Day 110 of My 3rd Bible Study Journey - 20 April 2023 reflections
Day 110, 20 Apr 2022
1) 2 Samuel 1 , 2, 3, 4, 1 CHRONICLES 3:1-4
2 SAMUEL 1
The Death of Saul
1Sa 31:1-13; 1Ch 10:1-13
1 After the death of Saul, when David had returned
from the slaughter of the Amalekites, David had remained two days in Ziklag.
2 (1Sa 4:12; 2Sa 4:10; Jos 7:6) On the third day, a man came
from the camp of Saul with his clothes torn and dirt upon his head.
As he approached David, he fell to the ground prostrate.
3 David asked him, "Where have you come from?"
He responded, "I fled from the camp of Israel."
4 (1Sa 4:16) David said to him, "Tell me, what is the report?"
So he reported, "The people fled from battle. Many of the people have fallen
and died; even Saul and his son Jonathan are dead."
5 Then David asked the young man who was reporting to him,
"How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?"
6 (1Sa 28:4) The young man who was reporting to him answered,
"I happened to be on Mount Gilboa when, in front of me,
Saul was leaning on his spear with the chariots and horsemen drawing close.
7 When he turned around, he noticed me. He summoned me, and I responded,
'Here I am.'
8 (1Sa 30:13; 30:17) "He asked me, 'Who are you?'
"I answered, 'I am an Amalekite.'
9 "Then he said to me, 'Stand over me and kill me,
for I have been mortally wounded, yet I am still alive.'
10 (Jdg 9:54; 2Ki 11:12) "So I stood beside him and killed him because I knew
that he could not live after he had fallen. Then I took the crown that was on
his head and the armlet that was on his arm, and I have brought them here
to my lord."
11 (Ge 37:29; 2Sa 3:31) Then David took hold of his clothes and tore them,
as did all of the men who were with him.
12 They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul,
Jonathan his son, the people of the Lord, and the house of Israel,
because they had fallen by the sword.
13 Then David asked the young man who was reporting to him,
"Where are you from?"
He responded, "I am the son of one who sought refuge, an Amalekite."
14 (1Sa 24:6; 26:9) David said to him, "How is it that you did not fear
raising your hand to destroy the anointed of the Lord?"
15 Then David called to one of the young men and said,
"Step forward and execute him." So he struck him and killed him.
16 (Mt 27:25; Lev 20:9_ But David said to him, "Your blood is upon
your own head, since your mouth has testified against you, saying,
'I put an end to the anointed of the Lord.' "
The Lament of David
17 (2Ch 35:25) Then David recited this lament over Saul and Jonathan his son,
18 (Jos 10:13) and he told them to teach the sons of Judah
the Song of the Bow.
It is written in the book of Jashar:
19 (2 Sa 1:27; 1:25) Your splendor, O Israel, has been slain upon your hills.
How the mighty ones have fallen.
20 (Mic 1:10; 1Sa 18:6) Do not report it in Gath,
do not announce it in the streets of Ashkelon,
lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice,
or the daughters of the uncircumcised exult.
21 (1Sa 31:1; Isa 21:5) O mountains of Gilboa,
may there be no rain or dew upon you
or your bountiful fields;
for there the shield of the mighty was defiled!
The shield of Saul is no longer anointed with oil.
22 (1Sa 18:4; Isa 34:6-7) From the blood of the slain,
from the fat of mighty,
the bow of Jonathan did not turn back,
nor did the sword of Saul return empty.
23 (Jdg 14:18; Jer 4:13) Saul and Jonathan,
beloved and delightful,
neither in life nor death will they be separated.
They were swifter than eagles,
they were stronger than lions.
24 O daughters of Israel, weep over Saul,
who clothed you in scarlet and jewels,
who adorned your garments with gold jewelry.
25 (2Sa 1:19; 1:27) How the mighty ones have fallen in the midst of battle!
Jonathan was slain on your high places.
26 (1Sa 18:1-4) I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan;
you were very dear to me;
your love was more remarkable than the love of women.
27 (2Sa 1:25; 1:19) How the mighty have fallen,
and the weapons of war have perished.
2 Samuel 1
[1] Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned
from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in
Ziklag;
[2] It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of
the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and so it
was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.
[3] And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him,
Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped.
[4] And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And
he answered, That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the
people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead
also.
[5] And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that
Saul and Jonathan his son be dead?
[6] And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount
Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and
horsemen followed hard after him.
[7] And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called unto me. And I
answered, Here am I.
[8] And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an
Amalekite.
[9] And he said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me: for
anguish is come upon me, because my life is yet whole in me.
[10] So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not
live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head,
and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my
lord.
[11] Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all
the men that were with him:
[12] And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for
Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of
Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.
[13] And David said unto the young man that told him, Whence art thou? And
he answered, I am the son of a stranger, an Amalekite.
[14] And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth
thine hand to destroy the LORD's anointed?
[15] And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, and fall upon
him. And he smote him that he died.
[16] And David said unto him, Thy blood be upon thy head; for thy mouth hath
testified against thee, saying, I have slain the LORD's anointed.
[17] And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan
his son:
[18] (Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow:
behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.)
[19] The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty
fallen!
[20] Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the
daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the
uncircumcised triumph.
[21] Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew, neither let there be rain,
upon you, nor fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is
vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, as though he had not been anointed
with oil.
[22] From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of
Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty.
[23] Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their
death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were
stronger than lions.
[24] Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet,
with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel.
[25] How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, thou
was slain in thine high places.
[26] I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou
been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.
[27] How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!
2 SAMUEL 2
David Anointed King Over Judah
1 (1Sa 23:2; 30:31) After this, David consulted the Lord, asking,
"Shall I go to one of the cities of Judah?"
The Lord responded to him, "Go up."
David asked, "Where should I go?"
And He said, "Hebron."
2 (1Sa 25:42-43; 30:5) So David went up there, along with his two wives,
Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite.
3 (1Sa 27:2-3; 30:1) And David brought the men who were with him,
each man with his household, and they lived in the cities of Hebron.
4 (1Sa 31:11-13; 2Sa 5:5) Then the men of Judah came and there anointed
David as king over the house of Judah, and they informed David
that it was the men of Jabesh Gilead who had buried Saul.
5 (1Sa 23:21; Ru 2:20) So David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh
Gilead saying, "May you be blessed by the Lord,
you who have shown this loyalty to your lord Saul by burying him.
6 Now may the Lord show you loyalty and faithfulness, even as I deal kindly
with you who have done this thing.
7 Now may your hands be strong and may you be courageous, since your lord
Saul is dead and the house of Judah has anointed me as king over them."
War Between the Houses of David and Saul
1Ch 3:1-4
8 (1Sa 14:50; Ge 32:2) However, Abner the son of Ner, commander of the army
of Saul, had taken Ish-Bosheth the son of Saul
and brought him over to Mahanaim.
9 He installed him as king over Gilead, the Ashurites, Jezreel, Ephraim,
and Benjamin, over Israel in its entirety.
10 Ish-Bosheth the son of Saul was forty years old when he began to reign
over Israel, and he ruled for two years.
However, the house of Judah followed David.
11 (1Ki 2:11) The length of time during which David was king in Hebron
over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.
12 (Jos 18:25; 10:12) Abner the son of Ner, with the servants of Ish-Bosheth
the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim toward Gibeon.
13 (2Sa 8:16; 1Ch 2:16) And Joab the son of Zeruiah,
with the servants of David, went out in order to meet together
at the pool of Gibeon. They sat down, one group on one side of the pool
and the other group on the side of the pool opposite them.
14 (2Sa 2:17) Abner suggested to Joab,
"Let the young men come forward and compete before us."
And Joab replied, "Let them come."
15 So they stepped forward and were counted, twelve from Benjamin
and Ish-Bosheth and twelve from the servants of David.
16 Each one grabbed his opponent by the head and thrust his sword
in his opponent's side; so they fell down together.
Therefore that place was called Helkath Hazzurim, which is at Gibeon.
17 (2Sa 3:1) The fighting was very fierce that day, but Abner and the men
of Israel were defeated by the servants of David.
18 (1Ch 12:8; Hab 3:19) Now the three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab,
Abishai, and Asahel; and Asahel was as fast as a wild gazelle.
19 So Asahel pursued Abner, and as he went, he did not turn to the right
hand or to the left from following Abner.
20 Abner looked behind him and said, "Is that you, Asahel?"
He answered, "It is I."
