Lesson Three—A King After God's Heart
One King, Two King, Red King, Blue King
Anybody else love Dr. Seuss? Likely you've memorized some of his work in spite of yourself because it rhymes and is designed to be remembered. Whenever I see rain out my window, the words of the Cat in the Hat come flooding back, "The sun did not shine, it was too wet to play so we sat in the house all that cold, cold wet day . . . ." Don't even get me started on Green Eggs and Ham! Let's face it, human beings are memorizing machines and we can recall even the tough stuff if we're invested in remembering.
That's what I'm going to be asking you to do over the course of the next few weeks. Just get invested in remembering the basics. Don't fret about all of the detail right now. Once you have the basics down, everything else will fall into place. The reason it will fall into place is that it will have a place to fall, so to speak—the structure will be there!
That first step in remembering will involve putting some basic players into categories—this week it has been the house of Saul and the house of David. In weeks to come it will be the North and the South aka Israel and Judah. The easiest way to keep these group straight will be to use two colored pencils when you read marking references to the different kingdoms in different colors. There will be time later to let the details thrill you. For now, though, learn the big picture well and let a couple of colored pencils help make your life easier as you do. Deal?
For our discussion this week, let's start with these questions:
• How has marking the text of Scripture helped you in studying? (If marking has been hard for you, tell us what has made it difficult!)
• What questions do you still have about 2 Samuel 1–10 that you haven't been able to answer this week through your study?
• What has been your biggest take away from your study this week? How is it changing the way you think and act?
Don't forget that you can answer any or all of these questions. No pressure to do them all. :)
Finally, don't forget to take the time to comment on and encourage others with regard to their posts! (If you're shy about posting yourself, start out by thanking someone else for their post! You'll get your feet wet and you'll be an encouragement—win win!)
Looking forward to hearing from you soon!
Blessings,
pam :)
Comments (57)
Just finished wk 3 - trying to keep up! Thanks for the video!
No rush, Ellen! Enjoy the Word and keep moving at your own pace! :)
Dianne Moyers
I love using my colored pencils to mark Bible texts. It helps me stay focused on the
Bible passages I am studying. Repeated words and phrases helps me hone in on what is important to remember.
Where are the Levites at this point in history? My Bible says David's sons were priests. 2 Sam. 8:18
I read some commentaries on this to clear up the confusion.
I am developing a more comprehensive fear of the Lord. I don't want to become too casual in my approach to God, but at the same time I do want to have an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.
Hi Dianne . . . Good question! Some versions translate 2 Samuel 8:18 as "chief ministers" or "royal advisors." Still the root word is the Hebrew "kohen" — "priest." Possibly they served some role in worship (remember David wore the ephod when he brought the ark to Jerusalem in 2 Samuel 6:14), but the Levitical priests are mentioned in this same passage prior to the mention of David's sons—Zadok and Abiathar, the Levites, are in 2 Samuel 8:17.
I like marking the text of Scripture because it makes me slow down and not just look at what I think it says and then overlooking important things.
Biggest take away that even though David loved God greatly he was still a man who lusted over women and would just add more wives. He let his human side take over. As I see God’s people in the past and in the present, I see that we have not changed much. In the future, I would like to be remembered for being more Christ like than being human. A person like David who God describe him as a man after God’s own hear. That is one of the things I would take away for this week’s study.
Sometimes slowing down is all it takes for tough passages to clear up!
I realized how far behind I am! My plan is to skip over and go back to what there was simply not a spare minute to do.
Hey Karen . . . just jump back in where we're at!
Hello. When I did my first precept class, I started marking the Bible and wondering if there was any value to it. Now I love to mark the Bible! It helps me to retain info, find info, make connections. I love it. I heard a sermon by Tommy Nelson where he said he reads through a different bible each year and marks things/takes notes in each one. I like that idea.
My biggest takeaway this week is David's example of inquiring of the Lord before he acts, something I need to be better at, and the absolute holiness of our God.
I like that idea of marking a different Bible every year!
I love marking the text because helps me locate verses easier and it helps me retain it better.
