Read 2 Samuel 12:18-31, 8:3-12 & 23
 
2 Samuel 23:9b-10 Once Eleazar and David stood together against the Philistines when the entire Israelite army had fled. 10 He killed Philistines until his hand was too tired to lift his sword, and the Lord gave him a great victory that day.
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2 Samuel 23:15-20 David remarked longingly to his men, “Oh, how I would love some of that good water from the well by the gate in Bethlehem.” 16 So the Three broke through the Philistine lines, drew some water from the well by the gate in Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it. Instead, he poured it out as an offering to the Lord. 17 “The Lord forbid that I should drink this!” he exclaimed. “This water is as precious as the blood of these men who risked their lives to bring it to me.” So David did not drink it. These are examples of the exploits of the Three. (Josheb-basshebeth, Eleazer and Hararite)
 
DAVID’’S followers were deeply loyal to their leader and highly skilled in warfare. Eleazer’s and David’s personal disposal of a group of Philistines is another testimony of God’s strength surrounding David. As David was a highly skilled warrior, he attracted strong, skilled warriors. The Three are David’s top fighters in his group. These valuable soldiers risked their lives for David’s desired drink of water from Bethlehem. It hardly seemed worthwhile, but they demonstrated their gifts to overcome the enemy. Sometimes the battle requires outward strength. Sometimes the victory demands stealth and silence. David had the men to accomplish God’s purposes.
   What, then, do you think of David pouring the cup of water onto the ground? Was he minimizing, even ridiculing the soldiers’ valiant success?
   On the contrary, David was honoring his men. When he looked at the water in the cup he saw the water is as precious as the blood of these men. Their blood could easily have been on the ground in Bethlehem. David did not see in the cup a drink of water but a sacrifice from his soldiers. Drinking this water would have been as drinking the men’s blood. Gratefully, David offered the water as a drink offering to the LORD.
   David’s offering demonstrated he treasured the LORD’s provision of gifted soldiers. It was his sign he joined with his soldiers to worship God.
   A vital trait of being a Christian is to offer yourself as a living sacrifice to God. This means that you are willing to give up your greatest desires to honor God and those he places in your life. A living sacrifice is to join with others only for God’s good without thought of personal gain or loss. Be grateful to God for the many people who help you. Become united in purpose with others to worship God with your life.
 
Romans 12:1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 
 
 

Read 2 Samuel 10-12, 21:15-22
 
2 Samuel 21:15-22 Once again the Philistines were at war with Israel. And when David and his men were in the thick of battle, David became weak and exhausted. 16 Ishbi-benob was a descendant of the giants; his bronze spearhead weighed more than seven pounds, and he was armed with a new sword. He had cornered David and was about to kill him. 17 But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to David’s rescue and killed the Philistine. Then David’s men declared, “You are not going out to battle with us again! Why risk snuffing out the light of Israel?”
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2 Samuel 11:9-11 But Uriah didn’t go home. He slept that night at the palace entrance with the king’s palace guard. 10 When David heard that Uriah had not gone home, he summoned him and asked, “What’s the matter? Why didn’t you go home last night after being away for so long?” 11 Uriah replied, “The Ark and the armies of Israel and Judah are living in tents, and Joab and my master’s men are camping in the open fields. How could I go home to wine and dine and sleep with my wife? I swear that I would never do such a thing.”
 