21 Abner said to him, "Turn aside to your right or left, overtake
one of the young men, and take his equipment for yourself,"
but Asahel was not willing to desist.
22 (2Sa 3:27) Abner continued still to reason with Asahel,
"Abandon your pursuit. Why should I strike you down?
How then could I show my face to your brother Joab?"
23 (2Sa 3:27; 4:6) But he refused to desist. So Abner struck him
in the abdomen with the butt of his spear,
so that the spear came out of his back.
He fell there and died on the spot.
When all of the others came to the place
where Asahel fell and died, they halted.
24 But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner. As the sun was setting, they came
to the hill of Ammah, which is next to Giah on the way
to the Wilderness of Gibeon.
25 The sons of Benjamin gathered to the rear of Abner into a single formation,
and they took their stand atop one of the hills.
26 (Jer 46:10; 46:14) Abner called to Joab, "Must the sword consume forever?
Do you not understand that a bitter taste will result in the end?
How long will you refuse to command the people to withdraw
from chasing their brothers?"
27 (2Sa 2:14; Pr 17:14) Joab responded, "As God lives, I assure you that
if you had not said this, the people would have each pursued his brother
throughout the night."
28 So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still.
They pursued Israel no longer, nor did they continue to fight anymore.
29 (2Sa 2:8)( So Abner and his men traveled through the Arabah
all that night, crossed the Jordan, and marched all morning
until they returned to Mahanaim.
30 Joab refrained from pursuing Abner, but instead mustered all
of the people. There were nineteen men besides Asahel
missing from among the servants of David.
31 But the servants of David routed Benjamin and the men of Abner;
three hundred and sixty of their men died.
32 They carried Asahel back and interred him in his father's tomb,
which was at Bethlehem. Then Joab and his men traveled throughout
the night and reached Hebron at dawn.
2 Samuel 2
[1] And it came to pass after this, that David inquired of the LORD, saying,
Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said unto him,
Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron.
[2] So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the
Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal's wife the Carmelite.
[3] And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his
household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron.
[4] And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the
house of Judah. And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabesh-gilead
were they that buried Saul.
[5] And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabesh-gilead, and said unto
them, Blessed be ye of the LORD, that ye have shewed this kindness unto your
lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him.
[6] And now the LORD shew kindness and truth unto you: and I also will
requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing.
[7] Therefore now let your hands be strengthened, and be ye valiant: for
your master Saul is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king
over them.
[8] But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host, took Ish-bosheth the
son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim;
[9] And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel,
and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.
[10] Ish-bosheth Saul's son was forty years old when he began to reign over
Israel, and reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David.
[11] And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was
seven years and six months.
[12] And Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ish-bosheth the son of
Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.
[13] And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and
met together by the pool of Gibeon: and they sat down, the one on the one
side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool.
[14] And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before
us. And Joab said, Let them arise.
[15] Then there arose and went over by number twelve of Benjamin, which
pertained to Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of
David.
[16] And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword
in his fellow's side; so they fell down together: wherefore that place was
called Helkath-hazzurim, which is in Gibeon.
[17] And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and
the men of Israel, before the servants of David.
[18] And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and
Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe.
[19] And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right
hand nor to the left from following Abner.
[20] Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? And he
answered, I am.
[21] And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy
left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his armour.
But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him.
[22] And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me:
wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my
face to Joab thy brother?
[23] Howbeit he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner with the hinder end
of the spear smote him under the fifth rib, that the spear came out behind
him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place: and it came to
pass, that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died
stood still.
[24] Joab also and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when
they were come to the hill of Ammah, that lieth before Giah by the way of
the wilderness of Gibeon.
[25] And the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner,
and became one troop, and stood on the top of an hill.
[26] Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour for ever?
knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? how long
shall it be then, ere thou bid the people return from following their
brethren?
[27] And Joab said, As God liveth, unless thou hadst spoken, surely then in
the morning the people had gone up every one from following his brother.
[28] So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still, and pursued
after Israel no more, neither fought they any more.
[29] And Abner and his men walked all that night through the plain, and
passed over Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and they came to Mahanaim.
[30] And Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all
the people together, there lacked of David's servants nineteen men and
Asahel.
[31] But the servants of David had smitten of Benjamin, and of Abner's men,
so that three hundred and threescore men died.
[32] And they took up Asahel, and buried him in the sepulchre of his father,
which was in Bethlehem. And Joab and his men went all night, and they came
to Hebron at break of day.
2 SAMUEL 3
1 (1Ki 14:30; 2Sa 2:17) The struggle between the house of Saul
and the house of David endured, but David grew stronger as Saul became weaker.
2 (1Ch 3:1-4) Sons were born to David in Hebron:
his firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;
3 (1Sa 27:8; 25:42) and his second, Kileab, by Abigail
the widow of Nabal, the Carmelite;
and the third, Absalom the son of Maakah
the daughter of Talmai, the king of Geshur;
4 and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith;
and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;
5 and the sixth, Ithream, was born to Eglah, the wife of David.
These were born to David in Hebron.
2 Samuel 3
[1] Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David:
but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker
and weaker.
[2] And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of
Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;
[3] And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and
the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
[4] And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah
the son of Abital;
[5] And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David's wife. These were born to David
in Hebron.
2 SAMUEL 3
Abner Defects to David
6 (2Sa 2:8-9) While there was war between the house of Saul
and the house of David, Abner was strengthening himself in the house of Saul.
7 (2Sa 21:8-11; 16:21-22) Now Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizpah,
the daughter of Aiah, and Ish-Bosheth said to Abner,
"Why have you gone in to my father’'s concubine?"
8 (2Sa 9:8; 16:9) Abner became very angry over the words of Ish-Bosheth.
He said, "Am I a dog's head that belongs to Judah?
Each day I show loyalty to the house of Saul your father,
to his brothers, and to his friends by not allowing you to fall
into the hand of David. Yet today you are charging me with
guilt concerning this woman.
9 (1Sa 15:28; 1Ki 19:2) May God do so to Abner, and more also,
for as the Lord has sworn to David, this I will do for him,
10 (Jdg 20:1; 1Sa 3:20) to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul
and to establish the throne of David over Israel and Judah,
from Dan to Beersheba.”"
11 And he could not offer a response to Abner, for fear of him.
12 So Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf saying,
"To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me,
and my hand will be with you to bring over all of Israel to you."
13 (Ge 43:3) He responded, "Very well, I will make a covenant with you,
but I require one thing from you: you will not see my face unless you
bring Michal the daughter of Saul with you when you come to see me."
14 (1Sa 18:27; 18:25) Then David sent messengers to Ish-Bosheth
the son of Saul, saying, "Give me my wife Michal,
to whom I was betrothed for one hundred Philistine foreskins."
15 (1Sa 25:44) So Ish-Bosheth sent for her, and he took her from
her husband, Paltiel the son of Laish.
16 (2Sa 16:5; 19:16) But her husband went with her, weeping as he went,
as far as Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, "Go. Return." So he turned back.
17 Abner had a word with the elders of Israel,
"In days past, you were seeking David as king over you.
18 (1Sa 15:28; 2Sa 3:9) So do it now, because the Lord said to David:
By the hand of David, I will save My people Israel from the hand
of the Philistines and from the hand of every enemy."
19 (1Ch 12:29; 1Sa 10:20-21) Abner also spoke privately with Benjamin.
Then Abner went to tell David privately at Hebron all that was received
favorably by Israel and the entire house of Benjamin.
20 So Abner, along with twenty men, went to David at Hebron,
and David held a festival for Abner and the men who were with him.
21 (2Sa 3:12; 1Ki 11:37) Abner said to David, "Let me arise, go, and gather
all Israel to my lord the king, so that they may make a covenant with you,
that you may rule over all that your heart desires."
So David sent Abner away, and he went peaceably.
Joab Murders Abner
22 Now the servants of David and Joab came from a raid
and brought much plunder with them,
but Abner was no longer with David at Hebron,
because he had sent him away in peace.
23 When Joab and the whole of the army that was with him arrived,
they reported to Joab, "Abner the son of Ner came to the king
and he sent him away peaceably."
24 So Joab went to the king and said, "What have you done?
Abner came to you. Why is it that you sent him away? Now he is long gone.
25 (Dt 28:6; Isa 37:28) You know that Abner the son of Ner came to deceive
you, to learn of your coming and going, to discern all that you are doing."
26 When Joab left David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought
him back from the well of Sirah. However, David was not aware of this.
27 (2Sa 20:9-10; 1Ki 2:5) So Abner returned to Hebron, and Joab pulled
him aside in the gateway so as to speak with him undisturbed.
