Read: 2 Samuel 1-4
Today we begin 2 Samuel. I’ll be honest, this one took a little more effort for me to understand. I had to slow down, read more, and even look at a few outside sources to really grasp what was happening. We’re not always going to fully get it right away, but that doesn’t mean we stop, it just means we lean in a little more. I hope the way this comes together helps you too.
We open with David mourning Saul and Jonathan, and it’s not just personal grief. David knows this loss will cause the Philistines to celebrate, almost as if their god is greater than the God of Israel, and that matters to him.
“A gazelle lies slain on your heights, Israel. How the mighty have fallen… ‘Tell it not in Gath, proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, or the daughters of the Philistines will rejoice…’” -2 Samuel 1:19–20
And then we see his heart for Jonathan.
“I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful…” -2 Samuel 1:26
David steps into what God already called him to, but he doesn’t force it.
“The men of Judah came to Hebron and there they anointed David king over the tribe of Judah.” -2 Samuel 2:4
David didn’t chase the throne, he trusted God’s timing. He was recognized not because of himself, but because of what God was doing through him. Things are far from perfect though. There are shifting alliances, hard decisions, and consequences that follow, because sin still costs something and we see that play out in real ways. Even when people know what God said, they don’t always follow it well, but through all of it, God is still working.
“Now then, do it! For the Lord promised David, ‘By my servant David I will rescue my people Israel…’” -2 Samuel 3:18
“As surely as the Lord lives, who has delivered me out of every trouble…” -2 Samuel 4:9
That’s the reminder. It’s not David holding everything together, it’s God, and the same is true for us. Even when we don’t fully understand, even when things feel complicated, God is still moving, still teaching, still leading.
Discussion Questions
- What do you do when you don’t fully understand what you’re reading in the Bible?
- Where have you seen that sin still carries consequences?
Connect with the Author
A Note from the Author
Hello everyone,
I wanted to take a moment to share a bit about the Bible verse studies, devotionals, and prayers that I put together. While I strive to offer meaningful insights and reflections, it’s important to clarify that I am not a trained or licensed biblical professional. My goal is not to provide expert theological advice but to share my personal knowledge, beliefs, and experiences as I read and reflect on the Holy Bible.
The insights I offer come from my own understanding and spiritual journey. I approach these reflections with the intention of sharing what personally resonates with me, what I’ve learned through my own study of Scripture, and what the Holy Spirit is sharing through me. I hope these thoughts are helpful and encouraging, but they are based on my personal perspective rather than formal theological training.
This specific Bible study is based off the book A Beautiful Year in the Bible The 52-Week Bible Study for Women by a series of wonderful authors Copyrighted by Alabaster Creative Inc. I do not own the rights to this book and am not claiming to. I am using the book to create my own version of the Bible in 365 days and continue to direct God’s word towards women, more specifically mothers.
Thank you for your understanding and for joining me in this journey of faith and reflection.
Blessings,
Maria Wilcoxon
*The header image is not mine and was taken from Pinterest
Leave a comment