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Scripture Readings:
- Old Testament: 1 Kings 1:1-1:53
- Poetry/Prophecy: Lamentations 4:1-4:17
- New Testament: 2 Corinthians 6:1-6:18
We begin 1 Kings today with David settling the question of succession, choosing Solomon over his upstart son Adonijah.
In Lamentations, some disturbing imagery reminds us how far the people of Judah have fallen.
And in 2 Corinthians, Paul is feeling a distinct lack of love from the Corinthians.
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Scripture Readings:
- Old Testament: 2 Samuel 24:1-24:25
- Poetry/Prophecy: Lamentations 3:1-3:66
- New Testament: 2 Corinthians 5:1-5:21
In 2 Samuel, God is angry with Israel and inspires David to count his army – a move calculated to make God even more angry. David is offered a choice of punishments and chooses a three-day plague that ends up killing 70,000 men.
In Lamentations, the focus of the lament turns inward – the author talks about how the God’s judgment has affected him personally.
And in 2 Corinthians, Paul again talks about the transition from death to life and that anyone in Christ is a new creation – but that this renewal comes with a responsibility to be an ambassador for Christ.
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Scripture Readings:
- Old Testament: 2 Samuel 23:8-23:39
- Poetry/Prophecy: Lamentations 2:1-2:22
- New Testament: 2 Corinthians 4:1-4:18
In 2 Samuel, we read about David’s elite warriors and some of their exploits.
In Lamentations, we read another acrostic poem. This time, the writer talks a bit about the leadership that got Judah in this mess and the way that these very leaders have been humbled. Also, the writer invites others to mourn with him.
And in 2 Corinthians, Paul talks about the difficulty of being mortal and dealing with earthly struggles while being in relationship with an eternal God and headed toward everlasting life.
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Scripture Readings:
- Old Testament: 2 Samuel 22:1-23:7
- Poetry/Prophecy: Lamentations 1:1-1:22
- New Testament: 2 Corinthians 3:1-3:18
In 2 Samuel, we hear a song of triumph sung by David to God, praising Him for His deliverance from all enemies.
We begin the book of Lamentation, with the writer speaking of the tragedy of the fall of Jerusalem and the utter humilation of it all.
And in 2 Corinthians, Paul talks about the full glory of God and how the Spirit allows it to replace the lesser glory of the covenant under the law.
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Scripture Readings:
- Old Testament: 2 Samuel 21:1-21:22
- Poetry/Prophecy: Jeremiah 52:1-52:34
- New Testament: 2 Corinthians 2:1-2:17
In 2 Samuel, a famine occurs in the land. The reason: God is punishing the land because of Saul’s violation of a treaty with the Gibeonites. To set this right, David allows the Gibeonites to execute seven of Saul’s grandchildren. Also, we read about further fighting between the Israelites and the Philistines. More giants, more relatives of Goliath, more Israelite conquest.
We conclude the book of Jeremiah with a history of the exile of Judah to Babylon.
And in 2 Corinthains, Paul talks of the conflict and sadness that has transpired between him and his readers but reaffirms his ministry as a true apostle.
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Scripture Readings:
- Old Testament: 2 Samuel 19:31-20:26
- Poetry/Prophecy: Jeremiah 51:55-51:64
- New Testament: 2 Corinthians 1:1-1:24
In 2 Samuel, no sooner does David cross the Jordan to re-assume his kingship than Sheba launches another rebellion. David sends Amasa to quash the rebellion. On the way, Joab stabs Amasa to death and seizes control of the army, leading them on the successful mission to capture Sheba himself.
In Jeremiah, the prophecy toward Babylon – and the prophecy of Jeremiah – ends, and Seraiah is ordered to take this word and deliver it to Babylon.
And we begin the book of 2 Corinthians, with Paul sending his best wishes and hopes to the Corinthians, making clear his earnest desire to see them succeed in their faith.
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Scripture Readings:
- Old Testament: 2 Samuel 19:1-19:30
- Poetry/Prophecy: Jeremiah 51:24-51:54
- New Testament: 1 Corinthians 16:1-16:24
In 2 Samuel, David mourns his son Absalom, but also reaches out to his subjects, letting them know that he appreciates the sacrifices they made and the risks they took to help him reestablish his throne. David also reconciles with Shimei (who heckled him) and Mephibosheth (whose servant told David that he was disloyal).
In Jeremiah, God’s word aginst Babylon continues.
And in 1 Corinthians, Paul wraps up the book with a few housekeeping notes, a few personal shout-outs, a few parting words, and a benediction.
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Scripture Readings:
- Old Testament: 2 Samuel 18:19-18:33
- Poetry/Prophecy: Jeremiah 51:1-51:23
- New Testament: 1 Corinthians 15:1-15:58
In 2 Samuel, David receives news of the death of his son Absalom and mourns bitterly.
In Jeremiah, God continues His harsh words against Babylon – the nation he used to smash other nations.
And in 1 Corinthians, Paul speaks of death and life, of the perishable and the imperishable, and of the human and the divine.
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Scripture Readings:
- Old Testament: 2 Samuel 18:1-18:18
- Poetry/Prophecy: Jeremiah 50:8-50:46
- New Testament: 1 Corinthians 14:26-14:40
In 2 Samuel, David’s forces triumph over the army of Israel led by Absalom. Absalom ends up dead – swallowed up by the forest and speared by Joab and his men.
In Jeremiah, God continues to rail against Babylon, enlisting the help of an army of the north and anyone else who may be up to the task to utterly destroy Babylon.
And in 1 Corinthians, Paul talks about keeping order in church. And also about women keeping silent and asking their husbands any questions they may have once they get home. Gulp.
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Scripture Readings:
- Old Testament: 2 Samuel 17:1-17:29
- Poetry/Prophecy: Jeremiah 49:34-50:7
- New Testament: 1 Corinthians 14:1-14:25
In 2 Samuel, two of Absalom’s advisers give him plans for defeating David. Absalom chooses Hushai’s plan over Ahithophel’s plan. Hushai, however, is secretly working for David. He sends word to David of both plans, allowing David to be prepared for Absalom’s attack.
In Jeremiah, we read prophecies of destruction against Elam and Babylon.
And in 1 Corinthians, Paul talks of the gifts of prophecy and tongues.
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