Day 212 - 2 Kings 15-16 & Psalm 26

 Julie

There seems to be a continuation of King's not doing what God commanded. Out of all of the kings mentioned, there are two that follow God and one of them ends up a leper. While they both follow God they still allow for the way that people sacrificed and idolized in the high places. As this goes on it just seems that those in power either come in corrupt or are corrupted by the power. Again, something that has obviously been going on for all time and is what we are still seeing today. 

This psalm seems to be a pledge that David makes to God. If God were to test him he would prove to him that he will be faithful and follow him and that he will not get caught up with evil doers. This is a testament to saying that he is giving his life to God and that will follow no matter what he experiences. This is something that we should do, give our lives to God and accept that we will be tested along to they way to see if we will be faithful and not fall. 

 

Michelle

You had mentioned previously that your bible version says that we will read about these kings again in Chronicles.   I assume that is what the annals are that is stated in my bible.  I expect this book to be enormous as it says after each of these kings that their story is shared in that book.  We read about quite a few kings today.  It seems the kings of Israel have not followed God's commands for quite some time.  The kings of Judah go back and forth.  We read of one here that sacrifices his son not to God but following other religions, I don't know how else to put it.  Some of these kings stories don't make sense yet but maybe in later readings that will change.  It does seem that we are passing time quickly here.  

In the psalm, is seems David is calling himself perfect, when in fact we know that was not the case.  He did make some mistakes.  But it does say that he trusted in the Lord and asked God to examine his heart and mind and that he relied on God's faithfulness.  We should all be doing the same.  As we read David was not perfect, but he did remain faithful to God and followed him all the days of his life.  That seems to be what God wants.  If you go back to the ten commandments, it begins with "I am the Lord your God ... You shall have not other God's before me, You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything ... You shall not misuse the name of the Lord."   These first 3 commandments are about following God and being faithful.  I didn't see it that way until right this moment.  God seems to be saying, follow me and be faithful, as I am faithful to you. 

Day 211 - 2 Kings 13-14 & Psalm 25

 Michelle

These 2 chapters have my head spinning this morning.  These names are all so similar that it starts to get confusing and it seems like we keep jumping back and forth in timelines.  What I did get was that some of the kings follow portions of God's laws and other follow none.  No one every takes down the high places and the fact that this keeps coming up makes me think there is some significance, although I do not know why.  In chapter 14 there is a part that speaks of something that I keep going back to but don't know why.  Verse 9 starts "...A thistle in Lebanon sent a message to a cedar in Lebanon, 'Give your daughter to my son in marriage.'  Then a wild beast in Lebanon came along and trampled the thistle underfoot."  I am not sure what keeps bringing me here as I don't understand it at all even reading the verses surrounding it.  

The psalm is David talking of his trust in God.  God guides him in truth and is merciful.  He goes thru speaking of all God does for him and how he forgives the sins of his youth.  This says to me to stay faithful and trust in God and rely only on him and he will guide your path and protect you all your days. 

Julie

I am glad you had a question because the most I got out of this was that no king seems to want to follow the commandments of God. Before I get to your question, there was something that stood out to me as well, in chapter 13, verse 21. Elisha had died and they were burying him, but at the same time another man is being buried by marauders and is thrown into Elisha's grave and as soon as he touches Elisha's dead body he comes back to life. This is like a random story in the middle of everything else with no context. The explanation says, "The Israelites need to maintain contact with the great prophets of the past through obedience to their teachings if this 'death' in exile is also to be followed by an unexpected resurrection." Could this be an indication of what is to come with Jesus? I am not sure how they came to this conclusion from just that innocuous statement.

To return to your questions about the verse with the thistle. That one also seems to be somewhat innocuous. However, the explanation that this is a parable that Jehoash uses as an insult and a warning to Amaziah. The explanation says that the point of the parable is, "that a puny thistle (Amaziah), easily trampled by any wild beast, should not make the mistake of comparing itself in might to the immovable cedar on Lebanon (Jehoash). Be content with your glory, and stay home." Apparently, Jehoash was not looking for conflict with Amaziah. I am not sure how much this helps and I wonder how they came to the conclusion that this is what it meant.