There he struck him in the midsection so that he died on account
of the blood of Asahel, his brother.
28 Afterward when David heard of this, he said,
"My kingdom and I are forever blameless before the Lord
for the blood of Abner the son of Ner.
29 (2Sa 1:16) May it fall upon the head of Joab and upon
all his father's house. May the house of Joab never be
without one who has a discharge, or who is a leper,
or who leans on a staff, or who falls by the sword, or who lacks food."
30 So Joab and his brother Abishai killed Abner, because he killed
Asahel their brother at Gibeon in the battle.
31 (Ge 37:34; Jos 7:6) David said to Joab and all of the people with him,
"Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourn before Abner."
As for King David, he followed behind the bier.
32 (Pr 24:17; Job 31:28) When they buried Abner at Hebron,
the king raised his voice and wept at the grave of Abner,
and all of the people wept.
33 (2Sa 1:17; 13:12-13) Then, the king lamented for Abner, saying,
"Should Abner have died as a fool dies?
34 Your hands were not bound,
and your feet were not put in fetters;
as a man falls before the wicked, so you have fallen."
And all of the people continued to weep over him.
35 (2Sa 1:12; 12:17) Then all of the people came to persuade David
to eat food while it was still day. But David took an oath, saying,
"May God do to me, and more also, if I taste food or anything else
before the sun sets."
36 All of the people recognized this, and it pleased them,
as everything that the king did was pleasing to all of the people.
37 That very day, all of the people, all of Israel, understood that
it was not ordered from the king to have Abner the son of Ner killed.
38 David said to his servant, "Do you not understand that a great leader
has fallen this day in Israel?
39 (1Ki 2:33-34; 2:5-6) Today, I am weak, even if an anointed king,
and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too strong for me.
May the Lord repay the evildoer according to his wickedness."
[6] And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and
the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul.
[7] And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah:
and Ish-bosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's
concubine?
[8] Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ish-bosheth, and said, Am I a
dog's head, which against Judah do shew kindness this day unto the house of
Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered
thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault
concerning this woman?
[9] So do God to Abner, and more also, except, as the LORD hath sworn to
David, even so I do to him;
[10] To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the
throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beer-sheba.
[11] And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.
[12] And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the
land? saying also, Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be
with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee.
[13] And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I
require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first
bring Michal Saul's daughter, when thou comest to see my face.
[14] And David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth Saul's son, saying, Deliver me
my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an hundred foreskins of the
Philistines.
[15] And Ish-bosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Phaltiel
the son of Laish.
[16] And her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim. Then
said Abner unto him, Go, return. And he returned.
[17] And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye
sought for David in times past to be king over you:
[18] Now then do it: for the LORD hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand
of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the
Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.
[19] And Abner also spake in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner went also to
speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel, and
that seemed good to the whole house of Benjamin.
[20] So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David
made Abner and the men that were with him a feast.
[21] And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all
Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and
that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. And David sent
Abner away; and he went in peace.
[22] And, Behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop,
and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in
Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace.
[23] When Joab and all the host that was with him were come, they told Joab,
saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he hath sent him away,
and he is gone in peace.
[24] Then Joab came to the king, and said, What hast thou done? behold,
Abner came unto thee; why is it that thou hast sent him away, and he is
quite gone?
[25] Thou knowest Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive thee, and to
know thy going out and thy coming in, and to know all that thou doest.
[26] And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner,
which brought him again from the well of Sirah: but David knew it not.
[27] And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate
to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he
died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.
[28] And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are
guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner:
[29] Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let
there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a
leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that
lacketh bread.
[30] So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their
brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.
[31] And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend
your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king
David himself followed the bier.
[32] And they buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up his voice, and
wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept.
[33] And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth?
[34] Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man
falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou. And all the people wept again
over him.
[35] And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was
yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste
bread, or ought else, till the sun be down.
[36] And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them: as
whatsoever the king did pleased all the people.
[37] For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not
of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner.
[38] And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince
and a great man fallen this day in Israel?
[39] And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of
Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according
to his wickedness.
2 SAMUEL 4
Ish-Bosheth Murdered
1 (Ezr 4:4; Isa 13:7) When the son of Saul heard that Abner
had died in Hebron, his courage failed, and all of Israel was disheartened.
2 (Jos 18:25; 9:17) Now the son of Saul had two men who were leaders of
raiding bands. The name of one was Baanah and the name of the other Rekab,
both sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, from among the sons of Benjamin.
Now Beeroth is also regarded as part of Benjamin,
3 (Ne 11:33; 1Sa 31:7) because the Beerothites fled to Gittaim
and have been sojourners there until this day.
4 (2Sa 9:3; 1Ch 8:34) Now Jonathan the son of Saul had
a son with crippled feet.
He was five years old when the report of Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel.
His nurse picked him up and fled, but in her haste to escape, he fell
and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth.
5 The sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rekab and Baanah,
went out and came to the house of Ish-Bosheth in the heat of the day,
as he was resting in his bed at midday.
6 (2 Sa 2:23) They entered the house as if to get wheat and stabbed
him in the abdomen. Then Rekab and his brother Baanah fled to safety.
7 When they entered the house, he was lying on his bed in his bedroom;
they struck him, killed him, and beheaded him. Then they took his head
and traveled by way of the Arabah all night.
8 (1Sa 25:29; 23:15) They brought the head of Ish-Bosheth to David in Hebron
and said to the king, "Here is the head of Ish'Bosheth the son of Saul,
your enemy who sought your life. This day, the Lord has given
retribution against Saul and his descendent to my lord the king."
9 (1Ki 1:29; Ge 48:16) David answered Rekab and his brother Baanah,
the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, "As the Lord, who has delivered
my life from every distress, lives,
10 (2Sa 1:2-16) when one reported to me that Saul was dead,
although he was a bearer of good news in his own eyes,
I seized him and killed him at Ziklag, which was my reward for his message.
11 (Ps 9:12; Ge 9:5-6) How much more so, when guilty men have slain
an innocent man in his own house on his own bed,
should I not now require his blood from your hand
and wipe you from the earth?"
12 (2Sa 1:15; 3:32) David then gave orders to the young men.
They killed them, cut off their hands and feet, and hung
them at the pool in Hebron, but they took the head of
Ish-Bosheth and buried it in the grave of Abner at Hebron.
2 Samuel 4
[1] And when Saul's son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands were
feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled.
[2] And Saul's son had two men that were captains of bands: the name of the
one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab, the sons of Rimmon a
Beerothite, of the children of Benjamin: (for Beeroth also was reckoned to
Benjamin:
[3] And the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, and were sojourners there until
this day.)
[4] And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son that was lame of his feet. He was
five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel,
and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste
to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth.
[5] And the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, went, and came
about the heat of the day to the house of Ish-bosheth, who lay on a bed at
noon.
[6] And they came thither into the midst of the house, as though they would
have fetched wheat; and they smote him under the fifth rib: and Rechab and
Baanah his brother escaped.
[7] For when they came into the house, he lay on his bed in his bedchamber,
and they smote him, and slew him, and beheaded him, and took his head, and
gat them away through the plain all night.
[8] And they brought the head of Ish-bosheth unto David to Hebron, and said
to the king, Behold the head of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul thine enemy,
which sought thy life; and the LORD hath avenged my lord the king this day
of Saul, and of his seed.
[9] And David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the
Beerothite, and said unto them, As the LORD liveth, who hath redeemed my
soul out of all adversity,
[10] When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have
brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who
thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings:
[11] How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own
house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now require his blood of your
hand, and take you away from the earth?
[12] And David commanded his young men, and they slew them, and cut off
their hands and their feet, and hanged them up over the pool in Hebron. But
they took the head of Ish-bosheth, and buried it in the sepulchre of Abner
in Hebron.
1 CHRONICLES 3
The Generations of David
(2Sa 3:2-5; 5:14-16; 1Ch 14:4-7)
1 (2Sa 3:2-5; Jos 15:56) Now these were the sons of David, who were born
to him in Hebron:
The firstborn was Amnon by Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;
the second, Daniel by Abigail the Carmelitess;
2 the third was Absalom the son of Maakah, the daughter of Talmai
king of Geshur;
the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith;
3 the fifth, Shephatiah by Abital;
the sixth, Ithream by Eglah his wife.
4 (2Sa 2:11; 5:4-5) Six sons were born to him in Hebron,
and he reigned there seven years and six months.
