January 2025

READ: 2 Sam. 16:15-17:14: … For the LORD had purposed to defeat the good advice of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring disaster on Absalom. This passage gives a closer look at events surrounding Absalom. He has now arrived in Jerusalem with his followers, including Ahithophel. As Bathsheba’s grandfather, Ahithophel likely harbored

READ: 2 Sam. 15:31-37; 16:5-14: ‘O LORD, I pray, turn the counsel of Ahitophel into foolishness … David’s life has its moments of gratitude but also deep sorrow. This moment is one of the lowest. His own son, Absalom, has betrayed him. Behind this betrayal lies God’s judgment for David’s sins with Bathsheba and Uriah—the

READ: 2 Sam. 15:13-30: …’If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD’… Against God’s will, Absalom has gained a position in David’s palace. His arrogant actions toward Joab were already a bad omen, and now he seizes power. First, he builds popularity among the people to prepare for a coup. The methods he

READ: 2 Sam. 14:18–33: … Then the king kissed Absalom. The house of David is plagued by a chain of sinful actions. The events surrounding Tamar, Amnon, and Absalom bring David even more sorrow than the death of his sick child. Absalom has been in exile for three years, and Joab observes that David is

READ: 2 Sam. 13:1–22: … For Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar … David experiences even more suffering. His own sins are mirrored in the actions of his children: adultery and murder. The children of God’s people are just as sinful by nature as the children of the world. David’s household,

READ: 2 Sam. 12:13b–25: … ‘Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me’ … Despite David’s confession of guilt, the LORD’s judgment still comes upon him. Nathan begins by declaring that the LORD has forgiven David’s sin; he will not die. This deserved punishment will

READ: 2 Sam. 12:1–13a: … You are the man! … Thus says the LORD: ‘Behold, I will raise up adversity against you from your own house …’ So David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the LORD.’  After committing his sins, David does not turn to the LORD; he waits. Months pass, and only

READ: 2 Sam. 11:1–27: … But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD. This chapter describes an extremely sorrowful event. It begins with David not going out to war with his army. Why? Economically, things were going well; much wealth had been captured from enemies. However, this prosperity brought dangerous temptations. David’s vigilance

READ: 2 Sam. 10:1–19 … And when all the kings who were servants to Hadadezer saw that they were defeated by Israel, they made peace with Israel and served them. So the Syrians were afraid to help the people of Ammon anymore. David, like Saul in the past, faces hostilities from Ammon, the present-day region

READ: 2 Sam. 9:1–13: … Mephibosheth … shall eat at my table like one of the king’s sons … Now that the battles are over, there is true peace and rest. David turns his attention to ruling God’s people as a theocratic king should: “with justice and righteousness” (8:15). He is good and kind to