2 Samuel 6; Psalm 60; Acts 23
2 Samuel 6: After seven years of ruling over the tribe of Judah, David is acknowledged as king over all of Israel (2 Samuel 5:1). The main characteristic of David's kingdom was that "the Lord God of hosts was with him" (2 Samuel 5:10, 12). Acknowledging this, David takes steps to bring the ark to Jerusalem. Here, God reminds us of the seriousness of adherence to Him. Initially, when the ark was being transported, the Israelites violated God's ordinance. God commanded that particular Levites carry the ark, the sons of Kohath (Numbers 3:30-31), but instead, it was transported on a cart led by the sons of Abinadab, where the ark had been for years. As a result, when the cart tilted, Uzzah, one of the sons of Abinadab leading the cart, had to support the ark, and God struck him dead (2 Samuel 6:3-7).
This led David to realize the seriousness of his relationship with God and worship Him (2 Samuel 6:9). Understanding his dependence on the Lord, David later organized the proper transportation of the ark to Jerusalem and rejoiced greatly.
Psalm 60 Acknowledging his complete dependence on God, David understands that his military failures are allowed by God - "You have made us taste shame to our neighbors" (Psalm 59:5). In the second part of the psalm, he confesses God's complete sovereignty, enumerating some of the tribes of Israel and the surrounding nations, appealing to God for help - "Give us help against the adversary" (Psalm 59:13).
Acts 23 describes events that seem to happen chaotically. Paul is harshly judged before the Sanhedrin. By using the disagreements within the Sanhedrin between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, he manages to get the Pharisees to defend him. Here, God's revelation is heard: "...you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome" (Acts 23:11). However chaotic the circumstances may seem to us, we can always be sure - God is in control of them, directing us towards His specific purpose.
Yet, God's determination that Paul should preach in Rome doesn't make life smooth. Paul walks on the edge. Forty Jews swear not to eat or drink until they have killed him. God miraculously delivers the apostle from this danger. His nephew "accidentally" overhears about this threat and informs Paul, who then informs the tribune, and he, in turn, organizes a special operation to send Paul to Caesarea under the cover of night, accompanied by 270 soldiers. Thus began Paul's long journey to Rome.
This led David to realize the seriousness of his relationship with God and worship Him (2 Samuel 6:9). Understanding his dependence on the Lord, David later organized the proper transportation of the ark to Jerusalem and rejoiced greatly.
Psalm 60 Acknowledging his complete dependence on God, David understands that his military failures are allowed by God - "You have made us taste shame to our neighbors" (Psalm 59:5). In the second part of the psalm, he confesses God's complete sovereignty, enumerating some of the tribes of Israel and the surrounding nations, appealing to God for help - "Give us help against the adversary" (Psalm 59:13).
Acts 23 describes events that seem to happen chaotically. Paul is harshly judged before the Sanhedrin. By using the disagreements within the Sanhedrin between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, he manages to get the Pharisees to defend him. Here, God's revelation is heard: "...you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome" (Acts 23:11). However chaotic the circumstances may seem to us, we can always be sure - God is in control of them, directing us towards His specific purpose.
Yet, God's determination that Paul should preach in Rome doesn't make life smooth. Paul walks on the edge. Forty Jews swear not to eat or drink until they have killed him. God miraculously delivers the apostle from this danger. His nephew "accidentally" overhears about this threat and informs Paul, who then informs the tribune, and he, in turn, organizes a special operation to send Paul to Caesarea under the cover of night, accompanied by 270 soldiers. Thus began Paul's long journey to Rome.
Posted in Reading Bible Together