2 Samuel 1:1-2:11 + John 12:20-50 + Psalm 118:19-29 + Proverbs 15:27-28
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs or Daily Audio Bible ~
Old Testament - Today we begin the book of Second Samuel! Below is an image of David being anointed king of Judah from chapter 2 verse 4 in today's readings:
Second Samuel
Author: Unknown
Date: Probably tenth century B.C.
Content: Second Samuel covers approximately forty years, which is the bulk of David’s reign as king. It begins with David’s being proclaimed king and consolidating his position against others who claimed the throne. David moved the capital to Jerusalem, brought the sacred Ark of the Covenant there, and ultimately defeated the Philistines for all time. David’s troubled career is described in some detail, including his family problems (his son Absalom) and his personal problems (adultery with Bathsheba). A summary of David’s later years concludes the book.
Theme: The life of David is given as an example of good and of evil. The sins of David are exposed – so that too much trust will not be put in men. The victories of David are recorded – so that it may be seen what God can do with someone who wholly trusts in him. God used David in spite of his faults because he found in David a willingness to repent and start again, no matter how far he had fallen. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 5-6) More commentary on Second Samuel is at this link:
https://bible.org/seriespage/introduction-2-samuel
A note on the Amalekite that comes to David with news of Saul's death in Second Samuel chapter 1 today. Many Bible commentaries suggest that this Amalekite was a war "scavenger" that was looking for treasures on the battle field from the dead. Based on 1 Samuel chapter 31, it is thought that this Amalekite found Saul dead, grabbed Saul's crown before the Philistines arrived, and made up the story of killing Saul to David because he thought David would reward him for killing who he thought was David's "enemy." David's reaction was quite the opposite than what the Amalekite thought it would be... Bible.org's commentary on our Second Samuel readings today titled "What an Amalekite is Dying to Tell David" is at this link. Below is an image of David tearing his garments and lamenting the death of Saul:
Today in 2 Samuel chapter 1 we read about David’s lament for Saul & Jonathan. This year in going through the One Year Bible, I have really been intrigued by Jonathan and David’s relationship. They became incredible “brothers” it seems – much like we now have “brothers” and “sisters” in Christ today. And there seems to have been an amazing love between Jonathan and David – not sexual in any way, but a pure brotherly love. In verse 26 we will read – “I grieve for you Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful.” Personally, I have been thinking about this word “love” quite a bit in recent months. I don’t know if this is going to sound strange – I hope it’s a good sign :) - but I find myself using the word “love” more and more often when referring to and thinking of others in my life. I have found myself saying recently, for example, “there are so many people in my church that I love and I believe love me.” I guess I’m getting to this stage in my life that may seem at first glance sentimental – but I think it is something more. I believe God is love. And yes, God is judge and many other things. But I do believe that love is a very godly thing. And I guess I’m getting to the point in life where I realize that I truly do love so many people in my life – with a brotherly or sisterly love – and maybe perhaps a few love me too. I pray this is the case in some way in your life? Are there people in your life that you love with a brotherly or sisterly love? Are there people in your life that were like Jonathan was to David? Are there people in your life where you are like Jonathan was to David? How familiar are you with love as expressed in 1 Corinthians 13? Did Jonathan have this type of love? Do you? Below is a portrait of David & Jonathan by artist Guy Rowe:
New Testament - Great words from Jesus in our John readings today! I honestly don't think I can add anything to what Jesus said in these readings today! Please re-read this section again from John if you can and meditate upon what Jesus teaches us. Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings titled "The Greeks Seek Jesus" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 118 is the last half of the psalm possibly sung by Jesus and the disciples after the Last Supper - see yesterday's posting below for details. What an amazing Psalm... Verse 22 was quoted by Jesus in Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10 and Luke 20:17 and he used this verse to refer to himself - "The stone rejected by the builders has now become the cornerstone." Do you believe this verse applies to Jesus? Is Jesus the cornerstone in your life?
Verse 26 was the chant of the crowds as Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday - "Bless the one who comes in the name of the LORD." And verse 29 I'm pretty sure is a Michael W. Smith song - "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever." :)
Proverbs - Proverbs 15 verse 27 teaches us today: "Dishonest money brings grief to the whole family, but those who hate bribes will live." Think there is truth in this Proverb?
Worship Video: Today's readings in Psalm 118 remind me of the song "In Christ Alone." Here's a great live version sung by Kristian Stanfill:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNRFumI2ch0
Who alone do you trust? Click here for Christ alone!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again." John 12:28 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that your life is bringing glory to God the Father. Pray that you will obey the teachings of God the Son through the power of God the Holy Spirit dwelling within you. Pray that you would not sin, which brings glory only to the evil one. Pray that you would not worship the evil one by sinning. Sin is worship - of the evil one. Pray for your worship to be to God alone through your faith in Jesus and living a life of righteousness.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our One Year Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 - Download a schedule of our One Year Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 - I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!