The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 4 of 24 (To update)

The Second Book of Samuel 

Chapter 4

¹ When Saul's son Ishbaal heard that Abner had died at Hebron, his courage failed, and all Israel was dismayed.

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 4 verse 1)

Oh God my Father when the leader or ruler of a group of people loses hope or courage this has a negative impact on its followers. This is why I place my trust in You and feel empowered to do so in full confidence, for Your words are always positive and encouraging. During the time when You were with Your apostles and their boat was caught in a storm and they were terrified of losing their life. You calmed down the situation emphasised that they need not be afraid and restored order Amen. Thank You, Jesus, for being so caring and reliable Amen.

² Saul's son had two captains of raiding bands; the name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab. They were sons of Rimmon a Benjaminite from Beeroth for Beeroth is considered to belong to Benjamin.

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 4 verse 2)

The name of Baanah which means affliction who was known to be a mighty warrior. The name of the other captain was Rechab which means horsemen or chariot who was also known as being a mighty leader. As Saul had such strong support systems I thank You oh God my Father for all the support that You give me, namely my mother through whom You are giving me the greatest of care love and support Amen.

³(Now the people of Beeroth had fled to Gittaim and are there as resident aliens to this day)

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 4 verse 3)

Oh God my Father I pray for so many people in the world who were compelled to flee their homeland in order to safeguard their lives from persecution leading to torture and possible death. To this day oh God my Father this migration is taking place, and I am happy that You gave me the opportunity of working with such people Amen.

⁴Saul's son Jonathan had a son who was crippled in his feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled; and in her haste to flee, it happened that he fell and became lame, His name was Mephibosheth.

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 4 verse 4)

Oh God my Father as You know my ex-wife also fled from home taking my ten years old daughter with her and never coming back. I pray that this situation would not have a crippling effect on my daughter when she grows up or even in the present times Amen.

The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 3 of 24

The Second Book of Samuel 

Chapter 3

¹ There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul became weaker and weaker.

 

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 3 verse 1)

 

Oh God my beloved Father, since You were with the house of David, they kept on becoming stronger and stronger, however, when one does not have such a blessing, the enemy starts losing power. I pray that I will always be plugged into You my God and Father Amen.

² Sons were born to David at Hebron; his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam of Jezreel; ³ his second Chileab, of Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; the third, Absalom son of Maacah, daughter of King Talmai of Geshur; ⁴ the fourth Adonijah son of Haggith; the fifth Shephatiah son of Abital; ⁵ and the sixth Ithream, of David's wife Eglah. These were born to David in Hebron.

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 3 verses 2 to 5)

 

Oh God my Father, many times we experience times of prosperity and positivity after long periods of stress and desolation. I thank You for not allowing us to experience more stress than we can endure. However,⁷ I pray that we make good use of such positive times. Even though King David experienced a growth in his line of descent, he had children from different women instead of all from his own wife. I pray that during such moments we make decisions based on Your will alone, Amen.



⁶ While there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul.

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 3 verse 6)

Oh brothers and sisters while we are waging war or are in a state of conflict with those of our inner or outer circles, the devil becomes stronger and stronger, because he is happy that the seeds of anger and division are on the increase. Therefore let us not give the evil spirit the pleasure of seeing us in conflict. Let us see the positive side of even what seems a negative situation and aim for peace Amen.


⁷ Now Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizpah daughter of Aiah. And Ishbaal said to Abner, "Why have you gone into my father's concubine?"

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 3 verse 7)

Oh God my blessed Father, when we grow up we start asking questions, which may be very personal but important, and for such questions about issues of both past and or present we demand answers, however, You may decide that this might not be the right time for an answer because by that same answer we might be harmed in some way. I know that You wish the best for me and therefore at times no news is good news Amen.


⁸ The words of Ishbaal made Abner very angry; he said, "Am I a dog's head for Judah? Today I keep showing loyalty to the house of your father Saul, to his brothers, and to his friends, and have not given you into the hand of David; and yet you charge me now with a crime concerning this woman.

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 3 verse 8)

Oh God, my Father, today I pray for many women who have been raped or abused in some way by people who have used their power against them. I pray for such women that they find the needed support. I pray for justice from the part of the abuser, so that this circle of abuse may one day come to an end Amen. Thank You, Jesus.

⁹ So may God do to Abner and so may he add to it! For just what the Lord has sworn to David, that will I accomplish to him, ¹⁰ to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul, and set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan to Beer-sheba."¹¹ And Ishbaal could not answer Abner another word because he feared him.

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 3 verses 9 to 11)

Oh God, many times I see stickers on cars saying "May God do to you double that what you wish to me", which is used in a negative connotation. On reflecting in such circumstances we do not understand that You are a loving God who does not resort to such means as we resort to each other Amen. I pray that You inflame our souls so that we change this way of looking at You or thinking how You behave towards humanity. I pray for a renewal in both mind and spirit Amen.


