2 Samuel 16-18

Pastor Marshall Ochs | September 24, 2023

In these chapters, Pastor Marshall teaches from 2 Samuel 16-18. These chapters pair with the previous three chapters with Absalom and David. God disciplined David because of his shepherding failures in Israel and at home. However, God loved David, and through his discipline and consequences for sin the Lord restored David. This story reminds us of the sobering reality that shepherding is serious business, but in our failures God is sovereign. The Lord will not waste a failure, He redeems our failures for His purposes.

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Read 2 Samuel 16-18 daily

In 2 Samuel 16:23, we witness the profound influence of Ahithophel's counsel on both David and Absalom. However, we are left pondering why Absalom sought a second opinion despite his high regard for Ahithophel's wisdom. It is essential to recall David's heartfelt prayer from 2 Samuel 15:31, where he prayed, "Lord, turn Ahithophel's counsel into foolishness." It is at this moment that we realize the undeniable sovereignty of God. God, in His divine wisdom, raised up Hushai to counteract Ahithophel's advice, showcasing that nothing in this world exists outside the bounds of God's supreme authority.

This narrative imparts a profound lesson we can glean from David's actions: the importance of turning to God even when our past sins loom, and hopelessness threatens to engulf us. The adversary, Satan, often seeks to ensnare us in regret, attempting to keep us captive. Yet, in these moments, we must remember that God is our Redeemer, a beacon of hope that pierces through the darkness of our past mistakes.

God is at work and in every detail.  As Pastor Marshall said, when we don’t know what to do, keep pursuing Christ, look to Him, hide His Word in our hearts, and sit at His feet.  Jesus, our Redeemer, is sitting at the right hand of God, interceding on our behalf.  He has given us everything we need to accomplish the good works He has set out for us.

2 Samuel 13-15

Pastor Marshall Ochs | September 17, 2023

In these chapters, Pastor Marshall teaches from 2 Samuel 13-15. These chapters cover the consequences of David’s sin. David was called to shepherd Israel, but he took advantage of God’s sheep. Judgment fell on David’s house and the applications for us are abundant. The message looks at the shepherd as God’s ideal example for leadership, and the consequences that comes from neglecting our shepherding duties.

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Read 2 Samuel 13-15 daily

1. Each day, as you read God’s Word, will you begin by asking the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to what He has for you?

2. Consider the type of leader you embody, reflecting on your various roles and spheres of influence. Who falls within the circle of your guidance? It may include children, employees, colleagues, friends, your wife, and other family members. Through your actions or inactions, what lessons are they learning from your example? As we observe in Scripture, particularly in 1 and 2 Samuel, our lives ripple through generations to come, leaving a lasting impact.

3. This week, will you devote time to prayer, introspection, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit to confront these questions with honesty?

4. What kind of leader are you? Does your family witness you treating others with greater grace, forgiveness, respect, and love than they do? Do they see you obsessed with what you do not have, turning your focus from the goodness of God on your life and chasing after your desires that are not of God? True contentment is only found by aligning our desires with God’s Word.  

5. Whatever the Holy Spirit reveals in this, will you repent, lay it all at the feet of Jesus, and ask Him to forgive you for not living as the shepherd He has called us to live and ask Him to teach you to put on the whole armor of God every day so that you may walk in obedience and His power to accomplish His will for your life.  

2 Samuel 12

Pastor Marshall Ochs | September 10, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 2 Samuel 12 and Psalm 51. These chapters tell the story of God exposing David’s sin and David turning to the Lord in repentance. The story puts God’s mercy on display, but also reveals the consequences of our sin. Many consequences are washed away in God’s grace, but some remain. This message explores the purpose of those consequences that remain.

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In 2 Samuel 11, we saw David use his authority over God’s people in a sinful way. This week we are taking a look at how God exercised His authority over David and the far reaching consequences of David’s sin.

1. Read 2 Samuel 12:1-12. God uses Nathan to speak to David about his sin by using a parable. David had been blessed so richly by God and yet, he wanted what was not his to have and was forbidden by the Lord. Like many who rise to places of power and prestige, David let it go to his head and thought he could do as he desired – forgetting that no sin goes unnoticed by God. This is a sobering thought! Are you currently caught up in sin and trying to keep it hidden in the dark? Do not think for a moment that God does not see it and that it will not be brought into the light. Examine your heart, actions, words, thoughts, etc., and take inventory of the areas that do not line up with God’s word.

