BR-18 Chronological Bible Read (April 30 - May 6)

Before we dive in, Chronos, I want to (again) share with you a free resource that I have found useful in my reading of the Bible: FIVE BASIC PRINCIPLES FOR STUDYING THE BIBLE.

It and some other useful resources are offered free of charge by Christianbook.com. There are some free resources for children, as well. They are all available for download. Enjoy!

Blessings,

Steve


You can copy and paste this link or
CLICK HERE https://www.christianbook.com/page/promotion/social-promotion/most-popular-free-resources?p=1210450&emid=Y3hueF9lbWlkX21mXzIwMTRfY3hueEtpcEhydUdpWHFnQkJrSm5za0hrSFEyQ1JTUUoU2FsdGVkX19gGDy8rYc_CVcfdtJFZQA8T6UDTmVFNtxlSTG3rhYsRDgEG2F_QFEt&utm_source=EPMS&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20200419_1210450&utm_term=Free%20Resources%20You%20Can%20Download%20Now&utm_content=gmail.com

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We are reading The One Year Chronological Bible (New Living Translation - Tyndale). The best way is with your own copy of this Bible translation. Or, copy and paste this link to the daily reading schedule
Or CLICK HERE
http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com/readingplan/oneyearchronologicalbiblereadingplan.pdf

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A WORD ABOUT PSALMS
Here is an example of the kinds of things we need to understand as we read in the psalms. Below is a good illustration of the fact that not every psalm is a poem of sweetness and light.

The clock is ticking ... "The needy will not be ignored forever; the hopes of the poor will not always be crushed" (May 6th, Psalm 9:18). This psalm, for instance, is one about God’s judgment; inviting it, and accepting it. Notice this psalm is also about wanting God’s judgment to be visited on others ... particularly on nations that do not act in the best interest of their needy citizens. To be clear, the comment about the needy is not saying God will supply their needs; rather, it is saying: if God has to do what the nation should have done on its own, God will step in, and then judge that nation, harshly. Read through Psalm 9, again, and view it though this contextual lens. It makes a difference.


THIS WEEK
Giants, wisdom, solid gold meat hooks, and psalms

This week is mainly about David wrapping things up. David reigned as King for 40 years. As we read from 2nd Samuel 19 through 1st Kings 1 & 2, David is rounding Third Base and headed for Home. He spends his time cleaning out Israel's foes, setting up structures for the ongoing benefit of the kingdom, and appointing those who will be over various matters. He does all this so there will be a smooth transition for his youngest, Solomon, to ascend to the throne.

Some highlights ...

1. Giants! (April 30th, 2nd Samuel 21) David's last battle is against the Philistines, and more specifically, against giants! He is elderly, so he doesn't fare as well as he did in his first battle with a giant. As a result, his generals insist he can no longer go with them to the field of battle. If only David had been so keen on going into battle when he was younger, maybe Uriah the Hittite would still be alive.

2. Psalm 18 (May 1st) is the source of many a church hymn and chorus. One of the my favorite worship choruses is based on verses 3 and 46. The first and last verse are sung in a round with men singing separately from the women. The second voices in the round start just before "Lord" and "praised." Here is the closest I can find on the internet. There are a few differences, but not big ones. I think the main difference is that we sang it with a lot more gusto and with both men and women voices:
CLICK HERE or copy and paste this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPsK9UiBFJI

3. I think this is notable: David prays that God will give Solomon wisdom (May 2nd, 1st Chronicles 22:11-12). This may well explain why Solomon knew to ask for wisdom, later on, when God offered him anything he desired: his father taught him to want wisdom!

4. They were to use solid gold meat hooks to handle the sacrificial meat in the temple David was planning (May 4th, 1st Chronicles 28:17).

COMING UP
Suddenly, we're deep into Psalms! Looks like we'll be reading Psalms through May 20th. So, as you begin the reading for May 7th and the following couple of weeks, make an attempt to see if the Psalms you are reading might have a message for your life. I am regularly surprised at they fit my life, even though they were written millennia ago!

BR-17 Chronological Bible Read (April 23-29)

This is one of the saddest sections of the Bible [2nd Samuel 6 - 2nd Samuel 19, with some echos in 1st Chronicles].

Just as David expands the kingdom to the borders God promised to Abraham, everything starts to fall apart. One of scripture's most powerful scenes of God reigning in power-run-amuck (2nd Samuel 12:1-7), is the moment when the Prophet Nathan confronts David's sinfulness and shouts, "You are the man!"

