Podcasts about edomite

Don't forget to grab your free scripture journal at ⁠⁠⁠PrayingChristianWomen.com/journal ⁠⁠⁠today!How do you find your footing when calculated evil leaves a trail of destruction in its wake? Can a soul truly flourish while carrying the heavy burden of collateral damage? In this devotional on Psalm 52, we confront one of the darkest moments in David’s life—the massacre at Nob. We explore the aftermath of Doeg the Edomite’s "sharp razor" betrayal, which led to the slaughter of 85 priests and an entire town, leaving David wrestling with the crushing weight of responsibility for their deaths. We move beyond the horror to examine David’s defiant choice of faith: the stark contrast between the "boastful wickedness" of the enemy and David’s self-declaration as a "green olive tree" in the house of God. Join host Jaime Hampton on the Praying Christian Women podcast for a session of deep restoration. If you are navigating the fallout of someone else’s betrayal, or if you are struggling with guilt over pain you feel you caused, this episode offers a sanctuary for your soul. Come ready to plant your roots deep in God’s presence, trusting that His loving-kindness endures even when the world is in chaos. Discover More: Explore additional episodes of Praying Christian Women, Mindful Christian Prayers, and other Christian podcasts at Lifeaudio.com Check out our new podcast, Christian True-Crime Junkies!, on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts! Connect with Us: Stay updated and engage with our community: On Substack @PrayingChristianWomen On Facebook @PrayingChristianWomen On Instagram @PrayingChristianWomen On YouTube: @PrayingChristianWomen Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Amaziah becomes prideful after his successful campaign against Edom: Amaziah begins to worship Edomite gods Is the Edomite god Qos the same as Yahweh? God warns Amaziah twice to turn from his pride and idolatry Judah is defeated by Israel Amaziah is killed by his own people Don’t just check out one… Take a look at them all! YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries Website - https://www.p40ministries.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p40ministries Contact - jenn@p40ministries.com Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/c-6493869 Books - https://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Kokal/e/B095JCRNHY/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk Merch - https://www.p40ministries.com/shop YouVersion - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/38267-out-of-the-mire-trusting-god-in-the-middle This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt, call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps! If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Learn more about Every Woman’s Bible today by visiting: https://hubs.la/Q0427tkt0 Check out LifeAudio for other faith-based podcasts on parenting, studying Scripture, and more: www.lifeaudio.com Become a member to gain access to The Bible Explained on Fridays: https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Genesis 36 lists kings who reigned in Edom long before any king reigned in Israel. This week, we dive into the contrast between Esau's immediate, worldly power and Jacob's slow, spiritual journey. We discuss the danger of building a kingdom without God, the roots of the Edomite people, and the lesson that God's silence in one area doesn't mean He isn't working.#Genesis36 #Esau #Edom #BibleHistory #BibleStudyTamil #GodsSovereignty #KingsOfEdom #Genealogy #BroEmersonDevaraj #TamilChristianPodcast #ThePromise

Saul's paranoia was so severe that his own people could see it. He accused the priests of conspiring with David against him and ordered them killed. The Israelites would not do it, so it fell to an Edomite. David had to constantly stay on the move in southern Judah to avoid being trapped and killed by Saul. Yet for all that, when presented with the opportunity to kill Saul as he was relieving himself in a cave, David did not raise his hand against the Lord's anointed. If he could stay alive, that decision would pay dividends when David united the nation after Saul's death.

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Listen along as Mike Gaston continues our Advent series. Notes//Quotes: Matthew 2:1-12 - Faith Reading   Slide 1 The Big Idea The Magi prove that God keeps His promise to bless all the nations of the earth   Slide 2 Who was Herod the King?   Slide 3 “There are lots of Herods in the New Testament—this one is the first Herod, Herod the Great, the King of the Jews. But the thing about Herod the Great, the King of the Jews, is that he wasn't a Jew and shouldn't have been king. He wasn't from the tribe of Judah, or the house of David. He wasn't actually a Jew—he was an Idumean, an Edomite, technically, one of Israel's historical enemies. He ruled by terror and murder. He was paranoid and at times seems legit crazy. At one point when he was literally on his death bed, he thought his own sons were trying to assassinate him. He's literally on his death bed actually dying—so he had his own sons executed. By the last few years of his life it seems like he was completely out of his tree.”   Craig Hamilton   Slide 4 Who were the wise men?   Slide 5 “Then Pharaoh summoned the wise men and the sorcerers, and they, the magicians of Egypt, also did the same by their secret arts. For each man cast down his staff, and they became serpents. But Aaron's staff swallowed up their staffs.” Exodus 7:11-12   Slide 6 “Then the king gave Daniel high honors and many great gifts, and made him ruler of the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon.” Daniel 2:48 Slide 7 ““The group of Magi in question came “from the East.” They might have been Zoroastrians, Medes, Persians, Arabs, or even Jews. They probably served as court advisors, making forecasts and predictions for their royal patrons based on their study of the stars, about which they were quite knowledgeable. Magi often wandered from court to court, and it was not unusual for them to cover great distances in order to attend the birth or crowning of a king, paying their respects and offering gifts. It is not surprising, therefore, that Matthew would mention them as validation of Jesus' kingship, or that Herod would regard their arrival as a very serious matter.”   Craig Chester   Slide 8 What was the star?   Slide 9 “And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there.” Revelation 21:23-25   Slide 10 What do the gifts mean?   Slide 11 The ultimate question: What's the point?   Slide 12 “I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse., and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:3   Slide 13 “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” Habakkuk 2:14   Slide 14 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10   Slide 15 “Matthew plainly says that, though Jesus was the Messiah, born in David's line and certain to be Shepherd and Ruler of Israel, it was the Gentiles who came to worship him.” D.A. Carson   Slide 16 “And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” Ephesians 2:17-19   Slide 17 The Big Idea The Magi prove that God keeps His promise to bless all the nations of the earth  

This sermon, centered on Psalm 52, reflects on the tragic consequences of wickedness through the story of Doeg the Edomite, whose malicious reporting led to the massacre of priests at Nob. The psalmist contrasts Doeg's arrogance and deceit with the enduring goodness and mercy of God, emphasizing that God's faithfulness guarantees both the judgment of the wicked and the security of the righteous. Through a meditation on divine justice, the preacher highlights four godly responses: reverence before God's authority, righteous rejoicing in the downfall of evil, reassurance in the believer's identity as a flourishing tree in God's house, and a resolved commitment to trust, praise, and wait on God's name. The message calls believers to maintain unwavering faith in God's character amid societal and personal wickedness, finding hope not in human strength but in the eternal mercy of God, who remains good and sovereign, preserving His people and ultimately vindicating His justice.