I like the way that you summed this up. There are so many great verses within this psalm to help us to remember to trust in the Lord and to remind us of his steadfast love, faithfulness, and forgiveness if we follow him. 

Day 210 - 2 Kings 11-12 & Psalm 24

 Michelle

Can you imagine being made King at 7 years of age?  Joash becomes king in these chapters and is advised by a priest, who appears to follow God's commands.  The one thing they didn't do was to tear down the high places where people were sacrificing.  This has come up before.  They also talk of repairing the temple of God, which the priests are tasked to do but never do and it takes 23 years for Joash to do anything about it.  Which seems strange to me.  Obviously there are greedy priests taking the money that is to be used for the temple repair.  Why are people so deceptive?

This psalm is about the King of Glory.  Those who have clean hands and a pure heart and do not worship false gods or idols, will receive blessings from God. 

Julie

I had to go back and read that first part, I did not even get that he was only seven out of that when I read it the first time. However, I am as perplexed as you are about the repairing of the temple. One of the things that came out of reading the explanation that I did not get when I read is that while Joash finally did the repairs he didn't do any grand restoration to where it was never restored to its former glory. The fact that it seems that people have been deceptive and selfish for all time and that they don't really seem to be changing is disheartening. 

It's a reminder that the creator of all great things allows us to have those blessings.

Day 209 - Kings 9-10 & Psalm 23

 Michelle

So these chapters speak of Jehu being anointed King over Israel.  What I keep thinking about though is that when Elisha instructs a prophet to anoint Jehu he tells him what to say and it doesn't include all the things he actually says to Jehu when he anoints him.  I don't understand if this was just left out or if the prophet added his own info or if God was speaking through the prophet.  God does say that Jehu did right in his eyes and that Jehu's descendants will sit on the throne for 4 generations, however, he did not keep the law of the Lord with all his heart, and turn away from the sins of Jeroboam.  

This psalm is a very popular one and I have heard it many times.  Reading it today has me really thinking about what it says.  The beginning seems to say be thankful for what you are given because God gives what you need and nothing more.  God leads you to rest and refreshes your soul.  He guides you along the right path in accordance with his commands.  When you go through dark, troublesome times, he is with you still.  His steadfast love endures, so do not fear the path, but have the strength to move through it.  God is preparing a place for you, and as long as you remain faithful he will continue to provide all you need and guide you no matter the circumstance.  David says at the end, I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever, which seems to mean he will not stray from God no matter what.

Julie

The first chapter talks about the death of Jezebel and it was rather brutal. God apparently was quite angry with her. 

I was the excerpts at the bottom of the page regarding Jehu's shortcomings and it mentioned that God must have been overlooking those transgressions because he had defeated all of Baal's followers, which he felt was worse. 

I am not sure that I can say much more about this Psalm than you have. It is a great reminder of who God is and what he does for us.

Day 208 - 2 Kings 7-8 & Psalm 22

 Julie

I don't know that I understand yet why all of these kings have done terrible things. At one point Elisha even tells one of them the kind of king that he will be and knowing that it is allowed. I know that God has us go through adversity for reasons, but I am curious to see if Chronicles does tell us a bit more about why they did these things. 

There is a lot said about how this Psalm is talking about Jesus and the use of it in Matthew. In the context of David, who wrote the Psalm, it sounds like he is at that point of frustration that most people hit. I think this Psalm shows that he is human and while he had great faith in God, he even had moments where he questioned why he was going through these things, but he does end it with praise to God for how he will deliver him from this pain. 

