Dei Time

The Ark Comes to Jerusalem

Dei Break

2 Samuel 6:1–23

The ark had not been moved since being captured by the Philistines a hundred years before. They had and sent it back after God sent disasters on the Philistine cities.

Perhaps the proper way to handle the ark had been forgotten. Loading it on an ox cart, even a new one, was forbidden. It was to be carried by the Levites. God's instructions were ignored, placing Uzzah in danger, and ultimately costing his life (vs.6-7).

David did not understand Uzzah's death, and waited three months to continue the journey (vs.11). God blessed the family housing the ark, perhaps an assurance to David of the Lord's forgiveness and permission to bring the ark to the capital to rejoin the tabernacle.

Uzzah died because God cannot tolerate sin. However, out of His love, He sent His Son to die for our sin (and Uzzah's) and thus grant us eternal life with Him. Jesus showed us both God's love and that God is transcendent; He is like us, but not like us. He is our Father, yet we hold Him in awe. We honor and obey Him in response to His activity in our lives and in response to the gracious gift of forgiveness and eternal life that we receive at no cost to us, but at great cost to Him.

When the ark finally came to Jerusalem, it was with ceremony, music, and dancing (King David danced "with all his might"—vs.14). How odd that today churches sometimes shy away from worshiping our God in ways that they deem too "disrespectful", such as modern dance, exciting music, and loud instruments, but still cling to ceremony. All were once part of worship.

Michal, David's wife, was quite offended by his celebration because it did not fit her vision of a king who ruled over a nation (vs.20). She felt he had acted in a way demeaning to his position. To Michal, a king had no need to be humble before God, especially in front of his people—perhaps something she learned from her failed father, King Saul?

Next time: A Temple is Promised

Struggle for the Throne Ends

Dei Break

2 Samuel 5:1 – 25

With Ishbosheth dead, his followers to the north sent representatives to David. They acknowledged that they were all of the same ancestry and that David had been chosen by God to be their ruler. They also commended his leadership.

Why conquer Jerusalem? Perhaps because it was centrally located and had never been occupied by Israel. As a new capital it would also avoid arousing memories of the days when David ruled from Hebron.

However, the Jebusites in Jerusalem still lacked respect for King David and his army, saying that even the blind and deaf could defend Jerusalem from his onslaught (vs.6). But David didn't have an assault over the walls in mind. According to 1 Chronicles it was Joab and his men who discovered a water tunnel leading from the springs outside of Jerusalem under the walls to the city wells.

Tyre's offer of skilled craftsmen and lumber tells us that David was becoming a power to be courted by other kings (vs.11).

Early in his reign David twice crushed the Philistine (vs.18-19,22). This old enemy still surrounded the people of Israel and the danger they presented may have encouraged the tribes formerly ruled by Ishbosheth to seek safety with David. After this series of defeats, the Philistines were never again a serious military threat to Israel.

David depended on God's leadership throughout his early victories, but we don't see God telling David to collect wives and concubines. That was a custom of the times, not a directive of God. Rulers did this in order to display their wealth and power, as well as to father as many sons as possible. Like all of us, David was part of the culture in which he lived and was influenced by it.

Although I haven't had time to explore it much, the following looks like a pretty neat site to look at the archaeology of David's Jerusalem. If you have trouble viewing it, let me know and I can help. http://www.bibleplaces.com/areag.htm There are other links to more photos on this page.

King David

Dei Break

2 Samuel 2:1 – 4:12

King Saul was dead and the Philistines dominated the land and the Israelis to the north. In this chaos David, as a faithful servant, turned to God for guidance.

Abner, however, remained determined that a descendant of Saul should hold the throne (a custom of the nations). The old general crowned Ishbosheth king over all Israel. For the next seven years David reigned only over Judah, with his capital in Hebron. This would not be the only time of stress between the tribes to the north and Judah to the south.

The war between the house of Saul and the house of David ended in a complicated scenario of fear, deceit, and vengeance. When Abner took one of Saul's concubines as his own, Ishbosheth was incensed. Abner's action was a declaration of intent to succeed Saul as king. Abner, sensing that his relationship with Saul's son was ended, and that perhaps he was in danger, stormed away to join David.

