Today's Scripture
anointed one- 1 Chronicles 19:16-19
TODAY’S READING SCHEDULE: 2 Samuel 10 1 Chronicles 19 Psalm 20 (CEB)
16 The Arameans saw that they had been defeated by Israel. They sent out messengers to bring Aramean reinforcements from the other side of the river, with Shophach the commander of Hadadezer’s army at their head. 17 Upon hearing this, David gathered all Israel and crossed the Jordan. David advanced and took up positions against the Arameans to meet them in battle. After initiating the battle, 18 the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven thousand Aramean chariot drivers and forty thousand foot soldiers. Shophach the commander of their army was killed too. 19 When the servants of Hadadezer saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they made peace with David and served him. Never again would the Arameans come to the aid of the Ammonites.
What does this passage mean to me/us
I don’t know if you caught it, but in the two identical stories, there is some discrepancy in the numbers David defeated. Some cynics say that’s the reason why they do not read a Bible. This will be my short explanation.
We need to understand when the book was written and why.
For an example, Chronicles were written after the Babylonian captivity.
They needed to rebuild their identity as God’s chosen people, and David was the center point of God’s promise. When David was faithful, the nation was powerful. And in their attempt to brag the success they used hyperbole.
Read the Psalm that is connected to this reading. From Psalm 20 it says,
Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed one;
God answers his anointed one
from his heavenly sanctuary,
answering with mighty acts of salvation
achieved by his strong hand.
God is with his anointed one, and when God is with you no one can ever stop us.
Do you hold on to God and God’s presence in your life like David?
Prayer
Lord, we trust you every day. Be our Lord and work through us. In Christ name, AMEN.t
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