First and 2 Kings trace the history of Israel during the four hundred years from the death of King David to the destruction of Jerusalem. Each king is judged on whether he was obedient to God or did evil in His sight. Many lessons follow from these stories.
Continue reading WHAT’S THE POINT OF READING ABOUT ALL THESE ANCIENT KINGS?
King Daivd’s great-grandmother got her husband by sneaking into his bed with him after he fell asleep.
Continue reading WHO’S WHO AND WHERE’S WHERE IN THE BIBLE (RUTH)
David’s courage as a warrior is legendary. His bravery was evident even during his teenage years when he faced down and defeated the Philistine giant Goliath. But a good military leader needs more than personal courage. Above all. he must be able to recruit, motivate, and deploy an army. King David excelled in these abilities.
Continue reading DAVID THE WARRIOR
The Jews from Matthew’s day would have disagreed. Tradition-minded Jews kept a record of their ancestors partly because certain rights and responsibilities were inherited. Priests descended from Aaron, the brother of Moses. Kings-and the coming Messiah-would descend from David, Israel’s most revered king.
Continue reading SHAKING JESUS’ FAMILY TREE
One of the biggest surprises in the Bible is the kind of Messiah God sent to save Israel. Jews expected a warrior. Someone like King David, only better. A leader who would free them from oppressors. restore Israel’s lost glory, and even create heaven on earth.
Continue reading DEAD SAVIOR
Though his name bears the Hebrew word for peace, Absalom was anything but peaceful. He murdered his half brother and led a coup against his father King David.
Continue reading ABSALOM
God declared that His choice for a new king would be “a man after his own heart” (1 Sam 13:14) Not that David was perfect, but his attitudes and inclinations were in the right direction-toward praise and faith in God as an almighty, all-caring sovereign. One glance at David’s life can’t miss the glaring mistakes he made, but David never tried to blame others or make excuses for his sins.
Continue reading WHAT MADE DAVID ONE OF HISTORY’S OUTSTANDING LEADERS?
This watchman had been posted on the city wall above the gates of Mahanaim to relay news about the battle against Absalom to King David (read 2 Samuel 18:24).
Continue reading BIBLE CUSTOMS AND CURIOSITIES (WATCHMEN AND PORTERS)
King David sent several ambassadors to Hanun, king of the Ammonites, to express his sympathy at the death of his father (2 Samuel 10:1-2).
Continue reading BIBLE CUSTOMS AND CURIOSITIES (A DOUBLE INSULT)
King’s were, anointed by having olive oil poured on their heads (2 Kings 11:12). This was also an act of courtesy and hospitality performed by hosts for their guests.
Continue reading BIBLE CUSTOMS AND CURIOSITIES (GOD’S ABUNDANT BLESSING)