 

Michelle

This reading goes through more of the kings of Judah and Israel and their interactions.  Most of them do not follow God's commands.  I also found it interesting that Elisha tells the one king the awful things he will do, and instead of changing his ways, he does awful things.  You would think that would give a person pause to consider his actions, but it doesn't seem that was the case here.  And he didn't say the person would kill the king, only become king after him, yet Hazael is the one that ended the king's life.  There is a devotional along with chapter 8 that talks of God's promise.  It says that God promised to maintain the line of David so that Jesus could come from that line.  "God remembered his promise to King David that he would preserve a godly remnant so that a Savior, his only Son, could be born through the tribe of Judah."  Now I don't remember reading this in the previous books, but I could have missed that.  But it specifically states that God said a Savior would come from this line.  And this is many, many years before Jesus.  I feel like I should go back to the books about David and read again to see where I missed that.  

In the psalm it seems David is asking God why he has left him, yet as you read further he says God is with him always and he has been with God since birth.  He continues stating that he will share God with his people and then praises all he has done for him.   

Day 207 - 2 Kings 5-6 & Psalm 21

 Julie

I am going to honestly say that I do not know what to make of today's reading. God does heal someone from leprosy through Elisha, but I feel like I did not really understand these two chapters well. 

The Lord gives David the strength to endure all that is happening to him. 

 

Michelle

There seems to be alot going on in these chapters but it's hard to make sense of it all.  Elisha does heal a man of leprosy, however, the man doesn't immediately follow his instruction and instead questions it.  Once he does follow, he is healed.  I don't understand the axhead floating.  Then the blind Arameans and the threat of cutting off Elisha's head.  This didn't make sense to me.  The end talks about famine in Samaria and they were eating children.  I found this disturbing and the woman asking the king to help her but he says he can't.  

The psalm seems to be David rejoicing in all God had given him.   

Day 206 - 2 Kings 3-4 & Psalm 20

 Julie

Elisha performs many miracles. The one with the Shunammite woman is a popular one that is used often to show the grace of God for those that follow him. The one at the end of the reading where there will be enough food for all is similar to what we will read about Jesus doing in the NT. If God provided men to do all of the things that Jesus did over all of those years, why did not never stick with most people?

The Lord will be the there to save and protect if you are faithful. 

 

Michelle

These chapters tell of the miracles performed by Elisha.  I wonder the same.  God was using people to do amazing things even before Jesus, yet they still kept turning away and worshiping other Gods.  It doesn't make sense.  I don't recall reading about these before today.  The only ones I recall are the ones that Jesus performed.   

The psalm seems to be David asking that God remembers those that trust in him and that he will provide and protect them.  

Day 205 - 2 Kings 1-2 & Psalm 19

 Michelle

The preface to this chapter says it goes on to tell more about the kings of Israel and Judah, but that most of them are forgettable.  The one it seems to focus on will be Elijah's successor, Elisha.  It also says to notice how God uses various personalities with assorted gifts, if they chose to follow God, but if not they failed as leaders.  

The first chapter talks of Elisha following Elijah on his journey.  When it's time for Elijah to die he asks if Elisha wants anything and he asks for a part of his spirit.  I do not understand the meaning here.  Elijah dies.  Then it tells of Elisha being teased by some boys and sends a curse from God on them and they are mauled by lions.  This seems a bit extreme to me.  

The psalm speaks of all the good things coming from God.  

Julie

There seems to also be a constant succession of kings that are following baal instead of God and no matter what is said to them or what they are experiencing they don't change in any way. 

I didn't quite understand the meaning of the story with Elisha either or its relevance in the story.

David is praising the Lord for the commandments and direction that he provides and asks for his protection and guidance over him for following God.

Day 204 - Psalm 18

 Julie

David spends this entire Psalm explaining how good God was to him for being righteous and for following his commandments. This psalm has some great moments to use in prayer to God and to remind ourselves that if we ask he will protect and take care of us, especially if we are following his word and direction in our lives. 

