A few years ago Prince Harry wrote Spare, a sometime lurid memoir that deeply upset some in the British royal family. It’s not just royals or famous people. Who wants their personal struggles on the headlines? I would venture a guest that hardly anyone wants that kind of negative publicity. Even after a loved oneContinue reading “Why the King David tell-all memoir is a good thing – David’s heart after God, Part 1”
Tag Archives: 2 samuel
Does God feel emotions? – 2 Samuel 24, Part 3
Do you think of God as having emotions? If God is perfect, wouldn’t it follow that he doesn’t have emotions like humans? Can God feel feelings? Or is he more like a robot? Theologians and bible scholars have debated these questions for centuries. The answers are not easy to come by. Take a look atContinue reading “Does God feel emotions? – 2 Samuel 24, Part 3”
With God, success is not about numbers – 2 Samuel 24, Part 2
Have you ever been punished with a “pick your poison” method? You misbehaved and your parents give you a choice about which punishment you will receive. It feels awful, doesn’t it? You must not only wrestle with your guilt and any hurt your disobedience caused others, you now have to choose the consequences. You areContinue reading “With God, success is not about numbers – 2 Samuel 24, Part 2”
A census is…punishment? 2 Samuel 24, Part 1
We are nearing the end of David’s life. The final chapter in 2 Samuel, Chapter 24, is just so perfect for the last story in David’s life. It’s perfect because it is confusing and filled with turmoil, much of which is David’s fault, but then it concludes with a beautiful description of David’s heart. IContinue reading “A census is…punishment? 2 Samuel 24, Part 1”
What would you say “No” to, if Jesus asked you to do something? – 2 Samuel 24, Preview
Imagine Jesus shows up at the door of your house one evening, and though you are shocked, of course you let him in. You ask if he needs anything, such as a drink, food, a place to sit and relax or sleep, anything. He responds, “Actually, I do need something. I would like you toContinue reading “What would you say “No” to, if Jesus asked you to do something? – 2 Samuel 24, Preview”
The most important trait of a disciple of Jesus? – 2 Samuel 22, Part 5
What do you think is the most important trait of a disciple of Jesus? My selection of the picture above could give the idea that I think a small group discussion is most important. While I think those kinds of bible studies or accountability groups or discussions are really important, there is another trait thatContinue reading “The most important trait of a disciple of Jesus? – 2 Samuel 22, Part 5”
That time God gave King David FOUR superpowers – 2 Samuel 22, Part 4
Did you know that God gave King David super powers? This week we’re studying 2 Samuel 22, and in the verses we’re looking at today, David is focused on super power. As we observe 2 Samuel 22, our guide is Old Testament scholar David Dorsey. Dorsey notes that 2 Samuel 22 (repeated as Psalm 18)Continue reading “That time God gave King David FOUR superpowers – 2 Samuel 22, Part 4”
One important reason we regularly gather for worship – 2 Samuel 22, Part 3
After decades of drama, war, and turmoil, the great King David of Israel finally has peace. In 2 Samuel 22, he is so happy, and he breaks out in song to God. In today’s post, and the next two, we’ll observe how David crafts his song using chiastic structure (which I introduced in the previousContinue reading “One important reason we regularly gather for worship – 2 Samuel 22, Part 3”
A brief intro about chiastic structure in biblical literature – 2 Samuel 22, Part 2
It’s Thanksgiving week here in the USA, and we are studying 2 Samuel 22 / Psalm 18, a wonderful passage to help us express gratitude to God. As I studied this passage, I relied on my seminary professor David Dorsey, as I often do. He was such a gifted bible translator, interpreter and teacher. InContinue reading “A brief intro about chiastic structure in biblical literature – 2 Samuel 22, Part 2”
The three songs in Samuel – 2 Samuel 22, Part 1
We’ve been studying the life of David a long time. We started this sermon series in 2024, about eight months ago. The first sermon was about 1st Samuel chapter 1, verse 1, through chapter 2, verse 11. You can read the first post in that series here, or look it up in your Bible. ThatContinue reading “The three songs in Samuel – 2 Samuel 22, Part 1”
Engaging Scripture 