TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 51:1-17
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. - Psalm 51:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
To a smug, self-righteous audience, Jesus told a parable about a Pharisee and a tax collector. The Pharisee, who in that culture would have been regarded as an especially righteous person, gave thanks to God for his purity, in effect using his prayer to boast of his religious status. But the tax collector, who would have been despised as a dishonest Roman collaborator, stood off to one side, crying in anguish, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

The tax collector came before God with a humble and sorrowful heart. And because of that, Jesus said, he “went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 18:9–14).

In the same way, David understood how heinous his sin was, how grievously he had offended God, and he also cast himself upon God’s mercy. The full scope of his repentance is shown in today’s reading.

David’s main prayer was simple: forgive me (vv. 1–2). He didn’t claim to deserve it, but instead based his prayer on God’s “unfailing love”--the Hebrew word is hesed(see October 9 and 12)--and “great compassion.” He used pictures of washing or cleansing to ask God to purify him from sin’s stain.

David clearly acknowledged his sin (vv. 3–6). As Nathan had pointed out, it was ultimately sin against God, even though Uriah was the most obvious victim. The confession included a recognition of divine justice--not easy, given that the punishment was his son’s death--and hinted at the idea of original sin or the sin nature.

Next, David renewed and expanded his prayer for forgiveness (vv. 7–12). How could he get “truth in the inner parts”? Not by human effort. God would have to give him a spotless heart, a steadfastly obedient spirit, and the joy of salvation.

Finally, David responded with thankfulness (vv. 13–17).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
When David confessed his sins of adultery and murder, God forgave him. Proverbs 28:13 says: “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 12:15-25
Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight. - Psalm 51:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
Last summer, the Mekong Delta in Vietnam was hit by the worst flooding in four decades. As a result of the catastrophe, more than two hundred children younger than three years old died.

One of them was Bui Thi Diem. Her mother, Nguyen Thi Hop, was trying to get some tree trunks to build a bridge from her one-room house to the road. The water was already chest-high in the house, and the family needed to get to safety. During this crisis, they turned their backs for a moment, and the baby slipped under the water’s surface.

“I don’t know why I wasn’t more careful,” said the mother, weeping. “Normally I watch over her with special care.”

David, too, knew the sharp pain of losing a child. The pain was even worse in David’s case as the death was more than an accident--it came as a result of his sin. Through Nathan, God told him that his infant son would die as punishment for his sin. Despite this word, David hoped for mercy and continued pleading for his child’s life until God’s sentence was carried out. When the boy died, David accepted God’s will and continued worshiping, despite the incomprehensibility of such a loss. When his servants questioned him, David pragmatically explained that what was done was done (vv. 20–23).

How could God both forgive and judge? How could He deal out both mercy and punishment? The question should be, how could He fail to do so? God must be true to His nature, which includes both absolute love and absolute holiness. David received forgiveness and restoration of fellowship with God, but this didn’t cancel out the consequences of his sin.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
While praying for his child, David fasted and lay prostrate on the ground. His actions and body language reinforced the passion and sincerity of his prayer.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 13:1-22
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery. - Galatians 5:19
TODAY IN THE WORD
When Debbie Morris was sixteen, two men kidnapped her and, for thirty hours, raped her repeatedly. Traumatized, she struggled for years with doubt, anger, depression, and alcoholism until she hit bottom.

After rededicating her life to God, Debbie realized she’d never truly forgiven the man responsible for the crime: “If I forgive him the way God expects me to forgive him, I’ll want God to win his soul over. . . . Over the years, [various events] softened my heart little by little so that I was finally able to forgive him for what he did. God knew I wouldn’t be able to do that right away, so he took me through the process step by step.”

Through her book, Forgiving the Dead Man Walking,Debbie has told her remarkable story and encouraged many other rape victims.

Today’s reading provides an insightful analysis into the spiritual and psychological dimensions of rape, including its violence and destructiveness.

Lust sowed the seed of rape. Amnon desired his half-sister Tamar and imagined himself to be in love. Amnon indulged his sinful thoughts to the point of extreme frustration and illness.

Bad company watered this seed. Amnon’s cousin, Jonadab, advised him to do whatever it took to get what he wanted. Instead of spurring his friend toward righteousness, he helped him concoct a deceitful and violent plan of self-gratification (1 Cor. 15:33; Prov. 24:1–2).

Lying enabled Amnon’s premeditated crime. He feigned illness and requested that Tamar serve him a meal, playing on her sisterly sympathies and sense of family duty.

