Foundations: 1 Kings - Day 5

Read: 1 Kings 4

Solomon, as a wise king, established structure. Wisdom dictates that one person cannot do everything. Thus, Solomon set officials over the various departments in his kingdom. Solomon chose to adopt several of David’s officials as his own, because David had exercised sound judgment during his reign. Zadok and Abiathar were priests under both Solomon and David (v 4, 2 Sam. 20:25). Benaiah remained leader of the army (v 4, 2 Sam 23:20-23). Solomon’s choice of officials displayed respect for his father and adherence to the fifth commandment: “Honour your mother and your father, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you” (Ex 20:12).

Next, we read of Solomon’s great riches (v 21-28). The Lord has fulfilled his promised to multiply Solomon’s wealth and honour (3:13). Solomon also recognized that the riches in Israel must be properly managed. He set up a system whereby one official was responsible for each month of the year (v 7, 27). Each official had a region he managed. When it was a region’s appointed month, they were required to provide resources for the king. This system limited the unfair distribution of wealth that is common when one region alone provides for a monarch (and thereby struggles to grow their own economy), while another (namely the region in which the monarch resides) benefits economically from him.

We see two insights into Solomon’s character in this chapter. The first insight is into Solomon’s heart. In 1 Kings 3 we saw Solomon’s willingness to compromise with a spouse. Here we see his willingness to blur the lines of the laws for kings (see Deut 17:16, which prohibits a king from amassing horses). The way a person sets up the practical aspects of their life reflects the true nature of their heart before God. Second, we are reminded of Solomon’s exceptional wisdom, which far surpassed that of his contemporaries. Solomon’s wisdom drew many pilgrims, keeping Israel in the international spotlight.

Prayer and Journaling

1.  God loves structure and order. This is displayed by His choice to include detailed lists of kings’ official leadership structures in Scripture. Ask God how you can grow in managing the life He has given you. Ask God to speak to you about any changes you need to make in organizing/managing the following areas:

1.   Your schedule

2.   Your relationships

3.   Your finances and physical belongings

2.   Ask God for grace to grow in managing your life under His direction. If you are naturally disorganized, pray for empowerment to take responsibility over the things in your care. If you are naturally over-organized, pray for the ability to release control and trust God. Pray that God’s people would be a light to the world through how they steward their lives and resources.

Foundations: 1 Kings - Day 4

Read: 1 Kings 3

Now that Solomon has firmly established his reign over Israel, we can observe how he conducts himself as king. First, he chooses Pharaoh’s daughter to be his wife. It is likely that, by outward affirmation if not inward belief, she converted from the Egyptian faith to Judaism prior to marriage. If this were not the case, Solomon would be breaking the Law by marrying her (Deut. 7:2-4). At the time, Solomon was abiding by the Law as fully as possible (v 3). Further, Egyptian gods are noticeably absent from the list of foreign gods Solomon eventually worshipped (1 Kings 11:5-6). However, this marriage was a case of following the letter of the law rather than the spirit of the law. By accepting a foreign wife, Solomon began to blur the lines of morality – both for himself and the subjects who followed him. The human heart is wicked and deceitful. Our broken nature will default to going as close to the line as possible without crossing over. Brothers and sisters, this is not true obedience. A truly obedient heart eagerly seeks to fulfill God’s commands out of love for Him, not simply to meet a minimum behavioural threshold.

Despite this indicator of a straying heart, the Scriptures tell us that Solomon “loved the Lord.” He sacrifices one thousand burnt offerings – a truly extravagant display of love! When we lavish our love upon God, He loves to respond to us! In this case, God appears to Solomon in a dream. God tells Solomon, “Ask what you wish me to give you” (v 5). Solomon displays humility in his response. He admits that he is ill-equipped to lead a nation and asks God for an understanding heart to judge and the ability to discern between good and evil (v 9). This humble prayer pleases God greatly. He chooses not only to grant Solomon wisdom as requested, but also riches and honour. Matthew 7:11 reflects this sentiment: “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

Chapter 3 closes with a display of Solomon’s wise judgement. God’s gift is clearly at work here! In this familiar story, two women of harlotry bring a child before Solomon, each claiming she is the mother. Solomon wisely appeals to a property law (Ex 21:35). While it was not his intention to literally cut the child in half, Solomon uses this ruling as a test to reveal the real mother. The result of the case is far-reaching. “When all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had handed down, they feared the king; for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice” (v 28).

Prayer and Journaling

1.  What is the heart behind your obedience? Are there any areas where you are outwardly obeying God, but inwardly toeing the line? Is the position of your heart one that joyfully obeys or one that desires to go as far as possible without being caught? Confess as necessary. Ask God to grow your desire to follow Him (Philippians 2:13).

2.  Solomon offered an extravagant sacrifice (v 4) out of his love for Yahweh. He recognized that whatever we have is merely on loan from our Creator. Solomon gave his possessions back to God, because he knew God is worthy of everything we have and everything we are. While most people do not have the resources available to kings, we are all required to give whatever we have wholeheartedly to Jesus. What would living a life of extravagant, loving sacrifice look like for you? Ask God to show you how you can present yourself completely as a love offering to Him.

3.   True obedience comes from knowing God intimately, walking with Him closely and loving Him deeply. Ask God to speak to you about who He is today. Journal what He reveals to you. Does this affect how you feel about obedience?

Foundations: 1 Kings - Day 3

Read: 1 Kings 2

1 Kings 2 tells us how Solomon consolidated his power as king. The chapter begins with David on his deathbed. As is often the case with people facing long-term illness, David knows his death is drawing near. He calls Solomon and bestows a final fatherly charge: serve God and lead your kingdom. David exhorts Solomon to obey the Law in everything he does. Further, he gives Solomon practical advice on leading his kingdom, in particular how to deal with political threats. After guiding his beloved son, David passes away and is buried in Jerusalem.

The rest of chapter 2 unfolds with Solomon fulfilling the second half of his father’s charge. First, Solomon deals with his rebellious half-brother, Adonijah. The story begins when Adonijah requests Abishag the Shunammite as a wife. Adonijah approaches Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother, as a way of avoiding a direct request to the king. Solomon puts Adonijah to death for this request. This decision seems odd from a modern, Western perspective. However, Abishag was considered part of King David’s harem, even though she remained a virgin. Marrying her would be a symbolic attempt to lay claim to the throne (for other examples of marriage as a royal claim, see 2 Samuel 3:6-7, 12:7-8, and 16:20-24). This request proved that Adonijah was unrepentant and disloyal. If Solomon did not punish him, Adonijah would continue to rebel and attempt to take the throne.

