Read 1 Sam 28.3-7
In 28.3-28: Saul consults a ghost.
In verse 3: Mediums and witches are often used in conjunction and refer to devices used to communicate with the dead.
Such practices are condemned by the law in Deut 18.10.
In verse 4: Shunem and Gilboa locate the site of the battle near Jezreel Valley, far north of the Negeb where previous stories are set.
In verse 6: Three mean of diving were dreams, or incubation, in which one expected the answer to an inquiry to be given at night, in a dream, often when one slept at a holy place; Urim, or lots which have been used earlier in 1 Samuel; and prophets, like the man of God in 9.1-10.16.
In verse 7; A woman who is a medium literally means "a woman of (who deals with) spirits," using the word translated "medium" in v. 3.
Comments or Questions..
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Monday, March 30, 2020
Reading for April 7th
Read 1 Samuel 27.1-28.2
In 27.1-28.2: David with the Philistines.
In verses 1-4: David is driven by Saul's pursuits to flee to the Philistines.
Achish is the same character as in 21.10.
But the two passages are in tension, since David would not have gone to Achish after pretending to be mad in 21.10-15.
In verse 6: It was common for kings to give grants of land to faithful servants.
In this case Achish also benefited because Ziklag guarded the southern frontier of Philistine territory.
In verse 8: The mention of the Amalekites stands in tension with ch. 15 where they are killed.
In verse 10: The Negeb is the southern wilderness area of Palestine.
Kenites should be read as "Kenizzites."
They and the Jarahmeelites were clans within Judah.
David was attacking other peoples and they fooling Acish by telling him that he had attack parts of Judah.
In verse 12: Achish felt confident of David's loyalty because he thought David had alienated himself from his own people.
In 28.2: Then you shall know what your servant can do has a double meaning.
Achish thinks David is saying that he will show his potential against Israel.
David is actually saying that in the heat of battle Achish will find out how David remains loyal to Israel.
Comments or Questions..
In 27.1-28.2: David with the Philistines.
In verses 1-4: David is driven by Saul's pursuits to flee to the Philistines.
Achish is the same character as in 21.10.
But the two passages are in tension, since David would not have gone to Achish after pretending to be mad in 21.10-15.
In verse 6: It was common for kings to give grants of land to faithful servants.
In this case Achish also benefited because Ziklag guarded the southern frontier of Philistine territory.
In verse 8: The mention of the Amalekites stands in tension with ch. 15 where they are killed.
In verse 10: The Negeb is the southern wilderness area of Palestine.
Kenites should be read as "Kenizzites."
They and the Jarahmeelites were clans within Judah.
David was attacking other peoples and they fooling Acish by telling him that he had attack parts of Judah.
In verse 12: Achish felt confident of David's loyalty because he thought David had alienated himself from his own people.
In 28.2: Then you shall know what your servant can do has a double meaning.
Achish thinks David is saying that he will show his potential against Israel.
David is actually saying that in the heat of battle Achish will find out how David remains loyal to Israel.
Comments or Questions..
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Reading for April 6th
Read 1 Samuel 26.13-26
In verse 13: David went over to the other side so if Saul pursues him he can lead the army away from his unsuspecting men.
In verse 16: You deserve to die hints at Abner's assassination (2 Sam 3).
In verse 19: David curses any persons who have caused Saul to pursue him because this has driven him from the land of Israel, which is the Lord's heritage.
In verse 20: A partridge is literally "the caller" or "calling bird."
The comparison is apt since David is calling to Saul from the mountain.
In verse 25: Saul's blessing subtly indicates that David will be king.
Comments or Questions..
In verse 13: David went over to the other side so if Saul pursues him he can lead the army away from his unsuspecting men.
In verse 16: You deserve to die hints at Abner's assassination (2 Sam 3).
In verse 19: David curses any persons who have caused Saul to pursue him because this has driven him from the land of Israel, which is the Lord's heritage.
In verse 20: A partridge is literally "the caller" or "calling bird."
The comparison is apt since David is calling to Saul from the mountain.
In verse 25: Saul's blessing subtly indicates that David will be king.
Comments or Questions..
Saturday, March 28, 2020
Reading for April 5th
Read 1 Samuel 26.1-12
In 26.1-25: A second opportunity to kill Saul.
This story is very similar to the one in ch.24, and the two may be variants of a single original.
In verse 6: Joab was David's nephew (1 Chr 2.16) and would become the commander of his army.
In verse 8: David can kill Saul with the same spear Saul once used against David.
In verse 12: The Lord is again protecting David.
Comments or Questions..
In 26.1-25: A second opportunity to kill Saul.
This story is very similar to the one in ch.24, and the two may be variants of a single original.
In verse 6: Joab was David's nephew (1 Chr 2.16) and would become the commander of his army.
In verse 8: David can kill Saul with the same spear Saul once used against David.
In verse 12: The Lord is again protecting David.
Comments or Questions..
Friday, March 27, 2020
Reading for April 4th
Read 1 Samuel 25.23-43
In verse 23: Unlike Nabal, Abigail is very respectful toward David, treating him as king.
In verses 24-31: Abigail's speech is the model of eloquence and tact.
She refers to herself as David's servant (v. 24) and begs him to ignore the ill-natured fellow Nabal.
Verse 26 seems to anticipate the conclusions of the story., according to which Nabal died, but not by David's hand.
Abigail diplomatically refers to the supplies she brings to David as a present for his men ((v. 27).
Her reference to the Lord's giving David a sure house means she knows he will be king.
The mention of anyone who should rise up to pursue (David) and seek (his) life (v. 29) alludes to Saul.
The bundle of the living is the list of those who live.
Abigail's wish that God sling out David's enemies is reminiscent of David's victory in ch 17 and anticipates Nabal's death in v. 37.
Abigail closes her speech by gently suggesting that shedding innocent blood would be an obstacle to his kingship (vv. 30-31).
When the Lord has dealt well with my lord could refer to David becoming king or, in an ironic way to Nabal's death.
Remember your servant is a marriage proposal.
In verses 34-35 David perceives that is is the Lord, through Abigail, who has prevented him from committing a great offense.
In verse 37: Nabal's heart became like a stone may refer to a coma.
