Bible Reading Plan - Week 11

Monday, Mar. 13 - 1 Samuel 16:1-13 - David anointed as king

Samuel was deeply saddened with Saul’s failure and God instructs him to seek out a new king in Israel. This was a great risk as Saul was still king and was wary of anyone who dared to turn against him.

God leads him to Jesse and makes it clear that one of David’s sons will be the next king of Israel. One by one Jesse’s sons are brought before Samuel and with each one, he is convinced that he has found the next king, only to have God reject them.

Finally, David appears before Samuel and God declares, “This is the one.” Samuel anoints him as the next king, but it will be years before he is able to take the throne.

Tuesday, Mar. 14 - 1 Samuel 17:4-50 - David & Goliath

Facing an enemy that was over 9 feet tall and wore armor weighing 125 pounds would seem to me a fearful task. That is why no one in Israel’s army wanted to face him on the battlefield. Goliath challenges Israel to send out one man to fight him in a winner-takes-all battle. In an attempt to goad someone into fighting him, he taunts Israel’s army, morning and evening for forty days.

It is young David who volunteers to face the fearsome Goliath and without armor or weapons he defeats the giant, not because of his own power, but because of the power of the God he serves.

Wednesday, Mar. 15 - 1 Samuel 18:1-16 - David & Saul

Saul finds himself in a difficult spot being rejected by God as king of Israel and yet continuing to have the throne. Even his son Jonathan has entered into a covenant with the next king, David.

Saul responds with jealousy and hatred for David. Twice he tries to kill David with a spear while David plays music for the king.

Thursday, Mar 16 - Psalm 27:1-14 - David's prayer for help

In this time of waiting to become king, it would have been easy for David to become impatient and discouraged. This is especially true since the current king is constantly trying to kill him. This chapter represents David’s heart toward God in this time.

David concludes with the following words:

The New International Version Psalm 27

Wait for the LORD;

be strong and take heart

and wait for the LORD.

Friday, Mar. 17 - Psalm 63:1-11 - Song of worship

In difficult times it is easy to forget the good things God has done for us and focus only on our troubles. David was under great stress during this waiting period of his life. It seemed that he had enemies around every corner.

It was in this situation that he begins this chapter with these words:

The New International Version Psalm 63

You, God, are my God,

earnestly I seek you;

I thirst for you,

my whole being longs for you,

in a dry and parched land

where there is no water