Then came the rape. Once the room was empty, Amnon physically overpowered his sister and forced his will on her.

After the rape came anger. There was no true love or righteousness in what Amnon did, and so he found no true pleasure. Instead, he was overcome with rage and had his sister thrown out of the house.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
When Amnon was tempted by sinful thoughts and desires, he nurtured them when he should have dismissed them. He discussed them with a friend. He made plans. Sin grew in his heart.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 13:23-39
Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. - Leviticus 19:18
TODAY IN THE WORD
In a famous Greek legend, two brothers, Atreus and Thyestes, battled for the right to rule the city of Mycenae. They agreed that whoever won a golden ram’s fleece would be the victor. Atreus prevailed, but then his wife slipped the fleece to Thyestes, her secret lover. Atreus refused to accept his brother’s unjust means of procuring the prize and won the throne by other means.

Not content with kingship alone, Atreus plotted revenge against Thyestes. His vicious plan culminated in inviting his brother to a feast and serving him dishes cooked from the flesh of Thyestes’ own sons.

Human vengeance is always ugly. We see it in this Greek legend, and we see it in the life of Absalom as well. For two years, long enough for his brother to be off his guard, he brooded over his sister Tamar’s dishonor and the fact that Amnon had dodged punishment for his crime.

Absalom had an additional reason to conspire against his brother’s life. Amnon was the oldest son and heir apparent to the throne. The second son, Kileab, is assumed to have died young. Absalom was the third son, so if anything happened to Amnon he would be next in line for the kingship.

Absalom picked a natural occasion to invite his brothers to a celebration: sheepshearing, a festive time not unlike the harvest. Amnon was not suspicious at all, so getting him drunk and having him assassinated was quite easy. In this event, we begin to see the fulfillment of Nathan’s sad prophecy that the sword would never depart from David’s house (2 Sam. 12:10).

David at first received an exaggerated report that all his sons had been killed, but Jonadab, the “friend” from yesterday’s reading, shrewdly realized that Absalom had finally taken his revenge on Amnon alone. For his part, Absalom fled to Geshur, where his maternal grandfather ruled as king (2 Sam. 3:3).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Write today’s verse, Leviticus 19:18, on an index card, and place it somewhere you’ll see it often, such as by your bathroom mirror, near your computer screen, or on a kitchen cupboard door.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 15:1-12
O Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! - Psalm 3:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
David and Absalom had contrasting attitudes to power. David viewed kingship as a form of service, and God as the true King. The authority he wielded and the battles he won were a gift from God. He had a responsibility for the well-being, especially the spiritual well-being, of the nation.

Absalom’s ambition to become king, on the other hand, was founded on his love of power. He wanted to be respected and admired. When he rode around the city with a chariot, horses, and fifty attendants, he was showing off, playing to the crowd and to his own ego.

David was concerned for the glory of God, but Absalom planned and schemed for the glory of himself. We mentioned yesterday that he may have had a second motive for killing Amnon. With the heir apparent dead, he stepped into that role.

Probably still angry at his father, Absalom decided to hurry things along. His plans were shrewd. By parading around the city, he gave people an impression of royalty (v. 1). By standing at the gate of Jerusalem and sympathizing with victims of injustice, he gained a reputation for fairness without actually doing anything (vv. 2–4). By behaving in a friendly manner with the common folks, he added a populist flavor (v. 5).

Absalom’s actions undercut David’s reputation and authority. His transportation was no doubt more splendid than the king’s. His remarks at the city gate implied that people couldn’t expect justice from David. In all these ways, over a period of four years, he showed himself a wily politician and “stole the hearts of the men of Israel” (v. 6).

At about age thirty, Absalom launched his rebellion during what would be the last decade of David’s reign. Irreverently using a vow to the Lord as his cover story, he planned to proclaim his coup from Hebron, David’s former capital. His conspiracy included high officials close to his father, including David’s counselor, Ahithophel, Bathsheba’s grandfather.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Absalom held grudges and grew bitter. When Amnon raped his sister, he plotted his revenge. When his father David exiled him, he conspired to lead a rebellion. Without forgiveness, things got very ugly.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 15:13-37
To the Lord I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. - Psalm 3:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
William Shakespeare’s play, Julius Caesar, begins with Caesar’s return to Rome after winning a battle. The common people love him, but others are afraid he’ll seize power and do away with the Senate.