But, even with all the sin and consequence in this week's reading, some blessings emerge ... and I have examples.

I continue to pray for all of you.

Blessings,
Steve

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We are reading The One Year Chronological Bible (New Living Translation - Tyndale). The best way is with your own copy of this Bible translation. Or, copy and paste this link to the daily reading schedule:
http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com/readingplan/oneyearchronologicalbiblereadingplan.pdf

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DAVID & BATHSHEBA

THE SIN: “Should I stay or should I go?” David’s answer to this was to stay home ... when he should have been out with his army. One bad decision leads to another. Because he stayed home instead of leading his troops, he was on that rooftop where he spied Bathsheba bathing. David then “double-sins” by first having sex with Bathsheba (a woman who is not his wife) and then arranging to murder her husband, Uriah the Hittite (one of David's inner circle of fighting men!).

THE CONSEQUENCE: In addition to the death of Uriah and the everlasting shame on David for his acts, the firstborn child of David and Bathsheba dies on the 7th day of its life. Consider how this echos the judgment of God on the first Passover.

THE BLESSING: In his grief and shame, David writes Psalm 51, something that has helped people confess their own sins for millennia (Hear Keith Green sing key verses from the psalm, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vD847UcRbL4


ABSALOM, ABSALOM!

THE SIN: David’s sins continue to produce terrible fruit. David has already lost one child (Bathsheba’s first baby), and then events lead to another. Amnon rapes Tamar, Absalom's sister (all of them are children of David). Then, Absalom kills Amnon. David loses a second son.

THE CONSEQUENCE: Though allowed to return to Jerusalem, Absalom was exiled from David's presence for killing his half-brother. Absalom then leads a successful rebellion causing David (and all those loyal to him) to flee from Jerusalem for their lives. Eventually, Absalom is caught and killed by Joab. David mourns the death of a third son.

THE BLESSING: While running for his life, David writes Psalm 3 and Psalm 63. Many of us have turned to them in times of trouble. Portions of both are sung from hymnals, as choruses, and performed in contemporary Christian music. Hear Rich Mullins sing "Oh God, You are my God!" Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-b7TQMoZsM

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Click the following link to view six maps showing land controlled by Israel at different times in its history (including the present). The map of David's Kingdom (which stretches all the way to the Euphrates River!) matches the land as promised by God to Abraham. I found the ability to compare them very helpful in understanding some of the current conflict in that area, today. The only change since this page was first loaded is that the US now recognizes Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel.

https://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/historical/israel_hist_1973.jpg

BR-16 Chronological Bible Read (April 16-22)

I had a little fun this week. I summed up the readings by writing tabloid-style headlines about them. I hope you enjoy them.

I've been hearing encouraging thoughts from you; that you are learning a lot. Well, me too! This just gets richer and richer as we move further into scripture.

I pray you are well, safe, and happy. Let me know if you want to discuss any of this.

Blessings,
Steve

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We are reading The One Year Chronological Bible (New Living Translation - Tyndale). The best way is with your own copy of this Bible translation. Or, copy and paste this link to the daily reading schedule:
http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com/readingplan/oneyearchronologicalbiblereadingplan.pdf

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BEFORE WE BEGIN: Take note that everyone, regardless of which side they are on (Saul's or David's), invokes the name of the Lord. All of them, Saul and David included, bless people in the name of the Lord. Each leader speaks and proceeds as though he is God's chosen, even though Saul has been told by Samuel that he is not! We can learn from this. Even though people toss around "Lord" and "God" as though they are operating within His approval, a deeper analysis may be called for, especially if two or more are in dispute with one another.


HEADLINES! ... HEADLINES! ... HEADLINES! ... HEADLINES!

