Day 120-11

VIII - The Reign of David - 1025-985 B.C. ~ cont.

B. David's sin and its consequences ~ cont.

1. David and Bathsheba ~ cont.

c. Intercession for sick child - 2 Samuel 12:16; Psalm 6:1-10

d. David's child dies - 2 Samuel 12:17-23

e. Birth of Soloman - 2 Samuel 12:24-25

2. Absalom's rebellion

a. David and Joab capture Rabbah - 2 Samuel 12:26-31; 1 Chronicles 20:1-3; Psalm 21:1-13
b. Troubles of Amnon, David's son
(1) Rapes his sister Tamar - 2 Samuel 13:1-22
(2) Absalom's vengeance and flight - 2 Samuel 13:23-39

{pages 530 - 535}

And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them.  (2 Samuel 12:17)

Who were the elders?

elder - H2205 - From H2204; old.

• H2204 - A primitive root; to be old.

I liked Henry's commentary on the verse:

II. David's humiliation under this token of God's displeasure, and the intercession he made with God for the life of the child (2Sa_12:16, 2Sa_12:17): He fasted, and lay all night upon the earth, and would not suffer any of his attendants either to feed him or help him up. This was an evidence of the truth of his repentance. For, 1. Hereby it appeared that he was willing to bear the shame of his sin, to have it ever before him, and to be continually upbraided with it; for this child would be a continual memorandum of it, both to himself and others, if he lived: and therefore he was so far from desiring its death, as most in such circumstances do, that he prayed earnestly for its life. True penitents patiently bear the reproach of their youth, and of their youthful lusts, Jer_31:19. 2. A very tender compassionate spirit appeared in this, and great humanity, above what is commonly found in men, especially men of war, towards little children, even their own; and this was another sign of a broken contrite spirit. Those that are penitent will be pitiful. 3. He discovered, in this, a great concern for another world, which is an evidence of repentance. Nathan had told him that certainly the child should die; yet, while it is in the reach of prayer, he earnestly intercedes with God for it, chiefly (as we may suppose) that its soul might be safe and happy in another world, and that his sin might not come against the child, and that it might not fare the worse for that in the future state. 4. He discovered, in this, a holy dread of God and of his displeasure. He deprecated the death of the child chiefly as it was a token of God's anger against him and his house, and was inflicted in performance of a threatening; therefore he prayed thus earnestly that, if it were the will of God, the child might live, because that would be to him a token of God's being reconciled to him. Lord, chasten me not in thy hot displeasure. Psa_6:1.

Henry touches on something that the articles (previous post) alluded to, that had the child lived it would have been a continual memory of the sin.  Not that such an atrocity would, or could, ever be erased from either David, nor Bathsheba's remembrance.  But to look upon a child and think daily, perhaps hourly, a child conceived in sin.  Who wrought the death of another in an attempt to 'silence' the sin.  God is so very gracious to us, even when we do not understand nor deserve such generosity.

But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.  (2 Samuel 12:23)

David obviously had some assurance that the child would be in eternity with him, in the presence of the Lord? Based upon being circumcised?  Was the child circumcised?

Gill:

But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast?.... And pray; it is to no purpose, no end can be thought to be answered by it:

can I bring him back again? from the state of the dead, bring him to life by fasting, and praying, and weeping; that is not to be expected:

I shall go to him; to the state of the dead, to the grave, where his body was, or would be; to heaven and eternal happiness, where his soul was, as he comfortably hoped and believed: from whence it appears, that the Old Testament saints did not suppose an annihilation at death; but believed the immortality of the soul, a future state after death of eternal life and bliss:

but he shall not return to me; in the present mortal state, though at the resurrection they should meet again.

Offering up prayers for the dead to help them escape eternal damnation or purgatory are NOT Biblical doctrines.  David prayed while the child was yet alive, once he had passed on, David's responsibility to petition Father for any healing ceased.

A few articles of interest:  Praying for the Dead.  This one was informative as well:  What does the Bible say about praying/speaking to the dead?  I haven't read this one in its entirety, good beginning:  What About Praying for the Dead?

And he brought out the people that were in it, and cut them with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. Even so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.  (1 Chronicles 20:3)

JFB commentary:

cut them with saws, etc. — The Hebrew word, “cut them,” is, with the difference of the final letter, the same as that rendered “put them,” in the parallel passage of Samuel [2Sa_12:31]; and many consider that putting them to saws, axes, and so forth, means nothing more than that David condemned the inhabitants of Rabbah to hard and penal servitude.

I figured it could not be actual cutting...but that they were in servitude.  Similar to the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:20).

Amnon rapes Tamar...he loved and hated her with the same passion.  Was it truly love as one typically defines it?  Or rather lust?  Wickedness.

And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.  And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her.  (2 Samuel 13:1-2)

love - H157 - A primitive root; to have affection for (sexually or otherwise).


vexed - H6887 - A primitive root; to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitively or intransitively.

Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone.  (2 Samuel 13:15)


hate - H8130 - A primitive root; to hate (personally).

hatred - H8135 - From H8130; hate.

love - H160 - Feminine of H158 and meaning the same.

• H158 - From H157; affection (in a good or a bad sense).

loved - H157 (see above).

I was browsing for information on Amnon's love/hate relationship with Tamar.  I found a forum posting which posed the question on the difference between Amnon/Tamar and Shechem/Dinah.  As I copied that verse above and read the verse below it, it dawned on me that Shechem though he took Dinah (his heart clave to her) he did not send her away.  When her brothers came to slaughter the men of the village, she was still with him.

And she said unto him, There is no cause: this evil in sending me away is greater than the other that thou didst unto me. But he would not hearken unto her.  (2 Samuel 13:16)

My heart weeps for women who have been used, misused, abused, misunderstood, cast aside, or treated as if they are nothing more than objects for the sole discretion and pleasure of man.  How it must have crushed Tamar's heart...what dreams must have been dashed to pieces.  I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Father can and will heal and restore broken hearts and dreams.  Perhaps not what was originally thought and/or hoped for, but dreams and desires which will glorify Him.

