This week’s “Wednesday Word” is a summary of an exposition of II Samuel 7 from Dr. Wellum given on Sunday, November 16, 2008.
To this point throughout the book of Samuel we have seen an escalation of a messianic expectation in seeing the institution of Israel’s monarchy. II Samuel, in particular, has highlighted Saul’s rejection and David’s rise to prominence. II Samuel 7 proves to be a chapter of the utmost importance. The author begins by presenting the theme of rest. David receives rest from his enemies as he has expanded Israel’s borders and defeated the enemies that Joshua failed to remove from the land. And not only does David find rest as he defeats his enemies, but the Lord promises a future rest from enemies in verse 11. The Lord then instructs Nathan that He will make an everlasting covenant with the house of David. He draws a connection between David and Moses by describing David as his servant and shepherd. Here the Lord presents David to be the mediator and intercessor for the people of Israel just as Moses was in Numbers 12. This continues as the Lord creates a connection between Abraham and David as he passes on the blessings of the Abrahamic covenant to David. David is given the promise of a great name and land mirroring the covenant seen in Genesis 12. However, this covenant proves greater than previous covenants in that the Lord promises his unconditional faithful regardless of the obedience of David’s line.

Another important element found within this chapter comes with David’s desire build a temple where the ark can dwell. In II Samuel 6 we see that David has brought the ark to Jerusalem and he know desires to build a house for the presence of the Lord. God rejects David’s intentions passing this blessing onto the son of David, which will be Solomon. This will signify the pinnacle of the kingdom of Israel although this success is short lived due to the disobedience of David and Solomon. However, Hebrews 3 shows us that this blessing to the son reaches its fulfillment in Christ. In line with Exodus 4 and Psalm 2, we see the true son of the Lord is Jesus, who embodies the fulfillment of the promises made to the house of David.

As II Samuel 7 concludes David speaks his prayer that affirms the will of the Lord. As a faithful servant David basically responds by saying, “your kingdom come, your will be done.” And following this faithful prayer of David, II Samuel 8-10 shows how this blessing to the house of David and a progression towards finding rest is continued as David has constant success in seeking to expand the kingdom and defeat the enemies of the Lord. God gives prosperity to whatever David’s hand touches and gives him victory over his enemies to show the Lord is the true king of Israel.

MES

This week’s “Wednesday Word” is a summary of student teacher Chris Dilley’s exposition of Samuel 16-23 given on Sunday, October 27, 2008.

These chapters present a monumental section in the process of redemption history as Saul is rejected and David becomes the anointed king. Here we find the surprising selection of a shepherd boy to be the leader of all of Israel. The Lord did not choose the more prominent sons of Jesse, who like Saul only offered a veneer of leadership. Rather in God’s wisdom, He chose the small and seemingly insignificant son. Anointed by Samuel, the Spirit of God departs from Saul and he immediately becomes the prey of an evil spirit. In order to relieve the torment he faces, Saul ironically has David come and play music to calm his spirit. This spiritual warfare gains David uneasy favor in the eyes of Saul.

Chapter 17 brings us to a familiar passage providing the account of David versus Goliath. Traveling to Israelite armies frontline to bring food to his brothers, David finds a giant who taunts the Israelites and defiles the name of the Lord. David, who focused directly on the glory of God, becomes the only Israelite who is willing to go forth and fight the Philistine giant. Showing his royal incompetence, the great king of Israel cowers in his tent, rather than leading his people into battle. By contrast, David’s reckless abandon towards the purposes of the Lord demonstrate spiritual strength and skull-crushing power. This is evidenced by how David is willing to speak through this account, “For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God (v. 26),” “This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head (v. 46),” and finally, “For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hand (v. 47).” These words show who is the true leader of Israel—David God’s anointed king.

With chapters 18-23 we see how the transition from Saul to David is beginning to take place. Even though those in Saul’s own family see what is happening and begin to align themselves with David, Saul becomes enraged as he sees the kingdom slipping from his hand. Throughout these chapters, Saul pursues David and seeks to take his life and in the process many others loose their life at the hand of King Saul, including the temple priests at Nob. Throughout these episodes David escapes death and continues to rely upon the provision of the Lord.

