Bible Pathway - April 19

Read 2 Samuel 21

Highlights:

God punishes Israel as a result of King Saul's broken vow; Seven members of Saul's family put to death; Breaking a promise is a serious matter (2 Sam. 21:1-6); David's inspiring tribute to God (chap. 22).

The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence (2 Sam. 22:3).

David had most definetely seen his share of adversities. As a young man, God had blessed him. God had given David many great victories. David had also seen many dark days in his life.

David had been hunted by Saul because of jealousy. He had fallen into sin by taking another man's wife in the affair he had with Bathesheba. He even went as far as to have her husband, Uriah, killed. His children had been rebellious to a great degree. His son, Amnon, had raped his daughter, Tamar. Absalom, another son of David, had taken revenge on Amnon and killed his own brother. This caused such issues between David and Absalom that Absalom rose up against David. He tried to take David's place as king. This caused a war between the two that ended in Absalom's death.

It would be fairly easy to look at all that happened to David and wonder, was God still active in David's life? There is no question as to how David felt on the subject.

Thought for Today:

If we feel our hearts have grown cold to the Lord, repent, pray, read His Word and turn back to Him.

Christ Portrayed:

As the One we call upon for salvation (2 Sam. 22:4). Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12).

Word Studies:

21:5 coasts, boundaries, territories; 22:3 horn of my salvation, saving strength; 22:6 prevented, confronted; 22:19 stay, support; 22:27 froward, perverse; unsavoury, astute, cunning; 22:31 buckler, defender; 22:46 close places, strongholds.

Prayer Suggestion: Pray when you are afflicted and suffering (James 5:13).

Optional Reading: Acts 20

Memory Verse for the Week: John 11:26