Chronological Reading Plan for April 20, 1 Sam 1-4

Today's readings are 2 Samuel 1-4. Tomorrow's are Psalms 6, 8, 9, 10, 14, 16, 19, 21. 

Saul is dead having shamefully taken his own life in battle. All but one of Saul's sons are dead as well, paving the way for David to be made king. 

God instructed Samuel to anoint Saul as the first king of Israel. Now, God has rejected Saul as king because Saul's heart was not right before Him. God has raised David up because David's heart was right before God. The interesting thing is that God raised both men up as king, both of them serve His divine purpose. David has shown respect for Saul as his king, repeatedly calling him "Gods anointed", even though Saul was clearly evil. This reveals David's heart for God. Ultimately, God demonstrates the He is the one who sets kings up and takes them down.

David laments the passing of Saul then is anointed as king over Judah at Hebron. Abner decides to install one of Saul's sons, Ish-Bosheth, as king over Israel. The kingdom becomes divided between Judah to the South and Israel to the North. They begin to war with each other, David and Judah getting increasingly stronger and Israel getting weaker. Meanwhile, David has many sons, a sign of God's blessing and grace in the culture of David's time. 

Ish-Bosheth, his support dwindling, is eventually murdered by his own people. The assassins go to David, believing they have done David a favor. David executes them, as he did the Amalekite who claimed to kill Saul. David will not suffer those who have such a low regard for the leaders God has placed in power. For the time being, the kingdom is reunited and there is peace.