The question I have is how to have a relationship with God like David. His heart is so pure and I love that the Bible shows David’s flaws also. This lets me know I still have a chance.
The biggest take away this week is my need to spend more time in God’s presence—both in prayer, worship and his word. I want to know Him more. My relationship with God is not just believing, but living it each day. I want to be that light in this dark world.
Thanks so much for this study. I've done other Old Testament studies which were very good but this time things are making more sense and sticking. Thanks so much for your videos. They are really good clear and easy to listen to. I took notes as I listened so I would remember more. I've already listened to them a couple times, plan to again, they make things and people so much clearer.
It's helping me to connected people and groups and places I hadn't before. I know it's just the beginning of what all is in the scriptures however it encourages me greatly to keep digging on. Excited to see what else I will discover with the Lord.
Sally . . . I'm so glad to hear that it's sticking! Keep at it and each time you read through the Bible, you'll find that you'll keep adding pieces and remembering more!
Thanks for the encouragement. Isn't this great at age 18 with 52 years experience.
Hello!
My name is Michele from Goldsboro, North Carolina. Thank you so much for writing this Bible study!!!! With the help of CD's I am keeping up with the study for the most part. I have been a part of Bible studies for years, but "Cookies" is really helping me put it all together.
My biggest take away is seeing how the Messianic prophecies from Genesis 3:15, Genesis 12:2-3 and 2 Samuel 7:11-13 weave together perfectly. It is as if God is saying just "follow the dots" ie: my promises throughout the Bible!! Thanks you so much for your clear teaching!!! I will be praying for you and all my Bible study mates.
Hey Michele . . . Glad you're using an audio Bible . . . so helpful, isn't it?! Keep following those dots!!
I've marked my Bible for years, but without much organization. I enjoy coming across past revelations and lessons from previous reading. I started noting cross-references, specifically when biblical characters quote other passages or use similar phrasing (that's fun to note in Paul's letters). My Bible is small, so unfortunately I've started running into previous notes in the repeat passages. I'll be honest, color freaks me out a bit... but I know it'll get my attention later!
Biggest takeaway: "David inquired of the Lord." He did a lot of things and conquered a whole lot of peoples, but he inquired of the Lord along the way (which makes his diversion in 2 Samuel 11 even more interesting to me) and credited the Lord for his success. If I ask for God's direction half as much as David did, I'll do alright!
Any kind of ink used to freak me out in my Bible—(Oh no!! What if I change my mind?!)—but if you ease into even a little color to keep these guys straight, I think you'll find it really helpful. No pressure! :)
So marking the Word helps me with plot points, character studies, list making, themes, outlining...all of which help this journalist ferret out detail. Those details bring the story to life.
I'm working on my takeaway this week; the treatment of the ark and God's demand for holiness and reverence; how do I respond as a member of an apostate church? All prayers coveted and appreciated.
Tracy . . . Praying for wisdom for you.
Tracy, thank you for your openness. I'm praying for you to be able to worship in a solid Bible believing church.
Marking the Bible, which I've mostly done in other Precepts classes, has helped me to notice things I never would before - especially subject or object of action. But I appreciate the suggestion to mark Saul and/or David and their associates and the 'flippers'.
The one thing I have the most trouble with about studying David and I can never seem to shake it, is his many wives , especially treatment of Michal, bringing her back while her husband 'went weeping after her' 2 Samuel 3:16. I'm sure this was a political move but I have a hard time seeing this from any but a women's point of view, and, because of that, going against what it seems I'm supposed to think: like thinking it was wrong for her to despise David when I understand how she would when he's dancing before the ark. It helped a lot that in the video you talk about his multiplying wives and that God had said not to do that. I think I've always felt that if God doesn't explicitly criticize David (like he clearly does in the incident with Bathsheba) I shouldn't criticize him since he's a man after God's own heart,. So it was good to be able to consider that he could be doing wrong in God's eyes in this way also even if not explicitly stated.
Finally my take away was noticing more of how David was tender-hearted in many respects - probably unusual for men at that time - and that illustrated more for me his being a man after God's own heart.
