2 Samuel 23:24-24:25 + Acts 3:1-26 + Psalm 123:1-4 + Proverbs 16:21-23
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Old Testament - We finish up the book of Second Samuel today and begin First Kings tomorrow! Are you ready to dive into our next Old Testament book?? Today in Second Samuel we continue to read about David's mighty men. It is sad to read the name of Uriah the Hittite in verse 39. Another reminder of David's sin against Bathsheba and Uriah - one of David's own mighty men... And, yes, another reminder of God's forgiveness of David - and God's offer of forgiveness to you and me today. Have there been any "mighty men (or women!)" in your life that you have sinned against? Will you go to God for forgiveness for that sin today? And will you apologize and reconcile with the mighty man/woman in your life that you need to apologize to / reconcile with? Interestingly, I think this whole forgiveness/mercy talk ties in very nicely into Psalm 123 today. As Psalm 123 sings to us today: "Have mercy on us Lord, have mercy."
Second Samuel 24 today finishes up with David taking a census, then judgment upon Israel for this sin, and then closing up the book with David building an altar on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. A few things to point out here. First, you'll note verse 1 starts out with: "Once again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel.." Commentaries suggest that God was likely upset with Israel because of their support of Absalom's & Sheba's rebellions. This is why it is thought the plague in this chapter affected Israel and not just David's house for the sin of the census. The census was a sin because it was not needed at this time in Israel's history. Censuses were taken in the past for military conscription & review of number of men before a war. But this was not a time of war. The census was a sin because David may have been taking this census just for his own glory & pride - to see how many people were under his reign. Even Joab asked David why he was doing this as we see in verse 3. The overall interesting thing to me about this chapter is that many commentaries suggest that it was placed at the end of the book of Second Samuel for the primary reason of setting the stage for the building of the Temple by Solomon in First Kings. The very interesting note about Araunah's threshing floor that we read about today is that it is believed to have been located on Mount Moriah! Yes, the same Mt. Moriah where Abraham nearly sacrificed Isaac. And the same spot where the Temple was to be built by Solomon! So, this brings to light the importance of David actually buying the threshing floor from Araunah and not just taking it for free, as was offered. David not only bought the threshing floor to build the altar for the burnt & peace offerings, but he bought the land for the Temple of the Lord to soon be built on by his son Solomon! Pretty interesting to note as we close out this amazing book of Second Samuel. I am very excited to begin our readings about David's son Solomon in First Kings beginning tomorrow! Below is an image of Araunah the Jebusite offering his threshing floor to David:
Bible.org's commentary on today's Second Samuel readings titled "Neiman Marcus Military, Kmart Christianity? David Comes to His Census" is at this link. (Some days you really have to appreciate the humor in Bob Deffinbaugh's essay titles! Today is one of those days. :)
New Testament - Acts chapter 3 is a wonderful look at the power of Jesus' name and faith in Jesus as Peter heals a lame man. I love verse 6: "But Peter said, "I don't have any money for you. But I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"" Below is a painting of this scene by the Italian painter Masolino da Panicale from the early 15th century:
It is awesome to see how Peter follows up this healing with preaching at Solomon's Porch! He sees an opportunity to let others know about Jesus and he does not let this opportunity pass him by. How often in your life do you come across opportunities to let others know about Jesus? How often do you move forward with that opportunity? Or how often do you let that opportunity pass you by?
Bible.org's commentary on today's Acts readings titled "A Lame Excuse for Preaching the Gospel" is at this link. (again, quite a creative title here from Bob... :)
Psalms - Psalm 123 continues the songs of Ascent. Psalm 123 is a short one, but a great one. I love these portions of verses 2 and 3 - "We look to the LORD our God for his mercy....Have mercy on us, LORD, have mercy..." Do you look to the Lord for his mercy? What does God's mercy to you look like? Why would you need God's mercy? Do you pray to the Lord this simple prayer - "Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy"?
Proverbs - Proverbs 16:23 today is fantastic: "From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive." Do you want a wise mind? Do you want wise speech to come forth from your mouth? Where in this world do you think you can find wisdom? Wisdom that will transform your mind? Wisdom that will transform your speech? And then, with that wisdom, how will you persuade others? What would you even want to persuade others toward? Below are a couple of images of Jesus. First image is of Jesus studying as a boy. What can we learn from this image of Jesus and apply to our lives today? Next image is an overview of Jesus' wisdom. Would you agree that Jesus fulfilled this Proverb perfectly? "From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive."
