Survey Bible Reading Plan Day 12

Today our reading assignment is 2 Samuel 5-8, 11-13, 15, 18 and you can click here to read it.  The other day we read in 1 Samuel 15-20, 28, 31 and you can click here to read it if you missed it.

We read about the LORD rejecting Saul as king, and here is what the Bible says Samuel said...24 Then Saul said to Samuel, "I have sinned. I violated the LORD's command and your instructions. I was afraid of the people and so I gave in to them. 25 Now I beg you, forgive my sin and come back with me, so that I may worship the LORD." but here is what Samuel says...26 But Samuel said to him, "I will not go back with you. You have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you as king over Israel.

The next thing we read about is about Samuel annointing David, and David being in Saul's service, and this was very interesting to me.  The part about an evil spirit from the LORD tormenting Saul...so strange.  My study Bible says this about the evil spirit sent from the LORD...Perhaps Saul was simply depressed. Or perhaps the Holy Spirit left Saul and God allowed a demon or evil spirit, to torment him and this would be evidence of God's power over the spirit world.  In any instance, Saul was driven to insanity and attempted to murder David.

Next we read about David and Goliath, and how David took a sling shot and 5 smooth stones and killed the giant with a shot right into his forehead.  Down went the giant and David was the victor and remember David was very small in stature.  That must have been something to witness. We then read how Saul was afraid of David and tried to have him murdered, but also how Jonathan loved David and protected him.

Then we read about Saul and the Witch of Endor and how he decieved her and had her call up the spirit of Samuel, even though it was against the law in that day.  Samuel after being called forth says this to Saul...16 Samuel said, "Why do you consult me, now that the LORD has turned away from you and become your enemy? 17 The LORD has done what he predicted through me. The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors—to David. 18 Because you did not obey the LORD or carry out his fierce wrath against the Amalekites, the LORD has done this to you today. 19 The LORD will hand over both Israel and you to the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The LORD will also hand over the army of Israel to the Philistines." Wow, no wonder Saul layed himself down prostrate and was filled with fear at the words of Samuel.

Then we read lastly how Saul kills himself, he falls on his own sword because his armor-bearer would not do it for him. The armor-bearer sees that Saul is dead and falls on his sword as well, so Saul and his three sons died the very same day and were found by the Philistines.

Today's inspirational quote is...

"Look at everything as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time. Then your time on earth will be filled with glory."

~ Betty Smith