2 Samuel 20:14-21:22
Big Idea
The story of 2 Samuel 20:14-21:22 revolves around the theme of atonement and restoration, as David seeks to address the famine in the land by making amends for the bloodguilt of Saul's house.
Commentary
The famine is a result of bloodguilt on Saul's house, as revealed by the LORD.
The Gibeonites are not of the people of Israel but of the remnant of the Amorites, and although the people of Israel had sworn to spare them, Saul had sought to strike them down.
David spares Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, because of the oath between them.
Rizpah spreads sackcloth over the bodies of the hanged sons, showing her devotion to Saul and Jonathan.
The bones of Saul and Jonathan are buried in the land of Benjamin.
God responds to the plea for the land after the bones are buried.
David's men are concerned for his safety and do not want him to go to battle again.
There are several battles with the Philistines, where David's men fight and kill the giants.
The story highlights the importance of atonement and restoration, as well as the consequences of bloodguilt.
The Gibeonites' request for the seven sons of Saul is a key aspect of the story, as it represents their desire for justice and atonement.
The story also explores the theme of loyalty and devotion, as seen in Rizpah's actions and David's treatment of Mephibosheth.
Claims
- The famine in the land is a result of bloodguilt on Saul's house.
- The Gibeonites are not of the people of Israel but of the remnant of the Amorites.
- David spares Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, because of the oath between them.
- The bones of Saul and Jonathan are buried in the land of Benjamin.
- God responds to the plea for the land after the bones are buried.
- David's men are concerned for his safety and do not want him to go to battle again.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The famine is a result of God's punishment for the Israelites' disobedience
Correction
The famine is a result of bloodguilt on Saul's house.
Misunderstanding
The Gibeonites are Israelites
Correction
The Gibeonites are not of the people of Israel but of the remnant of the Amorites.
Misunderstanding
David's decision to spare Mephibosheth is an act of mercy
Correction
David spares Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, because of the oath between them.
Application Questions
- What are the consequences of bloodguilt, and how can they be addressed?
- How does the story of the Gibeonites and Saul's house relate to the theme of atonement and restoration?
- What can be learned from Rizpah's actions and devotion to Saul and Jonathan?
- How does the story of David's men and the Philistines relate to the theme of loyalty and devotion?
- What are the implications of God's response to the plea for the land, and how can it be applied to modern situations?
Acts 1:1-26
Big Idea
The Holy Spirit is the source of Jesus' commands to the apostles, and they are promised power when the Holy Spirit comes.
Commentary
The passage begins with a summary of Jesus' ministry and teachings.
Jesus gives commands to the apostles through the Holy Spirit.
Jesus appears to the apostles after his suffering, speaking about the kingdom of God.
Jesus orders the apostles to wait for the promise of the Father.
The apostles ask Jesus about restoring the kingdom to Israel.
Jesus explains that the timing of the kingdom is not for them to know.
Jesus promises power when the Holy Spirit comes and that they will be witnesses.
Jesus is taken up into heaven.
The apostles return to Jerusalem and gather in the upper room.
Peter explains the fulfillment of Scripture regarding Judas.
The apostles choose a replacement for Judas through prayer and casting lots.
Matthias is chosen to replace Judas as an apostle.
Claims
- Jesus' ministry and teachings are the focus of the first book.
- The Holy Spirit is the source of Jesus' commands to the apostles.
- Jesus' appearance to the apostles after his suffering is a key event.
- The promise of the Father is a central theme in Jesus' instructions to the apostles.
- The apostles are promised power when the Holy Spirit comes.
- Jesus' ascension into heaven is a significant event.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<The Holy Spirit is a separate entity from God.
Correction
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, and is one with God.
Misunderstanding
<The apostles are promised power when the Holy Spirit comes, but they do not receive it until later.
Correction
The apostles receive the power of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, but the promise is made in Acts 1:8.
Application Questions
- What does it mean to be baptized with the Holy Spirit?
- How does the promise of the Father relate to the Holy Spirit?
- What is the significance of Jesus' ascension into heaven?
- How does the process of choosing a replacement for Judas relate to the apostles' ministry?
- What does it mean to be a witness to Jesus' resurrection?
Psalm 121:1-8
Big Idea
The psalmist looks to the LORD for help and protection, rather than to the hills or other earthly sources.
Commentary
The psalmist's question in verse 1 is a common human experience, but the answer is not.
The LORD's creation of heaven and earth (v. 2) emphasizes His power and authority.
The LORD's watchfulness is described as constant and unrelenting (v. 3-4).
The LORD's protection is not limited to physical safety, but also includes spiritual protection from evil (v. 7).
The psalmist's focus on the LORD's care is ongoing and eternal (v. 8).
The psalmist's use of the word "keeper" (v. 3, 5) emphasizes the LORD's role as a guardian and protector.
The psalmist's use of the word "shade" (v. 5) emphasizes the LORD's role as a source of comfort and protection.
The psalmist's use of the phrase "from this time forth and forevermore" (v. 8) emphasizes the LORD's ongoing and eternal care.
Claims
- The LORD is the ultimate source of help and protection.
- The LORD is constantly watchful and attentive to His people.
- The LORD's protection is not limited to physical safety, but also includes spiritual protection from evil.
- The LORD's care is ongoing and eternal.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The psalmist is looking to the hills for help, but the LORD is actually the one who provides help.
Correction
The psalmist is actually looking to the LORD for help, not the hills.
Misunderstanding
The LORD's protection is limited to physical safety.
Correction
The LORD's protection includes spiritual protection from evil.
Application Questions
- How can we, like the psalmist, look to the LORD for help and protection in our daily lives?
- How can we, like the psalmist, trust in the LORD's ongoing and eternal care?
- What are some ways that the LORD's protection and care manifest in our lives?
- How can we, like the psalmist, acknowledge and praise the LORD's greatness and power?
- What are some ways that we can cultivate a sense of dependence on the LORD and His care?
- How can we, like the psalmist, live in light of the LORD's ongoing and eternal care?
Proverbs 16:18
Big Idea
The passage warns against the dangers of pride and haughty spirit, emphasizing the importance of humility.
Commentary
The verse uses antithetical parallelism to emphasize the contrast between pride and destruction.
Pride is mentioned as a precursor to destruction.
A haughty spirit is mentioned as a precursor to a fall.
Destruction and fall are contrasted with pride and haughty spirit.
Pride and haughty spirit are linked as causes of negative outcomes.
Destruction and fall are linked as consequences of pride and haughty spirit.
The passage presents a cause-and-effect relationship between pride and destruction.
The passage presents a cause-and-effect relationship between haughty spirit and fall.
The passage warns against the dangers of pride and haughty spirit.
The passage emphasizes the importance of humility.
Claims
- Pride goes before destruction.
- A haughty spirit before a fall.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
Pride is a positive trait
Correction
Pride is a destructive force.
Misunderstanding
A haughty spirit is a sign of strength
Correction
A haughty spirit is a precursor to a fall.
Misunderstanding
Destruction and fall are inevitable consequences of pride and haughty spirit
Correction
The passage warns against the dangers of pride and haughty spirit, emphasizing the importance of humility.
Application Questions
- How can you apply the warning against pride and haughty spirit in your daily life?
- What are some ways to cultivate humility and modesty?
- How can you recognize the signs of a haughty spirit in yourself or others?
- What are the consequences of ignoring the warning against pride and haughty spirit?