Day 117: Psalms 108-109

After just reading about David's census taking yesterday I find this verse from his Psalm 108 interesting:

Give us aid against the enemy,
   for human help is worthless.
With God we will gain the victory,
   and he will trample down our enemies. (108:12-13)

I always feel a little weird about reading psalms like 109. I find myself wondering why they are included in the Bible's song book. It doesn't really sound like a song of praise to me. I can't imagine going to church on a Sunday morning and singing a song like...

May his children be wandering beggars;
   may they be driven from their ruined homes.
May a creditor seize all he has;
   may strangers plunder the fruits of his labor.
May no one extend kindness to him
   or take pity on his fatherless children. (109:10-12)

He spends the first 20 verses like that calling down curses on his enemies. I suppose there is something to be said for being honest with God about your feelings but it's very hard for me to read this with all of Jesus' teachings about loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us ringing in my ears.

But then there's this:

But you, Sovereign LORD,
   help me for your name’s sake;
   out of the goodness of your love, deliver me.
For I am poor and needy,
   and my heart is wounded within me. (109:21-22)

He asks it all "for Your name's sake". Is it possible for God to grant all the requests in vs 1-20 for His name's sake?

Is it possible for God to grant all our requests for His name's sake?

Days 115&116: 2 Samuel 24, 1 Chronicles 21-22, Psalms 30, 97-99

These chapters in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles tell about David taking a census of all of Israel and Judah. He wanted to get a count of all the fighting men he had at his command. I would think this would be something a wise military man would want to know. If I was planning military strategies I would want to know how many men I had to work with. But for some reason this is viewed as something very evil. Joab advises David against it...

But Joab replied to the king, “May the LORD your God multiply the troops a hundred times over, and may the eyes of my lord the king see it. But why does my lord the king want to do such a thing?” (2 Samuel 24:3)

The text even says that the idea comes from Satan:

Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. (1 Chronicles 21:1)

But David gets his way...he is the king, after all...and we have the number recorded for us. The only thing I can figure is that this act of counting the men demonstrates a lack of faith in God on David's part. Perhaps he is beginning to rely on himself and the power of his army rather than on the power of God.

Whatever the case, God evidently is very displeased with this counting of the men and once David comes too his senses and repents...

David was conscience-stricken after he had counted the fighting men, and he said to the LORD, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, LORD, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing.”

...God gives him his choice of 3 possible punishments. He chooses the third and shortest (in terms of time) of the three but even so the 3-day plague results in the death of 70,000 people. This was a pretty serious offense. At the end of the 3 days God tells David to go offer a sacrifice and He will bring the plague to an end. Araunah offers him everything he needs to make the sacrifice to God but David says:

“No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” (2 Samuel 24:24)

This is very convicting to me. I find myself wondering if I've ever really sacrificed to God. Does my giving really cost me anything?

This spot becomes the place that David decides is to be the location of God's temple...

Then David said, “The house of the LORD God is to be here, and also the altar of burnt offering for Israel.” (1 Chronicles 22:1)

David gets everything ready to build the temple but the actual construction will be left to his son, the next king, Solomon...

David said to Solomon: “My son, I had it in my heart to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God. But this word of the LORD came to me: ‘You have shed much blood and have fought many wars. You are not to build a house for my Name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight. But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side. His name will be Solomon, and I will grant Israel peace and quiet during his reign. He is the one who will build a house for my Name. He will be my son, and I will be his father. And I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.’ (1 Chronicles 22:7-10)

I wonder if David had the census, and God's punishment for it, on his mind when he wrote:

For his anger lasts only a moment,
   but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night,
   but rejoicing comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)

Or...

You turned my wailing into dancing;
   you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
   LORD my God, I will praise you forever. (Psalm 30:11-12)

 Psalm 98 is a beautiful description of the celebration and joy which I believe should fill our worship services:

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth,
   burst into jubilant song with music;
make music to the LORD with the harp,
   with the harp and the sound of singing,
with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—
   shout for joy before the LORD, the King.   (Psalm 98:4-6)

When people talk about God's judgment they usually try to make it as scary as possible but, even God's judgment is cause for rejoicing...

Let the rivers clap their hands,
   let the mountains sing together for joy;
let them sing before the LORD,
   for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
   and the peoples with equity. (Psalm 98:8-9)

Day 114: 2 Samuel 22-23, Psalm 57

David continues to recognize that all the glory for all the things that have been accomplished belong to God. Again, confidence + humility.

David sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said:
   “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
 my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
   my shield and the horn of my salvation.
He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—
   from violent people you save me. (2 Samuel 22:1-3)

Naturally, David (warrior, king and artist) expresses his worship in his music.