David welcomed Abner but demanded that Michal (3:13), Saul's daughter and David's wife, be brought. We want to say, "Good grief, he already had six wives!" But, this was probably more a demand for justice than love. David had been cheated by Saul.

Everything went fine until Joab found out about the new ally (3:23). Remember that Abner had killed Joab's brother, Asahel (2:22). Though Asahel's own stubbornness had brought on his death, Joab claimed the right of vengeance on the killer and murdered Abner without David's knowledge.

David accused Joab of murder because he had killed Abner in Hebron, a city of refuge, a place of protection against vengeance, especially vengeance for a killing in the heat of battle. This was God's law, and in killing Abner, Joab became a murderer.

Two of Ishbosheth's officers, fearing they were on the losing side, turned on Saul's son, killing him in his own bed. Thinking that David would be pleased, they brought him Ishbosheth's head, expecting a reward. David, as God's servant, rewarded them with God's justice.

Next time: Struggle for the throne ends

David Loses and Mourns a Friend

Dei Break

1 Samuel 31:1 –II Samuel 1:27

The brutality of the battle was common in ancient times. In fact, the nation most famous for its atrocities, Assyria, was still to come.

So complete was the defeat of Israel that the Philistines could take up residence in her cities.

The uncommon act of brutality was Saul's suicide (vs.4). God's chosen did not commit suicide. It is another sign of Saul's lack of commitment to God.

Saul's armor bearer refused to kill him. This may have been out of respect for God's law and the person of the king. But since the armor bearer himself committed suicide (vs.5) we might conclude that he was aware of David's proclamation that only God could justly punish or reward Saul.

1 Samuel began with Samuel's birth around 1120 B.C. When he had grown old, Samuel anointed King Saul, who reigned forty years. If Samuel was around 70 when Saul became king, I Samuel covers around 110 years.

II Samuel concentrates on the reign of King David, the most honored of all the kings of God's chosen people.

David was still in Ziklag. He had rescued his wives and the other captives from the Amalekites and awaited news of the battle. The news was devastating. Many Israelites were killed, including Saul and Jonathan (31:2). Thousands had fled before the Philistines arrived.

What about the Amalekite messenger (1:10)? First, if his words were true, he had broken Israeli law by killing Saul (vs.14). But, was his story true? He might have been looting the bodies of the dead and came across the king, but did he kill him? Perhaps he saw an opportunity to do what he assumed would be a favor for David and dreamed of a great reward. If so, the reward was not what he expected.

Unfortunately the Book of Jashar (vs.18) is unknown outside of this mention. The song that David composed was written so that the nation could learn of David's genuine grief for Jonathan, and his compassion even for the failed king outweighed any anger or bitterness in his heart.

Next time: King David

David Proves His Worth

Dei Break

1 Samuel 30:1 – 31

The Amalekites apparently heard that the Philistines and the Israelis were busily battling one another. Not being stupid, they took advantage of the situation by attacking David's city of Ziklag. The raid lacked complete success because David had been sent home early because the Philistine generals did not trust him..

David was faced not only with his own distress, but with rebellion from some of his men. Politics were about the same then as now—David had failed to prevent the unknown and this gave his enemies a chance to try to remove his power and/or his life. It's important to recognize this pressure that David was under so that we can better understand his faith in God. When under pressure Saul had always panicked and acted on his own initiative. David, though worried about the captives, including his own wives, and in danger from some of his men, called the priest of God and inquired God's answers to his dilemma. It is probable that if God had even told David not to pursue the Amalekites, he would have obeyed the wisdom of his Lord.

After the battle was over and the captives rescued, David demonstrated his understanding and compassion by insisting that the spoils of war be equally divided among his men, both those who fought and those who did not, though "the evil men and troublemakers among David's followers" (vs 22) were determined that the spoils should go only to themselves.

David's leadership is proving superior to that of Saul.

David was far from perfect, but God's love for him did not falter, nor does God's love for us fail when we fail to live as we ought. Because of Jesus, God sees us, and saw David, as His own children whom he has redeemed for His eternal possession. We need never fear that God will turn from us in our time of need or distress. It is always safe to call on Him to ask His wisdom and strength.

