Sunday, April 23

The Ark of the Covenant represented the presence of God with His people and the provision of atonement for their sin. It was therefore a joyous occasion to return it to a central place of worship. The living Christ residing in His followers is an even greater reason for joy.

• 2 Samuel 6:12-23
• 1 Chronicles 15:1–16:43
• Focus Text: 1 Chronicles 15:1-3, 15-28

Monday, April 24

God rejected David’s request to build a temple and instead spoke a blessing on David, a promise to make is house (family) great and establish David’s throne forever. There is none like the Lord, who shows such great mercy and grace.

• 2 Samuel 7:1–8:14
• 1 Chronicles 17:1–18:13
• Psalm 60
• Focus Text: 1 Chronicles 17:16-27

Tuesday, April 25

The heart of king David is revealed as he sought to show “the kindness of God” to someone of the house of Saul. Though Saul had sought regularly to kill David, David for the sake of Jonathan showed mercy and grace.

• 2 Samuel 8:15–10:19
• 1 Chronicles 6:16-48, 50-53; 18:14–19:19
• Focus Text: 2 Samuel 9:1-13

Wednesday, April 26

Again David’s heart is revealed: abusive of power, adulterous, deceitful, and murderous; but by God’s mercy: broken, humbled, repentant, and cleansed. We may learn of God’s ways, join in repentance, and declare God’s praise.

• 2 Samuel 11:1–12:25; 5:14-16
• 1 Chronicles 3:5-9; 14:3-7; 20:1
• Psalm 51
• Focus Text: Psalm 51

Thursday, April 27

Military success could be no consolation for the ever worsening situation in King David’s royal family as consequences of his sin against Bathsheba and Uriah multiply. Lust masquerades as love; a crafty cousin counsels deceit; lust erupts into incestuous rape; rightful parental anger neglects righteous consequences; hate seeks revenge in murder.

• 2 Samuel 12:26–14:33
• 1 Chronicles 20:2-3
• Focus Text: 2 Samuel 13:21-29

Friday, April 28

Though a person is forgiven, the consequences of sin can remain. Nathan had warned David (2 Sam 12:10–12). Now he continues to see those consequences, a judgment which he humbly accepts, leaving his life in the hands of the Lord.

• 2 Samuel 15:1–17:14
• Focus Text: 2 Samuel 16:5-14

Saturday, April 29

When circumstances are bad, when even family becomes an enemy, for what do you thirst? When inwardly you feel totally dry, what will quench that thirst? The Psalmist answers for us: God alone will satisfy, His power and glory and steadfast love.

• 2 Samuel 17:15–19:30
• Psalm 3; 63
• Focus Text: Psalm 63