 

Michelle

This psalm does sound like he is telling of how good God was to him and why.   I agree with your interpretation.  If we continually follow God's commands and instruction faithfully, then he will protect and care for us all the days of our lives.

Day 203 - Psalm 17

Julie

The way that this study is set up has really been helpful in understanding some things differently than the first couple of times. Having just read about what David experienced really puts the Psalms into perspective. These are his constant prayers to God through all of the adversity that he faced. 

 

Michelle

David does seem to be constantly praying for God to help him with his enemies.  These psalms of David all show him turning to God in his time of need.  There are some verses that sound like he is reminding God of his traits in regard to worship or following God's instruction or righteous behaviors.  Not sure why that stood out, but it made me think, do we need to remind God of those things or is that just something we do.  He is constantly with us so we just need to call on him and follow his command. 

Day 202 - 1 Kings 22 & Psalm 16

 Julie

Ahab dies and is followed in succession by Jehosophat who actually tries to do right by God if I understand correctly. Upon Jehosophat's death, Ahab's son reigns and is very much like his father and mother and sins against God in every possible way. It's obvious that the selfishness of people has been around since the beginning of time.

A psalm of praise and understanding that the Lord will protect the righteous and good things will come to them.

 

Michelle

A couple of things stood out in today's reading.  It appears these kings are living in peace, but then one decides they should take back some land that is the people's.  This makes me think we are never happy with what we have.  They go on and in verse 6 it says the king of Israel brought forth 400 prophets.  Why does he have so many prophets?  It seems in the past there have been few prophets speaking for God yet he has so many.  That seems like it could lead to problems.  So Jehoshaphat asks if there are any other prophets and in verse 8 the king of Israel says yes but he hates this one because he never says anything good about him.  I found this to be kind of funny in a way.  Just because it made me think, how many times have we thought that about someone.  That they are always negative.  Maybe we just don't like what they are saying.  I have felt this one personally from the other end before.  People don't like what I tell them when they want an opinion or share their issues and I give them a different perspective.  As the story goes on though this prophet ends up agreeing with the others, however, the outcome is not the same.  So it goes on about the other few kings of these nations, Jehoshaphat does right in the eyes of the Lord, however he doesn't remove any of the places people are worshiping other gods or making sacrifices outside of God's instruction so people continue doing wrong in this way.  The last king in this section was the son of Ahab and he did evil in the eyes of God, but it doesn't go into much about him.  

There is a devotional with this chapter in which it talks about how children will resemble their parents in various ways including their personality traits.  One of the questions is Which of God's traits would you like to model for your children?  This one got me thinking.  It also talks about how not everyone has or had the benefits of a Christian upbringing, but that doesn't exclude them from God's family.  It explains that we are all God's family and that we need to be the light for them too.

The psalm seems to be saying that if you dwell in God, he is your refuge and those who run after other gods will suffer.  With God on your side, you will be strong and joyful. 

Day 201 - 1 Kings 20-21 & Psalm 15

 Julie

Ahab continues to make poor and sinful decisions, and he seems to be unaware of how destructive and evil his wife is, or at least it seems that way. Because Jezebel underhandedly gets him what he wants she basically brings destruction to her family. Obviously, God is judging Ahab through his family, but ultimately she is the reason that the line of Ahab will face struggle.

We can live on the Holy Hill if God if we follow his commandments and become righteous.

 

Michelle

Look!  I have finally caught up!

Why do all the prophets seems so shady?  The parts we have read recently all show a prophet lying to someone.  I didn't get much from chapter 20, but 21 talks about how bad Ahab is and that he is quick to follow his wife Jezebel, who seems to be very evil, which in turn leads Ahab down an evil path instead of thinking for himself.  What surprises me is at the end it says that after he and Jezebel have had Naboth killed in order to take his land, that Ahab hears how he and his wife will die and he tears his clothes and puts on sackcloth and goes around meekly.  For some reason this tell God that he has humbled himself and decides he will not bring disaster on him but instead will leave it for his son.  I am confused by this.

