She Laughs. She Prays.

The Blessings of a Heart and Hesed Pilgrimage (Reading #5)

Because of his heart and hesed journey, David’s blessings were bountiful. David outlived jealousy and plans to destroy him by many armies and various individuals. David became known for winning battles at the hand of God. (2 Samuel 22:2)

By the mercy of God, David became King and exalted to a high place (2 Samuel 22:34)

By the mercy of God, David kept his heart repentant before God. (2 Samuel 22:37)

By the mercy of God David lived a long life and saw the plans of God unfold crease by crease, moment by moment, episode by episode. His pilgrimage led him to see his son Solomon reign on the throne. (I Kings 1:28-2:4). God was pleased with his journey and blessed it.

When David neared the end of his life, his pilgrimage, he wrote 2 Samuel 22. In this passage, he extols the wonder of God for delivering him again and again. He ends this time of praise with the following words:

“He . . . showeth mercy to his anointed, unto David, and his seed for evermore.” (2 Samuel 22:51, KJV). Throughout early parts of 2 Samuel 22, David refers often to a heart right before God. (2 Samuel 22:26-27) We can sum up the life of David as living a heart and hesed life. One who realized the necessity of a heart right before God and the need for the mercy of God along the path. David’s heart-led life praised God often for his mercy. In this last speech David says, “Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen. I will sing praises unto thy name.” (2 Samuel 22:50, KJV)

David understood the covenant mercy of God. He feared God, and God was pleased. David wasn’t perfect, but he was repentant. He found satisfaction in his God alone. Man fails but God never fails.

The book of Acts declares David was a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22, KJV), which included applying mercy to his life even when the journey included straying down the path of sin.

The Songs of Ascent (Psalm 120-134), written by David, describes his journey, his ascent towards the city of Zion. Bu it is also the journey of the Israelite nation as a whole. It’s the prophetic words describing the Israelite nation returning to their home in Jerusalem as promised in the Davidic covenant. It’s the song of the Israelites coming home from captivity in Babylon. It’s the song of David, coming home to Jerusalem after becoming King over all of Israel. It’s the heart of David and his homecoming to the heavenly city of God. It’s the song of the redeemed making a heart and hesed journey to the city of God.

Aim your heart heavenward. Set your feet on a pilgrimage homeward. I’m reminded of a college friend who came from a missionary home. She described attending a boarding school and wanting to get home so badly for Christmas that she decided to hitchhike. God takes hitchhikers. How badly do you want to complete the journey towards home? Leave depression, bitterness, despair, hopelessness, sin and its consequences behind. Catch a ride on God’s mercy.

David understood the blessings that accompany a heart and hesed pilgrimage. He followed the leading of his heart and relied on the mercy of God to keep him. He understood that slaying the giant was only one small part in living the heart and hesed life, only one significant incident in a long life filled with God’s blessing. He didn’t stop and wonder what God might have for him next after slaying the giant. He trusted in the faithful plans of a loving God. He continued the pilgrimage heavenward, towards Zion.

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Our One Year Bibles finally arrived at Bristol Bay Church, Dillingham, AK. We have decided to start on March 17, 2024, which means it will take until next March 17, 2025, to finish reading all the way through. If you asked for a soft cover copy or would like one, please see me on anytime this week or on Sunday. I have about 10 of these. You can also purchase the electronic copy on Christianbook.com The One Year Chronological Bible NLT - eBook: 9781414361628 - Christianbook.com I will have a few journals and notebooks as well in case you want one to keep your answers in to the questions below in a notebook. And/or send them to me and we can stay in contact: pastorval@bristolbay.church

For those who want to read along in your own Bible, I will publish the passages for the week in a special column to check off. I look forward to reading with you. Each week I will also send some study questions to go with your reading if you choose to use them. Reply with questions and answers. I look forward to reading God's Word with you daily.

April 29

2 Samuel 17:15-19:30

Psalm 3

Psalm 63

April 30

2 Samuel 19:31-21:22

I Chronicles 20:4-8

Psalm 7

May 1

2 Samuel 22

Psalm 18

May 2

2 Samuel 24

I Chronicles 21:1-22:19

May 3

I Chronicles 23-25

May 4

I Chronicles 26-28

May 5

I Chronicles 29

I Kings 1

May 6

I Kings 2

2 Samuel 23:1-7

I Chronicles 29:26-30

Psalm 4-6

Psalm 8-9, 11

May7

Psalm 12-17

Psalm 19-20

April 29

1) 2 Samuel 17:14 gives interesting information and foretells what the ultimate fate of Absalom will be. Write down what this verse says about Absalom's fate? How does this make you feel?