Worship Video: Today's Psalm reminded me of the terrific hymn "Lord Have Mercy:"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rJtEmn56cQ
Have you ever prayed Lord Have Mercy? Click here for mercy!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Acts 3:6 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray in that you treasure the name of Jesus above all else in this world. Pray that you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Pray all things in Jesus' holy name.
Comments from You & Questions of the Day: In Acts chapter 3 we read about Peter healing a lame man in the name of Jesus. I am curious about how you might say or pray the name of Jesus in your life today? Do you close out your prayers in the name of Jesus? Do you do other things in your life in the name of Jesus? Do you have any stories or examples of the power of the name of Jesus that you have experienced in your life? Also, 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 Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 - Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
2 Samuel 23:24-24:25
Sometimes we groan at reading the “lists” of people, places and things as we go through the Bible. But each and every time we override the desire to either skip over passages, or read at speeds over 100mph we can miss what may appear to be something of little importance and bypass something that can set us free. If Bruce Wilkinson had not read the lists in Chronicles, we would not have been blessed with the book, The Prayer of Jabez. It was reading this list a few years ago that I discovered some of these names sounded so familiar that I went back reread and then looked up other occurrences of the names.
David’s life not only is the life of a man who was greatly blessed of God, despite the traitorous acts he committed, sleeping with another man’s wife and then having that man killed; it is a life that shows God’s mercy and grace. Our God is a God of mercy, grace, love and kindness. If he were not David would have been toast if I were in charge. Therefore, I am glad that God doesn’t go by my rules because I would be burnt to a crisp before the Day of Judgment.
I took note of two names in this listing of David’s thrity men of valor, Eliam (2 Sam 23:34) and Uriah, the Hittite (39). Going back to the eleventh chapter of 2nd Samuel you will find these names mentioned dealing with Bathsheba, Uriah’s wife and the man David had killed making him a murderer. I realized that David would have had to have a close relationship with Uriah and Uriah’s father, Eliam (2 Samuel 11:3). Not only that Bathsheba’s grandfather, Eliam’s father, was Ahithophel, David’s trusted advisor; the advisor that defected to Absalom, the seditious son we read about attempted a rebellion (2 Samuel 15).
There is a saying; familiarity-breeds-contempt and Ahithophel with his close association to David had to have seen the turmoil in both homes caused by David’s acts of adultery and murder. How much of what he had seen and heard contributed to his defection? In his eyes, did David look like a man of God? This says to me that despite appearances, we have no idea who God is using despite their actions. Clearly, God’s grace and mercy does not look to us for guidance.
The twenty-fourth chapter shows us again, that God’s chosen man can do ungodly things. Things that appear on the surface to be inconsequential but under the surface lay unrighteous motivation. Israel was told when a census was carried out that each male counted must pay a redemption price. So it would be costly to the populace; this obviously was not done (Exodus 31:12; 38:25).
I believe there is a greater lesson for all of us, when we violate a command; we saddle those under our care, under our leadership and authority with a price greater than the cost of obedience. In this case, 70,000 people paid with their lives.
What I so love about David and which is an example for me he did not make excuses for his error. When caught in a lie, in a sin I am prone to blame everyone else but me. “If you hadn’t said; did; looked …I wouldn’t have. You saw me doing …why didn’t you say; do; make me stop?” Not only did David accept responsibility for his actions he paid the cost of the sacrifice. Now that is a model for accountability! David’s actions also show the difference between godly sorrow and worldy sorrow, godly sorrow says I will suffer the consequences for my actions. Worldy sorrow is just, I’m sorry because I got caught.
Acts 3:1-26
There were three directional entrances into the Temple and this lame man was laid at the gate daily and had been lame from birth. This means that this man was a fixture at the temple when Jesus was born until after His death so why did not Jesus heal him. The last week of His life on earth, Jesus went in and out of the temple daily, yet this man was not healed. Had he been placed at the wrong gate at the right time? On the other hand, maybe he was not ready to be healed when Jesus was around. I’m not sure of his state of mind, but I know from my own experience that God had been calling me long before I accepted His invitation to come to Him and be healed. My problem was I didn’t think I would receive anything.
Maybe we and those we are now trying to minister too to accept God’s salvation must get to the place where we become sick and tired of being sick and tired. The text says that the lame man looked upon “them” expecting in earnest to receive something. Maybe our expectation switch has been turned off, or we have dropped the eagerness from our body language. Whatever the cause when we accept the “free gift” of Salvation we certainly get more than we expected. How is your expectation level?