Second, Solomon removes Abiathar from the priesthood for siding with Adonijah in the rebellion. Solomon says, “... you deserve to die [for your rebellion], but I will not put you to death at this time, because you carried the ark of the Lord God before my father David, and because you were afflicted in everything with which my father was afflicted.” Solomon shows mercy for Abiathar’s former service, while acknowledging that punishment is necessary for his recent actions. Third, Solomon orders that Joab be put to death for murdering Abner and Amasa (v 5). Finally, Solomon punishes Shimei for cursing David at Mahanaim (v 8). David had promised not to kill Shimei for this curse, so Solomon devises a clever scheme. He forbids Shimei from ever leaving Jerusalem. Three years later, Solomon knows immediately when Shimei goes to Gath, indicating that Solomon was keeping close watch on him. For breaking the terms of his house arrest, Shimei is put to death.

Solomon has now defeated these threats to his reign and “the kingdom is firmly in his hands” (v 46). Defeating his opponents will give Solomon the liberty to diligently lead his kingdom instead of constantly vying for power. It will free his time, energy, and resources to be used for governing, rather than fighting.

Prayer and Journaling

1.  This chapter shows that rebellion carries serious consequences. Ask God to search your heart. Are there any situations where you are rebelling (outwardly – through action, or inwardly – through thoughts and motives) against your family, employer or other leaders?

2.   If Solomon had ignored the disloyal people around him, he might have had to spend a great deal of his reign quashing rebellions. This would limit him from doing beneficial things for the kingdom.  Is there a situation in your life that you are avoiding dealing with? Ask God to show you any good things this is keeping you from. Also, ask Him how He would like you to deal with the situation.

3.  Pray for government today. Pray that God would empower our leaders (locally, provincially and nationally) to focus on governing instead of vying for political power. Pray that God would give them wisdom, insight and creativity in their positions. Pray that many of our leaders would choose to submit themselves as tools to advance God’s kingdom in our nation.

Foundations: 1 Kings - Day 2

Read: 1 Kings 1

David has ruled Israel for forty years, leading them through war and rebellion. Under his rule, Israel moved from a group of semi-autonomous tribes to a unified nation with a single king and capital city (Jerusalem). David has modelled for his subjects how to live a life “after God’s own heart.” Whenever he fell into sin, David repented, turning wholeheartedly back to a relationship with God. Now, this beloved king is sick. He is nearing his last days and the entire nation is holding its breath: what will happen next?

Adonijah, one of David’s sons, sees an opportunity to act. He gathers chariots, horsemen and supporters in a daring act to set himself up as the next king of Israel. They must act quickly and secretly. Those loyal to David cannot know what is afoot or Adonijah’s plans will be thwarted.

However, such events can never remain a secret. Nathan, a prophet loyal to David, hears about the rebellion. He quickly approaches Bathsheba to share the news. Adonijah must be stopped. Bathsheba’s life is in danger, as it that of her son, Solomon. She flees to the sickly David and presents her case. While Bathsheba is explaining the events to David, Nathan enters and confirms her story. People are already saying “Love live King Adonijah,” even though David has not bestowed this title. In his last official act as king, David must stop the rebellion and install Solomon as the rightful king.

While Adonijah is feasting with his followers, he hears a commotion in the distance. Jonathon, son of Abiathar the priest, gives the news to Adonijah. Solomon has been crowned king. As a symbol of authority Solomon is already sitting on the royal throne. The dinner guests are terrified. If they are caught supporting Adonijah, their lives may be at stake. Their apparent loyalty is proven false as they flee, valuing their own safety more than their support of Adonijah. Adonijah now has only one choice: fall before Solomon and plead for forgiveness. Solomon wisely declares that Adonijah’s judgment will be determined when his true worth is revealed.

Prayer and Journaling

1.  1 Kings 1:6 tells us that David did not question Adonijah’s actions leading up to the rebellion. While we cannot say for sure, this verse hints that the rebellion could have been stopped pre-emptively if David kept a closer watch over those in his responsibility. Ask God if there is anyone in your sphere of influence who is showing signs of unrepentant sin. Pray for God to bring this person to repentance. Ask Him if there is anything He would like you to do in this situation. Perhaps He wants you to lovingly but firmly approach this person or maybe He wants you to commit to interceding over the situation.

2.   Solomon displayed great wisdom by delaying his verdict on Adonijah (v 52). Rather than reacting to Adonijah in a time of heightened emotions, Solomon waited to determine how best to deal with Adonijah’s rebellion. Have you ever faced negative consequences because you acted rashly? Ask God to show you how to make decisions wisely instead of rashly.

3.   Pray for unity in the Church today. Ask the Lord to be merciful towards those who struggle with rebellion and to bring them to repentance. 

Foundations: 1 Kings - Day 1

Foundations:  The Book of 1 Kings

24 Day Devotional

1 Kings traces the history of Israel from the end of David’s reign, to Solomon’s

splendour and eventual downfall, through the division of the kingdom, to the

end of King Ahab’s reign. This book weaves together the righteousness of God

and the folly of man teaching us much about how God controls both nature and

history and how He is willing to forgive the repentant.

1 Kings 9:4-5 (ESV)

“…if you will walk before me, as David your father walked, with integrity of

heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you, and

keeping my statutes and my rules, then I will establish your royal throne over

Israel forever…”

---

Introduction

Originally one book, 1 and 2 Kings follow Israel from Solomon’s reign through the exile of the Northern and Southern kingdoms.  A key theme in 1 Kings is the importance of leadership. As we read about the kings we see a direct correlation between the state of a king and the state of the nation. Sinful kings set the tone for the nation to rebel against Yahweh and follow false gods. Righteous kings lead the nation to repent and obey Him.

This period in history reveals many important characteristics of God. We see His mercy displayed as He patiently gives Israel the opportunity to turn back to Him.  We see His grace as He sends prophets to warn the people of the consequences of disobedience. We see His justice and His holiness as He sends Israel and Judah into exile for their consistent rebellion.  We also see God’s faithfulness as He promises to bring His people back from captivity (Isaiah 44:28-45:1) and, in His perfect timing, delivers on that promise (2 Chronicles 36:22-23).

Prayer and Journaling

1.  Ask God what He wants to do in your life through your time with Him in 1 Kings. Record what He says so you can look back on it when you finish this devotional.

2.  God is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He is still a holy God who requires us to submit to Him. He will still discipline those who reject Him. Pray for Canada today. Pray that the Church would arise and lead the nation to repent of our wicked ways and follow Jesus.

Foundations: 2 Samuel - Day 17

Read: 2 Samuel 24

The book of 2 Samuel ends on a somewhat disappointing note. David’s pride draws him into another act of sin. David commands Joab to take a census of the people. This is an act of pride, showing both that David does not trust the Lord to defend and protect his kingdom, and also that David boasts in the number of those under his command. Verse 1 tells us that the Lord incited David to take the census. 1 Chronicles 21 recounts the same story and says that it was Satan who incited David to this act. And so we conclude that the Lord allowed Satan the authority to tempt David in this way, and David succumbed. Joab knows this is a bad idea and tells David so, but David has his mind made up and sends Joab out to number the people.

