Category: “Listening to God” Devotional

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=2Samuel+019
 

CHAPTER 19 (ESV)

1 It was told Joab, “Behold, the king is weeping and mourning for Absalom.” 2 So the victory that day was turned into mourning for all the people, for the people heard that day, “The king is grieving for his son.” 3 And the people stole into the city that day as people steal in who are ashamed when they flee in battle. 4 The king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, “O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!” 5 Then Joab came into the house to the king and said, “You have today covered with shame the faces of all your servants, who have this day saved your life and the lives of your sons and your daughters and the lives of your wives and your concubines, 6 because you love those who hate you and hate those who love you. For you have made it clear today that commanders and servants are nothing to you, for today I know that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today, then you would be pleased. 7 Now therefore arise, go out and speak kindly to your servants, for I swear by the Lord, if you do not go, not a man will stay with you this night, and this will be worse for you than all the evil that has come upon you from your youth until now.” 8 Then the king arose and took his seat in the gate. And the people were all told, “Behold, the king is sitting in the gate.” And all the people came before the king.

 

REFLECTION:

1. David’s prolonged grief with the death of Absalom caused the whole army to be under a heavy cloud (vv2-3). Joab went to David and spoke boldly that David shouldn’t, because of his personal grief, withhold the public acknowledgement and appreciation of his loyal soldiers in risking their lives to fight for his throne. He even threatened that this might lead to another revolt.
2. David wisely accepted Joab’s advice, so he “got up and took his seat in the gateway” to take part in the victory celebration and to publicly praise and thank the soldiers. Thus, a possible crisis was averted.
3. Misunderstanding, overlook and neglect occur often in personal relationships. How do we resolve these situations? Here, Joab representing the army spoke up with David of the feelings and needs of these soldiers. David took Joab’s advice. He turned his attention to the country and sat at the gate for the celebration of their victories.

 

PRAYER:

Pray for myself, especially that I’ll see, when misunderstanding and neglect happen, that I am willing and able to implement any possible steps toward resolving the conflict (for example, moving out of regret and valuing the people in front of them, or speaking up to someone who is devaluating others.)

 

HYMN:

Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace – youtu.be/5HJyIhu76YE

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=2Samuel+018

 

CHAPTER 18 (ESV)

31 And behold, the Cushite came, and the Cushite said, “Good news for my lord the king! For the Lord has delivered you this day from the hand of all who rose up against you.” 32 The king said to the Cushite, “Is it well with the young man Absalom?” And the Cushite answered, “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up against you for evil be like that young man.” 33 And the king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he went, he said, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!”

 

REFLECTION:

1. Absalom is caught in the branches of a tree by his beautiful hair (v9). His hair was one of the features that confirmed Absalom’s suitability for the throne for all kings were described as handsome in the ancient world (14:25). Their appearance was understood to confirm the other qualities of leadership and skill that fitted individuals for kingship. Now in the story of his death, an aspect of Absalom’s beauty becomes the means of his downfall. Contrary to the clear instructions of David, Joab, one of his generals, wastes no time in having Absalom killed, taking the lead in stabbing him through the heart (vv10-17).
2. Absalom’s attempt to take over David’s throne shows that disobedience to God’s covenant resulted in punishment. The enemies of the Lord’s Anointed will never succeed. David had to flee Jerusalem, and experienced much heartache because of his sin. Absalom died without honor because of his own sin. However, in spite of his sin God restored David to power because of God’s elective choice of him as His anointed and because of David’s heart for God.
3. We can sadly draw a contrast of Absalom then, the promise and pride, and now, the humiliation and doom.

 

PRAYER:

Read it slowly to allow time to reflect. Make it a personalized prayer as my request to God. Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life. (Prov. 16:18, 18:12, 22:4)

 

HYMN:

Speak O Lord – youtu.be/9-sBck5t2tw

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=2Samuel+017

 

CHAPTER 17 (ESV)

1 Moreover, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue David tonight. 2 I will come upon him while he is weary and discouraged and throw him into a panic, and all the people who are with him will flee. I will strike down only the king, 3 and I will bring all the people back to you as a bride comes home to her husband. You seek the life of only one man, and all the people will be at peace.” 4 And the advice seemed right in the eyes of Absalom and all the elders of Israel.