He also reigned 37 years in Jerusalem.
House of David
1 Now these were the sons of David, which were born unto him in Hebron;
the firstborn Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second Daniel,
of Abigail the Carmelitess:
2 the third, Absalom the son of Maachah the daughter of Talmai
king of Geshur: the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith:
3 the fifth, Shephatiah of Abital: the sixth, Ithream by Eglah his wife.
4 These six were born unto him in Hebron; and there he reigned seven years
and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years.
2) Our Daily Bread for 20 April 2023 titled
entitled Pressing On in Jesus
Pressing Toward the Mark
12 (1Co 13:10; 1Ti 6:19) Not that I have already attained or have already been
perfected, but I follow after it so that I may lay hold of that for which
I was seized by Christ Jesus.
13 (Lk 9:62; Ps 45:10) Brothers, I do not count myself to have attained,
but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind
and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
14 (Heb 3:1; 1Pe 5:10) I press toward the goal to the prize of the high
calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15 (1Co 2:6; Gal 5:10) Therefore let those of us who are mature be thus
minded. And if you think differently in any way,
God will reveal even this to you.
16 (Gal 6:16) Nevertheless, according to what we have already attained,
let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.
[12] Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but
I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended
of Christ Jesus.
[13] Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I
do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those
things which are before,
[14] I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in
Christ Jesus.
[15] Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any
thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
[16] Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same
rule, let us mind the same thing.
On a run in the forest, I tried to find a shortcut and went down an unfamiliar
path. Wondering if I was lost, I asked a runner coming the other way if I was
on the right track.
"Yup," he replied confidently. Seeing my doubtful look, he quickly added:
"Don't worry, I’ve tried all the wrong routes!
But that's okay, it's all part of the run."
What an apt description of my spiritual journey! How many times have I strayed
from God, given in to temptation, and been distracted by the things of life?
Yet God has forgiven me each time and helped me to move on-knowing I will
certainly stumble again. God knows our tendency to go down the wrong path.
But He's always ready to forgive, again and again, if we confess our sins
and allow His Spirit to transform us.
Paul too knew this was all part of the faith journey. Fully aware of his
sinful past and current weaknesses, he knew he had yet to obtain the
Christlike perfection he desired (Philippians 3:12). "But one thing I do," he
added, "forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press
on" (vv. 13–14). Stumbling is part of our walk with God: it's through our
mistakes that He refines us. His grace enables us to press on,
as forgiven children.
By: Leslie Koh
Reflect & Pray
What mistakes can you confess to God today? How can His assurance of
forgiveness help you to press on in your walk of faith?
Thank You, God, for Your mercy. Help me to lead a life
that pleases You, knowing that Your Spirit is working in
me to transform me into Your Son's likeness.
Explore classes to help you grow on your spiritual journey.
3) From The Billy Graham Evangelical Ministry Association
Words in Season - Scripture Memory Tools
Week 3 - Saved Now and Forever - Day 5 - God Loved, So He Gave
John 3:16-17
16 (Ro 5:8; 1Jn 4:9-10; Jn 1:18) "For God so loved the world
that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in
Him should not perish, but have eternal life.
17 (1Jn 4:14; Lk 19:10) For God did not send His Son into
the world to condemn the world, but that the world
through Him might be saved."
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world;
but that the world through him might be saved.
Often called "the gospel in a nutshell", John 3:16 is so familiar,
even the unchurched, that it has all but lost its impact for us.
WE cite it by rote, as if it had no more meaning than a SSN (SIN),
and think that we understand the truth because we know the words.
Why did God send Jesus, his only Son, into the world to die?
Because he loved the people he created. God had no reason,
humanly speaking, to love mankind. Throughout history, from
the Garden of Eden forward, people had deliberately turned
against God and tried his patience. Even the nation God chose
for himself, Israel rebelled against the Lord and turned to other gods.
And we, as individuals, have rebelled against him too. WE have tried
to control our own lives; we have denied his reality; or
acknowledged his existence and then systematically ignored him.
We have become our own gods.
Yet Christ, in love, took upon himself the rejection, the humiliation,
the pain we were responsible for. We deserved to be condemned to die,
but he died for us instead. "God did not send his Son into the world
to condemn the world," John 3:17 says, "but that the world
through Him might be saved."
Often, even after we have committed our lives to Christ, we mistakenly
suppose that God's primary purpose is to condemn us - to catch us in sin
and punish us. But God says that his purpose is to love us and to save us
from sin and ourselves. He loved, and so he gave; he still loves us,
and he still continues to give.
Application
a) What sin in my life put Jesus on the cross?
b) How do I know that my sins has been forgiven?
c) How can these verses help me when I face condemnation and guilt?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Haggai 2:7-9
7 (1Ki 8:11; Isa 60:7) And I will shake all the nations,
and they will come with the wealth of all nations,
and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of Hosts.
8 (Isa 60:17) The silver is mine, and the gold is Mine,
says the Lord of Hosts.
9 (Isa 9:6-7) The glory of this latter house will be greater
than the former, says the Lord of Hosts. And in this place
I will give peace, says the Lord of Hosts.
7 and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations
shall come: and I will fill this house with glory,
saith the LORD of hosts.
8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine,
saith the LORD of hosts.
9 The glory of this latter house shall be greater
than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place
will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Help in Times of Temptation
James 1:12-18
Trial and Temptation
12 (Jas 2:5; 1Co 9:25; 2Ti 4:8) Blessed is the man who endures temptation,
for when he is tried, he will receive the crown of life,
which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God,"
for God cannot be tempted with evil; neither does He tempt anyone.
14 But each man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed.
15 (Job 15:35; Ps 7:14) Then, when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin;
and when sin is finished, it brings forth death.
16 (Jas 1:19; 2:5) Do not err, my beloved brothers.
17 (Mal 3:6; Nu 23:19; Jn 3:27) Every good gift and every perfect gift
is from above and comes down from the Father of lights,
with whom is no change or shadow of turning.
18 (1Pe 1:23; Jn 1:13; Rev 14:4) Of His own will He brought us forth with
the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.
12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried,
he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised
to them that love him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God:
for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
14 but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust,
and enticed.
15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin:
and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,
and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness,
neither shadow of turning.
18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)
Manitoba
Quick facts on Muslims in Manitoba
Manitoba 2015 population 1 282 000
est Muslim Population 21 349
CNMM Networks: Winnipeg
The Muslim population of Manitoba, understandably centred in Winnipeg, is very
diverse and represents some 48 different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Conservative estimates put their number at 21000 , with some suggesting
it might be twice that size.
Some outreach among Muslims has started, yet in comparison to the size
of this community, there is the need and opportunity for far more engagement.
Continued influx of new immigrants and refugees continues to see the growth
of this Muslim centre in Manitoba.
We rejoice in the Arabic fellowship meeting there and the energetic workers
among Muslims in Winnipeg.
Let us intercede in unity for:
- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population
- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim
communities around them, as well as training new workers
- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim
background believers and for effectiveness in outreach
- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground
in the face of opposition to her new faith.
- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged
with great support
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 "In the last days it shall be," says God,
"that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.
18 Even on My menservants and maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.
19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth below:
blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
21 And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."[a]
Footnotes
Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32.
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
20th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the children of Canada, that they would come to know
Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.
( Matthew 19:14
14 (Mt 18:3; Lk 18:16-17)
But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me,
and do not forbid them. For to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."
14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not,
to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
)
b) Pray that Christians will recognise that our struggle is not
against the natural world but against invisible spiritual forces.
(
Eph 6:12
12 (Eph 1:3; 1:21) For our fight is not against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers
of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces
of evil in the heavenly places.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against
spiritual wickedness in high places.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to him to make your decisions
for the Battle belongs to the Lord.
Pray to the Lord: "Thank You, God, for Your mercy. Help me to lead a life
that pleases You, knowing that Your Spirit is working in
me to transform me into Your Son's likeness."
Pray to the Lord and pray to remember the Source of Salvation.
Pray to the Lord and pray to remember we are steward of what He has given us.
Pray to the Lord and pray to him during times of temptation.
Agree in prayer with us for:
- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population
- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim
communities around them, as well as training new workers
- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim
background believers and for effectiveness in outreach
- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground
in the face of opposition to her new faith.
- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged
with great support
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for the children of Canada, that they would come to know
Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.
Pray that Christians will recognise that our struggle is not
against the natural world but against invisible spiritual forces.