This psalm speaks of how we must behave in order to be considered righteous in the eyes of God.  And that if we follow this we will never be shaken.  

 

Day 200 - 1 Kings 18-19 & Psalm 14

 Julie

Elijah returns and tries to show the Israelites that they are worshipping a false God and they need to choose to either follow the commandments of God or follow Baal. He is successful in defeating the prophets of Baal, but Jezebel is so evil that she tries threatens to kill him for what he has done and so he runs. God finds him and directs him on a new path.

This is a lament for those that do not believe in God and the way that they treat those who do. There is a sadness here for the righteous that not everyone is a believer.

 

Michelle

There is a devotional for this chapter that speaks of being on the fence.  I see the correlation.  In the chapter the people are divided, some follow God and others follow the false gods.  Elijah is telling the people to choose, will they follow the one true God that has shown time and again that he is God, or the false gods who have done nothing.  He tells them to choose whom they will follow and then God proves himself again to the people.  Then Elijah flees and God chooses new people to rule over his people and a new prophet which is introduced at the end.

I have issues understanding the psalms.  This one seems to be talking about those that believe in God vs those that don't and how the Lord will restore his people. 

Day 199 - 1 Kings 16:21-17 & Psalm 13

 Julie

Ahab is said to be the King that defies the Lord the most. He marries Jezebel, a woman that he is not allowed to marry and she convinces him to worship Baal, so he has the Israelites worshiping a false God. We also meet Elijah, the prophet, and hear about the works he does for God after telling Ahab that there would be a drought in the land for the sins that he has committed. 

This psalm is one that I am sure a lot of people have experienced many times where one is wondering when God will answer their prayers and take care of the bad things happening or going on in their lives. God does work in his time, not ours and there is sometimes weariness that comes, and part of that could be that God is testing our trust to see if we will give up. There are definitely people in the Bible that experienced a lot of struggle but never gave up on God, and in turn he showed them to be righteous in how they handled such adversity.

 

Michelle

More about the kings and then Elijah.  Elijah appears to be chosen by God and follows his instruction.  

This psalm seems to be asking where God has gone and asking for his return.  I can see your interpretation in that we are not patient in waiting for God to answer prayer. 

Day 198 - 1 Kings 15 - 16:20 & Psalm 12

 Julie

There were multiple kings discussed today. Some doing as the Lord asks and some that are not. For almost all of them, there is a note that says you learn more about them in Chronicles. 

In the explanation, it mentions that this is explaining God's people as being dominated by liars. I think that is a very apt description, and while this was specific to the time of David, it is also something I believe that we are dealing with now. Really we have been for a long time. 

 

Michelle

This passage goes over various kings of Israel and Judah.  It keeps referencing something at the end of each section and I don't know if this is what you are saying is the Chronicles;  ...are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Israel?  I do not know what this means.  It's interesting some of these passages though because they have clearly not forgotten the ways of their ancestors but it seems they choose to ignore them or follow other ways because one will follow God and another won't.  

The psalm does speak of being surrounded by lying people and boastful tongues.  The last 2 verses stand out, "You, Lord, will keep the needy safe and will protect us forever from the wicked, who freely strut about when what is vile is honored by the human race."  This does seem to reference current events.  There are many things I do not believe come from God that people are honoring or celebrating.  It seems wrong and they find ways to justify it using God's word sometimes.  I find that disturbing. 

Day 197 - 1 Kings 14 & Psalm 11

 Julie

I am struggling with exactly what I want to say, so this may sound very disconnected...

We are reading the stories of the kings that God has put into place in the different kingdoms after he split them apart because of the sins of David. I wonder...did God know that these kings would turn out this way and that they would turn from God? Or...was this another moment where he is showing that he allows for free-will and even he is hoping that man will submit and fall into the traps of the enemy? I know that as humans we will struggle and make mistakes sometimes, like David who has been one of the most God-fearing people so far, but it seems that by and large most of these people that we have read about make multiple mistakes over and over and that people seem to be prone to returning to their evil ways when there is not someone that reminds of them of the commandments of God. 

