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David
The reading from the book of 2 Samuel. And the Lord sent Nathan to David. He came to him and said to him, there were two men in a certain city, the one rich and the other poor. The rich man had very many flocks and herds. But the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb which he had brought. And he brought it up, and it grew up with him and with his children, and used to eat of his morsel and drink from his cup and lie in his arms, and it was like a daughter to him. Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was unwilling to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the guests who had come to him. But he took the poor man's lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him. Then David's anger was greatly kindled against the man. And he said to Nathan, as the Lord lives, the man who has done this deserves to die. And he shall restore the lamb fourfold. Because he did this thing and because he had no pity, Nathan said to David, you are the man. Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul, and I gave you your master's house and your master's wives into your arms and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were too little, I would add to you as much more. Why have you despised the word of the Lord to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with a sword and and have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the ammonites. Now, therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife. Thus says the Lord. Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house. And I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor. And he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this son, for you did it secretly. But I will do this thing before all Israel. And before the sun, David said to Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said to David, the Lord also has put away your sin. You shall not die nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the Lord. The child who was born to you shall die. Then Nathan went to his house, and the Lord afflicted the child that Uriah's wife bore to David, and he became sick. David therefore sought God on behalf of the child and David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground. And the elders of his house stood beside him to raise him from the ground. But he would not, nor did he eat food with them. On the seventh day, the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead. For they said, behold, while the child was yet alive. We spoke to him, and he did not listen to us. How then can we say to him, the child is dead. He may do himself some harm. But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David understood that the child was dead. And David said to his servants, is the child dead? They said, he is dead. Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes, and he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. He then went to his own house, and when he asked, they set food before him and he ate. Then his servants said to him, what is this thing that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive. But when the child died, you arose and ate food, he said, while the child was still alive. I fasted and wept. For I said, who knows whether the Lord will be gracious to me that the child may live? But now he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me. Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba and went in to her and lay with her. And she bore a son. And he called his name Solomon. And the Lord loved him and sent a message by Nathan the Prophet. So he called his name Jedidiah because of the Lord. Now Joab fought against Rabbah of the Ammonites and took the royal city. And Joab sent messengers to David and said, I have fought against Rabbah. Moreover, I have taken the city of waters. Now then, gather the rest of the people together and encamp against the city. And take it lest I take the city and it be called by my name. So David gathered all the people together and went to Rabbah and fought against it and took it. And he took the crown of their king from his head. The weight of it was a talent of gold, and in it was a precious stone. And it was placed on David's head. And he brought out the spoil of the city a very great amount. And he brought out the people who were in it and set them to labor with saws and iron picks and iron axes and made them toil at the brick kilns. And thus he did to all the cities of the Ammonites. Then David and all the people returned to Jerusalem. Now Absalom, David's son, had a beautiful sister whose name was Tamar. And after a time, Amnon, David's son, loved her. And Amnon was so tormented that he made himself ill because of his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and it seemed impossible to Amnon to do anything to her. But Amnon had a friend whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David's brother. And Jonadab was a very crafty man. And he said to him, o son of the king, why are you so haggard morning after morning? Will you not tell me? Amnon said to him, I love Tamar. My brother Absalom's sister Jonadab said to him, lie down on your bed and pretend to be ill. And when your father comes to see you, say to him, let my sister Tamar come and give me bread to eat and prepare the food in my sight that I may see it and eat it from her hand. So Amnon lay down and pretended to be ill. And when the king came to see him, Amnon said to the king, please let my sister Tamar come and make a couple of cakes in my sight that I may eat from her hand. Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, go to your brother Amnon's house and prepare food for him. So Tamar went to her brother Amnon's house where he was lying down, and she took dough and kneaded it and made cakes in his sight and baked the cakes, and she took the pan and emptied it out before him. But he refused to eat. And Amnon said, send out everyone from me. So every one went out from him. Then Amnon said to Tamar, bring the food into the chamber that I may eat from your hand. And Tamar took the cake she had made and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother. But when she brought them near him to eat, he took hold of her and said to her, come lie with me, my sister. She answered him, no, my brother, do not violate me, for such a thing is not done in Israel. Do not do this outrageous thing. As for me, where could I carry my shame? And as for you, you would be as one of the outrageous fools in Israel. Now therefore, please speak to the king, for he will not withhold me from you. But he would not listen to her. And being stronger than she, he violated her and lay with her. Then Amnon hated her with very great