5 Then Absalom said, “Call Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear what he has to say.” 6 And when Hushai came to Absalom, Absalom said to him, “Thus has Ahithophel spoken; shall we do as he says? If not, you speak.” 7 Then Hushai said to Absalom, “This time the counsel that Ahithophel has given is not good.” 8 Hushai said, “You know that your father and his men are mighty men, and that they are enraged, like a bear robbed of her cubs in the field. Besides, your father is expert in war; he will not spend the night with the people. 9 Behold, even now he has hidden himself in one of the pits or in some other place. And as soon as some of the people fall at the first attack, whoever hears it will say, ‘There has been a slaughter among the people who follow Absalom.’ 10 Then even the valiant man, whose heart is like the heart of a lion, will utterly melt with fear, for all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man, and that those who are with him are valiant men. 11 But my counsel is that all Israel be gathered to you, from Dan to Beersheba, as the sand by the sea for multitude, and that you go to battle in person. 12 So we shall come upon him in some place where he is to be found, and we shall light upon him as the dew falls on the ground, and of him and all the men with him not one will be left. 13 If he withdraws into a city, then all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we shall drag it into the valley, until not even a pebble is to be found there.” 14 And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.” For the Lord had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the Lord might bring harm upon Absalom.

 

REFLECTION:

1. David’s friend Hushai was able to disrupt Absalom’s plans. The advice he gave permitted David to escape, while following the advice of Ahithophel would have guaranteed David’s death.
2. Christians often receive conflicting advice from friends, relatives, or counselors. Often what we need is not more advice, but the wisdom from God to know what advice is best.

 

PRAYER:

Receive God’s promise and continue to listen to God’s words: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. (James 1:5, 3:17)”

What do these two verses say to my present situation?

 

HYMN:

Be Thou My Vision (Lord You Are) – youtu.be/_ytqtp45XdU

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=2Samuel+016

 

CHAPTER 16 (ESV)

5 When King David came to Bahurim, there came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera, and as he came he cursed continually. 6 And he threw stones at David and at all the servants of King David, and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left. 7 And Shimei said as he cursed, “Get out, get out, you man of blood, you worthless man! 8 The Lord has avenged on you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned, and the Lord has given the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. See, your evil is on you, for you are a man of blood.”

9 Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and take off his head.” 10 But the king said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the Lord has said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’” 11 And David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my own son seeks my life; how much more now may this Benjaminite! Leave him alone, and let him curse, for the Lord has told him to. 12 It may be that the Lord will look on the wrong done to me, and that the Lord will repay me with good for his cursing today.”

 

REFLECTION:

1. We can sense David’s mood as he fled Jerusalem with just a small group of people. Absalom, with a large army, was in pursuit. The situation seemed hopeless and depressing. And to top it all off, Shimei cursed David, shouting that God was just paying David what he deserved for his bloody past.
2. Everything had gone wrong. Besides, David’s conscience wasn’t clear. There were grounds to think that Shimei might be right. No wonder David seemed despondent and depressed as he gathered his cloak around him and hurried over the Brook Kidron in the late evening shadows.
3. Ps 3 was written by David “when he fled from his son Absalom”. How did David feel? And what can we do when we also feel as he must have?
• David looked around: LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” (vv1-2)
• David looked back: But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain. (vv3-4)
• Then David looked up: I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side. Arise, LORD! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. (vv5-7)
• Then David looked ahead: From the LORD comes deliverance. May Your blessing be on Your people. (v8)

 

PRAYER:

Use Ps 3 to speak with God about my situations by “looking around, looking back, looking up and looking ahead”.

