Bible Chapter: II Samuel 9 & 10

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    King David showed that he meant it when he promised his great friend, Jonathan, that he would always be kind to him and his descendants.  Human thinking says to destroy anyone who is connected with your enemies.  David never looked at Saul as his enemy.  He knew that he was the king because God had placed him in that position.  David asked if there were any left from the house of Saul so he could show kindness to them.  He had Mephibosheth brought to him and restored all the wealth he would have had if Saul had not lost his throne.  David provided for him in a royal way.
    We see David’s concern to honor people in the next chapter when the king of the Ammonites died.  He send his condolences to the king’s son.  Unfortunately he had some bad advice and David’s emissaries were treated poorly.  This brought on a war and thousands were killed.  If the Ammonites would have believed that King David really was sending his expression of sorrow they would have prevented many problems.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    In these chapters we see David’s heart.  He did have a heart after God’s heart.  It showed compassion and an understanding that God was the One who was directing the affairs of Israel.  David was able to show kindness and compassion.  Mephibosheth was afraid at first, fearing that his life was in danger.  The Ammonites brought problems on themselves because they didn’t believe King David would be kind to them.  The thought that comes to me is the importance of being kind.  Sadly, human thinking doesn’t expect kindness and will often react negatively, as did the Ammonites.  Show kindness.  It will pay off.

3.  How can I help someone?
    One of the important goals of living for Jesus is to grow more and more like Him.  We must learn what He is like and take on His attributes.  I want to help people become more like Jesus.  They will then apply these truths in their lives and they will make their own life, as well as the lives of those around them, much better.