorns in your hands and arms. Once they were cut, you would not carry them off to burn them, but you would burn them in the same place where they were. In this Scripture David compared the wicked with thorn bushes. Do you understand the analogy?

God made an everlasting covenant with David. David was not a perfect man, like none of us are perfect, but God made an everlasting covenant with David and his family, and He kept His promise. David loved God and He loved David. David was a man after God’s own heart.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 23:1-7

1 Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said,
2 The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.
3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.
4 And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.
5 Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.
6 But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands:
7 But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place.

Things to think about:

What did we learn from the last message that God gave to David?
What did the LORD say about those who
How do wicked people compare to thorn bushes?
What was God’s covenant with David?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read the last words of David we are touched by the message that You gave him. Help us to heed these words in our own lives. Help us to beware of wicked people like we would beware of thorn bushes. Help those of us who lead others to be a shining example for them. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Christian Music Video: “The Last Words of David”

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:

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

Daily Bible Reading “Blessed Be the Rock” (2 Samuel 22:40-41)

Posted on October 23, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Blessed Be the Rock

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 22:40-41. David acknowledged that it was the LORD who gave him strength to face the battles in his life. He caused David’s enemies who rose up against him to bow down to him. The LORD helped David defeat his enemies and those who hated him.

David’s enemies looked, but there was no one to save them. They cried out to the LORD, but he didn’t answer them. David says he beat his enemies like the dust of the ground, and stamped them like mud in the street, and spread them out.

David didn’t have any mercy on his enemies. His life and the life of his people was at stake and he didn’t take their attacks lightly.

The LORD delivered David from the strife of his people. He made David to be head of the nations. People who David didn’t even know served him.

Strangers submitted to David: as soon as they heard of him, they obeyed him. David was respected because he had a reputation of being a mighty warrior. Some of the people probably submitted for fear of their own lives. In fact, he says, the strangers lost heart, and came out of their hiding places because they were afraid.
David gives God the glory for it all saying, “The LORD lives; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.”

It was God who avenged David, and brought down the people under him. He exalted David above his enemies. The LORD delivered David from the violent men who came after him.

David thanked the LORD, among the heathen, and sang praises to His name. David declared, “You are the tower of salvation for his king: and show mercy to his anointed, unto David, and to his seed for evermore.”

This was a song of praise to the LORD from David for all He had done for him. He recognized God for who He was and all the help He had given him. He knew that it was God who had lifted him up and made him king over Israel. He gave God all the glory for his success as a mighty warrior and king of the people.

This is a long chapter, so I divided it up into several lessons, but I would like to suggest that you get your Bible out and read the entire chapter at one time. These same verses are also part of Psalm 18.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 22:40-41

40 For thou hast girded me with strength to battle: them that rose up against me hast thou subdued under me.
41 Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me.
42 They looked, but there was none to save; even unto the LORD, but he answered them not.
43 Then did I beat them as small as the dust of the earth, I did stamp them as the mire of the street, and did spread them abroad.
44 Thou also hast delivered me from the strivings of my people, thou hast kept me to be head of the heathen: a people which I knew not shall serve me.
45 Strangers shall submit themselves unto me: as soon as they hear, they shall be obedient unto me.
46 Strangers shall fade away, and they shall be afraid out of their close places.
47 The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.
48 It is God that avengeth me, and that bringeth down the people under me,
49 And that bringeth me forth from mine enemies: thou also hast lifted me up on high above them that rose up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.
50 Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name.
51 He is the tower of salvation for his king: and sheweth mercy to his anointed, unto David, and to his seed for evermore.

Things to think about:

Who was it that exalted David as king over the people?
Who was it that helped David to conquer his enemies?
Who did David give glory to for his success?
In what ways can we praise the LORD for all He has done for us?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we see that it was You who made David a mighty warrior and lifted him up as king over the people of Israel. He gave You the praise, honor, and glory for what You did for him. David realized that without You he could not have done it all. Help us to realize how much You help us in our daily lives to face the enemy and to be victorious. Give us strength in the battle of life. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Christian Music Video: “Blessed Be The Rock”

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:

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

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

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Deborah

Daily Bible Reading “The LORD Rewards the Righteous” (2 Samuel 22:21-30)

Posted on October 21, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

The LORD Rewards the Righteous

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 22:21-30. David tells us that the LORD rewarded him because of his righteousness and the cleanness of his hands. He declares that he observed the ways of the LORD and has not let wickedness come between him and the LORD.

David kept the LORD’S judgments and statues before him and didn’t depart from them. He walked upright before the LORD and kept away from sin. It is so easy to let sin creep into our lives. In order to keep sin out of our lives we have to focus on the LORD and His ways. The LORD rewarded David because He found him to be clean.

David declares that the LORD shows mercy to the merciful. He is upright with those who are upright. With the pure, He is pure. The LORD wrestles with those who are deceitful. He saves those who are humble and humbles those who are proud.

David admits that the LORD is his lamp. He lights David’s path and guides him along the way. With the LORD’S help David was able to drive away a band of soldiers and leap over a wall.

David acknowledged his dependence on God. He studied the words of the LORD and kept them before him to remind him to walk upright before the LORD.

David knew that he wouldn’t have been able to defeat his enemy without the help of the LORD. The LORD watched over him and protected him. He guided him through his life. He gave David strength and wisdom to fight the battles with which he was confronted. The LORD rewarded David for his faithfulness to Him. What can we learn from David’s example?

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 22:21-30

21 The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.
22 For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.
23 For all his judgments were before me: and as for his statutes, I did not depart from them.
24 I was also upright before him, and have kept myself from mine iniquity.
25 Therefore the LORD hath recompensed me according to my righteousness; according to my cleanness in his eye sight.
26 With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful, and with the upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright.
27 With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself unsavoury.
28 And the afflicted people thou wilt save: but thine eyes are upon the haughty, that thou mayest bring them down.
29 For thou art my lamp, O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my darkness.
30 For by thee I have run through a troop: by my God have I leaped over a wall.

Things to think about:

Why did the LORD reward David?
What are some other reasons the LORD might reward us?
How should we live if we want to receive the LORD’S blessings on our lives?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we see that you rewarded David because of his righteousness. Help us as we strive to live righteous lives. Forgive us of the times we have been unrighteous. Help us to be what You would have us to be and do what You would have us to do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Christian Music Video: “I Need You” – Chris Tomlin

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