Welcome back to the podcast! We're in week four of our David series!--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --DAVID: How to Keep Your Heart Clean (Even When You've Been Done Dirty)Everyone will go through hurt—but not everyone will grow through hurt. David knew betrayal, fear, and injustice more than most. One day he was the nation's hero with songs written about him (1 Samuel 18:6–7 NLT). The next, Saul was hurling spears at him (1 Samuel 18:10–11 NLT). Soon David found himself hunted, hungry, and hiding in the wilderness (1 Samuel 21–22 NLT).Psalm 52 is David's response to one of the darkest betrayals of his life—the moment Doeg the Edomite informed Saul about David's visit to the priest Ahimelech (1 Samuel 21:7 NLT). That single moment set off a horrific chain reaction. Saul, spiraling in jealousy and paranoia, ordered Doeg to slaughter the priests of the Lord (1 Samuel 22:9–10, 17–18 NLT). David was devastated. His choices weren't perfect, but the injustice was real and brutal.But instead of letting bitterness rot his soul, David wrote Psalm 52—nine verses that show how to keep a clean heart even when you've been done dirty. If you've ever been betrayed, slandered, ghosted, passed over, lied about, or wounded by someone close, Psalm 52 speaks directly to you.This short psalm gives us five steps for guarding your heart when life cuts deep.1) Take Your Pain to GodDavid begins by naming the wrong and naming the offender. “Your tongue cuts like a sharp razor… you love evil more than good” (Psalm 52:1–4 NLT). This isn't gossip—it's biblical lament. It's honesty aimed heavenward. Before David tells people what happened, he tells God.Psalm 62:8 (NLT) says, “Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.”If we don't take our pain to God, our pain will take us. Lament turns our emotional chaos into prayer instead of bitterness. Trade passive-aggressive posts for honest conversation with your Father.2) Make Room for God's JusticeDoeg's betrayal and Saul's massacre were horrific. Yet David doesn't seek revenge. He entrusts justice to God: “But God will strike you down…” (Psalm 52:5–7 NLT).Scripture is clear:“Never take revenge… ‘I will pay them back,' says the Lord.” Romans 12:19 NLT.Vengeance chains you to the very thing God wants to free you from. Instead, Scripture calls us to bless when insulted (1 Peter 3:9 NLT) and overcome evil with good (Romans 12:20–21 NLT).Letting God judge doesn't mean ignoring boundaries. Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) calls us to guard our hearts with wisdom—but without bitterness.3) Own Your PartDavid wasn't blameless in the Nob incident. He lied to the priest (1 Samuel 21:2 NLT). That didn't excuse Saul or Doeg, but it meant David had to face his own heart: “But as for me...” (Psalm 52:8 NLT).Being wronged doesn't automatically make us right. Jesus teaches us to go...

Are You An Edomite? Genesis 36 Speaker: Dr. Weston Brown Series: Genesis More info @ covenantshreveport.org

Nehemiah was cup bearer to the king of Persia - an exalted and esteemed position. He had just received news from Hanani of the terrible condition of the walls and gates of Jerusalem. The year was about BC 469 and as soon as Nehemiah heard these words he prayed and fasted for several days acknowledging his sins and those of his people, which had brought this terrible situation. He acknowledges Yahweh's righteousness and His loving kindness quoting from the Law of Moses, as told in Deuteronomy. Chapter 1 concludes with the implication that Nehemiah intended to take up the matter with king Darius. The next chapter tells of Nehemiah in the presence of the king with his face showing a sadness of heart - this was forbidden by the law. Nehemiah who, the book shows to be a man of prayer and action, is questioned by the king as to what the sadness might mean - is there a plot against the king? Whereas the prayer of chapter 1 was over many days this time this prayer is a brief spontaneous momentary prayer requesting God to cause the king to favourably listen to Nehemiah's prayer. The response of the king was to grant Nehemiah extended leave to return to Jerusalem to fix the problem. In verses 9-10 we are told of the Persian king's support for Nehemiah. We are also told about the disturbance this created among the Jews' enemies. After 3 days of thinking about the size of the problem before him Nehemiah arose at night and secretly inspected the walls. So that ownership of the problem would occur, Nehemiah asked the rulers what they would recommend be done. Their answer was, "Let us rise up and build". This only served to strengthen the opposition they faced. Nehemiah told Sanballat, the Horonite (i.e. Edomite), Geshem - the Arabian; and Tobiah- the Ammonite and servant to Sanballat - that these enemies had "no portion or right or claim in Jerusalem" (2verses20 ESV).   Hosea in chapter 12 speaks of Israel's falsehood to God and even to the Assyrians also so that Egypt came and punished them. Verses 2-14 speak of the LORD's quarrel with both the northern kingdom of Ephraim and the southern kingdom of Judah. These verses tell in a parable what both kingdoms needed to learn - and of course the lessons are equally true for us. Hosea tells us that Jacob was from the time of his birth until the night before his confrontation with Esau a deceiver to whom God was teaching lessons by continuously exposing Jacob to deceivers far worse than himself - particularly Laban, who was both his uncle and father-in-law. When Jacob was faced with a dilemma that he could not solve God compounded the problem for him by dislocating Jacob's hip (read Genesis 32). Now Jacob was forced to rely on God, rather than his own resourcefulness, and to now have finally learnt that all along he should have left the solution to his problems with God. The summation of Jacob's life given by God, through Moses, was that Jacob was a "plain" (Hebrew "just", or "upright") man - this meant he always tried to be godly, but had to wrestle with traits that were strongly part of his heritage. The greatest lesson of his life was to learn to TRUST God. Hosea tells us that now Jacob having found God at Bethel (the house of God) tells us to learn the same. Deuteronomy tells us that when they gave their tithes to Yahweh that they were to recite, "A Syrian ready to perish was our father" (Jacob). For us the great lesson from the life of Jacob is recorded in verse 6 - read aloud, pause and ponder. Despite what Israel and Judah had done God would restore them in His loving kindness, as the remainder of the chapter indicated. Verse 13 indicated that Yahweh chose to work through those whom society sees as misfits- Moses was but a prophet. In Colossians 3 verses 1-4 tell us that since we have through the act of baptism been raised in him to a new life our thoughts and actions should be in harmony with this. And so, from verses 5-9 all those past behaviours are to find no place among believers. Our new self is being renewed every day through our growth in understanding what it means to be "in Christ". From verses 12-17 the focus of the believer's mind and actions is to centre on living with (and as) Christ. From verses 18 to the chapter's end, he addresses the different groups within Christian households and advises on proper behaviour. Chapter 4 continues with instructions for masters and servants - such an important topic as five sixths of the Roman world were slaves. Verses 2-4 is a request to those at Colossae to pray for Paul's preaching. Verse 5 tells that their speech and behaviour must be sincere at all times - "seasoned with salt". Verses 7-17 conclude with final greetings. Verse 18 tells us that the letter was written by Paul in his own handwriting.   Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow 