It doesn’t take long for David to recognize his sin. Pride is an ugly thing. We have just read the list of David’s wonderful mighty men, and now we see David giving himself the glory for such commitment in his kingdom. God hates when we steal His glory. David is nothing without the Lord. It is Yahweh who called him out of the pastures and into the palace. It is Yahweh brought him out of the desert and into his domain. It is Yahweh who showered him with His presence, with friendship and with sustenance. When we take glory for God’s gifts, God gets angry. David should have known better, and so consequence ensues. He is given three options: 1) three years of famine in Israel, 2) three months on the run from his enemies, or 3) three days of pestilence in Israel. David’s response is so true to form: “I am in great distress. Let us fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercy is great; but let me not fall into the hand of man.” Even in the midst of punishment, David trusts in God’s mercy. And so we learn – mercy does not always mean being let off the hook. In fact, sometimes punishment is merciful because what we learn from it far outweighs being let off the hook. Whatever would come, David trusted in God’s mercy and the love God had for His people. And so Israel falls into three days of pestilence and 70,000 men die before David calls out for deliverance and God stays His hand. The mercy of the Lord spares the nation and retains the promise of an everlasting dynasty.

In worship and obedience, David buys the field where the angel of the Lord ceased his destruction and built there an altar to the Lord. Again, a poignant principle is shown to us by David. He offers to buy the field from Araunah, but Araunah kindly offers it for free. David will not take it and says: “No, but I will buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD that cost me nothing.” There is nothing we can do to repay the Lord for the kindness and salvation He has shown us. But a sacrifice without sacrifice is nothing. When we give tithes and offerings faithfully, even though it means we cannot afford something else that we would like to buy, God is pleased. When we take some of our spare time to spend with someone who needs a friend, even though we would like to rest, God is pleased. When we abstain from something we enjoy for a time in order to grow our intimacy with God (fasting), God is pleased. Our sacrificial actions show that we value Him above all else. David models this for us.

And so we end 2 Samuel on the cusp of a change. David is old in age, having written his final psalm. His kingdom is promised to remain forever, but the time is nearing for the kingship to pass to another. Who it will be and what will happen to the nation of Israel is further developed in the books of Kings and Chronicles and through the prophecies of the Major and Minor Prophets. God has chosen a people and a nation. Now He has chosen a kingdom and a family line. One is coming who will reign forever on David’s throne. He has come once and He will come again. We look with joyful expectation to that glorious and terrible day when “the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with great power and glory.” (Matthew 24:29-30) And we will cry: “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give Him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His Bride has made herself ready” (Revelation 19:6-8). And He will defeat Satan and all who oppose His throne, and then, finally, “the dwelling place of God [will be with] man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4) Amen.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.   Ask God to show you if and how you have taken personal glory in the gifts He has given to you. Ask Him to reveal pride to you and to give you a repentant heart, like David. Confess this pride to God. Ask Him to show you any consequences that have been in your life because of your pride.

2.  Do you sacrifice for the Lord? Have you accepted His sacrifice only to go on doing whatever you want, or do you seek to lay down your life for Him out of love and worship for what He has done for you? Ask God to grow a sacrificial heart in you. Listen for a way that you might need to sacrifice your time, money or something else for His kingdom.

3.  Think back over the book of 2 Samuel and how God has been working out his plan of salvation throughout the book. Thank God for this plan that He laid out in scripture. Thank Him for the salvation you have received. Ask God to grow in you a joyful expectation of His second coming.

a.   How can you proclaim the message of salvation to others today?

Foundations: 2 Samuel - Day 16

Read: 2 Samuel 23

King David is nearing the end of his life. 2 Samuel 23:1-7 contains David’s final psalm. In it, the just ruler is compared to the worthless man. One who rules justly with a fear of the Lord is like light and life to his people. But worthless men will be cast away and consumed with fire. He doesn’t know all the details of the afterlife, but David knows that his hope is in the Lord after death just as it has been on earth. And the promise of an eternal throne brings much joy to his heart. He knows that God will cause his desires to prosper. David’s desires were to dwell in the house of the Lord forever, and God’s promise will allow this to be so.

The rest of the chapter lists David’s mighty men – the men who stood faithfully by his side all of his days as king. Of the men, there are three that stand out: Josheb-basshebeth, Eleazar and Shammah. These three showed exceptional strength and dedication. Abishai and Benaiah are also noted for their skill and leadership, though they did not attain to the distinction of the three. David was beloved by his people. Men were eager to fight for him and defend his throne. Verses 13-17 even tell of the lengths three men went to in order to get David a drink of water. David was easy to serve. Level-headed, he sought the council of his commanders and ultimately of the Lord. Throughout 2 Samuel we overhear conversations between David and Joab showing a very open and candid relationship between the two. While David was honoured, his men were also able to speak their minds without fear. Unlike Saul, he was not given to fits of rage or outbursts of jealousy.

This list is given to encourage and inspire us. We must recognize the necessity of friendship and teamwork. Even the most skilled person cannot accomplish his task alone. David was a talented leader and a mighty warrior – long before kingship, he had shown his strong abilities while defending his flocks from predators. But the lions and bears were nothing compared to the Philistine armies! He needed warriors who had both skill and devotion. The Bible never ceases to show us reality, and deception is a prime component to the kingships of the Old Testament. And while David experienced much of this at the hand of his children, we are encouraged to read this list of men who stood faithfully by his side. The name of Uriah in verse 39 brings a pang with it: deceived by the king whom he fought for. Again, we are subtly reminded of David’s weaknesses.

As leaders we must acknowledge, praise and encourage those who stand beside us. Encouragement and affirmation bring out the best in those we lead, whether in business, ministry or the home. If those who follow us feel that nothing they do is ever good enough for us, we will lose them. Employees and volunteers will quit or shirk their duties and our children will emotionally detach. But if they feel that their efforts will bring encouragement, recognition and pleasure, they will be inspired.

And for those of us who follow… we are encouraged to love the ones we follow, to love our employers and leaders and parents. Perhaps these men listed didn’t always agree with David’s actions. Certainly some did not feel too fond of David’s reaction on the day they defeated Absalom only to find their king weeping and refusing to acknowledge their victory. And yet they served him. We are not told how many of them died in battle, but they all put their life on the line for their king. Our roles are somewhat different. Most of us are not literally putting our lives on the line for our bosses, but we are called to honour and serve them with all our strength, to work with joy and fervour. If your boss or leader were King David, would your name be listed among his mighty men?