We need to remember to be righteous regardless of those around us. God will take care of those that are not righteous and that is not for us to worry about, we only need to worry about ourselves and how we handle ourselves. 

 

Michelle

It does seem the people need a leader to keep them focused on God and if that leader is not strong enough, he gets persuaded or tired of listening to their groaning that they end up straying from the Lord's commands.  I know we all make mistakes and bad choices, it does go to free will and that God allows us free will so that we have to choose to follow him.  This may be a reminder of that but seems to be the theme of all these people thru the bible.  

I agree with your interpretation.  If we remain on the righteous path and allow God to take care of others, that is the best way.

 

Day 196 - 1 Kings 12-13 & Psalm 10

 Julie

This reading focused on the Kingdom of Jeroboam. I'm not sure if I completely understood what was going on or not, but it seems that this king is beginning sinful behavior. I believe that he and his people are worshipping false idols and he tricks a prophet into not listening to God's directive and the prophet is killed. 

This psalm asks God why he hides himself in times of trouble. I know that people ask this all the time because if they are going through hardship they assume that God is not with them or listening to them. That is not true. God is always there, but we may have to go through some adversity for a reason. So, it's not that he is ignoring us, but he is not answering the prayers because his will is for us to experience it.

This psalm also makes it seem that those that have plenty were anointed by God and those that have nothing are forgotten. That is also not true. While God will provide everything that we need he will not provide more than we need. So, just because someone has everything doesn't mean it was God-given, in a lot of cases they probably did some pretty nefarious things to get what they have. 

 

Michelle

I do not understand this turn of events.  It sounds like King Rehoboam is a son of Solomon.  I do not understand who Jeroboam is though but he seems to be leader over some people as well.  They seem to be in disagreement but I am kind of confused.  Then Jeroboam makes false idols for his people.  The the story with the prophets.   It seems that one prophet lied to another prophet and got him killed but then nothing happened to the lying prophet.  I am lost here.

I read this psalm and will read it again.  I think my mind is distracted this morning as I am not feeling well.  I am trying not to focus on it but it's hard not to.  I will come back to this one.

Day 195 - 1 Kings 10 - 11 & Psalm 9

 Julie

Soloman sins and loses his kingdom. Although, God does make sure that the line of David stays intact so he gives one kingdom to the son of Solomon and the rest he gives to others. It seems that no matter what happens no one can escape sin.

I had quite a few lines marked in this Psalm, I am assuming from the previous read. Praising God for his righteousness and goodness and going out and talking to others about it seems to be the theme of this Psalm. The best way to share is telling others about the way God has worked in our lives.

 

Michelle

I was surprised to see that Solomon chose to sin against God.  Although you are right, no one can escape it.  It also goes on to speak of the adversaries that God rose up against him and how the kingdom was divided at his death.  

I am not sure what this psalm is saying, maybe cuz I felt distracted while reading it.  At the end it says let the nations know they are only mortal.  It seems ominous.   

Day 194 - 1 Kings 8-9 & Psalm 8

 Julie

Solomon praises God for fulfilling his promise to the people of Israel. God reminds Solomon that the people will be protected as long as they follow the will of God, but if they stray...yet again...then they will be punished and removed from the land that God has provided. 

This psalm seems to be talking about the humbleness of God and the awe-inspiring power that he has. They are praising him for making us in light of all of the other majestic things that he created. It's almost a humble praise for God making us when he has also made so many wonderful things. 

 

Michelle

Chapter 8 felt really long to read.  But seemed to be prayers to God for the people.  The part that stood out was 56-61.  Not sure why but it felt like something I should be praying now.  Then the Lord appears to Solomon and reminds him that they must keep their focus on God and if they turn away what will happen to them.

