2 Samuel 24: This Is the Place

In this chapter, David obtains the location for the temple that his son would build (2 Chronicles 3:1). It was Mount Moriah, the same place where Abraham took Isaac (Genesis 22), and where Jesus would be put on trial at the end of His life. What a place—what memories—what a way to begin a meditation.

2 Samuel 23:Valiant Men - Fight for the Lord

After David’s song ends (v. 7), the author gives a list of the mighty men of David along with some of their stories. Valiant (mighty) comes from the same Hebrew word as virtue (Ruth 3:11; Proverbs 31:10). It expresses something about the kind of warrior a certain man was, just as it expresses the character of the woman Ruth when it is translated “virtuous.” Let us be valiant men and virtuous women in the army of the Lord today (Ephesians 6:10-20).

2 Samuel 22: Let Us Sing

When God designed us, He made it possible for us to learn to have music in our souls and to express it with words. This world is filled with music. We are impressed with the music of birds, musicians, singers, little children, and various cultures. God wants to hear us sing, and David’s songs (psalms) are the source of many of the songs we sing today. So, when the song leader says, “Let us sing,” let us sing!

2 Samuel 21: You Reap After You Sow

Hundreds of years earlier, Israel had made a covenant with the Gibeonites (Joshua 9). A few decades before today’s reading, Saul had broken that covenant. Now, his family would reap what he had sown. It is a tragic reading (vv. 1-9), but it reminds me that my grandchildren could pay a high price someday for my sins. They will not bear the guilt of my sins, but they could reap the consequences. I will use this truth to decide not to sow any “wild oats” that they might have to reap (Exodus 20:4-6).

2 Samuel 20: Joab: Cold-Blooded Murderer

The more I read about Joab, one of David’s warriors, the more I am convinced that he was just a cold-blooded murderer. Today, he would probably be called a serial killer. One thing to learn from this is that a person can be a serial killer in the church—I don’t mean that he actually kills people. What he does is worse. He kills reputations, he kills unity, he kills brotherly love, he kills evangelism, he kills hope. There are many New Testament warnings against the “Joabs” in the church (2 John; Titus 3; 1 Timothy 1; Galatians 1-6; 2 Peter 2; Jude). And beware of his sword—which is almost always the Bible—used for sinful purposes.

2 Samuel 19: Harsher Words

More than half a century would pass from this story to the time when God’s nation divided into the North and the South. But often the seeds that we sow spiritually take that long to begin producing. Someone deserved credit for restoring David’s kingdom to him after his son’s rebellion failed. Israel (North) and Judah (South) both made their claims. At the end of the chapter, we are told that the words of Judah were harsher (fiercer) than those of Israel. There are many ways to settle differences, but in this case they could have settled it by giving the credit to God for the continuance of David’s kingdom. Oh, well...

2 Samuel 18: Is There Any News...About My Son?

Most fathers really do love their sons. They love them even when they make a lifetime of terrible choices. They would give anything to change the outcome that they see coming. They grieve over any part that they have played in the paths that their sons are taking. The writer of 2 Samuel has made it clear that David’s sins were linked to the fall of his sons, that their sins were their own choices, and that the end of their paths would be ruin. Absalom has given us no reason to hold out hope for him—but David was clinging to hope anyway (He was his father!). So don’t expect this meditation to be on all the good results (there were none for David)—but use it as a warning.

2 Samuel 17: Pick Your Wise Men Wisely

This chapter is full of advisors and advice for Absalom who had already chosen an evil path. He rejected the good advice, followed the bad advice—and set the course for his downfall. God was not going to allow him to win this war (v. 14). David’s son was marching toward ruin. It often seems easy to view a situation from the sidelines and predict the outcome—but those in the game often miss the signs—not because they cannot see—but because they will not look. Absalom would not look to God. He was therefore headed to ruin. Our sins will find us out (Numbers 32:23).

