July 6-10

Let the heavens be glad,
And the earth rejoice;
And let them say among the nations,
“The Lord reigns.”
I Chronicles 16:31

What amazing expression music is!!! When we are happy and life is good, there is nothing like a song to give release to our emotions. When the pains of disappoint or loss overtake us, often our heaviness is easier to bear when we can express it in a sad melody. Music captures something that words alone often fail to convey – it captures the mood!

Although we begin our week by reading the words to David’s Song of the Bow, we do not have the privilege of hearing the tune. Did God only preserve the words because the melody was unimportant? No, I don’t think that is the reason. But music is changeable from one generation to the next. Each age bracket seems to define itself by two things, its clothes and its music. What my parents enjoyed seemed old fashioned to me. And what I grew up loving, seemed “old hat” to my kids. And so it goes from generation to generation. The one thing that doesn’t change is the heart of the song that is expressed in its words.

The message contained in the words of the Song of the Bow tells us a great deal about Saul and Jonathan. From it, we learn of their strength as warriors. We get a glimpse into Jonathan’s love for his father, in spite of his dad’s shortcomings. We see why the people of Israel embraced Saul. Hopefully, as you read the words of the song, you don’t fail to miss the information it gives.

On Tuesday we get a closer look at David’s life in Hebron. We are introduced to his wives and his sons. The last we heard of his wives, he only had two with him in the wilderness. Obviously, he had left Michal behind when he fled Saul. It might be a good idea to get to know his offspring! This information will be quite helpful in the weeks to come.

On Tuesday we also see what happens when someone holds on to resentment. Joab is an interesting man. What is even more interesting is that David tolerates him!!! Some may ask the questions, “Didn’t Joab have a right to avenge his brother Ashahel’s death?” The answer is quite simply, “NO!” Ashael died in battle! He was pursuing Abner to kill him. Abner had every right to kill Ashael. You may even remember that Abner tried to get Ashael to stop chasing him – he really didn’t want to be the cause of his death. Obviously, Abner knew that in doing so, he would incur the wrath of his brothers – an he was right!

You may also be asking, “Why David was willing to give Abner such a prestigious place in his army?” The answer is really quite obvious – David knew he was a man of honor. He had faithfully served Saul all his life. David would have also, had Saul not allowed jealousy to destroy their relationship. David recognized that, as long as Saul was still alive, he was still God’s anointed. We must remember that David had served under Abner for a number of years. He knew his character and respected who he was.

And what about David’s mighty men? There are some names on that list that need to be recorded in your memory bank! Take a moment to register the information given on Eliam, Joab, and Uriah specifically. Write it down somewhere!!! You’re going to need it!!!!!

On Wednesday we need to dig out our best duds and attend a coronation ball. The leaders of Israel have requested David to be there king. As David begins his reign over the whole house of Israel, we find his throne still in Hebron. Is it any wonder that there is still so much tension over Hebron today? Once again, it would serve us well to pay attention to what takes place in this important city. It was in this city David was first made king over Judah, and now he is made king over all of Israel.

Obviously, there were many other things that took place in David’s life, but only certain highlights are recorded. When we understand that the God’s Word is not written to give us the whole history of Israel, but only those things that will help us understand God’s eternal plan, we understand the progression of events more clearly. Our next event takes us into the battle for Jerusalem. As we so well know, this city has become the hottest place on earth. Thousands of years after David made it the capital of Israel, it remains the most sought after real estate in the world!!!

With the transfer of the ark to Jerusalem an amazing paradigm was set in order. Those who were trusted God’s ordained sacrifices could find forgiveness, along with all His rules and regulations, at the Tabernacle in Gibeon. Those who sought His presence had to come to the City of the King, Jerusalem. I have no doubt that many of you will connect the dots quickly!!!!!!!

Our week began with a funeral dirge lamenting the death of Saul and Jonathan. We end out week with a song of praise. Once can only imagine how different those melodies sounded. Unlike the Song of the Bow that instructs people not to publish the bad new, our last song for the week calls on all creation to declare, “Our God reigns!!!” So grab your guitars, sit down at your pianos, turn up your iPod with your favorite praise song and sing with me at the top of your voice, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel! YHWH reigns!!!”

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Trail Stops

David’s Wives and Sons with him in Hebron

Mother’s Name Mother’s Lineage Son’s Name Other Pertinent Info.







Sons Born in Jerusalem

Mother’s Name Mother’s Lineage Son’s Name Other Pertinent Info