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.   David is nearing the end of his life with a sound mind and devoted heart. Spend some time meditating on the theme of finishing well. Are you set on a path to end your life well? If you found out today that you had only a short time left, would you feel prepared?

a.   Ask God to show you any changes you need to make towards a good ending.

b.  Spend some time praying for someone whose lifetime you know will end soon. Pray that they could end life well. Ask God how to pray for them specifically.

2.   Ask God to show you how you can specifically start to encourage people more. Plan to do this today.

3.   Ask God how you can joyfully and fervently serve those who lead you. Plan to do this today.

Foundations: 2 Samuel - Day 15

READ: 2 Samuel 22

2 Samuel 22 is a song that David composed in response to the Lord’s deliverance in his life. David is nearing the end of his life and is reflecting on the many ways that God has shown faithfulness to him. The psalm paints a handful of pictures and declares a few major themes: 1) I called out the Lord and He heard me; 2) The Lord came down in power and might and delivered me; 3) The Lord saves me because of my righteousness; 4) The Lord has helped me to be victorious over my enemies; 5) Praise the Lord for saving me, the king.

One of the most striking portions of this psalm is verses 21-25 where David makes such claims as: “The LORD dealt with me according to my righteousness” and “For I have kept the ways of the LORD” and “I was blameless before Him”. How can David say such things?! Has he forgotten the adultery, deception and murder he committed? Has he forgotten the death of his baby? Has he forgotten the raping of Tamar, and the deaths of Amnon and Absalom? No. He has not forgotten his sin. But God has. As David penned in Psalm 103: “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” (v 11-12) Oh what a glorious thought – that God would take the transgressions of the repentant sinner and throw them to the very ends of the earth! What a treasure that, though our sins are like scarlet, as red as crimson, He has washed them as white as snow, as white as wool! (Isaiah 1:18) This was the wonderful truth David knew, the wonderful truth that had captured his heart and wooed him back to the Lord. He was not a perfect man – he knew this so well – and yet he could confidently claim that he was righteous and blameless! This is the truth for the repentant sinner. True, we cannot live a double life. We cannot claim God’s righteousness when we are knowingly living in sin and rebellion. But when we are truly repentant – as David was when he confessed his sin to God – we are covered with the righteousness of Christ. His blood, which was crimson, washes over us so that we shine as clean and pure and white as snow before God. This is the message of the cross.

This psalm shows God to be an intimate, all-powerful Saviour. The description of God coming down from His temple in verses 8-20 is captivating. He is a mighty warrior, sovereign over all creation, coming down to rescue His son from the hand of the enemy. God is a faithful Father and a mighty warrior. He is one we can cling to and one who evokes a measure of fear. How wonderful to follow this mighty God!

JORNALING AND PRAYER

1.  Read the song again and take note of the different themes and the specific words David uses. (In verses 2-3 alone he uses seven words to describe the protection offered by God!) Meditate on these things – really think about what they mean and what they declare about God.

a.   Write down all of the truths declared about God in this chapter.

b.   Think back on David’s life. As you read, jot down specific instances in David’s life when God delivered him.

2.   Take some time to reflect back on your own life. How has God delivered you from the hand of your enemies? How has he shown you the cleansing power of His blood? Why can you praise Him? Write your own prayer, or poem, of thanksgiving and praise to God.

3.   Thank Jesus for the power of His blood. Thank Him that you can stand blameless before Him because He has forgiven you for your sins when you have repented. Pray for someone in your life who has not experienced the cleansing of sin through the blood of Jesus. Titus 3:5-7 says: But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Use the wonderful truths of this verse to pray for this person.

Foundations: 2 Samuel - Day 14

READ: 2 Samuel 21

At some point during David’s reign, we are told there were three years of famine. Upon seeking the Lord, David learns that the famine is a result of some unfinished business. Saul had apparently shown injustice to the Gibeonites – a misdeed that had never been reconciled; and so David goes forth to right Saul’s wrong. For recompense, the men of Gibeon ask that seven of Saul’s sons be given to them that they might be put to death. This seems like a harsh agreement, and whether or not it was condoned by God is uncertain. Whatever the case, the famine did end after the sons had been killed and after David honoured the bodies of Saul and Jonathan.

Stories like this often stir up questions. Conclusions are drawn and alternate answers offered, but there are some things we will not know for certain. One thing we do learn from this story is that God will use His creation to get man’s attention. He sends a famine in order to shed light on Saul’s unjust actions. And He still does such things today. We do not like to say it when a natural disaster befalls a nation – it wouldn’t be politically correct – or when sickness invades a home, but it is nonetheless true. Of course, disaster – be it in the oceans, land, skies, or human body – is not always in response to sin; but God is in control of all things and so He has allowed such disasters with a purpose in mind. Nothing happens without God’s allowance. That is a tough pill to swallow if we have not erected a foundation on the truths of his nature – that He is good and loving and almighty. And so, when disaster strikes in our lives, we should seek God immediately. We should ask if He is trying to get our attention in some way. Perhaps He will reveal an area of sin He wants us to deal with. Perhaps He will tell us that He is giving us rest through sickness. Perhaps he will reveal a great picture of what He wants to accomplish through our trial. Perhaps He will show us how He wants to use this trial to draw us nearer to Himself. Perhaps He will say nothing but, “Trust Me.” We should not assume what He will or will not say; we should only trust that whatever His word, it is the best word.

The chapter goes on to summarize four battles between Israel and the Philistines. The Philistines were Israel’s primary enemies during the reign of David. David’s fame in Israel began when he killed the Philistine champion, Goliath of Gath, when David was only a shepherd boy. Here we are told of the demise of a handful of other Philistine giants. Once again, God is proved to be the Almighty Champion of Israel. Even a giant is no match for Yahweh, and so, by His power, those giants fell at the hands of ordinary men. What is impossible becomes possible when one is submitted to living according to God’s ways. When HE calls us to action, we will be victorious. Even battles that seem like losses are victories when they have come as a result of our obedience.

PRAYER AND JOURNALING

1.  Take a moment to identify an area of struggle or disaster in your life that you have not brought before the Lord. Spend some time in prayer about this issue. Ask God what He wants to say about this. Ask Him if He might show you the purpose He has in mind. Don’t be afraid of His Word! He desires to draw nearer to you.

2.   What is a need or desire you have that seems impossible. Ask God to make it possible, if it is in His will for your life. Thank God for His power which is evident through the stories you just read. Ask Him to give you a revelation of His power and might.

3.   Spend some time in prayer for the Canadian Church. Pray that the truths of Gods character as defined through Scripture would become foundational truths for Canadian believers. Pray that God would remove the lies that His people have believed about Him. Pray that those lies would be replaced with His truth. Pray that Canadian Christians would become committed to God’s Word and prayer and that they would stand firm against the devil and his schemes. Pray that those who have weak faith and struggle with unanswered questions will find rest in the truth of God’s character.