Psalm 123:1-4
2 We look to the LORD our God for his mercy,
just as servants keep their eyes on their master,
as a slave girl watches her mistress for the slightest signal.
Too often, I find myself looking to men for mercy and not to God. I forget that the mercies of men are really curses in the eyes of God. It is like looking for love in all the wrong places.
Proverbs 16:21-23
22 Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it, but discipline is wasted on fools.
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God give me discernment to distinguish between the wise and the fool so I will not waste your Pearls of Wisdom. Amen.
Ramona
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In regard to asking in Jesus' Name:
John 16: 23-24
23.At that time you won't need to ask me for anything. The truth is, you can go directly to the Father and ask him, and he will grant your request because you use my name. 24.You haven't done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.
This pretty much sums up the way we should pray/ask in His Name. I 99% of the time end all my prayers this way, especially when praying for someone else, now when I'm just talking to Him, I may not end my prayers that way, but what I am now starting to do & it seems to be very very effective & scriptural is when praying, I say, "It is written," using His Words & reminding Him of His Word & I think He delights in that for sure.
I usually end with, "expecting all these things to come to fruition in Your Precious Name, the Name above all Names...Jesus! :)
Jan
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I found a couple of interesting points with one of the readings today - the one about David and the census. God offers David a choice of punishments for having conducted the census: 1) seven years of famine (1 Chr.21:1 says three years, which I personally think the more likely given the others), 2) three months fleeing from enemies, or 3) three days of pestilence. David apparently chooses (or God chooses for him) and opts to have the pestilence, killing 70,000 men (and probably around 200,000 women and children).
Now, what I find interesting with all of this is the (biblical) 'numerology' i.e. the significance of the #3 in each of the punishments. We know that throughout the bible certain numbers appear to have a higher significance than others, with 3, 6 and 7 being the more notable ones. The fact that David is a 'type' of/for Christ adds additional significance to me, as I can't help thinking of how it may relate to the 3 days of Jesus being in the tomb - who knows what judgement God was pouring out on His Son during that time, for far greater crimes than ordering a census errantly! Also interesting, is that to my knowledge this is one of the rare (maybe only?) time we hear of God providing a choice of punishment for their sins - unsure why He did so in this case. If you're equally interested in this just please remember there's a wealth of difference between biblical 'numerology' for want of a better term, and the Jewish mysticism variety aka Kaballah etc which is more into the forbidden type. Always be cautious as to how you view this type of material.
Was equally intrigued by the fact that David apparently could see the angel of death carrying out the sentence - that must have been a sore sight to behold, but yet there's no mention of David having any difficulty with the fact - unlike those who encountered angels elsewhere and fell at their feet - it would appear that perhaps they show themselves in many different ways, (just as demons equally can do), or else that some of the higher ranks would provoke a stronger reaction from those encountering them? Not looking to pursue this last line so much - just throwing it out for thought.
Romayne
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2 Samuel 23:24-24:25
David and his census has always intrigued me and I have wondered if God’s anger against the nation and the use of David’s “sin” to chastise the people was for something underlying from what is obvious in the text. Today I had a thought, “look up the Hebrew word translated census in this passage and compare it to the Hebrew word used in the Book of Numbers.” And low and behold they are two different words. Does it really mean anything or did the writers just use two different words that mean the same thing? I don’t know.
The word used in 2 Samuel and translated census in the NLT and number in the King James Verson is only used once in the Book of Numbers and it is found in the 10th verse of chapter 23, and the English word used is “count.”
Num 23:10 Who can count the dust of Jacob,
Or number the fourth part of Israel?
Let me die the death of the upright,
and let the end of my life be like theirs."
These words were not spoken by Moses they were spoken by Balaam over Israel
מנה
mânâh
maw-naw'
A primitive root; properly to weigh out; by implication to allot or constitute officially; also to enumerate or enroll: - appoint, count, number, prepare, set, tell.
The word used, the Hebrew word, in the Book of Numbers dealing with the counting of Israel, her people and the fighting men is the word:
מספּר
mispâr
mis-pawr'
From 5608; a number, definitely (arithmetical) or indefinitely (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration.
The differences in the two words seems to me to be one of intent.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
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Verses that stood out for me today:
2 Samuel 24:14 "I’m in a desperate situation!” David replied to Gad. “But let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is great. Do not let me fall into human hands.”
Acts 3:19 "Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away".
