This Is the Old Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we move from the Pentateuch into the second section of the Old Testament, the Historical Books.
What Is 2 Samuel? The book of 2 Samuel is a history of David’s reign as king of Israel and his relationship with God. Though flawed and sinful, he was still described as “a man after God’s own heart.”
How 2 Samuel Fits Into the Story: As God established a king in Israel, He also established a new covenant with David—one that would find its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Though 2 Samuel displays plenty of examples of leadership failures in Israel, God displays His mercy and grace through His promise to use this broken nation to bring the Savior into the world.
Reflection Questions:
1. How is God’s promise to David in 2 Samuel 7 fulfilled in Christ?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
@Munchkin I appreciate your insight from this lesson. There are many things that seem genuinely good to us but may be wrong for us to do. Which seems contradictory, but as @churchmouse said, God has a vast plan we know nothing about.
1 Corinthians 10:23
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.”
Yes!
I love the way these brief looks at each chapter of the old testament show us so much. 2nd Samuel 12:12-17 really great on how God’s plan and though God rejects David building a house, he reveals to David in these verses how He will make himself known through Jesus. May we dwell in His house, for I would “rather stand on the threshold of the house of my God than live anywhere else” Asking for your prayers Sisters, I have left my husband, I need wisdom and strength and to not be reactionary, but to remember in my words, thoughts and actions who is my God and to honor Him in all I do, no matter what comes at me. I ask knowing that He is able and that you all will pray for me, and so I thank you for your prayers.
ERB, hello dear sister, Isaiah 37 really did help understand 2
36 better. I love how God seeveals so much to Isaiah, and, how the King of Assyria and his field soldier and their dishonor of God is put in it’s place. And that God stopped them from returning. He is mighty, and I forget, He is above all, knows all, gave all, even His Son for us. How incredible is His redeeming love. May our God be so much light in your day ERB and all, no matter what we face, no matter what our circumstances, He loves us and is fighting for us. Draw near to Him. Praying for you all.
The Lord told David that He would raise up one of his descendants and would make his kingdom strong. He also said that descendant is the one who would build a house, a temple for Him. We know this was ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ who, according to 1 Peter 2:4-5, is the living cornerstone of God’s temple and we are “living stones that God is building into His spiritual temple”! I love this verse!! God’s ways are SO much bigger and better than our limited bodies and finite minds can comprehend!
As I was reading 2 Samuel 7:12, this thought occurred to me – God won’t always answer our prayers during our lifetime, but still continues to answer long after we are gone. This truth is bittersweet to me as I have two grown sons that grew up in in a ministry family yet are walking their own way, leaving God completely out of their plans. It breaks my heart. Everyday I beg God to bring them back to the faith they were raised in and I always tag on the end “and please let me see it happen in my lifetime” all the while knowing that I may not. Whether I see that answer or not – God is faithful! His ways and timing are perfect, mine are not. I continue to pray and wait – expectantly.(Psalm 5:3)
@Taylor – continuing to pray for you! @Molly – welcome!
A blessed weekend to you all!
Whose heart doesn’t thrill when we come to these passages in the Bible when God makes glorious promises to us weak human beings….
@BlessedBeth The same song went through my head.
@Taylor I loved how you personalized the verse. I’ve been having doubts about a lot of decisions I have made, but you are right. I’d rather be walking in God’s will than out of it.
@Molly Welcome. It’s awesome here.
What stood out to me in the readings was how David wanted to build a cedar house for the Lord, and God told him no. There was nothing wrong with wanting to build a house for the Lord, but it was not His will. Sometimes something is not necessarily bad, but we still shouldn’t do it, because it is not God’s will for us.
Our good intentions may not be the will of God. David desired to build a house for the Ark of the Covenant. God’s will was for His home to be in the hearts of His followers. God would accomplish this through Jesus, a descendant of David. It was not to be accomplished through the efforts of human beings but through the death of the Son of Man Himself. God fulfilled His covenant promise. He had a plan all along. David didn’t realize how vast and perfect it was. David, though a great king, was a bit player. God is sovereign.
My thoughts exactly!! Amen!