Next time: David loses and mourns a friend

David Joins the Philistines

Dei Break

1 Samuel 27:1 - 29:11

The second time that David came to Gath everyone knew that Saul wanted his life, so Israel's enemy welcomed him. David became a trusted officer at the Philistine court, and a vassal ruler of Ziklag near the Israeli border. David was free from pursuit for about 16 months (vs.7). The battles that David fought, supposedly for the Philistines against Israel, were actually against non-Israeli nations on the Philistine border. The Geshurites to the south of Gath; the Girzites, a buffer between the Philistines and Egypt. These peoples and the Amalekites were enemies of both the Philistines and Israel.

David lied to Achish, claiming to be doing what the Philistine king expected of his officers and vassals, while actually remaining loyal to his homeland. Again he made choices in the midst of dilemma. We don't know what God might have done if David had stayed in Israel. Or, did God's plan always include his time in Ziklag?

Saul desperately sought answers. Knowing that God was against him, he still wanted a way out. Saul should have repented and humbly asked for forgiveness, but it was too late. His disobedience was complete and God had turned him over to his own selfish, wicked heart that looked for God out of fear, not obedience.

Verse 7, chapter 28—the witch of Endor. Had Saul lost his salvation? The author doesn't say. Was Samuel just saying that Saul would die, or that Saul would join him in heaven (vs.19)? There is no sign that Jonathan has lost favor with God, yet Samuel includes him in his promise of the death. It's an interesting question. The author would have known there was existence after death, but would have been fuzzy on the idea of heaven and hell. Thus he offers us little help. A desperate Saul sought answers that only God could give. God allowed Samuel's spirit to return to answer the king's question, but consulting the medium was a great sin. Her shock when Samuel showed up says that she had no real connection with God (vs.12).

Next time: David proves his worth

Nabal’s Wife Intercedes

Dei Break

1 Samuel 25:15-26:25

David's anger at Nabal led him to plan the death of Nabal and the men of his house. Regardless of Nabal's arrogance, killing him would have been a great sin. Ordinarily David trusted God for guidance, but this time he let his anger and pride override his God-given wisdom.

Abigail's swift action (vs.18) saved her husband's life and saved David from offending God. She knew the power of God in his life and that the Lord could take care of Nabal more justly than David's anger (vs.31).

It was a sin for David to act out of injured pride against Nabal, but God acted out of His desire for justice (vs.38).

After Nabal's death Abagail became David's third wife, though Saul had given his daughter Michel to another man by this time (vs.44).

In chapter 26, the "cat and mouse" game continues, and the mouse keeps winning. Again the Lord places Saul within David's reach. God had reasons for repeatedly placing Saul in David's path. Every time David spares Saul, he demonstrates that he is a man of integrity and humility; a servant of God. Every time God gives David victory over Saul, He demonstrates that David is His choice to lead Israel.

We also see David's boldness; that boldness that we saw in the encounter with Goliath; in his response to his older brothers; and when he informed the king that any lad that could kill a lion and a bear could handle a mere Philistine, with God's help.

Some of us also have a boldness to our character. It's not a flaw, but it can be hard to know when to be bold and when to be humble; when to speak out and when to stay quiet and listen; how to resist acting rashly. David needed God's protection from his own rashness when he decided to kill Nabal. God inspired Abigail to come to the rescue of her husband and of David. We also need to keep our ears open to hear the Abigails sent to us by God with a calming voice and a reminder of God's will in our lives.

Next time: David joins the Philistines

David’s Patience

Dei Break

1 Samuel 24:1 – 25:13

This is an interesting encounter between Saul and David. While Saul chose a cave in which to relieve himself that happened to be sheltering David (24:3), David secretly cut away a piece of the king's robe. David, committed to acting honorably and obeying God, felt guilty for even this action. (vs.6) He had refused a perfect opportunity to kill the man who was consumed with killing him. David did not even mock Saul by claiming that his kingship had been revoked. Most of us could learn much from David in the area of seeking God and living in patience.

David almost sounds like Joseph; persecuted unjustly, yet filled with integrity and faith in God. He did not try to rush God's will. He waited on the Lord. That's a hard thing to do, but by doing so, David could stand before his people knowing that none could accuse him of disloyalty or treachery. None could accuse him of disregarding God's will.