Foundations: 2 Samuel - Day 13

READ: 2 Samuel 19:9 – 20:26

Absalom may be dead, but David’s trials are not over. The whole nation wants to reinstate David as king, but what should be a unifying act becomes a point of greater division. The tribe of Judah rises up to bring David across the Jordan and back to his palace in Jerusalem. On the way, those who had shamed and tricked David come crawling back, begging for mercy. While it was in David’s power to have these traitors killed, he shows compassion. We also see an intimate bond of friendship between David and Barzillai, an old man who aided him while he sought refuge from Absalom in Mahanaim. The two say goodbye, knowing this is likely the last time they will ever see each other. David wants so much to bless the man who blessed him. David’s own experiences and adventures have given him a great understanding of mercy, friendship and the sovereignty of God.

Along with these, David also understands consequences as he continues to feel the weight of his sin through the fulfillment of the prophecy that the sword would never depart from his house. What a terrible consequence – one that gravely altered the nation’s future. David’s heart of worship brought about the prophecy of salvation – the promise of an everlasting dynasty; his heart of self-worship brought about the prophecy of sin – the constant sword. Yet, in God’s mercy, the first and greater promise remained! If only David could have received the first promise without the burden of the second. But this is the nature of sin – it brings brokenness, pain to us and others, and spiritual death. Christ has bridged the gap of separation and conquered eternal death; He can even bring reconciliation and redemption to relationships; but the sting of sin remains very felt on this earth. And, as Adam and Eve were given a blessed hope after they fell but were still cast from the Garden and cursed with toil and pain, David was blessed with a promise of prospective peace but of proximate pain.

“Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.” David’s daughter has been raped, and two sons murdered. And now the hostility spreads out and civil unrest begins again. The men of the northern tribes are extremely offended that David and the men of Judah did not wait for them to join the procession in bringing David back to Jerusalem. They feel that the tribe of Judah has been given special treatment. Just when peace seemed inevitable, an uprising breaks out under the leadership of a worthless man named Sheba. Initially, much of Israel follows him, though the group seems to simmer down to comprise only his own clan. David’s response is much different than his earlier response to Absalom. When his son rose up against him, David didn’t put up a fight; instead, he slunk out of Jerusalem and hid out until battle was necessary for self-defense. Here we see a much more kingly response as David sends Amasa to rally the troops. Amasa had replaced Joab as commander of David’s army (19:3), likely because Joab had ignored David’s request to deal gently with Absalom. However, Joab would not give up his position so easily. He kills Amasa and regains command. Sheba’s rebellion soon loses most of its support and is easily put to rest at the intervention of a wise woman from the city of Abel.

David’s life is certainly not going as expected. As a young shepherd boy, when Samuel anointed him as the next king of Israel, David must have been both afraid and excited. We see something similar in the Christmas story. An angel appears to Mary telling her that she will give birth to the Messiah – a wonderful and terrifying prophecy! Wonderful because she gets to be an integral part of God’s salvation plan; terrifying because the Messiah will overthrow kingdoms, which is essentially an act of treason. As Jesus grew, a perfect child, did Mary suspect the agonizing death that was to come? And as David grew in skill and popularity throughout Israel, did he expect the bloodshed, sorrow and mess that would come? Even within the wonders of God’s promises and under the protection of His blood, we will experience disappointment in our lives. Every day, news headlines and personal struggles remind us that we are not living in the Kingdom of God. BUT GOD! Because He reached His hands into the dirty mess of the world, we know with calm assurance that His kingdom is coming. He is coming, our Lord is coming back. And so, we cry out along with the apostle John and the millions of Christians who have gone before us: “Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20). This is not a cry of hope, but of faith; we are SURE of what we hope for, and CERTAIN of what we do not yet see because He has already testified: “Surely, I am coming soon.”

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1. In what ways were your expectations dashed, or unmet, this past year? Give your disappointment over to God. Thank Him that He is your King, and that His promises of joy and blessing for your life still remain. Ask Him to speak specifically into your disappointments; what does He want to say?

2.   Ask God what it means to have a “kingdom perspective.” Ask Him to give you a kingdom perspective. Ask Him to show you where you are too focused on things that are not of His kingdom. Are you willing to lay those things to rest?

3.   Ask God to prepare you for His coming. Ask God to prepare your family for His coming. Ask Him to prepare His church for His coming. Spend a good amount of time in prayer for these things. And pray the prayer of Revelation 22:20: “Come, Lord Jesus!”

Foundations: 2 Samuel - Day 12

Read: 2 Samuel 18:1 – 19:8

Having received news of an impending battle, David rallies his men to prepare for combat, dividing his army into three groups under the commands of Joab, Abishai and Ittai. Despite the pushback and disgrace David has endured from enemies, he has a strong support of true friends. David has gained allegiance – men who have rallied around him, not because they owe it to him or are afraid of his power, but because they truly love him and desire to have him as their king. What evidence of God’s faithfulness! How wonderful that God’s plan to sustain His servant, David, included friendship! And his friends will not allow David to fight in battle; he is their king and they will protect him. David agrees, asking his men to deal gently with Absalom. In other words – bring David’s son back alive.

The battle rages and David’s armies conquer the army of Israel, leaving a bloody field in their wake. David’s armies used the surrounding forest to their advantage – apparently it was hard for the enemy to navigate through the thick woods. And it is in these woods where David’s men find Absalom, suspended in the air, his head (likely his hair) caught in an oak tree. Absalom was extremely handsome and his hair was a source of pride for him. In fact, the author tells us that he would cut and weigh his hair once every year (2 Sam 14:25-26) – a random little tidbit until we get to part of the story where Absalom is killed. He had lived his life to serve his pride, and now his pride and joy was his ruin.

Though David had asked his men to bring Absalom back safely, Joab will not stand for such mercy. He likely assumed Absalom would continue in his treachery and so he and his armour-bearers finish Absalom off. When David hears of Absalom’s death, he falls apart. His supporters are left in an awkward position. They have just shown their incredible allegiance to their king and have just received great victory in battle, but the one they fought to defend is not celebrating. Instead of feasting and rejoicing, the people snuck back into the city as though they were ashamed! Joab is disgusted and has a brave conversation with the king, calling him to rise up and show his people some respect: “You have today covered with shame the faces of all your servants, who have this day saved your life and the lives of your sons and your daughters and the lives of your wives and your concubines, because you love those who hate you and hate those who love you. For you have made it clear today that commanders and servants are nothing to you, for today I know that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today, then you would be pleased.” Bold words to say to your king – but necessary. Joab reminds David of all those who have been saved on this day. In fact, God answered David’s prayer from Psalm 3: “Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God! For You strike all my enemies on the cheek; You break the teeth of the wicked. Salvation belongs to the LORD; Your blessing be on Your people.” There is a time for mourning, but David was focusing only on the death of his son and neglecting his duty as king. Leadership comes with tough responsibilities. David was placed by God as king of Israel, and this was a hat David would wear till death. Even personal tragedy could not remove him from his calling.