2 Samuel 16: My Advice: Sin All You Can

One of the paragraphs in this chapter is the advice that a man gave to Absalom—a son of David who wanted to take the kingdom from his father. His name was Ahithopel, and in verse 21, he pretty much says that his advice for gaining control of the people was to sin against his father as much as he could and to do it in public so everyone would know. Amazingly, this man was not only a respected counselor of Absalom—he was also an advisor to David! A better counselor for anyone is the word of God. “Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors” (Psalm 119:24).

2 Samuel 15: The Factors of Self-Will

I was once asked what I thought was the greatest problem facing the church. I answered that it was what it has always been: “Self-willed men.” The very term “self-will” ought to help us to see how evil it is. Chapters such as the one before us today are loaded with examples of the features—and evils—of self-will. See how many you can note. Learn from this that it makes sense for the Bible to teach that we cannot be self-willed if we want to please God (2 Peter 2:10).

2 Samuel 14: A Spiritual Soap Opera

We don’t need the fiction of today’s soap operas to know how devious and evil people can be to one another, especially within our families. The cleverness, deceit, backstabbing, and lying in this reading have their roots in David’s adultery (chapter 11). And this “episode” is the basis of more tragedy to come. The only way to keep things from getting worse was to learn and do the will of God (Deuteronomy 10:12-13). But that is not what they did.

2 Samuel 13: Others Reap What We Sow

Nathan predicted that trouble would come to David’s house as a result of his sin. This does not mean that God made these people sin. It is a part of the law of sowing and reaping—we reap what we sow, we reap more than we sow, we reap longer than we sow, and others reap what we sow. The terrible example that David set was the example that his children followed—rather than his usual manner or even his writings (in the Psalms). People will make their choices on the basis of what you and I do! Those who are closest to us have the right—they need to see us doing right! Weep as you read about the reaping here.

2 Samuel 12: Parables Are Easy - Or Are They?

The prophet Nathan is sent to David with a message in the form of a parable. David easily interprets it—but then come the hard parts. Note some: The courage Nathan needed to apply the meaning to David, the realizations that David had to accept about his sins, the punishment he would suffer for his sins, the consequences in the lives of all who were involved, and the lessons we may need to learn and accept in our own lives.

2 Samuel 11: War with Temptation

God allows us to be tested, even tempted, but never without an escape path (1 Corinthians 10:1-13). Each of these temptations is a battle in a war, and some are more difficult than others. As an individual, David failed repeatedly in this reading. He yielded to more than one temptation. As you meditate during the reading, think of things David could have done better than what he actually did. And remember that what he did was evil to the Lord (v. 27).

2 Samuel 10: War with Pagans

During David’s reign, idolatrous groups were all around and among the Israelites. War with them was inevitable if Israel wanted to honor the God of Hosts. Today, the church is in a similar situation. The war we fight is on a spiritual plane with goals such as: honoring the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, defeating the adversary (satan), winning the war of truth versus error, and leading non-believers to the foot of the cross. Let this reading help you to see how serious this is (2 Corinthians 10:3-6).

2 Samuel 9: Mephibosheth

This man was the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul. David, the man after God’s Own heart, wanted to be kind to any who survived the slaughter of Saul’s family. This short chapter can help us to meditate on such things as the golden rule, vengeance, letting our light shine, and the need to search for opportunities to treat others with genuine kindness.

2 Samuel 8: Who Made Him Victorious?

This is a description of David’s victories against those who were also the enemies of God. The New Testament teaches us that we can and will have victories against the enemies of God today as we obey Jesus Our King (1 John 5:1-5). But the author of 2 Samuel does not give supreme credit to David for these victories. Twice, he reminds us of this (verses 6,14): “And the Lord preserved David (made David victorious) whithersoever he went.”

2 Samuel 7: If You Don't Remember Anything Else...

What a chapter! First, God made a promise about the future regarding His kingdom. It would involve a son of David. This prediction is used in Luke 1 and Acts 2 to show that it is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Second, there is a great song of thanksgiving by David. Note how much of this song is David’s thankfulness for the things He knows and believes about the nature, promises, and acts of God. So, if you don’t remember any other chapter in 2 Samuel, remember chapter 7.

