Day 181 - 2 Samuel 15-16 & Proverbs 27

 Julie

We continue with the saga of David and Absalom, whom I believe is his son. I am not sure if I am understanding that right. With all of the names, I tend to get lost on who belongs to who. 

I think the proverbs would be a little easier to write about if they were a bit longer on each topic. There were quite a few in today's reading that I could have talked about that relate to things in everyday life. There are some that could be useful to write down and think about.

 

Michelle

I don't understand why David is fleeing when his son Absalom is being deceitful in what he is doing.  He seems to be trying to get the people to follow him instead and make himself king instead of his father.  I'm not sure where this story is going.

There are various topics again today in the Proverbs.  Verse 17 is a popular one that I hear often, As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.   

Day 180 - 2 Samuel 13-14 & Proverbs 26

 Julie

Today's reading is full of a lot of deception and wrongdoing. I am not quite sure of the purpose of the story other than to know the story of David. He is deceived by so many. 

Today's proverbs were more words of wisdom. Some of them talking about how to speak properly...I believe.

 

Michelle

This reading does seem to have deception amongst everyone.  It's a recurring theme throughout the bible.  I didn't get anything more either.  Not sure the purpose of these people.

This proverb seems to be about fools, then it talks about deceitful behaviors. 

Day 179 - 2 Samuel 12 & Proverbs 25

 Julie

David broke two of the commandments, he murdered someone and coveted his wife. I did not get that out of what I read and had to read the explanation to really understand. I plan to read more because somehow I missed that implication in what the Bible said. In this chapter, God does bring pain to David as punishment for breaking those commandments and for living his life for him and not for God.

More words of wisdom from Solomon. 

 

Michelle

So if I understand correctly, all David's other actions did not go against the Lords commands, but since David violated 2 commandments, he is being punished and repented.  

I am not getting anything from today's reading.   

Day 178 - 2 Samuel 10-11 & Proverbs 24:23-34

 Julie

I don't have much to say about today's reading. David has finally done something to upset God after being so careful about that. He kills someone and then takes this man's wife and God is displeased. I am not quite sure of the issue yet, but believe an explanation is to come. 

Today's proverbs are more words of the wise. 

 

Michelle

I find it interesting that of all the things David has done and all his sinning, this is the thing that displeases the Lord.  We have been shown his constant sin and that he is not perfect but that he follows the Lords instruction.  It doesn't say anything about him seeking instruction where Bathsheba is concerned, but he has taken on may wives prior and killed others as well.  

These are further words to the wise.  Vs 29 stands out again stating Do not say, "I'll do to them as they have done to me;   I'll pay them back for what they did."  Do not seek revenge.

Day 177 - 2 Samuel 8-9 & Proverbs 24:1-22

 Julie

Not much I can say about today's reading. One chapter talks about David's conquests and the other is showing how David is living up to his promise not to destroy the line of Saul.

As I begin to understand Proverbs a little bit more it becomes a little difficult to talk about each reading as every verse is basically its own thought. Not that it's a bad thing, but unless something stands out there is not really a way to even summarize easily what is happening. So the words of wisdom continue and we can find the ones we need at the time we need them.

 

Michelle

Today's passage talks of David's victories and then him showing kindness to the line of Saul.  

The part that stands out in the proverb today is don't rejoice when bad things happen to people, even if you think they deserve it.  The Lord will disapprove and turn his wrath away from them.   

Day 176 - 2 Samuel 5-7 & Proverbs 23

 Julie

David finally becomes king and this explains his reign and his family. God also makes a covenant with the line of David that they will receive salvation, however that is only if they follow the Word of God.

These words of wisdom today cover multiple issues. 

 

Michelle

This was a long passage.  It seems in the beginning that David wanted the ark with him so that he could be blessed as others were blessed that held it.  It almost seems like jealousy although I don't really know if that is the case.  But then the Lord speaks to Nathan and give him instruction for David.  David then prays to the Lord.  

There do seem to be multiple wisdoms in this reading.  There are a couple that seem to be talking of drinking wine and not becoming an alcoholic.   

Day 175 - 2 Samuel 2-3 & Proverbs 22:17-29

 Julie

Today's reading shows the strength of David and his continued rise into power. He continues to follow the Word of God and not that of the people. He also continues to hurt those that think the death of Saul was a good thing.

Today's proverb reminds us to listen to the words and the wisdom that we are given. To trust in the Lord and remember that his Word is for us and that he is always talking to us if we open our hearts and minds and listen. This can definitely be difficult as we are often in our heads way too much and overthink all that we are given.

 

Michelle

I am still not understanding all of what is going on.  I think David is rising in power, but there are killings that keep happening and I don't quite understand why.  Not sure why but I seem kind of lost in this chapter.  I think they are trying to avenge someone and then David is saying they did the wrong thing and killing them for killing someone else.  

This section is titled Thirty Sayings of the Wise.  So more wisdom to follow in order to lead a Godly life.