O Father, touch the hearts of those who have been bruised and broken.  Bring Your healing touch to their lives.  I heard this on the radio the other day and found it very encouraging.  Our Hope Endures by Natalie Grant.

If Father has chosen you to be His child, take heart, while we reap the 'harvest' of what we've sown in our lives prior to conversion, HE will see us through.  He has a plan and a purpose for everything that goes on in our lives.  We are born again, not to corruption, but to new life in Christ Jesus.  Take heart, keep your eyes focused on the Celestial City and the glory of the coming King.

I liked this song as well, You've Been Remade, by Tenth Avenue North.  Remember you've been bought with a price, you are His vessel...seek to know Him more intimately, spend time sitting at the feet of Jesus.

Day 119-11

VIII - The Reign of David - 1025-985 B.C. ~ cont.

B. David's sin and its consequences

1. David and Bathsheba - 1 Kings 15:5

a. Adultery committed; Uriah killed - 2 Samuel 11:1-27

b. Nathan's reproof and David's repentance - 2 Samuel 12:1-15; Psalm 51:1-19; 32:1-10; 38:1-22; 103:1-22

{pages 526 - 530}

And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house.  And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child.  (2 Samuel 11:4-5)

I had several notes on this passage.  David lusted?  Messengers.  Does that mean that it was well 'talked' about around the court?  The servants of Bathsheba?  How long until Bathsheba told David?  1 month?  2?  3?

Gill:

And David sent messengers,.... To invite her to his palace:

and took her; not by force, but through persuasion:

and she came in unto him; into the apartment where he was:

and he lay with her; she consenting to it, being prevailed upon, and drawn into it through the greatness and goodness of the man, which might make the sin appear the lesser to her. This is recorded to show what the best of men are, when left to themselves; how strong and prevalent corrupt nature is in regenerate persons, when grace is not in exercise; what need the saints stand in of fresh supplies of grace, to keep them from falling; what caution is necessary to everyone that stands, lest he fall; and that it becomes us to abstain from all appearance of sin, and whatever leads unto it, and to watch and pray that we enter not into temptation; and such a record as this is an argument for the integrity of the Scriptures, that they conceal not the faults of the greatest favourites mentioned in them, as well as it serves to prevent despair in truly penitent backsliders:

for she was purified from her uncleanness; this clause is added in a parenthesis, partly to show the reason of her washing herself, which was not for health and pleasure, and to cool herself in a hot day, but to purify herself from her menstruous pollution, according to the law in Lev_15:19; the term of her separation being expired; and partly to give a reason why she the more easily consented, and he was the more eager to enjoy her; and in this he sinned, not that he did not lie with an unclean person; but, then, as some observe, he did that which was much worse, he committed adultery; also this may be added to observe, that she was the more apt for conception, as Ben Gersom notes, and to account for the quickness of it, with which the philosopher (i) agrees:

and she returned unto her house; whether that evening, or next morning, or how long she stayed, is not said.

And the woman conceived,.... Whereby the sin would be discovered, and shame, and disgrace, or worse, would follow upon it:

and sent and told David, and said, I am with child; this message she sent to David, that he might think of some ways and means to prevent the scandal that would fall both upon him and her, and the danger she was exposed unto; fearing the outcries of the people against her, in acting so unfaithful a part to her husband, so brave a man, who was now fighting for his king and country; and the rage and jealousy of her husband when he should come to the knowledge of it, and the death which by the law she was guilty of, even to be stoned with stones, see Joh_8:5.

So who had the greater guilt?  Should or could Bathsheba have said no?

A few articles to share:

Women of Faith - Bathsheba

Bathsheba, The Real Story - this one is very thought provoking if the author's chronological interpretation of how the lives of all those involved may have interacted.

I have not read all of this article, yet - Bathsheba:  The Woman Whose Beauty Resulted In Adultery and Murder.

Note:  I am not sharing the articles above based upon an author's perception or conjecture of 'what' may have happened (i.e. David burping Bathsheba).  I tend to 'cut out' dross like that when reading an article, more focused on information that *may* be helpful and/or enlightening.  For me, specifically, it was the information on how the lives of David, Bathsheba, her dad, her granddad, her husband overlapped.  David and Bathsheba were not strangers to one another, even if they had never physically met prior to his calling her.

I did find it highly encouraging that though David (and Bathsheba) both sinned, God forgave them.  David was a man after God's own heart, yet he transgressed mightily.  Father did not cause him to die.  Which leads me to another interesting thought.

David sinned greatly, was rebuked by the prophet Nathan, repented and was forgiven.  One of the articles (can not remember which one at this juncture) postured that David may have been lax in dealing with Amnon because of his own sin.  David never rebuked or dealt with the issue, nor did Amnon give any appearance of being remorseful or repentant.

I will be meditating upon that thought of how broad and wide God's forgiveness to David (and Bathsheba) was, though they suffered the loss of their 1st child, were run out of the kingdom and had many hardships ahead of them, God still allowed them to be in the lineage of our Lord and Savior.

I am by no means advocating cheap grace, to sin while 'resting' upon God's forgiveness.  I do take delight in knowing that when I do sin, He loves me enough to chastise and/or rebuke me.  Allows me to seek HIS forgiveness and be reconciled to Him.

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?  (Romans 6:1-2)

It would appear that Bathsheba was aware of being pregnant almost immediately.  How long did David wait for her to mourn?