JoAnn . . . I totally hear what you're saying. I think we often push that phrase "a man after God's own heart" too far. It doesn't mean that David's heart was always right, that he was always a proper example to follow. Rather, it points to either the softness of David's heart toward God (for example, when he was wrong he did listen to prophetic counsel) or to the truth that God had selected him. Commentators go back and forth on this one as to which is more faithful to the Hebrew.
HI Pam,
I was away so just read your comment and I appreciate it - very helpful in understanding what is a difficult area for me. In week 4 lesson I happened to read in a commentary something similar to what you're saying: that "he kept a short account with God."
JoAnn
The multiple wives issue is so hard. God certainly has never approved and we see the horrible consequences of disobedience passed down to subsequent generations.
The original design is in Genesis 2:22-25, isn't it?
Thanks for this weeks video. It helped so much to tie things and people together more. I have a difficult time marking much as I get overwhelmed with it and tend to forget which parts are marked what after a time. I struggle with getting all the reading done as I am not a really fast reader. Listening helps but most of the time I'm not quite done before class again.
I like the marking idea wish I remembered better.
This part struck me again about staying connected to God. David stayed connected to The Lord repeatedly as he sought the Lord first. Saul didn't. David was content in the waiting on God whereas Saul seemed to have interepreted the silence to mean ok folks it's up to me now or else he was really impatient. Each one believed something different and so followed their actions.
Our obedience is in our believing not our doing. Repeatedly we are told to believe. Our obedience is in staying connected to the Lord not our doing. Obedience comes after believing. David believed he would hear from God so he waited. Saul didn't and his actions followed.
Obedience is what brings the manifestation of the life Jesus died to give us into our lives. As it says in John 20:31. " but these things are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." ESV there it is believe so you may have.
I see repeatedly in our study how this is working out as we see whether some in the Bible believed God or not. I now see the key to our obedience is in our believing. When we believe, when our minds are transformed to be in agreement with the word , obedience is no longer a burden or a list of things I must to to be obedient. It's just believing right. So I end with asking myself what do I believe, really believe in my heart?
I love the study. Old Testament is very interesting . Love the life of David.. I appreciate your videos every week. My husband and I sit and listen to them together.
So I'm going to guess retirement is treating you guys well! :)
Louise you are blessed to have a Bible study partner right there at home! :)
I'm struck at David's heart & respect for people & the value of their life, regardless of their actions against him, as I pondered:
*David's lament over Saul (I understand him lamenting over Jonathan, but Saul? 2 Sam 1:23-24),
* and his lament over Abner (2 Sam 3:31-35), the commander of Saul's army who traveled with Saul as he hunted down David,
*and his lament over Ish-bosheth (2 Sam 4:11).
I am waaaay too judgmental and way to quick to hold on to offense. I ask God to help me learn what David knew and see people the way David did, if I'm seeing this correctly.
I would love to hear comments about David's response prayer to God in 2 Sam 7:18-29. It's wild exciting that David grasps that God has spoken of the distant future in vs 19 (and in vs 27 calls it a revelation), but I am a bit confused at 19b. I looked it up in different translations trying to understand 19b "And this is the custom/law of man, O Lord God." Holman's Trans says "And this is a revelation for mankind, Lord God." ESV "This is instruction for mankind", God's Word Trans, "Almighty Lord, this is the teaching about the man." But then other translations pose it as a question, NLT saying "Do you deal with everyone this way, O Sovereign Lord?" which sounds totally different from the other translations' statement. Was he asking a question that focused on God talking to him personally, or is he making a statement that this fresh revelation of the covenant promise news something super major to make decisions by and live by...like saying, hey, this is HUGE, people, let it be something to live by, like a manner of living or a law even!!! ???
Sorry to be late to the party here! The Hebrew phrase in 2 Samuel 7:19b is literally translated "and this is the law (Hebrew: torah) of man (Hebrew: adam)." The interpretive challenge is showing itself in the variety of translations. A commentary that I use that is geared specifically toward biblical translation says that this may be a rhetorical question . . . as in "Is this the law for man?" meaning "Is this the way You usually deal with people?" (Sounds like the NLT which typically does more interpreting for the reader in the translation process).
