2 Samuel 17

Then Hushai said to Zadok and Abiathar the priests, “Thus and so Ahithophel advised Absalom and the elders of Israel, and thus and so I have advised. v.15


Read chapter 17

Hushai is a friend of David and the difference we see between him and Ahithophel (1 Cron. 27:33). Absolom still trusted advice from his father's friend and adviser who he probably grew up with and trusted just the same. Plus they were still in Jerusalem while David was out fleeing. Yet we see the proverb come true that a "friend sticks closer than a brother" (18:24). Still others too were on David's side as we see Jonathan and Ahimaz risk their lives to deliver a message to David and hide in a well. We're not exactly sure who these two men are but even being "no bodies" they still were faithful to their king, even to the risk of death. In what ways have you been surprised by those who've betrayed you in the hardest of times and when have you been surprised by people who've supported you when you didn't expect them to?

2 Samuel 16

Now the advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if one had inquired at the oracle of God. So was all the advice of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom. v.23






Read chapter 16


Even godly men can deceive us. Ahithopel was regarded as a man who gave advice as if speaking God's words. Even King David believed that. And maybe his advice was God given. He wasn't called a prophet so it's hard to tell. Yet the advice he gives Absalom is horrific that he should sleep with David's concubines in the sight of all Israel. Sometimes leaders know who and how they can take advantage of those that trust them. It sometimes gets to the point that no matter how ridiculous the advice is they're blind to truth and see it as good and right. Hopefully David asked God to discern man's advice no matter how great of an advisor or man he seemed. Pray too to see God'd counsel first before you go running to man.


How has something like this happened to you? Believing a lie or scheme of someone you trust only to be hurt by them? How have you ever taken advantage of someone's trust of you?

2 Samuel 14

Now all the people of the land came to a forest; and there was honey on the ground... Then one of the people said, “Your father strictly charged the people with an oath, saying, ‘Cursed is the man who eats food this day.’” And the people were faint. But Jonathan said, “My father has troubled the land. Look now, how my countenance has brightened because I tasted a little of this honey...And Saul said, “Cast lots between my son Jonathan and me.” So Jonathan was taken. Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” And Jonathan told him, and said, “I only tasted a little honey with the end of the rod that was in my hand. So now I must die!” Saul answered, “God do so and more also; for you shall surely die, Jonathan.” vv.25,29,42-44






Read chapter 14


What was wrong with Jonathan eating the honey? He ate the honey out of ignorance, not knowing his father's command. When he did hear of it he told the men it would've been better to have the energy it provided. They could've killed even more Philistines. Yet later when lots are cast to find out why God didn't answer Saul it showed Jonathan at fault. I thought Saul would've been the one at fault for building an altar (v.35) and making a religion of fasting of his men and therefore causing them to eat meat with blood, which was a sin. Yet the Lord spoke/answered thru the Urim and Thummim and showed Jonathan at fault. Although eating honey seems like a small harmless sin to us, it was still disobedience and missing the mark- worthy of death. Yet the men of Israel argued with Saul not to kill Jonathan since the Philistines were delivered into his hand that day and saved Israel. So Saul didn't put him to death. Confusing a bit God's will in all this. Does He change His mind? Does Saul even ask the Lord or just make his vows reasoning judgment? Verse 37 says God didn't answer Saul "that day" so was all this the same day?


How have you broken a rule that seemed innocent, not doing anything to harm anyone, yet was still breaking a rule? Do you justify this or felt guilty?

2 Samuel 20

"So the woman said to Joab, “Watch, his head will be thrown to you over the wall.” 22 Then the woman in her wisdom went to all the people. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and threw it out to Joab. Then he blew a trumpet, and they withdrew from the city, every man to his tent. So Joab returned to the king at Jerusalem." vv.21-22


Read chapter 20

A head is chopped off and thrown over a wall. Another action movie scene here seems like. Well another civil war has stirred up and Sheba is the one leading this rebellion. Joab and David's army go to the town of Abel and lay siege against it, ready to destroy the whole city. Yet this one woman stands up to save her whole town. She is called a wise woman and speaks to Joab the army's commander (that would be intimidating, especially than for a woman to speak up to a man). She choses her words wisely seeking peace and deliverance for the whole town from David's army and challenges him if he would swallow up the inheritance of the Lord. So Joab's response is just to hand over the one man they seek, Sheba. The woman is the one who comes up with the idea to cut off his head and throw it over the wall. That wouldn't necessarily be my first thought of how to deliver him. We see her go talk to the people of the town and they join in agreement and do so. Her name is never mentioned but she sure was remembered of her response and act and written in scripture. Have you ever been the only one to have stepped up for something that has made a significant difference in your community?