Senator Cassius, a longtime political opponent of Caesar’s, conspires to murder him. He recruits several others for his plot, including Brutus, Caesar’s friend. Brutus tells himself that he’s doing this for the good of the nation, that Caesar must be destroyed before his ambitions to become emperor are fulfilled.

The next day, the conspirators attack Caesar after a speech and stab him to death. As he’s dying, Caesar looks up and sees that his friend had conspired against him.

David, too, was betrayed by someone close to him--his son, Absalom.

Tipped off about Absolom’s rebellion, David left Jerusalem with those still faithful to him, including his bodyguards. David tried to release Ittai and others, but after all their battles together, they’d bonded with him and decided to share his fate (v. 21). The king also sent Hushai to spy on Absalom, arranged a courier system for messages, and prayed against Ahithophel’s counsel.

Second, David expressed grief. He wept, covered his head, and walked barefoot to demonstrate his extreme sorrow. He felt betrayed as both father and king. He was shocked that men such as Ahithophel had joined the rebellion. The people also wept as he left the city, showing that not everyone had joined Absalom.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
David probably wrote Psalm 63 during the events described in today’s reading. He was on the run, discouraged, wondering what God was doing. It’s significant that under these circumstances his strongest desire was to draw near to God: “My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me” (v. .

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 16:15-17:26
The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases. - Proverbs 21:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
John Honeyman is said to be the first double agent in American history. Posing as a Loyalist sympathizer, he earned the trust of the British army and their Hessian mercenaries. To boost his cover, George Washington publicly called him a “notorious Tory.”

Late in 1776, a Hessian commander in Trenton, New Jersey asked Honeyman about the American army. Were they likely to attack? Or could he plan a Christmas party? The spy told him the Americans were weak and they should go ahead with the celebration. He took this intelligence to the American side, along with suggested plans for a surprise attack. On Christmas night, 1776, thanks to Honeyman’s information, Washington crossed the Delaware and led his army to a historic victory.

Like John Honeyman, Hushai worked behind enemy lines as a double agent, sending valuable information to David. In God’s plan, he was able to win Absalom’s confidence rather quickly by pandering to his ego (16:18).

Absalom focused on the kingship. That’s why he slept with David’s concubines, an act which also signified a permanent break with David, fulfilling Nathan’s prophecy (2 Sam. 12:11). His supporters would have been encouraged by Absalom’s all-out commitment to the rebellion.

Ahithophel gave excellent advice, and was highly regarded (16:23). He told Absalom to strike quickly and finish David off before he could escape and regroup. Targeting only David would be an achievable goal.

Hushai, on the other hand, told Absalom that David was an experienced warrior and would fight like a cornered animal. He should assemble a large army and personally lead it to a glorious victory--a scenario appealing to Absalom’s vanity. Hushai sent word to David about Ahithophel’s advice just in case. In response, David took his followers to Mahanaim, a fortified city east of the Jordan River.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In today’s reading, Hushai’s advice deftly played off Absalom’s pride. What does the Bible say about pride? “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” (Prov. 11:2).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 18:1-18
When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes; all he expected from his power comes to nothing. - Proverbs 11:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
Reading today’s narrative, you may have wondered why Absalom was riding a mule instead of, say, a fast horse.

In David’s day a mule was considered a royal animal. Breeding animals of mixed parentage was contrary to the Law, so only foreigners did it, a fact that made mules relatively rare and valuable at that time.

When Solomon rode David’s own mule, it signified that he was David’s choice to succeed him as king (1 Kings 1:33, 44). The same royal meaning lay behind Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem riding on a donkey (Luke 19:35).

By riding a mule into battle against his father’s forces, Absalom announced his kingship, or rather, his pretensions to kingship. He was probably leading an army larger than David’s, but less battle-hardened.

Thanks to Hushai, David had a chance to recover, get organized, and recruit more

loyalists. He arranged his troops under three commanders: Joab, his brother Abishai, and Ittai, a mercenary leader. Absalom’s commander was Amasa, Joab’s cousin and David’s nephew--revealing the fact that civil war had truly split the nation.

David, now in his sixties, was no longer at his peak as a fighter. And since they were fighting for him, his commanders asked him to stay safely behind. After all, if he were killed, the whole battle would be pointless. David agreed, but ordered his army to be gentle with Absalom. He still loved his son deeply, despite everything.

The setting for the battle was the forest of Ephraim, east of the Jordan and probably near Mahanaim. David’s men won the victory, but the forest setting showed that God was fighting for David that day (v. . In the confusion, Absalom ran into the enemy. Trying to escape, his thick, luxurious hair got caught in an oak tree’s branches and literally left him hanging (v. 9). It was a ridiculous and humiliating predicament.