Here's the resource info: Omanson, Roger L., and John Ellington. A Handbook on Second Book of Samuel. UBS Handbook Series. New York: United Bible Societies, 2001.
HI Brenda, Good question! I found myself wondering about that also. You got me searching! If I see this correctly... my bible has 1 Chronicles 17 as a cross reference. This is what corresponds with 19b...1 Chron. 17 :17 "This is a small thing in Your eyes O God; but You have spoken of Your servant's house for a great while to come, and have regarded me according to the standard of a man of high degree, O LORD God."
Thank you Pam for your encouragement to keep on keeping on in the reading of God's word in this study. It is very beneficial to study along side others and learn from what each other is learning and gleaning. Last week I finally emptied the final box from another big move. We have lived in three states within the last twelve months. A little busy! This community of study has kept me from being swept away and completely consumed by all the busyness of life. I have been able to take this study along! :-)
I really appreciate the details of history and the culture of that period you have shared with us, it makes the passages make sense. There is a lot going on, and I found myself scratching my head in wonderment, trying to put the cultural and historical details all together with understanding in my brain. You make it much clearer!
Marking the text makes the understanding pop out much more quickly! Great tip to mark the differing groups of people!
This study is grounding me more solidly on understanding our world and history from the biblical point of view. I think this makes me more purposeful driven in the way I live life, and certainly very, very grateful for who God is!
Sharon, I love the historical and cultural points, too. If you ever come across ancient history documentaries or other reading in future, the actions of these kings are supported by non-biblical sources. The Bible is an incredibly historical book and it doesn't stand alone!
Sharon I love what you have shared here! Praying that you will settle in easily and make new friends in the Lord!
Thank you! I am grateful for your prayer for me :-)
A repeated truth that stuck out to me this week in the final chapters of 2 Samuel...Thus the LORD was moved by prayer...
And in a few weeks past in Numbers 6:22-27, when Aaron would pray for Israel that blessing, invoking His name upon them, that He Himself would bless them. God is so good to us!
Marking the text.
In the past I've always found marking helpful for focusing, however, I'm using electronic texts and audio bibles now and do not find marking so useful. Rather, I like to listen to the audio bibles and jot down repeated phrases or insights.
Questions.
Who wrote these narratives? I did research that it isn't known for sure and that probably several, including Samuel himself, wrote the accounts. I'd like to know who and how they were compiled.
Takeaways.
1. David finding strength (in the Lord) in his sufferings and the length of time he waited to become king.
2. David did (yet) not abuse the power of his position. He ruled in justice and kindness.
3. Seeing how the kingdom was divided leading up to the big split to come.
Good question about authorship! Short answer is that it is not clear. Likely a compilation of several authors. Here's a link that gives a pretty simple and clear answer to a pretty complex question: https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/eastons-bible-dictionary/Samuel-Books
Thanks. I think that may be why some of the chronology "seems" awkward, many authors.
The only question that remains kind of unclear is on page 43 of the work-book about what were David and Michal really fighting about? Was she upset about what David was wearing as he danced before the Lord in front of other women and men or was it his approach of how he was worshipping before the Lord? He made it very clear to her that he would always honor and worship his Lord from the spirit of his heart and not according to how man thinks he should worship. Most married couples today seem to have the same issue,
The biggest take away from this lesson was in chapter seven as The Father reveals to David that he is preparing a house for each one of His children to dwell with them forever!!! Imagine the home-coming the Father and the Son are planning for us who trust in them!!! Welcome to the family, Jeanette Hensom
Hi Pam,
Marking is so helpful in that it keeps things in order and helps later when doing other studies. The key is keeping it simple and marking people, places, events and key words and being constant with the markings.
Yes! Keeping it simple is important otherwise it can be overwhelming! One thing that I've moved to in recent years is making sure that I'm constant within a particular book. There are certain words that I mark the same way all through Scripture, but other words I don't always remember. When that happens, I pick a color or symbol and stay consistent in whatever book I'm studying. It helps me keep from locking up! LOL!
