15 David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people. 16 Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was recorder; 17 Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelek son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was secretary; 18 Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Kerethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were priests. -2 Samuel 8:15-18 David was king, but he didn’t lead alone. In addition to listing his victories, 2 Samuel 8 notes some... Read more

“Who am I, Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?” -2 Samuel 7:18 David’s response to God’s answer regarding the temple is an example for us all: “Who am I, Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?” These brief words offer four important insights. First, God is the One who answers, “Who am I?” We are not defined by our culture, family, friends, career, success, or... Read more

After he had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord Almighty. -2 Samuel 6:18 When David coordinated the transportation of the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem, he did so with much worship. He danced before the Lord with all his might, as well as offering many sacrifices. But David didn’t stop with worship; he also blessed those around him. Verse 18 notes, “After he had finished sacrificing the... Read more

9 David then took up residence in the fortress and called it the City of David. He built up the area around it, from the terraces inward. 10 And he became more and more powerful, because the Lord God Almighty was with him. -2 Samuel 5:9-10 David became king and soon took over Jerusalem, calling it the City of David. We are told, “He became more and more powerful, because the Lord God Almighty was with him.” How and why was God... Read more

4 (Jonathan son of Saul had a son who was lame in both feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled, but as she hurried to leave, he fell and became disabled. His name was Mephibosheth.) -2 Samuel 4:4 Ancient cultures often looked at those with disability as cursed or worthless. The Bible stands in clear contrast with this cultural stigma. Jonathan, son of king Saul,... Read more

17 Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and said, “For some time you have wanted to make David your king. 18 Now do it! For the Lord promised David, ‘By my servant David I will rescue my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies.’” -2 Samuel 3:17-18 Samuel had long ago anointed David as the future king of Israel. Years had passed, yet David had been on the run from Saul, the... Read more

26 Abner called out to Joab, “Must the sword devour forever? Don’t you realize that this will end in bitterness? How long before you order your men to stop pursuing their fellow Israelites?” 27 Joab answered, “As surely as God lives, if you had not spoken, the men would have continued pursuing them until morning.” -2 Samuel 2:26-27 In the midst of war, Abner called out for peace. Did it work? On this occasion, it did. Joab answered, “As surely as God... Read more

17 And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and Jonathan his son, 18 and he said it should be taught to the people of Judah. -2 Samuel 1:17-18 When David learned of the death of Saul and Jonathan, he mourned. In addition, he instructed others to mourn. I personally thought it was odd that David would teach others to mourn the death of people. Do people really need to be taught this? Apparently so. In David’s time, death in war and... Read more

11 But when the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, 12 all the valiant men arose and went all night and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and they came to Jabesh and burned them there. 13 And they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh and fasted seven days. -1 Samuel 31:11-12 Saul’s life ended as a victim of war. He died... Read more

3 When David and his men reached Ziklag, they found it destroyed by fire and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. 4 So David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep. 5 David’s two wives had been captured—Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. 6 David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found... Read more