Daily Bible Reading

Articles

Colby Junkin
06/08/25 - Daily Bible Reading

Our daily Bible reading has led us to the reign of David. The kingdom, once divided among Saul’s sons and David, is now united under David’s rule from Jerusalem. David’s life was indeed full of accomplishments, but it was also marked by controversy and sin. We would do well to learn from David’s successes and failures.

Day One Hundred Eleven - 2 Samuel 6; 1 Chronicles 13; Psalm 60
- “…Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it…” - We read through this narrative and do not fault Uzzah for reaching out and taking hold of the ark. Uzzah saw the cart beginning to totter and did what anyone would have done in his situation. However, the problem isn’t just that Uzzah touched the ark; its transportation was also in violation of the Law’s decrees and statutes. The ark was supposed to be transported by the two poles and carried by Levites, not set in the back of a cart and hauled by oxen. Uzzah paid a terrible price for David’s failure to prepare properly for the ark’s transportation. David’s response to the Lord’s anger was ignorance. He had not properly prepared for the ark’s transportation. David was motivated by good ideas, but his execution was poor. This would not be the only occurrence during David’s reign.
Day One Hundred Twelve - 1 Chronicles 14-16
- “…as Moses had commanded according to the word of the Lord…” - It’s truly remarkable how much easier things become when we adhere to the boundaries set by God. The commandments of the Lord are not limitations on our lives; rather, they are the source of immense freedom and protection. If only David had initially moved the ark in this manner, but as in our own lives, he had to learn from his mistakes.
Day One Hundred Thirteen - 2 Samuel 7-8; 1 Chronicles 17; Psalm 132
- “When your days are fulfilled…” - David’s lived a tremendously full life. As a teenager, he demonstrated extraordinary bravery by saving his father’s flock from a bear and lion. He also played music for the king of Israel and famously slew the Philistine giant, Goliath. However, during his young adulthood, David faced numerous challenges, fleeing from Saul and seeking refuge in various places. Despite these hardships, the Lord remained steadfastly by his side, providing him with unwavering support…In today’s reading, David reigns over all of Israel from Jerusalem and had the good intention of constructing a house for the Lord. Despite the Lord’s initial refusal of his request, He did not abandon David. Instead, He offered him a promise of a son who would build the temple and ensure the enduring legacy of his kingdom. This promise was fulfilled by David’s son, Solomon, but its ultimate fulfillment would not come until Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. As Jesus had prophesied, “Tear down this temple and I will rebuild it in three days.” Jesus is the head of the church, which serves as the temple of God, a dwelling in the Spirit. While David did not witness this fulfillment during his lifetime, he passed from this life with an unwavering faith in the promises of God.
Day One Hundred Fourteen - 2 Samuel 9-10; 1 Chronicles 18-19; Psalm 89
- “Do not fear, for I will show you kindness…” - The friendship between David and Jonathan has been repeatedly emphasized in our readings over the past week. Jonathan consistently sacrificed himself to protect David from his father’s wrath. Despite Jonathan’s death, David’s loyalty and friendship toward him remained unwavering. Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son, was granted daily access to the king’s table. Despite his physical disability, Mephibosheth received immense blessings from David. David restored all of his father’s lands to him. This act of grace bestowed upon Mephibosheth is truly remarkable. In contrast to the practice of kings often killing all of the males of the preceding king, David welcomed Mephibosheth into his home and took care of Jonathan’s only son.
Day One Hundred Fifteen - 2 Samuel 11-12; 1 Chronicles 20; Psalm 51, 32
- “…Against You, You only, I sinned…” - I can imagine that Bathsheba and Uriah would implore David to reconsider his statement, but it truly hits at the core of the issue. David had betrayed his God by abandoning His boundaries and laws for a fleeting moment of pleasure and sin. In a state of vulnerability, he found himself without anyone else to turn to during these dark moments except for the God of Israel. The grace of God manifested in David’s life offers us hope for our own forgiveness and salvation. While it’s undeniable that David crossed a line and caused significant hurt, those who turn to God, confess and repent of their sins, He is just and faithful to forgive us. After David’s sins, he didn’t seek to restore his reputation or silence his neighbors. Instead, he asked God to cleanse his heart and make it right before Him once again. While we may not be able to control what others say about us, we can certainly control our hearts and turn to the only source of forgiveness. We must learn from David not only to guard against temptation but also how to turn back to God when we’ve made terrible mistakes and choices.