 

HYMN:
Our God Will Go Before Us – youtu.be/TmEYeZB8dDI

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=2Samuel+015

 

CHAPTER 15 (ESV)

10 But Absalom sent secret messengers throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, “As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then say, ‘Absalom is king at Hebron!’” 11 With Absalom went two hundred men from Jerusalem who were invited guests, and they went in their innocence and knew nothing. 12 And while Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, from his city Giloh. And the conspiracy grew strong, and the people with Absalom kept increasing.

13 And a messenger came to David, saying, “The hearts of the men of Israel have gone after Absalom.” 14 Then David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, “Arise, and let us flee, or else there will be no escape for us from Absalom. Go quickly, lest he overtake us quickly and bring down ruin on us and strike the city with the edge of the sword.” 15 And the king’s servants said to the king, “Behold, your servants are ready to do whatever my lord the king decides.” 16 So the king went out, and all his household after him. And the king left ten concubines to keep the house.

 

REFLECTION:

1. Absalom spent two years planning to kill his brother (13:23). Then he spent four years preparing the coup and to kill his father. Both are premeditated evil acts. But Absalom very likely won’t consider himself a murderer. He probably would even think that he was doing good by getting rid of Amnon, the rapist, and David, the indifferent father and incapable king.
2. The Bible didn’t give us a black and white contrast of “good David” and “bad Absalom”. By going through this difficult story, we realize that both were sinful. We gained a glimpse of God’s gracious sovereignty being worked out through the lives of fragile, stubborn, rebellious people who were called to bring glory to God. It is in this incredible paradox that we find God’s grace for us, the undeserved.

 

PRAYER:

Sinner Saved By Grace (Bill & Gloria Gaither, Mitch Humphries)

If you could see what I once was, if you could go with me,
Back to where I started from, then I know you would see
A miracle of Love that put me in its sweet embrace
And made me what I am today, just a sinner saved by grace.

I’m just a sinner saved by grace, when I stood condemned to death, He took my place
Now I live and breathe in freedom with each breath of life I take,
loved and forgiven, backed with a living, I’m just a sinner saved by grace

How could I boast on anything I’ve ever seen or done
how could I dare to claim as mine the victories GOD has won
Where would I be had GOD not brought me gently to this place
I’m here to say I’m nothing but a sinner saved by grace

 

HYMN:
Sinner Saved By Grace – youtu.be/KOB7fBoYVG4

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=2Samuel+014

 

CHAPTER 14 (ESV)

21 Then the king said to Joab, “Behold now, I grant this; go, bring back the young man Absalom.” 22 And Joab fell on his face to the ground and paid homage and blessed the king. And Joab said, “Today your servant knows that I have found favor in your sight, my lord the king, in that the king has granted the request of his servant.” 23 So Joab arose and went to Geshur and brought Absalom to Jerusalem. 24 And the king said, “Let him dwell apart in his own house; he is not to come into my presence.” So Absalom lived apart in his own house and did not come into the king’s presence….

28 So Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem, without coming into the king’s presence.

 

REFLECTION:

1. David finally permitted Absalom to return to Jerusalem, but would not see him for two full years. If forgiveness is to be granted, it must be complete. Incomplete forgiveness, compounded with un-dealt with past sins, creates bitterness and antagonism.
2. David, despite his high achievements as a great king, failed miserably as a parent. Such incidents abound: He was upset by what his children did, but did not discipline (13:21). He loved his children so much that he lost perspective (13:37). And he forgave incompletely (14:1-24).
3. When we are unable to forgive others, our hearts become hardened and unable to experience love of God and of others. When God forgives, He forgets, and He goes on to restore and rejoice. “By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with Him, make us fit for Him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. Now that we have actually received this amazing friendship with God, we are no longer content to simply say it in plodding prose. We sing and shout our praises to God through Jesus, the Messiah!”(Rom 5:1,11, the Message)
4. How do I express forgiveness to someone I love? How do I ask forgiveness from someone I love?

 

PRAYER:

Merciful God, You showed me forgiveness by sending Your son, Jesus, to suffer, die and rise again in glory. Help me to show my gratitude to You by being generous in forgiving those who have offended me.

