June 21 2 Samuel 4-6

June 21

2 Samuel 4-6

2Sa 4:1 When Ishbosheth, Saul's son, heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands became feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled.

2Sa 4:2 Ishbosheth, Saul's son, had two men who were captains of bands: the name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, of the children of Benjamin (for Beeroth also is reckoned to Benjamin:

2Sa 4:3 and the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, and have lived as foreigners there until this day).

2Sa 4:4 Now Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son who was lame of his feet. He was five years old when the news came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel; and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it happened, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth.

2Sa 4:5 The sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, went, and came about the heat of the day to the house of Ishbosheth, as he took his rest at noon.

2Sa 4:6 They came there into the midst of the house, as though they would have fetched wheat; and they struck him in the body: and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.

2Sa 4:7 Now when they came into the house, as he lay on his bed in his bedchamber, they struck him, and killed him, and beheaded him, and took his head, and went by the way of the Arabah all night.

2Sa 4:8 They brought the head of Ishbosheth to David to Hebron, and said to the king, Behold, the head of Ishbosheth, the son of Saul, your enemy, who sought your life; and Yahweh has avenged my lord the king this day of Saul, and of his seed.

2Sa 4:9 David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said to them, As Yahweh lives, who has redeemed my soul out of all adversity,

2Sa 4:10 when one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good news, I took hold of him, and killed him in Ziklag, which was the reward I gave him for his news.

2Sa 4:11 How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house on his bed, shall I not now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth?

2Sa 4:12 David commanded his young men, and they killed them, and cut off their hands and their feet, and hanged them up beside the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ishbosheth, and buried it in the grave of Abner in Hebron.

2Sa 5:1 Then came all the tribes of Israel to David to Hebron, and spoke, saying, Behold, we are your bone and your flesh.

2Sa 5:2 In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel: and Yahweh said to you, You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over Israel.

2Sa 5:3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a covenant with them in Hebron before Yahweh: and they anointed David king over Israel.

2Sa 5:4 David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.

2Sa 5:5 In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months; and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah.

2Sa 5:6 The king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who spoke to David, saying, Unless you take away the blind and the lame, you shall not come in here; thinking, David can't come in here.

2Sa 5:7 Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion; the same is the city of David.

2Sa 5:8 David said on that day, Whoever strikes the Jebusites, let him get up to the watercourse, and strike the lame and the blind, who are hated of David's soul. Therefore they say, There are the blind and the lame; he can't come into the house.

2Sa 5:9 David lived in the stronghold, and called it the city of David. David built around from Millo and inward.

2Sa 5:10 David grew greater and greater; for Yahweh, the God of Armies, was with him.

2Sa 5:11 Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons; and they built David a house.

2Sa 5:12 David perceived that Yahweh had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake.

2Sa 5:13 David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron; and there were yet sons and daughters born to David.

2Sa 5:14 These are the names of those who were born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,

2Sa 5:15 and Ibhar, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,

2Sa 5:16 and Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphelet.

2Sa 5:17 When the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the stronghold.

2Sa 5:18 Now the Philistines had come and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

2Sa 5:19 David inquired of Yahweh, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? will you deliver them into my hand? Yahweh said to David, Go up; for I will certainly deliver the Philistines into your hand.

2Sa 5:20 David came to Baal Perazim, and David struck them there; and he said, Yahweh has broken my enemies before me, like the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baal Perazim.

2Sa 5:21 They left their images there; and David and his men took them away.

2Sa 5:22 The Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

2Sa 5:23 When David inquired of Yahweh, he said, You shall not go up: make a circuit behind them, and come on them over against the mulberry trees.

2Sa 5:24 It shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then you shall stir yourself up; for then Yahweh has gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.

2Sa 5:25 David did so, as Yahweh commanded him, and struck the Philistines from Geba until you come to Gezer.

2Sa 6:1 David again gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand.

2Sa 6:2 David arose, and went with all the people who were with him, from Baale Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name, even the name of Yahweh of Armies who sits above the cherubim.

2Sa 6:3 They set the ark of God on a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in the hill: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drove the new cart.

2Sa 6:4 They brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was in the hill, with the ark of God: and Ahio went before the ark.

2Sa 6:5 David and all the house of Israel played before Yahweh with all manner of instruments made of fir wood, and with harps, and with stringed instruments, and with tambourines, and with castanets, and with cymbals.