Acts 3:26 "When God raised up his servant, Jesus, he sent him first to you people of Israel, to bless you by turning each of you back from your sinful ways.”
Psalm 123:3 "Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy, for we have had our fill of contempt".
Proverbs 16:23 "From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive".
Do you close out your prayers in the name of Jesus? Do you do other things in your life in the name of Jesus? Do you have any stories or examples of the power of the name of Jesus that you have experienced in your life? ~ Hmmm ... I talked about this with Jenny today. I've had several experiences in my life! I close out my prayers in the name of Jesus. It's so powerful! Not too long ago Jadens ear was itchy, we were in church and he was curling up to me and cried softly. After the service I looked into his ear and I saw it was dirty and his ear was red. I went to our Pastor with him and we prayed. The pain was gone instantly, Amen! It was almost midnight when Jaden started to cry loud. Crying went over to screaming and I knew this was not good! ... Earinfection ... He had that before, which means; up all night ... at least for 3 nights in a row, Jaden in pain, crying. I didn't even want to think about it! I gave him a glass of water while I went to get some childrens painkillers. All of a sudden I felt God's presence ... He wanted me to pray with Jaden, out loud. So I went back to Jaden, we prayed together, out loud. Told this infection to dissapear in Jesus' name! I layed Jaden down to sleep, gave him a kiss. And he slept like a baby, the next morning he woke up all happy, cheerful and his ear was all clean, nothing weird ... all back to normal! And that's just one example. I've head many things during my time as a reborn Christian. It's just amazing!
Mae
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I always close prayer in "Jesus' precious name." Although to me it mostly signifies reverence, I know that what I ask for in Jesus' name will be noticed by the Father. I have much faith in the name of Jesus-because I learned it the hard way. I suppose that's how faith lessons must be learned; if you could just HAVE faith, everybody would.
7 years ago now, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Every day I prayed my guts out for God to heal her and let her live. It was difficult for me, being a control freak, to learn that there was literally nothing I could do to improve my mother's health. I had to relinquish my control to God's will. When I closed each prayer with "In Jesus' precious name, (God please, please, please) Amen," I knew that He was receiving my pleas. My faith was confirmed when after surgery, and chemo, and radiation, my mom's cancer was gone. I am reaffirmed in that faith every year she comes away from the doctor's office with a clean bill of health.
I implore you to come to the Father through His Son. And always give Them the glory for answered (and unanswered) prayers.
HH
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Short yet powerful Psalm, i love it!
"Unto You I lift up my eyes, O You who dwell in the heavens"
"Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters....So our eyes look to the LORD our God, Until He has mercy on us."
"Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy on us!" ---amen!!!
Yes, of course I pray in Jesus' name! always!!! He is my access to God! His name has great power!! I call on His name when i'm in need, with everything...what other name has more power? none!
A song i love: "Jesus. Jesus. Jesus...there's just something about that name. Master. Saviour, Jesus. Let all heaven and earth proclaim. Kings and kingdoms will all pass away. But there's something about that name!"
Jenny
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Just a note to say "Thanks!" for posting the link to Bob's commentary! Throughout the books of Samuel, I have gone to his thoughts many times to clear up my confusion. He never fails to straighten out my thinking. I wouldn't know about his work if it were not for you...Thank You!
Tatia
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I have a question. Am I reading this wrong or in 2 Samuel 24:1 it says God was angry with Israel so He caused David to harm them by taking a census. Then it says he actually told him to do it. So why was this a sin of David if God told him to do it? And if this is correct, that really bothers me to hear that God will cause him to sin.
Linda
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Linda,
Good question. It’s given me much reason to ponder yet I don’t have all the answers.
It seems to me that the Lord’s anger was aroused against Israel. The Lord then moved David to sin. David continued in this sin despite the advice of counsel. Subsequent to the commission of the sin, David was convicted, confessed, and repented for his sin and asked the Lord for forgiveness. Israel was punished for David’s sin even though David subsequently pleaded with the Lord to punish himself and his own house rather than Israel, who were like sheep.
I’m not sure why the Lord was angry at Israel nor does it seem to be relevant. The question to me seems to be ‘Why involve David in this issue between the Lord and Israel?’ If the Lord was angry with Israel, why not just punish Israel? Why involve David? David seems to be a menial tool in the hands of the Lord.
