April 19

2 Samuel 21

Highlights In Today's Reading:

A three year famine in the land and the Gibeonites (see Joshua 9) come back to haunt the Israelites. Who was responsible for the breach of the covenant (II Samuel 21:1)? After the Lord ends the famine, David the psalmist sings a song of deliverance from his enemies (Chapter 22).

Although King Saul was dead, he and his sons were still guilty of causing a severe famine that devastated the Israelites. After three years, David had no doubt but that God had some reason for this famine. He believed that God would not afflict His people without having a reason. This song proclaims the assurance that God is a personal Friend who cares for each of us as if we were His only child on earth (John 10:14; Matthew 10:30; 18:14).

David had not complained to the Lord: "This famine has lasted three years." Instead, he prayed: "Have mercy on us and now grant us a rich harvest this year." We then read: God was intreated (heeded the prayer) for the land (II Samuel 21:14). The Lord revealed to David the purpose for the famine and David became known as the light of Israel (21:17). But, in David's song, which is identical to Psalm 18, there is not one complaint — only praise to the Lord, who alone is worthy of our highest praise (compare II Samuel 22:3-4; Psalm 18:3).

Although David's life was filled with many disappointments, sufferings, and sorrows, he readily acknowledged that it was the Lord who gave every deliverance from his enemies. Because of his many years of prayerful conversation with the Lord, it was natural for David to sing: Therefore I will give thanks unto Thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto Thy Name (II Samuel 22:50; compare Psalm 18:49).

I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness: and will sing praise to the Name of the Lord Most High (7:17). David teaches us to give praise to God in the midst of stressful times — regardless of our circumstances. Such a testimony may be God's means of letting others come to know Him.

Praise God! He can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities (weaknesses) (Hebrews 4:15). There are times when believers pray without getting immediate answers from God; but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength (Isaiah 40:31). Consider your motive: God cannot answer prayers that are out of harmony with His will. Therefore it is in our best interest that we come to know and then live in harmony with His revealed Word.

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created (Revelation 4:11).

Thought for Today:

An effective prayer life comes as a result of a maintained relationship with the Savior. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16).

Christ Portrayed:

As the one we call upon for salvation (II Samuel 22:4). Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12).

Word Studies:

21:5 coasts =boundaries; 22:3 horn of my salvation =saving strength; 22:6 prevented =confronted; 22:19 stay =support; 22:27 froward =perverted; unsavoury =shrewd; 22:31 buckler =defender; 22:46 close places =fortresses, strongholds.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts in honor of Rick Hash • Government Official: Rep. John Kuhl (NY) • Country: Luxembourg (429,000) in western Europe • Major languages: Luxembourgish and German • Religious freedom • 84% Roman Catholic; 2% Protestant; .1% Eastern Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Pray in one accord and praise God as the Creator (Acts 4:24).

Optional Reading: Acts 20

Memory Verse for the Week: James 1:21