2 Samuel 6: We Need to Move This Ark

The ark of the covenant was supposed to be in the Most Holy Place of the tabernacle, but it wasn’t. Whenever it was to be moved, it was to be done according to God’s instructions (Exodus 25:10-14). These men did not follow the instructions, so when Uzzah thought that the ark needed to be stabilized, he touched it. God was displeased with this breach of His authority, and Uzzah paid for it with his life (see 1 Chronicles 13). God does expect us to honor Him according to the “due order,” which is what they finally did (1 Chronicles 15:12-15). Pleasing God depends on doing what He said He wants us to do (John 8:29).

2 Samuel: The City of David

This is the chapter that tells how the city of Jerusalem became the capital of the kingdom. It has remained as one of the most prominent cities on earth ever since. Bethlehem is called “the city of David” in the New Testament (Luke 2:4). Both places are prominent in Jesus’ life and work, too. He was also born in Bethlehem and He inaugurated His kingdom in Jerusalem (Acts 2:1-47). And just as the “God of hosts” was with David (2 Samuel 5:10), so He is with His Son in the “heavenly Jerusalem” (Hebrews 12:18-29).

2 Samuel 4: Don't You Get It? This is NOT Good News!

Abner’s murder now leads to the bold murder of a son of Saul (Ishbosheth) by two men of his own tribe. They thought that this would be good news to David (as the man who told him that Saul and Jonathan were dead in chapter 1), so they even took the murdered man’s head to David. Again, the heart of David was misunderstood—It was not good news to hear that a righteous man was slain in his own bed (v. 11). How can we let our thoughts stray so far from right-thinking that we miss the truth of God and the evidence of the holy hearts of others so easily?

2 Samuel 3: Revenge Is Not "So Sweet"

Abner killed Asahel in chapter 2. But Asahel had a brother who was a killer—not just a soldier. His name was Joab. He was the kind of man who would get vengeance, and the passing of time was no big deal. Abner helped to make peace between Saul’s side and David’s side. David honored him for it. Joab, leader of David’s army, found out about it, took him aside to “talk to him”—and murdered him. “A prince and a great man” fell that day, according to David (v. 38). But Joab kept his position. We will meet him again. Beware of those whose hearts have revenge in them (Romans 12:19-21).

2 Samuel 2: He Died Right There

Second Samuel is filled with stories of death, murder, adultery, deceit, and self-will. Most of the dishonorable people in this book are Israelites—the chosen nation. The fighting in this chapter included the death of Asahel. Abner (from the army of Saul) begged Asahel to stop chasing him. He refused so Abner speared him “and he died right there.” Three hundred eighty men died in this chapter—all of whom should have been fighting a common enemy. Fighting among ourselves does not end well. And sometimes the end comes because of our own stubborn blindness. Remember Asahel.

2 Samuel 1: A Song for Those Who Grieve

There were people in David’s life who thought that he would rejoice if he found out that his enemies were dead. The messenger who brought the news that Saul and Jonathan were dead even tried to take credit for it. After the messenger met his own fate, David sang a dirge—a song of lament and grief for the man who had tried to kill him for years (Saul) and for his son (Jonathan), David’s best friend ever. This song will help you to learn how grief can be expressed and handled.

1 Samuel 31: It's Over

The reign and life of Saul ends with his death, as well as the deaths of three of his sons. One of them was the great and honorable friend of David—Jonathan. Given all of the spiritual tragedies of Saul’s life, you might think we ought to feel some relief now that it was over. But not so, as the beginning of 2 Samuel will reveal. Saul’s adult life was full of suffering, much of which he brought upon himself. All of us cause some of our own suffering. We would do well to learn from Saul how not to deal with it.

1 Samuel 30: Equal Pay for Equal Work

Some “worthless men” (v. 22) who were with David after winning the battle against Amalek did not want those who stayed behind (because that was their job) to receive equal shares of the plunder they recovered in the battle. David reminded them that the victory was actually won by Jehovah, and that all would share equally! This then became a perpetual law in Israel (vv. 23-35). It was simple; it was fair; so they just did it.