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He that is wounded in the stones, or hath his privy member cut off, shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord.2 A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the congregation of the Lord.3 An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the Lord for ever:4 Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.5 Nevertheless the Lord thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the Lord thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the Lord thy God loved thee.6 Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperity all thy days for ever.7 Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he is thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger in his land.8 The children that are begotten of them shall enter into the congregation of the Lord in their third generation.9 When the host goeth forth against thine enemies, then keep thee from every wicked thing.10 If there be among you any man, that is not clean by reason of uncleanness that chanceth him by night, then shall he go abroad out of the camp, he shall not come within the camp:11 But it shall be, when evening cometh on, he shall wash himself with water: and when the sun is down, he shall come into the camp again.12 Thou shalt have a place also without the camp, whither thou shalt go forth abroad:13 And thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon; and it shall be, when thou wilt ease thyself abroad, thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee:14 For the Lord thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy: that he see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee.15 Thou shalt not deliver unto his master the servant which is escaped from his master unto thee:16 He shall dwell with thee, even among you, in that place which he shall choose in one of thy gates, where it liketh him best: thou shalt not oppress him.17 There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel.18 Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the Lord thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the Lord thy God.19 Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury:20 Unto a stranger thou mayest lend upon usury; but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon usury: that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thine hand to in the land whither thou goest to possess it.21 When thou shalt vow a vow unto the Lord thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the Lord thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.22 But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee.23 That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the Lord thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth.24 When thou comest into thy neighbour's vineyard, then thou mayest eat grapes thy fill at thine own pleasure; but thou shalt not put any in thy vessel.25 When thou comest into the standing corn of thy neighbour, then thou mayest pluck the ears with thine hand; but thou shalt not move a sickle unto thy neighbour's standing corn.

The cursed line of Eli is eliminated by an Edomite. David continues to run from forest to cave to wilderness, eluding the mad king Saul.

In 1 Samuel 21–22, David is forced onto the road as a fugitive, facing fear, danger, and betrayal. He seeks food and a weapon at Nob, where Doeg the Edomite sees him, and then escapes to Gath, where he pretends madness to survive. Hiding in the cave of Adullam, David pours out psalms of trust in God, even while surrounded by distress and uncertainty. There, God begins to shape a band of outcasts into David's loyal followers. Meanwhile, Saul's jealousy erupts in the slaughter of the priests at Nob. Through David's trials, we see how faith can rise above fear, how love for God sustains in hardship, and how loyalty to Him directs our path even when life feels out of control.

We continue exploring the story of David as a fugitive. After Saul learns of David's visit to Nob, his fury leads to a devastating massacre of priests, orchestrated by Doeg the Edomite. David, filled with regret for the tragedy at Nob, offers refuge to Abiathar, the sole survivor. Despite Saul's relentless pursuit, David demonstrates remarkable faith and integrity by sparing Saul's life when he has the chance to kill him. This act of mercy prompts Saul to acknowledge David's righteousness and future as king. Through David's journey, we see a man committed to God's plan, choosing not to seize the throne by killing his predecessor.Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @biblelitTwitter: @bible_litFacebook: @biblelitEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.org Want to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out ou...

 After all the wonders for most of Solomon's reign, all the benefits and blessings he had inherited from his father David, Solomon's greatness – we would say – humanly speaking – went to his head.  We read today “when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart … “ [1 Kings 11 v.4]     A significant factor in this was that he married many foreign wives who worshipped idols.   We are told “the LORD was angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the LORD” [v.9]  His foreign wives had influenced him in his worship, so “the LORD raised up an adversary against Solomon, Hadad the Edomite.”[v.14]  There were others, “God also raised up as an adversary to him, Rezin, the son of Eliada” [v.23]  Our English translations disguise the fact that the word ‘adversary' in Hebrew is ‘Satan.'     The fundamental meaning of ‘satan' is someone who opposes you.  The first occasions the word is used in Scripture is in Numbers 22 v.22 and 32 to describe how the angel God sent to encounter the false prophet Balaam, who had some knowledge of the LORD, that this angel was an “adversary” to him – sent by God “to oppose” him.     We read earlier this week how Jesus said to Peter, “Get behind me Satan!  For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” [Mark 8 v.33]  Later, some Jewish synagogues were becoming so opposed to the growing Christian communities that they are described as “a synagogue of Satan” [Rev.2 v.9]     Are there any satans in your life?  If so, can it be that you are being tested as Jesus was by Peter?  Or “the synagogue of Satan” that tested believers in Smyrna.  They were told, “Do not fear what you are about to suffer: behold the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested … you will have tribulation.  Be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life … The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death” when Jesus comes [v.10,11]  Let us conquer any adversaries or adversities.  How wonderful the promise, “The one who conquers … I will never blot his name out of the book of life.  I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.” [Rev 3 v.5]

