Issues In Perspective

Introducing the letter with an overview, and then examining how John presents Jesus as the incarnate God in the first four verses.

In defiant pride and energized by Satan (1 Chronicles 21:1), David orders a census for military purposes which results in God's discipline but also leads him to purchase land for the Temple on Mt. Moriah.

These chapters are an epilogue to the book, covering David's just response to the Gibeonites, neutralizing the Philistines and his praise hymn to God who gave him victory in battling Israel's enemies.

David escapes Jerusalem and prepares for the battle with Absalom, who is killed by Joab.

Like a modern politician, Absalom intentionally presents himself as an alternative king, and is crowned king in Hebron; David flees Jerusalem.

David is paralysed by the guilt from his sin and cannot act decisively as the King or as a father regarding his sons Amnon and Absalom.

David mourns the loss of his son; Amnon rapes his half-sister Tamar; but David refuses to discipline Amnon.

David's sin with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband Uriah resulted in 5 consequences for David's family and the kingdom.

David defeats and subjugates all of Israel's enemies and shows grace to Mephibosheth

David returns the Ark to Jerusalem and "dances before the LORD;" God then establishes the Davidic Covenant, promising to David an eternal throne, dynasty and kingdom.

David is crowned king of all 12 tribes, makes Jerusalem his capital, neutralizes the Philistine threat and brings the Ark to Jerusalem.

The civil war between the House of David and the House of Saul ends with murder, assassination and bloodshed, but David begins to unify the 12 tribes with grace, compassion and justice.

David is crowned king in Hebron but must deal with the civil war orchestrated by Abner.

God's discipline of David re-energizes his walk with God and Saul dies on Mt. Gilboa.

Saul hits his spiritual bottom by going to a medium for counsel and David hits his spiritual bottom by his plans to join the Philistines in a war against his own people.

In his confrontation with Nabal, God uses Abigail to teach David to trust God to deal with his enemies, not with vengeance but with justice.

After Saul kills the priests at Nob, David's contrite heart results in a growing dependence on God and profound lesson in leadership.

God continues His work of shaping David's character and deepening his faith.

Saul develops a hatred of David, tries to kill him directly and indirectly and is consumed by jealousy, fear and delusional paranoia.

David, anointed to be the next king of Israel, plays music in Saul's court, soothing his spirit, and declares Goliath the enemy of the true God of Israel.

The LORD rejects Saul as King and David is anointed as king, with the Spirit annoying him as well for service.

Saul's downward spiral continues as his troops defy him and as he defiantly disobeys the Lord.

Saul's fear and pride lead him to destructive decisions that affect his family and the nation of Israel.

Saul deals with his first crisis as king and Samuel delivers his farewell address.

Samuel proclaims Saul king and gives him three signs from God to confirm his anointing.