2) After reading 2 Samuel 17:15-19:30, tell how Absalom died. What was David's response?

3) Find the lie in Psalm 3. Have you heard a similar lie from the devil?

April 30

1) What is the argument in 2 Samuel 19:41-43 about?

2) How does it relate to the statement made in 2 Samuel 20:2?

3) In I Chronicles 20:4-8, what happens to the Giants of Gath?

4) Speculate on who Cush of the tribe of Benjamin might be from reading Psalm 7? Is he a friend or foe of King David?

May 1

1) Consider 2 Samuel 22:1 and the opening to Psalm 18. What does it say David did during times of need? During this time of need was he feeling victory or distraught?

2) In 2 Samuel 22:20-30, for what reasons does it say God rewarded David?

3) What happened to the giants of Gath and what does that mean for the future of giants in Israel?

4) Find a way to encourage yourself in the Lord using Psalm 7. One suggestion would be to copy a favorite verse on to a note card. Then hang it up somewhere where you can see it.

May 2

1) Compare 2 Samuel 24:1 to I Chronicles 21:1. How would you discern the differences in these verses?

2) Read these verses in light of Exodus 30:11-16. How does this help you identify the sin?

3) Compare 2 Samuel 24:9 to I Chronicles 21:4. Why is there a difference in numbers recorded for the census?

May 3

I Chronicles 23-25

1) Read I Chronicles 24:5. Why did they "cast lots" for the positions in the temple?

2) Define cast lots.

3) Which position in the temple would you prefer? Is there something in your church that is similar where you could serve?

May 4

1) Describe the role of gatekeeper for Israel. Can we make a spiritual application for the term gatekeeper? Consider the Holy Spirit and your conscience as gate keepers in light of Psalm 141:3.

For an interesting reading, The Holy War by Paul Bunyon illustrates the need of a spiritual gatekeeper. This famous town of Mansoul had five gates, in at which to come, out of which to go; and these were . . . impregnable, and such as could never be opened nor forced but by the will and leave of those within. The names of the gates were these: Ear-gate, Eye-gate, Mouth-gate, Nose-gate, and Feel-gate” (chapter 1, p. 62–63).

2) John 10:9 says who is our gatekeeper?

May 5

1) In I Chronicles 29:10-16, what do these verses tell us about giving to the Lord?

2) Who does God say can build the temple?

3) In I Kings 1, who is Adonijah?

4) How does King Solomon treat Adonijah?

May 6

1) I Kings 2:2-3 describes how David told his son to "Take courage and be a man." What can we learn from these verses?

2) In 2 Samuel 23:1-7, how are the righteous described or compared to?

3) Psalm 5:7 and 6:4 speak of God's unfailing love. What does this mean?

May7

1) What can we learn from Psalm 12:5-6?

2) According to Psalm 15, how should our character be described if we want to worship God with pure hearts?

3) According to Psalm 20:7, who do we boast in?

April 21

1) Read 2 Samuel 3:36. How does this sum up the attitude of the people for David. Give examples of why the Bible would say this.

2 Samuel 3:36 says, "This pleased the people very much. In fact, everything the king did pleased them!" The beginning of chapter three says that David grew stronger and stronger. Later in the chapter it says that David kept his vow. I think the honesty and transparency of David before his people was very much loved. We see this when he danced before the Lord in another chapter.

2) 2 Samuel 4:4, use this verse to describe Saul's grandson. David promised to take care of Jonathan's family and he did this through Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth became crippled soon after his birth when he was dropped by his nursemaid.

April 22

1) Describe what happens in 2 Samuel 5:3. In Hebron, David is anointed, not crowned, King of Israel uniting his kingship with Judah. He reigns 40 years.

2) Create a small timeline to show this period of David's reign, as described in 2 Samuel 5:4.

(see above, Life-of-King-David-Timeline.jpg (11401×7801) (b5z.net) )

3) 2 Samuel 5:7-13 sets the stage for David's reign. What happens? David captures the city of Zion. Where does it take place? He is in the country of Hebron in Zion that is nicknamed the city of David. Who is mentioned and do you recognize any names? King Hiram of Tyre

Why? He sends people to build David a palace. No other names mentioned just groups.