1 Samuel 29: We Need to Break This Up

We now go back to the alliance between David and Achish (chapter 27). It seems that it was going well, and the Philistine believed that David was a good man (v. 6). The Philistine uses the “as the Lord lives” phrase that was our meditation for chapter 26 (which is used in the life of David more than all the rest of the Old Testament). Some of the Philistines were suspicious of David, so they pressured Achish to sever the friendship, and he did. Suspicious people are not worth imitating and do not need to be our advisors.

1 Samuel 28: The Lord Didn't Answer, So I'll Go to a Witch

Saul’s practice had become that of a man who did not listen well or obey the things that God told him. Here, he is afraid of the Philistines but gets no response from Jehovah about his fears. Rather than repenting, waiting, or doing something else that was right—he went to a woman who claimed to be able to contact the dead. Maybe he could get a message from Samuel, who had died. God allowed Samuel to go—and he told him what he already knew about his condition. The lesson is not an endorsement to get involved with the occult—but to see the wretched consequences of persisting in rebellion against God.

1 Samuel 27: You Don't Have to Tell All You Know

This brief record tells of an alliance that David made with the king of Gath (in Philistia). Some have accused David of lying to Achish in this story. But they forget that we do not have to tell everything we know to people every time they want to know something—especially real or potential enemies! A very wise Christian woman I know says, “You don’t have to tell all you know.”

1 Samuel 26: As the Lord Lives...

These words were spoken by David when he made a clear commitment to his friend Abishai that he would never harm King Saul because he was Jehovah’s anointed (v. 10). He was going to leave the removing of Saul from his kingship in the hands of God. But the phrase is the basis of our meditation: God is—He lives—I know He lives—and “as” (since) He lives, I will do certain things, I will not do certain things, and I will leave God’s business up to Him.

1 Samuel 25: Nabal Was a Fool

According to Nabal’s wife, Abigail, his name means “Fool.” It is a mystery to me how anyone would get such a name, but he did. Why didn’t he change it? And, why in the world did he live up to it as she said he did (v. 25)? In addition to being the name of a man, this word is used to describe a variety of foolish ways: Deuteronomy 32:6,21; 2 Samuel 3:33; 13:13; Job 2:10; 30:8; Psalm 14:1; 39:8; 53:1; 74:18,22; Proverbs 17:7,21; 30:22; Isaiah 32:5-6; Jeremiah 17:11; Ezekiel 13:3.

1 Samuel 24: You Are More Righteous Than I Am

These words were spoken by Saul to David (v. 17). They are true words, but they are more than that. I say this because Saul made several comments in this book revealing how much he really knew about God, right and wrong, and how God expected him to live. There are many people whose knowledge is far above their lifestyles. They do know better, but they continue choosing wrong, terrible paths. “O Lord, help me to examine myself as I meditate through this reading.”

1 Samuel 23: The Rock of Separation

Saul had become a man who searched for David every day, but God would not hand David over to him (v. 14). When he got close, he was told that the Philistines were causing trouble, so Saul chased them instead. The place where he made the choice became known as the “Rock of Separation.” The list of things that separated Saul and David is lengthy, but it begins with their attitudes toward God. Pursuing ideals that separate us from those who serve God will separate us from Him, too.

1 Samuel 22: Everyone Is Against Me: Boo Hoo

During the rest of this book, we will continue to see Saul spiral out of control. This is surely one of the saddest readings as he feels more and more self-pity. Then he orders the murder of 85 men of the priestly tribe—and the killer was an Edomite who was now working as one of Saul’s guards. There is more to this short story, and it will not be a pleasant reading. A lesson? How about the lesson of humbling self and getting help from good people (including the elders) before we hurt anybody?