In Ecclesiastes 3, we find the famous passage, “A Time for Everything.” Not only did God create the universe and mankind, but He created time itself. What a mind-blowing thought! And because of time, we have moments; we have hours and days, seasons and years. Time allows us to create rhythms – to speak, read and make music. And over the course of our lives, we will experience so much – death and birth, sorrow and joy, plenty and want. But life is unpredictable, and sometimes these “times” intersect. This is where we find David in this story – a time of rejoicing and victory intersects with a time of mourning and loss. Such is the messiness of life. What a comfort, then, to know that our God is faithful and unaffected by our circumstances. Of course he cares for us in our worry and uncertainty, but there is nothing that causes Him to tremble. He is completely sovereign – the Most High and Almighty One! Hallelujah!

JORUNALING AND PRAYER

1.  Are you in a particular season of life right now? Do you feel the messiness that David felt when multiple “times” bombarded him at once? Ask God for His wisdom and direction in this season. How does He want you to handle this time? Meditate on the truth that He is the Most High, that He is completely sovereign during this time.

2.  Ask God how you can give support of someone who is going through a difficult time right now. Spend some time praying for that person.

3.   Ask God to show you an area of selfishness in your life – a way that you are being self-absorbed. Confess your selfishness and ask God to give you a step of obedience that will help you to be more outward in this area.

Foundations: 2 Samuel - Day 11

Read: 2 Samuel 16:15 – 17:29

The story of Absalom’s treason continues, and in these chapters we see the results of David’s prayer that God would make foolish the council of Ahithophel. Hushai, whom David sent undercover to thwart Ahithophel’s ideas, is surprisingly accepted by Absalom. In these first verses, we see the specific words of Nathan, the prophet, come to life. Through Nathan, God said that what David did in private would be done for all to see: an enemy from within his own household would assault his wives in public. (2 Sam 12:11-12) And at the council of Ahithophel, this is exactly what Absalom does. He takes over the palace at Jerusalem and lies with the concubines his father left behind to watch over the house. Ironically, this happens on the roof of the palace –possibly the exact same place where David allowed his lustful eyes to rest upon Bathsheba. It seems like an odd thing for Absalom to do, but as Ahithophel said, it showed the people that Absalom was doing his own thing and was claiming his father’s throne – and everything else – as his own.

After this, they start discussing military strategy. Absalom is cold-hearted. He views his father as nothing more than an enemy to be conquered. He is presented with two pieces of advice, one from Ahithophel and the other from Hushai. Ahithophel’s advice: attack immediately while the king and his people are still weary, kill only the king and bring the rest back to Jerusalem. Hushai’s advice: wait, then lead the people into battle and wipe out David and all of his followers. Hushai plays to Absalom’s ego. He tells Absalom to gather and lead the army himself and not to sit back while others attack. Absalom likes this. Of course, Hushai is on undercover assignment from King David. With his advice, he hopes to buy David time to prepare for an attack. Hushai is sent out of the room and, not knowing which strategy Absalom will choose, sends two servants to tell David the two possible outcomes so that he can at least be prepared for something. Meanwhile, God does something amazing: Absalom goes with Hushai’s advice. This is to be lauded as an act of God. The author made a specific note to tell us in 2 Samuel 16:23 that Ahithophel’s council was believed to be like the word of God itself, so for Absalom to choose Hushai’s advice is entirely miraculous. In his defeat and discouragement of the previous chapter, David cried out for God to make foolish the council of Ahithophel. And that is exactly what God did.

There are two important things we can take from this portion of the Absalom story. First is this: just because someone uses the name of the Lord does not mean that they are working in alignment with Him. Ahithophel was known to be a counsellor of godly wisdom. However, the way that he abandons David shows foolishness and tarnished character. Frequently throughout the reign of the kings in Israel and Judah, we meet kings who claimed to follow Yahweh, yet whose actions were pagan. These kings “worshiped” Yahweh while at the same time sold themselves to idols, sacrificed their children to foreign gods and engaged in every sort of sexual perversion. Their worship of Yahweh was drowned out by their idolatry. And so we learn that we must walk through life with wisdom and discernment. We must remain steadfastly in God’s Word and keep our hearts tied to one Master. Then we will know whether someone who comes “in the name of the Lord” is truly acting in alignment with God.

And a second point we can take from this story is one about the miraculous. God works in His own way. He often tends to act on the very borderline of practical and mystical, reasonable and inexplicable. We see that here. There is no parting of waters, no miraculous healing, no resurrection – yet that Absalom would take Hushai’s advice over Ahithophel’s is an equally miraculous event! God is working behind the scenes, using man to put His good plans into effect. We see this in the book of Esther. God is not even mentioned in the book and yet it is HE who saves the Jews THROUGH Esther’s obedience. This is no less of a miracle than the parting of the Red Sea! We see this today when people are healed from sickness and disease. Sure, it could be explained as a doctor’s remedy or skill, but God is as much behind the healing as He was behind the resurrection of Christ! Or when we have lost something and pray that God would help us find it and then we remember where we put it – this is God at work! A skeptic will attempt to explain away even the most supernatural event. As Christians, we must look for the hand of God around us. We must ask God to open our eyes to what He is doing. He will use people and nature to accomplish His plans. Why wouldn’t He, since He created these things?! Sometimes we get too hung up on “experiencing” God in a “supernatural” way. While such experiences are wonderful and faith-building and should be sought, God does not want us to worship experiences. God wants us to worship Him. And we will grow in worship when we look for Him in the moments of our day. Where is God right now? How has God shown His love and presence to me today? What is something practical God has helped me with? As we think of these things, we will be drawn to new levels of thanksgiving and worship.

JORUNALING AND PRAYER

1. What Bible stories can you think of where God thwarted the plans of man in order to accomplish His own plans? How have you personally seen God do this?

2.   Take some time to ponder those questions that were at the end of the reading: Where is God right now? How has God shown His love and presence to me today? What is something practical God has helped me with? Thank God for these things. Ask Him to open your eyes to His practical workings in your life.

3.   Read Psalm 11 and thank God that He is victorious! Though evil will appear to flourish and triumph in the last days, we know with certainty that God is in His holy temple and on His throne, and that He is coming to reign over us in righteousness and justice!

Foundations: 2 Samuel - Day 10

Read: 2 Samuel 15:1 – 16:14 & Psalm 3

Though reconciliation was made between Absalom and David to some extent, Absalom’s intentions are for the throne. With charisma and a façade of compassion he steals the hearts of the people of Israel. With a smile, a pat on the back, a word here and a word there, he sows discontent into the minds and hearts of his fellow countrymen. David was a beloved king, and so Absalom must have had incredible charm to woo the people of Israel away from his father.