And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD.   (2 Samuel 11:27)

I enjoyed Gill's commentary, sharing:

And when the mourning was past,.... The seven days were at an end, or sooner; for he stayed not ninety days from the death of her husband, which the Jews in later times enjoined (n), that it might be known whether with child by her former husband, and so to whom it belonged; and because David did not wait this time, Abarbinel charges it upon him as an additional sin: 

David sent, and fetched her to his house; took her home to his palace to live with him:

and she became his wife; he married her according to the usual form of marriage in those days:

and bare him a son; begotten in adultery:

but the thing that David had done displeased the Lord; or "was evil in the eyes of the Lord" (o); for though it was not done in the eyes of men, being scarcely or very little known, yet was in the eyes of the Lord, which run to and fro throughout the earth, and sees all things that are done: the adultery he had been guilty of with another man's wife was abominable to the Lord, and for which, according to the law, both he and she ought to have been put to death, Lev_20:10; the murder of her husband, which he was accessory to, as well as the death of many others, and the marriage of her under such circumstances, were all displeasing to God, and of such an heinous nature, that his pure eyes could not look upon with approbation: the Jews (p) endeavour to excuse David from sin; from the sin of murder, by making Uriah guilty of rebellion and treason, as before observed; and from the sin of adultery, by affirming that it was the constant custom for men, when they went out to war, to give their wives a bill of divorce; so that from the time of giving the bill they were not their wives, and such as lay with them were not guilty of adultery; but for this there is no foundation: it is certain David was charged with it by the Lord; he himself owned it, and bewailed it, both that and his blood guiltiness, and the following chapter abundantly proves it.

Part of David's heart after the rebuke and loss:

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.  (Psalm 51:17)

Lord, help me to have a broken and contrite heart and spirit before Thee.  O Lord, ever let the totality of my being be subjected and pleasing to You.

Day 118-11

VIII - The Reign of David - 1025-985 B.C. ~ cont.

A. David becomes king ~ cont.

4. Israel's power grows ~ cont.

f. David and Mephibosheth - 2 Samuel 9:1-13

g. Decsive victories

(1) Joab victorious over Ammonite-Syrian forces - 2 Samuel 10:1-14; 1 Chronicles 19:1-15

(2) David victorious over Syrian forces - 2 Samuel 10:15-19; 1 Chronicles 19:16-19; Psalm 20:1-9

{pages 522 - 525}

And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet.  (2 Samuel 9:3)

Lame on his feet...still able to walk?

lame - H5223 - smitten, that is, (literally) maimed, or (figuratively) dejected.

Gill's commentary on 2 Samuel 4:4:

and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame; in her hurry and fright he dropped out of her arms, and had some bone broken or dislocated, which was never rightly replaced, or had some contusion, of which he was never cured:

I was looking for further information on Mephibosheth and came across this article, Mephibosheth, Lame On Both Feet, or the Kindness of God.  Excellent.  It never occurred to me that Mephibosheth provided the provisions that Ziba brought to David as he was exiled from Jerusalem.  Intriguing thought.

‎"If my final salvation depended on me for one hour, I dare not even hope to be saved. Dare you?"

Who and/or what are you trusting for your salvation?  Your religion?  Denomination?  Family connections to one or both of those?  Your works?  Your *being* good enough?

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:  There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.  (Romans 3:10-11)

Even though people know of God, they reject Him.  In and of ourselves, left to our own devices, we would never choose God.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;  Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.  (Romans 1:18-23)

I am so incredibly thankful that HE chose me before the foundation of the world.

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:  Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,  To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.  (Ephesians 1:4-6)

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.  (Colossians 3:12-13)

Day 117-11

VIII - The Reign of David - 1025-985 B.C. ~ cont.

A. David becomes king ~ cont.

4. Israel's power grows ~ cont.

d. Administrators and officers of kingdom - 2 Samuel 8:15-18; 1 Chronicles 18:14-17

e. Song of deliverance - 2 Samuel 22:1-51; Psalm 18:1-50; 144:115

{pages 518 - 522}

I was chuckling at the length of the song recorded in 2 Samuel.  I do not think I have ever heard that one sung.  Would be quite an undertaking to sing the entire song in one session.

I made a note, used? means? on the following verse:

The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.  (Psalm 18:2)

my rock - H5553 - From an unused root meaning to be lofty; a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress).  Used 61 times in 55 verses.  First usage:

Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.  (Numbers 20:8)

I thought that interesting that the first usage when Moses was when he was to SPEAK to the ROCK.

And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give them.  (Nehemiah 9:15)

The phrase 'my rock' is used 12 times (KJV) primarily in 2 Samuel and Psalms.

my fortress - H4686 - From H4685; a net, or (abstractly) capture; also a fastness:.

• H4685 - From H6679; a net (for capturing animals or fishes); also (by interchange for H4679) a fastness or (besieging) tower.
• H6679 - A primitive root; to lie alongside (that is, in wait); by implication to catch an animal (figuratively men); (denominative from H6718) to victual (for a journey).

Used 22 times in 22 verses.  David in the hold, David took the strong hold of Zion, David abiding in the fort, David taking the castle of Zion, Job speaking of an eagle and her strong place, a house of defense, a net, a snare, to be hunted.

my deliverer - H6403 - A primitive root; to slip out, that is, escape; causatively to deliver.  Used 26 times in 24 verses.  Deliverer, delivereth, cows calving, delivered, escape, safe.

my strength - H6697 - From H6696; properly a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally a rock or boulder; figuratively a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous).

• H6696 - A primitive root; to cramp, that is, confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile).

Used 76 times in 72 verses - first usage:

Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.  (Exodus 17:6)

rock - 65 ~ strength - 4 ~ beauty - 1 ~ strong - 2 ~ edge - 1 ~ mighty One - 1 ~ God - 1 ~ mighty God - 1

I will trust - H2620 - A primitive root; to flee for protection (compare H982); figuratively to confide in.  Used 37 times in 36 verses.

And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted.  (Deuteronomy 32:37)

The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.  (Ruth 2:12)

my buckler - H4043 - From H1598; a shield (that is, the small one or buckler); figuratively a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile.

• H1598 - A primitive root; to hedge about, that is, (generally) protect.

Used 63 times in 60 verses...

After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.  (Genesis 15:1)

Short overview of shield and buckler here.  I was searching for a bit more on buckler and found this site.

horn of  - H7161 - From H7160; a horn (as projecting); by implication a flask, cornet; by resemblance an elephant’s tooth (that is, ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a mountain), a ray (of light); figuratively power.

• H7160 - A primitive root; to push or gore; used only as denominative from H7161, to shoot out horns; figuratively rays.

