Day 126, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Psalm 138; Psalm 139; Psalm 145; 2Samuel 21:1-14; 2Samuel 9; Psalm 8
Faithfulness
When people think of a faithful animal, many think of a good dog. He usually comes when we call (certain breeds are better at this than others), and he is overjoyed to see us, jumping up and on us. He will not disown us if we forget to feed him. He senses our emotions. If we are sad or lonely or sick, he will come to lie by our side. A dog likes to give us joy by playing with us and licking our faces (yuk). A good dog defends his owner.
When we think of a faithful person, however, we might think of one true friend or relative, but even that person may disappoint us. Our God in heaven, however, is absolutely faithful.
God’s faithfulness
David is the king of the whole nation of Israel when he composes these songs (or Psalms). When he reflects on God’s loyalty and love, David writes,
I will bow down toward your holy temple [probably a reference to the tabernacle since the temple had not yet been built] and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. When I called, you answered me....
Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me. The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever. (Psalm 138:2-3, 6-8, NIV)
David also praises God’s character and compassion.
The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.
The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.
The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.
The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. (Psalm 145:8-9, 13-19, NIV)
We have seen the LORD is faithful, so what does he require of us? He wants the same thing—faithfulness.
David, An Example of Faithfulness
During the reign of King David, there is a famine for three successive years. The king seeks the LORD for answers. He may have written Psalm 139 at this time, asking the LORD, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm139:23-24, NIV).
The LORD answers David, “It [that is, the famine] is on account of Saul and his blood-stained house; it is because he put the Gibeonites to death.” (2Samuel 21:1, NIV)
Gibeonite ambassadors had tricked Joshua and the elders of Israel into believing they were from a distant nation (therefore, not a threat). Hearing about the great miracles of the LORD, they wanted to make a peace treaty with the Israelites (Joshua 9).Without checking with God, the elders judged by the appearances of the weary-worn travelers and believed their story. The elders made a peace treaty with them. Soon after that, they found out the Gibeonites lied; they were from a nearby city that the LORD wanted them to destroy.
What is wrong with Saul killing these deceivers? Vows are significant to the LORD. He wants his people to keep their agreements even when it hurts (Psalm 15:4).He expects Israel to keep the peace treaty. By destroying the Gibeonites, Saul brought blame upon the Israelite nation. God is now punishing Israel with a three-year famine to get their attention and show his displeasure.
The LORD is faithful, and he wants us to be faithful, too.
David makes amends for the injustice of King Saul. He turns seven of Saul’s male descendants over to them but spares Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth (David is loyal to an oath he made with Jonathan while he was alive).
After the seven are turned over to the Gibeonites and killed, David shows compassion on Rizpah, one of Saul’s concubines (secondary wives). When he learns of her long vigil to keep vultures away from the bodies of her two sons and five sons by another of Saul’s concubines, the king is compassionate. He orders the burial of the bones of Saul, Jonathan, and seven of Saul’s remaining descendants.
David is a man after God’s own heart; he shows compassion, even on those who are less esteemed in his society. We should do the same.
David’s kindness to Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, may have occurred soon after punishing Saul’s family for the injury upon the Gibeonites. David made a promise to Jonathan, Saul’s son, to be kind to his household. Now, David seeks to keep it. He invites Jonathan’s only remaining son to live in Jerusalem and always eat at his table.
Mephibosheth does not feel worthy of David’s kindness. “Mephibosheth bowed down and said, ‘What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?’” It is possible that in memory of this episode, David writes Psalm 8 (insights from the One Year Daily Chronological Bible, © 1995, Tyndale House Publishers, pp. 524-525). In it he says of God,When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? (Psalm 8:3-4, NIV)In kindness, David has Mephibosheth’s land farmed for him because he is lame in both feet due to an accident. David is loyal—he keeps his vow. It pleases the LORD when we are faithful, kind, and keep our commitments.
Focus Verse
Psalm 33:4 (NIV) “For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.”
Discussion
What are some of the ways God is faithful to us?
How should we be faithful to others? Give examples.
This Bible study identifies two people upon whom David shows compassion. To whom can we show a similar kindness?
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to mtbiblestudies@gmail.com
Looking Ahead: The results of David's sin with Bathsheba are now hitting the fan, causing Chaos and Calamity for his family. How can we avoid or lesson the effects of sin? Find out in our Next Lesson.
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