Pray for Christians in Bhutan who ave been charged under
Bhutan's anti-conversion law.
1) 2 Samuel 1 , 2, 3, 4, 1 CHRONICLES 3:1-4
2 SAMUEL 1
The Death of Saul
1Sa 31:1-13; 1Ch 10:1-13
1 After the death of Saul, when David had returned
from the slaughter of the Amalekites, David had remained two days in Ziklag.
2 (1Sa 4:12; 2Sa 4:10; Jos 7:6) On the third day, a man came
from the camp of Saul with his clothes torn and dirt upon his head.
As he approached David, he fell to the ground prostrate.
3 David asked him, "Where have you come from?"
He responded, "I fled from the camp of Israel."
4 (1Sa 4:16) David said to him, "Tell me, what is the report?"
So he reported, "The people fled from battle. Many of the people have fallen
and died; even Saul and his son Jonathan are dead."
5 Then David asked the young man who was reporting to him,
"How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?"
6 (1Sa 28:4) The young man who was reporting to him answered,
"I happened to be on Mount Gilboa when, in front of me,
Saul was leaning on his spear with the chariots and horsemen drawing close.
7 When he turned around, he noticed me. He summoned me, and I responded,
'Here I am.'
8 (1Sa 30:13; 30:17) "He asked me, 'Who are you?'
"I answered, 'I am an Amalekite.'
9 "Then he said to me, 'Stand over me and kill me,
for I have been mortally wounded, yet I am still alive.'
10 (Jdg 9:54; 2Ki 11:12) "So I stood beside him and killed him because I knew
that he could not live after he had fallen. Then I took the crown that was on
his head and the armlet that was on his arm, and I have brought them here
to my lord."
11 (Ge 37:29; 2Sa 3:31) Then David took hold of his clothes and tore them,
as did all of the men who were with him.
12 They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul,
Jonathan his son, the people of the Lord, and the house of Israel,
because they had fallen by the sword.
13 Then David asked the young man who was reporting to him,
"Where are you from?"
He responded, "I am the son of one who sought refuge, an Amalekite."
14 (1Sa 24:6; 26:9) David said to him, "How is it that you did not fear
raising your hand to destroy the anointed of the Lord?"
15 Then David called to one of the young men and said,
"Step forward and execute him." So he struck him and killed him.
16 (Mt 27:25; Lev 20:9_ But David said to him, "Your blood is upon
your own head, since your mouth has testified against you, saying,
'I put an end to the anointed of the Lord.' "
The Lament of David
17 (2Ch 35:25) Then David recited this lament over Saul and Jonathan his son,
18 (Jos 10:13) and he told them to teach the sons of Judah
the Song of the Bow.
It is written in the book of Jashar:
19 (2 Sa 1:27; 1:25) Your splendor, O Israel, has been slain upon your hills.
How the mighty ones have fallen.
20 (Mic 1:10; 1Sa 18:6) Do not report it in Gath,
do not announce it in the streets of Ashkelon,
lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice,
or the daughters of the uncircumcised exult.
21 (1Sa 31:1; Isa 21:5) O mountains of Gilboa,
may there be no rain or dew upon you
or your bountiful fields;
for there the shield of the mighty was defiled!
The shield of Saul is no longer anointed with oil.
22 (1Sa 18:4; Isa 34:6-7) From the blood of the slain,
from the fat of mighty,
the bow of Jonathan did not turn back,
nor did the sword of Saul return empty.
23 (Jdg 14:18; Jer 4:13) Saul and Jonathan,
beloved and delightful,
neither in life nor death will they be separated.
They were swifter than eagles,
they were stronger than lions.
24 O daughters of Israel, weep over Saul,
who clothed you in scarlet and jewels,
who adorned your garments with gold jewelry.
25 (2Sa 1:19; 1:27) How the mighty ones have fallen in the midst of battle!
Jonathan was slain on your high places.
26 (1Sa 18:1-4) I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan;
you were very dear to me;
your love was more remarkable than the love of women.
27 (2Sa 1:25; 1:19) How the mighty have fallen,
and the weapons of war have perished.
2 Samuel 1
[1] Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned
from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in
Ziklag;
[2] It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of
the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and so it
was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.
[3] And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him,
Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped.
[4] And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And
he answered, That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the
people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead
also.
[5] And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that
Saul and Jonathan his son be dead?
[6] And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount
Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and
horsemen followed hard after him.
[7] And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called unto me. And I
answered, Here am I.
[8] And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an
Amalekite.
[9] And he said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me: for
anguish is come upon me, because my life is yet whole in me.
[10] So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not
live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head,
and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my
lord.
[11] Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all
the men that were with him:
[12] And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for
Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of
Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.
[13] And David said unto the young man that told him, Whence art thou? And
he answered, I am the son of a stranger, an Amalekite.
[14] And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth
thine hand to destroy the LORD's anointed?
[15] And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, and fall upon
him. And he smote him that he died.
[16] And David said unto him, Thy blood be upon thy head; for thy mouth hath
testified against thee, saying, I have slain the LORD's anointed.
[17] And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan
his son:
[18] (Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow:
behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.)
[19] The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty
fallen!
[20] Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the
daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the
uncircumcised triumph.
[21] Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew, neither let there be rain,
upon you, nor fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is
vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, as though he had not been anointed
with oil.
[22] From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of
Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty.
[23] Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their
death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were
stronger than lions.
[24] Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet,
with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel.
[25] How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, thou
was slain in thine high places.
[26] I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou
been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.
[27] How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!
2 SAMUEL 2
David Anointed King Over Judah
1 (1Sa 23:2; 30:31) After this, David consulted the Lord, asking,
"Shall I go to one of the cities of Judah?"
The Lord responded to him, "Go up."
David asked, "Where should I go?"
And He said, "Hebron."
2 (1Sa 25:42-43; 30:5) So David went up there, along with his two wives,
Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite.
3 (1Sa 27:2-3; 30:1) And David brought the men who were with him,
each man with his household, and they lived in the cities of Hebron.
4 (1Sa 31:11-13; 2Sa 5:5) Then the men of Judah came and there anointed
David as king over the house of Judah, and they informed David
that it was the men of Jabesh Gilead who had buried Saul.
5 (1Sa 23:21; Ru 2:20) So David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh
Gilead saying, "May you be blessed by the Lord,
you who have shown this loyalty to your lord Saul by burying him.
6 Now may the Lord show you loyalty and faithfulness, even as I deal kindly
with you who have done this thing.
7 Now may your hands be strong and may you be courageous, since your lord
Saul is dead and the house of Judah has anointed me as king over them."
War Between the Houses of David and Saul
1Ch 3:1-4
8 (1Sa 14:50; Ge 32:2) However, Abner the son of Ner, commander of the army
of Saul, had taken Ish-Bosheth the son of Saul
and brought him over to Mahanaim.
9 He installed him as king over Gilead, the Ashurites, Jezreel, Ephraim,
and Benjamin, over Israel in its entirety.
10 Ish-Bosheth the son of Saul was forty years old when he began to reign
over Israel, and he ruled for two years.
However, the house of Judah followed David.
11 (1Ki 2:11) The length of time during which David was king in Hebron
over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.
12 (Jos 18:25; 10:12) Abner the son of Ner, with the servants of Ish-Bosheth
the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim toward Gibeon.
13 (2Sa 8:16; 1Ch 2:16) And Joab the son of Zeruiah,
with the servants of David, went out in order to meet together
at the pool of Gibeon. They sat down, one group on one side of the pool
and the other group on the side of the pool opposite them.
14 (2Sa 2:17) Abner suggested to Joab,
"Let the young men come forward and compete before us."
And Joab replied, "Let them come."
15 So they stepped forward and were counted, twelve from Benjamin
and Ish-Bosheth and twelve from the servants of David.
16 Each one grabbed his opponent by the head and thrust his sword
in his opponent's side; so they fell down together.
Therefore that place was called Helkath Hazzurim, which is at Gibeon.
17 (2Sa 3:1) The fighting was very fierce that day, but Abner and the men
of Israel were defeated by the servants of David.
18 (1Ch 12:8; Hab 3:19) Now the three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab,
Abishai, and Asahel; and Asahel was as fast as a wild gazelle.
19 So Asahel pursued Abner, and as he went, he did not turn to the right
hand or to the left from following Abner.
20 Abner looked behind him and said, "Is that you, Asahel?"
He answered, "It is I."
21 Abner said to him, "Turn aside to your right or left, overtake
one of the young men, and take his equipment for yourself,"
but Asahel was not willing to desist.