I'm so glad that we were encouraged to get into the Psalms at this time because in them we see WHO got David through all this! We see David's human lamenting, fear and pain but then we see his trust in God. David asks God to punish his enemies, to shame those who lie about him and scheme against him. In Psalm 60, in his defeat, David sees God's truth as a "banner to those who fear You." David's heart rallied in the TRUTH he knew of God.
My biggest takeaway this week has been a fresh realization that God's Word holds true throughout ages past, in the present and for all eternity future! I love how Pam brought out that Jesus Christ is on David's throne for all eternity. God told David that and we read it today.
I agree, Joan! Hearing the Psalms during this time period has radically altered how I view David and God's sovereignty in his life!
Such good words about the Psalms, Joan!!
Since I learned this inductive Bible study method some years ago, I have loved marking up my Bible. I have found that it helps me quickly see themes & important words to remember. This has been especially helpful as I have read through Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, seeing the "big picture" of God's story.
I look forward to going back to the beginning of 2 Samuel to mark Saul & David with their respective associates to hopefully keep track of them. Thanks for that tip, Pam!
Hope you find it helpful . . . it's made a big difference for me! :)
Sorry all if this post pops up twice. I was having trouble with my computer!
No worries . . . computers are fickle beasts!
Hi Pam Hi Everyone! Well I hope this note does not end up huge or bleep away! Lol I want to say I really enjoy reading everyone's comments. They are very encouraging & helpful. As Pam said in the video there is so much to glean from God's word, that we can keep studying over & over & still glean more! How exciting is that?
1. Marking - I have used the marking system in the past. But I found my bible is so very marked it's impossible to read now. Also, I have changed colours and it's a schmozole? Plus I like to make notes which makes it worse. This is my NASB bible from Precept. I will have to get another bible as I do like what you have mentioned Pam, to be able to keep track of whose who & the lands!
In saying that, I understand David wanting to honour God! Also, that we should not be ashamed nor afraid to OWN our faith! True, I agree! I don't know maybe in that day & culture where is the respect towards women? Am I being to much in the present ideals?
David inquired & would clarify with God first.
David had total respect for God's Anointed "Who are we, that we should despise, those whom GOD has Anointed! Churches today could take more of this lesson! Here in Ontario, Canada anyway. Sadly
David valued God's opinion's, not mans.
Hi just reading through everyone's posts and your comments on multiple wives caught my eye.
When we violate God's laws, commands it doesn't mean that he "allows" it. We still suffer the consequences. His warning is to keep us from suffering those consequences.
Multiple wives invited an unhealthy cultural assimilation. Also it was to shore up political power. Perhaps it signifies trusting in political alliances (horses and chariots) rather than in the real souce of strength.
Just my thinking on that.
Thank you for your comment Bettyanne. This is a question I have mulled over a long time. I agree with your comments. I guess when David had such a heart for God and to be so obedient, (so far), why David would choose to have so many wives & concubines? After all it is written in the book of Genesis. If I used the word, allow, that was a mistake on my part. I have noticed, however due to sexual sin in many different forms it has caused devastating consequences over the decades to most people and even will for David soon.
My great grandfather, whom, I did not know was a Mormon in his day. He lived in Alberta Canada. But he had 2 wives & when he moved to Ontario it was not legal. So his 2 families lived down the street from each other. And there were like 17 kids? I was 50 years old before I even found out! Secret skeletons. I have had people ask me this who were not Christian also. So ThankYou for your answer. As I do agree, if we are not trusting in the real source of strength, those trials will and do come, until we learn the Truth which is found in God! Gwenn
Hi. I wish I could edit. I tried to preview then I had to sign in? But only after I posted. There's something I'm still not doing right. At least it's not huge that was embarrassing. Ignore the number 4&5. Those numbers should not be there.
Application is too focus on all those areas where David honoured God.
ThankYou Gwenn
Hey Gwenn . . . I wish I knew how you made it big!! The great mysteries of the internet!!
Me too Pam! Hahaha It isn't big at my end. So I have no idea. 🤔
You know Pam. I had an after thought. There is on some computers I don't about all under settings. And if go in there and somewhere you can make your own computer have larger print. So anything that comes in to you will be as large,as you make it in Settings. Worth a try maybe! 😀