Category: Biblical Reflections

After being told of Adonijah's schemes, David called for Bathsheba.  David reaffirmed his commitment to make Solomon king.  He instructed Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah to take Solomon--on David's donkey--to Gihon to anoint him king over all Israel.  When Solomon was anointed, all the people cried "Long Live King Solomon," and the … Continue reading The Rest of the Story…Solomon is King! (1 Kings 1:28 – 2:9)

After David's census, Gods judged Israel with a plague.  The way he would save Israel was given him by Gad when he told him to go to Araunah and build an altar to sacrifice to God.  David went to Araunah and asked to buy his threshing floor.  Araunah offered to give it to him, but … Continue reading David Rescues His People…Twice (2 Samuel 24:18 – 1 Kings 1:27; 1 Chronicles 21 – 22:1, 29:21 – 22)

David instructed Joab to number the people.  He tried to talk him out of it, but David insisted.  God's judgment came against Israel because of the numbering.  David confessed that he sinned by taking the census.  God  offered David three options as judgement on his sin: seven years of famine, three months of his enemies … Continue reading The Census and Judgement (2 Samuel 24:10 – 17)

A chronicle of David's mighty men is inserted in David's story here near the end of 2 Samuel.  The exploits of his mighty men include things such as Adino, who killed 800 men at one time; Eleazar, who killed Philistines with a sword so long that his hand stuck to the sword; and Shammah, who … Continue reading David’s Mighty Men (2 Samuel 23:8 – 24:9; 1 Chronicles 11:11 – 47)

After David won victory over Saul and all his enemies, he sang a song of praise for God's deliverance.  Some of the famous phrases we hear in our modern worship songs. "I will call upon the Lord, Who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies." "For by you I … Continue reading David’s Song and Last Words (2 Samuel 22:1 – 23:7; 1 Kings 2:10 – 11, 1 Chronicles 29:26 – 30)

A famine came upon the land for 3 years.  David asked God why, and He reminded him of Saul's killing of the Gibeonites.  David sought out the Gibeonites and sought to make restitution.  They did not want money, but did ask that seven of Saul's descendants be given to them for execution.  David consented, sparing … Continue reading The Gibeonites, Rizpah, and the Giants (2 Samuel 21; 1 Chronicles 20:4 – 8)

While Judah and Israel were struggling over who should have brought David back to Jerusalem, a rebel by the name of Sheba declared himself king and denied David's right to be king.  Many of Israel followed him, but Judah remained loyal to David.  David went into his house, put away his concubines which Absalom had … Continue reading The Rebellion of Sheba (2 Samuel 20)

Barzillai came across the Jordan with the king.  David offered to house and provide for him all the rest of his life as a response to Barzillai's kindness during David's flight.  Barzillai said that he was too old to move, and that he would just go home and eventually die at home.  He asked if … Continue reading Barzillai and the rest of Israel (2 Samuel 19:31 – 43)

Mephibosheth came to meet David after he returned to Jerusalem.  He was disheveled and ungroomed.  David asked why he did not go with David, and Mephibosheth said that his servant tricked him, and left without him.  He claimed his servant had slandered him to the king.  Mephibosheth  laid himself at the mercy of the king, … Continue reading David and Mephibosheth Meet (2 Samuel 19:24 – 30)