22 (2Sa 3:27) Abner continued still to reason with Asahel,
"Abandon your pursuit. Why should I strike you down?
How then could I show my face to your brother Joab?"
23 (2Sa 3:27; 4:6) But he refused to desist. So Abner struck him
in the abdomen with the butt of his spear,
so that the spear came out of his back.
He fell there and died on the spot.
When all of the others came to the place
where Asahel fell and died, they halted.
24 But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner. As the sun was setting, they came
to the hill of Ammah, which is next to Giah on the way
to the Wilderness of Gibeon.
25 The sons of Benjamin gathered to the rear of Abner into a single formation,
and they took their stand atop one of the hills.
26 (Jer 46:10; 46:14) Abner called to Joab, "Must the sword consume forever?
Do you not understand that a bitter taste will result in the end?
How long will you refuse to command the people to withdraw
from chasing their brothers?"
27 (2Sa 2:14; Pr 17:14) Joab responded, "As God lives, I assure you that
if you had not said this, the people would have each pursued his brother
throughout the night."
28 So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still.
They pursued Israel no longer, nor did they continue to fight anymore.
29 (2Sa 2:8)( So Abner and his men traveled through the Arabah
all that night, crossed the Jordan, and marched all morning
until they returned to Mahanaim.
30 Joab refrained from pursuing Abner, but instead mustered all
of the people. There were nineteen men besides Asahel
missing from among the servants of David.
31 But the servants of David routed Benjamin and the men of Abner;
three hundred and sixty of their men died.
32 They carried Asahel back and interred him in his father's tomb,
which was at Bethlehem. Then Joab and his men traveled throughout
the night and reached Hebron at dawn.
2 Samuel 2
[1] And it came to pass after this, that David inquired of the LORD, saying,
Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said unto him,
Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron.
[2] So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the
Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal's wife the Carmelite.
[3] And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his
household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron.
[4] And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the
house of Judah. And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabesh-gilead
were they that buried Saul.
[5] And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabesh-gilead, and said unto
them, Blessed be ye of the LORD, that ye have shewed this kindness unto your
lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him.
[6] And now the LORD shew kindness and truth unto you: and I also will
requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing.
[7] Therefore now let your hands be strengthened, and be ye valiant: for
your master Saul is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king
over them.
[8] But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host, took Ish-bosheth the
son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim;
[9] And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel,
and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.
[10] Ish-bosheth Saul's son was forty years old when he began to reign over
Israel, and reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David.
[11] And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was
seven years and six months.
[12] And Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ish-bosheth the son of
Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.
[13] And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and
met together by the pool of Gibeon: and they sat down, the one on the one
side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool.
[14] And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before
us. And Joab said, Let them arise.
[15] Then there arose and went over by number twelve of Benjamin, which
pertained to Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of
David.
[16] And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword
in his fellow's side; so they fell down together: wherefore that place was
called Helkath-hazzurim, which is in Gibeon.
[17] And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and
the men of Israel, before the servants of David.
[18] And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and
Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe.
[19] And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right
hand nor to the left from following Abner.
[20] Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? And he
answered, I am.
[21] And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy
left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his armour.
But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him.
[22] And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me:
wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my
face to Joab thy brother?
[23] Howbeit he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner with the hinder end
of the spear smote him under the fifth rib, that the spear came out behind
him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place: and it came to
pass, that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died
stood still.
[24] Joab also and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when
they were come to the hill of Ammah, that lieth before Giah by the way of
the wilderness of Gibeon.
[25] And the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner,
and became one troop, and stood on the top of an hill.
[26] Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour for ever?
knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? how long
shall it be then, ere thou bid the people return from following their
brethren?
[27] And Joab said, As God liveth, unless thou hadst spoken, surely then in
the morning the people had gone up every one from following his brother.
[28] So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still, and pursued
after Israel no more, neither fought they any more.
[29] And Abner and his men walked all that night through the plain, and
passed over Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and they came to Mahanaim.
[30] And Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all
the people together, there lacked of David's servants nineteen men and
Asahel.
[31] But the servants of David had smitten of Benjamin, and of Abner's men,
so that three hundred and threescore men died.
[32] And they took up Asahel, and buried him in the sepulchre of his father,
which was in Bethlehem. And Joab and his men went all night, and they came
to Hebron at break of day.
2 SAMUEL 3
1 (1Ki 14:30; 2Sa 2:17) The struggle between the house of Saul
and the house of David endured, but David grew stronger as Saul became weaker.
2 (1Ch 3:1-4) Sons were born to David in Hebron:
his firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;
3 (1Sa 27:8; 25:42) and his second, Kileab, by Abigail
the widow of Nabal, the Carmelite;
and the third, Absalom the son of Maakah
the daughter of Talmai, the king of Geshur;
4 and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith;
and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;
5 and the sixth, Ithream, was born to Eglah, the wife of David.
These were born to David in Hebron.
2 Samuel 3
[1] Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David:
but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker
and weaker.
[2] And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of
Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;
[3] And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and
the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
[4] And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah
the son of Abital;
[5] And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David's wife. These were born to David
in Hebron.
2 SAMUEL 3
Abner Defects to David
6 (2Sa 2:8-9) While there was war between the house of Saul
and the house of David, Abner was strengthening himself in the house of Saul.
7 (2Sa 21:8-11; 16:21-22) Now Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizpah,
the daughter of Aiah, and Ish-Bosheth said to Abner,
"Why have you gone in to my father’'s concubine?"
8 (2Sa 9:8; 16:9) Abner became very angry over the words of Ish-Bosheth.
He said, "Am I a dog's head that belongs to Judah?
Each day I show loyalty to the house of Saul your father,
to his brothers, and to his friends by not allowing you to fall
into the hand of David. Yet today you are charging me with
guilt concerning this woman.
9 (1Sa 15:28; 1Ki 19:2) May God do so to Abner, and more also,
for as the Lord has sworn to David, this I will do for him,
10 (Jdg 20:1; 1Sa 3:20) to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul
and to establish the throne of David over Israel and Judah,
from Dan to Beersheba.”"
11 And he could not offer a response to Abner, for fear of him.
12 So Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf saying,
"To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me,
and my hand will be with you to bring over all of Israel to you."
13 (Ge 43:3) He responded, "Very well, I will make a covenant with you,
but I require one thing from you: you will not see my face unless you
bring Michal the daughter of Saul with you when you come to see me."
14 (1Sa 18:27; 18:25) Then David sent messengers to Ish-Bosheth
the son of Saul, saying, "Give me my wife Michal,
to whom I was betrothed for one hundred Philistine foreskins."
15 (1Sa 25:44) So Ish-Bosheth sent for her, and he took her from
her husband, Paltiel the son of Laish.
16 (2Sa 16:5; 19:16) But her husband went with her, weeping as he went,
as far as Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, "Go. Return." So he turned back.
17 Abner had a word with the elders of Israel,
"In days past, you were seeking David as king over you.
18 (1Sa 15:28; 2Sa 3:9) So do it now, because the Lord said to David:
By the hand of David, I will save My people Israel from the hand
of the Philistines and from the hand of every enemy."
19 (1Ch 12:29; 1Sa 10:20-21) Abner also spoke privately with Benjamin.
Then Abner went to tell David privately at Hebron all that was received
favorably by Israel and the entire house of Benjamin.
20 So Abner, along with twenty men, went to David at Hebron,
and David held a festival for Abner and the men who were with him.
21 (2Sa 3:12; 1Ki 11:37) Abner said to David, "Let me arise, go, and gather
all Israel to my lord the king, so that they may make a covenant with you,
that you may rule over all that your heart desires."
So David sent Abner away, and he went peaceably.
Joab Murders Abner
22 Now the servants of David and Joab came from a raid
and brought much plunder with them,
but Abner was no longer with David at Hebron,
because he had sent him away in peace.
23 When Joab and the whole of the army that was with him arrived,
they reported to Joab, "Abner the son of Ner came to the king
and he sent him away peaceably."
24 So Joab went to the king and said, "What have you done?
Abner came to you. Why is it that you sent him away? Now he is long gone.
25 (Dt 28:6; Isa 37:28) You know that Abner the son of Ner came to deceive
you, to learn of your coming and going, to discern all that you are doing."
26 When Joab left David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought
him back from the well of Sirah. However, David was not aware of this.
27 (2Sa 20:9-10; 1Ki 2:5) So Abner returned to Hebron, and Joab pulled
him aside in the gateway so as to speak with him undisturbed.