4) In 2 Samuel chapter 6, what do we learn about the Ark of the Covenant? Give details. The Ark of the Covenant bears the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies,[b] who is enthroned between the cherubim. No one can directly touch the Ark of the Covenant. When the Ark resided in Gath, the community was blessed.

April 23

1) In 2 Samuel 6:12-23, what incident or conversation stands out to you? I like how he blessed the people in his life. And how he celebrated before God. How would you apply this learning situation to your own life? Celebrating the accomplishments of the Lord in our lives and praising God for the good He has provided are a part of worship. Praying or blessing others is a good way to extend you love towards them.

2) I Chronicles 16:4-6, what activity did David prioritize before God? Praise and worship. What instruments are listed? Cymbals, harps, lyres, trumpets.

April 24

1) 2 Samuel 8:15-18, list the occupations appointed by King David? commander of the army. the royal historian, priests, court secretary, captain of the king’s bodyguard, priestly leaders.

2) I Chronicles 17:16, David asks God the question "Who am I?" From what context is this asked? David is astounded that God would bless his "House" or family in the future. He asks "Who Am I that you would bless my family?" 3) What does God not allow David to do and why? He doesn't allow him to build a house for the Ark of the Covenant.

April 25

1) In 2 Samuel 9:5-12, to who does David show kindness and why? Jonathan's son-Mephibosheth, because of his promise to Jonathan. What is significant about the grandson of Saul sitting at David the King's table? David sat at Saul's table with Jonathan. Now he sits with Jonathan's so at the table.

2) When we read Psalms, we come across names of other people who wrote chapters of the book. What three musicians does David appoint in I Chronicles 6? Heman, Asaph, and Ethan. Did all three men write Psalms? Yes. Heman-Psalm 88. Asaph-Psalm 50; Psalm 73-83, Ethan-Psalm 89

April 26

1) in I Chronicles 20:1, there is something that we see as abnormal, that the Israelites viewed as normal. What did the kings do at this time of year? "In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war."

2) In 1 Chronicles 20, who did David's army fight? The Ammonites taking siege of the city of Rabbah and the Philistines, including the Giants of Gath, related to Goliath.

3) 2 Samuel 11 and I Chronicles 20, begin in similar fashion. How do they differ? 2 Samuel details David's relationship with Bathsheba

4) Describe the circumstances surrounding the birth of Solomon in 2 Samuel 12:1-25. Solomon was both as comfort to Bathsheba after the death of her first husband.

5) What does David admit in 2 Samuel 12:13? Then David confessed to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord." Have you ever admitted that to God? No.

6)What Samuel's answer also in 2 Samuel 12:13? God says the same to us. Yes, "but the Lord has forgiven you,"

April 27

1) Who was Amnon? How and why did he die? Amnon was a brother to Tamar and all the sons of David. He died at a party Absalom had thrown. He had "his young men" kill him because he raped Tamar.

2) Who was Tamar? A daughter of David. What made her tear her clothes and rub ashes on her body? Her brother had raped her.

3) Who was Absalom? King David's son. Why did he run from the King's presence? Because he had his brother killed.

4) Why did David finally absolve Absalom and eventually give him a kiss? Absalom was the King's son but had not been near the king for many years because of killing his brother. King David gave him a kiss to reconcile him into the family.

April 28

2 Samuel 15:30 it says: David walked up the road to the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went. His head was covered and his feet were bare as a sign of mourning. And the people who were with him covered their heads and wept as they climbed the hill.

Read this post. Then compare one or more of Jesus' trips to the Mount of Olives with David's. What happened on the Mount of Olives? | GotQuestions.org

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;

Psalm 141:3

Nondalton, AK, is a small village of approximately 120 people. They have an electrical system, gas station, and a place to buy fuel oil. I have noticed that the smaller villages depend on fuel oil being shipped in by barge or plane. There is often barely enough to get by. Pray for the utilities in this community.

Nondalton has a Russian Orthodox church, and a priest who visits according to need. Their original church building is in disrepair but considered a national historical sight in Alaska. They worship in a new church on the same property. Pray for Nondalton's congregation and their priest David.

When I was in Nondalton, the people loved to receive prayer. Their hearts were for their community to be healed in many ways. One home was burned down last year, and a community building was sat on fire. These two incidents of loss caused sadness. Like many villages, homes are expensive to rebuild and there is a lack of housing. I pray for a witness of Jesus to be sent to the village.