2 Samuel 19 & 20: A Wise Woman
Verse of the Day: (20:16) Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee.

1. Weep (19:1-40)
And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom. (19:1)

Joab, David’s captain, persuaded him to cease weeping over his son, Absalom’s death, and moved on, as he still had many people who cared for him. David heeded Joab’s advice and rallied and united the people of Israel and Judah. David forgave Shimei and spared his life although the latter had cursed and cast stones at him while he was on the run from Absalom who wanted him dead. David was touched by Mephibosheth’s loyalty as the latter had neither trimmed his beard nor washed his clothes since David was on the run. David showed gratitude to Barzillai by inviting him to stay at his palace as the latter had generously provided for him while he was on the run. Barzillai declined as he was already 80 years old and would rather stay at his home. Indeed let us be gracious to all including our enemies, and know that God has made everything beautiful in His time, and even the death of His saints are their promotion to glorious heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-11)
  
2. Words (19:41-43)
And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, and said, We have ten parts in the king, and we have also more right in David than ye: why then did ye despise us, that our advice should not be first had in bringing back our king? And the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel. (19:43)

A war of words nearly broke out into a civil war as the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than that of Israel as the latter claimed that they were not consulted over the return of David to the throne though David was from Judah. Sheba, a Benjamite, then seized the opportunity to lead another revolt after Absalom’s. Let us submit to God, and be kind to another, and be careful with our words as they can either heal or harm us. (James 1:19-20)

3. Wise (20:1-26)
Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast it out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king. (20:22)

Amasa, David’s captain, was to lead the army against Sheba, however, he procrastinated, and Joab, his cousin, killed him, and replaced him. While besieging the city where Sheba and his rebels resided, a wise woman intervened and advised Joab that she would take down Sheba’s head to stop the bloodshed. She convinced her people, and they killed Sheba, and thus peace prevailed. Indeed, let us be wise and only fear God. (Proverbs 9:10)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please grant me wisdom so that I can handle life crises and challenges.

2 Samuel 17 & 18: The Heart Of A Lion
Verse of the Day: (17:10) And he also that is valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a lion, shall utterly melt: for all Israel knoweth that thy father is a mighty man, and they which be with him are valiant men.

1. Heart (17:1-29)
And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father. (17:23)

Ahithophel, David’s former counsellor, was an unfaithful and wicked man as he advised Absalom, David’s son, to sleep with his father’s concubines so as to mock him, and then suggested that he would lead 12,000 men to seek David’s life. However Hushai counselled Absalom that he should lead his own army as David had the heart of a lion, and would not be easily defeated. Hushai’s advice was really to buy time so that David would get a tip-off from him. Absalom and Israel then chose Hushai’s counsel and the proud Ahithophel felt humiliated, and set his house in order, before he hanged himself. Indeed, let us humble ourselves, and seek only after God’s holy heart. (Jeremiah 17:9-10) 
  
2. Heaven (18:1-18)
And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away. (18:9)

Though David commanded his 3 generals to spare Absalom, his son, yet Absalom ordered his men to kill his father. David’s men defeated Absalom’s men, and as Absalom tried to escape, his head was caught by a branch, and he was left hanging between heaven and earth. Joab was informed of Absalom’s predicament, and instead of rescuing him, he killed him. Subsequently, God judged and punished Joab and his descendants for their rebellion, while He blessed David and his descendants for their obedience. (1 Kings 2:33) 

3. Hurt (18:19-33)
And the king said unto Cushi, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Cushi answered, The enemies of my lord the king, and all that rise against thee to do thee hurt, be as that young man is. (18:32)

Though the deepest hurt of a father is when he witnesses his child’s death, yet the greatest comfort is to know that he is in heaven if he believes in Christ. When David heard that Absalom was dead, he cried to God that he should be the one to die. Though Absalom was rebellious, yet David loved him because he was his flesh and blood. Let us ask God for wisdom that we train our children in His Word to serve Him. (Proverbs 22:6)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to have the heart of a lion to do Your perfect will.

2 Samuel 15 & 16: Thou Art A Stranger
Verse of the Day: (15:19) Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou art a stranger, and also an exile. 

