As the fighting continued between David’s forces and the forces loyal to Saul’s family, Abner became more and more powerful among Saul’s followers. One day Ishbosheth son of Saul accused Abner of sleeping with Saul’s concubine Rizpah…
It’s as if touching someone’s wife touches the husband – usurps something from him (2 Samuel 16:20-22; 20:3; 1 Kings 2:13-35) – authority?…
…twelve men, representing Ishbosheth and the tribe of Benjamin, fought twelve of David’s men. Each man caught his opponent by the head and plunged his sword into his opponent’s side, so that all twenty-four of them fell down dead together. And so that place in Gibeon is called “Field of Swords.”
How barberic! To what end?
…David’s men had killed 360 of Abner’s men from the tribe of Benjamin.
2 Samuel 2:8 – 3:5 Read More »
……a young man arrived from Saul’s camp. To show his grief, he had torn his clothes and put dirt on his head. He went to David and bowed to the ground in respect.
“I happened to be on Mount Gilboa, and I saw that Saul was leaning on his spear and that the chariots and cavalry of the enemy were closing in on him.
2 Samuel 1:1 – 2:7 Read More »
David said to the priest Abiathar son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the ephod,” and Abiathar brought it to him. 8 David asked the Lord, “Shall I go after those raiders? And will I catch them?”
He answered, “Go after them; you will catch them and rescue the captives.”
How long had it been since David consulted God last? May I remain ever close to you, Father – even in a foreign land.…
1 Samuel 30:7 – 31:* // Read More »
At once Saul fell down and lay stretched out on the ground, terrified by what Samuel had said. …Saul and his officers… left that same night.
Saul finally comes to realize that his entire life has been a complete failure – much like my professional life. Does something else remain for me before I pass from the scene, Lord?
…The five Philistine kings marched out with their units of a hundred and of a thousand men; David and his men marched in the rear with King Achish.
1 Samuel 28:20 – 30:6 Read More »
“What does it look like?” he asked.
“It’s an old man coming up,” she answered. “He is wearing a cloak.”
Then Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed to the ground in respect.
Saul no doubt appeared old but still in the prime of life – 60 maybe? A time since passed for me…
…Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me?
1 Samuel 28:14 – 19 Read More »
When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was terrified
In the French translation: he “trembled like a leaf”. Especially in those decisive moments in life, Father, strengthen me with your strength (Psalm 138:1-3).
……he asked the Lord what to do. But the Lord did not answer him at all, either by dreams or by the use of Urim and Thummim or by prophets.
1 Samuel 28:3 – 13 Read More »
…David said to himself, “One of these days Saul will kill me. The best thing for me to do is to escape to Philistia. Then Saul will give up looking for me… So… David and his men settled there in Gath with their families. …When Saul heard that David had fled to Gath, he gave up trying to find him.
1 Samuel 27:1 – 28:2 Read More »
David took the spear and the water jar from right beside Saul’s head, and he and Abishai left.
That lance was Saul’s security blanket. May you be forever mine, Lord (Psalm 91:1-2).
…“…they have driven me out from the Lord’s land to a country where I can only worship foreign gods. Don’t let me be killed on foreign soil, away from the Lord.”
Abigail bowed down to the ground and said, “I am his servant, ready to wash the feet of his servants.”
The most menial of tasks: no doubt an appropriate formula to use in such circumstances. Please help me Lord to improve my social etiquette.
David had married Ahinoam from Jezreel, and now Abigail also became his wife.
As for me, I will not be leaving any descendants.…
1 Samuel 25:50 – 26:8 Read More »