2Sa 6:6 When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the cattle stumbled.

2Sa 6:7 The anger of Yahweh was kindled against Uzzah; and God struck him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.

2Sa 6:8 David was displeased, because Yahweh had broken forth on Uzzah; and he called that place Perez Uzzah, to this day.

2Sa 6:9 David was afraid of Yahweh that day; and he said, How shall the ark of Yahweh come to me?

2Sa 6:10 So David would not remove the ark of Yahweh to him into the city of David; but David carried it aside into the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite.

2Sa 6:11 The ark of Yahweh remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite three months: and Yahweh blessed Obed-Edom, and all his house.

2Sa 6:12 It was told king David, saying, Yahweh has blessed the house of Obed-Edom, and all that pertains to him, because of the ark of God. David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom into the city of David with joy.

2Sa 6:13 It was so, that, when those who bore the ark of Yahweh had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf.

2Sa 6:14 David danced before Yahweh with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.

2Sa 6:15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of Yahweh with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.

2Sa 6:16 It was so, as the ark of Yahweh came into the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looked out at the window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before Yahweh; and she despised him in her heart.

2Sa 6:17 They brought in the ark of Yahweh, and set it in its place, in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it; and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before Yahweh.

2Sa 6:18 When David had made an end of offering the burnt offering and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of Yahweh of Armies.

2Sa 6:19 He dealt among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, both to men and women, to everyone a cake of bread, and a portion of flesh, and a cake of raisins. So all the people departed everyone to his house.

2Sa 6:20 Then David returned to bless his household. Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel today, who uncovered himself today in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!

2Sa 6:21 David said to Michal, It was before Yahweh, who chose me above your father, and above all his house, to appoint me prince over the people of Yahweh, over Israel: therefore will I play before Yahweh.

2Sa 6:22 I will be yet more vile than this, and will be base in my own sight: but of the handmaids of whom you have spoken, they shall honor me.

2Sa 6:23 Michal the daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death.

Jun. 21, 22 John 19

Jun. 21, 22

John 19

Joh 19:1 So Pilate then took Jesus, and flogged him.

Joh 19:2 The soldiers twisted thorns into a crown, and put it on his head, and dressed him in a purple garment.

Joh 19:3 They kept saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and they kept slapping him.

Joh 19:4 Then Pilate went out again, and said to them, "Behold, I bring him out to you, that you may know that I find no basis for a charge against him."

Joh 19:5 Jesus therefore came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple garment. Pilate said to them, "Behold, the man!"

Joh 19:6 When therefore the chief priests and the officers saw him, they shouted, saying, "Crucify! Crucify!" Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves, and crucify him, for I find no basis for a charge against him."

Joh 19:7 The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God."

Joh 19:8 When therefore Pilate heard this saying, he was more afraid.

Joh 19:9 He entered into the Praetorium again, and said to Jesus, "Where are you from?" But Jesus gave him no answer.

Joh 19:10 Pilate therefore said to him, "Aren't you speaking to me? Don't you know that I have power to release you, and have power to crucify you?"

Joh 19:11 Jesus answered, "You would have no power at all against me, unless it were given to you from above. Therefore he who delivered me to you has greater sin."

Joh 19:12 At this, Pilate was seeking to release him, but the Jews cried out, saying, "If you release this man, you aren't Caesar's friend! Everyone who makes himself a king speaks against Caesar!"

Joh 19:13 When Pilate therefore heard these words, he brought Jesus out, and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called "The Pavement," but in Hebrew, "Gabbatha."

Joh 19:14 Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, at about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, "Behold, your King!"

Joh 19:15 They cried out, "Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your King?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar!"

Joh 19:16 So then he delivered him to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus and led him away.

Joh 19:17 He went out, bearing his cross, to the place called "The Place of a Skull," which is called in Hebrew, "Golgotha,"

Joh 19:18 where they crucified him, and with him two others, on either side one, and Jesus in the middle.

Joh 19:19 Pilate wrote a title also, and put it on the cross. There was written, "JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS."

Joh 19:20 Therefore many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek.

Joh 19:21 The chief priests of the Jews therefore said to Pilate, "Don't write, 'The King of the Jews,' but, 'he said, I am King of the Jews.' "

Joh 19:22 Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."

