2 Samuel 11-14

In the last 10 chapters, David has resisted harming or killing Saul, and David inquired of the Lord and obeyed him. In 2 Samuel 11-14, the story takes a marked pivot. David violated and killed, and the consequences were great and generational.

In these chapters, David “utterly scorned” the LORD, and didn’t lead his family. In the previous chapters of 1-2 Samuel, we had a vision for a godly generational reign; in these chapters, David’s sons are repeating--and outdoing--the sins of their father. It would be tempting to despair: will another king lose his anointing? Are our sins more powerful than God’s plan? Can we trust any king? Let’s look and see!

As the King Fares, So Do His People: 2 Samuel 2-10

David knew he had been anointed king of Israel for the sake of God’s people. But now we see that God had much more in mind than one king over one little nation for one little page of history. In these incredible promises to David, we hear the fulfillment of his long ago promises to Abraham, and we realize that God has chosen David to be the first in a long line of Israelite kings to not just bless the people of Israel, but to bless all nations of the earth. In these promises, God recycles the language of his promise to Abraham.

This week’s chapters, 1 Samuel 27- 2 Samuel 1, highlight Saul’s undoing and David’s deliverance. The narrator contrasts the character of David and Saul throughout these chapters as they face hardship. Where do they seek their help? How is God at work? Saul continues to pursue self-sufficiency. But, we see by God’s grace, “David strengthened himself in the Lord” (1 Sam 30:6b). In our distress we are to turn and be strengthened in the Lord. David was strengthened by remembering God’s promises, reminding himself of God’s unchanging character and seeking God’s presence.