2 Samuel 3-4: Long War
Verse of the Day: (3:1) Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker. 

1. War (3:1-21)
And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul. (3:6)

Pride makes a man goes against authority and God. Abner, the captain of Israel under King Ishbosheth was the real power behind the throne and even had relationship with the late King Saul’s concubine. When Ishbosheth rebuked him, Abner, who was older and more experienced than him, revealed to him that he would initiate the reunification of Israel with Judah whose king was David. Indeed, after a long war with Judah, Abner realised that God was with David. Ishbosheth relented as he feared him. David agreed to the unification on condition that his wife, Michal, Saul’s daughter, returned to him. Ishbosheth agreed, and the long war ceased. Indeed, we also have a long war with Satan, the devil, and we can only overcome him when we truly believe in Jesus, God’s Son, and put on His whole armour until the day we are with Him in heaven. (Ephesians 6:10-24)

2. Weak (3:22-39)
And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness. (3:39)

While David forgave Abner for the long war which he and his army fought against him, yet David’s captain, Joab, hated Abner, because Abner killed his brother, Asahel. Without David’s knowledge, Joab lured Abner out and killed him under his fifth rib which was at his heart. David was grieved when he heard of Abner’s death, and he warned Joab that he shall reap the consequences of his sins. Let us be forgiving, because while we were yet sinners, God sent His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins. (Romans 5:1-8)

3. Wicked (4:1-12)
How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth? (4:11)

Rechab and Baanah, Ishbosheth’s 2 captains, killed Ishbosheth and brought his head to David thinking that they would be rewarded for the slaughter of David’s enemy, however David told them that as he had killed an Amalekite because he had allegedly killed Saul, and likewise he would kill them. David was indeed a loving and forgiving man. Let us therefore be loving and forgiving, as God is loving and forgiving. (Ephesians 4:31-32)  

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that that I daily defeat Satan by putting on Your armour.

2 Samuel 1-2: Swifter Than Eagles
Verse of the Day: (1:23) Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. 

1. Swift (1:1-27)
I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women. (1:26)

The only time that we will never grieve for the loss of our loved ones is when we are in heaven reunited forever with God and our precious ones. (Revelation 21:1-4) David grieved for the passing of King Saul and his sons, especially Jonathan, his best friend. David grieved for Saul even when he tried to kill him several times. David loved God and His people including his enemies. Though Saul hated David, yet he loved his sons, especially Jonathan, as both of them were warriors who were swifter than eagles and stronger than lions, surpassed only by David who dared to face off and subsequently defeated Goliath, the giant Philistine warrior. Though David loved all, yet he killed the Amalekite because he claimed to kill Saul upon Saul’s command. The Amalekite thought that David would reward him for allegedly killing Saul, yet little did he know that David killed him, because he had killed God’s anointed man. David was indeed a man after God’s heart. Let us thus be swifter than eagles in following after God’s heart. (Acts 13:22)

2. Strengthen (2:1-7)
Therefore now let your hands be strengthened, and be ye valiant: for your master Saul is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them. (2:7)

David commended and strengthened the men of Jabeshgilead who risked their lives to retrieve the bodies of Saul and his sons from the Philistines’ territory. Indeed, our labour is never in vain as we serve God and not men. Even if no one notices our labour and even if we are never appreciated on this earth, let us know that our God notices our labours and He shall richly bless and reward us when we get to glorious heaven. (Galatians 6:7-10)

3. Serve (2:8-32)
And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met together by the pool of Gibeon: and they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool. (2:13)

Saul’s servants made Ishbosheth as their king after Saul’s death, while David’s servants anointed David as their king. Israel was now divided, and hence Saul’s servants led by Abner challenged David’s servants led by Joab to a duel. David’s servants won, however it was a start of the end of Israel as throughout history there was no real peace and unity in Israel as they wrestled against God and one another. Indeed, let us submit to God, and live in unity, and love one another for God’s riches blessings to be upon us. (Psalms 133)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to be swifter than eagles in following after God’s heart.