 

HYMN:

O Lord My Rock and My Redeemer – youtu.be/zEBCbrftrg0

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=2Samuel+013

 

CHAPTER 13 (ESV)

15 Then Amnon hated her with very great hatred, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, “Get up! Go!” 16 But she said to him, “No, my brother, for this wrong in sending me away is greater than the other that you did to me.” But he would not listen to her. 17 He called the young man who served him and said, “Put this woman out of my presence and bolt the door after her.” 18 Now she was wearing a long robe with sleeves, for thus were the virgin daughters of the king dressed. So his servant put her out and bolted the door after her. 19 And Tamar put ashes on her head and tore the long robe that she wore. And she laid her hand on her head and went away, crying aloud as she went.

20 And her brother Absalom said to her, “Has Amnon your brother been with you? Now hold your peace, my sister. He is your brother; do not take this to heart.” So Tamar lived, a desolate woman, in her brother Absalom’s house. 21 When King David heard of all these things, he was very angry. 22 But Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad, for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had violated his sister Tamar.

 

REFLECTION:

1. Tamar has been raped by her brother, Amnon, and then kicked out of his house. She has lost her virginity and is a “damaged goods” in the society (a victim of both rape and incest). Her other brother Absalom, ignoring the stigma, received her into his house to protect and provide for her.
2. David, on the other hand, was angry upon hearing the news but did nothing to pursue justice “because he loved (Amnon), for he was his firstborn (v21, NRSV)”. David’s inaction left Amnon unpunished and Tamar ignored. It is likely too that his own sinfulness hampered his ability/willingness to discipline Amnon.
3. What would a God-fearing father do when his daughter was wronged so violently and suffering from shame, pain and hopelessness? How would he want to seek ways to bring comfort and healing to her? What about disciplining the offender, even if that was his son and heir? If David had intervened and banished Amnon, he might have avoided Amnon’s murder by Absalom (v29) and Absalom’s later rebellion against him (Ch 15-16).

 

PRAYER:
Has the story brought back some painful memories? Abuse? Neglect? Misunderstanding? Alienation? Pause for a few moments and allow myself to grow still and be embraced in God’s loving arms.

Stay in Jesus’ arms and listen to him saying these words to me,

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”(Matt 11:28-29)

 

HYMN:                                           
The Goodness of Jesus – youtu.be/wsJtWJTSVTw

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=2Samuel+012

 

CHAPTER 12 (ESV)

1 And the Lord sent Nathan to David. He came to him and said to him, “There were two men in a certain city, the one rich and the other poor. 2 The rich man had very many flocks and herds, 3 but the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb, which he had bought. And he brought it up, and it grew up with him and with his children. It used to eat of his morsel and drink from his cup and lie in his arms, and it was like a daughter to him. 4 Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was unwilling to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the guest who had come to him, but he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him.” 5 Then David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As the Lord lives, the man who has done this deserves to die, 6 and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.”

7 Nathan said to David, “You are the man! …

13 David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die.

 

REFLECTION:

1. David was confronted by the prophet Nathan. Despite his terrible sins, he did love God. So, David admitted that he had sinned. He did not excuse, minimize, or try to fix blame elsewhere for his sin. Rather, he accepted his sinfulness, asked for forgiveness, and accepted the consequences. Learning from our mistakes is a hard way to learn, but it’s usually very effective.
2. How do I react when confronted by my own sin? How firmly do I believe in God’s unconditional love and mercy?
3. Ps 32 clearly describes David’s emotions after this great sin. When we are troubled by our misdeeds, only confession can provide relief.

 

PRAYER:

Read Ps 32 slowly and listen to it carefully. See if they reflect my own experiences.
Write down my thoughts on the journal book.

When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.” And You forgave the guilt of my sin. (Ps 32:3-5)

God of mercy and justice, you generously forgive me when I repent of my sins. Help me to trust in Your unconditional love for me.