Joh 19:23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also the coat. Now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.

Joh 19:24 Then they said to one another, "Let's not tear it, but cast lots for it to decide whose it will be," that the Scripture might be fulfilled, which says, "They parted my garments among them. For my cloak they cast lots." Therefore the soldiers did these things.

Joh 19:25 But there were standing by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

Joh 19:26 Therefore when Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing there, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold your son!"

Joh 19:27 Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" From that hour, the disciple took her to his own home.

Joh 19:28 After this, Jesus, seeing that all things were now finished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I am thirsty."

Joh 19:29 Now a vessel full of vinegar was set there; so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop, and held it at his mouth.

Joh 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.

Joh 19:31 Therefore the Jews, because it was the Preparation Day, so that the bodies wouldn't remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a special one), asked of Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.

Joh 19:32 Therefore the soldiers came, and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who was crucified with him;

Joh 19:33 but when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was already dead, they didn't break his legs.

Joh 19:34 However one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.

Joh 19:35 He who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, that you may believe.

Joh 19:36 For these things happened, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, "A bone of him will not be broken."

Joh 19:37 Again another Scripture says, "They will look on him whom they pierced."

Joh 19:38 After these things, Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked of Pilate that he might take away Jesus' body. Pilate gave him permission. He came therefore and took away his body.

Joh 19:39 Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred Roman pounds.

Joh 19:40 So they took Jesus' body, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury.

Joh 19:41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden. In the garden was a new tomb in which no man had ever yet been laid.

Joh 19:42 Then because of the Jews' Preparation Day (for the tomb was near at hand) they laid Jesus there.

"THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS" Chapter Six by Mark Copeland

                      "THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS"

                              Chapter Six

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To understand what takes place in baptism

2) To appreciate the freedom from sin which we may now enjoy in Christ

SUMMARY

In chapter five, Paul made the statement "where sin abounded, grace 
abounded much more" (5:20).   Aware that some readers might misconstrue
what he said, Paul quickly points out that grace is no excuse to sin
since through grace they have died to sin (1-2).  To emphasize this, he
reminds them of their baptism into Christ, in which they experienced a
burial into the death of Christ and rose to walk in newness of life,
having died to sin (3-7).  Dead to sin, they are now free to live as
instruments of righteousness for God (8-14).

Another reason not to continue in sin is explained in terms of 
servitude.  We become slaves to that which we obey, either sin or God 
(15-16).  But Paul is grateful that the Romans had begun to obey God 
and were free to become His servants (17-18).  How important it is that 
they continue to do so is to be seen in the outcome of serving sin 
contrasted to serving God.  Serving sin earns death, but in serving God 
one receives the gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus (19-23)!

OUTLINE

I. WE ARE DEAD TO SIN! (1-14)

   A. THROUGH BAPTISM WE DIED TO SIN (1-7)
      1. Shall we sin, that grace may abound? No, we died to sin! (1-2)
      2. In baptism we were buried into Christ's death (3-4a)
      3. We should walk in newness of life, having been united together
         in the likeness of His death, crucified with Him, no longer
         slaves of sin, but freed from sin (4b-7)

   B. DEAD TO SIN, ALIVE TO GOD (8-14)
      1. Having died with Christ, we may live with Him over Whom death
         has no dominion (8-10)
      2. Alive to God, we should not let sin reign in our bodies
         (11-12)
      3. But rather present our bodies as instruments of righteousness,
         for we are under grace (13-14)

II. WE SHOULD BE SLAVES TO GOD! (15-23)

   A. WE BECOME SLAVES TO WHOM WE OBEY (15-18)
      1. Either of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness
         (15-16)
      2. Through obedience to God's Word, those who were slaves of sin
         become slaves of righteousness (17-18)

   B. THE MOTIVATION FOR SERVING GOD (19-23)
      1. Serving righteousness produces holiness (19)
      2. Serving sin produces death (20-21)
      3. Serving God produces the fruit of holiness, and in the end,
         eternal life (22)
      4. The wages of sin is death, but God gives the gift of eternal
         life in Christ Jesus our Lord (23)

WORDS TO PONDER

baptism - from the Greek word "baptizo" meaning to "immerse", it most
          commonly in the New Testament refers to the burial in water
          in the name of Jesus for the remission of our sins

sanctification - the process of "sanctifying" or "setting apart for a
                 devoted purpose"; in the New Testament it begins with
                 baptism and continues on as we grow in Christ