2 Samuel 21

"Now there was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year; and David inquired of the Lord. And the Lord answered, “It is because of Saul and his blood thirsty house, because he killed the Gibeonites.” " v.1


Read chapter 21

So to get a little back story on the Gibeionites we can read Joshua 9. The Israelites were entering Caanan and great fear was on all the surrounding nations of Israel so the Gibeonites disguised themselves and said they were from a distant land and wanted to make a treaty with Israel to become their servants and spare their lives. So the men of Israel agreed and made this treaty with them instead of inquiring of the Lord (they should never have made this vow) that they would never destroy the Gibeonites. The Lord blessed this vow so when Saul broke the vow in killing Gibeonites the Lord responded out of a broken vow and put a famine for three years. Even though Saul was dead the Lord didn't just forget God didn't forget the Gibeonites even though it had been 300 years since the vow and still held Israel to that vow. How it was reconciled was the death of seven of Saul's descendants, being handed over to the Gibeonites to be hanged. There are vows people make that they don't realize the dedication and commitment it takes and break that vow. I know I have made vows that I have broken even after just a couple days of making the vow, but once a vow is broken the Lord still lets us recommit. It's not just once mess up might as well stay in it but repent and recommit. "Better not to vow than to vow and not pay" (Ecclesiastes 5:5). Do you have any vows that are broken that you desire to recommit to?

2 Samuel 19

"Now Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king when he had crossed the Jordan...But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, “Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the Lord’s anointed?” And David said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should be adversaries to me today? Shall any man be put to death today in Israel? For do I not know that today I am king over Israel?” Therefore the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king swore to him." vv.18,21-23


Read chapter 19

If you remember back in chapter 16 when Shimei is cursing David, throwing stones at him and kicked dust all over David and his men as they are walking through and David said not to kill him but to continue on. Shimei was of the family of Saul and was still bitter about his death and David becoming king over Saul so responded this way yet David showed grace in not responding to kill him in that moment for perhaps it was from the Lord. Well now we see Absalom dead and David returning as king in Jerusalem and Shimei falling down before David asking mercy and forgiveness. David doesn't respond with "I told you so" or make him feel guilty with his words as the Lord's deliverance of David showed that, the Lord's doing called out a guilty sinner. How often do we think we need to speak up for God like Abishai tried to in telling David that Shimei should be put to death where repentance of him followed only days later on his own between him and God. Yes we can be bold and share God's truth with others and hope that they don't "kill the messenger" but let's not put words into God's mouth or think that we are helping God out by taking justice in our own hands. True repentance will follow, sometime only moments or days later and sometimes not for years or even till Christ's return.

2 Samuel 15

Then Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, “As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then you shall say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’” v.10


Read chapter 15

Years of bitterness come to fruition. "Absalom spent two years waiting for David to punish Amnon, three years in hiding after killing his brother, two years in Jerusalem waiting for David to receive him, and four years working his devious plan of vengeance against his father. Unforgiveness and retaliation stole eleven years of his life!" Beth Moore. David may not have been the best father but that doesn't give his child the right to follow suit or for two wrongs to make a right. David may never have asked for forgiveness from Absalom or admitted he messed up but that doesn't mean Absalom didn't have to forgive. We're to forgive whether someone asks for it or not. David may not have even realized the suffering his actions or lack of actions caused Absalom and likewise for those that have hurt us. "While we continue to blame the other person we continue to injure ourselves" (Beth Moore). Has anger or bitterness stolen years of your life?

2 Samuel 14

"And Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, but did not see the king’s face." v.28

Read chapter 14

Cool how another example of story or other similar matter teaches David in his matter.  First it was a parable of Nathan and now we have a woman sent by Joab to discuss a political matter.  The kings response is to send for his son Absalom to bring him back to dwell in Jerusalem after he fled from killing his brother Ammon.  David was hurting both from his one son that was murdered and his other that ran away from home.  Yet it's not just a quick forgive and forget kind of situation but once Absalom is back in Jerusalem it was two years till father and son were reunited face to face.  How opposite of the prodigal son and his father when the son is barely in sight the father goes running out to him and welcomes him home with a big party.   Did Absolom take on the father role over his own father when it came to dealing with issues in the family? One commentary suggested "This slight severity was designed to bring him to sincere repentance, on perceiving that his father had not fully pardoned him, as well as to convince the people of David's abhorrence of his crime" (bible hub.com). 