ARE you aware a giant warrior nearly killed David? David’s soldier Abishai saved his life. Then David’s men urged him to refrain from future battles, so the light of Israel  would not be snuffed out. This almost a Messiah-like reference to David. He had extraordinary honor from his army and nation at that point in his life.
   The soldiers admonition perhaps explains 2 Samuel 11:1 In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war…David stayed behind in Jerusalem. David stayed back from the physical war and giant warriors; yet an unrelenting giant would attack his soul.
   You know the giant, too. He comes against us all. His name is Temptation. David, the magnificent king of Israel, a man with a great heart for God, allowed Temptation to taunt his desires.
   How does that happen to a man of God? In contrast, Uriah, a Hittite soldier, came from a pagan people. Still he honors those who fight for the king. And God’s chosen king dishonors and destroys the one who fights for him.
   David, how could you be so greedy, so cruel, so lost? Did you call out to Temptation as you did to Goliath, “You come to me with (temptations of the flesh), but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 Today the Lord will conquer you. (from 1 Sam 17:45-46a) Where was your strength that night, David?
    Why with a house full of women you could choose, did you choose Uriah’s wife? Did Temptation cause you to forget Uriah was once among your personal protectors? You betrayed a faithful guard with an unguarded heart.
   The core of our sin nature is to want more than God has given. Is it ever possible to keep our eyes at home - to be thankful and happy with what we have? Being satisfied will keep Temptation small and even chase him away. Remember God’s command: Exodus 20:17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” Then remember the people’s response:  18 When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear.  
   Fear God and you will not be afraid of the giants.   
 
Listen to David’s words here: Psalms 36:1Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts. They have no fear of God at all.
 
 

Read 2 Samuel 7 and 9,  1 Chronicles 18
 
2 Samuel 7:11b-17 “Furthermore, the Lord declares that he will make a house for you—a dynasty of kings! 12 For when you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong. 13 He is the one who will build a house – a temple – for my name. And I will secure his royal throne forever. 14 I will be his father, and he will be my son. If he sins, I will correct and discipline him with the rod, like any father would do…6 Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.”
 
DAVID wants to be a good king for Israel and a good son to God. He has established his authority in Israel and among the surrounding nations. The 12 tribes are together in a closer union than they have been since Joshua died about 400 years before this. David has set his government, military and religious officials. What is next?
   David wanted to build a temple – a house – for God. David lived in a fine place of cedar, shouldn’t there be a much better house for God? After all, God’s earthly “home” is still between the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant. David wants a glorious home for God.
   But God is not concerned for this. His plan is to go forward through David’s descendants to establish his eternal House in heaven and earth. Responding to David, God prophecies what he will do with the next generation under Solomon. He is the one who will build a house – a temple – for God. The LORD even foretold that he would correct and discipline him with the rod, like any father would do. Then comes much more.
   God then gives what is called the Davidic covenant. As the covenants with Adam and Abram, this covenant points to the eternal blessing of salvation in Jesus, the Son of God: “Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.” God has chosen David’s specific lineage to bring forth the Messiah to earth. And this Messiah will be the eternal King of kings. His throne is forever.
   Believing Jews have held onto the Davidic Covenant for 3,000 years. They are sure an earthly ruler will rise in Jerusalem at the Temple Mount to establish an eternal reign over the earth. That’s why Jesus’ disciples asked him as he prepared to return to heaven: Acts 1:6 “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”  Before this Word, the LORD said the ruler would come from Judah. Here the promise points specifically to David.
   Jesus came to move the promise forward through the cross. The Holy Spirit now extends the promise to gather all of God’s own into the King’s eternal kingdom. God has moved his Word, his plan and his purpose through the ages to come specifically to you. How do you respond to that?    
 
 
 

2 Samuel 5, 8 & 2 Samuel 22, Psalm 18   
 
2 Samuel 5:9-10 So David made the fortress his home, and he called it the City of David. He extended the city, starting at the supporting terraces and working inward. 10 And David became more and more powerful, because the LORD God of Heaven’s Armies was with him.
 