The psalm seems to be stating how majestic God is and all how he has made us and all the creatures of earth.

 

Day 193 - 1 Kings 7 & Psalm 7

 Julie

Solomon finishes the house of the Lord and completes it with all of the things his father had dedicated to it. This reading just explained in detail what it looked like and how it was furnished.

This psalm is about taking refuge in the Lord and trusting in his protection and righteousness. It is asking for protection from our enemies and for God to see goodness in our lives. It also asks for punishment if we do wrong. 

 

Michelle

This goes into detail about the temple and what he furnished it with and the person he hired to do it all.  When they go into detail like this I wonder if there is some significance we are supposed to get from it.  And I wonder what this actually looks like.  I wish there were pictures.  

This psalm seems David is taking refuge in God.  It makes me think that he was constantly being pursued by some evil, although I did not get that from reading about him.   

Day 192 - 1 Kings 5-6 & Psalm 6

 Julie

Solomon builds a house of the Lord in the way his father was not able to. It was said that because David was always having to run and people were always after him that he was never able to achieve this as king.

This Psalm asks the Lord for healing, love, salvation, grace, and protection from our enemies. 

 

Michelle

This section goes into detail about the temple Solomon build for God and the treaty he made with the king of Tyre, Hiram.  It says that when Hiram heard Solomon's message that he said, "Praise be to the Lord today, for he has given David a wise son to rule over this great nation." I couldn't tell if Hiram is part of the people or of another nation but still praising God.  Not sure why this is a standout for me today.

The psalms seems to be asking God to deliver him from all the evil surrounding him.  

Day 191 - 1 Kings 3-4 & Psalm 5

 Julie

Solomon asks God for wisdom to be able to discern between good and evil. God blesses him because he asked for discernment and not riches. So Solomon shows his wisdom in giving justice to those that deserve it. There is a story here about two women claiming one child and Solomon tests them both to determine who the true mother is. Everyone is in awe of how he handles this situation and the justice that was served.

I feel that Psalm 5 is a psalm that we should be praying right now. There seems to be so much evil in the world and people making very selfish decisions, and I want to be on the right side of God when we get to the other side of this. I think that this would be a good daily prayer for ourselves and the world so that we don't get caught up in all that is going on and make the mistake of not following God's Word.

 

Michelle

 This passage talks of the wisdom God gave to Solomon.  It does appear that God is pleased with him for not asking for material possessions or long life, but for discernment.   It goes on to list his officials and governors.  It also says that all nations of people came to listen to Solomon's wisdom.  

This psalms seems to be asking God to bless those that praise him and punish those that are evil.

 

 

Day 190 - 1 Kings 1-2 & Psalm 4

 Julie

David anoints Solomon as King over his older brother. Solomon kills his brother for asking for a bride, but I am not sure I understand why. This reading shows Solomon solidifying his position as king.

I am glad to be reading the psalms again. I feel like I am connecting more with them this time than the first time. My morning has started out a little rough and as I was reading this stood out to me, "Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord." When we are struggling and become angry we tend to lash out in a way that is not with God, so this was a good reminder to stop and continue my time in his Word so that I can place my trust in him and that he will handle with difficulties I am facing today.

 

Michelle

This is about Solomon taking over as king.  In this passage it references some things that people did to David and that they are being punished for it, but I don't recall some of these things.  

I read this psalm like 5 times and still didn't get anything today.  I am stuck in my sickness though and trying to take my mind off of it but it's not working too well.   

Day 189 - Psalm 3

 Julie

The theme of this one is praying and trusting that God will protect us from our enemies. David had complete faith and trust in God's protection considering there was always someone against him. He trusted that God would allow him to survive every day and night. 

 

Michelle

This one is prefaced saying it is from when David is fleeing from his son Absalom, which makes more sense now that I know who these people are.  I find it interesting though, because David is asking for God to strike down his enemies, yet he didn't want his son harmed.   

