Had a lecture and a discussion today. I got a 91 on my first music quiz. In the evening we had dinner at asian ghetto and then went to bible study at Dwinelle. From bible study, we went to the church office building at 2000 North Loop to help them get the office building set up. I helped set up some of the offices.

Joseph and I went straight back to davis from there.

Devotion time questions:

2 Samuel 19

Though on the one hand, it was understandable that David would mourn for his son, what is inappropriate about the timing, and the way in which he expressed his grief over his son?

He mourned publicly for his son when it should have been a time of celebration for his men, who risked their lives once again for the king. Thus, he humiliated all the men that bravely and faithfully fought for the king.

What is inappropriate about the tone and attitude of Joab’s words to David?

Joab speaks very harshly and condescendingly to the king, yet he is the one who disobeyed David and killed Absalom.

What is amazing about David’s response to Joab? How could he have responded differently?

David did not respond but obediently did what Joab told him to do. However, he soon gives Joabs commander position to Amasa. David could have gotten angry and prideful in response to Joab's harsh words, but he humbles himself and listens to the wise advice.

Mephibosheth tells a very different tale compared to Ziba (2 Sam 16). What can I learn about taking the time to understand others from David’s question to Mephibosheth and David’s response (v.29)?

David gave Mephiboseheth the opportunity to present his own side of the story before accusing him or condemning him based on what Ziba told him. We shouldn't be quick to make judgements about others based on what people say.

What can I learn about human nature from the interactions between the men of Israel and the men of Judah?

Though relative peace and order has been restored once again to the kingdom, Israel and Judah are quarreling over who has greater claim to and share in the king.