Sometimes when I read the psalms or other poetry by David (such as this in 2 Samuel 22) I'm a little confused. He is clearly giving glory to God but he also seems to say things that make you think that he is saying that he deserved it. Things like:

The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness;
   according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me.(2 Samuel 22:21)

It seems like modern theologians go to great pains to separate God's grace and our work...like they are mutually exclusive. It sort of becomes a mental exercise of reason rather than a practical living out of a relationship with God...like David did. We, it seems obvious, are utterly dependent on God's grace. I mean - to adapt a quote from that great theologian, Bill Cosby - "He brought us into this world, He can take us out." But what reasonable person thinks we don't have to exert some effort...a LOT of effort...doing our best to live a life that can be described with words like "righteous" and "clean"?

David seems to bring both aspects of this together...

“To the faithful you show yourself faithful,
   to the blameless you show yourself blameless,
to the pure you show yourself pure,
   but to the devious you show yourself shrewd.
You save the humble,
   but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low. (2 Samuel 22:26-28)

I want to sing with David...

Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,
   for in you I take refuge. (Psalm 57:1)

I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
   I will sing of you among the peoples.
For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
   your faithfulness reaches to the skies. (Psalm 57:9-10)

Day 113: 2 Samuel 19-21, Psalms 5,38,42

Joab was a remarkable man. I'm beginning to think that David could never have been the great king that he was without Joab. Joab was the only one who actually had the courage to David the truth. Oh, I recognize that David was great because God made him great but I have no doubt that God used Joab to make it happen.

David's son, Absalom had been leading a plot to overthrow his own father and take the throne from him...and this rebellion had been gaining a lot of traction...so much so that David and his men fled Jerusalem for a time. David had commanded his troops to stop the rebellion but to spare his son's life. Joab knew that that would never work so he made sure Absalom was killed. The rebellion was stopped and David and his men returned to Jerusalem in triumph. But instead of rejoicing and celebrating the great victory David was overcome with grief for his son Absalom. This is where, once again, Joab steps up. He confronts the king about his actions:

Then Joab went into the house to the king and said, “Today you have humiliated all your men, who have just saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and the lives of your wives and concubines. You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead. Now go out and encourage your men. I swear by the LORD that if you don’t go out, not a man will be left with you by nightfall. (2 Samuel 19:5-7)

I can't help but wonder if David wasn't still dealing with some guilt and depression over the whole Bathsheba affair. I realize that I'm just speculating here but David just doesn't seem to have the clear focus that he once had. If these psalms really were written during this time they seem to reflect some of what may have been going on in David's heart:

My guilt has overwhelmed me
   like a burden too heavy to bear.
 My wounds fester and are loathsome
   because of my sinful folly.
I am bowed down and brought very low;
   all day long I go about mourning.
My back is filled with searing pain;
   there is no health in my body.
I am feeble and utterly crushed;
   I groan in anguish of heart. (Psalm 38:4-8)

But even in his depression David knew with his mind where his hope and strength and joy would be found:

Why, my soul, are you downcast?
   Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
   for I will yet praise him,
   my Savior and my God. (Psalm 42:11)

Day 112: Psalms 26, 40, 41, 58, 61, 62, 64

Today's reading is an assortment of 7 Psalms. I decided to simply quote the specific verses which stood out to me for one reason or another...

Test me, LORD, and try me,
   examine my heart and my mind; (26:2)

When you really think a bout it, that's a pretty gutsy prayer. Especially when you realize exactly who it is you're praying to...

Many, LORD my God,
   are the wonders you have done,
   the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
   were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
   they would be too many to declare. (40:5)

After asking God to test me and examine me it only makes sense that the next thing I need to pray for is mercy...

Do not withhold your mercy from me, LORD;
   may your love and faithfulness always protect me.
For troubles without number surround me;
   my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.
They are more than the hairs of my head,
   and my heart fails within me.
Be pleased to save me, LORD;
   come quickly, LORD, to help me. (40:11-13)

I believe this next is quoted in one of the gospels in reference to the betrayal of Judas:

Even my close friend,
   someone I trusted,
one who shared my bread,
   has turned against me. (41:9)

Some of today's psalms give the impression that the writer is claiming to deserve God's attention and care because of his own righteous living. However, that thought is offset by verses such as these:

Truly my soul finds rest in God;
   my salvation comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
   he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. (62:1-2)

Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
   my hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
   he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
   he is my mighty rock, my refuge. (62:5-7)

Day 111: 2 Samuel 16-18

David continues his flight from Jerusalem and his own son Absalom who is planning to take over the throne. He has planted a spy within Absalom's inner circle and this idea seems to be paying off. Hushai (the spy) has given Absalom advice about how to find and overtake David and his men and has then gotten word to David about their plans. The trap is set. However, in spite of all that Absalom has done, David seems to have a soft spot for this rebellious son. Here are his orders:

The king commanded Joab, Abishai and Ittai, “Be gentle with the young man Absalom for my sake.” And all the troops heard the king giving orders concerning Absalom to each of the commanders. (18:5)

I think Joab is a very interesting character in the life of David. He seems absolutely loyal but he also seems to know the right times to disregard David's orders. I think maybe he understands David's weaknesses and does what he can to cover for them. He knows leaving Absalom alive would be a big mistake. He also knows that David simply doesn't have it in him to destroy his own son. I think this is the real reason he talks David into staying behind when they go into battle (18:2-4).

