Introduction God continues to unroll the consequences of David’s sin, while at the same time fulfilling His gracious promises to David. Solomon is not mentioned in this section, but he is clearly waiting in the wings. The Text: “Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king’s heart was toward Absalom. And Joab sent …
David as Patsy
Introduction This tragic story follows immediately after the David and Bathsheba tragedy. Details and names change, but we have a beautiful woman, fulfilled lust, and then murder. The Text: “And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of …
You Are the Man
Introduction David sinned grievously, but his repentance went as deep as his sin had gone. We see complete forgiveness in this portion of the story, offered to David, and received by him. We also see that the reality of ongoing consequences is not the same thing as lack of forgiveness. We must learn to stop …
Uriah Drunk and David Sober
Introduction God has established David as a great king in a newly created Israel. This is the account of a new fall, marring that new creation. In this chapter, David commits adultery, followed up with murder. His subsequent attempts at a bungled cover-up resulted in one of the best known stories of human history. So …
Divided in Two
Introduction In the previous chapter, David showed covenant kindness (hesed) to a prince who had lost his father, which is what happens in this chapter also. In the previous chapter, it was received with loyalty and deep gratitude. In this chapter, it starts a war. The Text: “And it came to pass after this, that …
Covenant Kindness
Introduction In the previous chapter, there was no dialogue. We had a summary of David’s exploits, and a testimony to how wonderfully God had established him on his throne. In this chapter, we return to ground level, beginning with “And David said . . .” The Text: “And David said, Is there yet any that …
Joram and Justice
Introduction In this chapter, we have a summary of David’s very public victories before we return to the narrative of David’s life from a closer vantage. We also see the establishment of the blessed height from which David fell through his sin with Bathsheba—how much he tried to throw away. The Text: “And after this …
A Servant Throne
Introduction When things are going our way, we want to build God a house. But God says no, let me build you a house. This is God’s way of doing things, and this is what justification by faith alone is all about. The Text: “And it came to pass, when the king sat in his …
A Savior for Gath
Introduction God’s intention in salvation has always been for the salvation of the world. He has always had all the nations of men in mind, and the fact that Israel was the chosen nation was not in tension with this reality, but rather was the down payment on it, the first installment of it. The …
Lord of the Bursting Dam
Introduction If God is not establishing a work, or a house, or a kingdom, or a nation, then it cannot be established. And if God is doing so, then nothing whatever can prevent it—however mighty that opposing force might be. The Text: “Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, …