1. Steal (15:1-18)
And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. (15:6)

This was the most trying and tragic time of King David as his beloved son, Absalom, was plotting to usurp his throne while he was waiting for God to show him as to who would be his successor. Though Absalom was the best candidate yet he was too impatient and ambitious, and could not wait for God’s appointment. Absalom went to the people and stole their hearts including Ahithophel, David’s counsellor, by promising them that he would help them in all matters of their lives. As David refused to fight with his son he chose to leave Jerusalem, and wait for God’s counsel. When the priests took the ark of God to follow David, he told them to return to Jerusalem, as God might have desired that Absalom be the king, and the ark of God shall be with him. David loved God, his family and people, and he desired that everything he did must be His will. Indeed, God’s richest blessings are upon us when we wait upon Him, and do His perfect will. (Isaiah 40:28-31) 
  
2. Stranger (15:19-37)
And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the LORD liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be. (15:21)

While Absalom, David’s son, chose to fight and rebel against him, Ittai, David’s warrior, who was a stranger and foreigner not only loved David, but he was willing to lay his life for him. In fact, David had many faithful followers, including Hushai, the Archite, whom he commanded him to return to Absalom so that he could defeat Ahithophel’s counsel in favour of him. Indeed, God loves His children even when we are yet sinners, as He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins. Whoever believes in Christ shall never perish in fiery hell, but have everlasting life with Him in glorious heaven. (Romans 5:6-8)

3. Seek (16:1-23)
And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him. (16:11)

David came to the humbling point, where he accepted Shimei’s curses and hurling of stones at him, and the fact that his son sought his throne and life, because he loved God, and knew that if it was His will, he would gladly accept it. Life is tough, but let us keep trusting God, as one day, we shall be with Him in His heavenly mansions. (John 14:1-6)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You for saving the soul of a stranger and sinner like me.

2 Samuel 11-12: Thou Art The Man
Verse of the Day: (12:7) And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;

1. Millstone (11:1-27)
Who smote Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? did not a woman cast a piece of a millstone upon him from the wall, that he died in Thebez? why went ye nigh the wall? then say thou, Thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also. (11:21)

Everyone has the brightest and the darkest chapter of life. King David had the darkest chapter of his life when he excused himself from the battle and stayed in his palace, and subsequently he committed adultery with beautiful Bathsheba, the wife of one of his courageous soldier, Uriah. In order to hide his sins, he plotted with Joab, his general, to put Uriah in the hottest battle and get him killed. However, David pretended that he did not know that Uriah was sent to the hottest battle, as he told his messenger that in the first place the soldiers should not have been sent near to the wall as previously there was a woman who threw a millstone and killed Abimelech (Judges 9:50-55). This was the darkest side of David’s life. On the other hand, I believe Uriah only understand his early promotion when he met God in heaven, and realised that his death was plotted by his king who had slept with his wife. Though it must be painful for Uriah to know the truth, yet he rejoiced as he is now with God in heaven. Subsequently God forgave David as he repented his sins. Indeed, God shall forgive our sins when we repent them. (1 John 1:9-10)
  
2. Man (12:1-7)
And David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die: (12:5)

God spoke to Prophet Nathan of David’s sins, and as he described the sins of David with the analogy of a rich man taking the only ewe lamb from a poor man, David told him that the rich man ought to be sentenced to death. Nathan then replied to him, You are the man. Indeed, it is easy to see other’s faults, but not our own. Let us search our hearts, and repent of our sins, so that we be righteous in Christ’s righteousness. (Jeremiah 17:9-10)

3. Master (12:8-31)
And I gave thee thy master’s house, and thy master’s wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things. (12:8)

God truly loved David as He gave him all of his master, Saul’s things, including his wives. However, David lusted over Uriah, his soldier’s wife, and even killed him to hide his sins. Subsequently, God judged and punished David as his 7 days old son from Bathsheba died. Indeed, let us flee from sins as we shall reap what we sow. (Galatians 6:7)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please forgive me of my sins and to trust and obey You in everything.

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.