¹² Abner sent messengers to David at Hebron saying, "To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and I will give you my support to bring all Israel over to you."

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 3 verse 12)

Oh God, my Father, today in 2019 You are making me the same offer asking me the same question. 

"Who does your life belong to? Give it to me and I will give you my full support I promise!

I would like to take You up on this offer, however my mind and body fight against me in living according to the spirit. As a human, I am still carnal and not totally spiritual. I offer You all myself so that You can use me in which way You desire, however, please forgive me if there is a time when I resist You and Your plans for me Amen. Thank You for understanding me and loving me Amen.



¹³ He said, "Good, I will make a covenant with you. But one thing I require of you; you shall never appear in my presence unless you bring Saul's daughter Michal when you come to see me."

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 3 verse 13)

 

God my Father, You are so kind and merciful that You never impose on us such negative demands before appearing in Your presence. Amen.

 

¹⁴ Then David sent messengers to Saul's son Ishbaal, saying, "Give me my wife Michal, to whom I became engaged at the price of one hundred foreskins of the Philistines."

 

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 3 verse 14)

 

 Oh God my Father, please give me back my daughter for whom I am enduring such stress pain and agony. Even though I was strict with her I still love her. I would also even be happy to be allowed to see her my God and Father Amen. 

¹⁵ Ishbaal sent and took her from her husband Paltiel the son of Laish.

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 3 verse 15)

Oh God, my Father, this is something that I never wish to do. Other people's wives are not mine however mine may become another person's wife in the future. I forgive those people who added the fuel in the situation between me and my wife, in order to encourage her to annul my marriage Amen.



¹⁶ But her husband went with her, weeping as he walked behind her all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, "Go back home!" So he went back.

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 3 verse 16)

Oh God my husband blessed are such men to go to such lengths to claim their wives, and even their obedience to authority even if this means being separated from their loved ones. Blessed are many migrants who had to escape their homeland and leave behind them their families, or even see them being raped before their very eyes, without being able to protest. Amen.



¹⁷ Abner sent word to the elders of Israel, saying, "For some time past you have been seeking David as king over you.

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 3 verse 17)

Many times oh God we have tried to live an independent life depending as we say on our own skills and resources, however, in the background You were always taking care of us, even if we wanted to resume control of our lives Amen. I thank You for being there for me my God and Father Amen.


¹⁸ Now then bring it about; for the LORD has promised David: Through my servant David I will save my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines, and from all their enemies."

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 3 verse 18)

Oh, brothers and sisters of all nations, "so it is written and so it shall be done" All the Word of God as in the Holy Bible is true and reliable for all times. Therefore let us place our full trust in God our Father, that what has been written as having been done is done and all that is written as to be done will be done. Amen.



¹⁹ Abner also spoke directly to the Benjaminites; then Abner went to tell David at Hebron all that Israel and the whole house of Benjamin were ready to do. 

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 3 verse 19)

Oh God, my Father, You are aware of all our plans and wishes. You are aware of our intentions and what we wish to accomplish. I plan that You help me in resolving a dilemma regarding the maintenance of my daughter if I am to leave it as it is or revoke it to keep the peace Amen.



²⁰ When Abner came with twenty men to David at Hebron, David made a feast for Abner and the men who were with him.

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 3 verse 20)

Oh God, my Father, when we turn away from our sinful lives to come to lead a life according to Your ways You make more than a welcoming feast for us Amen. You open wide the gates of Heaven Amen.


²¹ Abner said to David, "Let me go and rally all Israel to my lord the king, in order that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may reign over all that your heart desires.." So David dismissed Abner, and he went away in peace.

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 3 verse 21)

Oh God my Father, many times we end up taking decisions only for the sake of keeping the peace, which is not always a valid reason. I kept on being the Yes man for a long time until I could not keep on doing so anymore. I thank You for this verse because it helped me to remember where I was and where I am today Amen. 


²² Just then the servants of David arrived with Joab from a raid bringing much spoil with them. But Abner was not with David at Hebron, for David had dismissed him, and he had gone away in peace.

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 3 verse 22)

Oh God, my Father, jealousy is modern cancer that is strong and effective. It can create in us a lot of negative emotions that can compel us to do great sins, I pray that You protect and liberate us from such a sin Amen.


²³ When Joab and all the army that was with him came, it was told to Joab, "Abner son of Ner came to the king, and he has dismissed him, and he has gone away in peace."

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 3 verse 23)

Oh God my Father, brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ, let us all aim at finding solutions to our issues, especially where relationships are concerned. You, my God, are a Father of unity and not of dysfunction. I pray for unity in the world Amen.


²⁴ Then Joab went to the king and said, "What have you done? Abner came to you; why did you dismiss him, so that he got away?

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 3 verse 24)

Oh God, my Father, there are times when I have many questions especially about the state of my marriage that has now come to an end. However, even though I throw questions in good time You always give me an answer Amen. 


²⁵ You know that Abner son of Ner came to deceive you, and to learn your comings and goings and to learn all that you are doing."