Joab, who had apparently promised a reward for Absalom’s head, had no scruples about disobeying David’s orders and killing the heir to the throne with three javelins.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In today’s narrative, proud Absalom came to the end described in Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 18:19-19:8
The king covered his face and cried aloud, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!” -
TODAY IN THE WORD
Bass Reeves is thought to be the first African American commissioned as a Deputy U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi River. He was an excellent tracker, marksman, and undercover agent, as well as a friend to the Seminole and Creek Indians.

One of the toughest jobs Reeves ever had to do was to hunt down his own son, who had been charged with murder. He demanded to take the warrant, saying it was his responsibility. After two weeks of pursuit, he came back with his son in custody and turned him over for trial. The son was found guilty and imprisoned, though he was later pardoned.

Similarly, David was saddened by the violently broken relationship between himself and his son. Anxiously, he waited at Mahanaim for news of Absalom’s fate.

Joab thought David might react violently to the news, so he sent a foreigner--a Cugotcha2e or Ethiopian. But Ahimaaz, son of Zadok the priest, outraced him. David thought that if it was Ahimaaz, surely the news was good. And indeed, he did deliver the good news of victory, leaving the bad news of Absalom’s death to the other messenger.

In spite of everything, David loved his son and grieved deeply at his death (18:33). No doubt he also felt somewhat responsible for the way things had gone. Though his sorrow makes a poignant picture for us, it made his army feel ashamed. They snuck back into the city--no hero’s welcome for these veterans.

David’s grief was excessive, and it took harsh words from Joab to snap him back to reality (19:5–7). His soldiers had won a victory and saved his throne. They deserved gratitude and praise--a welcome-home parade! David saw the justice of Joab’s words, so he went out and sat at the city gate to encourage his men.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Messengers bringing bad news are seldom welcomed. Messengers with good news, however, are said to have “beautiful feet” (Isa. 52:7; Rom. 10:15).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 20:1-22
We are the peaceful and faithful in Israel. - 2 Samuel 20:19
TODAY IN THE WORD
Following the defeat of Absalom, David prepared to reassume the kingship of all Israel. But the nation was rather slow in taking the initiative--even Judah, his home tribe. Somewhat hurt, David sent emissaries and eventually arranged to leave Mahanaim and meet a welcoming party at the Jordan River.

At the river, Israel (the northern tribes) and Judah (the southern tribes) began to quarrel. The Israelites were upset that the men of Judah had waited for only half the men of Israel to arrive, while the Judahites claimed priority based on kinship with David. The Israelites responded that they, with ten tribes as opposed to two, should take precedence, and that they had been the first to favor bringing David back as king (2 Sam. 19:39–43).

In this climate of hostility and accusation, Sheba’s rebellion was born. People were suspicious that David was showing favoritism to his own tribe, and were more than open to the suggestion of rebellion. Sheba decided that further negotiation was useless and that Israel had been insulted. He blew a trumpet and declared another rebellion, leaving David (temporarily) king of only Judah (v. 1).

Before dealing with this, David first needed to reorganize. He appointed Amasa to raise an army to pursue Sheba. Since Amasa had been Absalom’s commander, David may have done this as a gesture of reconciliation. Amasa was delayed, so David sent Abishai, Joab, and his mercenaries after Sheba.

Jealous of Amasa’s promotion and upset about his subordinate status, Joab treacherously murdered Amasa when later he met him on the road, once again showing his violent nature and contempt for life. He retook command, and tracked Sheba to the city of Abel Beth Maacah, in the far north of Israel.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The wise woman of Abel Beth Maacah did the right thing to bring about peace. Are you willing to do the same?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 21:1-14
Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live. - Joshua 9:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
Crossing the Jordan River to conquer the Promised Land, Joshua and the Israelites came first to Jericho. God won the victory, as the walls came tumbling down. Then they moved on to Ai, which they eventually took with the help of an ambush. They were on a roll. The Canaanites were petrified.

So petrified, in fact, that the leaders of one large city, Gibeon, decided not to fight. Instead, they hit upon a deceptive strategy. Pretending to be from far away, they tricked the Israelites into a peace treaty. The Israelites didn’t inquire of the Lord and so made a foolish, but nonetheless sacred vow, and they were bound to keep it. Joshua made the Gibeonites servants, but he kept the treaty (Josh. 9).