76 times in 69 verses.  First used of the ram whose horns were caught in the thicket.

my salvation - H3468 - From H3467; liberty, deliverance, prosperity.

• H3467 - A primitive root; properly to be open, wide or free, that is, (by implication) to be safe; causatively to free or succor.

Heh...used 205 times in 198 verses.

And the shepherds came and drove them away; but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.  (Exodus 2:17)

Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.  (Proverbs 20:22)

my high tower - H4869 - From H7682; properly a cliff (or other lofty or inaccessible place); abstractly altitude; figuratively a refuge; misgab; a place in Moab.

• H7682 - A primitive root; to be (causatively make) lofty, especially inaccessible; by implication safe, strong; used literally and figuratively.

Used 17 times in 16 verses.  Primarily in 2 Samuel and Psalms, with a couple in Isaiah and once in Jeremiah.

I'll close with a couple from the last phrase.

The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.  (2 Samuel 22:3)

The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. (Psalm 9:9)

Day 116-11

VIII - The Reign of David - 1025-985 B.C. ~ cont.

A. David becomes king ~ cont.

4. Israel's power grows ~ cont.

b. Additional territorial gains

(1) Philistine - 2 Samuel 8:1; 1 Chronicles 18:1

(2) Moab - 2 Samuel 8:2; 1 Chronicles 18:2

(3) Zobah - 2 Samuel 8:3-7; 1 Chronicles 18:3-4, 7-8

(4) Syria - 2 Samuel 8:5-6; 1 Chronicle 18:5-6; Psalm 9:1-20

(5) Hamath - 2 Samuel 8:9-11; 1 Chronicles 18:9-10

(6) Edom - Psalm 60:1-1; 108:6-13; 2 Samuel 8:13-14; 1 Chronicles 18:1-13

(7) Hadad, the Edomite, flees to Egypt - 1 Kings 11:15-20

(8) Spoils dedicated to the Lord - 2 Samuel 8:12; 1 Chronicles 18:11

c. David's mighty men - 2 Samuel 23:8-39; 1 Chronicles 11:10-47

{pages 512 - 518}

And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. And so the Moabites became David's servants, and brought gifts.  (2 Samuel 8:2)

And he smote Moab; and the Moabites became David's servants, and brought gifts.  (1 Chronicles 18:2)

Brought gifts is the phrase that caught my attention today.

brought - H5375 - A primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, absolutely and relatively.

Heh...used 653 times in 610 verses.  Absolutely no way I can review all of those...not right now.  A sampling:

And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear.  (Genesis 4:13)

Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins. (Psalm 25:18)

Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.  (Malachi 2:9)

gifts - H4503 - From an unused root meaning to apportion, that is, bestow; a donation; euphemistically tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary).

Used 211 times in 194 verses.  **sigh**

offering ~ present ~ meat ~ meat offering ~ offering ~ gifts ~ sacrifice ~ oblations

I was delving further into the Moabites giving gifts and found this article.  Interesting overview.

Gill's commentary:

and brought gifts; paid a yearly tribute to King David, as they afterwards did to Solomon and to Rehoboam, until the revolt of the ten tribes, and then they paid it unto the kings of Israel, to the times of Ahab, see 2Ki_3:4, though these gifts may be distinct from, and besides the tribute paid, which is supposed in their being servants, see 2Ch_17:11. Thus the Arabians (g) carried gifts to the king of Persia besides tribute.

The greatest gift given, the sacrificial death of the sinless Lamb of God brought salvation to those whom He foreknew and chose from the foundation of the world.  How then can we do anything less than bring all that we are in tribute to Him.  Take my life Lord and let it be a sweet aroma poured out to Thee.

Day 115-11

VIII - The Reign of David - 1025-985 B.C. ~ cont.

A. David becomes king ~ cont.

3. Ark brought back to Jerusalem ~ cont.

i. Michal despises David who rejoices in the Lord - 2 Samuel 6:20-23

4. Israel's power grows

a. Plans for God's house

(1) David's desire to build - 2 Samuel 7:1-3; 1 Chronicles 17:1-2
(2) God chooses Soloman to build the temple - 2 Samuel 7:4-17; 1 Chronicles 17:3-15
(3) David's prayer - 2 Samuel 7:18-29; 1 Chronicles 17:16-27; Psalm 2:1-12; 110:1-7; 16:1-11

{pages 508 - 512}

And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the LORD is with thee.  (2 Samuel 7:3)

Nathan does not appear to have asked.  I thought it interesting that Nathan, who also confronts David about his sin with Bathsheba, is honored by David when he names a child after him.

And these were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shimea, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, four, of Bathshua the daughter of Ammiel:  (1 Chronicles 3:5)

Obviously Father had other plans for David and the building of a temple:

Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the LORD, Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in?  Whereas I have not dwelt in any house since the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle.  (2 Samuel 7:5-6)

Father had other plans for who (Soloman) was to build the temple:

He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.  I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:  But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee.  (2 Samuel 7:13-15)

Nathan was obedient:

According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David.  (2 Samuel 7:17)

Then went king David in, and sat before the LORD, and he said, Who am I, O Lord GOD? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?  (2 Samuel 7:18)

I was curious as to where David sat.  Gill's commentary:

Then went King David in,.... Into the tabernacle where the ark was, which he had prepared for it, 2Sa_6:17, 

and sat before the Lord; before the ark, the symbol of his presence, and prayed, and gave thanks, as follows: from whence it appears that a sitting posture was sometimes used in prayer, of which we have other instances, Exo_17:11. It is said (y) that Pythagoras, and also Numa, ordered that worshippers should sit. So that this act of devotion is not to be limited to any particular posture, though it seems most agreeable either to stand or kneel; and the Jews look upon this to be a peculiar case, and infer from hence that none were allowed to sit in the court but the kings of the house of Judah (z); and some of them (a) will not allow that to them, since the seraphim above are even said to stand, Isa_6:2; and suppose the meaning of this to be only that David supported himself in the court; and some render the words, "he remained before the Lord" (b); he continued in meditation, prayer, and thanksgiving, and such like acts of devotion, for a considerable time; so the Targum, in 1Ch_17:16."King David came and continued in prayer before the Lord:" 

I thought that interesting that sitting was a posture of prayer.  The reference given for Exodus:

And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.  (Exodus 17:11-12)

The example of our Lord in the garden:

And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.  (Luke 22:41-42)

Might we be encouraged beloved of the Lord to continually seek Him in prayer, whether it be lying upon our beds, sitting  in our chairs, or kneeling before Him.  May the meditation of our hearts and minds be focused upon Him, bringing/giving Him honor and glory.