2.  In this passage, Marshall brought up the point that the Lord sends his prophets to speak truth to the government. Nathan was used to speak truth to David. God uses His church to speak prophetically to our world and its leaders today. Marshall explained that if we create alliances with government in order to get benefits and comforts, it will rob us of our ability to have a prophetic voice. We damage our witness by holding hands with this world and it’s view of what God calls sin.

3. There were severe consequences for David’s choices. His family was greatly affected by his sin. He lost 4 children, his family used violence to get their way, and adultery occurred with his wives and other men. (Please refer to Marshall’s notes for more detail and scripture references.) This is a perfect example of the generational consequences of sin. If we worship sin – or idols – we become just like what we worship.

4. Read 2 Samuel 12:13-17. David’s response to being confronted with his sin was to admit it and confess it to God. David wrote Psalm 51 as he lamented over his sin. According to God’s law, David’s sin was deserving of death. His only choice was to plead for mercy. When he asked the Lord to purge him with hyssop, he was asking to be covered with blood. How prophetic! David wanted to be restored and have the consequences of his sin removed. God does remove some consequences from us, but we are often left with some we must endure for our entire life. Why? So that they will serve as a deterrent from further sin and teach others the importance of avoiding sin.

5. Read 2 Samuel 12:26-31. This story reveals an important picture. David may have been victorious in battle and had a huge crown to wear on his head, but he had great trouble at home. Please refer to Marshall’s conclusion in his notes. He gives us important points to remember and apply. The evil one wants us to sin and is always looking to try and devour us. We must put on the full armor of God! Sin isn’t without consequences, and it is never as fun, entertaining or innocent as we would like to believe. It is evil and the blood of Jesus is the only cure. Praise be to God for His sacrifice and Christ’s shed blood for us!

2 Samuel 10-11

Pastor Marshall Ochs | September 3, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches for 2 Samuel 10-11. These chapters pair the blessing of God on David’s life with sin in David’s heart. God blessed David with a home, a family, and a kingdom but his heart wanted more. In these chapters we see the great shepherd king of Israel overstep God’s boundaries and commit adultery and murder to satisfy his own fleshly desires. These chapters are best studied in light of 1 Corinthians 10:11-14 — if anyone things they stand, take heed lest they fall.

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In the last few chapters, we have seen David receive many blessings of success in battle and have a heart full of generosity towards others because of his mindfulness of God’s generosity towards him. Marshall pointed out to us that these two chapters we are studying this week are in great contrast to each other for a purpose. Marshall also reminded us that 1 Corinthians 10:11-12 has an important message that relates. The phrase “take heed lest he fall” in that passage is a great reminder to us! The word heed means to pay careful attention. My hope is that we will do just that.

• Read 2 Samuel 10:1-5. We see David extending an act of generosity to Hanun after his father, Nahash’s death. Hanun humiliated David’s men and instead of retaliating, David was once again generous. We see God blessing David with wisdom and discernment as he continues to depend on Him. The same is true for us. When someone humiliates us or causes pain to someone we love, our reaction should be tempered with a great dependance on the Lord for our response. Otherwise, we end up making the situation worse by taking matters into our own hands and retaliating. Take heed, lest we fall.

• Read 2 Samuel 10:6-19. In this passage, we see David and his men victorious in battle against the Ammonites and the Syrians because of God. When we experience great victories and successes in our lives, we should be mindful that these are because of the Lord’s favor – not because of our efforts alone. If we become arrogant or self-reliant, we have now entered into dangerous territory. We can easily fall into a place of wanting more. Once we take our eyes off of the Giver of our gifts and place them on the gifts themselves, they become idols. This creates an insatiable desire to covet what others have and even rationalize our desire for wanting it. Take heed, lest we fall.

• Read 2 Samuel 11:1-13. In the spring, we see the Israelites go to war again with the Ammonites. It would be typical for David to be in battle with his men. However, he chose to stay behind. David’s blessings and victories were starting to go to his head and cloud his judgment. David makes a series of very unwise choices to not heed God’s direction and it proves to cause great consequences for David and others. David abandoned his obligation by staying home from war. He focused on his own desires. When he was tempted, he chose to give in, instead of running away from it. David chooses to have an affair with Bathsheba, and then tries to cover it up which causes more devastation. We see the stark contrast between Uriah’s virtue and David’s sin. When we choose to sin against God and follow our own desires, chaos typically ensues. The deeper the mess, the less we seem to be able to find our way out of it. The consequences are far reaching and usually affect many others. Take heed, lest we fall.