1 Samuel 21: My Ox Is in the Well

Jesus often encountered people who thought that their views of right and wrong were better than His. When it came to what could or could not be done on the Sabbath, they clashed regularly. So, He would ask or be asked about “working” on the Sabbath. In Matthew 12, He referred to this reading in order to teach them the simplicity of the answer. In Luke 14 it came up again when He asked them if they would rescue an ox from the well on the Sabbath. If they had no problem with that which was done with the holy bread here, they should have had no problem with Jesus. What is more important to me: the will of God or the traditions in my heart?

1 Samuel 20: The Good, the Bad, and Me

The goodness of Jonathan and the badness of his father are pitted against one another in the struggle over David. There really are people who want the best for me, and there really are people who don’t. Learning this is critical. Trusting in people who deserve our trust is assuring (verse 42). And the battle “for” me is on. Let me be wise and careful (Ephesians 5:15-17).

1 Samuel 19: Spirits Are Everywhere

This chapter speaks of an evil spirit (verse 9), the Spirit of God (verse 20), as well as the implied battle for the spirits of the people who play various roles in this chapter. While we do not know the specific things that take place in the spiritual battles for our souls today, we do need to know that both sides want our allegiance (2 Corinthians 10:1-6). Let us choose to wear the armor of God and be on the winning side (Ephesians 6:10-20).

1 Samuel 18: Friends Forever

When we are little, we probably don’t think that our friends may not always be our friends. But life’s changes make it very hard to be friends with the same people forever—at least on earth. I do not know how long David and Jonathan were friends on earth, but it was a great friendship that endured major threats until Jonathan died in war. Forty years later, David died, and their friendship was renewed (I hope) in the bosom of Abraham. Let’s choose to be friends forever by being friends with Jesus now (John 15:14).

1 Samuel 17: What Is Your Goliath?

The champion of Gath came out 40 mornings and 40 evenings to intimidate the army of God. It worked. Our Goliaths do that to us at times, too. David did three things that led to the defeat of his Goliath. First, he understood what he was. Second, he understood how he worked. Third, he did something about him (five smooth stones). It is always possible to do those three things with our Goliaths if we use the Bible correctly. And when we do, we will win (verses 48-52).

1 Samuel 16: He Could See David's Heart

When Saul took his first step away from God in chapter 13, he was told that God wanted a man after His Own heart to rule. In this chapter, we learn that this was David. To be “after” God’s heart means that it is your pursuit—your object, goal, aim, your everything. It is what you want most. Here was a young man—probably a teenager—who knew that this meant and was doing it. What are you “after”? “Better yet, “whom” are you after?

1 Samuel 15: Step Three: I Have Obeyed

God’s commandments are clear in His mind, clearly presented to us, and capable of being understood clearly. Saul was given a mission here with all of these characteristics. He claimed he obeyed. Instead, he took his third step away from God, was told what his actions really were (verses 22-23) and lost everything as a result. Have you obeyed the commandments of God? Do you know what they are? Do your attitudes and actions match His commandments?

1 Samuel 14: Step Two: Cursed Is the Man

Steps away from God always involve an element of foolishness—drawing a line in the sand with the idea, hope, or defiant attitude that it will work out. Saul made a foolish rule for his army in verses 23 and 24. His own son broke the rule without knowing about it. Rather than humbling himself, Saul persisted in his foolishness, even vowing that his son must die! Wisely, the people rescued him—leaving Saul to continue moving away from God.

1 Samuel 13: Step One

Christians offer up their own sacrifices to God, including self (1 Peter 2:5-9; Romans 12:1-2). In Israel, this was the role of the Levites. Saul was not a Levite. But he chose to follow his own thinking and offer a sacrifice anyway. This was step one towards the final verdict about his kingship. Note carefully verses 13 and 14. Meditate on the fact that you have no right to do anything unless that right is given to you by God.

1 Samuel 12: How Shall I Exit?

Each one of us is replaceable. Each one of us will be replaced many times. Many of us act very poorly when it is time for a change. The song writer said, “Time is filled with swift transition.” The great prophet, priest, and judge, Samuel, was about to be replaced. Note how well he accepted it.