There he struck him in the midsection so that he died on account
of the blood of Asahel, his brother.
28 Afterward when David heard of this, he said,
"My kingdom and I are forever blameless before the Lord
for the blood of Abner the son of Ner.
29 (2Sa 1:16) May it fall upon the head of Joab and upon
all his father's house. May the house of Joab never be
without one who has a discharge, or who is a leper,
or who leans on a staff, or who falls by the sword, or who lacks food."
30 So Joab and his brother Abishai killed Abner, because he killed
Asahel their brother at Gibeon in the battle.
31 (Ge 37:34; Jos 7:6) David said to Joab and all of the people with him,
"Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourn before Abner."
As for King David, he followed behind the bier.
32 (Pr 24:17; Job 31:28) When they buried Abner at Hebron,
the king raised his voice and wept at the grave of Abner,
and all of the people wept.
33 (2Sa 1:17; 13:12-13) Then, the king lamented for Abner, saying,
"Should Abner have died as a fool dies?
34 Your hands were not bound,
and your feet were not put in fetters;
as a man falls before the wicked, so you have fallen."
And all of the people continued to weep over him.
35 (2Sa 1:12; 12:17) Then all of the people came to persuade David
to eat food while it was still day. But David took an oath, saying,
"May God do to me, and more also, if I taste food or anything else
before the sun sets."
36 All of the people recognized this, and it pleased them,
as everything that the king did was pleasing to all of the people.
37 That very day, all of the people, all of Israel, understood that
it was not ordered from the king to have Abner the son of Ner killed.
38 David said to his servant, "Do you not understand that a great leader
has fallen this day in Israel?
39 (1Ki 2:33-34; 2:5-6) Today, I am weak, even if an anointed king,
and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too strong for me.
May the Lord repay the evildoer according to his wickedness."
[6] And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and
the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul.
[7] And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah:
and Ish-bosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's
concubine?
[8] Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ish-bosheth, and said, Am I a
dog's head, which against Judah do shew kindness this day unto the house of
Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered
thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault
concerning this woman?
[9] So do God to Abner, and more also, except, as the LORD hath sworn to
David, even so I do to him;
[10] To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the
throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beer-sheba.
[11] And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.
[12] And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the
land? saying also, Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be
with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee.
[13] And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I
require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first
bring Michal Saul's daughter, when thou comest to see my face.
[14] And David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth Saul's son, saying, Deliver me
my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an hundred foreskins of the
Philistines.
[15] And Ish-bosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Phaltiel
the son of Laish.
[16] And her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim. Then
said Abner unto him, Go, return. And he returned.
[17] And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye
sought for David in times past to be king over you:
[18] Now then do it: for the LORD hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand
of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the
Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.
[19] And Abner also spake in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner went also to
speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel, and
that seemed good to the whole house of Benjamin.
[20] So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David
made Abner and the men that were with him a feast.
[21] And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all
Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and
that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. And David sent
Abner away; and he went in peace.
[22] And, Behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop,
and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in
Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace.
[23] When Joab and all the host that was with him were come, they told Joab,
saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he hath sent him away,
and he is gone in peace.
[24] Then Joab came to the king, and said, What hast thou done? behold,
Abner came unto thee; why is it that thou hast sent him away, and he is
quite gone?
[25] Thou knowest Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive thee, and to
know thy going out and thy coming in, and to know all that thou doest.
[26] And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner,
which brought him again from the well of Sirah: but David knew it not.
[27] And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate
to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he
died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.
[28] And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are
guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner:
[29] Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let
there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a
leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that
lacketh bread.
[30] So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their
brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.
[31] And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend
your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king
David himself followed the bier.
[32] And they buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up his voice, and
wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept.
[33] And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth?
[34] Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man
falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou. And all the people wept again
over him.
[35] And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was
yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste
bread, or ought else, till the sun be down.
[36] And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them: as
whatsoever the king did pleased all the people.
[37] For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not
of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner.
[38] And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince
and a great man fallen this day in Israel?
[39] And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of
Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according
to his wickedness.
2 SAMUEL 4
Ish-Bosheth Murdered
1 (Ezr 4:4; Isa 13:7) When the son of Saul heard that Abner
had died in Hebron, his courage failed, and all of Israel was disheartened.
2 (Jos 18:25; 9:17) Now the son of Saul had two men who were leaders of
raiding bands. The name of one was Baanah and the name of the other Rekab,
both sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, from among the sons of Benjamin.
Now Beeroth is also regarded as part of Benjamin,
3 (Ne 11:33; 1Sa 31:7) because the Beerothites fled to Gittaim
and have been sojourners there until this day.
4 (2Sa 9:3; 1Ch 8:34) Now Jonathan the son of Saul had
a son with crippled feet.
He was five years old when the report of Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel.
His nurse picked him up and fled, but in her haste to escape, he fell
and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth.
5 The sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rekab and Baanah,
went out and came to the house of Ish-Bosheth in the heat of the day,
as he was resting in his bed at midday.
6 (2 Sa 2:23) They entered the house as if to get wheat and stabbed
him in the abdomen. Then Rekab and his brother Baanah fled to safety.
7 When they entered the house, he was lying on his bed in his bedroom;
they struck him, killed him, and beheaded him. Then they took his head
and traveled by way of the Arabah all night.
8 (1Sa 25:29; 23:15) They brought the head of Ish-Bosheth to David in Hebron
and said to the king, "Here is the head of Ish'Bosheth the son of Saul,
your enemy who sought your life. This day, the Lord has given
retribution against Saul and his descendent to my lord the king."
9 (1Ki 1:29; Ge 48:16) David answered Rekab and his brother Baanah,
the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, "As the Lord, who has delivered
my life from every distress, lives,
10 (2Sa 1:2-16) when one reported to me that Saul was dead,
although he was a bearer of good news in his own eyes,
I seized him and killed him at Ziklag, which was my reward for his message.
11 (Ps 9:12; Ge 9:5-6) How much more so, when guilty men have slain
an innocent man in his own house on his own bed,
should I not now require his blood from your hand
and wipe you from the earth?"
12 (2Sa 1:15; 3:32) David then gave orders to the young men.
They killed them, cut off their hands and feet, and hung
them at the pool in Hebron, but they took the head of
Ish-Bosheth and buried it in the grave of Abner at Hebron.
2 Samuel 4
[1] And when Saul's son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands were
feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled.
[2] And Saul's son had two men that were captains of bands: the name of the
one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab, the sons of Rimmon a
Beerothite, of the children of Benjamin: (for Beeroth also was reckoned to
Benjamin:
[3] And the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, and were sojourners there until
this day.)
[4] And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son that was lame of his feet. He was
five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel,
and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste
to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth.
[5] And the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, went, and came
about the heat of the day to the house of Ish-bosheth, who lay on a bed at
noon.
[6] And they came thither into the midst of the house, as though they would
have fetched wheat; and they smote him under the fifth rib: and Rechab and
Baanah his brother escaped.
[7] For when they came into the house, he lay on his bed in his bedchamber,
and they smote him, and slew him, and beheaded him, and took his head, and
gat them away through the plain all night.
[8] And they brought the head of Ish-bosheth unto David to Hebron, and said
to the king, Behold the head of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul thine enemy,
which sought thy life; and the LORD hath avenged my lord the king this day
of Saul, and of his seed.
[9] And David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the
Beerothite, and said unto them, As the LORD liveth, who hath redeemed my
soul out of all adversity,
[10] When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have
brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who
thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings:
[11] How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own
house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now require his blood of your
hand, and take you away from the earth?
[12] And David commanded his young men, and they slew them, and cut off
their hands and their feet, and hanged them up over the pool in Hebron. But
they took the head of Ish-bosheth, and buried it in the sepulchre of Abner
in Hebron.
1 CHRONICLES 3
The Generations of David
(2Sa 3:2-5; 5:14-16; 1Ch 14:4-7)
1 (2Sa 3:2-5; Jos 15:56) Now these were the sons of David, who were born
to him in Hebron:
The firstborn was Amnon by Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;
the second, Daniel by Abigail the Carmelitess;
2 the third was Absalom the son of Maakah, the daughter of Talmai
king of Geshur;
the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith;
3 the fifth, Shephatiah by Abital;
the sixth, Ithream by Eglah his wife.
4 (2Sa 2:11; 5:4-5) Six sons were born to him in Hebron,
and he reigned there seven years and six months.
He also reigned 37 years in Jerusalem.