• Read 2 Samuel 11:14-27. Ultimately, David sends Uriah into the front line of battle which causes his death. David’s selfish desires for what he wanted superseded his desire to follow God. Selfishness is the root of our own destruction. It never works for us, but rather against us and against God’s plan. Marshall pointed out that we are one selfish choice away from ruining relationships (i.e., marriage, children, friendships, etc.) We are one selfish choice away from shipwrecking our faith and our witness. The good news is that we have a loving, forgiving and faithful God! 1 Corinthians 10:13-14 reminds us that there is no temptation that comes our way in which God has not provided a way out. Flee from idols! Look the other way! Run in the other direction! Take heed, lest we fall!

2 Samuel 8-9

Pastor Marshall Ochs | August 27, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 2 Samuel 8-9. These chapters contrast two important themes of King David — the conquering king and the generous king. These themes also foreshadow the same themes in the messiah, King Jesus. The author’s intent in these chapters is for Israel to behold these themes, but there is a secondary goal for us today. We are to behold these themes in our king, but also learn to embody them in our life.

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Read 2 Samuel 8

In the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 8, we are presented with a chapter filled with accounts of David's victories. As we focus on these conquests, it's easy to miss the intricate beauty of how God was at work in David's life.

David's victories over the Philistines, Moabites, Zobah, and the Arameans were undoubtedly remarkable. Verse 6 resonates with the central theme: "God gave David victory wherever he marched." It's a reminder that God is the source of every triumph in our lives. Just as David dedicated the articles to the Lord, let us dedicate our successes, both big and small, to Him, recognizing His role in our achievements.

However, as we delve deeper into these victories, we must remember that David's success was rooted in his alignment with God's will. David's life reflects the profound truth that God will not bless our selfish ambitions. Jesus himself taught us to prioritize seeking God's Kingdom and righteousness above all else, and this principle echoes throughout David's journey.

While triumphs marked David's reign, it's important to remember the foundation upon which his victories were built. David's years of waiting on God during his time on the run from King Saul showcase his unwavering faith. He obediently followed God's guidance, and his focus remained fixed on God rather than himself. Psalm 37:4 encapsulates this truth, reminding us that when we delight in the Lord, He aligns the desires of our hearts with His purposes.

As we examine David's character, we find that he consistently pursued justice and righteousness. This mirrors God's own character, as Psalm 33:5 and Jeremiah 9:24 highlight that God delights in justice, righteousness, and the knowledge of Himself. David's reign was meant to point us to a greater King, as Isaiah 9:6-7 reveals.

Let us not merely skim the surface of David's victories, but instead, let's uncover the layers of God's work within them. David's triumphs were a testament to his obedience, patience, and unwavering faith.

Read 2 Samuel 9

As we contemplate the generous King David, we're drawn to behold the ultimate Generous King, Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:19-22 and Ephesians 2:1 reveal Christ's generosity. We were once dead in our trespasses, without status, and separated from God, but Christ called our names, saved us, and bestowed upon us a seat at His table. Just as David changed Mephibosheth's fate, Jesus transforms ours, offering us reconciliation, life, and a heavenly seat.

David's character mirrors two fundamental aspects of Jesus: his conquering nature and his generous spirit. These qualities should not only be known but also embodied in our lives. The advancement of the gospel and the transformation of our lives illustrate the conquering power of Jesus. His generosity manifests in what He has done for us, compelling us to treat others with the same spirit.

Just as these chapters reveal the essential themes of King David's character, they also reflect the dual nature of King Jesus—conquering and generous. Our lives are to be shaped by these themes. Justice, equity, obedience, and generosity should permeate every corner of our existence. Just as David's reign exemplified these qualities, our lives should embody the same transformative power of Jesus.

2 Samuel 6-7

Pastor Marshall Ochs | August 20, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 2 Samuel 6-7. These chapters tell the story of the ark of God returning to Jerusalem and God’s blessing over David. Each chapter is filled with a rich theology of worship and prayer. The author invites us to put down deep roots in these chapters and bear fruit in these two areas.