The treaty had no expiration date, and at some point King Saul had broken it (vv. 1–2). We don’t know when or how, but he likely attacked the Gibeonites out of an overzealous nationalism, especially since Gibeon was in the territory of Benjamin, his home tribe.

Second Samuel 21–24 constitutes an appendix of memorable events during David’s reign. Up to now, we’ve read a chronological narrative, but these events are out of order. They come earlier than Sheba’s rebellion, though we don’t know exactly when.

At this time, the Gibeonite treaty seemed not to have been well-remembered. David had to find out the reason for the famine directly from God. Though the Israelites in Joshua’s day had made the treaty foolishly, they’d taken a sacred oath and the nation had to pay the price for breaking it.

David asked the Gibeonites what to do--he knew that only when Israel’s sin against them was made right would the land be blessed again. They requested to be given seven descendants of Saul to kill dishonorably in Gibeah, Saul’s hometown. This was done, but Mephibosheth was spared, as David had his own vow to keep. Rains came and the famine ended (vv. 10, 14).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
To God, keeping promises is serious business. He always does--no exceptions. And in today’s reading, He punished the Israelites for breaking their treaty with the Gibeonites.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 22:1-51
The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God, the Rock, my Savior! - 2 Samuel 22:47
TODAY IN THE WORD
In March of last year, June Chan got a message at work. Her father had been in a car accident, suffered severe injuries, and was in intensive care at a California hospital. His heart and lungs were badly damaged, and they didn’t know if he was going to live or die.

A friend encouraged June to keep praising the Lord. So in the hospital room one night, she began reading aloud from Psalms.

Said June: “I felt this joy filling me. I knew that my praises had invited God’s very presence--and that His presence brings healing to every dimension of our beings. Finally, I understood the Scriptures that say God inhabits the praises of His people, and [that] the joy of the Lord is my strength.”

From that point on, her father began recovering. That’s the power of praise! King David knew it as well. Today’s reading is similar to Psalm 18.

Who is God? He’s a rock, fortress, refuge, shield, horn of salvation, and stronghold. He’s a deliverer and savior (vv. 2–3). These are powerful images of strength and safety!

What does God do? He rescues His children (vv. 4– 20). No matter how desperate the situation, the Ruler of creation will come in power and glory to rout the enemy. David was drowning and helpless, but God drew him out of the water and saved him.

Why does God do that? Because David lived as a child of God, pursuing righteousness, purity, and humility in obedience to the Word (vv. 21–28). David was not exalting himself here, but God’s justice. The Lord is faithful to the faithful!

Who is God? He’s a lamp, shield, refuge, and rock. He’s utterly, beautifully, and uniquely perfect (vv. 29–32)! Here, David returned to his favorite theme, declaring again that God is the source of all hope and strength.

What does God do? He gives victory (vv. 33–46). Like a divine drill instructor, God had prepared and equipped David to be king of His chosen people. Therefore, David joyfully gave God all the credit.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
David exercised his creativity to worship God, and so can you! We encourage you today to write your own poem or song of praise to God. If you wish, follow the pattern shown above: who God is, followed by what He does. You might also write a prose testimony with this same idea. Another option is to practice a dramatic reading of the exciting words and imagery found in today’s psalm. You could share your reading with your family, small group, or church. The important thing is that you spend time to recognize God’s powerful provision of grace in your life.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 24:1-16
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. - Psalm 20:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
Last year, as it does every ten years, the U.S. Census Bureau counted the nation’s population. They found the country had gained 32.7 million people since 1990, the largest jump in history. The previous record was set between 1950 and 1960, during the “Baby Boom.”

Every state increased in population, also a first. California added 4.1 million people, more than any other state. The West and the South were the fastest growing regions, and Nevada the fastest growing state, with a population increase of 66.3 percent. Among counties, Douglas County, Colorado, near Denver, grew an astounding 191 percent!

Census taking is an ancient practice. One day, David decided to take a national census of Israel’s fighting-age men. God’s anger incited him to do so (v. 1). Why was He angry? The reason is left unstated, but some have speculated it was the Israelites’ willingness to join Absalom’s rebellion. Since we don’t know when this census occurred, however, it’s impossible to say.

What was wrong with taking a census? Since there was no threat to national security at the time, it signified David’s pride in his military strength. He was trusting in this rather than in God. Even Joab knew it was wrong, and challenged David to reconsider his command. He was then doubly guilty, because he had an opportunity to stop, but still did it (vv. 3–4).