Saul also was touched by God in this incident (vs.17ff). For the moment, Saul accepted David's words and confessed his sin. He did not try to destroy the future king. He even acknowledged David's coming reign and humbly asked that when his reign began David would spare his family (vs.20-21). On this day both men recognized the authority of God in their lives.

Samuel has faded into the background, leaving David the center of the story. As chapter 25 begins, the old leader's death is announced. After the customary mourning David moved out to Maon. But Samuel will return to the story one more time.

Nabal ("fool") almost caused David to commit murder. It all came about because of Nabal's total disregard for a request for provisions from David's men (25:10,11), even knowing David's story; the respect shown him, and his reputation as an honorable man. Unlike most traveling soldiers finding themselves among herds in ancient times, David's troops not only did not seize the needed supplies, they mingled with the herdsmen in peace and protected them from surrounding dangers.

Next time: Nabal's wife intercedes

Saul Condemns the Innocent

Dei Break

1 Samuel 22:1-23:29

Adullam was about twenty miles from Jerusalem, off to the southwest. David took refuge in a cave there and became a leader of a band of misused fugitives, almost like an Israeli version of the legend of Robin Hood, still a couple of thousand years in the future.

He also approached the king of Moab, requesting protection for his family. Moab had been the home nation of his great-grandmother, Ruth.

His move back to Judah also made sense. He was a number of miles from Saul's headquarters at Gibeah, and with the people of his own tribe to give him support. (This is the lawless Gibeah of Judges 19, guilty of the murder of the concubine.)

Even Saul's officials and guards began to doubt the king's sanity. They were unaware of the reason for his obsession with destroying David. That didn't bother Doeg the Edomite (who had spotted David with the priest at Nob), a descendant of Esau. He was not Israeli but w as willing to use Saul's good pleasure to obtain power, wealth, and fame (22:9). We see the same character traits today in many of the followers of the powerful, famous, and wealthy. And, when the benefactor falls, the follower denies any connection to their former idol.

Locating a map of Palestine at the time of David and finding some of the towns and areas mentioned in today's reading reveals that they weren't all that far apart.

These distances seem insignificant now, but in David's time even the roads of Rome were still far in the future. The area was also made up of city-states that frequently waged war on one another, limiting communication. These situations made it possible for David to stay ahead of Saul and his scouts even in a relatively small area.

http://www.imagesoftheworld.org/Israel/Israel0004.html (Link to photos of En-gedi today)

Abiathar, after surviving the slaughter at Nob, becomes David's priest (22:20; 23:6). He had brought the ephod (outer priestly garment) with him. On it were the stones used for determining God's answers to David's questions. Abiathar later became high priest in David's kingdom.

Next time: David's Patience

Jonathan and David

Dei Break

1 Samuel 20:1 - 21:23

The story of David, Jonathan, and Saul continues to read almost like a good movie as you imagine each scene taking place. Saul continues his downward spiral, even attempting to murder his own son. During David's flight a faithful servant of Saul spots him (21:7) and David gathers up the sword of the dead Goliath and runs for his life (21:9).

Gath was the hometown of Goliath—what a spot for David to hide out! That is why he pretended to be mad (21:13). It was his only means of survival in a Philistine stronghold. The Philistines would not harm anyone they thought insane because they believed that such action could anger the gods. (Note: It is estimated that David's time on the run from Saul was about ten years and that he was about twenty years old at its beginning.)

The character of Jonathan in contrast to that of Saul is explained only by the grace of God toward the king's son. Saul rejected the idea that God could choose to remove his family from the throne, replacing it with David and his descendants. In his rage at David, Saul almost killed Jonathan, whom he was supposedly trying to protect from the insult of not succeeding his father (20:30-34). Jonathan, on the other hand, loved David as a brother and humbly accepted God's will in the matter. His spirit was at peace while Saul's was in constant fear, turmoil, and hatred.

David faced decisions like those of all Christians being hunted or persecuted. Does he lie to protect his life? (21:1-2) Or, does he remain truthful and trust in the Lord to make His will succeed? He lied, telling the priest that he was on a mission from the king. What would my choice or your choice have been? Lying is always a sin, and we will see that this lie led to disaster. The writer of 1 Samuel did not condemn David for the lie, perhaps because he knew what turmoil even a man of God can experience.

Next time: Saul condemns the innocent