The story of Saul and David is the story of two kingdoms: one of the flesh, one of the spirit. In Saul, the Word of God depicts an ignominious king controlled by the flesh, while in David, the Spirit displays the power of God in the life of his beloved ruler. As we read these royal accounts, may we grieve over our own failures of the flesh when we attempt to grasp for God’s kingdom; and may we be all the more encouraged to live in a manner like David, pursuing the glory of God in the power of the Spirit regardless of the worldly outcome, knowing the battle is already won by the Lord!

~ds

This week’s “Wednesday Word” is a summary of Dr. Wellum’s overview of the book of Samuel given on Sunday, October 5, 2008.

With the Psalter now in our rearview mirror, we come to study the book of Samuel. In approaching any book in the Bible we must recall the best way to approach our reading of a particular book. Therefore, we must take the text for what it is, God’s Word through human authors delivered over a specific period of time (cf. Heb. 1:1-2). This presents us with three questions: What is God saying in this book? What is the author communicating to their particular audience? And where does this fit canonically? These questions help to frame how we view Samuel textually, epochally, and canonically. Samuel is framed by two prayers, the prayer of Hannah and the prayer of David, both of which take aim at highlighting its grand subject—king David.

Originally in the Hebrew canon the book of Samuel is placed in the former prophets, which provide a history of Israel. It is significant that we look at the shape of the Hebrew Old Testament to see the flow of how the story of Israel was presented. By following this particular ordering we are able to see the Israel’s history and the progression that ultimately leads us to Christ. There are five sections of the Hebrew Bible:

1. Pentateuch: Genesis-Deuteronomy
2. Former Prophets: Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings
3. Later Prophets: Jeremiah, Isaiah, Ezekiel, the Minor Prophets
4. Writings: Ruth, Psalms, Job, Song of Songs, Lamentations, & Wisdom Literature
5. Prophets: Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, and Chronicles

Ultimately, in light of these considerations, we must always ask: how does this contribute to God’s unfolding plan, and what is this teaching us today? Using this overview will help us prepare for YHWH’s unfolding kingdom in our two month study of Samuel. Let me encourage you to begin reading through the first seven chapters of the book with your family this week, and to consider the wisdom of God in this royal book.

Listen to this week’s lesson: Samuel

~ds

This week’s “Wednesday Word” is a summary of an exposition of Book 5 from Dr. Wellum given on Sunday, September 28, 2008.

This week as we turn our attention to Psalm 107-150, Dr. Wellum provides us with an overview and conclusion to the final book of the Psalter. Therefore, following Dr. Wellum’s breakdown we shall look at the flow and various points of emphasis found throughout book 5.

Psalm 107: Introduction to Book 5. As book 4 concludes, we are left with the psalmist cry, “Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise.” From this plea for deliverance, Psalm 107 begins with the people of Israel praising the Lord for bringing them out of exile. Graphic images of deliverance are captured in Psalm 107.

Psalm 108-110: The Future Davidic King. Now that they have been brought out of exile, Psalms 108-110 point the people of Israel to look for the Davidic king. It becomes clear that the editor of the psalms is not speaking of a return of David as king but one who will be greater than David will come to rule. Book 2 presents the end of the psalms of David, while books 3-5 project the Davidic messiah. This coming king is the Lord of David who will extend his mighty scepter from Zion, to rule over the nations (cf. Gen. 3, Pss. 2, 8, 45, 72). This will be the new day that is starting, and will bring forward the royal priest in the order of Melchizedek.

Psalm 111-118: Psalms of Ascent. In these psalms, we see a reflection back to many of the preceding psalms such as Psalm 1, where the blessed man is the one who fears the Lord. We also find in these psalms repeated themes, which are emphasized in the short Psalm 117 saying, “Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!”
Psalm 119: The Great Psalm. This presents the longest psalm in the entire Psalter. Psalm 119 presents a lengthy composition of praise where the psalmist delights in the law of the Lord and lauds Him as the one who has been faithful to his people. We are directed here to see the excellence of the Lord as he has provided all things and is righteous and just.