1 Samuel 11: This Really Could Work

This, according to King Saul, is a lesson about the power of God to deliver (v. 13). Deliverance, or salvation from any number of threats, difficulties, enemies, and sin, is a common theme in the Old Testament. God is always ready to deliver, save, or rescue us. We need to rely on Him for it, give Him credit when it comes, and refuse to act sinfully toward those from whom we have been delivered. Yes, so far, this king was doing well. Monarchies can work.

1 Samuel 10: Benjamin Is Back!

This tribe had nearly been destroyed due to the depraved wickedness described in the last five chapters of Judges. But they were shown mercy and were able to rebuild their population. And now, the first king of Israel was from their tribe. The potential was great and the beginning of the kingdom could have led to greater things for God’s people. Read this as a chapter teaching potential.

1 Samuel 9: Let's Look at Saul

Saul was impressive. He had physical and spiritual qualities that made it possible for him to be a great servant of God. This chapter is a good way to learn how to see potential through the eyes of God. Another element is to apply it to ourselves—you (and I) also have qualities that make it possible for us to be great servants of God. It begins with such things as humility (James 4:6-10).

1 Samuel 8: The Beginning of the End - and Why

This reading is as far in the opposite direction of chapter 7 as it can be. Here is where Israel asks for a king. Be sure to note why they asked—and be sure to note how God felt about it. It was the beginning of the end of earthly Israel (Hosea 13:11). The fact that it took 490 years for the end to come is not the point. The point is that God was not wanted as their King. Is He your King?

1 Samuel 7: They Did What??

In verse 2, we are told that the “whole house of Israel began to seek the Lord.” Aside from the fact that they should have already been doing that, it is a great thing to know—to think about the whole nation doing this. The Lord delivered them at this time, leading to the use of a great word in memory of the occasion: Ebenezer (Stone of Help). Is He your “Ebenezer” today?

1 Samuel 6: Mice, Tumors, and a Cart

In order to end the trouble that God had sent among the Philistines, they decided to send the ark back with tokens of their guild—gold mice, gold tumors, and a cart. Quite a strange way to admit guilt, isn’t it?* Today, God will not be appeased regarding our sin apart from our own personal godly sorrow, repentance, and obedience, including offering ourselves as living sacrifices (2 Corinthians 7:9-10; Acts 17:30-31; 22:16; Romans 12:1-2).

*The cart was then chopped up and burned, while the cattle pulling it were offered as sacrifices.

1 Samuel 5: Let's Make This Quick

God (not the ark) afflicted the Philistines—they found out fast that they needed to get the ark out of their land. This short reading makes it clear that God does not tolerate idolatry or idolaters of any kind—and He never will (Colossians 3:5).

1 Samuel 4: Let's Trust in the Ark

The ark that saved Noah and his family, the ark that saved Moses’ life, and the ark of the covenant that was part of the tabernacle all had their proper uses. The ark of the covenant is still thought of as some magical thing that needs to be found (some people in Africa claim to have it). It never was a magical, miraculous protection for people. This chapter ought to make that clear. Trust should be placed in God and proved by obedience, not in artifacts that are made by people.

1 Samuel 3: Samuel!

The boy Samuel was called at least 6 times in this reading, 5 by Jehovah (verses 4,6,7, and twice in verse 10) and once by Eli (verse 15). Samuel was listening every time, even when he did not know who was calling. That is a good way to find out who is calling—be a good listener! He responded well to God and to Eli—all young boys and girls should be taught to be good listeners.

1 Samuel 2: A Model for Prayer

Jesus gave a model prayer in Matthew 6:9-13. Many people in the Bible can serve as models for prayer. Hannah is one of them. The Holy Spirit caused it to be recorded in verses 1-10. Many of the things she said in her prayer can be found in other places in the Bible—and could well be used in our own prayers, too.

1 Samuel 1: Anyway You Read Her: Hannah

Hannah is one of those names that reads the same way backwards. People who read accurately can see that. But we do not always read one another’s actions accurately. God and Hannah knew what she was doing, but the priest of God missed it—by a lot. Let’s be careful about reading one another’s actions, voices, and hearts!