What does arguments/punishments/forgiveness look like among your family members?

2 Samuel 13

"However, he would not heed her voice; and being stronger than she, he forced her and lay with her. Then Amnon hated her exceedingly, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, 'Arise, be gone!'” vv.14-15






Read chapter 13


Rape. It's disgusting and cruel. Yes it's in the Bible and yes it's something God hates yet can happen to the most innocent of people. This is even David's son who committed this horrible act and to his half-sister. Not that Ammon is justified or can be excused but surely the influence he grew up around did not teach him self-control as he lived in a house with one father and many step mothers of all of his father's wives and concubines, a household full of sexual excess. David seems to have been a better king than he was a father.


After Ammon gets the thing he most desired it turned into the thing he most hated. His passion had been mere animal desire, which, by a well known psychological law, when gratified turned to hatred. “It is characteristic of human nature to hate one whom you have injured” (Tacitus, quoted by Kirkpatrick).


Have you ever been the innocent victim of another's selfishness or know someone abused in this way?

2 Samuel 12

"Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man!...So David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” vv.7,13a


Read chapter 12


Nathan the prophet comes to David with a parable of someone deserving of death according to the king yet then Nathan makes aware that David is that man in the parable. David was the one rich man who stole the poor man's only lamb, he stole Uriah's only wife with all the wives and concubines that he already had. If he would have asked the Lord for more wives He would have given them to him but David acted wickedly and took what he could not have. Yet the surprising thing is his response. He simply says "I have sinned against the Lord." He doesn't try to justify, he doesn't try to cover it up, he simply repents. It's interesting to compare David and Saul with both their sins that made the Lord angry and both their responses. If we compare Saul's sin with David's sin according to man's eyes, Saul's is nothing. He couldn't wait for Samuel to come and offer sacrifices so he did it himself, something a non-priest wasn't allowed to do. Yet when called out about his sin he doesn't repent but justifies and thinks it's not a big deal. David committed adultery and murder and when called out by his sin he repents and is forgiven "...The Lord also has put away your sin" (v.13b).


How do you respond to sin of both the "big" and "small" sins? Why do we justify when caught? Do you have a "Nathan" in your life who will call you out in truth?

2 Samuel 11

"It happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the people of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king’s house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold...And Uriah said to David, 'The ark and Israel and Judah are dwelling in tents, and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are encamped in the open fields. Shall I then go to my house to eat and drink, and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing.'" vv.1-2,11


Read chapter 11

We can contrast three different characters that play different parts in this well known chapter of David's sin.

Look first at David: Why wasn't David out at the battle? It says it was the "time when kings go out to battle" in verse 1. Was this more of a planned sin than a fall in the moment? Also he tries to cover up his sin with more sin by having Uriah killed.

Now there's Bathsheba: Why was she bathing in the open to be able to even be seen? Did she fall for David because he was the handsome young celebrity king?

Then Uriah: His response is the opposite of David's response during this time of battle comparing verse one of David's response and verse 11 of Uriah's response. He's even one of David's mighty men (2 Samuel 23), not just a "nobody" in the Israelite army.


Which of the three do you relate to? How have you been like a David, a Bathsheba, a Uriah?

2 Samuel 10

"Therefore Hanun took David’s servants, shaved off half of their beards, cut off their garments in the middle, at their buttocks, and sent them away. When they told David, he sent to meet them, because the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, 'Wait at Jericho until your beards have grown, and then return.'” vv.4-5


Read chapter 10


In trying to comfort in the time of loss and hurt the response is vulgar. The king of Ammon just died and so his son Hanun takes his place so David desires to show kindness to him in this time of mourning as I'm sure he could probably relate after king Saul and Jonathan just died. This wasn't just some scheme of David trying to spy out the land or now that one leader is dead that he could try to deceive or take advantage of a new leader, but says that he wanted to show kindness to Hanun because Hanun's father Nahash showed kindness to him. There is no record of Nahash's kindness to David, but the enmity of the house of Nahash against Saul from 1 Samuel 11 may have disposed him favorably toward Saul's enemy David. When have you had a harsh response when trying to comfort or show favor to someone?