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) List the main points of this chapter
   - We Are Dead To Sin! (1-14)
   - We Should Be Slaves To God! (15-23)

2) Why are Christians not to continue in sin? (2)
   - Because we died to sin

3) What happens when one is baptized into Christ? (3-7)
   - They are baptized into His death, being buried with Him and united
     with Him in the likeness of His death, where the old man is
     crucified with Him and the body of sin is done away, making it
     possible to be freed from sin and to rise to walk in newness of
     life

4) How should we present the members of our bodies? (13)
   - As instruments of righteousness to God

5) Why does sin no longer have dominion over the Christian? (14)
   - Because the Christian is not "under law", but "under grace"

6) What was necessary to become free from sin? (17-18)
   - To obey the doctrine of God from the heart

7) What is the result of presenting your members as slaves to right-
   eousness? (19)
   - Holiness, or sanctification

8) What three steps are described that eventually lead to eternal life?
   (22)
   -  1) Being set free from sin  2) Becoming slaves to God  3) Bearing
      the fruit of holiness

9) What is the just payment for sin?  But what does God give us in
   Christ? (23)
   - Death.  Eternal life.

Wanted: Position as watchdog

This is one crazy looking dog.  What a watchdog this one would make!!!  Can you imagine even trying to enter the yard that he was guarding.  Now he doesn't look like a big dog, but its his attitude that would get him a job anywhere!!!!  If you have something worth guarding, then, hire him... quickly!!!  Which oddly enough, reminded me of this passage from the book of Acts...

Acts, Chapter 20

 22 Now, behold, I go bound by the Spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there;  23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions wait for me.  24 But these things don’t count; nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to fully testify to the Good News of the grace of God.

  25 “Now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I went about preaching the Kingdom of God, will see my face no more.  26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am clean from the blood of all men,  27 for I didn’t shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.  28 Take heed, therefore, to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of the Lord and God which he purchased with his own blood.  29 For I know that after my departure, vicious wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Men will arise from among your own selves, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, remembering that for a period of three years I didn’t cease to admonish everyone night and day with tears.  32 Now, brothers, I entrust you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build up, and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 

Elders (overseers, shepherds) have a tough job!!!  It takes a real leader to shepherd the church!!!  They face formidable adversaries (29) and have to deal with all sorts of doctrinal and interpersonal problems.  If you are an Elder, I congratulate you, because you have chosen one of the most difficult works a person can do.  At the same time, its the most important because the greatest price (the blood of Jesus) was paid for those under your oversight.  Be aggressive, be diligent; just don't look too crazy; it will scare some folks!!!

June 20 2 Samuel 1-3

June 20

2 Samuel 1-3

2Sa 1:1 It happened after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in Ziklag;

2Sa 1:2 it happened on the third day, that behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul, with his clothes torn, and earth on his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.

2Sa 1:3 David said to him, Where do you come from? He said to him, I have escaped out of the camp of Israel.

2Sa 1:4 David said to him, How did it go? Please tell me. He answered, The people have fled from the battle, and many of the people also have fallen and are dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also.

2Sa 1:5 David said to the young man who told him, How do you know that Saul and Jonathan his son are dead?

2Sa 1:6 The young man who told him said, As I happened by chance on Mount Gilboa, behold, Saul was leaning on his spear; and behold, the chariots and the horsemen followed hard after him.

2Sa 1:7 When he looked behind him, he saw me, and called to me. I answered, Here I am.

2Sa 1:8 He said to me, Who are you? I answered him, I am an Amalekite.

2Sa 1:9 He said to me, Stand, I pray you, beside me, and kill me; for anguish has taken hold of me, because my life is yet whole in me.

2Sa 1:10 So I stood beside him, and killed him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was on his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them here to my lord.

2Sa 1:11 Then David took hold on his clothes, and tore them; and likewise all the men who were with him:

2Sa 1:12 and they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of Yahweh, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.

2Sa 1:13 David said to the young man who told him, Where are you from? He answered, I am the son of a foreigner, an Amalekite.

2Sa 1:14 David said to him, How were you not afraid to put forth your hand to destroy Yahweh's anointed?

2Sa 1:15 David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, and fall on him. He struck him, so that he died.