Psalm 120-137: Zion Psalms. These particular psalms emphasize themes stemming from the prophets like, Isaiah 2, which claims that all people will flood to Zion. Within this section we see how this greater David will fulfill the words of the prophets.

Psalm 138-145: Davidic Psalms. The Davidic Psalms again point us to see and expect the one to come who will be greater than David. David speaks with surety that God will install his king who will rule the nations.

Psalm 146-150: Hallelujah Psalms. As the Psalter draws to a close the psalmist directs all people to praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6 climaxes, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” This imperative is answered throughout the New Testament in passages such as Philippians 2 and Revelation 4-5.

Conclusion: What we find in the Psalter. Following our study of the Psalter there are many things we are able to deduce. The psalms show the way of wisdom begins with holy fear and knowing his word. God has been faithful in keeping his promises and has done so by bringing a king greater than David, who will rule over all nations. In the fullness of time, we see Jesus Christ embody and fulfill the promises and praises of the Psalter. Like his father David, he has gone from suffering to glory. Though we glimpses of Christ in the Psalter, we like the ancient Israelites, still await our final exodus; and until He returns we laud Him with praises and warn others of his impending return.

May we continue to look to the glorious day when the king of glory will come again (cf. Ps. 24).

This week’s “Wednesday Word” is a summary of an exposition of Psalm 34 from student teacher Ryan Bishop given on Sunday, September 7, 2008.

“Of David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech so that he drove him out, and he went away.”

Context, Context, Context. These words, a familiar refrain for our time spent in the Psalter again becomes an essential element in properly understanding the words of Psalm 34. Noting the superscription, we find this psalm set amidst the puzzling circumstances of 1 Samuel 21, where David, in attempts to find protection from Saul, comes before Abimelech (Achish of Gath), King of the Philistines. It seems that Achish understands David’s position better than David, and at this reminder, David begins to act insane in order to protect his life. Therefore, it is important to remember that in writing this psalm David seeks refuge to save his life from the hand of Saul. This theme of book 1 “Take refuge in Yahweh amidst suffering” fits perfectly within the parameters of Psalm 34. (This psalm is also unique in that it is an acrostic poem where every verse begins with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.)

In Psalm 34, David provides us with three directives on what do to amidst times of great suffering: 1) Praise, 2) Trust the Lord, and 3) Do good. In verses 1-3, David shows that regardless of suffering, praise should be on our lips at all times; this includes both private and corporate elements. David also calls us to trust in the Lord (v. 4-10). God has been faithful to deliver his people in the past and will continue to do so in the future. Another essential element to trusting the Lord is to fear him and that in fearing him God will bless in abundance. Finally, David calls us to do good while faced with suffering (v. 11-14). By not speaking in deceit, we are to not speak falsely about the one who has delivered us. This can be seen in that while David apparently sought to deceive Achish, he sought deliverance and trusted God to make a means of salvation. David concludes Psalm 34 by referring to God’s deliverance and justice in the anointed one (v. 19-22).

As we move to understand this Psalm in light of the new covenant and in the coming of Jesus, we see that John 19 picks up Psalm 34:20 in referring to Jesus as the Passover Lamb and the anointed one (cf. Psalm 2:2). Again we see this psalm picked up in the thought of 1 Peter. Alluded to in 1 Peter 2:3 and quoted in 3.10-12, Peter writes to Christians who have been scattered and are suffering for the sake of the gospel. Peter points them to a deliverer, Jesus Christ.

In conclusion, Ryan leaves us with two challenges: 1) Desire the Scripture as a newborn baby desires milk (cf. 1 Peter 2:22-25), and 2) Memorize a large section of Scripture— especially one that would be helpful in sharing the gospel with someone. So that we and they might take refuge in the Sovereign Lord.

Listen to this week’s lesson: Psalm 95

~ds

This week’s “Wednesday Word” is a summary of an exposition of Psalm 95 from Dr. Wellum given on Sunday, August 24, 2008.