1 Samuel 31: The Battle Went Sore
Verse of the Day: (31:3) And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers.

1. Battle (31:1-9)
And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Melchishua, Saul’s sons. (31:2)

Everyone whether good or evil must die, but only those who believe in God shall be with Him in heaven, otherwise they are condemned in fiery hell because of their sins. The Philistines defeated Israel during their battle, and Saul and his sons including Jonathan died. Jonathan was promoted to heaven because he demonstrated his love for God and His people, especially David, God’s anointed. (1 Samuel 20:1-4) Indeed, we who believe in and love God shall love others including our enemies, because how can we say we love God whom we cannot see, and yet hate others whom we can see. (1 John 4:20-21)

2. Body (31:10-11)
And they put his armour in the house of Ashtaroth: and they fastened his body to the wall of Bethshan. (31:10)

Satan, the Devil, will not hesitate to hurt and humiliate God’s people, as after all he is eternally condemned in fiery hell because of his pride and rebellion against God. (Revelation 20) The Philistines went all out to humiliate Israel as they fastened the bodies of King Saul and his sons to the wall of Bethshan. It was a tragic day for Israel. However, God is not mocked as He preserved David to succeed Saul to be the next king of Israel and led them to victory over the Philistines. Many times it may seem that God’s people suffer in shame and humiliation, yet God always preserves a remnant, like David and his men, who subsequently defeated their enemies, and honoured and glorified Him. Indeed, God always wins, and let us flee from sins, and walk worthy of His calling, and live victorious lives honouring and glorifying His name now and forever. (Colossians 1:9-17)

3. Bones (31:12-13)
And they took their bones, and buried them under a tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days. (31:13)

Though the Philistines defeated Israel, yet there arose from Israel, the valiant men of Jabeshgilead who risked their lives to retrieve the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall of Bethshan. They then took their bones and buried under a tree at Jabesh, and fasted 7 days to honour their king and his sons. Though King Saul was a disgrace to Israel, yet the men of Jabeshgilead honoured him and his sons because they honoured God’s anointed king. Indeed, we may not have godly leaders, yet we honour them because they are God’s appointed leaders as He has put them in power and authority. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)  

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that You are with me in all my life battles against the Devil.

1 Samuel 29 & 30: Encouraged Himself In The LORD
Verse of the Day: (30:6) And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

1. Evil (29:1-11)
Then Achish called David, and said unto him, Surely, as the LORD liveth, thou hast been upright, and thy going out and thy coming in with me in the host is good in my sight: for I have not found evil in thee since the day of thy coming unto me unto this day: nevertheless the lords favour thee not. (29:6)

Time will reveal the character of a person. Finally the Philistine King Achish told David that his leaders were suspicious of him as he was not only their enemy, but the Hebrew who slayed their warrior, Goliath. However, Achish also acknowledged the sincerity of David that he loved his people though they were his enemies. Indeed, let us who believe in the God of love, keep loving Him, and others, including our enemies. (1 John 4:7-21)

2. Encourage (30:1-7)
And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire; (30:1)

Many times I wondered why as a Christian and even as a Pastor, I suffered much yet God showed me from His Word that all His men shall suffer. David suffered too. David thought that he could live peacefully after he left the Philistines, yet when he returned to Ziklag he discovered that another of his enemies, the Amalekites, not only had burnt Ziklag, but they captured his loved ones and those of his men as hostages. They wept sore, and his men blamed him, but David encouraged himself in God. Indeed, let us encourage ourselves in God, as He is our Refuge, Strength and Help in time of trouble. (Psalms 46)

3. Enquire (30:8-31)
And David enquired at the LORD. saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all. (30:8)

Seek God first and everything shall fall in place. David not only encouraged himself in God, but he enquired God when he faced crises. God then commanded him to pursue the Amalekites. While pursuing the enemy, they found a sick Egyptian who was abandoned by them. David fed him and promised him that he would spare his life if he would reveal the location of the Amalekites. Subsequently David and his men invaded and defeated the Amalekites who were found eating, drinking, making merry and not prepared for battle. David and his men recovered everything, including their loved ones. (Matthew 6:33-34)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that I can encourage myself in You and Your love for me.