The humiliation brought on David's servants of cut beards and exposed rear ends is surely a heartless and humiliating thing to anyone and David meets them before they come back to the city to spare them their dignity. When have you helped protect someone's dignity?

2 Samuel 9

"The king asked, 'Is there no one still alive from the house of Saul to whom I can show God’s kindness?' Ziba answered the king, 'There is still a son of Jonathan; he is lame in both feet.'" v.3




Read chapter 9

Mephisbosheth was David's best friend's, Jonathan, son. Because of a fall when carried by his nurse Mephisbosheth became lame in both feet as we read in chapter four. In the Old Testament people considered physical imperfection to be a shameful thing but David accepted him as he was. He did not hesitate when Ziba told him that Mephisbosheth was handicapped but honored him and his promise he made with Jonathan. Many wait to honor someone who looks good and has their act together than for the sick that need a doctor than the healthy. Trying to even picture Mephisbosheth crawling and kneeling before David, can you imagine the difficulty? Meph was obviously humbled.

David desired to show God's loving-kindness and not his own; he was a man after God's own heart and couldn't help but want to share God's heart towards others.

How can you surprise someone with Godly kindness to someone who is "lame in both feet"? What keeps you from seeing yourself as crippled as we really are without Christ's?

2 Samuel 8

"And David made himself a name when he returned from killing eighteen thousand Syrians in the Valley of Salt. 14 He also put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom he put garrisons, and all the Edomites became David’s servants. And the Lord preserved David wherever he went." vv.13-14


Read chapter 8

David was a man of war and in this chapter we read that this is how he made a name for himself after killing 18,000 men. Of course he was already well known being king and also from the start of killing Golioth. He is continuing and furthering his reputation here.


Edom was known as a strong city and would easily find refuge from neighboring nations so David set up garrisons. A garrison is a body of troops stationed in a fortified place. So David set up these political troops throughout Edom as they became his servants. Now began to be fulfilled the extraordinary prediction to Rebekah, recorded by Moses, Genesis 25:22, but not begun to be accomplished till many centuries after his death, namely, "The elder shall serve the younger." Then also was fulfilled that prophecy of Balaam, mentioned Numbers 24.


In all this and the sum of possibly the "mundane" of David's reign we see the Lord with David wherever he went, whether war or rest or ruling God was preserving him. How has the Lord preserved you over your life?

2 Samuel 7

"that the king said to Nathan the prophet, 'See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells inside tent curtains'...Then King David went in and sat before the Lord; and he said: “Who am I, O Lord God? And what is my house, that You have brought me this far?" vv.2, 18

Read chapter 7
We see David's humbleness set off by God's grace which truly humbles.  When David finally has physical rest all around him from his enemies his mind still doesn't seem at rest so he asks what's wrong with the picture he's living in, he's living in a magnificent house but God in a tent of curtains.  A lot of times we can have physical rest in life's craziness but little often do we actually have mental and emotional rest with our minds always on overdrive.  How do you allow your mind to rest?  When recently and why do/did you struggle with rest of your mind and heart?
"Who am I" is a great question that we should ask ourselves.  Nothing that we deserve but God's grace is the only answer to why we are chosen by Him.  And only by His grace can we truly understand humility and unworthiness, undeserved favor.  How do you think God would answer that question of "Who are you"?

2 Samuel 6

"Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, “How glorious was the king of Israel today, uncovering himself today in the eyes of the maids of his servants, as one of the base fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!”  So David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose me instead of your father and all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the Lord, over Israel. Therefore I will play music before the Lord.  And I will be even more undignified than this, and will be humble in my own sight. But as for the maidservants of whom you have spoken, by them I will be held in honor.'" vv.20-22

Read chapter 6

Now this wasn't David dancing naked but de-robing himself from the priestly garments as they were carrying the ark to Jerusalem.  Yet this was still a shameful thing to David's wife Michal.  She grew just as jealous as her father Saul was of David. Her scolding must have stung David to have his own wife think less of him and with a passive-aggressive tone it seems like.  Yet David doesn't allow her to quench his joy in the Lord.  David didn't care what others were thinking, he was in utter abandon worship to the Lord.  When and why do you hold back from intimate outflowing abandon worship to God?  Have you ever let go and let your spirit and soul flow in expression to God?  What does that look like? Dancing? Singing? Running?

