Like David, Christians often have a dilemma. Our earthly circumstances are strong and fine, but God wants to increase your whole house spiritually. He wants you and your family's relationship with Christ and your family’s dwelling place to be under the spiritual rest and security of the almighty God. God promised David:

1) He would “provide a place for My people Israel and will plant them so that they may dwell in a place of their own and be disturbed no more (2 Samuel 7:10).”

2) “No longer will the sons of wickedness oppress them as they did at the beginning (2 Samuel 7:10).”

3) “I will give you rest from all your enemies (2 Samuel 7:11).”

4) “When he (David’s posterity) does wrong, I will discipline him (2 Samuel 7:14).”

5) “My loving devotion will never be removed from him (David’s posterity) (2 Samuel 7:15).”

David initiated God's response by saying, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.” Instead of emphasizing His need for a better, permanent house, God says, “I want to work on the spirituality and the permanence before me of your people and posterity.” God says he wants the people to rely on and understand His loving devotion to them.

I want my family to be planted in a place provided by God where they can dwell safe from the oppression of the wicked, where they can find rest from the evil one’s attacks, where they will listen to God as He grows them through loving discipline, and where they understand that God will never leave them nor forsake them.

I call this flourishing. Psalm 92:12 says, “But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.” David recognizes the importance of the physical house of cedar he lives in, but God tells him that his house, his posterity, will be as strong as Cedar and flourish like palm trees.

After hearing God’s response, David asks, “Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far? And as if this was a small thing in Your eyes, O Lord GOD, You have also spoken about the future of the house of Your servant. Is this Your custom with man, O Lord GOD?”

David questioned God’s goodness toward himself and his family. God’s answer was: Yes! This is what God wants to do for all men. The word “man” that David used was the Hebrew word for “mankind.” He proved it by sending Jesus, a descendant of David, to all people.

David praises God for his goodness to us all: “And now, O Lord GOD, You are God! Your words are true, and You have promised this goodness to Your servant. Now therefore, may it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue forever before You. For You, O Lord GOD, have spoken, and with Your blessing the house of Your servant will be blessed forever.”

As Christians adopted as children of our King Jesus (Galatians 4:4,5; Ephesians 1:5) and descendants of David, we can place our family's name in these words of praise (Galatians 4:4,5; Ephesians 1:5).

David ends this chapter with: “Now therefore, may it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue forever before You. For You, O Lord GOD, have spoken; and with Your blessing may the house of Your servant be blessed forever.”

“Our prayer . . . Now therefore, may it please God to bless the Burgess (replace with your family name) house of Your servants Mark and Val (replace with names of adult leadership in the home), for you that it may continue forever before you— For You, O Lord GOD, have spoken; and with Your blessing may the Burgess (replace with your family name) house of Your servants Mark and Val (replace with names of adult leadership in home) be blessed forever.

When we think we need to build something for God, he turns around and says He is building us to his glory. Our works are happenstance compared to the plan of good and blessing he has for us. He desires us to flourish. Flourish means “grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, especially as the result of a particularly favorable environment.” God wants us to grow in a favorable environment that He willingly provides.

. I am praying for your time as you read and study his Word. I like to use two online sites when I study the Bible: Bible Gateway and Blue-Letter Bible. I may refer to these sites occasionally. Enjoy your Bible Reading with a cup of tea or coffee. I have been doing mine late at night.

I have started a new format for study questions. You can choose from Explore, Word Study, and Questions. You can complete one section or more. Many relate to each other.

Blessings.

Questions to Ponder April 22-30

April 22

2 Samuel 5-6:11

I Chronicles 11:1-13:14

Explore

Explore the idea of a King over Israel versus how Israel was led prior. What are the differences?

Word Study

Complete a word study on the person named Benaiah. What did you learn about him and his name? H1141 - bᵊnāyâ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv)

Questions

How long did David reign in Judah and then in Judah and Israel (2 Samuel 5:4-5:)?

What was unique about the warriors in I Chronicles 12:2?

April 23

2 Samuel 6:12-23

I Chronicles 16

Explore

I Chronicles 16:16 mentions a covenant he made with Abraham. Explore this covenant and compare to the covenants David and Jonathan made with each other (I Samuel 18:3). Is the same Hebrew word used in both instances to explain the actions?

Word Study

Consider the word sojourners in I Chronicles 16:19. What does it mean? Where else in the Bible is the word used?

