Read 2 Samuel 1:1
Highlights:
Saul is killed in battle; David mourns the deaths of Saul and Jonathan; David is crowned king of the tribe of Judah; Ish-bosheth, son of Saul, is made king of 11 tribes of Israel.
This book begins with the death of Saul, Israel's first king. Saul and David had many similarities. Both were chosen by God to be King of Israel and both reigned about 40 years. Generally speaking, both had the loyal support of the people and the promise of the power of God to back them. Yet, Saul was a miserable failure and David was a success. He is honored today by both Jew and Gentile. Because of his pride, Saul was impetuous, self-willed, and always running ahead of God. David continually waited upon God, making no effort to seize the kingdom, even after Saul's death. They mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the Lord, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword (II Sam. 1:12).
We learn from David's conduct that God knows the best time to fulfill His promises. God prepared David to receive the kingdom with the right attitude. His confidence and dependence upon God were not marred by the intrusion of his own desires and ambitions. Throughout his life David revealed confidence in God, saying: My times are in Thy hand (Ps. 31:15). We cannot do justice to David's complete surrender to the Lord unless we contemplate the desire which he must have had to return to his own country, and the opportunity which Saul's death seemed to open to him to seize the throne. But David ever forgot that God was supreme.
The greatness of a man is measured by his patient surrender to the will of God. It is not a question of who you are or of what abilities you may have, but whether or not God controls your life. They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint (Is. 40:31). It was because of David's character in placing the interests of God before his own, that the Lord designated him as a man after His own heart (I Sam. 13:14).
I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after Mine own heart, which shall fulfill all My will. Of this man's seed hath God according to His promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus . . . Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this Man (Jesus) is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the Law of Moses (Acts 13:22-23,38-39).
Thought for Today:
Choose you this day whom ye will serve . . . but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Josh. 24:15).
Christ Revealed:
In David's sorrowful poem (II Sam. 1:17-27). He did not dwell upon all his years of suffering at the hand of Saul but dwelt only upon the pleasant things. David typifies Christ, who forgave His enemies, crying from the cross: Father, forgive them (Luke 23:34).
Word Studies:
1:2 did obeisance bowed in honor; 1:9 anguish extreme pain; 1:18 use of the bow song of the bow; 2:6 requite repay; 2:14 play before us sold a contest as to which side has the best soldiers; 2:17 sore pierce; 2:26 following pursuing; 2:32 sepulchre tomb.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Mrs. Ruth Stephens • Staff: Barbara Bivens • Government Official: Rep. Kevin Brady (TX) • Country: Canada (31 million) in North America • Major languages: English and French • Religious freedom • 47% Roman Catholic; 37% Protestant; 3% Eastern Orthodox; 2% cults; 1% Jewish • Prayer Suggestion: Give thanks always for fellow Christians (II Thess. 2:13-14).
Optional Reading: Acts 12:1
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:10