2Sa 1:16 David said to him, Your blood be on your head; for your mouth has testified against you, saying, I have slain Yahweh's anointed.

2Sa 1:17 David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son

2Sa 1:18 (and he bade them teach the children of Judah the song of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jashar):

2Sa 1:19 Your glory, Israel, is slain on your high places! How the mighty have fallen!

2Sa 1:20 Don't tell it in Gath. Don't publish it in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.

2Sa 1:21 You mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew nor rain on you, neither fields of offerings; For there the shield of the mighty was vilely cast away, The shield of Saul was not anointed with oil.

2Sa 1:22 From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, Jonathan's bow didn't turn back. Saul's sword didn't return empty.

2Sa 1:23 Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives. In their death, they were not divided. They were swifter than eagles. They were stronger than lions.

2Sa 1:24 You daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet delicately, who put ornaments of gold on your clothing.

2Sa 1:25 How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan is slain on your high places.

2Sa 1:26 I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan. You have been very pleasant to me. Your love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.

2Sa 1:27 How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!

2Sa 2:1 It happened after this, that David inquired of Yahweh, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? Yahweh said to him, Go up. David said, Where shall I go up? He said, To Hebron.

2Sa 2:2 So David went up there, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite.

2Sa 2:3 His men who were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they lived in the cities of Hebron.

2Sa 2:4 The men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. They told David, saying, The men of Jabesh Gilead were those who buried Saul.

2Sa 2:5 David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead, and said to them, Blessed be you of Yahweh, that you have shown this kindness to your lord, even to Saul, and have buried him.

2Sa 2:6 Now Yahweh show loving kindness and truth to you: and I also will rewarde you for this kindness, because you have done this thing.

2Sa 2:7 Now therefore let your hands be strong, and be valiant; for Saul your lord is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them.

2Sa 2:8 Now Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's army, had taken Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim;

2Sa 2:9 and he made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.

2Sa 2:10 Ishbosheth, Saul's son, was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David.

2Sa 2:11 The time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.

2Sa 2:12 Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ishbosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.

2Sa 2:13 Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met them by the pool of Gibeon; and they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool.

2Sa 2:14 Abner said to Joab, Please let the young men arise and play before us. Joab said, Let them arise.

2Sa 2:15 Then they arose and went over by number: twelve for Benjamin, and for Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.

2Sa 2:16 They caught everyone his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell down together: therefore that place was called Helkath Hazzurim, which is in Gibeon.

2Sa 2:17 The battle was very severe that day: and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.

2Sa 2:18 The three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild gazelle.

2Sa 2:19 Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he didn't turn to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.

2Sa 2:20 Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Is it you, Asahel? He answered, It is I.

2Sa 2:21 Abner said to him, Turn aside to your right hand or to your left, and grab one of the young men, and take his armor. But Asahel would not turn aside from following him.

2Sa 2:22 Abner said again to Asahel, Turn aside from following me: why should I strike you to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab your brother?

2Sa 2:23 However he refused to turn aside: therefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear struck him in the body, so that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place: and it happened, that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.

2Sa 2:24 But Joab and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they were come to the hill of Ammah, that lies before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon.

2Sa 2:25 The children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner, and became one band, and stood on the top of a hill.

2Sa 2:26 Then Abner called to Joab, and said, "Shall the sword devour forever? Don't you know that it will be bitterness in the latter end? How long shall it be then, before you bid the people return from following their brothers?"

2Sa 2:27 Joab said, As God lives, if you had not spoken, surely then in the morning the people had gone away, nor followed everyone his brother.

2Sa 2:28 So Joab blew the trumpet; and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more.

2Sa 2:29 Abner and his men went all that night through the Arabah; and they passed over the Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and came to Mahanaim.

2Sa 2:30 Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David's servants nineteen men and Asahel.

2Sa 2:31 But the servants of David had struck of Benjamin, and of Abner's men, so that three hundred sixty men died.

2Sa 2:32 They took up Asahel, and buried him in the tomb of his father, which was in Bethlehem. Joab and his men went all night, and the day broke on them at Hebron.

2Sa 3:1 Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: and David grew stronger and stronger, but the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.

2Sa 3:2 To David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;

2Sa 3:3 and his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;

2Sa 3:4 and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;

2Sa 3:5 and the sixth, Ithream, of Eglah, David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron.