 

HYMN:
Psalm 32 (Blessed Is the One) – www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVvzlBYeogQ

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=2Samuel+011

 

CHAPTER 11 (ESV)

1 In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.

2 It happened, late one afternoon, when David arose from his couch and was walking on the roof of the king’s house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful. 3 And David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, “Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” 4 So David sent messengers and took her, and she came to him, and he lay with her. (Now she had been purifying herself from her uncleanness.) Then she returned to her house. 5 And the woman conceived, and she sent and told David, “I am pregnant.”

 

REFLECTION:

1. David’s life took a nose dive and we saw the dark side of him and the consequences of his sin. But even at its worst state, God was still actively involved in it.
2. From the beginning of this chapter, it is implied that David seemed to have decided not to go out to lead his army in fighting (although this is what kings were supposed to do) and turned to his subordinates to lead. He then encountered the temptation. Seeing a woman bathing isn’t sin, but the subsequent actions are. From verse 4 it seemed that David only wanted one night affair. However, Bathsheba became pregnant, thus David was dragged in deeper and deeper. James said, “Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” (James 1:14-15).
3. Apostle Peter reminded us: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1Pet 5:8).
4. How do I “be alert and of sober mind” so that with God’s help I may resist Satan’s temptation? How is my spiritual life? Do I keep my spiritual life healthy daily by taking the spiritual nourishment?

 

PRAYER:

Prayerfully sing or read this old hymn (by Horatio R. Palmer, 1868)

Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin; Each vict’ry will help you some other to win;
Fight manfully onward, dark passions subdue; Look ever to Jesus,
He’ll carry you through.

Shun evil companions, bad language disdain,
God’s name hold in rev’rence, nor take it in vain; Be thoughtful and earnest,
kindhearted and true; Look ever to Jesus, He’ll carry you through.

To him that o’ercometh, God giveth a crown,
Through faith we will conquer, though often cast down;
He who is our Savior, our strength will renew; Look ever to Jesus, He’ll carry you through.
 

Refrain:

Ask the Savior to help you, Comfort, strengthen, and keep you;
He is willing to aid you, He will carry you through.

 

HYMN:

Yield Not To Temptation – youtu.be/V1ZOicw9IQM

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=2Samuel+010

 

CHAPTER 10 (ESV)

1 After this the king of the Ammonites died, and Hanun his son reigned in his place. 2 And David said, “I will deal loyally with Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father dealt loyally with me.” So David sent by his servants to console him concerning his father. And David’s servants came into the land of the Ammonites. 3 But the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, “Do you think, because David has sent comforters to you, that he is honoring your father? Has not David sent his servants to you to search the city and to spy it out and to overthrow it?” 4 So Hanun took David’s servants and shaved off half the beard of each and cut off their garments in the middle, at their hips, and sent them away. 5 When it was told David, he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, “Remain at Jericho until your beards have grown and then return.”

6 When the Ammonites saw that they had become a stench to David, the Ammonites sent and hired the Syrians of Beth-rehob, and the Syrians of Zobah, 20,000 foot soldiers, and the king of Maacah with 1,000 men, and the men of Tob, 12,000 men. 7 And when David heard of it, he sent Joab and all the host of the mighty men.

 

REFLECTION:

1. David’s friendly action (vv1-2) was misunderstood by Hanun, king of the Ammonites (v3) and responded with brutal insult (v4). Then, Hanun had to seek allied forces (v6) for a war with David is imminent. What is the reason for this war? Suspicion and distrust. Otherwise, David’s friendship gesture should be accepted. With suspicion and distrust, any action is possible to be misunderstood.
2. Here are two opposite leaders: David, a noble king, acts according to God’s law and was faithful to the covenantal promise. Hanun was foolish that he listened to wrong and impractical suggestions and made fatal mistakes which led his country into war and shame.
3. Not inquiring or refusing other’s opinion is very foolish. In the meantime, to be persuaded easily is also unwise. We need to pray and ask for God’s guidance, and the spirit of discernment in order to walk the righteousness and good path.

 

PRAYER:

Lord, I want to be a wise person and not a foolish one because: “A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course. Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe. (Prov. 15:5, 21, 28:26)”

 

HYMN:

Be Thou My Vision (Light Guiding Me) – youtu.be/IeJEq0jidtw