Author Archives: Joseph Malekani

1 Kings 1 Commentary The Book of Kings opens with David well advanced in years. We are interested in the succession story because of God’s promise in 2 Samuel 7. Who is this son who should build the LORD’s house?We have a clue in the book of Samuel when the scripture tells us that theContinueContinue reading “1 Kings 1 Commentary”

2 Samuel 24 Commentary You can use several lenses to view Chapter 24. One of them could make you conclude that David isn’t as great as Chapter 23 portrays. David’s sin in this chapter is different from his adultery with Bathsheba – Chapter 11. Regardless, it’s intense. It also appears to be out of placeContinueContinue reading “2 Samuel 24 Commentary”

2 Samuel 23b Commentary It’s a small line but quite significant: “The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; his word was on my tongue.” Verse 2. The Spirit of the LORD spoke though David. The LORD Jesus confirms it in Mark 12:36. “David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared: ‘The Lord said to my Lord: “SitContinueContinue reading “2 Samuel 23b Commentary”

2 Samuel 23 Commentary After the events of Chapter 11, it is difficult to think of David in the lines that begin Chapter 23. We can see that the author has completely ignored the many difficult moments experienced by the sinful David. Definitely, the killing of Uriah isn’t an example of ruling over the peopleContinueContinue reading “2 Samuel 23 Commentary”

2 Samuel 22 Commentary This song of praise here seems to have been written during the good old days of King David. For in the song he says, “The Lord has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me.” David’s later years were different, and he would write: “SurelyContinueContinue reading “2 Samuel 22 Commentary”

2 Samuel 21 CommentaryYou would wish this chapter didn’t exist in the scripture. It’s a difficult chapter!A couple of pointers are important. The first one is that the LORD revealed to Israel what the problem was, but never sanctioned the course of action. The revelation was that the three-year drought was a consequence of Israel’sContinueContinue reading “2 Samuel 21 Commentary”

2 Samuel 20 CommentaryTrouble wasn’t far from Israel. We are coming from a civil war only to run straight into another one. This time, it’s the troublemaker Sheba who initiates the insurrection.Israel was either fighting the Philistines or fighting amongst themselves. Today, Joab assassinates the newly appointed army commander, Amasa. Later, Sheba would be killedContinueContinue reading “2 Samuel 20 Commentary”

2 Samuel 19 CommentaryMephibosheth shows up again. David had wrongly judged him because of what we strongly suspect were lies by Ziba. It is an embarrassing moment for the King. David had held a court session without the accused and passed judgment with the accuser as the only witness. As we can see here, itContinueContinue reading “2 Samuel 19 Commentary”

2 Samuel 18 Commentary The story of Absalom ends today, and so ends the mutiny that temporarily dethroned David. The ungodly Absalom dies in battle against his own father. Of course, politicians can learn a great deal from his patience, timing, and strategies. He took 2 years to plan the murder of his brother Amnon.ContinueContinue reading “2 Samuel 18 Commentary”

2 Samuel 17 Commentary “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12. Yesterday, we saw Absalom publicly dishonor his father. Today, we see two wise men helping Absalom with plans to terminate David’s life. We don’t need any remindingContinueContinue reading “2 Samuel 17 Commentary”