In verse 43: Saul's wife was also named Ahioam (14.50).
Comments or Questions...
In verse 23: Unlike Nabal, Abigail is very respectful toward David, treating him as king.
In verses 24-31: Abigail's speech is the model of eloquence and tact.
She refers to herself as David's servant (v. 24) and begs him to ignore the ill-natured fellow Nabal.
Verse 26 seems to anticipate the conclusions of the story., according to which Nabal died, but not by David's hand.
Abigail diplomatically refers to the supplies she brings to David as a present for his men ((v. 27).
Her reference to the Lord's giving David a sure house means she knows he will be king.
The mention of anyone who should rise up to pursue (David) and seek (his) life (v. 29) alludes to Saul.
The bundle of the living is the list of those who live.
Abigail's wish that God sling out David's enemies is reminiscent of David's victory in ch 17 and anticipates Nabal's death in v. 37.
Abigail closes her speech by gently suggesting that shedding innocent blood would be an obstacle to his kingship (vv. 30-31).
When the Lord has dealt well with my lord could refer to David becoming king or, in an ironic way to Nabal's death.
Remember your servant is a marriage proposal.
In verses 34-35 David perceives that is is the Lord, through Abigail, who has prevented him from committing a great offense.
In verse 37: Nabal's heart became like a stone may refer to a coma.
In verse 43: Saul's wife was also named Ahioam (14.50).
Comments or Questions...
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Reading for April 3rd
Read 1 Samuel 25.1-22
In 25.1-43 Nabal and Abigail.
The placement of this story between the two accounts of David's chances to kill Saul (chs. 24 and 26) is significant.
While David avoids shedding Saul's blood, he is almost guilty of killing many innocent people in Nabal's household.
In verses 2-3: Nabal is like Saul in many ways.
He is "rich as a king" and was a important figure, perhaps a chieftain, among the Calebites, one of the leading clans of Judah.
The name Nabal means "fool" or "brute."
it was probably not the man's real name but represents his character.
His wife Abigail, on the other hand, is his complete opposite.
The only other Abigail in the Bible is David's sister (1 Ch 2.16).
In verses 4-8: Shearing sheep was a festival time in Israel.
David requests a gift, hoping Nabal, in the spirit of the festival, will be generous.
The gift David expects is more or less obligatory as a payment for not harming or "protecting" Nabal's shepherds.
The ten young men whom David sends should give Nabal an idea of the size of the gift David is expecting, namely as much as ten men can carry.
In verses 10-11: Nabal's reply is insulting.
His questions, Who is David? Who is the son of Jesse?, are a way of saying David is insignificant and do not mean that Nabal does not know who David is.
Nabal calls David, in effect, a runaway slave and a vagabond.
In verses 14-17: Nabal's own servants recognize that he is ill-matured and untrustworthy.
In this emergency they go to Abigail.
In verse 18: Five measures: The Hebrew word is "se'ah."
Five se'ahs was about a bushel.
Cakes of figs were clumps rather than bakery product.
In verse 22: David vows to annihilate every male in Nabal's household.
This sets the stage for the arrival of Abigail, who as a female, is the only person who can prevent a tragedy.
Comments or Questions..
In 25.1-43 Nabal and Abigail.
The placement of this story between the two accounts of David's chances to kill Saul (chs. 24 and 26) is significant.
While David avoids shedding Saul's blood, he is almost guilty of killing many innocent people in Nabal's household.
In verses 2-3: Nabal is like Saul in many ways.
He is "rich as a king" and was a important figure, perhaps a chieftain, among the Calebites, one of the leading clans of Judah.
The name Nabal means "fool" or "brute."
it was probably not the man's real name but represents his character.
His wife Abigail, on the other hand, is his complete opposite.
The only other Abigail in the Bible is David's sister (1 Ch 2.16).
In verses 4-8: Shearing sheep was a festival time in Israel.
David requests a gift, hoping Nabal, in the spirit of the festival, will be generous.
The gift David expects is more or less obligatory as a payment for not harming or "protecting" Nabal's shepherds.
The ten young men whom David sends should give Nabal an idea of the size of the gift David is expecting, namely as much as ten men can carry.
In verses 10-11: Nabal's reply is insulting.
His questions, Who is David? Who is the son of Jesse?, are a way of saying David is insignificant and do not mean that Nabal does not know who David is.
Nabal calls David, in effect, a runaway slave and a vagabond.
In verses 14-17: Nabal's own servants recognize that he is ill-matured and untrustworthy.
In this emergency they go to Abigail.
In verse 18: Five measures: The Hebrew word is "se'ah."
Five se'ahs was about a bushel.
Cakes of figs were clumps rather than bakery product.
In verse 22: David vows to annihilate every male in Nabal's household.
This sets the stage for the arrival of Abigail, who as a female, is the only person who can prevent a tragedy.
Comments or Questions..
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Reading for April 2nd
Read 1 Samuel 24.8-11
In verse 11: My father is a respectful address from younger David to the older Saul; it may also imply David's right to inherit Saul's kingdom.
In verse 14: A dead dog? A single flea?
These two terms of self-disparagement may be read in two ways.
David could be saying he is insignificant or that Saul is mistaken if he thinks David is insignificant.
In verse 20: Even Saul recognizes that David will succeed him.
In verses 21-22: David's oath not to wipe out Saul's descendants anticipates his treatment of Jonathan's son, Mephiboseth, in 2 Sam 9.
Comments or Questions..
In verse 11: My father is a respectful address from younger David to the older Saul; it may also imply David's right to inherit Saul's kingdom.
In verse 14: A dead dog? A single flea?
These two terms of self-disparagement may be read in two ways.
David could be saying he is insignificant or that Saul is mistaken if he thinks David is insignificant.
In verse 20: Even Saul recognizes that David will succeed him.
In verses 21-22: David's oath not to wipe out Saul's descendants anticipates his treatment of Jonathan's son, Mephiboseth, in 2 Sam 9.
Comments or Questions..
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Reading for April 1st
Reading 1 Samuel 24.1-7
In 24.1-22: David spares Saul.
In verse 3: To relieve himself (literally, "to cover his feet") is a euphemism for defecation.
The portrait of Saul at this point is particularly degrading.
