Juggling Fire

Battling for King David’s throne has begun, but thankfully, we see a different ending in the chapter than we’ve seen in the past. The outcome is quite beautiful, really, especially after what we’ve been reading about Absalom and before that, King Saul. These two brothers, Adonijah and Solomon, seem to be humble in their dealings.… Continue reading Bible studies for writers | 1 Kings 1

I’m perplexed by this last chapter of 2 Samuel. It leaves me with a million questions, and it also is making me think about what is happening in our world today. The chapter opens with the anger of the Lord burning against King David, but it doesn’t state why. It’s hard to fathom after the… Continue reading Bible studies for writers | 2 Samuel 24

If I knew how to write scripts about warriors and battles, I definitely would be starting one based on the Three and the Thirty. This is another chapter of the Bible that I don’t ever recall reading before, and let me tell you, I was fascinated! It seems like a bit of a wrap-up for… Continue reading Bible studies for writers | 2 Samuel 23

Along with being the king of Israel and a great warrior, David is known in Christian circles as a songwriter and singer who worshipped the Lord through dance and song. This chapter definitely embodies those characteristics. It’s sometimes hard to read these songs in English because we lose the rhythm and rhyme in which they… Continue reading Bible studies for writers | 2 Samuel 22

Strange little chapter, isn’t it? It seems out of place from the rest of the Book of 2 Samuel, but I know in my heart of hearts it has a purpose. It is interesting that David seemingly had to “sacrifice” seven men in order to end a famine. I can hear the arguments against Christianity… Continue reading Bible studies for writers | 2 Samuel 21

It seems as though Joab, commander of David’s army, has a mean streak. The text doesn’t implicate why he killed Amasa, who rounded up Judah’s army for the sake of King David. We can devise, however, that maybe Joab wanted to be in charge of everyone, and it’s possible that Amasa was leading troops that… Continue reading Bible studies for writers | 2 Samuel 20

Have you ever loved the bad guy? David’s predicament isn’t uncommon. From my own experience, I know it’s sometimes easy to love the one who does you wrong and abandon those who want the best for you. I think it’s human nature. Jesus even gives us examples in the New Testament when he talks about… Continue reading Bible studies for writers | 2 Samuel 19

No matter how horrible our kids can be sometimes, we always want what’s best for them. David is in a precarious position. He’s being persecuted by his son, who no doubt would murder his own father in a heartbeat, and yet he continues to harbor a great love for him - a painful love. This… Continue reading Bible studies for writers | 2 Samuel 18

All the names of helpers and hinderers in this chapter make it quite confusing. Sometimes when we (I) get bogged down in details that don’t quite make sense, I have to summarize the events in what I call “plain English.” Basically, David is on the run from his son, Absalom, who thinks he has the… Continue reading Bible studies for writers | 2 Samuel 17

I love this chapter for so many reasons. For one, it’s full of adventure and plotting, but it also is stuffed with hidden messages, particularly concerning God’s actions and the fact that we don’t always know or need to know what He’s up to in different circles. David was well aware of this. That’s how… Continue reading Bible studies for writers | 2 Samuel 16