House of David
1 Now these were the sons of David, which were born unto him in Hebron;
the firstborn Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second Daniel,
of Abigail the Carmelitess:
2 the third, Absalom the son of Maachah the daughter of Talmai
king of Geshur: the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith:
3 the fifth, Shephatiah of Abital: the sixth, Ithream by Eglah his wife.
4 These six were born unto him in Hebron; and there he reigned seven years
and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years.
2) Our Daily Bread for 20 April 2023 titled
entitled Pressing On in Jesus
Pressing Toward the Mark
12 (1Co 13:10; 1Ti 6:19) Not that I have already attained or have already been
perfected, but I follow after it so that I may lay hold of that for which
I was seized by Christ Jesus.
13 (Lk 9:62; Ps 45:10) Brothers, I do not count myself to have attained,
but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind
and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
14 (Heb 3:1; 1Pe 5:10) I press toward the goal to the prize of the high
calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15 (1Co 2:6; Gal 5:10) Therefore let those of us who are mature be thus
minded. And if you think differently in any way,
God will reveal even this to you.
16 (Gal 6:16) Nevertheless, according to what we have already attained,
let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.
[12] Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but
I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended
of Christ Jesus.
[13] Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I
do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those
things which are before,
[14] I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in
Christ Jesus.
[15] Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any
thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
[16] Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same
rule, let us mind the same thing.
On a run in the forest, I tried to find a shortcut and went down an unfamiliar
path. Wondering if I was lost, I asked a runner coming the other way if I was
on the right track.
"Yup," he replied confidently. Seeing my doubtful look, he quickly added:
"Don't worry, I’ve tried all the wrong routes!
But that's okay, it's all part of the run."
What an apt description of my spiritual journey! How many times have I strayed
from God, given in to temptation, and been distracted by the things of life?
Yet God has forgiven me each time and helped me to move on-knowing I will
certainly stumble again. God knows our tendency to go down the wrong path.
But He's always ready to forgive, again and again, if we confess our sins
and allow His Spirit to transform us.
Paul too knew this was all part of the faith journey. Fully aware of his
sinful past and current weaknesses, he knew he had yet to obtain the
Christlike perfection he desired (Philippians 3:12). "But one thing I do," he
added, "forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press
on" (vv. 13–14). Stumbling is part of our walk with God: it's through our
mistakes that He refines us. His grace enables us to press on,
as forgiven children.
By: Leslie Koh
Reflect & Pray
What mistakes can you confess to God today? How can His assurance of
forgiveness help you to press on in your walk of faith?
Thank You, God, for Your mercy. Help me to lead a life
that pleases You, knowing that Your Spirit is working in
me to transform me into Your Son's likeness.
Explore classes to help you grow on your spiritual journey.
3) From The Billy Graham Evangelical Ministry Association
Words in Season - Scripture Memory Tools
Week 3 - Saved Now and Forever - Day 5 - God Loved, So He Gave
John 3:16-17
16 (Ro 5:8; 1Jn 4:9-10; Jn 1:18) "For God so loved the world
that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in
Him should not perish, but have eternal life.
17 (1Jn 4:14; Lk 19:10) For God did not send His Son into
the world to condemn the world, but that the world
through Him might be saved."
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world;
but that the world through him might be saved.
Often called "the gospel in a nutshell", John 3:16 is so familiar,
even the unchurched, that it has all but lost its impact for us.
WE cite it by rote, as if it had no more meaning than a SSN (SIN),
and think that we understand the truth because we know the words.
Why did God send Jesus, his only Son, into the world to die?
Because he loved the people he created. God had no reason,
humanly speaking, to love mankind. Throughout history, from
the Garden of Eden forward, people had deliberately turned
against God and tried his patience. Even the nation God chose
for himself, Israel rebelled against the Lord and turned to other gods.
And we, as individuals, have rebelled against him too. WE have tried
to control our own lives; we have denied his reality; or
acknowledged his existence and then systematically ignored him.
We have become our own gods.
Yet Christ, in love, took upon himself the rejection, the humiliation,
the pain we were responsible for. We deserved to be condemned to die,
but he died for us instead. "God did not send his Son into the world
to condemn the world," John 3:17 says, "but that the world
through Him might be saved."
Often, even after we have committed our lives to Christ, we mistakenly
suppose that God's primary purpose is to condemn us - to catch us in sin
and punish us. But God says that his purpose is to love us and to save us
from sin and ourselves. He loved, and so he gave; he still loves us,
and he still continues to give.
Application
a) What sin in my life put Jesus on the cross?
b) How do I know that my sins has been forgiven?
c) How can these verses help me when I face condemnation and guilt?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Haggai 2:7-9
7 (1Ki 8:11; Isa 60:7) And I will shake all the nations,
and they will come with the wealth of all nations,
and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of Hosts.
8 (Isa 60:17) The silver is mine, and the gold is Mine,
says the Lord of Hosts.
9 (Isa 9:6-7) The glory of this latter house will be greater
than the former, says the Lord of Hosts. And in this place
I will give peace, says the Lord of Hosts.
7 and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations
shall come: and I will fill this house with glory,
saith the LORD of hosts.
8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine,
saith the LORD of hosts.
9 The glory of this latter house shall be greater
than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place
will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Help in Times of Temptation
James 1:12-18
Trial and Temptation
12 (Jas 2:5; 1Co 9:25; 2Ti 4:8) Blessed is the man who endures temptation,
for when he is tried, he will receive the crown of life,
which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God,"
for God cannot be tempted with evil; neither does He tempt anyone.
14 But each man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed.
15 (Job 15:35; Ps 7:14) Then, when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin;
and when sin is finished, it brings forth death.
16 (Jas 1:19; 2:5) Do not err, my beloved brothers.
17 (Mal 3:6; Nu 23:19; Jn 3:27) Every good gift and every perfect gift
is from above and comes down from the Father of lights,
with whom is no change or shadow of turning.
18 (1Pe 1:23; Jn 1:13; Rev 14:4) Of His own will He brought us forth with
the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.
12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried,
he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised
to them that love him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God:
for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
14 but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust,
and enticed.
15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin:
and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,
and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness,
neither shadow of turning.
18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)
Manitoba
Quick facts on Muslims in Manitoba
Manitoba 2015 population 1 282 000
est Muslim Population 21 349
CNMM Networks: Winnipeg
The Muslim population of Manitoba, understandably centred in Winnipeg, is very
diverse and represents some 48 different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Conservative estimates put their number at 21000 , with some suggesting
it might be twice that size.
Some outreach among Muslims has started, yet in comparison to the size
of this community, there is the need and opportunity for far more engagement.
Continued influx of new immigrants and refugees continues to see the growth
of this Muslim centre in Manitoba.
We rejoice in the Arabic fellowship meeting there and the energetic workers
among Muslims in Winnipeg.
Let us intercede in unity for:
- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population
- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim
communities around them, as well as training new workers
- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim
background believers and for effectiveness in outreach
- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground
in the face of opposition to her new faith.
- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged
with great support
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 "In the last days it shall be," says God,
"that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.
18 Even on My menservants and maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.
19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth below:
blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
21 And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."[a]
Footnotes
Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32.
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
20th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the children of Canada, that they would come to know
Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.
( Matthew 19:14
14 (Mt 18:3; Lk 18:16-17)
But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me,
and do not forbid them. For to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."
14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not,
to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
)
b) Pray that Christians will recognise that our struggle is not
against the natural world but against invisible spiritual forces.
(
Eph 6:12
12 (Eph 1:3; 1:21) For our fight is not against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers
of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces
of evil in the heavenly places.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against
spiritual wickedness in high places.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to him to make your decisions
for the Battle belongs to the Lord.
Pray to the Lord: "Thank You, God, for Your mercy. Help me to lead a life
that pleases You, knowing that Your Spirit is working in
me to transform me into Your Son's likeness."
Pray to the Lord and pray to remember the Source of Salvation.
Pray to the Lord and pray to remember we are steward of what He has given us.
Pray to the Lord and pray to him during times of temptation.
Agree in prayer with us for:
- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population
- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim
communities around them, as well as training new workers
- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim
background believers and for effectiveness in outreach
- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground
in the face of opposition to her new faith.
- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged
with great support
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for the children of Canada, that they would come to know
Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.
Pray that Christians will recognise that our struggle is not
against the natural world but against invisible spiritual forces.
Pray for Christians in Bhutan who ave been charged under
Bhutan's anti-conversion law.