January 2025

READ: 2 Sam. 24:18-25: … So the LORD heeded the prayers … The destroying angel has not yet sheathed his sword. David’s confession of guilt has not yet led to forgiveness; atonement is still required. Atonement must be made through payment or satisfaction. As Heb.9:22 says: “Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.” […]

READ: 2 Sam. 24:10-17: … So David said to the LORD: I have sinned greatly in what I have done; but now, I pray, O LORD, take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have done foolishly … After nearly 10 months, the results come in: hundreds of thousands of able-bodied men—an enormous number!

READ: 2 Sam. 24:1-9 “… count the people …” The writer goes back about 4 to 5 years in the timeline in this final chapter. Peace has come to the land. The famine has passed. But does David now act in every way as a theocratic ruler? He decides to conduct a census of the

READ: 2 Sam. 23:1-7: … He who rules over mankind must be just … And He shall be like the light of the morning … with fire … This chapter contains David’s final words. He describes the purpose and meaning of his life under the guidance of the LORD. Born the son of Jesse, a

READ: 2 Sam. 22:30-51: … As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven … … You have also given me the shield of Your salvation … For You have armed me with strength for the battle … The words of the LORD are pure, meaning that God’s Word is

READ: 2 Sam. 22:1-29: … The LORD is my rock and my fortress … As the anointed of the LORD, David faced many enemies: Saul, the Philistines, other nations, and even his own sons. The LORD severely tested him but also repeatedly delivered him. Now, David reflects on his life and sings a song of

READ: 2 Sam. 21:1-14: … And after that, God heeded the prayer for the land … After the end of Sheba’s rebellion, another difficult period arises. There is a famine for three years! This forces David to seek the face of the LORD. We have not seen David take this kind of action in a

READ: 2 Sam. 19:40–20:22: … Why do you despise us – were we not the first to advise bringing back our king? … So every man of Israel deserted David and followed Sheba, the son of Bichri … After Absalom’s death, confusion arises among the ten tribes of Israel. They decide to support David once

READ: 2 Sam. 18:19-33: … ‘If only I had died in your place’ … Two messengers bring news to David, who is on watch. The first is Ahimaaz, the son of the priest Zadok. He announces the victory, praising the Lord, but avoids answering David’s question about Absalom. Then the second messenger, a Cushite, also

READ: 2 Sam. 18:1-18: … For in our hearing the king has commanded you, Abishai, and Ittai, saying: ‘Beware lest anyone touch the young man Absalom!’ … Upon reaching Mahanaim, on the other side of the Jordan, David cannot avoid confronting his son and his followers in battle. He prepares his people for war and