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 3 verse 25)

Oh God my Father many times people try to deceive us by trying to give the impression that they are friends and that they are ready to help us however in truth they might have different intentions and agendas, that may not have positive consequences for us. I pray for the wisdom of the serpent and the gentleness of the dove Amen.


²⁶ When Joab came out from David's presence, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the cistern of Sirah; but David did not know about it. 

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 3 verse 26)

Oh brothers and sisters, when we are angry we tend to lose control of ourselves. During such moments we are open to the attacks of the evil one who implants into our minds many negative thoughts and wicked intentions Amen. I pray for Your protection during such moments Amen.


²⁷ When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gateway to speak with him privately, and there he stabbed him in the stomach, So he died for shedding the blood of Asahel, Joab's brother.

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 3 verse 27)

Oh God, my Father how bitter is the taste of revenge and what a negative end it has. It is like a virus that grows and becomes more powerful until it has the capacity to fulfil its deadly goal Amen. 


²⁸ Afterward, when David heard of it, he said, " I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the LORD for the blood of Abner son of Ner. ²⁹ May the guilt fall on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and may the house of Joab never be without one who has a discharge, or who is leprous," or who holds a spindle, or who falls by the sword, or who lacks food!" 

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 3 verses 28 to 29)

Oh God my Father may we pity our transgressors and feel compassion for them and not wish bad and evil thoughts to befall them, for the victory or vengeance is not ours but that of You my God and Father. While we experience life from a limited perspective You see it in full perspective. You are more objective and just than we can ever be Amen. 

³⁰ So Joab and his brother Abishai murdered Abner because he had killed their brother Asabel in the battle at Gibeon.

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 3 verse 30)

Oh God, my Father bloodshed causes bloodshed and not a long-lasting solution to our issues. Therefore I pray that You heal our hurts and our egotism and self-centeredness and compel us to forgiveness Amen. 



³¹ Then David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, "Tear your clothes, and put on sackcloth, and mourn over Abner," And King David followed the bier.

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 3 verse 31)

Oh, brothers and sisters let us repent from our sins! Let us fast and offer sacrifices of prayer in order to beg God's mercy to bring this virus to its end Amen.



³² They buried Abner at Hebron. The king lifted up his voice and wept at the grave of Abner, and all the people wept.

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 3 verse 32)

Oh God, my Father if King David wept at the death of Abner how much more do You weep at the death of many sons and daughters throughout the world due to this new Corona Virus that is spreading and claiming so many innocent lives. I pray for mercy my God and Father especially for those of us who were so alienated with life, that they did not have a relationship with You Amen.

³³  The king lamented for Abner saying, "Should Abner die as a fool dies? ³⁴ Your hands were not bound, your feet were not fettered; as one falls before the wicked you have fallen." And all the people wept over him again

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 3 verse 33 to 34)

Even though David was aware of the reasons or consequences leading to the death of his son Abner he still lamented for his death. Oh God, my Father, I imagine how much more You lament at the death of all the people due to this Corona Virus Amen.


³⁵ Then all the people came to persuade David to eat something while it was still day, but David swore, saying, "So may God do to me, and more, if I taste bread or anything else before the sun goes down!"

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 3 verse 35)

Oh God many of us have their personal values and rules that we all wish to practice as in the case of David, however many times we are hindered by Social pressures especially from our peers who form part of our inner circles. I pray that in every situation we stick to our faith and to our values Amen.


³⁶ All the people took notice of it, and it pleased them; just as everything the king did pleased all the people.

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 3 verse 36)

For a long time oh God my Father I was a people pleaser especially to my wife, who accepted me as long as I said yes and agreed with her plans. I thank You today for making me a different person who looks at the face of nobody but Yours my God and Father Amen.


³⁷ So all the people and all Israel understood that day that the king had no part in the killing of Abner son of Ner.

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 3 verse 37)

When confronted by death we all tend to ask the fatal question re who was responsible and why did it have to happen? We try to reason what only You my God and Father has permitted to happen even though at first we may not understand why. However, Your ways are not Your ways as You have told us and our ways are not always Your ways Amen.




³⁸  And the king said to his servants, "Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel? ³⁹ Today I am powerless, even though anointed king; these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too violent for me. The LORD pay back the one who does wickedly in accordance with his wickedness!"

(The Second Book of Samuel Chapter 3 verse 38 to 39)

Oh brothers and sisters even though we may be considered as sinners or people of God, we are all of the great value in the eyes of God our Father who uses a different yardstick of measurement that we use among ourselves Amen.

Oh God, my Father, I would like to end this meditation on the third chapter of the second book of Samuel with the following prayer:-

Oh God my Father I offer this prayer for families who are divided among each other, fathers who do not speak to sons or mothers who do not speak to daughters or wives and husbands who have separated and have legally nothing to do with each other. I pray that although they are physically separated from each other there is no hate among each other. I pray that we offer prayers on behalf of those people who have sinned against us for we ourselves are not blameless. Amen