Day 114-11

VIII - The Reign of David - 1025-985 B.C. ~ cont.

A. David becomes king ~ cont.

3. Ark brought back to Jerusalem ~ cont.

f. Ark returned - 2 Samuel 6:12-15; 1 Chronicles 15:25-28; Psalm 97:1-12; 2 Samuel 6:17, 16; 1 Chronicles 15:29; 1 Chronicles 16:1, 2 Chronicles 1:4; Psalm 15:1-5; Psalm 24:1-10; 2 Samuel 6:18-19; 1 Chronicles 16:2-3

g. Hymn of praise prepared - 1 Chronicles 16:4-7

h. Hymn of praise sung - 1 Chronicles 16:8-22; Psalm 105:1-15; 1 Chronicles 16:23; Psalm 96:1-2; 1 Chronicles 16:24-33; Psalm 96:3-13; Psalm 98:1-9; 1 Chronicles 16:34-36; Psalm 106:47-48; 1 Chronicles 16:37-43

{pages 503 - 508}

And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.  (2 Samuel 6:13)

6 paces?

Gill's commentary on a portion of the verse:

had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings; upon an altar, which was at once erected for that purpose; the number and kind of sacrifices offered were seven bullocks and seven rams, 1Ch_15:26; and these David offered, not by himself, but by the priests that were with him, and that as soon as they had gone six paces from the house of Obededom; whereby they perceived the Levites, were able to carry the ark, with what was in it, the Lord helping them, as in 1Ch_15:2, and without stumbling and falling, or any evil attending them; and Kimchi thinks these six paces were just the measure of the ground Uzzah went before what befell him; but it is highly probable that he had gone further; however, no doubt by the order of David, the Levites set down the ark, and sacrifices were offered by way of thanksgiving to God, and for the continuance of his goodness, and for atonement for former errors. Some think these seven oxen and rams were offered, at seven different times and places, at every six paces an ox and a ram; but this is not very likely.

I was searching for information on what a pace was/is...and found:  How to use pace count to measure ground distance.

Michal despises David - 2 Samuel 6:16 and 1 Chronicles 15:29.

despises - H959 - A primitive root; to disesteem.

Used 42 times in 40 verses, used first in Genesis of Esau despising his birthright.  David despised the commandment of the Lord by killing Uriah.  Used of Vashti's refusal to appear before the king and cause other wives to despise their husbands.  Haman scorned Mordecai.  A foolish man despiseth his mother.  A poor man's words are despised.

The sacrifices of God are a broken  spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.  (Psalm 51:17).

For the Lord heareth the poor, and despiseth not his prisoners.  (Psalm 69:33)

He will hear the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.  (Psalm 102:17H)

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.  (Isaiah 53:3)

This next verse had been posted somewhere with the comment about the anointed...and I wondered who are the anointed?  Was this a specific reference to the Messiah?  For that matter who are the prophets?

Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.  (Psalm 105:15)

anointed - H4899 - From H4886; anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically the Messiah.

• H4886 - A primitive root; to rub with oil, that is, to anoint; by implication to consecrate; also to paint.

Used 39 times in 38 verses.  Speaking of the Levitical priest in several verses.  Thought this one intriguing:

And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever.  (1 Samuel 2:35) 

It appears to be referring to the Messiah walking before HIS anointed.  Samuel uses it to refer to being upright before the anointed. Samuel thought Eliab was the anointed, but God instructed him to NOT look on the outward, for God looks at the inward.  David would not touch the anointed of the Lord (Saul).  Though the Amalakite was not fearful to *claim* he smote the anointed of the Lord (Saul).

Interestingly 1 Chronicles 16:22 states the same thing as Psalm 105:15.  The Lord calls Cyrus His anointed.  Translated as Messiah in Daniel 9:25 and 26.

prophets - H5030 - From H5012; a prophet or (generally) inspired man.

• H5012 - A primitive root; to prophesy, that is, speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse).

Prophet is used 315 times in 287 verses...I am too tapped out to look through all of those.  Sorry!

I browsed all the commentaries I have...sharing Gill:

Saying, Touch not mine anointed,.... Or, "mine anointed ones"; my Christs, as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were, who, though not anointed with material oil, yet were all that, that such were, who in later times were anointed with it. They were prophets, priests, and kings; and which all met in one person, particularly in Abraham, Gen_20:7, besides, they were anointed with the oil of grace, with an unction from the Holy One, with the Holy Ghost, and his gifts and graces, as all true believers are: they are the Lord's Christs, or his anointed ones; which stand before him, and have the name of Christians from hence. These the Lord will not have touched, so as to be hurt; they are sacred persons: they are near unto God, in union with him; 

and he that toucheth him toucheth the apple of his eye; so dear are they to him. 

And do my prophets no harm; so Abraham is expressly called a prophet, Gen_20:7, and so were Isaac and Jacob; men to whom the Lord spoke familiarly in dreams and visions, as he used to do with prophets; and who taught and made known the mind and will of God to others, as well as foretold things to come; they being the Lord's servants, his prophets, they were revealed unto them, Num_12:7. These the Lord will have no harm done to them; he guards them by his power; he holds them in his right hand; and covers them under the shadow of his wing.

I noticed the phrase, 'his mercy endureth for ever' and thought I would chase it a bit.  :-D

Used 41 times, some of the attributes, attitudes, behaviors of those who recognize that HIS mercy endureth for ever:  thanks ~ praise ~ worship ~ fear ~ redeemed ~ joy ~ gladness.