Day 188 - Psalm 2

 Julie

This Psalm pertains to David's reign and the future of his descendants. If we ask God and follow his word he will provide.

 

Michelle

I did not know this was referencing David when I read it.  But I did get that he is speaking to those in leadership roles and that they should be following God. 

Day 187 - 2 Samuel 24 & Psalm 1

 Julie

The Lord brings a plague on Israel for the sins of David. However, David asks the Lord to forgive the sheep for his transgressions as he was the sinner and not them. 

As we return to Psalm 1 I am trying to read with a different eye. We are blessed if we meditate on and follow God's Word. We will be righteous if we do this and keep ourselves from sin. 

 

Michelle

I am not sure what sins David is atoning for.  There were many along the way so this seems out of place somehow.  Or maybe I just overlooked something.  But David does ask to take the punishment instead of the people.

This psalm says Blessed is the one who delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on it day and night.  The Lord will watch over the way of the righteous. 

Day 186 - 2 Samuel 23:8-39 & Proverbs 31:10-31

 Julie

Today just listed David's mighty men. 

These final proverbs are about being a good wife. It tells how to fear the Lord and to be a kind person that does for others.

 

Michelle

Not sure why this is important, but it seems to be listing David's mighty warriors and sharing some of their exploits. 

While reading this I was thinking to myself, do I exude any of these qualities?  This is definitely one that will be referenced going forward.   

Day 185 - 2 Samuel 22 - 23:7 & Proverbs 31:1-9

 Julie

David sings a song about the greatness he experienced with God and the reason why he was so blessed. Which can be a good reminder or good example of the way we need to follow and trust in God. Within this he also mentions how God reprimanded him if he did wrong. 

I am not quite sure what to say about today's proverbs. I don't think that I really understand where they were going these.

 

Michelle

I feel like I read some of this in the psalms maybe.  There are some lines that seem familiar.  

I do not know who King Lemuel is.  But it seems his mother is telling him not to drink and forget what has been decreed and to speak up and judge fairly. 

Day 184 - 2 Samuel 21 & Proverbs 30

 Julie

David atones for the sins of Saul, and Saul's family dies because of his sins.

Today's proverbs seem to have a theme in talking about how to be an all-around good person.

 

Michelle

This is the first time in a while that we hear that David seeks out the Lord, and he is told that the famine is due to the sins of Saul.  So David makes amends with the people Saul hurt, still keeping the covenant the gave before the Lord.  

I did not understand today's proverbs.   

Day 183 - 2 Samuel 19-20 & Proverbs 29

 Julie

We are still working through the life of David as king. There are some things I don't particularly understand that we are reading about, such as why some of these stories are relevant. I am hoping to have time in the next few days to read the explanation of this book and try to put into context some of the things we have been reading. 

More words of wisdom in the proverbs. Nothing particularly stands out right now.

 

Michelle

I too do not understand why these are relevant.  I am hoping it comes to light at some point.  But it does seem to show us about those under David's leadership.  

This reading seems to be talking about the righteous and the blood thirsty.

 

Day 182 - 2 Samuel 17-18 & Proverbs 28

 Julie

Today was the final battle between David and his son. Although, they have had a strained relationship David still doesn't want to kill him and tells those he sends out not to and to treat him fairly. However, one of those he sends out chooses to kill Absalom. When David learns of his death he does grieve and even says that he should have been the one that died and not his son. Even through all that has happened he still loves him unconditionally.

Again, there are quite a few proverbs that could be talked about in today's reading. I wish I could focus on just one, but there is not just one to talk about, there were many. Although they are all meaningful in their own way.

 

Michelle

This was an interesting series of events.  Even though David told them not to kill his son, someone chose to do it anyway.  I am not sure how that will play out.  I did see, as you did, that David did not want his son harmed and that he loved him no matter what had happened between them.  

This chapter starts in relation to leaders and leadership qualities.  It seems to go on about greed and doing the right thing, being faithful, and seeking wisdom.