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1. Read 2 Samuel 6:1-4. The Ark of the Covenant was God’s throne on earth (see Marshall’s notes for biblical references.) This Ark was to be carried by the priests on their shoulders. Now that David is king over all of Israel, and Jerusalem is the new capital city, he wants God’s throne to be there too. David proclaims to all of Israel that God is the real King, and the throne belongs to Him alone. However, there was one mistake made. The Ark was to be carried on the shoulders of the priests – not on a manmade cart. Uzzah knew what God’s commands were concerning how the Ark was to be carried and yet, he chose to take the easy way and ultimately it cost him his life. Have you heard God speaking to you through His word and in prayer with clear instructions, and yet you chose to follow your own path? We often want to take the easy way or the most comfortable path instead of God’s way. How has this choice cost you?

2. Read 2 Samuel 6:5-15. Uzzah’s death was a wake-up call for David. This event brought the fear of the Lord to David’s attention. David makes the decision to bring the Ark back to Jerusalem another way. (Please see Marshall’s notes for details on this journey.) It cost David approximately $4,000,000 to make a 3 mile journey! He felt there was no price too great to bring God’s presence into the midst of His people. What price are you willing to make in order to have the Lord’s presence with you? As believers in Christ, we are responsible to carry the presence of the Lord with us to others. Are you actively doing this in your daily life, or are you placing Him on the shelf of religious practice?

3. Read 2 Samuel 6:16-23. David has been dancing before the Lord in worship and is criticized by his wife, Michal. David is worshiping and leading others to do the same. Uzzah was trying to manage the practice of religion and Michal was criticizing and judging. Uzzah and Michal suffered great consequences for their choices, while David was blessed by God for his choice. Worship is a matter of life and death! If we worship the Lord with fear and awe, we are blessed. If we practice religion or look at others in judgement, we lose the heart of worship – which leads to spiritual death! Worship should be an overflow of our heart, and it can be inconvenient, uncomfortable or costly. The reminds me of the “sacrifice of praise.” We must lay down self and selfish desires to worship God in spirit and in truth. In what ways have you been holding back your worship from the Lord? Turn back to Him – repent and worship!

4. Read 2 Samuel 7:1-17. David desires to build God a home, and Nathan agrees. That night God speaks to Nathan and tells him that He does not want that. It is God’s desire to build something IN David, but not for David to build something FOR God. Oh, that we would allow this in us!! Are you so focused on doing for God that you have lost sight of what God wants to do in you?!

5. Read 2 Samuel 7:18-29. David responds to God’s message to Nathan with humility. David prays to God and says, ‘Who am I?” He proclaims God as Sovereign Lord! David recognizes that he is not to be puffed up or following his own desires, but rather to be filled with praise giving glory to God alone! We should follow this example of humility! We must be in the Word for the purpose of feeding our soul and producing a fruitful worship and prayer life. Dig in and plant your roots deeply!

2 Samuel 4-5

Pastor Marshall Ochs | August 13, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 2 Samuel 4-5. These chapters cover David’s third and final anointing as king over all Israel. His first act of king is to establish Jerusalem as the new capital city. However, Jebusites live in Jerusalem and they have no intention of leaving. These chapters cover aspects of physical and spiritual warfare that remind us to take comfort, our God is the Lord of Hosts.

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Read 2 Samuel 4

In 2 Samuel 4, we encounter a story of two men who took drastic measures to bring about what they believed was God's work. These men murdered the king, Ish- bosheth, and brought his head to David, thinking they were advancing God's plan. However, we can learn valuable lessons about the significance of the process and how it honors God.

Their intentions might have seemed noble in their eyes, as they believed they were aiding God's purpose, but their methods were far from honorable. They disregarded God's sovereignty.

It's interesting to note that the men truly believed their actions were aligned with God's will. Verse 8 indicates that they thought they were doing God's work. However, the narrative makes it clear that their perception was flawed, and their methods were not aligned with God's plan.

This story teaches us that the outcome is not the only thing that matters; how we achieve them matters just as much, if not more. God desires obedience and righteousness in every step we take. The lesson here is not just about the end goal but about walking in complete surrender and obedience to God.

David's journey to becoming king was marked by trials, hardships, and waiting. He could have easily succumbed to the offers of an easier way out, but he recognized God’s sovereignty.

Today, will you ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any instances where you might be taking steps not aligned with God's direction to get to the desired outcome on your timetable?

Read 2 Samuel 5

As we first open the pages of 2 Samuel, the accounts of David's victories against the Philistines may appear normal to us. Yet, beneath the surface, these narratives reveal a deeper understanding of warfare's intertwined physical and spiritual dimensions.

In the ancient Hebrew worldview, battles weren't solely fought on the physical plane. In Philistine idol worship, they sought to harness power from disembodied giant spirits to fight on their behalf.