Questions

What is the significance of 2 Samuel 6:14? Was it what he wore? His actions?

Describe the comparison in I Chronicles 16:26. What does it tell you?

April 24

2 Samuel 7.-8

I Chronicles 17-18:13

Psalm 60

Explore

Explore holiness in Psalm 60:6.

Word Study

Conduct a word study on "banner in Psalm 60:4.

Questions

Who does 1 Chronicles 17:11-12 say will build a house for God to dwell in?

Compare different versions I Chronicles 17:23. What is the difference in wording, and which seems

April 25

2 Samuel 8-10:19

I Chronicles 18:14-19:19

I Chronicles 6

Explore

Explore why the men were ashamed when their beards were shaved off.

Word Study

In 1 Chronicles 18:17, who are the Cherethites H3774 and the Pelethites; H6432? Study the words to find out. Click on the linked numbers listed to study the Hebrew.

Questions

What was important to David in 2 Samuel 9:1?

Only ________ and his descendants served as priests. Fill in the blank.

April 26

I Chronicles 20

2 Samuel 11-12:25

Explore

Explore the giants at Gath as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 20:8. Write down anything you find interesting. H7497 - rᵊp̄ā'îm - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv)Colossal ancient structures found at Gath may explain origin of story of Goliath | The Times of Israel

Word Study

Read I Chronicles 20:3 in the KJV and the NLT. Which version is correct? Study the words. Compare it to 2 Samuel 12:31.

Questions

What sin does David do and how does he plan to cover it up?

What favored son is born to David in 2 Samuel 12:24?

April 27

2 Samuel 12:26-14:33

Explore

Look up "who was Tamar in the Bible."

Word Study

Study the Hebrew word for inheritance נַחֲלָה

as used in 2 Samuel 14. How many times is it in the Old Testament? Can you find any references to inheritance in the New Testament? Is there a significance?

Questions

What power does Amn0n abuse (2 Samuel 13: 12-17?

What power does Absalom abuse (2 Samuel 13:23-38)?

April 28

2 Samuel 15-17:4

Explore

Consider carefully the biblical character Ziba mentioned in 2 Samuel 16 and 19. Was he a moral character?

Word Study

David's weeping in 2 Samuel 15:30-32 is comparable to Christ's weeping in Luke 19:41. Study the Hebrew word for weeping. H1058 - bāḵâ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (nlt)

Questions

Why did David flee Jerusalem in 2 Samuel 15?

Explain Absalom's political motives in 2 Samuel 15?

April 29

2 Samuel 17:15-19:30

Psalm 3

Psalm 63

Explore

Consider carefully how David treats those who have been his enemy when he returns as King. To whom does he grant kindness in 2 Samuel 19? Would you have done the same?

Word Study

What does Ahithophel mean? H302 - 'ăḥîṯōp̄el - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv)

What does Absalom mean? H53 - 'ăbyšālôm - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv)

Does the name of either one seem appropriate in context to the reading?

Questions

By reading Psalm 3, what can you learn from David about his relationship with God?

By reading Psalm 63, what can you apply to your life about the God who meets you in times of need?

April 30

2 Samuel 19:31-21:22

Psalm 7

Explore

Kimham is mentioned in 2 Samuel 19:38. Read the surrounding verses and consider the circumstances and results. Read this link and see if you agree with the thoughts of the author: Topical Bible: Kimham

Word Study

2 Samuel 20:22 says that the woman, a mother in Israel, went to her people with wisdom. "When the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. H2451 (KJV)."

This verse says "in her wisdom." Yet many of the verses translate this word to come from the work of the Spirit. Why would we think this might be the work of the Spirit in this woman as well? Examples prior referring to wisdom of God: 1 Kings 4:29; Exodus 28:3.

Questions

1) Psalm 7 references the "words of Cush, a Benjamite." The Psalmist is in distress over these words. What in the chapter suggests the subject of these words?

2) It's hard to understand Sheba's revolt in 2 Samuel 20 without reading the end of 2 Samuel 19:40-2 Samuel 20:2. How many people of Israel crossed over the Jordan River with David in verse 40? How many appear at the end of the chapter to challenge David and Judah?

