Journal Through the Bible: Week 39 Monday

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I Samuel chapter 16

Samuel had just told Saul that his family would not rule as a dynasty in Israel because of Saul's own sinful nature and he had just executed the Amalekite king, Agag. Now he was to go to Bethlehem to anoint God's chosen from among the sons of Jesse. He never anticipated that God would decline the tall and impressive-looking sons for the young son who kept the sheep!

God's Holy Spirit departed from Saul and an evil spirit tormented him. This is reminiscent of the time when God removed His protective hedge from Job so that Satan could torment and test him. Saul did not fare nearly as well as Job did when tested. When Saul sent for David to play for him he probably had no idea at that time that David was God's chosen successor to Saul's throne because Saul immediately loved David and promoted him to armorbearer. This may have been God's way of putting David in a position to learn about the affairs of state.

Does God issue any commands in this chapter?

• God told Samuel to stop grieving for Saul, fill a horn with oil, and go to Bethlehem for the purpose of anointing one of the sons of Jesse as the next king.
• God told Samuel to take a heifer with him to Bethlehem to sacrifice. Then he was to call Jesse and his family to the sacrifice.
• God told Samuel not to look on the outward appearance of the sons of Jesse because God was looking at their hearts.
• God told Samuel to anoint the youngest son of Jesse, David the shepherd.

Does God make any promises?

• He promised that the next king would be a man after His own heart.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• David is the ancestor of Jesus and he is also a type of Christ. David was the obedient son who kept his father's sheep. Jesus is the obedient son who keeps His Father's sheep.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• We are introduced to David, the ancestor of Jesus the Messiah who will rule and reign (Isaiah chapter 11.)
• In this passage David is the anointed king who had not yet taken possession of the throne of the territory he was going to rule (Israel). Jesus is the anointed King who has not fully taken possession of the territory that He will rule (the whole world).

Psalm 23

Does this psalm teach anything about Jesus?

• Jesus, the LORD, is the shepherd of His people who provides rest, provisions, restoration, righteousness, protection on the journey, medical aid, and blessings forever.

Does this psalm teach anything about yet-future events?

• The Shepherd's sheep will live in his house forever. Wherever the Shepherd lives, the sheep will live also.

TAKE TIME: September 30 - October 5, 2013

Introduction: Things did not go well with King Saul so God chose another king, a man after His own heart. That set up a series of cat-and-mouse games between the current king Saul and the future king David.

 Assignment:

• Monday - I Samuel chapter 16; Psalm 23
• Tuesday - I Samuel chapter 17
• Wednesday - I Samuel chapter 18
• Thursday - I Samuel chapter 19; Psalm 59
• Friday - I Samuel chapter 20
• Saturday - I Samuel chapter 21; Psalm 56

Memory Verse

Memorize Psalm 23 if you have not already done so.


Prayer Journal (ACTS)

• Adoration - This week take time each day to praise God for being omniscient. Nothing escapes His notice. He even sees within our hearts.
• Confession - Ask God to reveal hidden sin in your life and then confess it.
• Thanksgiving - Thank God for any answers to your prayers.
• Supplication - What are your prayer requests this week? List them for future reference so that you can see how God answers.

Search the Scriptures

Look for references for each of the following:

• Promises that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?
• References that either refer to or infer something about future events.
• What does this passage teach about Jesus?
• Commandments that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?

Putting the Word into Action

Continue to pray for your elected officials. If local elections will be held this fall in your area spend time this week praying over the issues and the candidates. Ask God to help you make wise decisions and to vote for people who have a heart for God if at all possible.

Sunday Psalm: The Transgression of the Wicked Versus the Excellence of the Righteous

Psalm 36

1 The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes. 2 For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful. 3 The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good. 4 He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil.

5 Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. 6 Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast. 7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. 8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. 9 For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. 10 O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart. 11 Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me. 12 There are the workers of iniquity fallen: they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise.

Psalms 36:1-12 (KJV)


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Read Through the Bible in 2013: Sept. 30 - Oct 5

Take Ten

9/30/2013	Jeremiah 43-45	Psalm 64
10/1/2013	Jeremiah 46-48	Psalm 65
10/2/2013	Jeremiah 49, 50	Psalm 66
10/3/2013	Jeremiah 51, 52	Psalm 67
10/4/2013	Daniel 1, 2	Psalm 68
10/5/2013	Daniel 3, 4	Psalm 69

For more information on the Old Testament book of Daniel click here.