WHEN reading this, the thought occurred, “How far the shepherd boy had come! The LORD God had led him from a sheep pasture to become a powerful warrior. He has capture and built a fortress-like city in one of Canaan’s strongest natural fortifications. Still today, 3,000 years later, the City of David still stands.
   The world might call David a self-made man. But we know only God could plan and cause such an incredible transformation of a man’s physical, moral and spiritual life. The youngest son of Jesse became more and more powerful, because the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies was with him. What does it mean to be more and more powerful in the Lord?
   This phrase points to God’s Spirit directing our lives. We are powerless until the Holy Spirit calls from where we are to enter God’s kingdom. For David, becoming more and more powerful in the LORD meant God had chosen, gifted and blessed David with singular accomplishments in both world history and the kingdom of God. David reigned for 40 years. In the entire history of Israel, few have reigned longer. No king of Israel had more success than David. David’s kingdom is seen in Scripture and by the national Jews in Israel today as a picture of strength, wealth, power and safety. Material greatness and political peace came from David’s throne. He conquered all opposition. Some submitted to him because they knew it was pointless to oppose David. His armies defeated pagan rulers and disposed of countries that had longed assaulted Israel.
   David’s kingdom of God accomplishments are also unique. Yes, he had many faults as we all do. Yet in his weaknesses, despair and sin, David’s heart was generally faithful to God’s law. Even more, his psalms express he loved God, and God loved him. He wrote and sang psalms of worship, psalms of complaint and psalms of prayer for his enemies’ destruction. David was as Moses, who was very personal with God. The Bible reveals tht David had many different conversations with God to find comfort and express faith. As we’ve learned, God especially anoints particular people for great moments in his kingdom on earth. David was great in God’s sight because God had chosen him to be great. Unlike Saul, who avoided God’s call, David directly acted into his election. David’s life displayed a man after God’s own heart in response to God appointing him leader of his people (1 Samuel 13:14b) 
          How would you describe greatness in your life? Would you begin with your heart attitude toward God? What is real and true for your life? What lasts forever? What in life for you is truly great?

Read 2 Samuel 1-5, 1 Chronicles 3:1-4, 1 Chronicles 12:23-40
 
2 Samuel 1:11-12 David and his men tore their clothes in sorrow when they heard the news. 12 They mourned and wept and fasted all day for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the Lord’s army and the nation of Israel, because they had died by the sword that day.
 
SAUL persecuted and hunted David for years. Saul threw spears at David. Saul kept Jonathan, David’s best friend, from David. Saul used his troops and his resources to hunt David. David lived with the hated Philistines for 16 months to avoid Saul. And yet, David and his men mourned Saul’s death.
   To mourn is to know and express a deep grief over loss. To mourn is to regret. We know about mourning the loss of a loved one or good friend. But do you mourn those who oppose God – even your enemies – in the hope they will come to faith? Does regret touch your mind when you think of those who die without the Lord? Perhaps this is why David and his men grieved. Although their physical enemy was dead, they may have mourned for Saul’s lost calling to serve and glorify God. They regretted being his enemies and the losing their opportunity to serve the king. David and his men mourned a wasted life.
   Of the many lessons from  1 Samuel, we might see the first lesson is this: Dedicate your life to serving the Lord’s desires. We have seen barren Hannah declare in 1 Samuel 1:18 “May your servant find favor in your eyes.” Samuel was born to say, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:16) David repeatedly said “your servant” to Saul in respect to Saul’s God-appointed kingship. Abigail also spoke, “your servant” multiple times as she turned David’s rage to peace. Serving in God’s purpose is the most effective way to influence people to know the Lord Jesus Christ.
   Saul, in contrast, did not once express such humility and gratitude toward God. He failed to thank Samuel, who was God’s appointed agent to anoint and guide him. Saul only vainly used the LORD’s name to affirm his own decisions. To lead for God requires a servant attitude toward God and his people.
   Saul was to lead Israel, so it would glorify God. Instead, Saul missed his purpose. His family and his army died with him as Israel suffered the shame of defeat.
   Indeed, we should mourn such lives lost to God’s call. Let us examine our own lives to inquire of God, “How can your servant help someone know Jesus?” Let’s ask God how we can encourage others in their calling.
  
 
 

Read 1 Samuel 27-29, 1 Chronicles 12:19-22,
 
1 Samuel 28:7 Saul then said to his attendants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her.” “There is one in Endor,” they said…11 Then the woman asked, “Whom shall I bring up for you?” “Bring up Samuel,” he said. 12 When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out at the top of her voice and said to Saul, “Why have you deceived me? You are Saul!”…16 Samuel said, “Why do you consult me, now that the Lord has turned away from  you and become your enemy? 17 The Lord has done what he predicted through me. The Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors – to David…19 The Lord will hand over both Israel and you to the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The Lord will also hand over the army of Israel to the Philistines.”
 