RAGTAG ARMY FORMS AROUND DAVID WHILE HE HIDES IN CAVES!
WHY RISK KING SAUL’S WRATH BY FOLLOWING DAVID?
(1Samuel 22, plus Psalms 57 & 142 - April 16th)

DAVID PASSES ON TWO CHANCES TO KILL SAUL!
WHY WOULD DAVID LET HIS RIVAL LIVE?
(1Samuel 24 & 26 - April 17th & 18th)

NABAL, THAT MORON, IS A FOOL!
WHY DID NABAL’S WIFE MEET DAVID ON THE ROAD?
(1Samuel 25 - April 17th)

SAMUEL DIES: PROPHET, PRIEST, JUDGE MOURNED BY NATION
BODY TRANSPORTED TO RAMAH FOR FINAL(?) REST
(1Samuel 25 - April 17th)

KING SAUL ABANDONED BY GOD, CONSULTS WITCH AT ENDOR!
WITCH SHOCKED TO DISCOVER SHE CAN ACTUALLY RAISE GHOST!
Saul Breaks God's Laws Almost Daily, Slaughters Priests!
(1Samuel 22, 28 - April 16th & 18th)

SAUL DIES IN BATTLE WITH PHILISTINES!
STORIES CONFLICT: ALLEGED KILLER EXPECTED REWARD, GOT DEATH
David Mourns Passing Of "God's Anointed"
(1Samuel 31 - 2Samuel 1 - April 19th)

DAVID BECOMES KING OF JUDAH, THEN ALL OF ISRAEL!
CONQUERS JERUSALEM, MOVES CAPITOL FROM HEBRON
King Hiram of Tyre Gifts David With New Palace!
(2Samuel 2, 5 - April 20th & 22nd)

SHOCKER! DAVID'S "MIGHTY MEN" INCLUDES URIAH THE HITTITE!
HOW DID THIS FOREIGNER COME TO JOIN THE INNER CIRCLE?
What Lies Ahead For This "Mighty Man" On The Inside Track?
(2Samuel 23 - April 20th)

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BONUS CONTENT! ( FEEL FREE TO IGNORE )

You can ignore the following meandering thoughts, unless you just have a lot of time on your hands 😎

David's rag tag army (April 16th - 1Samuel 22; also Psalms 57 and 142)
I was fascinated about the people who were drawn to David while he hid out in a cave. Saul was hunting him, intending to take his life. Yet, all of David's relatives come to join him in the cave ... then others. We see "men who were in trouble or in debt or who were just discontented." I certainly understand why David's family came to him: their lives were likely also forfeit or, at the very least, in jeopardy. It's interesting to me to meditate on the thought process of these other folks, though. Granted, many people flee from their troubles, and others "take a walk" when they find themselves "at loose ends" like those who were discontented. But, why go to David? Why not just leave? Something to think about ...

Had word gotten out that David was God's anointed? Or was it just that he had become so popular with the people that it was a natural flow in his direction? Clearly, these folk were "casting their lot" with David, and, by doing so, not choosing King Saul. They have confidence in David, but, based on these two psalms, we can only surmise that David has cast his lot with God. In retrospect, we are often similar to the folk that followed David; instead of following God, directly, we follow the person who God appears to have favored (even if present circumstances may argue differently; e.g., hiding in a cave).

David's choice (April 17th, 1Samuel 24)
Even though David knows he has been anointed as God's choice for King, he respects that God also chose Saul. Because of this, David refuses to kill Saul, refusing to attack "the Lord's anointed one" when he has the opportunity ... truly a man after God's own heart! This is the Spirit at work within David, and is a lesson for us: we must respect those whom God has placed in power, even when we know they will be replaced. This happened twice! (See the April 18th reading of 1Samuel 26): "The Lord gives His own reward for doing good and being loyal ...."

That moron, Nabal (April 17th, 1Samuel 25)
Nabal (which means "fool") invites the wrath of David by refusing to share much needed provisions with David's men. It may not be clear from the reading, but Nabal's actions are insulting; hospitality is one of the principals under which people in that part of the world live. Refusing hospitality is always an insult.

“Abigale wasted no time.”
Praise God for Nabal's wife, Abigail! She saves everyone who works for and lives with the Nabal family by intercepting David and his troops. Key thought here: Abigail not only saved all of them from David's vengeance, she saved David from David's vengeance! By acting quickly and wisely, she kept David from breaking one of God's main commandments: leave the avenging to God. And, due to her actions, she becomes David's wife (read: a future Queen of Israel) after Nabal dies.


Stephen C. Orr
Sent from my iPhone

BR-15 Chronological Bible Read (April 9 — 15)

If you've fallen behind in your reading, you can skip up to where we are and jump back in; no harm, no foul!

Samuel, Saul, shepherd boys, and Psalms!
What a week! There is so much packed into these seven days of reading. Fair warning: it's going to be like this for most weeks from now on. Once we moved past the laws and genealogies, the stage was set. Congrats on getting this far. Speaking of which, if you know someone who might be interested in joining in with us, now is an excellent time to hop on board. This week and the next few lay the foundation for the rest of the year.