Thursday with Tabitha 9. Obadiah by Tabitha Smith This week we've reached the little book of Obadiah. He was the most minor of the minor prophets, in that his book is the shortest! In fact, it's the shortest book in the whole of the Old Testament with just one chapter, containing 21 verses. ~ Obadiah means “one who serves Yahweh”. We're not told anything else about the prophet himself. In the course of the prophecy, the fall of Jerusalem (which happened in 586 BC) is referred to as a past event and the fall of Edom (which happened in 553 BC) as a future event. So it is likely that the book was written between these events. ~ To understand the background to Obadiah, we need to head back to Genesis, to the account of the brothers Jacob and Esau. These two non-identical twins were born to Isaac and Rebekah. Even from their birth, they showed signs of not exactly getting along. Esau was born first, all red and hairy, and Jacob followed after him, grasping his heel. They grew up to be very different. Esau was a skilled hunter, favoured by his father, whilst Joseph was an introverted man who preferred to stay with his mother in the proximity of the family tents. ~ Jacob famously tricked the hungry Esau out of his birth rite and later stole his father's blessing by disguising himself as his older brother and fooling the elderly, blind Isaac. So Esau swore revenge on his brother and fully intended to kill him. Rebekah helped Jacob to escape and he fled to the territory of his uncle Laban. There he met and married his wives, Leah and Rachel. Esau, who was also called Edom, married several wives, including an Ishmaelite woman (that is, a descendent of Abraham's first son by the slave girl Hagar). ~ Jacob and Esau did meet again some years later, and much to Jacob's relief and surprise, Esau didn't kill him on the spot but appeared to have forgiven him. Jacob still didn't trust him though, and he took his family off in a different direction to avoid having to be in close proximity to his brother's family. Jacob had 12 sons by his two wives and their two servants. His 4th son, one of Leah's children, was Judah, and from his line the tribe of Judah came into existence. From Esau's line came the tribe of the Edomites. The Edomites lived in the hill country of Seir. This was a mountainous region about 1500m above sea level. Their territory appeared to be impenetrable and they felt quite safe in their high dwellings. In Numbers 20 we read that after the Exodus from Egypt, the Israelites asked the Edomites for permission to pass through their territory along the King's Highway. The Edomites refused, adding to the tensions between these two tribes. However, in Deuteronomy 23:7-8, God commanded the Israelites that they should not hate an Edomite in view of the brotherly connection between the two tribes. ~ Edom was defeated by king Saul in the 11th century BC and subdued again by king David 40 years later. Edom became a vassal state of Israel but it was never completely de-stroyed. ~ Fast forward to the time of Obadiah, and we find that the tribe of Judah, the sole remnant of the original 12 tribes of Israel, had been conquered and the capital city of Jerusalem had fallen to the Babylonians. During the conquest of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, some of the Judeans had tried to escape from the city and flee into the surrounding coun-tryside. The Edomites, rather than helping their neighbours and brothers in the time of their distress, sided with the foreign invaders and handed over the fleeing Israelites to the Babylonians. Psalm 137:7 recalls how the Edomites gloated over the destruction of Jeru-salem: Remember, O LORD, against the Edomites the day of Jerusalem, how they said, “Lay it bare, lay it bare, down to its foundations!” ~ The main theme of Obadiah is the judgement of the Edomites for the way they betrayed the people of Judah during the Babylonian invasion. ~ The first 15 verses of the book are addressed to the people of Edom. God scorns the pride and arrogance of the Edomites, who say to themselves, “who will bring me down to the ground?” (v3), referring to their perceived safety in their high mountain region. But God will bring them down and they will be punished for their evil deeds. The prophet mixes both past tense and future tense verbs when describing Edom's fate. This is a technique that can be found in prophetic writing, when future events are sometimes described as if they had already happened. ~ God's message through Obadiah is that Edom will be completely destroyed, with not a trace left behind. The main charges against Edom are found in verses 12-14: "But do not gloat over the day of your brother in the day of his misfortune; do not rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their ruin; do not boast in the day of distress. Do not enter the gate of my people in the day of their calamity; do not gloat over his disaster in the day of his calamity; do not loot his wealth in the day of his calamity. Do not stand at the crossroads to cut off his fugitives; do not hand over his survivors in the day of distress." ~ The judgement is summarised in verse 15: "As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head." ~ The final part of the book relates to the people of Jerusalem. God promises that he will preserve a remnant of his people who will survive the exile and reclaim the land that is theirs, according to his plans and promise. To the devastated people of Judah, this would have been an incredible promise of hope. It seemed, to all intents and purposes, that their future was doomed and that God's promises to Abraham had come to nothing. But God promises that Judah will become like a raging fire once more, whilst Edom is reduced to stubble. Judah's time of judgement for her own sin would be over, and then God would judge her enemies. The final words of the book, in verse 21, declare that “the kingdom shall be the Lord's.” The promised land of the Old Testament foretells the reality of the greater promised land, which is the coming kingdom of God. Matthew's gospel in particular speaks of this prom-ised kingdom, which Jesus ushered in during his time on earth. The whole of the Bible is the story of this ultimate kingdom, reaching its climax in the book of Revelation. The king-dom of God is already here, but it is not yet fully here. That won't happen until Jesus re-turns. In chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews, the writer recounts the names of the men and women of the Old Testament who trusted in God's promises to them regarding the coming kingdom. He then writes in verse 13-16: “These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.” ~ This city is the new Jerusalem, the heavenly kingdom. Jesus used several metaphors to try to help his listeners grasp the nature of the kingdom of God. He described it as a tiny mustard seed which grew into a huge tree, or as a tiny amount of yeast which could make a whole batch of dough rise. From tiny, seemingly in-consequential beginnings, something great grows. When all seemed lost to the exiled people of Judah, God says “just wait and see what I will do”. And the glory of the final kingdom is made all the greater by the trial of the journey. ~ You and I are invited to be part of this coming kingdom of God. No matter how small and insignificant we might feel in the great plan of God, and no matter how dire our circumstances seem to be, we can be assured that God's kingdom is coming and we can be part of it. It is surprising and mysterious, hidden and yet revealed, wonderful and awesome. It is something new, something different, something glorious. It is possible for the wisest brains to miss it completely whilst little children understand and embrace it. ~ God is doing a new thing and he invites us to come and see. The prophet Isaiah recorded God's words to his exiled people: “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:18-19) ~ Some 700 years after Isaiah, Jesus walked the streets of Jerusalem and declared: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6) ~ Even the seemingly obscure prophecy of Obadiah is part of Jesus' great story. It's all about him. Between the lines of prophecy about Edom and Judah we see the greater picture of God's redemption plan and his justice, mercy and grace. When the risen Jesus walked on the road to Emmaus and explained to the amazed disciples how the Law and all the prophets spoke about himself, I like to think that he said a bit about Obadiah. ~ We've got four more books to look at before this series draws to a close, and there are lots more interesting things to come as we look at Haggai, Zechariah, Joel and Malachi. Join me next week if you can! ~ ~   Right Mouse click or tap here to download this episode as an audio mp3 file