Absalom knows how to take his time. He waited two years for the right opportunity to kill his brother, and he spends four years worming his way into the hearts of Israel before making his first traitorous move. He may have appeared somewhat chivalrous in the previous chapters in his attempt to protect and avenge his sister, but we see that the heart of Absalom is really no different than that of Amnon: while Amnon lusted for pleasure, Absalom lusts for power. God had promised that a descendant of David would always reign on the throne of Israel. Absalom wanted to ensure that he would be that descendent, and so after four years of strategy, he begins to gain a following in Hebron. Even Ahithophel the Gilonite – David’s own counselor and a man lauded for accurately speaking the word of God – switches over to Absalom’s side.

Why would the nation that cheered David’s name and eagerly crowned him king allow such subversion? David is not the man he used to be. He seems debilitated as a father. Absalom won the hearts of Israel in broad daylight. As king, David must have known of his son’s behaviour, yet he did nothing to stop it. He has become a somewhat passive ruler. The dejection and defeat is easily sensed as he gathers the royal family and servants and leaves Jerusalem. Even while David is joined by a faithful band of foreigners who refuse to leave his side, his spirits are low. However, while he seems extremely passive as a leader, even idly enduring an enemy’s curses, Psalm 3 shows him leaning heavily on the Lord. “Many are my foes! Many are those who are rising against me! Many are saying that You have abandoned me! But you, O LORD, are my shield.” David had walked with God long enough to know the peace of the “BUT GOD” principle. Circumstances may seem insurmountable… BUT GOD is the Almighty One. The stain of sin seems unpardonable… BUT GOD can cleanse man of any sin. Weakness and strife seem to prevail… BUT GOD is the everlasting God who does not grow weary or faint. David knew that, though his circumstances were changing yet again, God was constant. His faithfulness and mighty salvation were as near as they had always been. And so, though David may appear weak to the reader, we see Him relying on the only One whom he can securely trust.

So perhaps David’s passivity is better described as weary resolution. He is at the end of his strength and is relying on God, declaring truth about the Lord, even though he may not feel those things to be true. While he is not defending himself against his enemies, we do see him taking some action: he prays that God would turn the council of Ahithophel to foolishness and sends one of his men, Hushai, undercover to Absalom – a decision that God will use vitally in protection of the throne.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.  God does not change. What is true about Him when we are on a spiritual high is as true when we feel very far from Him. What are some things you know are true about God even thought you don’t feel that they are. Take time to specifically thank Him for these things.

2.   We see David’s people standing in judgement of him as he leaves Jerusalem. It is easy to judge people when we see extreme changes in them, but it is not our place to judge. Ask God to show you how you have cast judgement on others. Confess this as sin and pride and ask God to give you a heart of love and grace for others.

3.   Where do you need to focus on the “BUT GOD” principle? What is something going on in your life that seems insurmountable or unfixable or impossible? Ask God what He wants you to know about Himself. Thank Him for this.

Foundations: 2 Samuel - Day 9

Read: 2 Samuel 13 & 14

In 2 Samuel 12, the prophet Nathan laid out the consequences for David’s sins: “Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house… Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house. And I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbour, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of the sun. For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.” (v 10-12) The execution of this prophecy begins in these next few chapters, and the “evil” mentioned are David’s own sons.

David’s son Amnon rapes David’s daughter, Tamar. Amnon and Tamar are half-siblings, having different mothers. Sexual relations between siblings of any degree were forbidden in God’s law. But Amnon’s urges are strong, and he does little to fight them. It seems irrelevant to him that such an idea was an abomination to God. Amnon seems to care little about God, his father, or anyone but himself in this matter. And so, despite her pleas and objections, Amnon rapes his sister. Immediately his feelings change: Amnon’s love is replaced with deep loathing. After having his way with her, he commits an even greater injustice – he sends her from his presence. God’s law demanded that if a man raped a woman, he was obligated to pay the dowry and take her as his wife and he could never divorce her, but Amnon refuses. King David hears about the situation, and though he is angry, he does nothing about it. Absalom hates Amnon for what has been done to his sister, and so he takes Tamar into his home and tells her to leave the matter alone; Absalom is taking matters into his own hands. He spends two years seething over what happened between Tamar and Amnon and finally takes an opportunity to kill his brother. David has seen his daughter robbed of a future, and now, like Adam and Eve, has seen one son murdered and another become a murderer. 

Absalom runs off, and while David does not seek vengeance, he does not welcome Absalom back, either. It is sad to see David stand idly by while his children ruin each other’s lives. It is sad that after his own experience with Bathsheba he would not speak out against the injustice of his son, Amnon, and urge him to repentance. It seems that David’s own sins have crippled him as a father. While he received the forgiveness of God, we see him a rather warned out figure in these chapters, weathered by sin and weakened in judgement. He does not want to punish Absalom, but neither does he want to accept him into the palace. He forgives him in terms of dismissing charges, but will not speak to him or see him. And so Absalom, left in limbo, finally resorts to burning Joab’s fields in order to get David’s attention. Some extent of reconciliation occurs, but more trouble is coming.

Just because we follow God and just because we have developed a personal relationship with him does not mean that our lives will be without hardship or injustice. David is the man after God’s own heart. But we look at his life and we see that he makes mistakes – big ones – and that his family is a mess. He has lived with injustice for years and now he has been the cause of injustice through both his sin with Bathsheba and his silence with his children. Yet he is still called “the man after God’s own heart.” So we must stop and think: What does it mean to be a person who is “after God’s heart”? Clearly it is not someone who is without sin and weakness; we cannot be God. The key word is after – one who chases and pursues the heart of God. Running a lifelong race will inevitably bring some stumbles – we will trip over rocks or over our own feet in clumsiness! Sometimes we might fall flat on our faces. We will get tired, and slow down. We will need refreshing. Portions will be uphill and others will be flat and easy. One who is after God’s heart will continue. He will spend his whole life calling himself a runner. When he stumbles because of sluggish movement, he will be attentive to pick up his feet. When he starts to get distracted by his surroundings, he will set his eyes on the goal. When he wipes out and skids on the road, he will get up again and let the bruises heal. And throughout the race, he will have frequent refreshment. In our lives, we must continually seek the refreshment that comes from the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. We must stay in the Word if we want to continue to the race. We must stay in communication with God through prayer. Our race will include seeking to know more about who God is and how He feels. It will include learning about our purpose in life and what it means to have Christ living in us. We will seek to know what pleases God and how we can grow in our love for Him. We will choose to worship Him with everything we do. We must determine that we are runners – followers of Christ – and we will keep running until we cross the finish line, no matter how many times we fall in the process. This is the life of one who is after God’s heart.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.   What kind of man is Amnon? Study his character and note different places where he went wrong. What should he have done differently at each point? How could he have realigned himself with God’s ways at each point? How do you see David’s struggles reflected in Amnon’s life?