Blessings, Steve

P.S. Special note at the bottom about violence.

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We are reading The One Year Chronological Bible (New Living Translation - Tyndale). The best way is with your own copy of this Bible translation. Or, copy and paste this link to the daily reading schedule:
http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com/readingplan/oneyearchronologicalbiblereadingplan.pdf

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Obscure but important: Notice in this week's reading: the writer begins using phrases separating Judah from the rest of Israel. It's just two or three times, but it is important to note. It is at the end of the Judges period and the beginning of the Kings period that Judah and Israel are starting to be seen as two different groups. Even though they are still “one nation under God,” Judah is in the south and "Israel" is in the north. We see more of this as we get deeper into the history of God's chosen people.
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Samuel!
Moses and Samuel are the "bookends" on the Judges period of Israel's history. There was no nation before Moses became its Judge and, generations later, the nation was ruled by a King when Samuel stopped being the Judge. Samuel's story begins on April 8th and continues, mostly, through April 13th (though we will see Samuel, again, in a most unusual way a bit later). As God's chosen Prophet and Judge, Samuel had no equal in all of Israel. He served God, faithfully, his entire life.

Saul!
1 Samuel 9 and several following chapters, April 11th: "It started so well." <-- If asked, that's what I would have recommended they put on Saul's gravestone. He's handsome, tall, well-liked, and (this is the big one) he's God's chosen leader for the nation. They say "the devil's in the details." That was certainly the truth for Saul. By ignoring part of God's commands, repeatedly, he brought about his own downfall. First, he presumed to take on the priestly role of sacrificing the burnt offering to God. And later, he decided to retain what God had commanded him to destroy. And why? Because he wanted to look good in front of his people. His actions proved he was not a man after God's own heart. Still, even with all his faults, God kept Saul on the throne for 42 years! Plenty of time for Saul to repent had he wished to do so.

Shepherd Boys!
1 Samuel 16, April 13th: God sends Samuel to Bethlehem (later called "the city of David") for a meet-up with the sons of Jesse (himself, the grandson of Boaz & Ruth!). This is the place we find the phrase, "People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." David and his brothers play significant roles in this week's reading; shepherding, soldiering, and, in David's case, defeating the giant, Goliath (X-ref BR-12: a resident of Gath!). And, as we know (but Saul does not), David really is supposed to be Saul's successor on the throne. The most important part of David's story, this week, is on April 13th in 1 Samuel 16:13: "And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on." It's the first time scripture explicitly states that the Spirit came and stayed.

Psalms!
We are treated to Psalm 59 on April 14th and Psalm 34 on April 15th. Of course, reading the psalms at any time can be an edifying experience. There is a certain universality to them. But how interesting to read them aligned with the moments in history when David wrote them! When the histories are separated from the psalms, it is easy to forget that David was a poet and song writer, reflecting the tensions and joys of his life experience in the poetry he wrote. As much as we gain from reading them and applying them to our own lives, the insight we obtain into the person of David is priceless. When he wrote these two, his life was in chaos; he was actually in fear for his life as he penned these words.


VIOLENCE IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
You’ve noticed it, right? All the violence? I had a note from one of you lamenting all the violence permeating our Old Testament reading ... and feeling very blessed to not have lived then (Thanks J!).

Sadly, violence was common in that world. Part of the story of God’s people is that He was shaping them to be different from the common world culture ... and violence was a part of that shaping. By that, I mean the process of the changing their hearts was gradual. Rather than try to outlaw violence, completely, God directed it, framed it, and limited it. He introduced “eye for an eye” as a better alternative to what was then the norm: “death for an eye.”

Blood vengeance was the common culture if someone was killed, even if it was an accident. God required they set up Cities of Refuge where those accused of a crime could reside in safety while awaiting judgement as to their innocence or guilt. Any Israelite who attempted to exact blood vengeance from someone residing in a City of Refuge was violating the Law of God. Rules for Capital punishment replaced blood vengeance. So, Capital Punishment (something they expected to exist) wasn’t eliminated; rather, someone had to be adjudicated guilty of a Capital Offense based on the “testimony of two” or more witnesses. That was new.

In Jesus, we find the fulfillment of the Law. He taught us to substitute love for such harsh judgments. It is the next step in the process of changing our hearts.