1 Samuel 27 & 28: Grace In Thine Eyes
Verse of the Day: (27:5) And David said unto Achish, If I have now found grace in thine eyes, let them give me a place in some town in the country, that I may dwell there: for why should thy servant dwell in the royal city with thee? 

1. Grace (27:1-12)
And Achish believed David, saying, He hath made his people Israel utterly to abhor him; therefore he shall be my servant for ever. (27:12)

Our lives are truly unpredictable as sometimes we are joyful while at other times we are depressed. David was no exception, as he was joyful when he overcame Goliath, the giant Philistine, when no one in Israel could, but now he was depressed as he was running away from his own King Saul who refused to accept the fact that he shall be the next king of Israel. David then foolishly chose to be with his enemy, the Philistine King Achish, who graciously befriended him, and even gave him the city of Ziklag. However, Achish was making use of him to betray his own country. Subsequently, David realised his folly and repented his sin. Indeed, let us daily and boldly go to God’s throne, whether we are joyful or depressed, to seek His grace and help in time of all our needs. (Hebrews 4:16)   

2. Great (28:1-12)
And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled. (28:5)

After Samuel was promoted to heaven, Saul became greatly fearful and impatient as he disguised himself by night seeking a witch instead of seeking and waiting upon God for His counsel as to whether Israel should fight against the Philistines. Saul again failed to trust God, and God subsequently judged and punished him. Indeed, let us only seek God and His righteousness so that His richest blessings shall be upon us. (Matthew 6:33-34)

3. Gods (28:13-25)
And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth. (28:13)

Though Satan was behind the witch, yet God was in control of everything as she actually revealed the truth that not only Israel shall be defeated, but that the Philistines shall slay Saul and his sons, and that David shall be the next king. When Saul heard these revelations, he became depressed, and the witch and his men had to encourage him to eat, and moved on in life. Time and again, God gave Saul opportunities to repent of his sins, but he rebelled against Him. Indeed, though the world believes in their gods, yet the true God shall prevail against them. Let us therefore put on the whole armour of God which consists of His salvation, righteousness, truth, peace and Word as well as our faith and prayer, that we shall withstand the wiles of Satan and his demons. (Ephesians 6:10-19) 

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that Your grace and help are sufficient for me at all times.

1 Samuel 25 & 26: Samuel Died
Verse of the Day: (25:1) And Samuel died; and all the Israelites were gathered together, and lamented him, and buried him in his house at Ramah. And David arose, and went down to the wilderness of Paran.

1. Die (25:1-44)
And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, Blessed be the LORD, that hath pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and hath kept his servant from evil: for the LORD hath returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head. And David sent and communed with Abigail, to take her to him to wife. (25:39)

No one escapes death. Prophet Samuel and Nabal, a rich rancher, died. While Samuel’s soul went to heaven to be with God because he believed and served Him, Nabal’s soul was condemned to hell because he rejected God and committed sins. David, God’s anointed man, and his men had helped Nabal in safeguarding his livestock from robbers and wild beasts, however, instead of demonstrating gratitude, Nabal condemned David. Thanks to Abigail, Nabal’s wife, who pleaded with David for mercy, he then eventually spared not only Nabal but his men as he intended to slay them. God then judged and struck Nabal and within 10 days he died. If there was one flaw of David, it must be his weakness for women. David sinned against God, as after Nabal’s death, he took Abigail to be one of his wives, when God commands us to have only one wife, as He only took one rib from Adam’s ribs, to make the woman, Eve, to be his only wife. (Genesis 2:20-25)

2. Deep (26:1-12)
So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul’s bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw it, not knew it, neither awaked: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them. (26:12)

Everything is from God as He is in control of all things right from the start. God preserved David’s life as He caused a deep sleep in Saul and his men so that not only he could escape from them, but he went to Saul’s camp and took his spear and pot of water from him. Indeed, God allows sufferings in our lives so that we realise how much we truly need to trust in Him to deliver us out of them and become precious gold. (Job 23:10)

3. Deliver (26:13-25)
And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation. (26:24)

This was the second time that God delivered David out of Saul and his men as the first time He delivered David was when he was in the cave. Indeed, our God is faithful and He shall surely deliver us from all our tribulations even the hardest one. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that I shall be with You when I die because I trust in You.
 

1 Samuel 23 & 24: Strengthened His Hand In God
Verse of the Day: (23:16) And Jonathan Saul’s son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.

1. Seek (23:1-14)
Then said David, O LORD God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake. (23:10)

Satan, the devil, is behind every wickedness of man as he deceives man to commit evil and be eternally condemned to fiery hell together with him and his demons. Satan was definitely behind Saul who sought to kill David because he refused to accept God’s will that David shall be his successor as the next king of Israel. Saul failed to realise that even though he had the whole army of Israel, he could never kill David because God was with him. Indeed, when we believe in God, He shall rescue us from Satan’s wiles and deliver us from condemnation and one day promote us to be with Him in heaven. (1 Peter 5:8-11)

2. Strengthen (23:15-29)
And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth. (23:17)

While Saul sought David’s life and greatly discouraged and weakened him, Jonathan, his son, greatly encouraged and strengthened David. Jonathan was different from his father, as his heart was right with God and he loved David. Jonathan even assured David that he would help him to be the next king, and would be his right hand man. However, Jonathan did not see David enthroned as he was killed during the battle with the Philistines. Indeed, let us strengthen one another’s faith as God strengthens our faith. (Hebrews 10:23-25)

3. Seed (24:1-22)
Swear now therefore unto me by the LORD, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father’s house. (24:21)

Little did Saul know that the cave where he went to rest was where David hid himself, and David could have killed him, but instead David only cut off the fringe of Saul’s robe. As David loved and feared God, and believed that God was his Judge and Deliverer, he committed Saul to God, and never took matter into his own hands. When Saul discovered that David had spared his life, he knew that God was with David and shall certainly enthroned him. Hence Saul pleaded with David to promise him that he would spare all his seeds once he became the king. David promised Saul, and when he became the king, he not only spared the lame Mephibosheth, the only surviving seed of Saul, but he also invited him to live with him in the palace as one of his princes. Indeed, let us keep our words and promises, as God keeps His Word and promises now and forever. (2 Samuel 9)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please strengthen me as I strengthen others for Your glory and praise.
 

1 Samuel 21 & 22: Abide Thou With Me
Verse of the Day: (22:23) Abide thou with me, fear not: for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life: but with me thou shalt be in safeguard.

1. Alone (21:1-9)
Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why art thou alone, and no man with thee? (21:1)

No matter how righteous a man, he is still a sinner, and the only way to keep him from sinning is to abide in God. After David ran away from King Saul, he went to seek help from Ahimelech, the priest. David then lied to Ahimelech that he had a secret assignment from the king after he was asked as to why he was alone. Ahimelech not only gave David the hallow bread for his provision, but Goliath’s sword for his protection. However, little did David know that Saul commanded Doeg, his servant, to kill Ahimelech and all the 85 priests with him as well as their families and livestock, after Doeg, who was also present at the scene on that day, told Saul that he saw Ahimelech helping David. Though we may be alone and afraid, let us know that God and His Word are always with us. (Psalms 119)

2. Afraid (21:10-15)
And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath. (21:12)    

After meeting Ahimelech, David went to Israel’s enemy, Achish, king of Gath, for help. When Achish found out that he was David who killed Goliath, their great warrior, David became afraid and feared for his life, and pretended to be insane, and fled from them. Instead of lying to Ahimelech, and going to his enemy, Achish, David should have sought God, the most High, and trust in Him who shall surely help him. (Psalms 56)

3. Abide (22:1-23)
And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men. (22:2)

David fled from Achish and hid in the cave at Adullam, and then 400 people including all his family, loved ones and those who were distress, in debt and discontented with life came to encourage him. David was so encouraged by them that he became their leader and in turn he encouraged them. When Abiathar, one of Ahimelech’s sons, managed to escape the sword of Doeg, and sought David for help, David encouraged him and promised to protect him. David knew that he was the cause of the death of Ahimelech and all his priests including their families and livestock. David also knew that he could only find strength and comfort by abiding in God, his refuge and fortress. (Psalms 91)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to abide in Your Refuge and Fortress in time of need.
 

1 Samuel 19 & 20: A Step Between Me And Death
Verse of the Day: (20:3) And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly, as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death. 

1. Salvation (19:1-24)
For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause? (19:5)

True love extends beyond one’s family. Jonathan truly loved David, as he patiently explained to his father, King Saul, who sought after David’s life, that the God of Israel through David had performed a great salvation for Israel in delivering them from the Philistines. Indeed our salvation is of the LORD as we fully trust and obey Him. (Jonah 2) 

2. Step (20:1-40)
And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David. (20:33)    

What a contrast between the father and his son! Saul was full of hatred and murder, while Jonathan, his son, was full of love and sacrifice. Saul found David a threat to his throne and tried all means to kill him, while Jonathan had a covenant with David to love and cherish their friendship, and did all he could to save David from being killed by his father. In fact, Jonathan and David arranged a secret plan that David would leave the palace and hid in the field, and if Saul was determined to kill David, then Jonathan would shoot his arrow beyond where David was hiding. Jonathan shot beyond David, and David knew that it was time for him to leave the service of King Saul. Subsequently, God judged Saul and replaced him with David. Indeed, let us love and serve God and others, knowing that His richest blessings and rewards shall be upon us now and forever. (Revelation 22:12-15)

3. Swear (20:41-42)
And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city. (20:42)

Indeed, David honoured his promise to Jonathan that he would take care of Jonathan’s descendants, as later in his reign as the King of Israel, and after Jonathan’s promotion to heaven, he sought for Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan. David then invited Mephibosheth to his palace to be one of his royal family. (2 Samuel 9) Indeed, let us do good to all, especially to our loved ones, while we can as life is short. (Galatians 6:7-10)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You for my life as it is only a step before my promotion.
 

1 Samuel 17 & 18: Is There Not A Cause?
Verse of the Day: (17:29) And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?

1. Cause (17:1-58)
Then said David to the Philistines, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. (17:45)

When you truly love God and what you do for Him, you will do your very utmost best, even to sacrifice your life for Him. This was David’s cause for fighting Goliath when everyone including King Saul feared him. David believed that the God of Israel shall surely overcome Goliath as he had not only defied Him but shame His people. Though David’s brothers and Israel discouraged him from fighting against Goliath, nevertheless, he kept insisting on facing off with him. Indeed, God knows the end from the beginning, as He already prepared David in the wilderness, while protecting his father’s sheep, in overcoming a lion and a bear, not with a sword or a spear, but with a sling and a stone in His Name, in order that he would eventually overcome a giant. It was indeed great victory for David, Israel, and above all, the God of Israel, as Goliath and the Philistines were resoundingly defeated. Let us therefore make sure that we have a real cause to love and serve God and others in His Name, because He first loves us. (1 John 4:19-21)
   
2. Covenant (18:1-4)
Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. (18:3)

It may not be always true of the saying, “Like father, like son.” Unlike Saul, who hated David, yet his son, Jonathan, loved David, and even made a covenant with him that they would love and lay down their lives for each other. Indeed, Jesus Christ, God’s Son, loves us so much that He makes an everlasting covenant with us that whoever believes in Him shall never perish in hell, but have eternal life with Him in heaven. Let us therefore love one another, even as Jesus first loved us, and gave His life for us. (1 John 3:16-24)

3. Continually (18:5-30)
And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David’s enemy continually. (18:29)

When we reject God and worship ourselves, we will never be able to love others. Saul rejected God, as his idol was himself, and used only people to achieve his end. This was why he sought to kill David, because David was a real threat to his throne. Instead of being grateful to God and David, for overcoming Goliath, and delivering Israel from the Philistines, Saul became David’s enemy continually. Indeed, let us believe in and worship God, and love and serve all, and flee from idols and self-worship. (1 John 5:21)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that my cause of loving You is because You first love me.