James J. Tissot, ‘The Valiant of Gibeon’ (1896-1902), The Jewish Museum, New York. Click for larger image.
OUR OLD Testament study this week moves to a new phase of David’s life as he is declared king of Judah. The rest of the tribes, however, elect to follow Saul’s son, Ish-Bosheth (called Eshbaal, or “man of Ba’al”, in 1 Chronicles 8:33), who decided that Saul’s headquarters at Gibeah was just a little too close to the territory of Judah, David’s tribe.
Filed under Bible Study, Old Testament
THE ONLY place in the Bible where we see the appearance of a human ghost is part of our Old Testament study this week. But it’s important to remember that Samuel was allowed to return by God specifically to deliver a message to Saul. It is not standard practice for human spirits to remain on Earth to settle unfinished business.
We also discuss the death of Saul, David’s successful rescue of his wives from the Amalekites, and another collection of psalms that date to this period of David’s life.
Filed under Bible Study, Old Testament
DAVID IS on the lam as our Old Testament study continues, running for his life from the mad king, Saul. The king was so angry that the priest Ahimelech unknowingly helped David escape that he ordered the deaths of all 85 who wore the ephod in Nob, the city of the priests, as well as their families and animals. Saul again reveals his true character by completely destroying a city of priests of Yahweh after disobeying Yahweh’s command to devote the Amalekites to destruction.
Filed under Bible Study, Old Testament
THE TRANSITION from the rule of Saul to the kingdom of David is the focus of this week’s study. We see again how Saul proved himself unworthy of the kingship and his multiple attempts to kill David, although David had done nothing to deserve death.
We also discuss the famous confrontation between David and the giant, Goliath of Gath, and two of David’s psalms that date to this period of David’s life.
Filed under Bible Study, Old Testament