The moment of truth has arrived...Absalom is hanging in a tree by his hair...defenseless. One of the men sees him and reports it to Joab:

Joab said to the man who had told him this, “What! You saw him? Why didn’t you strike him to the ground right there? Then I would have had to give you ten shekels of silver and a warrior’s belt.” (18:11)

Of course he didn't kill him. He was there when David gave the order to spare Absalom. However...

Joab said, “I’m not going to wait like this for you.” So he took three javelins in his hand and plunged them into Absalom’s heart while Absalom was still alive in the oak tree. And ten of Joab’s armor-bearers surrounded Absalom, struck him and killed him. (18:14-15)

The message was sent back to David that the victory was won. Great news! But then he asks about Absalom. His response is what you would expect...

The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!” (18:33)

 I think everyone needs a Joab. Someone who knows us well...who is absolutely loyal and is always looking out for our best interest...even if it's not what we want.

Days 109&110: 2 Samuel 13-15, Psalms 3,4,13,28,55

The Bible is certainly no children's book. A lot of time elapses in these 3 chapters of 2 Samuel and David's household is a soap opera. His son Amnon is "in love with Tamar"...actually it seems more like he's "in lust" with her. Now Tamar is a half-sister to Amnon. Apparently Tamar and Absalom have the same mother but Amnon is David's son with another mother. Now, Amnon and his "assistant" cook up a plan to get Amnon alone with Tamar and he makes his move. Tamar resists but she says something interesting. She says:

"Please speak to the king; he will not keep me from being married to you." (2 Samuel 13:13)

I wonder if she's right about this? The social ethics of the day are obviously way different than today but I find it hard to believe that David would in fact support the marriage of his son and his daughter even though they have different mothers. Perhaps she's just trying to get out of a bad situation by saying the first thing that enters her mind that would slow Amnon down. Either way, Amnon will not be slowed down. When she attempts to resist his advances he rapes her.

It becomes obvious that Amnon didn't really "love" Tamar after the deed is done:

Then Amnon hated her with intense hatred. In fact, he hated her more than he had loved her. (2 Samuel 13:15)

This event adds more emotional turmoil to David's household.

When King David heard all this, he was furious. And Absalom never said a word to Amnon, either good or bad; he hated Amnon because he had disgraced his sister Tamar. (2 Samuel 13: 21-22)

But nobody really does anything about it. It's just left there to fester. Tamar goes to live with her brother Absalom "a  desolate woman".

2 years later

Absalom decides to get revenge on Amnon for what he did to his sister.

Absalom ordered his men, “Listen! When Amnon is in high spirits from drinking wine and I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon down,’ then kill him. Don’t be afraid. Haven’t I given you this order? Be strong and brave.” (2 Samuel 13:28)

Absalom's plan is successful and word gets back to David so Absalom flees for his life, figuring that his father will want to avenge his son's death.

3 years later

Joab is still one of David's insiders. He is one of his most trusted men. I guess he decides it's been long enough so he cooks up a plan to try to make peace in David's family. I don't quite understand the specifics of this plan but it involves a woman from Tekoa to do a little act for David in which she tells a story...it sort of reminds me of Nathan confronting David about his sin with Bathsheba...but this seems a little more underhanded. Anyway, this woman, in the course of her performance for David, says something that is quite profound. I don't know how much she really believes about what she says, she is certainly no prophet, but this statement shows a lot of insight into who God is and what He is really like:

"Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But that is not what God desires; rather, he devises ways so that a banished person does not remain banished from him." (2 Samuel 14:14)

Anyway, the plan works to a certain degree. Absalom moves back to Jerusalem but there is no actual contact with David.

2 years later

Absalom worms his way back into an uneasy relationship with his father.

Then the king summoned Absalom, and he came in and bowed down with his face to the ground before the king. And the king kissed Absalom. (2 Samuel; 14:33)

Absalom takes advantage of this situation and runs a PR campaign to win the favor of the people.

4 years later

Absalom's PR campaign turns into a conspiracy to overthrow David and become king. Eventually David has to flee Jerusalem but he is able to put one of his own men, Hushai, undercover in Absalom's  organization.

David is still expressing himself in his poetry. Psalm 3 is written sometime while he is fleeing from his son Absalom.

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. (Psalm 3:3-4)

Psalm 13 reflects the honesty of a man's heart as he expresses his pain to God:

How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever?
   How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
   and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
   How long will my enemy triumph over me? (Psalm 13:1-2)

But in the very same psalm faith is expressed in the midst of trial:

But I trust in your unfailing love;
   my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing the LORD’s praise,
   for he has been good to me. (Psalm 13:5-6)