Day 113-11

VIII - The Reign of David - 1025-985 B.C. ~ cont.

A. David becomes king ~ cont.

3. Ark brought back to Jerusalem ~ cont.

c. Brought to Obd-Edom, Uzzah Slain - 2 Samuel 6:6-11; 1 Chronicles 13:9-14; Psalm 68:1-35
d. Preparing for the Ark in Jerusalem - 1 Chronicles 15:1-14; Psalm 132:1-18
e. Musicians chosen - 1 Chronicles 15:15-24

{pages 499 - 503}

And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it.  And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God. And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzzah: and he called the name of the place Perezuzzah to this day.  (2 Samuel 6:6-8)

God was not angry at the alternate method of carrying the ark?  But at Uzzah who put his hand upon the ark?

Hmmm...how was the ark to be carried?

I found my initial glance of this article on the Ark to be interesting.

A small blurb:

"When it was carried, the ark was always wrapped in a veil, the badgers’ skins, and blue cloth, and carefully concealed even from the eyes of the Levites who carried it."

Please be encouraged to read the passages detailing how the Ark of the Covenant was to be handled.

JFB commentary of: "the oxen shook it."

the oxen shook it — or, “stumbled” (1Ch_13:9). Fearing that the ark was in danger of being overturned, Uzzah, under the impulse of momentary feeling, laid hold of it to keep it steady. Whether it fell and crushed him, or some sudden disease attacked him, he fell dead upon the spot. This melancholy occurrence not only threw a cloud over the joyous scene, but entirely stopped the procession; for the ark was left where it then was, in the near neighborhood of the capital. It is of importance to observe the proportionate severity of the punishments attending the profanation of the ark. The Philistines suffered by diseases, from which they were relieved by their oblations, because the law had not been given to them [1Sa_5:8-12]; the Bethshemites also suffered, but not fatally [1Sa_6:19]; their error proceeded from ignorance or inadvertency. But Uzzah, who was a Levite, and well instructed, suffered death for his breach of the law. The severity of Uzzah’s fate may seem to us too great for the nature and degree of the offense. But it does not become us to sit in judgment on the dispensations of God; and, besides, it is apparent that the divine purpose was to inspire awe of His majesty, a submission to His law, and a profound veneration for the symbols and ordinances of His worship.

Uzzah was a Levite?  Which would *appear* to indicate that he ought to have known better.  He was responsible to know what Father had commanded.  Which should make all of us, as blood bought saints, Q-U-A-K-E!  What do we know about our Lord and HIS commands, yet are rebelling or ignoring?

Uzzah - H5798 - Feminine of H5797; strength; Uzza or Uzzah, the name of five Israelites.

• H5797 - From H5810; strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise).
• H5810 - A primitive root; to be stout (literally or figuratively)

That is quite a ticklish puzzle concerning Uzzah being a Levite.  I found this on verse 3 by Gill:

and Uzzah and Ahio the sons of Abinadab drew the new cart; perhaps not only Abinadab himself was dead, but Eleazar also, his eldest son, who was sanctified to keep the ark, as in 1Sa_7:1; and these might be his younger sons who at this time had the care of it, and it may be especially Uzzah.

And while David was very displeased initially, his reconciliation to Father over the issue:

Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever.  (1 Chronicles 15:2)

O God, we are a wretched and wicked generation.  We have not been diligent to keep Your word and to proclaim what You have given us.  We, Your Bride deserve not the least of Thy mercies, but ask Father that You would forgive us.  Grant Father, that we might repentant of our lack of diligence, to stir up within us a fervent, ever growing desire to proclaim You in honesty, sincerity and truth.  Lord, cause Your Bride to awaken from her lethargic state, to quit *blending* the holy with the profane things of this world.  To desire to be set apart and holy unto Thee.  O God, our God, who majestic You are, righteous and holy, we deserve not the least of Thy mercies.  O God, we beseech Thee to grant us mercy.  Grant to us a soul consuming desire to proclaim You without the hypocrisy of the *worldly* church.  Lord, open blind eyes and deaf ears Father.  O Father, cause Your children to hear and obey Your voice.  To be set apart and holy.

Repent Bride, repent.  Awake Bride, awake.  Arise Bride, arise.  Proclaim Bride, proclaim.  Worship Bride, worship.

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?  And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?  (1 Peter 4:17-18)

Day 112-11

VIII - The Reign of David - 1025-985 B.C. ~ cont.

A. David becomes king ~ cont.

2. All Israel united under David after 7 1/2 years of rebellion ~ cont.

c. House made for David - 2 Samuel 5:11-12; 1 Chronicles 14:1-2; Psalm 101:1-8

d. Children born in Jerusalem - 2 Samuel 5:13-16; 1 Chronicles 3:5-9, 14:3-7

e. Defensive wars against the Philistines - 2 Samuel 5:117; 1 Chronicles 14:8

(1) Gadites join David - 1 Chronicles 12:8-15

(2) Philistines gather in valley - 2 Samuel 5:18; 1 Chronicles 14:9

(3) Mighty men get David a drink - 2 Samuel 23:13-19
(4) Victory at Baal-Perazim over the Philistines - 2 Samuel 5:19-21; 1 Chronicles 14:10-12
(5) The second conflict - 2 Samuel 5:22-25; 1 Chronicles 14:13-17
3. Ark brought back to Jerusalem
a. Agreement of David and congregation - 1 Chronicles 13:1-4; Psalm 139:1-24
b. Journey begins from Kirjath-Jeraim - 2 Samuel 6:1; 1 Chronicles 13:5-6; 2 Samuel 6:3-5; 1 Chronicles 13:7-8; Psalm 78:1-72

{pages 494 - 499}

I will set no wicked (H1100) thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked (H7451) person. (Psalm 101:3-4)

wicked - H1100 - From H1097 and H3276; without profit, worthlessness; by extension destruction, wickedness (often in connection with H376, H802, H1121, etc.).

