Day 121 Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): 2Samuel 8:1; 1Chronicles 18:1; 2Samuel 21:15-22; 1Chronicles 20:4-8; 2Samuel 23:8-12; 1Chronicles 11:10-14; 2Samuel 10; 1Chronicles 19; Psalm 33
Our Defense and Shield
As a military helicopter hovers over its troops, ready to defend or deliver them, God is ready to defend or deliver his people. These aren’t just Jewish people but all those who have a personal relationship with him. more...).
Why would people attack us? One person might envy our success and how we attract others who are talented and successful. Another individual might become suspicious of our motives, even when they’re honest. A third person might say awful things about us, accusing us of things we haven’t done or wouldn’t even think to do, and they mistreat us.
How do we respond to unwarranted attacks? Should we strike back with slanderous words and malicious actions or ignore them? If we do nothing, who will defend us? Who will shield us?
In today’s Bible reading, King David faces attacks early in his reign from Jerusalem. To prepare for adversity, God gathers brave, experienced warriors to serve in David’s army.
These were the chiefs of David’s mighty men—they, together with all Israel, gave his kingship strong support to extend it over the whole land, as the LORD had promised—this is the list of David’s mighty men:
Jashobeam, a Hacmonite, was chief of the officers; he raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter.
Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men. He was with David at Pas Dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. At a place where there was a field full of barley, the troops fled from the Philistines. But they took their stand in the middle of the field. They defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the LORD brought about a great victory (1Chronicles 11:10-14, NIV).
As God gave King David firm support for days of adversity, the LORD can also give us powerful support if we will strive to please him in all our ways. God can be our defense and shield.
David wasn't only an excellent military leader and king; he’s also a compassionate diplomat.
In the course of time, the king of the Ammonites died, and his son Hanun succeeded him as king. David thought, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent a delegation to express his sympathy to Hanun concerning his father. (2Samuel 10:1-2a)
The Ammonites misinterpret David’s goodwill. King Hanun’s nobles convince him that David sent the Israelite delegation, not to express their sympathies, but to spy out the land and overthrow it. So, to embarrass David, Hanun humiliates the delegation sent to give him comfort (2Samuel 10:1-5).
Hanun’s disrespectful actions provoke David into war, but God is with him and his army. The Ammonites, despite hiring the Arameans and assembling a formidable army, are defeated and humiliated by David’s army. God foils the plans of David’s enemies.
Afterward, David may have written Psalm 33, rejoicing over the victory the LORD gave them.
No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save.
But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.
We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you. (Psalm 33:16-22 NIV)
many other amazing feats are listed in today’s Bible reading
Focus Verse
Psalm 33:20 (NIV) “We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.”
Discussion
Under what conditions will God be our defense and shield?
How might God be our help and shield? Give examples—either from Bible characters or from someone you know.
When we read Jesus’ words to his followers in John 16:33, how can that encourage us?
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to me, Rod
Looking Ahead: When the army of Israel again goes to war, this time, King David stays home. In his idleness, he commits adultery. In our next lesson, discover how David deals with his guilt and finds forgiveness. We can learn from his experiences. Join us!
re-edited 6-30-24
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