Solomon's Slidepieces

Group Guide Use this guide to help your group discussion as you meet this week. TranscriptGood morning, my name's Chet, I'm one of the pastors here. If you will grab your Bible and go to First Samuel, chapter 21. We're going to be in chapters 21 and 22 today. We're looking through both of those chapters.When I was growing up, probably three to five, I think I watched Mary Poppins 42,000 times. I'm pretty sure that we only had like a handful of VHS that my grandmother had recorded from her television. So I also have a lot of commercials really, really memorized. But I watched that on a regular basis. And there's this scene towards the end of the movie where the children had been in a bank and there was some bank trouble. And I don't want to get into a whole discussion of finance, but they had to run out of the bank and they get lost in London. And thus begins a series of back to back to back to back moments that were utterly terrifying to me.It was like they took all the vulnerabilities of a four year old and just pummeled them. So they're lost in a city. Terrifying. Just not knowing where your parents are for like 12 seconds when you're four and five is scary. They're running through a city. This is, you know, it's awful. Then they come around a corner in an alleyway and an old lady pops out and goes, come with me, children. And it's like, why would she do that? And you don't know if she was intending to be helpful. They run away. She seemed scary. So they take off. Then they come around a corner and a dog jumps out and starts barking aggressively at them. When you're a child, a dog is the size of a bear. Like, I mean, you know. Then they turn and they run and they go down an alleyway and a shadowy figure grabs them. Turns out that that's their friend, but you don't know it at the time.I just remember like this seared in my brain, this series of events. And I remember even as a little kid, like, I'm pretty sure there were times where I just stopped watching the movie before that I was like, well, let's move on. I know they make it at the. And I think there were other times where I just left the room and like waited till I heard the song start back up, you know, because it's a children's movie where things are supposed to be happy. And then I returned, but it was really this interesting peek into things that made me feel very vulnerable and very alone. And this real dive into fears that I had.As we're reading through this text today, we're going to see how Saul, David and a handful of other people deal with fear. What it does to them, where it takes them. There's a reality to fear, that it drives us towards something, towards someone, it exposes us in a way. And so what I hope we see in this text is we're going to see them as they interact with it. They're going to see how they handle it. And what I hope we'll learn together is the scariest place to be and the safest place to be as we study this text together.So let's pray quickly for us and then we'll move into chapter 21 of First Samuel. Lord, we ask for your help. We ask for your Spirit to speak in a way that we can understand, that you would help us to deal with our fears and to see what fear does to us in a way that draws us to you. In Jesus name, amen.So David's on the run. Saul wants to kill him. Saul's the king. David was very close to Saul, was a general, was his bodyguard, was all these different things. And he's now having to flee for his life. And that's what we saw last week as Jonathan, Saul's son, helped David escape.Chapter 21.Then David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. So he goes to Nob, and we're going to find out that Nob is a whole city of priests. It seems as if after everything, after Shiloh was destroyed and the ark was taken, they get the ark back, and it seems like now the center of the priesthood is here. It's unclear whether the ark is also here, but the priests are. And this is where priestly activities will be taking place for the people of Israel, the sacrifices and all that.So he goes there to Ahimelech the priest. And Ahimelech came to meet David, trembling, and said to him,"Why are you alone and no one with you?"So it's odd for David to be by himself. Ahimelech knows David, but David usually has like a whole crew. He's either with the king, he's with his military units that he's overseeing. For David just to show up is what business does he have? Did something terrible happen? What's going on?So he comes out, that's why he's trembling. And he says, what? What's going on? And David said to Ahimelech, the priest,"The king has charged me with a matter and said to me, 'Let no one know anything of the matter about which I send you and with which I have charged you.' And I have made an appointment with the young men for such and such a place. Now then, what do you have on hand? Give me five loaves of bread or whatever is here."So David just says, secret king business. And I've got some people that I'm definitely meeting who are real at a very specific place that you can't know about, and I need bread. None of that is true, except for that David wants bread, but he's on the run and he is just trying to get out of here.And the priest answered, David,"I have no common bread on hand, but there is holy bread if the young men have kept themselves from women,"which just has to do with sexual activity, makes you unclean in the law. So that's what that is. It's not just like women, some mean thing about them. It just has to do with sexual activity.David answered the priest,"Truly, women have been kept from us. As always, when I go on an expedition, the vessels of the young men are holy, even when it is an ordinary journey. How much more today will their vessels be holy?"So the priest gave him the holy bread, for there was no bread there, but the bread of the Presence which is removed from before the Lord to be replaced by hot bread on the day that it is taken away.So the tabernacle seems to be here, the bread of the Presence is here. They would set it out on the Sabbath before the Lord as a picture of the meal, the connection, the communion that we have with the Lord, that they have with the Lord. And then they would rotate it out on the Sabbath. And the old loaves were allowed to be eaten by the priests. And Ahimelech breaks that rule to give to David in a time of need.Jesus references this and says that he did right, that this was correct to do, to break a ceremonial law for the sake of caring for someone. And he says this in this argument with the Pharisees about the Sabbath, saying that some things were built for our good and our blessing, and therefore, if there's opposition, we can bless others in those moments. And that's what he's talking about.So David takes that bread and he now has five loaves of bread that was the bread of the Presence, but the priest is allowing him to have it.Verse 7.Now, a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before the Lord. His name was Doeg, the Edomite, the chief of Saul's herdsmen, he's detained before the Lord. It may be a Sabbath if they've just swapped the bread out. So it's possible he wasn't allowed to travel very long. It's also possible he's doing some sort of thing because he's an Edomite to become a follower of God. It's also possible that he has some sort of sickness or skin disease and he's having to be watched because there's all these. These are several of the reasons why you might be detained before the Lord. He could also just be there doing some, basically, some holy days for himself as he worships the Lord.But that's it. That's all it tells us about him. It just in the middle of this story goes, hey, Doeg, the Edomite is here. And it's going to go right back to the story. And that's foreshadowing. So remember him, he'll show up later, but he doesn't do anything here.Verse 8.Then David said to Ahimelech,"Then have you not here a spear or a sword at hand? For I have brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me because the king's business required haste."And the priest said,"The sword of Goliath, the Philistine, whom you struck down in the Valley of Elah. Behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the Ephod, if you will. Take that, take it, for there's none but that here."And David said,"There is none like that. Give it to me."So David says, I was in such a hurry, I don't even have any weapons. Do you have any weapons? He says, you gave us Goliath's sword. It's still here. And David says, great, that sword is awesome. I will take it. And so he has a nice, probably fairly large sword that he leaves with.Verse 10.And David rose and fled that day from Saul and went to Achish, the king of Gath.Okay, David doesn't have any options. That's what this just told us. The plan that he's come up with is, I'm going to show up to Gath with Goliath of Gath's sword and see how that goes. It seems like he's intending to maybe be like a mercenary. He's just going to go there and serve there. He's absolutely on the run from his home, his people, his everything.And the servants of Achish said to him, to Achish,"Is not this David, the king of the land? Did they not sing to one another of him in dances? Saul has struck down his thousands and David his ten thousands."So if David was planning on being undercover, he shows up and they're like, mmm. And they go to the king and they're like, I'm pretty sure they have a song about how good he is at murdering us. I'm pretty sure that's him.And David took those words, these words to heart. So he somehow overheard this. In this situation, was much afraid of Achish, the king of Gath. So he changed his behavior before them, pretended to be insane in their hands and made marks on the doors of the gate and let his spittle run down his beard.So somehow, on his way before the king, he just starts acting insane, drooling, marking up the walls. That's the best disguise he can come up with on the fly, you guys. And it works.Then Achish said to his servants,"Behold, you see, the man is mad. Why then have you brought him to me? Do I lack mad men that you've brought this fellow to behave as a madman in my presence? Shall this fellow come into my house?"So they're like, hey, we've got David. And then he goes, you brought a crazy person here. Thank you so much. Did you think that was what I really needed? I needed those.Some of y'all like to memorize verses for specific situations that you can remind, you know, rehearse yourself or say to other people. Maybe this one for, like, when your family's coming over for vacation or something, or your in-laws are coming and you can just quote to your spouse,"Do we lack mad men in their house? Are we gonna let this fellow in just for y'all?"Bible memorization, you're welcome. Probably won't be one of our monthly verses, but it's a good one.All right, chapter 22.David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam.So David then leaves. He heads back over into Israelite territory and hides in King Achish's. So his plan to go to Gath does not work and he escapes. Now, an interesting thing happens as we get to follow this story and as we have the whole revelation of the Scriptures, because this text doesn't tell us a lot of what's going on with David, what he's thinking. We just hear what he's doing. We hear some of what he says, but we don't get to see what's going on with him.And so far, in the midst of fear, he's just run and he's come up with what arguably is an ill-advised plan to run to Gath. But that's all he comes up with. He ends up in this cave. But in the book of Psalms we have songs and poems and worship that David writes. And there's one that has this inscription above it. It says, this is Psalm 34. It says of David when he changed his behavior before Abimelech, so that he drove him out and he went away.Now this text calls him Achish, which seems to be a title, and Abimelech seems to be his name. So like if you said he was in front of Caesar and then later it says Nero, it's the same guy. So Achish and Abimelech.So we actually get to hear what, how David responds after this moment when he gets to escape. And so it seems like he wrote this while in the cave or on his way to it. He starts off in the first four verses, worshiping, praising. He says,"I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him and delivers them."So he says, I had fear and he rescued me. And those who fear the Lord he protects. So David's interaction with fear is shifting here. He's saying, in my fear I began to go to the Lord, and now I fear him. He's the most fearful, so he's been on the run. It doesn't seem like he's handled everything so well so far. But now, as everything slows down, as he's trying to process through this, and he's worshiping the Lord for rescuing him out of Gath, this is what he's writing.Verse 8,"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack."He keeps going.Verse 18,"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."In verse 22 he says,"The Lord redeems the life of his servants. None of those who take refuge in him will be condemned."This is how he ends it. So he says, I'm hiding in him. I'm taking refuge in him. My hope is in him. That's David as he deals with this fear.So chapter 22, let's pick back up in the text.David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. And when his brothers and all his father's house heard it, they went down there to him.David on the run, hiding in a cave, trying to figure out what he's going to do, trying to lay low, writing some songs from his expert hiding place. He looks out one day, keeping a good lookout, and he's like, mom.Because his whole family shows up. They all come to him, which makes sense. And maybe he had to go out for supplies. Maybe word spreads at some point where David is, but his whole family comes to him, which makes sense, because if David's on the run from Saul, they're probably not that safe from Saul. And Saul may go look to them to find David.So they all go to David. Then it says this."And everyone who was in distress and everyone who was in debt and everyone who was bitter in soul gathered to him. And he became commander over them. And there were with him about 400 men."So his mom, his brothers, his dad, they all show up. Then other people just start showing up. And it's like, why are you here? I am stressed beyond belief. Everything out there is terrible. I heard David was in a cave, and I thought, I'm gonna go get in that cave. Somebody else shows up. Why are you here? I owe so many people so much money. Cave started sounding pretty good. Everyone who's bitter in soul, so the most frustrated, angry people who are, they're not going to read, they're not going to vote for Saul when reelection time comes back around like, this hasn't worked for them. That's who's showing up to David. And then it says he becomes commander of them. So they showed up and they were like, everything is awful. And he's like, okay, do some push ups. It's time to start training. I guess y'all are gonna have to listen to what I say if you're hanging out in my cave. And they do. So now he has 400 distressed, bitter in soul people who owe a lot of money to other people. They're all with David now, plus his mom and his brothers and his dad, okay?And David went from there to Mizpah of Moab. So now he leaves again. He takes all these people with him, it seems. And he said to the king of Moab,"Please let my father and my mother stay with you till I know what God will do for me."And he left them with the king of Moab, and they stayed with him all the time that David was in the stronghold.So reading some commentaries on this, there was a couple of different ideas as to why the king of Moab would let him do that. Some of the things they put out were housing fugitives because the Moabites were enemies of the Israelites. So the king to house fugitives that are against Saul seems like maybe that's a good idea.There's also just a general cultural thing of hospitality. So it's possible they're just doing what their culture does, which is show hospitality in these sort of situations.There's a theory that it's possible that one of the reasons they went to Moab was that Jesse is the grandson of Ruth, who was from Moab. So there's some family connection here.And I've come up with my own theory, which is that David showed up with 400 desperate men and said, hey, will you watch my mom? And they were like, sure. You and your friends gonna leave? He's like, we're gonna hang out a little bit, but just keep an eye on them until we figure out what's gonna happen.So any one of those is possible as to