• H1097 - From H1086; properly failure, that is, nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc.
• H3276 - A primitive root; properly to ascend; figuratively to be valuable (objective useful, subjective benefited).

H7451 - From H7489; bad or (as noun) evil (naturally or morally). This includes the second (feminine) form; as adjective or noun.

• H7489 - A primitive root; properly to spoil (literally by breaking to pieces); figuratively to make (or be) good for nothing, that is, bad (physically, socially or morally). (associate selves and show self friendly are by mistake for H7462.).

And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David. (2 Samuel 5:13)

I am sitting here wondering how dense I am as it regards the commands of God.  I don't know how much easier the command was to NOT multiply wives, yet he did.

Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.  (Deuteronomy 17:17)

So what am I doing, or not doing in opposition to something that Father has clearly stated.  Thinking about it...David was a man after HIS own heart too.

And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.  (Acts 13:22)

Have you ever wondered what Father may say about you?  How we might be viewed?  Will we hear:

His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.  (Matthew 25:23)

Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.  (Psalm 139:21-22)

I can't imagine saying something like that in today's PC world.  To tell someone who is a god hater that they are hated would most definitely get you into a lot of hot water.

God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.  (Psalm 7:11)

angry - H2194 - A primitive root; properly to foam at the mouth, that is, to be enraged.

enraged - to make extremely angry; put into a rage; infuriate.

Pretty intense feelings there.

Would that our cry be that of our brother David:

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.  (Psalm 139:23-24)

Day 111-11

VIII - The Reign of David - 1025-985 B.C. ~ cont.

A. David becomes king ~ cont.

1. Early days in Hebron ~ cont.

g. Murder of Ish-Bosheth (42 years) villains punished - 2 Samuel 4:1-12

h. David is made king over Israel - 2 Samuel 5:11-3; 1 Chronicles 11:1-3

i. List of those warriors who made David king - 1 Chronicles 12:23-40

2. All Israel united under David after 7 1/2 years of rebellion - 1 Chronicles 29:26

a. David anointed king of all Israel and Judah - 2 Samuel 5:5; Psalm 58:1-10; 93:1-5; 95:1-11

b. Jerusalem captured and made the capital - 2 Samuel 5:6-10; 1 Chronicles 11:4-9; Psalm 118:5-28

{pages 490 - 494}

I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.  It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.  (Psalm 118:5-9)

Day 110-11

VIII - The Reign of David - 1025-985 B.C.
A. David becomes king - 2 Samuel 5:4; 1 Kings 2:11; 1 Chronicles 29:27
1. Early days in Hebron
a. Anointed king of Judah in Hebron - 2 Samuel 2:1-7
b. Ish-Bosheth is made King of Israel - 2 Samuel 2:8-11
c. Civil war ends, Abner's rebellion fails - 2 Samuel 2:12-32; 2 Samuel 3:1
d. David's family in Hebron (apx birth of Absalom) - 2 Samuel 3;2-5; 1 Chronicles 3:1-4
e. Michal and Abner return to David - 2 Samuel 3:6-21
f. Joab murders Abner - 2 Samuel 3:22-39

{pages 485 - 490}

And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise. (2 Samuel 2:14)

play - H7832 - A primitive root; to laugh (in pleasure or detraction); by implication to play.

My first thought when reading the verse, they do not mean play as in tag or some other recreational type of game.  They mean to kill one another.

Used of:  Samson making sport for the Philistines ~ of the women playing as they commended Saul and David for their victories ~ David and the house of Israel playing on instruments before the Lord ~ David defending his playing to Michal ~ posts of the king were laughed to scorn ~ used in the book of Job to describe laugh, derision, scorneth, mocketh, play ~ in Psalms of laugh, play ~ in Proverbs as mock, rejoicing, sport, laugh ~ a time to laugh ~ Jeremiah mockers and merry ~ Chaldeans deride ~ boys and girls playing in the streets.

I find the usage of the word to be quite interesting.  In verse 16, they are using swords to thrust at one another.  Gill's take on the verse:

And Abner said to Joab,.... Perceiving he made no motion towards an engagement with him, his orders from David being only to act on the defensive, and avoid as much as possible the effusion of blood: 

let the young men now arise, and play before us; with their swords after the manner of gladiators or duellers; that it might appear who were best skilled in the use of the sword, and who were the bravest, stoutest, and most courageous; and this he proposed in a way of bravado, and in order to bring on a battle, or to decide the quarrel between them; and this bloody barbarous exercise Abner calls play, as if it was a diversion and pastime to see men wounding and killing one another: 

and Joab said, let them arise; he accepted the challenge, not caring to be hectored and bullied by Abner.

Wesley's commentary was brief, but thought provoking:

And play - That is, shew their prowess and dexterity in fighting together. He speaks like a vain - glorious and cruel man, and a soldier of fortune, that esteemed it a sport to see men wounding and killing one another. So this he designed, partly for their mutual recreation and trial of skill; and partly, that by this occasion they might be engaged in a battle. But he is unworthy the name of a man, who is thus prodigal of human blood.

Abigail, David's second wife bore him a son.  In 2 Samuel 3:3 it is translated as Chileab, in 1 Chronicles 3:1 as Daniel.  Hmmmm....

Chileab - H3609 - Apparently from H3607 and H1; restraint of (his) father; Kilab, an Israelite.

• H3607 - A primitive root; to restrict, by act (hold back or in) or word (prohibit).

Daniel - H1840 - From H1835 and H410; judge of God; Daniel or Danijel, the name of two Israelites.

So which is it?  Well...interesting find...check this out if you'd like a variety of commentaries.  I especially thought the one by Clark thought provoking.

I thought the passage in 2 Samuel 3:14-16 interesting.  According to the law, a woman divorced from her 1st husband was not to go back to him if she remarried another man.  The question now...since David did not divorce her (or does not appear to have divorced her) was she in adultery?

I found this article, Women of the Bible  - Michal - David obviously never ceased to consider Michal as his wife.  How then, could she have been given to another man?