What causes Sheba to react? Answer and explain.

a) feeling left out b) jealousy c) wickedness in Sheba's heart d) all of the above. Explain

Answers to Questions to Ponder April 22-30

April 22

2 Samuel 5-6:11

I Chronicles 11:1-13:14

Explore

Explore the idea of a King over Israel versus how Israel was led prior. What are the differences? Israel had been led by the Lord. Judges were set up to help keep order in Israel.

Word Study

Complete a word study on the person named Benaiah. What did you learn about him and his name? H1141 - bᵊnāyâ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv) The name means "Jehovah has built." He was one of David's heroes who helped David.

Questions

How long did David reign in Judah and then in Judah and Israel (2 Samuel 5:4-5:)? He reigned 7 years in Judah and a total lifetime reign of 40 years.

What was unique about the warriors in I Chronicles 12:2? They were ambidextrous for fighting.

April 23

2 Samuel 6:12-23

I Chronicles 16

I Chronicles 16:16 mentions a covenant God made with Abraham. Explore this covenant and compare it to the covenants David and Jonathan made with each other (I Samuel 18:3). Is the same Hebrew word used in both instances to explain the actions? In Genesis 12:1-3 and 17:7, God promises to make Abraham a great nation. David and Jonathan promised to care for each other's posterity. I Chronicles 16:6 speaks of the ark of the covenant. "Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, H1285 because he loved him as his own soul." Yes, it is the same word and an equally compelling contract.

Word Study

Consider the word sojourners in I Chronicles 16:19. What does it mean? Where else in the Bible is the word used? A sojourner is a stranger or someone passing through. The word is used multiple times in the KJV Bible: sojourn (58x), dwell (12x), afraid (6x), stranger (6x), gather together (4x), fear (3x), abide (2x), assemble (1x), stand in awe (1x), gathered (1x), inhabitant (1x), remain (1x), sojourners (1x), surely (1x).

In the New Testament, a sojourner lives on this earth and looks forward to heavenly home. (Philippians 3:20)

Questions

1) What is the significance of 2 Samuel 6:14? Was it what he wore? His actions? David wore a priestly ephod only, like a priestly scarf with two shoulder pieces (Exodus 28:6). In his eyes, he was dancing before the Lord, not people, but his wife had other thoughts (I Chronicles 6:20-22).

2) Describe the comparison in I Chronicles 16:26. What does it tell you? The gods of people are idols or statues, and Yahweh created the Heavens. Other comparisons are before and after this verse.

April 24

2 Samuel 7.-8

I Chronicles 17-18:13

Psalm 60

Explore

Explore holiness in Psalm 60:6.

The general meaning is apartness, holiness, sacredness, separateness

Word Study

Conduct a word study on "banner" in Psalm 60:4. It means to raise a flag; something lifted up, standard, signal, signal pole, ensign, banner, sign, sail. Psalm 60:4 gives us permission to raise a standard or flag built on the truth of God.

Questions

Who does 1 Chronicles 17:11-12 say will build a house for God to dwell in? The son of David.

Compare different versions I Chronicles 17:23. What is the difference in wording, and which seems right? Different versions say word, promise, and thing. The definition is "speech, word, speaking, thing" according to Strong's Lexicon. It's a spoken word. It's a word that is promised. And it's a "thing" that is to happen. There are ways to establish the definition for all.

April 25

2 Samuel 8-10:19

I Chronicles 18:14-19:19

I Chronicles 6

Explore

Explore why the men were ashamed when their beards were shaved off. It was considered shameful to shave the hair of an Israelite man.

Word Study

In 1 Chronicles 18:17, who are the Cherethites H3774 and the Pelethites; H6432? Study the words to find out. Click on the linked numbers listed to study the Hebrew. Cherethites = "executioners," Pelethites = "couriers or guardsmen of David."

Questions

What was important to David in 2 Samuel 9:1? He wanted to keep his covenant to Jonathan's family.

Only ________ and his descendants served as priests. Fill in the blank. Aaron.

April 26

I Chronicles 20

2 Samuel 11-12:25

Explore

Explore the giants at Gath as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 20:8. Write down anything you find interesting. H7497 - rᵊp̄ā'îm - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv)Colossal ancient structures found at Gath may explain origin of story of Goliath | The Times of Israel (Give personal answers)

Word Study

Read I Chronicles 20:3 in the KJV and the NLT. Which version is correct? Study the words. Compare it to 2 Samuel 12:31. The KJV says the people were cut with saws. Several other versions say they worked with saws and tools. It seems more likely they were made slaves.