SAUL’s fear has so captivated his mind he goes to a witch – one who claims to have powers to speak to the dead. He had rightly banned such evil practices in Israel on the penalty of death. Now he believes he can find some kind of truth or salvation in a most unholy person.
   How is it Samuel appears from  the dead? This is God’s work to judge Saul. The medium’s fearful reaction indicates Samuel’s appearance was completely unexpected. She obviously had not seen anyone rise from the dead. She had no power but used others’ fears and superstitions to her advantage.
   But this time God turned Saul’s most unholy act into the declaration of his final holy judgment on Saul’s life. The fearful man can only respond with grief and despair. Saul did not hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21) to be welcomed into his Father’s house. Instead, Saul heard, “now that the Lord has turned away from  you and become your enemy.”  What terror-striking words for the faithless to know! The time of repentance is past.
   Once again we see how one man’s disobedience destroyed many more. Saul’s sons will die with him, and Israel’s army will be in the Philistine’s hands. Israel wanted a king, so they could be as the other nations. They have had such a king. His ungodly, weak leadership has taken Israel once again into pagan captivity. Saul’s legacy is one of unholy fear.
 
Proverbs 14:14 The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good man rewarded for his.

Read 1 Samuel 25-28:2, 1 Chronicles 12 
 
1 Samuel 25:22 “May God strike me and kill me if even one man of his household is still alive tomorrow morning! 23 When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed low before him…30 “When the Lord has done for my master every good thing he promised  concerning him and has appointed him leader over Israel, 31 my master will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself. And when the Lord has brought my master success, remember your servant.”
 
WE have seen how Saul denied God’s will and rejected God as he attempted to kill David. What a contrast it is to now hear God’s will through Abigail’s prophetic voice. It’s likely few people know much about Abigail. But once again we see how God raises a woman with a prophetic voice and purpose to advance his salvation plan. 1 Samuel 25 indicates Abigail was a remarkable woman God used to protect David’s purpose. I hope you’ve read the account and have learned from her wise counsel to speak into David’s anger. Imagine! God used a woman who was peacefully caring for her household to suddenly rise up and confront the God-anointed warrior David to turn him from his murderous intentions! Who knows when God will call us to be quick to act, brave to speak and humble to submit.
   The Bible doesn’t specifically say, “The Spirit came upon Abigail.” But it is apparent the Holy Spirit anointed that day. Speaking the news of Nabal’s insult and David’s response, a servant seemed to be God’s voice when he told Abigail, “Now think it over and see what you can do.” (1 Samuel 25:17a)
   In God’s power Abigail spoke to David: “When the Lord has done for my master every good thing he promised …my master will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed…when the Lord has brought my master success.” Twice, “when” points to a certainty of God’s will that David will be king. Abigail reminds – and perhaps teaches – David that his life is for much more than a moment to avenge a hospitality insult.
   We can interpret Abigail’s words to David, “Use your wisdom. Allow the Lord to do his work. You don’t need to kill. Instead, you need to show forbearance and peace. Trust God to avenge you. Stop here and have a meal, instead.” You might say Abigail was urging David to prepare a table in the presence of his enemies to allow the LORD’s goodness and mercy to overflow into his mind and remove his rage.
   What does Abigail teach us? Be wise: demonstrate to others they can trust you to make good decisions. Be sure: act quickly to do what is right. Be submissive: approach others with respect. Be truthful: speak the consequences of both good and bad actions. Be hospitable: prepare a table to offer others a meal to stop and settle their emotions.
   Whose prophetic voice has God put into your life? Listen, and you will hear. You will live with less regret of rash words and actions. You will experience more satisfaction in who God has made you to be.
  
