Bible Chapter: II Samuel 1 & 2

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.
    This book continues right where First Samuel left off.  This is because these two books were originally one book in the Old Testament.  Saul died.  A man from Saul’s camp came to David to give him the message.  He lied to David, thinking he would get some kind of a reward or praise and that David would rejoice that Saul was dead.  He told David that he had killed Saul.  David was angry as well as sad.  Along with Saul’s death, David learned that his great friend, Jonathan, was dead.  He was filled with sorrow.  David had the man killed because he admitted to killing the king.  The messenger thought David would be happy, thinking David considered Saul his enemy.  That wasn’t true.
    David expressed a powerful lament for Saul and Jonathan.  He said he grieved for his dear friend.  These two young men had a strong bond of deep friendship that carried them through some very tough times.
    David was then anointed king over Judah.  There was not a smooth transition for him to become king over the whole nation.  The transition resulted in a war between David and Saul’s descendants.  There were some fierce battles that were fought.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    David’s attitude of trusting God to put him in the position of king is encouraging.  He didn’t have to manipulate or try to conspire against Saul.  He let God work things out.  Yes, some of the descendants of Saul didn’t make it easy.  The thing that David said several times was that he would not go against or try to kill God’s anointed.  Saul was placed in his position by God.  Saul failed and he was going to be removed, but David allowed God to do things in His timing.  When someone is working for God, it is important to let God guide and place in a position.  We don’t have to try to manipulate things.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Always look for God’s way in the issues of life.  Don’t lie, thinking it will get you some advancement.  It may backfire and cause problems.  There will be both good things and challenges we face in life.  Let God take you through.