2Sa 3:6 It happened, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong in the house of Saul.

2Sa 3:7 Now Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Why have you gone in to my father's concubine?

2Sa 3:8 Then was Abner very angry for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a dog's head that belongs to Judah? This day do I show kindness to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers, and to his friends, and have not delivered you into the hand of David; and yet you charge me this day with a fault concerning this woman.

2Sa 3:9 God do so to Abner, and more also, if, as Yahweh has sworn to David, I don't do even so to him;

2Sa 3:10 to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba.

2Sa 3:11 He could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him.

2Sa 3:12 Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying also, Make your league with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you, to bring about all Israel to you.

2Sa 3:13 He said, Well; I will make a league with you; but one thing I require of you: that is, you shall not see my face, unless you first bring Michal, Saul's daughter, when you come to see my face.

2Sa 3:14 David sent messengers to Ishbosheth, Saul's son, saying, Deliver me my wife Michal, whom I pledged to be married to me for one hundred foreskins of the Philistines.

2Sa 3:15 Ishbosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Paltiel the son of Laish.

2Sa 3:16 Her husband went with her, weeping as he went, and followed her to Bahurim. Then said Abner to him, Go, return: and he returned.

2Sa 3:17 Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, In times past you sought for David to be king over you:

2Sa 3:18 now then do it; for Yahweh has spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.

2Sa 3:19 Abner also spoke in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel, and to the whole house of Benjamin.

2Sa 3:20 So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. David made Abner and the men who were with him a feast.

2Sa 3:21 Abner said to David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may reign over all that your soul desires. David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.

2Sa 3:22 Behold, the servants of David and Joab came from a foray, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace.

2Sa 3:23 When Joab and all the army who was with him had come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has sent him away, and he is gone in peace.

2Sa 3:24 Then Joab came to the king, and said, What have you done? behold, Abner came to you; why is it that you have sent him away, and he is quite gone?

2Sa 3:25 You know Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive you, and to know your going out and your coming in, and to know all that you do.

2Sa 3:26 When Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah: but David didn't know it.

2Sa 3:27 When Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the midst of the gate to speak with him quietly, and struck him there in the body, so that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.

2Sa 3:28 Afterward, when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before Yahweh forever of the blood of Abner the son of Ner:

2Sa 3:29 let it fall on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one who has an issue, or who is a leper, or who leans on a staff, or who falls by the sword, or who lacks bread.

2Sa 3:30 So Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner, because he had killed their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.

2Sa 3:31 David said to Joab, and to all the people who were with him, Tear your clothes, and gird yourselves with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. King David followed the bier.

2Sa 3:32 They buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up his voice, and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept.

2Sa 3:33 The king lamented for Abner, and said, Should Abner die as a fool dies?

2Sa 3:34 Your hands were not bound, nor your feet put into fetters. As a man falls before the children of iniquity, so you fell. All the people wept again over him.

2Sa 3:35 All the people came to cause David to eat bread while it was yet day; but David swore, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or anything else, until the sun be down.

2Sa 3:36 All the people took notice of it, and it pleased them; as whatever the king did pleased all the people.

2Sa 3:37 So all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to kill Abner the son of Ner.

2Sa 3:38 The king said to his servants, "Don't you know that there a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel?

2Sa 3:39 I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah are too hard for me. May Yahweh reward the evildoer according to his wickedness."

"THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS" Chapter Five by Mark Copeland

                      "THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS"

                             Chapter Five

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To appreciate the blessings that accompany justification

2) To comprehend more fully the grace offered through Jesus Christ

SUMMARY

Having substantiated his thesis of "justification by faith" with
evidence from the Old Testament, Paul now discusses the blessings of
such justification.  First, there is peace with God (1).  Second, we
have access to grace in which we stand (2a).  Third, there is cause for
rejoicing in hope, so that we can glory even in tribulations (2b-4).
Fourth, there is God's love which He first demonstrated with the gift
of His Son (5-8).  Finally, there is salvation from God's wrath (9).
All of this is made possible when we are reconciled to God through the
death of His Son and should be the basis for endless rejoicing (10-11).

To explain further the way in which salvation is made possible, Paul 
compares Christ to Adam.  Through one man, Adam, sin and death entered 
the world, and the consequences have led to the death of many.  In a 
similar way, through one man, Christ, many may now become righteous.
Through Jesus' death on the cross, justification is made possible for 
many (12-19).