why they've said yes to this, but they do say yes to this. David leaves his parents with the king of Moab, and he left them with the king of Moab, and they stayed with him all the time that David was in the stronghold.Then the prophet Gad said to David,"Do not remain in the stronghold. Depart and go into the land of Judah."So he says, we're not going to stay in Moab. The Lord wants you to go back to Judah. And he does. And we're going to see Gad show up periodically through the story of David.So David departed and went to the forest of Heref.Now the story is going to shift to Saul. So we've seen David dealing with fear. We've seen him on the run, and we've seen him as this process is happening, growing in worship and saying, he's going to trust in the Lord.And now we're going to see Saul as he deals with fear.Verse 6.Now, Saul heard that David was discovered and the men who were with him.If you're playing hide and seek and someone finds you, you may not have had the best hiding spot. If your entire family finds you, plus 400 strangers, you don't have a good hiding spot.So David now is discovered. They know he's out. They know kind of where he is. And he's got 400 people traveling around with him. And this news makes it to Saul. So he's no longer incognito. He's known.Saul was sitting at Gibeah under the tamarisk tree on the height with his spear in his hand. And all his servants were standing about him, which first of all, of course he has a spear in his hand. He seems to always be holding a spear. But also what is happening in this text, it says he was sitting at Gibeah under the tamarisk tree on the height with his spear. And all his servants, all of those things are markers of leadership and kingship. That you would sit under an obvious tree, they would hold court there, they would answer questions there, they would judge there that he's on a height, that he's got servants, that he's holding his spear. So in some ways this text says Saul the king was out kinging in a very kingly way. That's kind of what that text is doing. It's building him up as much like he's super kinging. Right now. We got David hiding in a cave, wandering around other places, trying to figure out what he's going to do, hiding in a forest. And now we've got Saul, the kingiest king that ever did king.And Saul said to his servants who stood about him here now,"People of Benjamin."Okay, that's interesting. Benjamin is the tribe that Saul is from. He's been king for a long time. He's been king over all of Israel for a long time. It's possible that he only always has kept just Benjaminites the closest to him. Or as he's grown more and more paranoid and more and more fearful, he's gotten rid of everybody who doesn't belong to his tribe and now has perfectly surrounded himself with Benjaminites. But either way, he's paranoid and fearful.And we're going to hear from his speech how far that goes.But these are only people from his clan. He's suspicious, fearful."Hear now, people of Benjamin, will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards? Will he make you all commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, that all of you have conspired against me?"So he stands there and says, you just are so certain that David's gonna bless all of you, that he's gonna care for all of you, that you're all gonna be so important when he becomes king, that you've all conspired against me? And that's not true. But he now doubts everyone that's around him.Still, in verse 8, he says,"No one discloses to me when my son makes a covenant with the son of Jesse. None of you is sorry for me or discloses to me that my son has stirred up my servant against me to lie in wait, as at this day."He is correct that Jonathan did make a covenant with David, but it was because they loved one another. It was a covenant of friendship to care for one another. They make a covenant that they're not going to harm each other. And Jonathan goes out of his way to keep his dad from sinning against David.But he is not helping David lie in wait against Saul.David isn't lying in wait against Saul. David's not out to get Saul. Saul's out to get David. Saul is actually not in danger, not from David, but he thinks he is. And he's saying, everyone's against me.And Saul's entire world has shrunk to just him. It's just him. Everybody's an enemy. Everybody's in on it. Everything's a secret. Everything's falling apart.Then answered Doeg, the Edomite, who stood by the servants of Saul,"I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, and he inquired of the Lord for him and gave him provisions and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine."We actually don't know if he inquired of the Lord from him. Our text doesn't tell us that. But Doeg says he did. But that's something you do before military stuff. He doesn't say he gave him five loaves of bread. He calls it provisions, just militarizing it up a little bit. And he gives him a sword. He basically says, hey, Ahimelech's in on it.Then the king sent to summon Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub and all his father's house. The priests who were at Nob and all of them came to the king. It would have taken a couple miles away, so to go get them to come back. This took a couple hours, but they all come.And Saul said,"Hear now, son of Ahitub?"And he answered,"Here I am, my lord."And Saul said to him,"Why have you conspired against me, you and the son of Jesse, in that you have given him bread and a sword and have inquired of God for him, so that he has risen against me to lie in wait as at this day?"Then Ahimelech answered the king,"And who among all your servants is as faithful as David, who is the king's son-in-law and captain over your bodyguard and honored in your house? Is today the first time that I have inquired of God for him? No. Let not the king impute anything to his servant or to all the house of my father, for your servant has known nothing of this, of all of this. Much or little."So Ahimelech just says, it's David. David, your bodyguard, your son-in-law. I've done this. I do this. I would do this for him anytime he comes. I'm not in on something. I didn't know any of this. Don't add that to me. Don't add that to my family. That's not the case.Aside from those noises, that's what he said. He may have said it really calmly, I don't know, but he just kind of lists out like five things in a row where he's just like, I didn't have anything to do with anything, and this is normal for me to do whatever David asks.Verse 16.And the king said,"You shall surely die, Ahimelech. You and all your father's house."And the king said to the guard who stood about him,"Turn and kill the priests of the Lord, because their hand also is with David. They knew that he fled and did not disclose it to me."But the servants of the king would not put out their hand to strike the priests of the Lord.You got to hear the sentence that Saul said. He looks at his servants and says, that's it. Kill all the priests of the Lord because they're on David's team. Priests of the Lord. They're on David's team.And then I don't know if y'all can see the fear and the frustration. And Saul's face turned purple as all of his soldiers are just like, nope, I'm not.I love his soldiers in this moment because they all know there's going to be a day I stand before the Lord and it won't be Saul. There's a day that I will stand before my king and it isn't Saul. And I'm not going on record as killing a priest, it's not happening. You can kill me. That's fine. Then I'll go stand before the Lord and go, do you see me not kill that priest? Do you see what I just died for? Like, they just don't move.And again, I'm sure this just confirms in Saul that everyone is against him. His whole world has shrunk down to his center of gravity and Doeg.Then the king said to Doeg,"You turn and strike down the priests."And Doeg, the Edomite turned and struck down the priests. And he killed on that day 85 persons who wore the linen ephod. Doeg is an Edomite. He doesn't care.So he kills them, 85 of them. They brought all the males from that household. They kill all of them. And Nob, the city of the priests, he put to the sword both man and woman, child and infant, ox, donkey and sheep. He put to the sword.Saul does to the city of the priests what he was not willing to do to the Amalekites when it was for the Lord and it was holy war, he was unwilling to do it. When it's for him and it's his trying to keep his seat of power, he's willing to.Verse 20.But one of the sons of Ahimelech, the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled to David.Alright, so something very interesting has happened in this passage.In chapter two, a man of God comes to Eli and says the priesthood is not going to stay with your family because you've dishonored me. He says they're going to be wiped out. There will only be left one who will cry his eyes out. That's what just happened. Abiathar is that one.And eventually it's taken from him. He doesn't get to carry on serving the Lord. So the curse of God is poured out on this family through the wicked choices of Saul.So Saul is very wrong to do what he does. But we also see the hand of God at work in fulfilling his promises. It's a very interesting thing that happens here. But it doesn't mean that Saul's right to do what he does. It just means that when God says something, it happens.And Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of the Lord.And David said to Abiathar,"I knew on that day when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul, I have occasioned the death of all the persons of your father's house."David's response is, that's on me. While David was on the run, while David was doing what he did, he said, I knew that. I knew he was going to tell him. And I don't know if David fully understood what was going to come from that. I don't see how he could have. But he just says, yeah, that's. I'm the one to blame for this.Verse 21,"Stay with me. Do not be afraid for he who seeks my life seeks your life with me. You shall be in safekeeping."So that's his response to Abiathar.There's a very interesting call it a social phenomenon that's happening in this text. But everybody who's absolutely desperate is going to David. If everything has fallen apart, if you have no hope of a future, if everything has fallen around your ears, they go to David.And I can't help but see that and see that that's exactly what happens in the New Testament with Jesus. That when Jesus is on earth, the people who flock to him are the poor, the destitute, the sinners, the weak, the small, the outcasts.This actually is one of the things that he and the religious leaders get into arguments over all the time. They're like, you hang out with absolute human garbage. And Jesus is like, right, because the sick need a physician, not the well.And there's this thing where if you really know that you're in need, you start looking for somewhere to go, some bit of hope, someone to run to.And so we see in this story as it plays out that you have fear, legitimate, real, terrible fear, actual bad things.And David, as we follow this out, he runs to the Lord and there's all of these people that run to David. And then there's Saul who tries to handle everything in his own strength.And I told you earlier that we would see. I'm trying to tell you the scariest place to be.The scariest place to be is where you are the biggest person in the world.The scariest place to be is where you are utterly, completely, absolutely self-sufficient.The scariest place to be is where the center of existence has boiled down to your center of gravity, where it's all up to you.That's where Saul is.Trust, no one believes, no one hopes in nothing, just whatever he can tooth and nail and claw and grab, whatever he can get done, all up to him.And I don't know if you know it, but that's what our culture has told you over and over again is what you need to go do.Express yourself, find yourself, succeed, accomplish, win, earn.It's up to you.The most powerful snowflake in the world that you've got to on your own. Be sufficient, be capable, be good.That's what religion shows up and tells you so often is be good, be moral, do it. It's up to you.That's terrifying.The guards around Saul know something that we need to know is that one day you're going to stand before the real Lord, the real King.And on that day you do not want to stand in yourself self-sufficient.You do not want to stand before the King and say, judge me, evaluate me, I am big enough, I am good enough, I am capable.That's terrifying.You don't want to live your life that way.And you certainly don't want to end your life that way.We get to do with Jesus what Abiathar does with David and we get to have the same response.We get to run to him and say, I have no hope anywhere but with you.And what David says to Abiathar is what Jesus says to us.Your life is connected to my life and with me you'll be in safekeeping.That we get to hide ourselves in Christ.That when he died for sins, he died for us.That when he was buried, we were buried.When he rose, we rise.We get to be hidden in Christ and what he has accomplished.And we get to stand before the Lord in Christ and not in ourselves and not in our sufficiency.But we get to say, I have hidden in him.And no one is put to shame who takes refuge in the Lord.David prophetically says it at the end of his psalm."The Lord redeems the life of his servants. None of those who take refuge in him will be condemned."And then we get to live like that in all the fears of life.You get to go to the Lord. You get to do what David did. He's in the, he's in the cave and he's rehearsing.You know how long it takes to write a song? It's possible that this just came out, but I think a lot of it is he's working on, he's rehearsing, he's remembering and he's reminding himself over and over and over and over again.My hope is in you. My trust is in you. I have no good apart from you.Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good.Nobody who is condemned, who places their hope in you.Nobody who runs to you in refuge, oh, let me hide in you.Over and over and over and over again.And then we get to do the same thing that we don't in the middle of fear go, I must act, I've got to do something.But we get to in the middle of the fear go, okay Lord, if you don't help, I'm in trouble. If you don't show up, I'm in trouble.I see so often in my own sin. I'll talk to the Lord and I'll say, Lord, if you aren't merciful, if you don't forgive sinners, I have no hope.But oh thank you that you do. And let me hide in you.Let me. Let the righteousness of Christ be applied to me.Let his life and death and burial apply to me.Let me hide in him.It's one of my favorite songs is Rock of Ages.And just at the end it says,"Let me hide myself in thee, let me hide in you."And let it be about you.And so if you've never seen that you actually are not capable enough, strong enough, good enough, if your whole world is about you and you still think you are strong enough, I would say no, come to the Lord.But if you know you're in debt, in sin, you're destitute, you're distressed, you're bitter, come to the Lord, run to him and say, I need to hide in you.And for the Christians in the room who are struggling with fear, rehearse for yourself what's true about him.Start with Psalm 34.Read it, pray it. Sit. Remind yourself my hope is bound up in you.That's what Colossians 3 says,"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."We are hidden with him.His life and our life, our life is bound up in him.And with him we are in safe keeping.Let's pray.Lord, I pray right now in the name of Jesus, for every person in this room who is self-sufficient. For every person in this room who, when it all boils down, it's just them. Just them and their wisdom, just them and their morality, just them and their strength, just them and their ingenuity, that it's just them.Lord, I pray that you would, through your Spirit, help them to see how small and how vulnerable and how scary that is, that they might run to you.Lord, we pray for the person in this room who already sees that, who already feels debt, distress, destitute, desperate, that they would run headlong to you and say, oh, let your life cover me, let your righteousness apply to me. Let me hide myself in you.And Lord, may the Christians in this room rehearse that over and over and over again. That in fear we might fear you more and know that no one is condemned who takes refuge in you.In Jesus' name, Amen.The band's going to come back up. We're going to respond in communion and worship.

