DAY 115: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR – 2 SAMUEL 1-4

April 23, 2024

2 SAMUEL 1-4
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DAY 115: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR

Today we begin our journey through 2 Samuel. David is anointed king over Judah while the tribe of Benjamin, Saul’s tribe, led by Saul’s son Ish-Bosheth, rule Israel and attempt to overthrow David as King of Judah.

Take some time to ask God to impart His perfect understanding of 2 Samuel 1-4 on you. Read 2 Samuel 1-4. Let’s journey!

The books of First and Second Samuel were originally one book, that was later split in two due to its length. Before the start of this book, Israel had resided in the Promised Land for some time, and we saw their continued moral decline under the rule of judges. The books of Samuel are books of transition. In these books, the 12 Tribes of Israel are united into one nation under one king. First and Second Samuel are a character-driven story, with the three main characters of Samuel, Saul, and David. These men, especially Saul and David, have their own character strengths and weaknesses. We are going to study these as we journey through their lives.

2 Samuel 1-4: Our journey today begins where we left off last week, with the death of King Saul, the first king of Israel. An Amalekite comes to David with Saul’s crown, bragging that he killed a dying King Saul. This was not true. The Amalekite was trying to gain favor with David. King David had the Amalekite killed for killing the anointed of the Lord and went into mourning for King Saul and Jonathan. David is then anointed King over Judah. Israel, the northern kingdom, resisted and remained loyal to Saul’s son, Ish-Bosheth. War breaks out between the houses of David and Saul. Abner, commander of Ish-Boshesh’s army, killed Asahael, brother of Joab, commander of King David’s army, during battle. King David’s army soundly defeats Ish-Bosheth’s army.

Joab sets his mind on killing Abner. Abner arranged a peace accord where Ish-Boshesh agrees to surrender his kingdom to King David, uniting all the people of Israel under King David. Before this could be accomplished, Joab murdered Abner. David washes his hands of Abner’s murder putting the blame entirely on Joab. Ish-Bosheth is murdered by Rekab and Baanah while sleeping in bed. They cut off his head and brought it to King David. They thought this would please King David and bring his favor to them. King David, as shown in our focus verses for today, had them killed for murdering an innocent man. (2 Samuel 1:1-4:12)

After reading chapters 1 through 4, consider the following: What strengths and weaknesses did you observe in the people in today’s reading? Did you see yourself in any of the characters you read about today? How so? What can you learn about your character from today’s reading? Reflect on your own character, is it all pleasing to the Lord?

Godspeace!