So sweet to see at the beginning of this chapter David go from anger of the Lord killing Uzzah for touching the ark to celebrating God by dancing and making music in the sight of all.  Sometimes we have to go through that too of being mad or confused at God at the death of someone yet later rejoice in our Great God.  When have you gone from deliverance from hardship to overflowing worship ?

2 Samuel 5

"Therefore all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord. And they anointed David king over Israel.  David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years." vv.3-4

Read chapter 5

This is David's third anointing as king.  First by Samuel, second by tribe of Judah and now third here by elders of all Israel.  "His advances were gradual, that his faith might be tried, and that he might gain experience. Thus his kingdom typified that of the Messiah, which was to come to its height by degrees. Thus Jesus became our Brother, took upon him our nature, dwelt in it that he might become our Prince and Saviour: thus the humbled sinner takes encouragement from the endearing relation, applies for his salvation, submits to his authority, and craves his protection" (Matthew Henry's Commentary).  It had been a long time from Samuel anointing David as the soon to be king over Israel till he was actually king.  He started as just a shepherd boy, then in Saul's army, then flight from Saul and dwelling in caves and with he Philistines, then king in Hebron for 7 years and now finally over all Israel. Can you imagine David's patience and/or impatience?  Trusting God through all the hard times and years but clinging to His promise than doubting if what He said was true?  How do you see God preparing you through experiences, relationships, tools of the past and present for His greater purpose and will?

2 Samuel 4

"when someone told me, ‘Saul is dead,’ and thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and put him to death in Ziklag. That was the reward I gave him for his news! How much more—when wicked men have killed an innocent man in his own house and on his own bed—should I not now demand his blood from your hand and rid the earth of you!'" vv.10-11

Read chapter 4
Doing evil to try to please.  That's what we've seen in the last couple chapters of men trying to win favor from David by killing his enemy thinking they'll be rewarded somehow.  David saw the motive that prompted the lie the Amalikite told him of killing Saul and reminds these two men that killed Saul's son Isbosheth of that outcome and that he sees their motive too.  "This conduct of David toward these murderers of Ish-bosheth is well worth our attention; it is a proof of his integrity and piety, and of his detestation of treachery and cruelty. And we may learn from hence, that we ought not only to do no hurt to our enemies, but that we ought not even to rejoice at the hurt which may happen to them without our contributing any thing to it, nor to countenance injustice and vice in any degree, how great advantage so ever we may reap from them" (Benson Commentary).
When have you seen or done evil for a supposed reward or to win favor of someone only to turn out to hurt themselves or yourself?

2 Samuel 3

"Now when Abner had returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him privately, and there stabbed him in the stomach, so that he died for the blood of Asahel his brother." v.27

Read chapter 3
Bitterness of revenge.  As we saw in the previous chapter of Joab's brother Asahel being killed by Abner in the battle of the civil war between Judah and Israel, now we see Joab take revenge by killing Abner because of his brother.  This seems like a just thing, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, yet there's more to the story than just black and white.  In chapter 2 we see Abner try to not kill Ashael and even use the blunt of his spear to trip him rather than kill him. Abner was on the house of Saul's side fighting against David yet even he knew that David would become king over all Israel (v.10).  When Ishosheth accuses Abner for sleeping with one of Saul's concubines, we have no evidence if this was true or not, he turns to help deliver all Israel to David.  Joab assumed that Abner was tricking David and still bitter about his brother that he goes in secret not telling David of his plan to retrieve Abner and kill him slyly.  Abner had slain Asahel in self-defence, Joab planned this deliberate and treacherous murder.  Do times of change often result in civil war situations in your life or do they end up happening fairly smooth?  Do responses to scenarios change or remain the same as you get older?

2 Samuel 2

"Now the three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab and Abishai and Asahel. And Asahel was as fleet of foot as a wild gazelle. So Asahel pursued Abner, and in going he did not turn to the right hand or to the left from following Abner." vv.18-19

Read chapter 2

David is finally anointed as king yet not over all of Israel but over the tribe of Judah while the rest of Israel has Saul's son Ishbosheth as king.  We have a civil war break out between David's men and Iqshbosheth's men as what seems like a game to them to determine who has the stronger army.  It starts with 12 of their most valiant men from each side face each other, grabbing each others hair and plunging their sword into their opponents side while the rest of each others armies stand and watch as spectators.  This game and blood apparently fuels the army to then go on and fight each other.  We read about Asahel who was know for being very fast "as a wild gazelle."  "Asahel's swiftness, which he presumed so much upon, did him no service, but hastened his end" (Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary). Asahel was so focused on desire for glory for taking orkilling Israel's greatest man. Abner (his enemy) even gives him an opportunity to save his life by telling him to turn aside.  This isn't to say don't pursue things out of your league but this was a civil war brought up for sport than for glory to God. We are often betrayed by the accomplishments we are proud of, especially when they are for selfish reasons.