In this episode, we examine a curious detail tucked into the final chapters of Solomon's story in 1 Kings 11:14–25: the sudden introduction of adversaries—foreign “satans”—raised up by God as instruments of discipline and judgment. Strangely, these figures are never mentioned during the development or height of Solomon's reign, even though one, Hadad the Edomite, had been active from the beginning. Why does the narrator wait until the end to reveal them?We explore the theological significance of this narrative choice, noting that both adversaries emerge from outside of Israel—Hadad from the south (Edom) and Rezon from the north (Aram/Syria)—strategically positioned at the entry points to Israel's land. It's as if God is encircling Solomon's kingdom, initiating judgment from the very edges of the nation's security and prosperity.Then, we leap forward to the New Testament where Peter, in Matthew 16:21–23, becomes an unexpected “satan” to Jesus—an adversary not from the outside, but from within. Peter's well-meaning but misguided rebuke tempts Jesus to embrace a human-centered vision of kingship, one that avoids the cross. But unlike Israel's previous kings, Jesus does not deviate. He discerns the difference between the “things of God” and the “things of men,” and chooses the path of obedience.Through this contrast, we uncover what makes Jesus not only the rightful King of Israel but the sovereign King over all nations: He alone withstands the adversary's in his life - internal and external - whether foreign or familiar, and remains wholly aligned with the will of God.Key Passages:1 Kings 11:14-25Matthew 16:21-23Explainer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Video⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on how to use ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.biblehub.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.blueletterbible.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave us a question or comment at our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website podcast page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.* Intro Music: "Admirable" Carlos Herrera Music