2.  Spend some prayer time in intercession for family members today. If you have children or grandchildren, pray for them specifically. Ask God to set them free from any bondages of sin that are in their lives (lust, eating disorders, anger, etc.), particularly from areas of sin that you have struggled in. Ask God to work through them with His mighty power.

3.   Are you a man, or woman, “after God’s own heart”? Ask God if you are? Ask Him to show you specific things you have done on the race that have pleased Him. Ask Him to show you if there is an aspect of the race where He wants to see improvement.

Foundations: 2 Samuel - Day 8

Read: 2 Samuel 12 & Psalm 51

Chapter 12 continues the story of David and Bathsheba. David has taken care of business. He has covered his tracks. Perhaps he had squelched his conscience with the idea that his actions weren’t actually that bad: he had gotten himself a new wife and a baby was on the way! What could be better than a new little prince or princess running around? But the All-Seeing knows all things. Nothing is hidden from Him and He has the power to cast our sins as far as the east is from the west… or to shout them out from every rooftop. In David’s case, He chose the way of a prophet. Nathan comes to David with a story, and David’s response reveals the duplicity of his life: he rages out against the injustice of the rich man, all the while shoving his own injustice further under the rug. But Nathan’s word is not his own; He has been sent by God and has been given a word of knowledge – a direct picture into David’s past. In the name of the Lord, Nathan rebukes David’s sin, declaring out loud what David has worked so hard to hide. David is charged with despising the word of the Lord and doing what is evil in God’s sight. Interesting… David, who has received the word of the Lord through songs of prophecy and worship, has now shown loathing towards that precious word. The shepherd boy who wrote line after line about loving and meditating on God’s law now stands in opposition to that law. His actions are unholy and evil; he has acted like one of the many enemies he has penned about in his psalms.

Like a child caught deliberately disobeying his parent, David needs no warning or second chances. He opposed his Father’s heart and violated half of God’s ten primary moral commands. His actions require punishment and the punishment fits the crime: because of David’s sin and unrepentant heart, strife and bloodshed will characterize his household. A family member will rise up against David. Someone will capture his wives and sleep with them in broad daylight. And these punishments will be observed by the entire nation. Before Nathan even finishes describing the consequences, David’s heart melts and softens. His eyes are opened to his wicked rebellion and he humbles himself before God: “I have sinned against the LORD” he says. Nathan declares God’s forgiveness, but he must tell David the final consequence: Bathsheba’s child will die.

The events and consequences of this story are horrible, but the outcome – on a heart level – is truly wonderful. Chapter 11 left us wondering about David’s future. Would he become like King Saul, his wicked and jealous predecessor? Saul and Pharaoh are two biblical characters famous for hardening their hearts towards God. After multiple personal decisions to become hardened, God gave them up to their rebellion. Would David end up the same way? In 2 Samuel 12:1-14, David’s life is at a crossroads. Will he deny Nathan’s accusation and use his kingly power to have the prophet removed from his presence, maybe even killed? He does not. Instead, he confesses his sin. But then he hears the most heart wrenching punishment of all – his new baby will die. Will he resent God and harden his heart for good? In the rest of the chapter and in Psalm 51 we see the pivotal choice that David made to humble himself and repent of his sin.

Psalm 51 is David’s deep and heartfelt prayer in response to Nathan’s rebuke. It is a stunning and emotional prayer when read along with 2 Samuel 11 and 12. Through it, and the remainder of chapter 12, we see that David had a solid view of God. He had not stumbled in impurity or anger; David had fallen flat on his face and committed some of the worst sins a person can commit. When he saw his pride and wickedness he truly humbled himself. And we see this by the way he turned to God. When we know we have sinned, humility is admitting it to God and throwing ourselves at His feet. It is pride and shame that keeps us from going to him after we sin. As Max Lucado writes: “Pride and shame. You’d never know they are sisters… Pride says, ‘You’re too good for him.’ Shame says, ‘You’re too bad for him.’ Pride drives you away. Shame keeps you away. If pride is what goes before a fall, then shame is what keeps you from getting up after one.” (Max Lucado, “He Did This Just For You.”) David has recognized his pride, and instead of falling to her sister, he chooses humility and presents himself before God. He stands a sinner before the Holy One because he knows that God is abundant in mercy and steadfast in love. He knows that no matter what he has done, if he repents, God will forgive him. It is within God’s very nature to forgive the repentant heart. This story is a remarkable revelation of God’s mercy. Many people read the laws found in the Old Testament and feel God is a mean, distant, confusing “guy in the sky”. But God’s laws were for the protection and preservation of His people, and for the glory of His name. Punishment for sin was severe in the law, but there was so much room for His grace. In David’s case, the law demanded his death (Lev. 20:10). But in response to David’s repentance, God shows great mercy. And so David pours out his heart beautifully before his God, asking boldly that God would forget his sins, cleanse his heart and renew his spirit which has fallen away. It is with this heart that he prays, also, that his child would not die. He knows God has the power to retract the consequence and save the child, but he will accept what God decides. And meanwhile, he will continue to praise the Lord and sing of God’s righteousness. He even ends his psalm with a prayer for his people. As a leader, he knows that his actions affect the nation and that as their king, God holds him to a high standard. And so he prays for his people, that God would do good to them and delight in their sacrifices. Essentially he is praying that his people would learn his lesson: that God delights in the sacrifice of humility, repentance and submission.

It is with great gladness that we can read this story. If this is the response of a liar, adulterer and murderer made aware of his sin, should we not respond the same way when our eyes are opened to our own sin? The God who showed mercy and love to David is our God. Yes, David would reap very hard consequences for these sins, but God would not leave him. Neither did God remove the promise and blessing of 2 Samuel 7. God’s faithfulness and love remain despite our wickedness. But we must turn to Him in our sin and weakness. We must say “No!” to pride which would have us try and save ourselves. And we must say “No!” to shame which would have us wallow in self-pity and condemnation. Let us turn our eyes to our great God who is mighty to save even the worst of sinners!

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.  Take some time to be quiet before the Lord and ask Him to speak to you based on what you have read. Is there something specific or personal He wants to say to you. Invite Him to move in your heart however He pleases.

2.  Based on Psalm 51, what are some things about God that David knew to be true? Write these things down. Thank God for these qualities. Thank Him that these things are still true about Him.

3.  Ask God how either pride or shame has kept you away from Him. Tell him that you are sorry. Take time to spend in His presence and just talk to Him about what is on your heart today.