In verse 4a: The property to which David's men refer here is not recorded.
In verses 4b-5: These verses probably originally were located after v. 7a.
David's cutting off a symbol of his taking Saul's kingdom.
This may be why David's conscience bothered him.
In verse 6: To attack Saul, the Lord's anointed, was attack the Lord.
In verse 7: David scolds his men for their suggestion in v. 4a that he kill Saul.
Comments or Questions..
In 24.1-22: David spares Saul.
In verse 3: To relieve himself (literally, "to cover his feet") is a euphemism for defecation.
The portrait of Saul at this point is particularly degrading.
In verse 4a: The property to which David's men refer here is not recorded.
In verses 4b-5: These verses probably originally were located after v. 7a.
David's cutting off a symbol of his taking Saul's kingdom.
This may be why David's conscience bothered him.
In verse 6: To attack Saul, the Lord's anointed, was attack the Lord.
In verse 7: David scolds his men for their suggestion in v. 4a that he kill Saul.
Comments or Questions..
Monday, March 23, 2020
Reading for March 31st
Read 1 Samuel 23.15-19
In verse 17: The recognition that David will be king and Jonathan the second in command is extraordinary in the mouth of Jonathan himself, the crown prince.
In verses 19-29: Saul is frustrated that David stays one jump ahead of him, which he is able to do because of the ephod (v. 22) shows Yahweh's protection of David.
This time (v. 26) David is trapped on one side of a hill which Saul's force is circling from both directions.
The last-minute notice about the Philistines (v. 27) shows Yahweh's protection of David.
Either meaning for the etiology in v. 28 ('rock of escape" or "rock of division") is appropriate in the context of this story.
Comments or Questions..
In verse 17: The recognition that David will be king and Jonathan the second in command is extraordinary in the mouth of Jonathan himself, the crown prince.
In verses 19-29: Saul is frustrated that David stays one jump ahead of him, which he is able to do because of the ephod (v. 22) shows Yahweh's protection of David.
This time (v. 26) David is trapped on one side of a hill which Saul's force is circling from both directions.
The last-minute notice about the Philistines (v. 27) shows Yahweh's protection of David.
Either meaning for the etiology in v. 28 ('rock of escape" or "rock of division") is appropriate in the context of this story.
Comments or Questions..
Sunday, March 22, 2020
Reading for March 30th
Read 1 Samuel 23.1-14
In 23.1-29: Narrow escapes.
In verses 1-6: This episode illustrates the importance of Abiathar's ability to divine through the ephod as explained in v. 6.
Keilah was an independent city within Philistine territory.
Both times when David inquired his questions required an answer of yer or no, which could be determined through casting lots.
Abiathar's ephod (v. 6) was just such an instrument.
In verses 7-14: Although David was hoping to cultivate the loyalty of the people of Keilah, they were willing to betray him to Saul.
The ephod forewarned him and allowed him to escape Saul.
Comments or Questions..
In 23.1-29: Narrow escapes.
In verses 1-6: This episode illustrates the importance of Abiathar's ability to divine through the ephod as explained in v. 6.
Keilah was an independent city within Philistine territory.
Both times when David inquired his questions required an answer of yer or no, which could be determined through casting lots.
Abiathar's ephod (v. 6) was just such an instrument.
In verses 7-14: Although David was hoping to cultivate the loyalty of the people of Keilah, they were willing to betray him to Saul.
The ephod forewarned him and allowed him to escape Saul.
Comments or Questions..
Saturday, March 21, 2020
Reading for March 29th
Read 1 Samuel 22.11-23
In verse 13: Saul accuses Ahimelech of treason.
In verses 14-15: Ahimelech's eloquent defense makes the point that David is Saul's most loyal servant and so-in-law and that he (Ahimelech) was unaware of any change in their relationship.
In verses 16-17: These reminders only infuriate Saul more, and he orders the death of the priests.
In verse 18: Only Doeg, who is an Edomite, dares to attack the Lord's priests.
In verse 19: Saul devotes Nob to destruction.
Ironically, this is what he failed to do against he Amalekites in ch 15.
In verses 20-21: The one escapee is Abiathar in fulfillment of the oracle against the house of Eli in 2.27-36.
He will prove a useful asset to David.
Comments or Questions..
In verse 13: Saul accuses Ahimelech of treason.
In verses 14-15: Ahimelech's eloquent defense makes the point that David is Saul's most loyal servant and so-in-law and that he (Ahimelech) was unaware of any change in their relationship.
In verses 16-17: These reminders only infuriate Saul more, and he orders the death of the priests.
In verse 18: Only Doeg, who is an Edomite, dares to attack the Lord's priests.
In verse 19: Saul devotes Nob to destruction.
Ironically, this is what he failed to do against he Amalekites in ch 15.
In verses 20-21: The one escapee is Abiathar in fulfillment of the oracle against the house of Eli in 2.27-36.
He will prove a useful asset to David.
Comments or Questions..
Reading for March 28th
Read 1 Samuel 22.6-10
In verse 7: The son of Jesse is a disparaging reference to David.
It was common for the King to reward his loyal servants.
David may have been making promises of rewards to his followers.
But Saul is saying that because they are not from Judah, David's tribe, the Benjaminites can expect no such rewards if David becomes king.
In verse 10: Chapter 21 does not mention that Ahimelech inquired of the Lord for (David), but this plays an important role in the confrontation to follow.
Comments or Questions..
In verse 7: The son of Jesse is a disparaging reference to David.
It was common for the King to reward his loyal servants.
David may have been making promises of rewards to his followers.
But Saul is saying that because they are not from Judah, David's tribe, the Benjaminites can expect no such rewards if David becomes king.
In verse 10: Chapter 21 does not mention that Ahimelech inquired of the Lord for (David), but this plays an important role in the confrontation to follow.
Comments or Questions..
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Reading for March 27th
Read 1 Samuel 22.1-5
In 22.1-23: David gains a following.
In verses 1-15: The account of David's travels related here delays the continuation of the story of the priests of Nob, but it also shows David building an army.
Adullam was in Judah and served as David's headquarters.
The cave may be an error for stronghold; the two words are similar in Hebrew.
This suggests that the otherwise unknown stronghold in v. 4 is also Adullam.