2 Samuel 1

" I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan;
You have been very pleasant to me.
Your love to me was more wonderful
Than the love of women." v.26

Read chapter 1

David was Saul's enemy yet David laments for him at his death because he was God's anointed.  He also mourns for his best friend Jonathan, Saul's son.  Their friendship was so close that David describes it as similar to a husband and wife kind of love or more.  Jonathan being the king's son was a prince therefore and was to later become king, yet God then chose David as the next king over Israel.  This seems like it would cause spite and hatred of Jonathan towards David but the opposite happened.  Jonathan knew and desired David to become king and treated this peasant boy as a prince's brother.  "Jonathan, with everything to lose, and David with everything to gain, remained true and loyal friends" (Pulpit Commentary).  

When have you been a friend to someone of a different class/popularity that became a friendship deeper than what society would say or thing could be?

1 Samuel 31

"So Saul and his three sons and his armor-bearer and all his men died together that same day." v.6

Read chapter 31
It's interesting to compare the two different records of Saul's death between 1 Samuel and 1 Chronicles.  One seems to be historical in view of what man sees and records and the other in view of what God sees and records what is most important.  Saul didn't die just because he was shot by an arrow but because he was unfaithful to the Lord, didn't keep His word and consulted a medium.

1 Chronicles 10:13-14:"Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, ¹⁴ and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse."

Think of a time when to the outsiders eyes the see one thing but what God could see differently through the heart and mind?

1 Samuel 30

"Then David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow him and who were left behind at the Besor Valley. They came out to meet David and the men with him. As David and his men approached, he asked them how they were. But all the evil men and troublemakers among David’s followers said, 'Because they did not go out with us, we will not share with them the plunder we recovered. However, each man may take his wife and children and go.'" vv.21-22

Read chapter 30
Interestingly the men that went to battle with David are describe the evil men and troublemakers of David's followers.  These weren't just the "good" ones of society but seemed more like the difficult ones.  Just like Jesus' earthly ministry, His followers were not the "perfect" Jews and Gentiles but the ones that were more difficult in society's eyes.  
The men that stayed back didn't do so by choice but mere necessity being unable to travel.   Yet those that didn't grow faint complained about the ones that did thinking they were undeserving of the plunder.  Greed is the cause for their actions.  How easy it is to compare yet not really understand.  How often that happens in every day life of comparing jobs of who's working harder or who's more deserving.  David speaks up and says that it shouldn't be so and sets things right understanding those that went and those that stayed behind that those that stayed behind had just as much as task of protecting their belongings while the majority was out fighting.  
When have you complained about a situation you didn't fully understand only to later realize the work, hardship, etc that did take place?

1 Samuel 29

“But what have I done?” asked David. “What have you found against your servant from the day I came to you until now? Why can’t I go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?” Achish answered, “I know that you have been as pleasing in my eyes as an angel of God; nevertheless, the Philistine commanders have said, ‘He must not go up with us into battle.’ " vv.8-9

Read chapter 29
How quickly David's "new" people despise him.  David first flees from Saul and all Israel and joins the Philistines who are Israel's enemies and now the Philistines are wanting to get rid of him too.  How hard it can be to not be wanted by anybody neither your family or who you thought were your friends.  But is it that we're choosing our friends wisely or are we choosing enemies of our family or past friendships just to spite them?  Yet this also wasn't some scheme of David against the Philistines,  he may not have trusted in God and looked to them for protection but he also served them as if he was serving God.  As 1 Thess. 4:12 says that by your good conduct you may win others to God.

