Author: Thomas Frank
Day 128 – The Mighty Men of Valor
Thoughts and Reflection Today in our readings we learn that David continues to be good and kind. When the king of the Ammonites dies, David sends ambassadors to offer his condolences to the deceased king’s son. To humiliate the ambassadors of Israel, the new king of the Ammonites shaves half their beards and cuts their…
Day 127 – Kindness for the House of Saul
Thoughts and Reflection In today’s readings, David has asked to build a temple for God, but his successor will do this. David wants to know what he can do for the Lord. He also wants to honor the covenant he made with Jonathan. Jonathan’s remaining son, Mephibosheth, should have been David’s enemy. Rather David treats…
Day 126 – David’s Victories
Thoughts and Reflection In today’s reading, we learn that the twelve tribes of Israel were a loose federation. David works to bring the twelve tribes together into a united kingdom. He seeks to do this by conquering the nations around them. There is a reason the stories of Saul and David are repeated in Chronicles.…
Day 125 – Covenant with David
Thoughts and Reflection In today’s reading, David brings the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem. The Ark contains the Ten Commandments, Aaron’s staff, and manna. The Ark is being brought on a cart that is drawn by oxen. When the oxen stumble, Uzzah reaches out to steady the Ark with his hand and the…
Day 124 – King David Rules
Thoughts and Reflection In today’s reading, we learn that David was anointed king by Samuel at a young age. After years of fighting in Saul’s army, he is now thirty and the king of a united Israel. Once he becomes king, he makes Jerusalem its capital, choosing it as his stronghold. The Philistines are not…
Day 123 – The Death of Ish-Bosheth
Thoughts and Reflection In today’s reading, we see that David wants to establish a kingdom of justice. He seeks to have mercy on his enemy Ish-bosheth, who has been hailed as the new king. Ish-bosheth is murdered by Rechab and Banal, David does not reward the two men but condemns their evil act. He has…
Day 122 – Abner is Killed
Thoughts and Reflection Today in the readings we see that God’s word is rooted in history. We will follow the story through the line of David. Abner wants to reconcile with David, but violence begets violence. When Joab learns that Abner is near, he kills Abner in revenge for the death of his brother Asahel,…
Day 121 – Cycle of Violence
Thoughts and Reflection Today in our readings, David is the king of Judah. He is going to battle Ish-Bosheth. Asahel continues to chase Abner and Abner will kill him in self-defense. Abishai and Joab then chase Abner to avenge the death of their brother. Abner calls for an end to the cycle of violence. Violence…
Day 120 – David Mourns Saul
Thoughts and Reflection In today’s reading, we read that David mourns the deaths of his enemy Saul and his dear friend Jonathan but sings a song of lamentation. David entreats the people of Israel to learn this song and sing it. Rather than remembering Saul’s animosity and jealousy, David honors Saul. This is a reminder…
Day 119 – David’s Wisdom
Thoughts and Reflection Today in the readings we see that when David arrives in Ziklag, he discovers that Amalekites have raided his city and taken the people away. He then shows his wisdom in three ways. First, he asks God if he and his men should pursue the Amalekites to retrieve their families and belongings.…