 

Read 1 Samuel 22-25:1 Psalm 52, 63, 54
 
1 Samuel 21:1-3 David went to the town of Nob to see Ahimelech the priest. Ahimelech trembled when he saw him. “Why are you alone?” he asked. “Why is no one with you?” 2 “The king has sent me on a private matter,” David said. “He told me not to tell anyone why I am here. I have told my men where to meet me. 3 Now, what is to eat? Give me five loaves of bread or anything else you have.”
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1 Samuel 22:18 Then the king said to Doeg, “You do it.” So Doeg the Edomite turned on them and killed them that day, eighty-five priests in all, still wearing their priestly garments.
 
DAVID and Saul sin. Is one worse than the other? First, we see David lying to Ahimelech to get food and a weapon. Because of his lie, the priest helped David. Then Saul accused Ahimelech of plotting against him. When Saul’s soldiers refused his evil order to kill the priests, Saul used Doeg, the Edomite – a descendant of Esau – to kill all the priests and their families.
   Do you ever think a little lie is really little and makes no difference? We do because it is our nature. Satan’s lie began mankind’s fall into deceiving God and one another. As David fled from Saul, a lie was convenient for David to get what he wanted. Could David have been thinking, “Ahimelech doesn’t need to know everything, does he? My life is certainly worth a little lie.” David’s self-focus cost Ahimelech and hundreds of innocents.
   Saul’s fear is again a fatal flaw for himself, too. The lie, “I must destroy David!” captivated Saul’s mind, indeed, his life. Yes, a lie external or internal first creeps from place to place, from mind to heart to soul. If left unchecked it becomes a raging infection that consumes people one never intended to harm.
   Be sure of this: Whatever you do, good or bad, involves others. That’s why God commands us to love one another. We live in God’s truth for our good and this becomes others’ blessings. When you are a person who loves God and loves others, you will negate Satan’s lies. The Holy Spirit will use you to turn hearts and minds to the life Jesus has so personally demonstrated.
   So then, do you want to affect lives with deceit or with love?   
    
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
 
 

Read 1 Samuel 21-22, Psalm 34, Psalm 56, Psalm 142

Psalm 56:3-4, 8 But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. 4 I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?... 8 You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.
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Psalm 34:18, 20 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed…20 For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken!
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Psalm 142:5 Then I pray to you, O Lord. I say, “You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life.”


THE Daily Bible incorporates these psalms of David with David’s story. David wrote and sang these psalms in the midst of Saul’s persecution and the other challenges he face. They become more personal and meaningful to us when we glimpse David’s emotional struggles, striving to trust God while his life is in mortal danger. You know that living with complete assurance of God’s love and care for you is not easy. Try to imagine David’s feelings as he looked to God while looking for Saul’s deadly assaults. 
   We can learn from David because David needed what we all need – a life in a full assurance God is our God. We want to trust that I AM, the eternal God, personally loves, guides, strengthens and protects us even in the “valley of the shadow of death”. How many times have you needed and received such words as are written in these psalms? When you didn’t know what to do have you confessed to God, “When I am afraid I put my trust in you.” Have you spoken strength into a friend’s life, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”  Certainly you’ve needed to pray for others and for yourself, “You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life.” How good to have such assurance for your life. Even as you speak such words, your faith will grow.
   The Holy Spirit is good to give us such assuring words. We can read, know and use them, for example, to turn away disappointment and destroy doubt. Saying to El Shaddai, “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” will comfort your heart. Such a faithful confession will teach your mind of God’s compassion to love you and his power to protect you.
   David’s life under Saul’s jealous rule was one of extraordinary challenges. We read how his brothers ridiculed him before his battle with Goliath. King Saul revealed his sinful heart when he repeatedly assured Jonathan he would not harm David but then turned to pursue him. David pretended he was insane to protect his life amid the Philistines. At one point, David’s own men threatened to stone him. People died protecting the LORD’s anointed. There were likely many days when David would confess, “For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken!” Then did he wonder, “Is that true?”
   To have a living assurance of God’s personal care over your life requires you commit to a journey through the opposition toward God. You know there will be trials. You know God will be silent at times. Still, with a living assurance in God’s promises, you will confess, “I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?”