1 Samuel 28

"So Saul disguised himself and put on other clothes, and he went, and two men with him; and they came to the woman by night. And he said, “Please conduct a séance for me, and bring up for me the one I shall name to you.” v.8

Read chapter 28
When God doesn't answer Saul, Saul turns to a witch.  Witchery and sorcery was what he even banished from Israel as he learned in the law to not have them so as king he cut them off from the people.  Something he knew as wicked he now is treating with contempt.  How often does that happen to you?  Something you once despised you now treat as ok or for comfort?  Saul even disguised himself because it would be a shameful thing if he were to be found out, he was that desperate and impatient.  What do you go to for an answer when it seems like God is quiet?
Notice he asks to "bring up" one from the dead.  This refers to sheol, where all who die go, "All go to the same place. All came from the dust and all return to the dust" Ecclesiastes 3:20.  It's interesting that the witch screams as if she didn't expect what happened to take place, as if she knew she could really bring up someone from the dead.  The scriptures never actually say it was Samuel but that Saul assumed it was Samuel.  Could this have been demonic too or the Lord speaking through this way?

1 Samuel 27

"And David said in his heart, “Now I shall perish someday by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape to the land of the Philistines; and Saul will despair of me, to seek me anymore in any part of Israel. So I shall escape out of his hand...So Achish believed David, saying, 'He has made his people Israel utterly abhor him; therefore he will be my servant forever.'" vv.1,12

Read chapter 27

What just happened!  Saul had been delivered into David's hands twice and seen as a victory of David when his life was threatened by Saul, so why then do we see David's actions like so in this following chapter?  David seems to be "weary of wandering, weary of struggling with Saul’s implacable spirit, weary of the unequal conflict between too dangerous generosity and too relentless malice, weary of subsisting by the spoils of his enemies, or bounty of his friends, resolves at last to quit his country, and throw himself once more under the protection of its enemies" (Benson's Commentary).  His lack of faith led to divisions in the kingdom; shook peoples confidence in him and delayed his election as king.  David shows what happens when we focus more on our battles than on God.  He decided to become friends with his enemy's enemy as he thought it was his only protection and a more comfortable lifestyle.  He even kills his own people (v.10)!  This seems so out of character. When has pressure gotta to you and you did something rash or irruption in response?  How do you handle things when your faith is starting to run thin?

1 Samuel 26

"So David took the spear and the jug of water by Saul’s head, and they got away; and no man saw or knew it or awoke. For they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the Lord had fallen on them." v.12

Read chapter 26

Frozen in time.  That's what it seemed like God made happen.  Like those scenes in movies where everyone else is frozen but one person who goes around and does stuff and then once everyone is unfrozen everyone continues as if it was in the blink of an eye.  Well Saul's army wasn't frozen in time but under a deep sleep that they could not be awoken from so that David and Abishai would not be killed as they enter the camp of the army seeking to kill David.  How easily can God weaken the strongest, befool the wisest, and baffle the most watchful! David still waited to have any revenge on Saul as he was still God's anointed and knew God would revenge. He was not looking to force his way to the promised crown by any wrong methods. The temptation I'm sure was very strong, but  trusted God with the event.

1 Samuel 25

"Then Abigail made haste and took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five sheep already dressed, five seahs of roasted grain, one hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and loaded them on donkeys. 19 And she said to her servants, “Go on before me; see, I am coming after you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal...So she fell at his feet and said: “On me, my lord, on me let this iniquity be!" vv.18-19,24

Read chapter 25
Abigal is an amazing godly woman.  We see her make haste to provide so much food for David's men, this shows that her and Nabal must have been well off.  This wasn't just to practice hospitality but to save lives of her husband and whole household and town.  Because of her husband's pride she had to clean up his mess.  I wonder how often something like this happened where Abigail had to set right what her husband went wrong in.  This may look like Abigail wasn't a submissive wife with going behind her husbands back to do something he already said no to, but in this case Abigail chose to go along with God than her husband, God is what can always trump any authority.  We also see her take the blame for her husband when she speaks with David, respecting her husband even though she knows he's a fool to fight for him.  How many wives that are struggling with their husband show respect for their husband when they're not around?  What other qualities of Abigail do you see and what ones do you desire to practice more?

1 Samuel 24

"Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. ⁶ He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” vv.5-6

Read chapter 24
Crazy to see how David resisted revenge after all Saul had done and continued to do to him.  No one would have blamed Daivd if he took this perfect chance for revenge yet he didn't.  Even when things seems justifiable God still calls us to a higher standard.  The Spirit of God in David made him conscience-stricken.  He couldn't do such a thing to the Lord's anointed.  "David's standard for measuring sin wasn't the wickedness of Saul but the holiness of God" (Beth Moore).  It's hard to honor our enemies but out of respect and honor towards God we can honor men, even the most wicked - how that looks will vary but how you will be blessed by God will be priceless.
How easy does a revengeful spirit creep on you?

