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In the final chapters of 2 Samuel, we have a series of narratives and poems that focus us on the key theological themes of the Book. The central theme is that the LORD has given his steadfast, loyal, covenant-love to David FOREVER. We consider this in terms of the LORD’s protection given to David through…

Sheba leads a short lived, finally rebellion against David that is quelled by Joab. In the final chapters of 2 Samuel, we have a series of narratives and poems that focus us on the key theological themes of the Book. The central theme is that the LORD has given his steadfast, loyal, covenant-love to David…

Joab kills Absalom and David mourns his death to such an extent that it puts him out of favor with his people. The people of Israel decide to accept David as King again but Judah is reluctant. The rift between the Northern Tribes and Judah sets the stage for a final, short lived rebellion against…

David gets the news that his son Absalom is leading a conspiracy against him and so he mournfully flees Jerusalem. But David leaves spies in place to inform him of Absalom’s plans. Even one of David’s wisest counselors – Ahithophel – joins the rebellion. In answer to David’s prayer, Hushai gives an alternative plan to…

Amnon – David’s firstborn – rapes his half sister Tamar. Absalom – David’s 3rd born and Tamar’s full brother – murders Amnon and flees Jerusalem. Just as the LORD had said, violence would enter David’s house. After a period of exile and alienation, David allows Absalom’s return but not to the royal household. Although David…

David commits two sins punishable by death: adultery with Bathsheba and murdering her husband Uriah. Although there are terrible consequences for David’s not respecting the the word of the LORD, the LORD puts David sin away and releases him from the penalty of death.

The LORD YHWH gives David victory in all his battles and allows him to expand the territory and wealth of his Kingdom. In fulfillment of his promises, David shows faithful, loyal love – hesed – to lame Mephibosheth for the sake of his father Jonathan.

The LORD YHWH makes promises to David in 2 Samuel 7 that establish the “House of David.” These promises amplify the Abrahamic Promises. They also set the foundation for many of the meditations in the Psalms and the basis of Hope in the Prophets. This is one of the most significant and important chapters in…

After the murder of Ish-bosheth, David is anointed as King over all Israel and Judah. David takes Jerusalem and moves the Ark there, but not without a disastrous failure. As the LORD gives David victory over his enemies, in his own house there are those who despise him. As David begins his reign in victory…

Even though David is anointed King in Judah, Abner tries to install Saul’s son Ish-bosheth as king over the rest of Israel. Because of Ish-bosheth’s incompetence, Abner swings his allegiance to David but is murdered by Joab the leader of David’s forces. Even though David’s reign begins with many challenges, he remains faithful to the…

As David rescues his family from an Amalekite raiding party, Saul and his sons are killed by the Philistines. When David gets the news, he laments the deaths of Saul and Jonathan.

Realizing that Saul will not relent in trying to kill him, David goes – once again – to Achish in Gath. This time, the Philistine King takes David in because he is a fugitive outlaw. David deceives Achish in his intentions in order to accomplish his own purposes. In the meantime, Saul consults a medium…

Saul has Doeg the Edomite slaughter the priests and all in the city of Nob for helping David – an unthinkably treacherous sin. He then continues to pursue David. But the LORD continually helps David escape. Even when David has two chances to kill Saul, he acts righteously, knowing that it is not his right…

In jealousy and fear, Saul turns on David and starts to conspire in ways to kill him. All those who love David – Michal and Jonathan – help him escape Saul’s treachery. When it is clear that Saul is not going to relent, David begins his “wilderness wanderings.”

In the most “famous” chapter of 1 Samuel, David defeats the giant Philistine Goliath and wins the favor of Saul and Israel. Yet Saul, in his jealousy, soon turns on David to try to kill him or ensnare him.

Saul rebels against the Word of the LORD and Samuel pronounces the LORD’s final judgment against him: “For you have rejected the Word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you from being king over Israel.” In the background, David, son of Jesse, – “a man after the LORDs own heart” is anointed to…

As Saul acts presumptuously and foolishly, his son Jonathan leads the nation to victory. These chapters summarize the events that lead to the downfall and rejection of Saul as King.

The LORD’s choice of Saul as the first King of Israel is confirmed with signs given through Samuel. Yet, Saul is reluctant to take on his responsibility. Nevertheless, in his first major test as King, the LORD grants Saul victory over the Ammonites. Finally, Samuel encourages the people to remain faithful to the LORD so…

Samuel leads the people in a time of turning back to the LORD and the LORD delivers Israel from the Philistines. But in time, Israel demands a King so that they can be “like the other nations.” Even after a stern warning from Samuel, the people will not relent and continue to demand a King.…

Samuel is called by the LORD and given the message of the downfall of Eli’s house. Then Israel is defeated by the Philistines and the Ark of the Covenant is captured. After bringing a plague on the cities of the Philistines, the Ark is returned to Israel. In what seems like a catastrophic failure, the…

We work out way through the big ideas of chapters 1-2 and the birth of Samuel. Samuel is a transitional figure – he is the last of the Judges and the first of the “classical prophets.” We also hear about the downfall of the priestly line of Eli. Samuel will anoint the first king of…

We situate the books of Samuel in the larger context of the Former Prophets and the Hebrew Scriptures. We also talk about how the books of Samuel have come to us in their present form.

We conclude our study by looking at Paul’s final instructions. He urges Euodia and Syntyche to “agree in the Lord.” He then gives some final instructions about thinking on all “good things.” Finally, he thanks the church for their financial gifts while also telling them, “I am doing fine; you have done more than enough!”

Paul discusses “attaining to the resurrection” by any means necessary. We have not been made perfect/complete, yet. So Paul strives forward, running as hard as he can to “win the prize.” We are being saved In Christ. But that does not mean that we just sit around and do nothing. Part of “working our salvation…

We dig deeper into Paul’s warning about the “Judaizers.” This leads to an important discussion about one of the “Faith of Christ” passages in this paragraph. Our righteousness comes THROUGH Christ’s faith/faithfulness and our trust in Him.

Paul discusses his plans to send Epaphroditus back to the Philippians and eventually Timothy and himself. He then moves on to talk about the negative examples – the dogs, evil workers, mutilators – who could potentially lead the church astray.

Paul continues to explain and illustrate what it means to “live worthy of the Gospel of Christ.” Paul’s prime example is Jesus Himself. Although He was God, He did not cling to His “Divine Prerogatives” – instead He emptied Himself and became a human and a slave. He sacrificed Himself for the welfare of others.…

Paul explains how his circumstances have providentially advanced the Gospel! Then he gets to the “main thing” in his exhortation: “Live as citizens worthy of the Gospel of Christ, striving together as ONE.” Everything else Paul says in this letter is an amplification of this main idea.

We begin our study of Philippians by reading the letter together. We then take a look at Paul’s introductions and prayers.

We complete our brief overview of Ephesians by considering Paul’s last admonitions to stand firm in the Lord’s power and put on the full armor of God. Paul tells us that we are standing firm and wrestling against the Spiritual Forces of evil in the Heavenly places.