It sounds here as though God caused David to sin, but we know that could never be true (James 1:13–15). David must have already had evil thoughts and desires in his heart. Note also that a parallel passage says Satan incited David to take the census (1 Chron. 21:1). The phrasing in this text is intended to emphasize God’s sovereignty, that everything is under His control. Even the killers of Jesus Christ acted within the will and plan of God (Acts 4:27–28). He allowed David’s proud thoughts to give birth to sin, leading to punishment and repentance.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
God wanted David’s trust to be in Him, not military might. Here’s an exercise to help you get hold of this principle: Make a list of all the material blessings or good things in your life right now. This might include your home, job, financial situation, etc. Now, one by one, cross each item off your list. What if God took these things from you? Would you feel confident about life? Would you still trust Him? Today, consider in your heart the words of God’s faithful servant Job: “Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him” (Job 13:15).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 24:17-25
I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing. - 2 Samuel 24:24
TODAY IN THE WORD
“Eminent domain” is defined as the right of the government to acquire property for public use. The owner may not be willing to sell, but it doesn’t matter. The government can force the sale, though it must pay just compensation.

The power of eminent domain is used to buy land for facilities such as schools, parks, highways, and fire and police stations. Anytime a government agency decides it’s necessary to do so, they exercise this right.

As king, David could have exercised something like the power of eminent domain to appropriate materials for the sacrifice in today’s reading. In fact, the house’s owner even offered them to him. David’s response gives us an inside look at his worshipful heart (see also Ps. 145).

In today’s reading, David realized that his individual sin had affected the whole country (v. 17). Again, God spoke to David through the prophet Gad, who’d been with David since before he was king and would write a history of David’s reign (1 Sam. 22:5; 1 Chron. 29:29).

In confession and worship, David built an altar exactly where Gad instructed, at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. Tradition locates this at Mt. Moriah, later it became the site of Solomon’s temple (2 Chron. 3:1). The reverent Araunah offered him everything for free--property, animals, and even the wood for the fire--and prayed that God would accept David’s sacrifice. David, however, insisted on paying: “I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing” (v. 24).

On the altar, David offered burnt and fellowship offerings to atone for his sin. God accepted the sacrifices, which showed that the king had truly and deeply repented of his offense. He answered the prayer and stopped the plague.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you’ve enjoyed our study of 2 Sam-uel this month, you may wish to pursue additional reading on the life of David. David: A Man of Passion and Integrity,by Charles Swindoll, would be an excellent choice for the next book you read. Perhaps you’re familiar with Dr. Swindoll from his radio messages, magazine articles, and books, and in this volume he takes a penetrating look at the heart of this giant of the faith. You can find this book at your local Christian bookstore or check it out at your public library or church.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 23:1-7
Is not my house right with God? Has he not made with me an everlasting covenant? - 2 Samuel 23:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
Alexander the Great had a favorite court physician, but the doctor had a jealous enemy. Once, that person sent Alexander a letter, accusing the doctor of being a traitor and claiming that he planned to put poison in the king’s cup the next morning. They expected the doctor to be executed, but nothing happened.

The next morning, Alexander summoned the doctor, read the letter aloud to him, and before he could say a word, drank from his cup. By his daring act, he showed total faith in his friend’s character.

David had the same kind of faith, the same bold and total trust, in God’s character. He’d shown it throughout his life, and in today’s reading he expressed it once more.

In all likelihood, these “last words” of David are official last words. That is, rather than these being his literal last words, he probably composed this brief poem in anticipation of his death. He wanted to sum up his life and legacy.

In identifying himself, David gave God glory. He’d been “exalted by the Most High” and “anointed by the God of Jacob” (v. 1). Another king would have emphasized his own achievements and greatness, but David had no interest in glorifying himself. The one “title” he claimed was “Israel’s singer of songs,” a title of a worshiper!

What is the secret to kingship? Ruling righteously in the fear of the Lord (vv. 2–4). David had been accountable to God and governed by His standards. Poetically, he’s like sunrise on a clear day, or brightness after rain--images conveying light, purity, and abundance. We’re justified in applying these similes also to Christ, the perfect King (see October 31).

David was glad that his house was right with God (v. 5), and he showed confidence in God’s covenant faithfulness (see October 9–10). Solomon learned from his father that “unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain” (Ps. 127:1).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As king, David prepared carefully for his death and the royal succession of his son, Solomon. Even for those of us who aren’t royalty, we still need to make careful preparations for those we will eventually leave behind.