Gill's commentary on verse 14:

And David sent messengers to Ishbosheth, Saul's son,.... When Abner's messengers returned to him, and acquainted him with the condition of David's entering into a league with him, it is highly probable that Abner sent them or others to David, to let him know that he could not do this of himself; that it was advisable for him to write to Ishbosheth, whose sister she was, and demand her of him; and that then he would use his interest with Ishbosheth to grant it, and this method David took:

saying, deliver me my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines; two arguments he made use of to enforce his demand; one is, that it was his wife he required, to whom he had a right, and no other man; and the other is, that he had purchased her at a great expense, at the risk of his life, in slaying an hundred Philistines, whose foreskins he paid in for her at the instance of Saul; he mentions but one hundred, though he gave two hundred as her dowry, no more being required than one hundred; see 1Sa_18:25. Josephus very wrongly says six hundred (b); the Syriac and Arabic have here two hundred.

I don't know that I have a distinct answer to my question.  Michal was obviously not considered to have committed adultery, nor the 2nd husband, Phaltiel.  Odd series of events.  Very odd.

There were several instances of men weeping in today's reading.  Phaltiel wept over losing Michal, David wept at Abner's death.

wept/weeping - H1058 - A primitive root; to weep; generally to bemoan.

Found 114 times in 100 verses - those who wept:  Hagar for Ishamael ~ Abraham for Sarah ~ Esau at missing the blessing ~ Jacob at finding kin ~ Esau reunited with Jacob ~ Jacob/Israel for Joseph's (apparent) loss ~ Joseph at seeing this brethren and upon seeing Benjamin ~ Joseph and Benjamin wept upon each other ~ Joesph upon his brethren ~ Joseph with his father, Israel ~ Egyptians mourned for Israel ~ Joseph again for his brother's thoughts that he may do them evil after their father's death ~ Moses wept and invoked the compassions of his adopted mother ~ Israel was to bewail the burning with the LORD had kindled against them ~ Israel wept for flesh ~ Moses heard the people weeping ~ the LORD heard the weeping of the people (highly encouraging) ~ congregation mourned for Aaron ~ congregational weeping by Israel ~ women captives to bewail the loss of 1st family ~ people of Israel wept for the loss of Moses ~ Israel wept after the angel of the LORD spoke to them ~ Jephthat's daughter bewailed her virginity ~ Samson's wife wept to move him to tell her the riddle ~ Israel wept over disciplining the tribe of Benjamin ~ Orpah and Ruth weep at leaving Naomi ~ Peninnah provoked Hannah to weep ~ Hannah wept before the Lord ~ Israel (under Saul) wept at the news of the messengers from Gibeah ~ David and Jonathan wept upon/for one another ~ Saul wept at hearing David ~ David and his people wept at the loss/destruction of Ziklag ~ David and his men wept and fasted for the loss of Saul and Jonathan ~ Phaltiel for Michal ~ David over Abner's death ~ servants questioning David's weeping for the 1st child of Bathsheba while yet still alive ~ David and his servants wept over Absalom's killing ~ the country (David's people) wept while passing over and leaving Jerusalem ~ David on the Mount of Olivet, wept ~ David wept over the death of Absalom ~ Elisha wept ~ Joash wept over Elisha's impending death ~ Hezekiah wept ~ the LORD heard Josiah weeping over the sin of Israel ~ priests and Levits wept at remembrance of first tabernacle ~ Ezra weeping, the people as well ~ Nehemiah wept ~ Esther before the King for the evil of Haman ~ Job's friends at seeing him ~ Job wept for those in trouble and the poor ~ Psalms ~ the crying preacher in Ecclesiastes ~ Isaiah ~ Jeremiah ~ foretelling of the mother's weeping for their boy babies ~ women weeping for Tammuz (idolatry) ~ Joel.

I was wondering if there is ever congregational weeping for our sin and idolatry or for the sin and idolatry of our nation.  Would that the people of God thirsted to perform this verse:

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.  (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Would that we all were as moved:

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.  (Psalm 126:6)

Day 109-11

VII The Reign of Saul - 1065-1025 B.C. ~ cont.

B. Decline of Saul and rise of David (5 years) ~ cont.

4. Saul's downfall ~ cont.

a. Saul's third war against the Philistines ~ cont.

(6) Saul's visit to the with of Endor - 1 Samuel 28:3-25

b. Death of Saul (apx 80 years) and Jonathan (apx 58 years) - 1 Samuel 31:1-13; 1 Chronicles 10:1-14
c. Accident to Mephibosheth causes lameness - 2 Samuel 4:4
d. David hears of deaths and laments - 2 Samuel 1:1-27
e. Descendants of Saul -  1 Chronicles 8:29-40; 1 Chronicles 9:35-44

{pages 480 - 485}

The witch of Endor...the commentaries I use are divided as to whether the 'person' the witch saw (which Saul did not) was actually Samuel or a demonic impersonator.  If you are interested in studying the issue further Gill, Henry, JFB and K&D are the commentaries which accompany my E-Sword program.  There are many others available on line, as well as several articles.  This one postured a thought that crossed my mind about the poor man (Lazarus) and the rich man.

There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.  Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:  For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.  (Luke 16:19-31)

Also pondering on eternity - which is where Abraham and Lazarus were, as well as the rich man.  Time is only the box which God has made for us while we dwell upon the earth.  Great article on God and time: The Extradimensional Nature of God.

Another thought, when messengers of God have approached humans, and the humans bow or make obeisance to them, the messengers instruct them to not pay homage to them.  I have searched to find the passages, but to no avail.  I did, however, find this article on Theophanies of God which I found interesting.

If I had to make a choice as to whether or not the apparition was actually Samuel, I would say no.  The witch asked who Saul wanted brought up, she gave a description.  Saul *perceived* that it was Samuel, he did not actually see anything.  Whoever it was spoke to Saul, but Saul continued to be prostrate before *him*.  The *person* stated they had been disquieted, how can someone who is enjoying the peace of Abraham's bosom have anything but good?  I think Gill and Henry's position are probably the most accurate.