hatred, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, get up, go. But she said to him, no, my brother, for this wrong in sending me away is greater than the other that you did to me. But he would not listen to her. He called the young man who served him and said, put this woman out of my presence and bolt the door after her. Now she was wearing a long robe with sleeves, for thus were the virgin daughters of the king dressed. So his servant put her out and bolted the door after her. And Tamar put ashes on her head and. And tore the long robe that she wore. And she laid her hand on her head and went away, crying aloud as she went. And her brother Absalom said to her, has Amnon your brother been with you now hold your peace, my sister. He is your brother. Do not take this to heart. So Tamar lived a desolate woman in her brother Absalom's house. When King David heard of all these things, he was very angry. But Absalom spoke to Amnon, neither good nor bad, for Absalom hated Amnon because he had violated his sister Tamar. After two full years, Absalom had sheep shearers at Belhazar, which is near Ephraim. And Absalom invited all the king's sons. And Absalom came to the king and said, behold, your servant has sheep shearers. Please let the king and his servants go with your servant. But the king said to Absalom, no, my son, let us not all go, lest we be burdensome to you. He pressed him, but he would not go, but gave him his blessing. Then Absalom said, if not, please let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said to him, why should he go with you? But Absalom pressed him until he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him. Then Absalom commanded his servants, mark when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, strike Amnon, then kill him. Do not fear. Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and be valiant. So the servants of Absalom did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose and each mounted his mule and fled. While they were on the way, news came to David. Absalom has struck down all the king's sons, and not one of them is left. Then the king arose and tore his garments and lay on the earth, and. And all his servants who were standing by tore their garments. But Jonadab the son of Shimea, David's brother, said, let not my lord suppose that they have killed all the young men, the king's sons, for Amnon alone is dead. For by the command of Absalom, this has been determined from the day he violated his sister Tamar. Now therefore, let not my lord the king, so take it to heart as to suppose that all the king's sons are dead, for Amnon alone is dead. But Absalom fled. And the young man who kept the watch lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, many people were coming from the road behind him by the side of the mountain. And Jonadab said to the king, behold, the king's sons have come. As your servant said, so it has come about. And as soon as he had finished speaking, behold, the king's sons came and lifted up their voice and wept. And the king also and all his servants wept very bitterly. But Absalom fled and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son day after day. So Absalom fled and went to Geshur and was there three years. And the spirit of the king longed to go out to Absalom because he was comforted about Amnon since he was dead. A reading from the Book of Psalms. With my whole heart I cry, answer me, O Lord, I will keep your statutes. I call to you, save me that I may observe your testimonies. I rise before dawn and cry for help. I hope in your words my eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise. Hear my voice according to your steadfast love, O Lord, according to your justice, give me life. They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose. They are far from your law. But you are near, O Lord, and all your commandments are true. Long have I known from your testimonies that you have founded them forever. A reading from the Book of Colossians. If, then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death. Therefore, what is earthly in you? Sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire and covetousness, which is idolatry on account of these, the wrath of God is coming in these. You too once walked when you were living in them, but now you must put them all away. Anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices, and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave free, but Christ is all and in all put on then as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience bearing with one another. And if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other, as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony, and let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you are called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you, richly teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Wives, submit to your husbands as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye service as people pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ, for the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done. And there is no partiality. Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a master in heaven. Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the Word to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison, that I may make it clear which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts and. And with him, Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here. Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you. And Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, concerning whom you have received instructions. If he comes to you, welcome him and Jesus, who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and at Hierapolis. Luke, the beloved physician, greets you as does Demas. Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea and to Nympha and the church in her house. And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans. And see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, see that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord. I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
Podcast Summary: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry
Episode Title: May 28
Scripture Readings:
In this episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry," hosted by Crossway, Jackie guides listeners through pivotal passages from the Old Testament, Psalms, and the New Testament. The selections for May 28 delve into profound narratives of King David's reign, heartfelt prayers from Psalm 119, and practical exhortations from Paul’s letter to the Colossians. This summary captures the essence of the discussions, key insights, and significant revelations presented in the episode.
