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
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