Saul Reads the Bible

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. [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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, [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: 2 Samuel 16:1-16:23
Poetry/Prophecy: Jeremiah 49:1-49:33
New Testament: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13:13

In 2 Samuel, David’s life continues to fall apart: Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s crippled son to whom David had shown great kindness, turns on his benefactor. Saul’s relative Shimei curses David and pelts him and his entourage with dirt and rocks. However, David begins to take action: [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: 2 Samuel 15:1-15:37
Poetry/Prophecy: Jeremiah 48:20-48:47
New Testament: 1 Corinthians 12:1-12:31

In 2 Samuel, Absalom begins to curry favor with the people of Israel, and eventually launches a coup to overthrow his father David. David, seeing how well the people like Absalom, flees the royal city, heading out over the Mount of Olives on the way to [...]