    Today begins our study of the Book of 2 Samuel, part of two books on the time defined by the priest and prophethood of Samuel and the anointing of the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. In the story of Samuel and the kings of Israel, we see the story of God’s continued grace toward His people.
    As with all Bible studies, it is always useful to use study aids in an effort to better understand the text being presented. A good place to start with the study of 1 Samuel is the People’s Bible Commentary available from the Northwest Publishing House of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. I have also provided a link to the public domain commentary provided by BibleGateway.com, the site that provides all of this study’s Bible verse links.
    This study is part of an ongoing three-year Bible Study first begun on 1 January 2006 that is also available from the WELS. The 1 Samuel study can be found here.
    The will of God has been done. God promised Saul that his kingdom would be taken from him and delivered to another, and now Saul and his sons lay dead on a battlefield while his crown has been delivered to David.
    In this stark moment we see the power of God’s promises. Through Saul and David’s story, we see God shaping events through His Word and His Will for the good of Israel and, ultimately, for all of us. Now, David is poised to become king, Israel’s greatest, and from his house will come the savior of all mankind.
    We should take this knowledge to heart. Our God will topple kingdoms, dethrone rulers, and protect the lives of His faithful to see His Will done. This reality applies not only to ancient Israel or King David, but to every person who trusts in the Word- that is in Jesus Christ our Savior. In this knowledge we can trust and hope, as we go boldly forth in our daily lives for the sake of the Gospel.
DLH