Questions

What sin does David do and how does he plan to cover it up? He has sex with a soldier's wife and he tries to hide it by bringing the man home from war to have sex with his wife. In the end, he just has the man killed.

What favored son is born to David in 2 Samuel 12:24? Solomon

April 27

2 Samuel 12:26-14:33

Explore

Look up "who was Tamar in the Bible." There are two women by the same name with similar experiences of sexual exploitation.

Word Study

Study the Hebrew word for inheritance נַחֲלָה

as used in 2 Samuel 14. How many times is it in the Old Testament? inheritance (192x), heritage (27x), inherit (2x), possession (1x).

Can you find any references to inheritance in the New Testament? Is there a significance? Consider this article What does the Bible say about inheritance?

Questions

What power does Amnon abuse (2 Samuel 13: 12-17)? He abused his power as a King's son in the area of sexual abuse.

What power does Absalom abuse (2 Samuel 13:23-38)? Absalom abused his power as a King's son by taking out revenge on his half-brother.

April 28

2 Samuel 15-17:4

Explore

Consider carefully the biblical character Ziba mentioned in 2 Samuel 16 and 19. Was he a moral character? Ziba claimed that the crippled son of Jonathan was against David and asked that his monetary goods be granted to Ziba because of the Jonathan's son's choices. Nothing is officially established as to whether Ziba was lying. But any time funds are taken from someone of lower state, it could mean that the person is not of good character.

Word Study

David's weeping in 2 Samuel 15:30-32 is comparable to Christ's weeping in Luke 19:41. Study the Hebrew word for weeping. H1058 - bāḵâ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (nlt)

Questions

Why did David flee Jerusalem in 2 Samuel 15? His son wanted the throne.

Explain Absalom's political motives in 2 Samuel 15? He was politically motivated to get the people to like him through favors. He gained political favor over his Father David.

April 29

2 Samuel 17:15-19:30

Psalm 3

Psalm 63

Explore

Consider carefully how David treats those who have been his enemy when he returns as King. To whom does he grant kindness in 2 Samuel 19? Would you have done the same? He grants everyone kindness and even a place in the royal household for some.

Word Study

What does Ahithophel mean? H302 - 'ăḥîṯōp̄el - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv) Ahithophel = "my brother is foolish (folly)"

What does Absalom mean? H53 - 'ăbyšālôm - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv) "my father is peace"

Does the name of either one seem appropriate in context to the reading? Both do.

Questions

By reading Psalm 3, what can you learn from David about his relationship with God? Trust and confidence in God's salvation.

By reading Psalm 63, what can you apply to your life about the God who meets you in times of need? (Personal study)

April 30

2 Samuel 19:31-21:22

Psalm 7

Explore

Kimham is mentioned in 2 Samuel 19:38. Read the surrounding verses and consider the circumstances and results. Read this link and see if you agree with the thoughts of the author: Topical Bible: Kimham

Author's thought: Kimham's account serves as a testament to the enduring bonds of loyalty and the blessings that flow from faithfulness to God's chosen servants. His life, though briefly mentioned, reflects the broader themes of divine providence and the honoring of commitments within the biblical narrative. What's your thought?

Word Study

2 Samuel 20:22 says that the woman, a mother in Israel, went to her people with wisdom. "When the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. H2451 (KJV)."

This verse says "in her wisdom." Yet many of the verses translate this word to come from the work of the Spirit. Why would we think this might be the work of the Spirit in this woman as well? Examples prior referring to wisdom of God: 1 Kings 4:29; Exodus 28:3. The people listened, and she helped bring peace.

Questions

1) Psalm 7 references the "words of Cush, a Benjamite." The Psalmist is in distress over these words. What in the chapter suggests the subject of these words? Although there are many options, this is a prominent one: Whoever is pregnant with evil

conceives trouble and gives birth to disillusionment.

2) It's hard to understand Sheba's revolt in 2 Samuel 20 without reading the end of 2 Samuel 19:40-2 Samuel 20:2. How many people of Israel crossed over the Jordan River with David in verse 40? How many appear at the end of the chapter to challenge David and Judah? Half the people crossed over together, so half the people felt left out.

What causes Sheba to react? Answer and explain.

a) feeling left out b) jealousy c) wickedness in Sheba's heart d) all of the above.

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