1 Samuel 20:1-21:15; Psalm 34
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Great readings about Jonathan & David today! 1 Samuel 20 verse 13 today seems to indicate that Jonathan realizes that David will be the king after his father Saul: “May the LORD be with you as he used to be with my father.” Verse 17 is beautiful – “For Jonathan loved David as much as he loved himself.” Who are people in your life that you love as much as you love yourself? Do you think that there should be people in your life that you love as much as you love yourself? Do you love Jesus as much as you love yourself? Do you think that God loves you as much as He loves Himself?
Below is the artist Rembrandt’s take on Jonathan & David from possibly verse 41: “Both of them were in tears as they embraced each other and said good-bye, especially David.”
In First Samuel 21 as David is fleeing from Saul, we read verse 6 which Jesus refers to in the New Testament – “So, since there was no other food available, the priest gave David the holy bread–the Bread of the Presence that was placed before the LORD in the Tabernacle. It had just been replaced that day with fresh bread.” Jesus uses this incident to illustrate the principle that the ceremonial law was not to be viewed in a legalistic manner in Matthew chapter 12 verses 3 & 4 – “Haven’t you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread—which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests.” I love verse 13! David is definitely a good actor – “So he pretended to be insane, scratching on doors and drooling down his beard.”
Bible.org’s commentary on our First Samuel readings today titled “When Saul Slings His Spear, Jonathan Gets the Point” is at this link and “A Man Without a Country” is at this link.
Psalm 34 verse 9 in the NIV reads: “Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing.” What does fearing God mean to you? Do you think that fearing God is a good or bad thing? Why? Do you think it is possible to both love God and fear God at the same time? What do you think of when you hear the word “saints”? Do you believe that you are a saint? Do you want to be a saint? Are you acting like a saint? Do you believe that those who fear God lack nothing? Why would this be? Bible.org’s commentary on Psalm 34 titled “The Fear of the Lord” at this link.
Worship Video: Today’s readings in 1 Samuel reminded me of Phil Wickham’s song “Safe:”
Are you safe in His arms? Click here for Safety!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34:8 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you have tasted and seen that the LORD is good. Pray that you will run to the LORD for refuge today and forevermore.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless,
Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
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