David had become king of Judah and Israel—but this didn’t happen all at one time. He became king of Judah when Saul died (2 Samuel 2:4), and then king of Israel 7 1/2 years later (5:4-5). This reflected the instability that existed among the tribes of Israel. Ish-Bosheth, Saul’s son, had been king of IsraelContinue reading “Reverence & Rejoicing”
Tag Archives: David
God Prepares a King
1 and 2 Samuel were originally a single book. However, when the Hebrew book Samuel was translated into Greek in the Septuagint, it took up too much space for a single scroll, so it became 1 and 2 Samuel. (The same is true for Kings and Chronicles). While Samuel and Saul occupy important roles, David is theContinue reading “God Prepares a King”
Just What We Needed (2)
Knowing that Jesus is a high priest after the order of Melchizedek certainly helps us to understand the book of Hebrews. But there are other benefits as well. I want to deal with a couple of them in this piece. The first one has to do with the evidentiary value of Hebrews 7. Think aboutContinue reading “Just What We Needed (2)”
Be Strong and Courageous!
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:7) These are words from Moses to Israel just prior to his death on Mount Nebo (Deuteronomy 34). The phrase “be strong and courageous” occurs two more times in the chapter (v. 7,Continue reading “Be Strong and Courageous!”
Rainy Nights and Dark Caves
Years ago, Brooke Benton recorded a song called, A Rainy Night in Georgia. As you might guess from the title, it was a melancholy tune that told the story of a man who had fallen on hard times. As the song began, it was late in the evening and he was “tryin’ to find aContinue reading “Rainy Nights and Dark Caves”
Be Warned And Live Wisely
The man who had all he wanted (2 Samuel 12:7-8), decided he wanted something he couldn’t have. This says something profound about the deceitful nature of both sin and the human heart (Hebrews 3:13; Jeremiah 17:9). After all, David was no spiritual slacker. He fought giants and composed psalms. He survived being pursued by King Saul and his 3,ooo troops—his conscience notContinue reading “Be Warned And Live Wisely”
It’s A God Thing (1)
It’s a done deal that David is to be the next king of Israel. He is a man after God’s “own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14). No less than Samuel the prophet showed up at his house to anoint him. It doesn’t get any more definite than that! Of course the current king, Saul, is none too happy about thisContinue reading “It’s A God Thing (1)”
A Recipe For Thanksgiving
David wanted to do something for God. He proposed building a house (temple) for Him (2 Samuel 7:1-2), but God had a better idea. Instead of David building a house for Him, God would build a house (family), for David! This meant his family would rule forever. It was realized first through his son Solomon, then through his descendants,Continue reading “A Recipe For Thanksgiving”
The Genesis Of Jesus
Matthew offers us several beginnings regarding Jesus in the introductory portion of his gospel (1:1-4:16). There’s the beginning of the preaching concerning the kingdom Christ is bringing in the work of John the Baptist (3:1ff). Then there’s the beginning of Jesus’ public life marked by His baptism (3:13ff) and the beginning of His ministry inContinue reading “The Genesis Of Jesus”
The Army And The Armor
There are a couple of things Paul says in Ephesians 6:10-18 that really ought to ring our bell. One is fairly obvious, but I think the other lies below the surface. The truth we’re more familiar with in his emphasis on us relying on the Lord and His power (as opposed to our own). “Be strong in the LordContinue reading “The Army And The Armor”
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 