It seems to me that the Lord used David as a means of punishment against Israel; just as he promised to do so in Deuteronomy when Moses listed the blessings and curses for following His precepts. In Deuteronomy the Lord promised Israel should they fall away from His precepts He would discipline them; some manners of which would be manifested by surrounding national enemies. Here He seems to have used David rather than the Philistines or other national enemies. Not only does He use David, but He also gives David a choice in the manner of the affliction and He later stops the affliction prior to its ordered completion. This seems quite merciful to me.
I'm not sure if this answers all your questions but it seems right to me.
Briggs
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Hi Linda
I caught that too and it was bothering me as well. I pray the LORD will give us more clarity. This is what I felt as I read this passage.
Israel was sinning and a punishment is due for sins when one does not repent. Though it was thru David’s sin that Israel gets punished for their sins, the punishment would make Israel realize they were sinning. A plague is a sign of punishment from the LORD we see is the earlier books of the bible and maybe when Israel endured the plague they realized they were sinning in the eyes of the LORD and it may be caused them to stop and repent.
I guess though the LORD told David to take the census and he did it. Was it a test, I am not sure? David did it and his actions did not bring glory to GOD (when you read mikes comment about how census was taken during a time of war and not otherwise). So David taking census did not give LORD the glory but glory for himself. So David sins as well, and sets the stage to bring punishment for all of Israel.
Either ways whether it was Israel or David’s sin the plague gave Israel the reason to repent I believe.
Hopefully more people would share their views on this passage.
Arielle
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The book of 2 Samuel is ALL about the reign of David over Israel. King David fought and conquered several of the surrounding lands, allowing Israel to increase in stature and prosperity. GOD promises David that he will become an ETERNAL throne in HEAVEN. Absalome MURDERS several of Davids top officials during a palace coup, David and his men escape to the country where a battle insues against the forces of David and Absalome, Absalome is KILLED and David is restored as the king of Israel. Unfortunately, for the love of a WOMAN, David proceeded to BREAK several of the ten commandments in short order, resulting in the DEATH of his son and a PLAGUE being brought again Israel for his wicked SINS. In conclusion the book of 2 Samuel shows us that David had his ISSUES but still became the father of JESUS.
Raeann
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Proverbs 16:21
21 The wise in heart are called discerning,
and gracious words promote instruction.
I had returned from an outing in my city today. There were over 70 wheelchair users and their carers and volunteers participating. The trip was a difficult one as this involved a lot of preparations and on site decisions. But there were only 2 staff involved.
My colleague was supposed to help me a lot. But it turned out that I had to face the on site changes by myself.
I thought over the outing of today. This verse caught my attention. Gracious words promote instruction. I think I will find a time to talk to my colleague by 'gracious words' so that on the one hand, I present my viewpoints to him; on the other hand, instructions will be delivered in a wise way.
I find a way to quench my anger: read God's words so that God's wisdom is in my heart and guides me.
Frederick
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Mike, I am so blessed by your daily posts. I wake up every morning, read the word and your posts. It gives me food for thought and helps me walk closer with my Jesus. Thank you for your continued diligence in bringing this to us every single day.
Lisa
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Hi Ramona, Thanks for your posting. I agree that too accept God’s salvation must get to the place where we become sick and tired of being sick and tired. From there we can accept the “free gift” of Salvation. I believe it is when we get to the end of our ropes, that we give in to ourselves and look to Jesus. It reminds me of those survival shows. It seems when the person is at their last straw, near death, is when somebody happens to stumble by or find them. I think this is very similar to what most have to go through spiritually. Thanks for your great posts in the name of Jesus.
Joe
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What I find confusing is that Gods anger with David for his sin against Uriah. Had he not sinned, we would not have Solomon. How do you explain this?
Gary
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Gary. I don't have answers but God gives us freedom to make choices. So not we don't always make wise choices. So there is consequences for sin. So God allowed Solomon becomes the richest more wisest man. But Solomon also lost his first son. And David's sin with with Bathsheba, they lost their son. It goes on. We want to align ourselves with God.
Jane
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David did a no no and that's to count his tribe so he can have ranking points instead of listening, seeking and knocking for God's timing. This ends up costing him dearly.
Acts 3..healing of a lame man. It is awesome that this same scared, cowardly Peter is so bold and brave now taking leaps of faith and has quite a healing ministry.
Psalm 123..a mercy Psalm. Have mercy on me Lord every day
Proverbs m. Wisdom..it's so important to he wise..we all need that in our life
Dee
than Thank you, Mike, for posting every day. This is my second year with you and I have learned so much. I still have so much to learn! I look forward to reading the Bible every day.
Posted by: Stacey | June 05, 2025 at 09:04 AM