Upon comparing Christ with Adam, Paul briefly mentions that with the 
entering in of law sin abounded.  But the increase of sin has been 
adequately answered by the grace offered in Jesus Christ (20-21).

OUTLINE

I. THE BLESSINGS OF JUSTIFICATION (1-11)

   A. PEACE WITH GOD (1)

   B. ACCESS TO GRACE IN WHICH WE STAND (2a)

   C. REJOICING IN HOPE, EVEN IN TRIBULATIONS (2b-4)
      1. Joy in anticipating God's glory (2b)
      2. Joy in tribulation, knowing even it results in more hope (3-4)
         a. For tribulation produces perseverance (3b)
         b. And perseverance develops character (4a)
         c. Such character gives one hope (4b)

   D. GOD'S LOVE IN OUR HEARTS (5-8)
      1. The assurance our hope will not be disappointed (5a)
      2. Poured out by the Holy Spirit (5b)
      3. Demonstrated by Christ's death while we were yet sinners (6-8)
       
   E. SALVATION FROM GOD'S WRATH (9-11)
      1. Through Jesus, just as we have been justified by His blood (9)
      2. Saved by His life, just as we were reconciled by His death (10)
      3. The basis for us to rejoice (11)

II. COMPARING CHRIST WITH ADAM (12-21)

   A. ADAM AND THE CONSEQUENCE OF HIS ACTIONS (12-14)
      1. Through Adam, sin entered the world, and death as a
         consequence (12a)
      2. Thus death spread, for all sinned (12b)
      3. From the time of Adam to Moses, death reigned, even over those
         who had not sinned like Adam did (13-14)
    
   B. ADAM AND CHRIST COMPARED (15-19)
      1. Adam's offense brought many deaths, Christ's grace abounds
         even more (15)
      2. One offense produced the judgment of condemnation, but many
         offenses produced the free gift of justification (16)
      3. By Adam's offense death reigns, but those who receive the gift
         of righteousness will reign in life through Christ (17)
      4. Summary (18-19)
         a. Through Adam's offense judgment came to all men, resulting
            in condemnation (18a)
         b. Through Christ's act grace came to all, resulting in
            justification of life (18b)
         c. By Adam's disobedience many were made sinners (19a)
         d. By Christ's obedience many will be made righteous (19b)

   C. THE RELATIONSHIP OF LAW, SIN AND GRACE (20-21)
      1. Law entered that sin might abound, but grace abounds much more
         (20)
      2. Just as sin reigned in death, so grace reigns through
         righteousness to eternal life through Christ (21)

WORDS TO PONDER

reconciliation - the act of bringing peace between two parties (e.g.,
                 between man and God)

transgression - violation of law; sin

death - physically:  separation of body and spirit;
        spiritually: separation between man and God

eternal life - the alternative to spiritual death, a result of
               justification
      
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) List the main points of this chapter
   - The Blessings Of Justification (1-11)
   - Comparing Christ With Adam (12-21)

2) Name some benefits we enjoy as the result of justification (1-2)
   - Peace with God, access to grace, rejoicing in hope

3) Why can Christians rejoice even in the middle of trials? (3-5)
   - Knowing trials can produce perseverance, character and hope

4) How did God demonstrate His love for us? (6-8)
   - By having Christ die for us when we were still sinners

5) What in addition to Jesus' death is involved in our ultimate
   salvation? (10)
   - His present life, which saves us from the wrath to come

6) What was the consequence of Adam's sin upon all men? (12)
   - Death (I understand Paul to mean physical death; to see why, I
     highly recommend Moses Lard's commentary on this passage.
     Commentaries by J. W. McGarvey and David Lipscomb take a similar
     view.  For the view that spiritual death is under consideration,
     see Robert L. Whiteside's commentary.)

7) What comparison is made between Adam and Christ? (12-19)
   - Just as Adam through his sin brought physical death to all, so
     Christ through His obedience will give life to all (through the
     resurrection - cf. 1Co 15:21-22)
   - But Christ does even more; to those who will receive it, he offers
     "an abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness" so they can
     reign in life through Jesus (cf. v. 17)

8) Which has abounded more:  sin, or grace? (20)
   - Grace