[00:01] David's Reign and Challenges
Jackie begins by exploring 2 Samuel 12, where the prophet Nathan confronts King David over his grievous sin with Bathsheba and the orchestrated death of Uriah the Hittite. She highlights the severity of David’s actions and God's unwavering justice.
Key Quote:
Nathan to David (00:45): "You are the man. Thus says the Lord... why have you despised the word of the Lord to do what is evil in his sight?"
Jackie emphasizes the emotional turmoil David experiences, including his fasting and mourning over the death of the child born from his sin, underscoring themes of repentance and divine mercy.
[12:30] The Tragedy of Amnon and Tamar
Transitioning to 2 Samuel 13, Jackie narrates the tragic story of Amnon's lust and subsequent violation of his sister Tamar. She discusses the devastating impact of David's household conflicts and the ripple effects of unchecked desires.
Key Quote:
Tamar to Amnon (28:15): "No, my brother, do not violate me, for such a thing is not done in Israel."
Jackie analyzes Absalom's vengeance against Amnon, highlighting the destructive cycle of sin and the fragmentation within David’s family, leading to national instability.
[25:50] Lessons from David’s Failures
Jackie reflects on David's personal failures and their broader implications for leadership and integrity. She draws parallels between David’s experiences and contemporary struggles, encouraging listeners to seek God's guidance in times of moral testing.
[35:20] A Heart Crying Out to God
Jackie delves into Psalm 119:145–152, showcasing the psalmist's fervent prayers and unwavering commitment to God's statutes. She highlights the psalmist's plea for salvation and the desire to meditate on God's promises.
Key Quote:
Psalmist (00:40): "With my whole heart I cry, answer me, O Lord, I will keep your statutes."
[38:10] Hope and Trust in God’s Word
Jackie discusses the significance of the psalmist rising before dawn to seek God's help, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing spiritual disciplines and maintaining hope in God's steadfast love and justice.
Key Quote:
Psalmist (00:50): "Hear my voice according to your steadfast love, O Lord, according to your justice, give me life."
She encourages listeners to internalize God's commandments and rely on His proximity and truth amidst persecution and adversity.
[45:15] Living a Christ-Centered Life
In Colossians 3, Jackie explores Paul's instructions for believers to seek heavenly things and put to death earthly desires. She underscores the transformative power of Christ in renewing the believer's mind and actions.
Key Quote:
Paul (00:05): "If, then, you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above."
[52:30] Practical Exhortations for Christian Living
Moving to Colossians 4, Jackie examines Paul's guidance on relationships, communication, and steadfastness in prayer. She highlights the call to let the word of Christ dwell richly, to act with wisdom, and to maintain gracious speech.
Key Quote:
Paul (01:15): "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
Jackie emphasizes the importance of mutual encouragement within the Christian community and the responsibility to represent Christ in all actions.
Throughout the episode, Jackie Hill Perry intertwines the biblical narratives with practical applications:
Repentance and Forgiveness: Drawing from David's confession and God's response, she encourages listeners to embrace genuine repentance and trust in God's forgiveness, even when consequences follow.
Family and Leadership: The turmoil within David's family serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of leadership and the impact of personal failings on communal well-being.
Devotion to God's Word: The Psalmist's dedication inspires believers to prioritize their relationship with God, meditate on His promises, and seek His guidance in all endeavors.
Christ-Centered Living: Paul's teachings to the Colossians are presented as a blueprint for living out one's faith authentically, focusing on love, forgiveness, and wisdom in interactions.
Jackie Hill Perry's thoughtful examination of 2 Samuel 12–13, Psalm 119:145–152, and Colossians 3–4 offers listeners profound insights into the human condition, the necessity of divine guidance, and the transformative power of embracing God's word. By navigating through David's triumphs and tribulations, the heartfelt prayers of the psalmist, and Paul's exhortations to the Colossians, the episode provides a comprehensive and enriching exploration of faith in action.
Note: This summary encapsulates the key elements and discussions from the May 28 episode. For a deeper understanding and personal reflection, listeners are encouraged to engage with the full podcast episode.