1 Samuel 23

"When David was told, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are looting the threshing floors,” ² he inquired of the Lord, saying, 'Shall I go and attack these Philistines?'
The Lord answered him, .Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah.'...  Saul was told that David had gone to Keilah, and he said, “God has delivered him into my hands, for David has imprisoned himself by entering a town with gates and bars.” vv.1-2,7

Read chapter 23
Both David and Saul seem to have a response what God told them, but their answers would contradict or seem like God was conniving.  So what is up?  Their cant be two truths as one would make the other false, either their both wrong or one is right and the other is false.  With David we see him inquire of the Lord and the Lord answered him.  With Saul he assumed that God had delivered David into his hands because it was something he wanted and now seemed to be at his finger tips.  To Saul he thought it was God's way of showing that He answered his prayers.  As the rest of the chapter spans out we know that David escaped and was not delivered into Saul's hands, so we know it was David who had the true words of God and not Saul.  How often does it happen in believers that they assume God was doing something just because it was something they wanted?  Yes God does answer our prayers and sometimes not the way we want Him to, but if it contradicts His truth than we have to realize it's not of God's will.  Do you inquire of the Lord in matters or do you jump to conclusions like Saul?

1 Samuel 22

"David therefore departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. So when his brothers and all his father’s house heard it, they went down there to him. And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him. So he became captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him." vv.1-2

Read chapter 22
Here is David's first independent leadership and that of over 400 men!  This wasn't an easy group to lead either as they are described as in distress, in debt and discontent.  I already struggle enough being a leader of a handful of high schoolers and 20-something year olds, I don't know if I could handle 400 men who had these stresses in their life.  God was setting David up to later become the forerunner of the King of kings in starting him off in a low, humble position that he would later be raised up.  Notice also the 400 men that are following David before he is even king.  Whether they knew he would be because of Samuel's words or not it was evident that he was a man after God's heart even when his life was a threat by the king.  It's not easy to follow the minority but if it's God's will it's the way.  In what ways can you honor the King of kings now as we wait for Him to take over the world with His kingdom?  How have you had hard leadership opportunities that God has strengthened you through?

1 Samuel 21

"So he changed his behavior before them, pretended madness in their hands, scratched on the doors of the gate, and let his saliva fall down on his beard. " v.13

Read chapter 21

So David plays the madman to fool the king of Gath.  David was known all over the lands as the one whose slain ten thousands, so being alone away from his Israelite army and land put him susceptible to the hands of their enemies.  This made David fearful and cause him to act this way so that he would not be worth the king's time and energy.  There are two psalms that refer to this occasion: Psalm 34's title is "A Psalm of David when he pretended madness before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he departed." Also possible Psalm 56 where the title says "A Michtam of David when the Philistines captured him in Gath."  David must have been some actor to fool the king and his servants so well.  I wonder if this also could have been God blinding these men to it too?  Do you think this  mean of David to act such a part?  Can it be condemned as wicked, since it was only a stratagy to deliver himself out of an enemy's hand?  Such methods as this have been taken by men of the greatest sense and wit in times at the enemies fingertips.  

1 Samuel 20

"As soon as the lad had gone, David arose from a place toward the south, fell on his face to the ground, and bowed down three times. And they kissed one another; and they wept together, but David more so." v. 41

Read chapter 20
Can you imagine what this scene would have looked like?  Can you put yourself in one of their shoes of having to say goodbye to your best friend, perhaps forever? David and Jonathan have a unique friendship.  They didn't grow up together, they are from a different class and a different tribe of Israel, yet they have a deep bonding friendship.  It wasn't because of family ties or years of building friendship but God at the center of friendship.  Beth Moore puts it, "Something about two men unafraid to share their hearts with one another never fails to move me.  Uncommon friends can be vulnerable with one another and still retain their dignity.  The friendship between them was far more than emotion.  It was a safe place to trust and show feelings.  They shared a common goal: the will of God.  Each life complemented the other.  They had separate lives but inseparable bonds" (David- 90 Days with a Heart Like His).  Do you see differences in your friendship with those that are believers and those that are not?  If not, why not?