This week Dr. Wellum overviewed the fourth book of the Psalter (Psalm 90-106). Beginning with the great Psalm of Moses, we are quickly introduced to the theme of this fourth book: God has been faithful to his people in the past and so his people can have confidence in his ongoing faithfulness. Throughout these seventeen psalms, we continually see a refrain of God’s steadfast love to Israel as his erring children struggle to understand the plan of God during this post-exilic period.

Psalm 95. Verses 1-6 express an overflow of worship from the psalmists. By the use of this lavish language he creates an insightful forerunner to verses 7-11. This dichotomy shows us that it was a lack of worship that brought Israel to this point. God’s chosen ones have hardened their hearts rather than worship their Maker and Shepherd, Yahweh. Even though they have stood witness to the provision and deliverance of Yahweh, their hearts calcify with hardness. Psalm 95 closes by saying:

“For forty years I loathed the generation and said, ‘They are a people who go astray in their heart, and they have not known my ways,’ Therefore, I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest.’ ”

Moving to the New Testament, Hebrews 3-4 draw from Psalm 95 this theme of rest. These chapters stress that Christ, who is greater than Moses and Joshua, provides the only way into this God’s Sabbath rest. Obedience and faith in Christ supply the sole means for receiving this rest. The author of Hebrews writes, “Let us therefore strive to enter that rest so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience” (4:11).

Therefore, in light of Psalm 95 and Hebrews 3-4, may we always seek to remember what God has done in past generations as well as the present. May we strive to continually dedicate our hearts and minds to the worship of Christ, lest we succumb to hardness of heart. May we trust in the unfailing promises of God, that all that he said he would do he has done in and for us in Christ Jesus. May we look to the culmination of all things in Christ when he will come and we will enter this rest with him, because only in him can this promise of rest be realized.

Listen to this week’s lesson: Psalm 95

~ds

This week’s “Wednesday Word” is a summary of an exposition of Psalm 73 from Dr. Wellum given on Sunday August 12, 2008.

Psalm 73 stands as the introduction and thematic Psalm of Book 3. While Book 2 focused upon the theme of suffering to glory, especially focused in the Davidic king, Book 3 emphasizes the angst of exile for the people of Israel, as they stand under God’s covenantal curse. Asaph begins his psalm by reminding himself that God is “truly good to Israel” despite the fact that the nations seemingly have triumphed over them.

Following his initial confession of the goodness of God, he begins to express his discontent with the prosperity of the wicked around him, particularly viewed in his day as the success of the foreign nations over Israel. Verses 2-16 present the difficult question why do the wicked seem to prosper as they curse God, while the people of God are oppressed? Assyria and Babylon seemingly are winning the upper hand, while Israel stands under God’s disfavor. What has happened to God’s covenant promises? The task of understanding all of this is oppressive to Asaph.

However, Asaph quickly finds an answer to his wearisome task in verse 17 when he enters into the sanctuary of God. His “sanctuary experience” provides the answer to his questions. Not only is he reminded of the truth in regard to their final destiny, but he also experiences satisfaction with God. In our lives, we must be ever reminded of the truth of God. Upon entering the sanctuary he is brought to repentance and humility. And by this experience his doctrine is corrected as his trust and confidence returns to the Lord. God is faithful to his promises; his conclusion reflects verse 1 that God is good to his people.

Verse 25: Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire but you. Here we see Asaph completely satisfied with God, despite his circumstances. This must also be true of God’s people today, especially given the fact that we now know much more of God’s goodness and sovereign purposes in the coming of Christ.

As many of us prepare for a life of ministry may we remember the example of Asaph as he wrestles with God’s goodness, but more than that, may we learn to overcome these issues by complete reliance upon God’s Word and deep satisfaction with God. May we remind one another of the surety of God’s promises amidst apparent despair. Truly, may our doctrine and expectations be right and our hope sure in our Lord Jesus Christ.

MES

Listen to this week’s lesson: Psalm 73