Bible Reading & Commentary for the Week April 26 – May 1, 2021

LynnBible Reading Guide

Monday, April 26, II Samuel 19

Vv. 41-43 — Both Israel and Judah were attempting to gain recognition and favor with David as he returned to rule. This led on the part of both to angry words. Disputes in our homes and in the church sometimes over insignificant things can end up the same way. We need to remember Solomon’s words in Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

 

Tuesday, April 27, II Samuel 20

  1. 10 — Here was another horrible murder committed by Joab. He also previously had murdered Abner. (II Sam. 3:27 ( He does pay for his crimes during the days of King Solomon. (Cf. I Kings 2:5-6, 28-34) It is as Jesus said to Peter, “All who draw the sword will die by the sword.” (Matt. 26:52)

 

Wednesday, April 28, II Samuel 21

Vv. 5-9 — At first glance, this may seem unjust on David’s part. Why should Saul’s sons pay for the mistakes of their father? David did what he did probably because either God declared them guilty or because they were accessories to Saul’s crime. (v. 2) Read also Joshua 9:14-27.

 

Thursday, April 29, II Samuel 22

  1. 6 — “Sheol” here would be “grave.” (See footnote in NIV) Our freedom from the grave someday is found in David’s beautiful, uplifting confession in vv. 2-3. The Son of God is our fortress, the strength of our salvation. He conquered sin, death and hell on the cross and the grave on Easter morning. As Jesus said to Mary and Martha, ” I am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die.” (John 11:25-26)
  2. 11 — Cherub is the singular; cherubim is the plural. The cherubim are one of the ranks of God’s mighty, holy angels. Their work is described in Gen. 3:24 and Ezekiel 10.

 

Friday, April 30, II Samuel 23

  1. 5 — May this also be our confession. Jesus has made everything for us in our spiritual life ordered and secure. Paul reminds us of that in Rom. 8:1. “Therefore there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” The Lord’s everlasting covenant that guarantees us eternal life is John 3:16.

 

Saturday, May 1, II Samuel 24

  1. 10 — What was the problem in David’s taking a census of Israel? It revealed a lack of trust in God and a dependence on the might of Israel. There also may have been sinful pride in David’s heart. He may have attributed Israel’s growth as a nation to his victories and leadership, instead of to God’s leadership.
  2. 24 — As Christians, we are not to look to someone else to foot the bill in God’s kingdom. David understood correctly what his responsibilities were as a Christian steward. What motivated his response were his words in chapter 23:5 and Ps. 103:1-12.