Sermon Notes:- Outside of God's grace in my life, I'm one step from stupid.- PRIDE = “I deserve better” “They'll pay for this”- Where do you see pride in our culture?- Jacob = Israel/Judah | Esau = Edom- Edom had money. They had security. They had geographic advantage.- Obadiah 1:3-4 - 3 The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, in your lofty dwelling, who say in your heart, “Who will bring me down to the ground?”4 Though you soar aloft like the eagle, though your nest is set among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the Lord.- Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?- Self-reliance quickly leads to self-deception- Has your heart ever deceived you?- BUT Yahweh will never be defeated.- Obadiah 1:8 - 8 Will I not on that day, declares the Lord, destroy the wise men out of Edom, and understanding out of Mount Esau?- They placed their hope in the wisdom of man.- Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”- 1 Corinthians 1:25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.- Obadiah 1:10-12 - 10 Because of the violence done to your brother Jacob, shame shall cover you, and you shall be cut off forever. 11 On the day that you stood aloof, on the day that strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them. 12 But do not gloat over the day of your brother in the day of his misfortune; do not rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their ruin; do not boast in the day of distress.- Edom's choice was to fulfill their plan rather than participate in God's- Are we ever like the Edomites?- Obadiah 1:15-16 - 15 For the day of the Lord is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head. 16 For as you have drunk on my holy mountain, so all the nations shall drink continually; they shall drink and swallow, and shall be as though they had never been.- Romans 6:23 - “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”- Obadiah 1:21 - Saviors (deliverers) shall go up to Mount Zion to rule Mount Esau, and the kingdom shall be the Lord's.- How often are we the Edomite?- Are you building your own kingdom like Edom? Or are you surrendering to God's kingdom?- In His kingdom there is no place for pride.- Choose humility over pride. Choose trust over control. Choose Christ over self.- “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)- Faith in the One who humbly rules forever.LIFE Group Discussion QuestionsOpener: When was a time you got really upset over something small—and later realized it revealed something much deeper about your heart?1. Read Obadiah2. Where do you see pride showing up in your life right now—maybe in your relationships, decisions, or even thoughts?3. Have you ever trusted yourself or others more than God—and how did that turn out?4. Why is it so hard to wait on God's plan instead of doing things our own way?5. Jesus chose humility instead of pride—even when He had all the power. What does that teach us about how we should respond when we feel wronged?6. What's one area in your life where you need to lay down pride and trust Jesus more this week?

18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 1 Now King Solomon loved many foreign women, along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women, 2 from the nations concerning which…

David and the Holy Bread 21[a] Then David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. And Ahimelech came to meet David, trembling, and said to him, Why are you alone, and no one with you? 2And David said to Ahimelech the priest, The king has charged me with a matter and said to me, