2 Samuel 13 & 14: The Soul Of King David
Verse of the Day: (13:39) And the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.

1. Shame (13:1-22)
And I, whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee, thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me from thee. (13:13)

Amnon, one of King David’s son, could not control the lust of his flesh, and committed incest with Tamar, his half-sister. Tamar pleaded with Amnon that what he was about to do to her would not only bring shame to her and their royal family, but that he would be a fool to commit this lustful deed. However, Amnon refused to heed her plead and committed the evil act. David was angry with Amnon’s sins, however, as he recalled his own sinful deeds he could only pray for Amnon to repent his sins. Indeed, let us repent our sins that God shall forgive us and restore to us the joy of our salvation. (Psalms 51)
  
2. Soul (13:23-39)
But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day. (13:37)

David loved his children including Amnon who committed incest. When David received the news that Amnon was dead as Absalom had commanded his servants to kill him, he wept sore. David’s soul then longed for Absalom who had fled from him, as he knew that his motive of murdering Amnon was to take revenge of what he had done to his sister. However Absalom should have left vengeance to God. (Hebrews 10:30-31) Indeed, let us who believe in God, love our children by raising them in His ways, and praying for their salvation, that one day we shall all be with Him in glorious heaven. (Revelation 21:1-4) 

3. Spill (14:1-33)
For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him. (14:14)

Joab, David’s captain, knew that David loved and missed Absalom, and hence he engaged a wise woman to convince David to forgive Absalom, and asked him to return to him. The woman told David that she had 2 sons, and they had a dispute, and one of them killed the other. Her family then wanted her surviving son to be sentenced to death, and that would leave her with no heir. David was touched by her story and told her that he would give the royal pardon to her son. David realised that it must be Joab who had sent her to him. He knew that like water spilt to the ground could never be gathered he should move on. Indeed, let us forgive one another, as God has forgiven us. (Ephesians 4:31-32)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please strengthen my soul as I daily pray for my loved ones’ salvation.

2 Samuel 9-10: Bread Always At My Table
Verse of the Day: (9:10) Thou therefore, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him, and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy master’s son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master’s son shall eat bread always at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.

1. Bread (9:1-13)
And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually. (9:7)

If there was ever the kindest man on earth, he must be King David. Not only did he spared the life of Mephibosheth, the lame son of Jonathan, and the grandson of King Saul who many times tried to kill him, but David invited him, his servants and their families to his palace, and even restored to him all the land that belonged to Saul, and best of all, he invited him to eat at his table as one of his princes. Indeed, David was a type of Christ, God’s Son, who came down from heaven to die for the sins of the world. Whoever believes in Him shall never perish in hell, but have eternal life with Him in heaven, and shall never go hungry physically and spiritually as He is the Bread of Life. (John 6:48-51)
  
2. Beard (10:1-5)
Wherefore Hanun took David’s servants, and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away. (10:4)

Not only King David demonstrated his kindness to the grandson of the late King Saul, he also showed kindness to the people of Ammon, the enemies of Israel. However, the princes of Ammon were suspicious of David’s kindness and they shaved off one half of the beard of David’s ambassadors that not only humiliate them but David’s leadership. Indeed, many times when we do good, evil come upon us, yet we must continue to do good to all including our enemies as God shall richly bless and keep us. (Galatians 6:7-10) 

3. Battle (10:6-19)
When Joab saw that the front of the battle was against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians: (10:9)

As David prepared for battle against the Ammonites because of the humiliation, they hired the Syrians for reinforcement to fight against Israel. When the battle turned against Israel, Joab, David’s captain, chose his best soldiers, and divided them into 2 formations, one led by him and the other by Abishai, his brother. They eventually defeated their enemies because of great teamwork, and above all, God was with them. (Psalms 108:13)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that I shall never be hungry as You are my Bread of Life.

2 Samuel 7-8: An House For My Name
Verse of the Day: (7:13) He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.

1. House (7:1-17)
That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains. (7:2)

If there was the greatest and strongest Israel it must be during the reign of King David. As David defeated his enemies, rested from wars and then built his house of cedar, he contemplated of the fact that the ark of God only dwelt in a tent. David shared with Prophet Nathan his desire to build God’s house, and Nathan agreed. However, God spoke to David that he would only prepare the materials for His house, as Solomon, his son, shall build it. God also prophesied to David that His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, the Saviour, who shall come from his lineage shall establish His house and kingdom that shall last forever. Though David was a man after God’s heart, yet most of his descendants including Solomon and the people of Israel rebelled against God, and subsequently He allowed their enemies to defeat and destroy them including His house. However, by God’s infinite grace, one day, during the Millennium, which is after the Rapture, and the 7 years of Great Tribulation, Jesus shall come again, and this time, He shall reign on the new earth establishing His house and kingdom in Israel forever. Today, God’s house or Holy Spirit dwells in us when we truly believe and trust in Him. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)   

2. Heart (7:18-29)
For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee. (7:27)

God richly blessed King David by referring Jesus Christ, His Son, as the son of David at the beginning of the New Testament (Matthew 1:1), and then almost at the end of the New Testament, He again refers Jesus Christ as the root and offspring of David. (Revelation 22:16) Indeed, let us be like David, a man after God’s heart. (Acts 13:22-24)

3. Horse (8:1-18)
And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven hundred horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: and David houghed all the chariot horses, but reserved of them for an hundred chariots. (8:4)

Though King David was a man of war, yet he crippled most of the chariot horses so that they were no longer be used for battles, as he knew the evils of war. Indeed, though God loves sinners, yet He hates and punishes the sins of man. Let us therefore believe in Jesus Christ, and confess and repent our sins and received His gift of eternal life. (Romans 6:23)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that Your House dwells within my heart as I believe in You.

2 Samuel 5-6: The Ark Of God
Verse of the Day: (6:2) And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims.

1. Anoint (5:1-25)
So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel. (5:3)

This was the 3rd time that David was anointed, and this time he was now the king of all Israel and Judah. The 1st time he was anointed by Prophet Samuel before his family, (1 Samuel 16:13) and the 2nd time he was anointed by his own tribe, Judah. (2 Samuel 2:7) David reigned for 40 years since he was the king at the age of 30 as he ruled over Judah for 7 years and 6 months, and he reigned over all Israel and Judah for 33 years. Indeed, the road to leadership is not easy, as we must not only be called of God, equipped by God, but we must also gain the respect of and acceptance from the people. (Hebrews 13:17-18)

2. Ark (6:1-19)
And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God. (6:7)

God commanded David that His ark which represented His presence must be brought to the tabernacle at Jerusalem where he ruled so that all the people shall worship and offer their burnt and peace sacrifices before their God. However, along the way, God took Uzzah’s life, because he failed to realise the holiness of His ark, and should never have held it when the oxen that pulled it shook it. Subsequently, David and his people realised their mistakes, and brought God’s ark to Jerusalem with great joy. Indeed, God’s Spirit, like His ark, resides in us, as we are now His holy tabernacles. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)

3. Appoint (6:20-23)
And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD. (6:21)

Micah could not understand her husband, King David, uncovering his royal robe before his people to rejoice and worship God after His ark was brought into the tabernacle, because she was far away from God, and never know that God’s great desires are for His people to worship Him. On the other hand, David was truly thankful and grateful to God as not only God anointed and appointed him as the King of Israel, but God was with him throughout his life journey in good as well as bad times. Indeed, let us thank and worship God in truth and spirit, for who He is, and what He has done for and in us. (John 4:21-24)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that Your Ark is now residing in me as I believe in You.

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.