When God advised David to wait for the sound of angelic armies, it revealed two battlefronts. David battled the Philistines, and God fought against the Philistines and

the evil spiritual forces. In essence, these chapters mark a pivotal juncture in Israel's history. For the first time, Israel had a king in David, who honored God and aligned with Yahweh's divine process. David demonstrated the heart of a shepherd king, tending to his people rather than exploiting them. His unique understanding of both the physical and spiritual battlegrounds set a precedent. Yet, this turning point serves as more than just a historical marker. It unveils a foreshadowing of a more excellent King, a descendant of David—Jesus. This King submits to the Father's will, shepherds His people with compassion, and triumphs over every physical or spiritual battle.

As we contemplate these chapters in 2 Samuel, they beckon us to look beyond the surface and find echoes of joy, just as Israel did, in the promise of a Savior who would win the ultimate victory.

2 Samuel 1-3

Pastor Marshall Ochs | August 6, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 2 Samuel 1-3. These chapters cover the beginning of David ruling over Judah and the tension between Abner and Joab. The early stages of David’s rule is marked with compassion and forgiveness, but not everyone in David’s army leads with grace.

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1. In 2 Samuel 1 we see David mourning the death of Saul. David then asks the Lord what he should do next. The Lord tells him to move to Hebron, and David obeys. This begs the question, when the Lord asks you to do something is your first response to obey Him? When the Lord has told you to do something or not do something and you obeyed Him, what were the blessings you experienced? In situations where you disobeyed, what were the consequences?

2. Read 2 Samuel 2:1-7. We see the men of Judah anoint David as king. This was the second anointing, and it came 15 years after David was first anointed by Samuel. (See 1 Samuel 1:16 for reference.) Marshall reminded us today that there were 7 more years before David was finally anointed as king over all of Israel. A total of 22 years! This is a message to us that God is not on our timetable. God is patient, longsuffering and has no problem taking His time. Often, this is because it takes us time in our walk with Him to mature and really learn and obey what He is trying to teach us. Have you been waiting for a long time for an answer, direction or circumstance to work out? Pray and ask the Lord what He is trying to teach you in this journey. Trust His timing. It is always perfect.

3. In this same passage, we see David model generosity. He honored the men who honored Saul. This is a great example of healthy relationships and leadership. If you want to establish certain qualities and expectations of others, you must first model them. Good leaders affirm and praise others who conform and obey good healthy values. This is important in our homes, workplaces, church and community. What are you modeling for others? As parents, are you modeling for your children a mother or father who loves and follows God’s teachings? In the workplace, what do you model for your co-workers or employees? In your church and local community, are you modeling a generous and loving heart?

4. Read 2 Samuel 2:8-32. Abner anointed Saul’s son, Ish-bosheth as king of the northern tribes of Israel. This was not Abner’s anointing to give. Unfortunately, we see this result in violence between Joab and Abner. War and death were the outcome. Vengeance and revenge are not ours to take and always lead to an ongoing battle that is bitter. Abner sees the result of picking a fight with Joab and suggests a peace treaty. Like Abner, if we do things our own way and step outside of God’s will, there are often heavy consequences. Have you ever been eaten up with the desire to get back at someone who has wronged you? This can turn us into bitter people. There is no peace, no joy and no satisfaction in the need to “get even.” Pray and ask the Lord to reveal any area in your life where you are bitter and angry and ask Him to heal that brokenness in you. Repent and turn from unforgiveness and a desire for vengeance.

5. Read 2 Samuel 3:1-21. Abner and Ish-bosheth have an argument and Abner decides to give David the northern tribes of Israel. Abner reaches out to David, and David exercises forgiveness and a desire for peace. David was doing this in order to accomplish God’s plan. Instead of holding a grudge, David modeled how to lead with wisdom and grace. Continue to read 2 Samuel 3:22-39. We see Joab do the exact opposite as David. While David was a leader who desired to do things God’s way, Joab was hot tempered, didn’t listen to wise counsel and wanted revenge. This ultimately leads to great sorrow and suffering for Joab and his descendants because of his rebellion against God. Are you like David or Joab? Are you calm in tough situations or easily angered, prone to outbursts and temper tantrums? Are you impatient or comfortable waiting on God’s timing?

6. In Marshall’s conclusion he reminds us that God is working in the lives of others and in us. We need to be intentional about not living so selfishly. Think of others before self. Think about what God is trying to accomplish and choose to be a part of His plan and not your own. Live generously!