In verse 2: David's army consists of those people unhappy with Saul.
Many of these people may have fled earlier to the wilderness of Judah to escape Saul's' reach.
In verses 3-4: The connection of David's family with Moab is attested in Ruth 4.17-22.
In verse 5; The image of a king siting in council under a sacred tree was a common one in the Near East.
Comments or Questions..
In 22.1-23: David gains a following.
In verses 1-15: The account of David's travels related here delays the continuation of the story of the priests of Nob, but it also shows David building an army.
Adullam was in Judah and served as David's headquarters.
The cave may be an error for stronghold; the two words are similar in Hebrew.
This suggests that the otherwise unknown stronghold in v. 4 is also Adullam.
In verse 2: David's army consists of those people unhappy with Saul.
Many of these people may have fled earlier to the wilderness of Judah to escape Saul's' reach.
In verses 3-4: The connection of David's family with Moab is attested in Ruth 4.17-22.
In verse 5; The image of a king siting in council under a sacred tree was a common one in the Near East.
Comments or Questions..
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Reading for March 26th
Read 1 Samuel 21.1-15
I 21.1-15: David visits Nob.
In verse 1: Ahimelech was the brother of Ahijah, Saul's chaplain, and the great-grandson of Eli.
he came trembling to meet David perhaps because David was alone, and Ahimelech suspected something was wrong.
In verses 4-5: Sexual abstinence, as expressed int he phrase have kept themselves from women, was practiced by soldiers preparing for war and worshippers.
David affirms that he and his men are on a holy mission and so have been abstinent.
Although vessels can refer to tools, weapons, or other implements, here it is a euphemism for the sexual organs.
In verse 7: The fact that Doeg was detained before the Lord probably means that he had a vow to fulfill.
Shepherds may be a mistake for "runner": the words are very similar in Hebrew.
Kings were often escorted by runners.
In verse 9: David had placed the sword of Goliath in his own tent according to 17.54.
The ephod mentioned here seems to be an idol (Judg 8.27) rather than a priestly garment.
In verse 10: Achish, like Goliath is a genuine Philistine name.
In verse 11: If it is not a simple anachronism, the Philistines recognize David already as king of the land.
In verses 13-15: To be mad was seen in the ancient world as being divinely "touched."
hence, the Philistines, fearing divine wrath, leave David alone.
The story also jabs fun at the Philistines who cannot tell madness from sanity and who, by their own admission, have plenty of madmen.
Comments or Questions..
I 21.1-15: David visits Nob.
In verse 1: Ahimelech was the brother of Ahijah, Saul's chaplain, and the great-grandson of Eli.
he came trembling to meet David perhaps because David was alone, and Ahimelech suspected something was wrong.
In verses 4-5: Sexual abstinence, as expressed int he phrase have kept themselves from women, was practiced by soldiers preparing for war and worshippers.
David affirms that he and his men are on a holy mission and so have been abstinent.
Although vessels can refer to tools, weapons, or other implements, here it is a euphemism for the sexual organs.
In verse 7: The fact that Doeg was detained before the Lord probably means that he had a vow to fulfill.
Shepherds may be a mistake for "runner": the words are very similar in Hebrew.
Kings were often escorted by runners.
In verse 9: David had placed the sword of Goliath in his own tent according to 17.54.
The ephod mentioned here seems to be an idol (Judg 8.27) rather than a priestly garment.
In verse 10: Achish, like Goliath is a genuine Philistine name.
In verse 11: If it is not a simple anachronism, the Philistines recognize David already as king of the land.
In verses 13-15: To be mad was seen in the ancient world as being divinely "touched."
hence, the Philistines, fearing divine wrath, leave David alone.
The story also jabs fun at the Philistines who cannot tell madness from sanity and who, by their own admission, have plenty of madmen.
Comments or Questions..
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Reading for March 25th
Read 1 Samuel 20.18-42
In verse 30: Nakedness is a euphemism for the genitals.
Saul's remark is course and insulting.
He accuses Jonathan of treason and says that he is a shame to his mother's genitals.
In verse 31: Saul perceives that David will be king if he is not killed.
In verse 33: Saul tries to kill Jonathan with his spear just as he tried to kill David.
In verses 41-42a: This is an addition emphasizing the affection and loyalty between David and Jonathan.
If the two had been able to meet openly like this, the sign in the previous verses would be unnecessary.
Comments or Questions..
In verse 30: Nakedness is a euphemism for the genitals.
Saul's remark is course and insulting.
He accuses Jonathan of treason and says that he is a shame to his mother's genitals.
In verse 31: Saul perceives that David will be king if he is not killed.
In verse 33: Saul tries to kill Jonathan with his spear just as he tried to kill David.
In verses 41-42a: This is an addition emphasizing the affection and loyalty between David and Jonathan.
If the two had been able to meet openly like this, the sign in the previous verses would be unnecessary.
Comments or Questions..
Monday, March 16, 2020
Reading for March 24th
Read 1 Samuel 20.1-17
In 20.1-42: The covenant of David and Jonathan.
In verse 2: Jonathan is unaware that Saul has tried to kill David and still believes his father would not act without first consulting him.
In verse 5: The new moon in ancient Israel was a day of sacrificing and feasting.
In verse 8: Jonathan asks David to deal kindly or "loyally" with him.
The term implies faithfulness to a treaty and Jonathan goes on the mention the covenant between them.
In verse 13: The Lord do so to Jonathan and more also: Jonathan swears he will warn David.
Jonathan's wish that the lord be with David as he was with Saul suggests that David will be king.
In verses 14-15: Faithful love also means "loyalty."
My house means Jonathan's descendants.
David's oath of loyalty to Jonathan's house anticipates the account of his treatment of Jonathan's son in 2 Sam 9.
In verse 16: The enemies of David include Saul.
In verse 17: Love again expresses political loyalty.
Comments or Questions..
In 20.1-42: The covenant of David and Jonathan.
In verse 2: Jonathan is unaware that Saul has tried to kill David and still believes his father would not act without first consulting him.
In verse 5: The new moon in ancient Israel was a day of sacrificing and feasting.
In verse 8: Jonathan asks David to deal kindly or "loyally" with him.
The term implies faithfulness to a treaty and Jonathan goes on the mention the covenant between them.
In verse 13: The Lord do so to Jonathan and more also: Jonathan swears he will warn David.
Jonathan's wish that the lord be with David as he was with Saul suggests that David will be king.
In verses 14-15: Faithful love also means "loyalty."
My house means Jonathan's descendants.
David's oath of loyalty to Jonathan's house anticipates the account of his treatment of Jonathan's son in 2 Sam 9.
In verse 16: The enemies of David include Saul.
In verse 17: Love again expresses political loyalty.
Comments or Questions..
Sunday, March 15, 2020
Reading for March 23rd
Read 1 Samuel 19.11-24
In verses 11-17: This was originally the continuation of the story of David's marriage in 18.20-29 and took place on the couple's wedding night.
In verse 12: The house was evidently built into the city wall, so that David went through the window and escaped the city.
In verse 13: An idol: The Hebrew word, "teraphim," refers to household gods like those that Rachel took from her father (gen 31.33-35).
The one used by Michal must have been close to life-size.
In verse 17: Michal lies to protect her ruse with the bed after his departure.
In verse 18: Ramah, Samuel's hometown, was about two miles north of Gibeah, while David's home, Bethlehem and Judah, lay to the south.
David would hardly have fled north.
The story included here for literary and theological reasons.
Naioth may be not a proper name but a word meaning "camps" or "huts" where the prophets lived near their leader the prophet Samuel.
In verse 23-24: The saying Is Saul also among the prophets? has a different explanation here from the one offered in 10.10-12.
The perspective on Saul in this latter case is negative.
The depiction of him lying naked is degrading.
The fact that the Lord's spirit comes upon him to prevent him from arresting David clearly shows that God in on David's side against Saul.
Comments or Questions..
In verses 11-17: This was originally the continuation of the story of David's marriage in 18.20-29 and took place on the couple's wedding night.
In verse 12: The house was evidently built into the city wall, so that David went through the window and escaped the city.
In verse 13: An idol: The Hebrew word, "teraphim," refers to household gods like those that Rachel took from her father (gen 31.33-35).
The one used by Michal must have been close to life-size.
In verse 17: Michal lies to protect her ruse with the bed after his departure.
In verse 18: Ramah, Samuel's hometown, was about two miles north of Gibeah, while David's home, Bethlehem and Judah, lay to the south.
David would hardly have fled north.
The story included here for literary and theological reasons.
Naioth may be not a proper name but a word meaning "camps" or "huts" where the prophets lived near their leader the prophet Samuel.
In verse 23-24: The saying Is Saul also among the prophets? has a different explanation here from the one offered in 10.10-12.
The perspective on Saul in this latter case is negative.
The depiction of him lying naked is degrading.
The fact that the Lord's spirit comes upon him to prevent him from arresting David clearly shows that God in on David's side against Saul.
Comments or Questions..
Saturday, March 14, 2020
Reading for March 22nd
Read 1 Samuel 19.1-10
In 19.1-24: More attempts on David's life.
In verse 5: Killing an innocent person was a serious crime that could taint an entire nation and bring the wrath of God.
Comments or Questions..
In 19.1-24: More attempts on David's life.
In verse 5: Killing an innocent person was a serious crime that could taint an entire nation and bring the wrath of God.
Comments or Questions..
Friday, March 13, 2020
Reading for March 21st
Read 1 Samuel 18.20-30
In verse 20: Michal was Saul's younger daughter.
In verse 21: This plan of Saul is slightly more direct than his hope that David's promotion over the army would lead to his death.
In verses 23-25: The marriage present or "bride price" was set by the bride's father and paid to him by the groom.
In verse 26: David was well pleased to be the king's son-in-law, despite his claim to lack ambition.
In verse 28: Michal loved him: Even Saul's own daughter was loyal to David, as she would shortly demonstrate.
Comments or Questions..
In verse 20: Michal was Saul's younger daughter.
In verse 21: This plan of Saul is slightly more direct than his hope that David's promotion over the army would lead to his death.
In verses 23-25: The marriage present or "bride price" was set by the bride's father and paid to him by the groom.
In verse 26: David was well pleased to be the king's son-in-law, despite his claim to lack ambition.
In verse 28: Michal loved him: Even Saul's own daughter was loyal to David, as she would shortly demonstrate.
Comments or Questions..
Thursday, March 12, 2020
Reading for March 20th
Read 1 Samuel 18.6-19
In verse 9: Saul eyed David means that Saul kept a wary eye on him.
In verses 10-11: These verses are also supplemental.
In the initial story, Saul's attempt to kill David with his spear (19.8-10) provides the climax to a series of subtle moves against David.
he raved is the same word translated "prophesy" elsewhere.
It refers to ecstatic (irrational) behavior.
In verses 13-14: Saul promotes David because he is afraid to have David near him.
He also hopes David will be killed in battle.
Marched out and came in is an idiom for "went to war."
In verse 16: All Israel and Judah loved David again expresses political loyalty, thus giving Saul all the more reason to fear.
In verses 17-19: These verses are supplemental as they are not included in the original Greek or Septuagint version (LXX).
If these verses are related to 17.25, Saul has changed the conditions of his promise.
David's response in v. 18 shows his humility and lack of ambition to be king.
The son-in-law to the king was an important political position, since he was potentially an heir to the throne.
In the end (v. 19), Saul goes back on his promise despite David's heroic deeds.
Comments or Questions..
In verse 9: Saul eyed David means that Saul kept a wary eye on him.
In verses 10-11: These verses are also supplemental.
In the initial story, Saul's attempt to kill David with his spear (19.8-10) provides the climax to a series of subtle moves against David.
he raved is the same word translated "prophesy" elsewhere.
It refers to ecstatic (irrational) behavior.
In verses 13-14: Saul promotes David because he is afraid to have David near him.
He also hopes David will be killed in battle.
Marched out and came in is an idiom for "went to war."
In verse 16: All Israel and Judah loved David again expresses political loyalty, thus giving Saul all the more reason to fear.
In verses 17-19: These verses are supplemental as they are not included in the original Greek or Septuagint version (LXX).
If these verses are related to 17.25, Saul has changed the conditions of his promise.
David's response in v. 18 shows his humility and lack of ambition to be king.
The son-in-law to the king was an important political position, since he was potentially an heir to the throne.
In the end (v. 19), Saul goes back on his promise despite David's heroic deeds.
Comments or Questions..
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Reading for March 19th
Read 1 Samuel 18.1-5
In 18.1-30: Saul's jealousy of David.
In verses 1-5: These verses interrupt the initial narrative, which continues in v. 6. with the return home after David's victory.
They continue the supplemental material from ch. 17.
In verses 2-3: Jonathan's love for David implies political loyalty in addition to personal affection.
In verse 4: Jonathan's act is highly symbolic.
By giving his royal robe and armor to David, Jonathan, in effect hands over succession to the throne.
In verse 5: This verse is also supplemental.
In the initial narrative David is promoted for quite a different reason (vv. 12-13).
Comments or Questions..
In 18.1-30: Saul's jealousy of David.
In verses 1-5: These verses interrupt the initial narrative, which continues in v. 6. with the return home after David's victory.
They continue the supplemental material from ch. 17.
In verses 2-3: Jonathan's love for David implies political loyalty in addition to personal affection.
In verse 4: Jonathan's act is highly symbolic.
By giving his royal robe and armor to David, Jonathan, in effect hands over succession to the throne.
In verse 5: This verse is also supplemental.
In the initial narrative David is promoted for quite a different reason (vv. 12-13).
Comments or Questions..
Reading for March 18th
Read 1 Samuel 17.48-58
In verse 49: It is not by chance that David's stone strikes the Philistine in a spot where he is vulnerable.
David's speech shows that this is understood as God's doing.
In verse 50: This supplemental verse is a summary of the action.
It causes some tension with v. 51, which says that David killed the Philistine with his own sword after felling him with the sling and then beheaded him.
In verse 54: This verse contains an anachronism, since Jerusalem was not conquered until David became king of Israel (2 Sam 5).
His tent: Goliath's sword later surfaces among the priests at Nob (21.9), suggesting that this phrase should be read as "the tent (shrine) of Yahweh."
In verse 55: Whose son is this young man? is idiomatic.
Saul was not asking who David's father is.
Again, this question indicates the story's originally independent nature, since according to 16.14-23 Saul and David already have a close relationship.
Comments or Questions..
In verse 49: It is not by chance that David's stone strikes the Philistine in a spot where he is vulnerable.
David's speech shows that this is understood as God's doing.
In verse 50: This supplemental verse is a summary of the action.
It causes some tension with v. 51, which says that David killed the Philistine with his own sword after felling him with the sling and then beheaded him.
In verse 54: This verse contains an anachronism, since Jerusalem was not conquered until David became king of Israel (2 Sam 5).
His tent: Goliath's sword later surfaces among the priests at Nob (21.9), suggesting that this phrase should be read as "the tent (shrine) of Yahweh."
In verse 55: Whose son is this young man? is idiomatic.
Saul was not asking who David's father is.
Again, this question indicates the story's originally independent nature, since according to 16.14-23 Saul and David already have a close relationship.
Comments or Questions..
Monday, March 9, 2020
Reading for March 17th
Read 1 Samuel 17.41-47
An element of ancient warfare involved taunting the opponent and boasting of one's own superiority.
The Philistine is distracted by David's staff (v. 43) and overlooks his real weapon, the sling.
David's reply (vv. 45-47) is religious in nature and promises retribution for the Philistine defiance of the Lord.
David does not need the Philistine arms because the Lord fights for him.
Comments or Questions..
An element of ancient warfare involved taunting the opponent and boasting of one's own superiority.
The Philistine is distracted by David's staff (v. 43) and overlooks his real weapon, the sling.
David's reply (vv. 45-47) is religious in nature and promises retribution for the Philistine defiance of the Lord.
David does not need the Philistine arms because the Lord fights for him.
Comments or Questions..
Sunday, March 8, 2020
Reading for March 16th
Read 1 Samuel 17.28-40
In verses 33-37: While David has experienced fighting wild animals as a shepherd he is still not the warrior described in 16.18.
This tension results from the addition to the originally independent story in ch. 17.
In verses 38-39: David's inability to move in Saul's armor emphasizes his lack of experience as a soldier.
But it also shows Saul's failure to understand that David's advantage lay in his mobility.
In verse 40: His staff was a shepherd's staff little more than a stick.
The sling was not a shepherd's toy but a deadly weapon of war wielded by entire divisions of armies.
It consisted of two cords attached to a pouch from which a stone was hurled, potentially with great accuracy (Judg 20.16).
Comments or Questions..
In verses 33-37: While David has experienced fighting wild animals as a shepherd he is still not the warrior described in 16.18.
This tension results from the addition to the originally independent story in ch. 17.
In verses 38-39: David's inability to move in Saul's armor emphasizes his lack of experience as a soldier.
But it also shows Saul's failure to understand that David's advantage lay in his mobility.
In verse 40: His staff was a shepherd's staff little more than a stick.
The sling was not a shepherd's toy but a deadly weapon of war wielded by entire divisions of armies.
It consisted of two cords attached to a pouch from which a stone was hurled, potentially with great accuracy (Judg 20.16).
Comments or Questions..
Saturday, March 7, 2020
Reading for March 15th
Read 1 Samuel 17.12-27
In verse 12: The Ephrathites were a subgroup within the Calebite clan, which was part of Judah.
In verses 14-15: Here, David is a shepherd boy running errands for his father rather than a warrior already in the army as in 16.14-23.
In verse 16: In this supplementary version of the story, the Philistine had been challenging the Israelites for forty days, while the initial version David fights him the first time he comes out.
Inverse 17: An ephah was about a half of bushel.
Inverse 18: Some token refers to a personal effect that would indicate that the brothers had received the gift from their father and that they were well.
In verse 25: Free meant exempt from slavery and from taxes conscription.
In verse 26: David's courage comes from his recognition that the Lord will help him because the Philistine has reproached the living God.
Comments or Questions..
In verse 12: The Ephrathites were a subgroup within the Calebite clan, which was part of Judah.
In verses 14-15: Here, David is a shepherd boy running errands for his father rather than a warrior already in the army as in 16.14-23.
In verse 16: In this supplementary version of the story, the Philistine had been challenging the Israelites for forty days, while the initial version David fights him the first time he comes out.
Inverse 17: An ephah was about a half of bushel.
Inverse 18: Some token refers to a personal effect that would indicate that the brothers had received the gift from their father and that they were well.
In verse 25: Free meant exempt from slavery and from taxes conscription.
In verse 26: David's courage comes from his recognition that the Lord will help him because the Philistine has reproached the living God.
Comments or Questions..
Friday, March 6, 2020
Reading for March 14th
Read 1 Samuel 17.1-11
In 17.1-58: David defeats the Philistine champion.
An initial version of this story in vv. 1-11, 32-49, 51-54 has been extensively supplemented in the Hebrew text vv. 12-31, 50, 55-58; 18.1-5.
The supplementary material does not occur in the old Greek translation (known as the Septuagint and abbreviated as LXX).
Its addition has caused a series of tensions within the story relating to David's presence in Saul's army, the way in which the Philistine died, and Saul's acquaintance with David.
In verse 4: Goliath is a genuine Philistine name.
But it occurs only here and in v. 23, which is supplemental.
Otherwise, David's opponent is simply called "the Philistine."
The name has come into the story under the influence of 2 Sam 21.19, which says that a man named Elhanan killed Goliath.
Six cubits and a span was about nine and one-half feet.
The Greek reading, "four cubits and a span," about six and one-half feet, is more realistic and probably original.
In verses 5-7: The armor described here is not genuinely Philistine but reflects items from different armies at different times.
it is designed to paint a very imposing picture of the Philistine.
Five thousand shekels was almost 126 pounds.
In verse 6: The javelin was more likely a curved sword or scimitar.
In verse 7: The spear's description is borrowed from 2 Sam 21.19.
The comparison of the shaft with a weaver's beam is obscure.It may refer to size or to a leather thong attached to some spears to facilitate hurling.
Six hundred shekels of iron was more than 15 pounds.
Comments or Questions..
In 17.1-58: David defeats the Philistine champion.
An initial version of this story in vv. 1-11, 32-49, 51-54 has been extensively supplemented in the Hebrew text vv. 12-31, 50, 55-58; 18.1-5.
The supplementary material does not occur in the old Greek translation (known as the Septuagint and abbreviated as LXX).
Its addition has caused a series of tensions within the story relating to David's presence in Saul's army, the way in which the Philistine died, and Saul's acquaintance with David.
In verse 4: Goliath is a genuine Philistine name.
But it occurs only here and in v. 23, which is supplemental.
Otherwise, David's opponent is simply called "the Philistine."
The name has come into the story under the influence of 2 Sam 21.19, which says that a man named Elhanan killed Goliath.
Six cubits and a span was about nine and one-half feet.
The Greek reading, "four cubits and a span," about six and one-half feet, is more realistic and probably original.
In verses 5-7: The armor described here is not genuinely Philistine but reflects items from different armies at different times.
it is designed to paint a very imposing picture of the Philistine.
Five thousand shekels was almost 126 pounds.
In verse 6: The javelin was more likely a curved sword or scimitar.
In verse 7: The spear's description is borrowed from 2 Sam 21.19.
The comparison of the shaft with a weaver's beam is obscure.It may refer to size or to a leather thong attached to some spears to facilitate hurling.
Six hundred shekels of iron was more than 15 pounds.
Comments or Questions..
Thursday, March 5, 2020
Reading for March 13th
Read 1 Samuel 16.14-23
In 16.14-23: David comes to Saul's court.
In verse 14: The contrast between David and Saul continues.
The spirit of the Lord came upon David (v. 13) but left Saul.
In its place Saul is tormented by an evil spirit from the Lord.
This may be an ancient way of describing mental illness.
The theological point is that the Lord has abandoned Saul.
In verse 16: The lyre was a hand-held stringed instrument.
Musicians were used in the ancient world to ward off evil spirits.
In verse 18: A man of valor is a "nobleman.
In 9.1 the same expression is translated "a man of wealth."
Prudent in speech or "skilled of speech" implies both eloquence and cleverness.
The Lord is with him expresses a central theme of the David story, which has its beginning in this text.
In verse 19: David's role as a shepherd again hints at his future as King.
In verses 21; The word "love" expressed not only affection but also loyalty.
Because Saul loved (David) greatly he established a relationship with him and made a commitment to him, appointing him as his armor-bearer, which indicates David's skill as a warrior.
Comments or Questions..
In 16.14-23: David comes to Saul's court.
In verse 14: The contrast between David and Saul continues.
The spirit of the Lord came upon David (v. 13) but left Saul.
In its place Saul is tormented by an evil spirit from the Lord.
This may be an ancient way of describing mental illness.
The theological point is that the Lord has abandoned Saul.
In verse 16: The lyre was a hand-held stringed instrument.
Musicians were used in the ancient world to ward off evil spirits.
In verse 18: A man of valor is a "nobleman.
In 9.1 the same expression is translated "a man of wealth."
Prudent in speech or "skilled of speech" implies both eloquence and cleverness.
The Lord is with him expresses a central theme of the David story, which has its beginning in this text.
In verse 19: David's role as a shepherd again hints at his future as King.
In verses 21; The word "love" expressed not only affection but also loyalty.
Because Saul loved (David) greatly he established a relationship with him and made a commitment to him, appointing him as his armor-bearer, which indicates David's skill as a warrior.
Comments or Questions..
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
Reading for March 12th
Read 1 Samuel 16.1-13
In 16.1-13: David's anointing.
In verses 4-5: The elders of the city were nobles who functioned as a council of civic leaders.
Jesse seems to be among the elders of Bethlehem.
In verses 6-7: Like Saul, Elib is tall and handsome.
Samuel is impressed but is warned that the Lord regards the inner qualities or the heart as more important than outer appearance.
The writer is building a contrast between Saul and David.
In verses 8-9: David's brothers as rejected one by one.
Samuel is probably using some device like the Um and Thummin to determine whether each of the sons is the one chosen by the Lord.
In verse 10: This verse agrees with 17.12 in crediting Jesse with eight sons, but 1 Chr 2.13-15 mentions only seven with David as the youngest.
Since the number seven has special meaning as a symbol for completeness or for largeness, the seventh son may have been seen as specially blessed.
Perhaps David was originally the seventh son and the tradition became altered over time.
or perhaps he is described as the eighth son as a way of highlighting his humble origin.
In verse 11: The word translated the youngest may also mean "the smallest" and again contrasts David with Saul.
David is also keeping sheep.
The image of a shepherd was a common metaphor for kings (2 Sam 5.2).
In verse 12: Ruddy means "reddish" of hair and complexion (Gen 25.25).
Comments or Questions..
In 16.1-13: David's anointing.
In verses 4-5: The elders of the city were nobles who functioned as a council of civic leaders.
Jesse seems to be among the elders of Bethlehem.
In verses 6-7: Like Saul, Elib is tall and handsome.
Samuel is impressed but is warned that the Lord regards the inner qualities or the heart as more important than outer appearance.
The writer is building a contrast between Saul and David.
In verses 8-9: David's brothers as rejected one by one.
Samuel is probably using some device like the Um and Thummin to determine whether each of the sons is the one chosen by the Lord.
In verse 10: This verse agrees with 17.12 in crediting Jesse with eight sons, but 1 Chr 2.13-15 mentions only seven with David as the youngest.
Since the number seven has special meaning as a symbol for completeness or for largeness, the seventh son may have been seen as specially blessed.
Perhaps David was originally the seventh son and the tradition became altered over time.
or perhaps he is described as the eighth son as a way of highlighting his humble origin.
In verse 11: The word translated the youngest may also mean "the smallest" and again contrasts David with Saul.
David is also keeping sheep.
The image of a shepherd was a common metaphor for kings (2 Sam 5.2).
In verse 12: Ruddy means "reddish" of hair and complexion (Gen 25.25).
Comments or Questions..
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
Reading for March 11th
Read 1 Samuel 15.24-35
In verse 27: Grasping the hem of a person's garment was a way way of submitting or pleading.
In verse 28: Samuel uses the torn hem as an object lesson.
The Lord has torn the kingdom from Saul and given it to his neighbor, an allusion to David.
In verse 29: The point of this verse is that the Lord will not change his mind, so Saul's further pleading is futile.
The Glory of Israel is an epithet for the Lord not used elsewhere in the Hebrew Bible.
The general message of the verse seems to contradict the larger context in which the Lord has changed his mind about allowing Saul to be king.
Some scholars address this contradiction by positing v. 29 as a later addition.
In verse 33: Agag's dismemberment before the Lord at the hands of Samuel was a ritual execution as punishment either for war crimes or for violation of an unknown treaty.
In verse 35: The statement that Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death anticipates the story in 1 Sam 28 but starts the tension with 1 Sam 19.18-24.
Comments or Questions..
In verse 27: Grasping the hem of a person's garment was a way way of submitting or pleading.
In verse 28: Samuel uses the torn hem as an object lesson.
The Lord has torn the kingdom from Saul and given it to his neighbor, an allusion to David.
In verse 29: The point of this verse is that the Lord will not change his mind, so Saul's further pleading is futile.
The Glory of Israel is an epithet for the Lord not used elsewhere in the Hebrew Bible.
The general message of the verse seems to contradict the larger context in which the Lord has changed his mind about allowing Saul to be king.
Some scholars address this contradiction by positing v. 29 as a later addition.
In verse 33: Agag's dismemberment before the Lord at the hands of Samuel was a ritual execution as punishment either for war crimes or for violation of an unknown treaty.
In verse 35: The statement that Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death anticipates the story in 1 Sam 28 but starts the tension with 1 Sam 19.18-24.
Comments or Questions..
Monday, March 2, 2020
Reading for March 10th
Read 1 Samuel 15.10-23
In verse 15: Saul defends himself by blaming his troops (the people) for sparing the best sheep and cattle, though he is implicated in v.9.
He also says that the animals were spared for sacrifice, and this is the ground for Samuel's subsequent rebuke.
In verse 22: The fat of rams was part of the animal burned in sacrifice to the Lord.
In verse 23: The kind of divination prohibited here is related to foreign idolatry and does not include divination through a legitimate priest of the Lord.
Rebellion and stubbornness are like divination and idolatry because they involve turning away from the Lord.
Comments or Questions..
In verse 15: Saul defends himself by blaming his troops (the people) for sparing the best sheep and cattle, though he is implicated in v.9.
He also says that the animals were spared for sacrifice, and this is the ground for Samuel's subsequent rebuke.
In verse 22: The fat of rams was part of the animal burned in sacrifice to the Lord.
In verse 23: The kind of divination prohibited here is related to foreign idolatry and does not include divination through a legitimate priest of the Lord.
Rebellion and stubbornness are like divination and idolatry because they involve turning away from the Lord.
Comments or Questions..
Sunday, March 1, 2020
Reading for March 9th
Read 1 Samuel 15.1-9
In 15.1-35: Another rejection of Saul.
In verse 2: An allusion to the story in Ex 17.8-16, which is also recalled in Deut 25.17-19.
In verse 3: The order to utterly destroy the Amalekites reflects the practice of the "ban" or "devotion to its destruction" (Heb., "harem"), use by Israel and other peoples in the ancient Near East.
When it was implemented, the enemy and all their property were annihilated as a kind of sacrifice to the deity.
In verses 4: Saul's army is unbelievably large.
Either the figures have been exaggerated or the Hebrew word translated "thousands" actual refers to a military unit much smaller than a thousand men.
In verse 6: The precise event in which the Kenites showed kindness is unknown.
Comments or Questions..
In 15.1-35: Another rejection of Saul.
In verse 2: An allusion to the story in Ex 17.8-16, which is also recalled in Deut 25.17-19.
In verse 3: The order to utterly destroy the Amalekites reflects the practice of the "ban" or "devotion to its destruction" (Heb., "harem"), use by Israel and other peoples in the ancient Near East.
When it was implemented, the enemy and all their property were annihilated as a kind of sacrifice to the deity.
In verses 4: Saul's army is unbelievably large.
Either the figures have been exaggerated or the Hebrew word translated "thousands" actual refers to a military unit much smaller than a thousand men.
In verse 6: The precise event in which the Kenites showed kindness is unknown.
Comments or Questions..
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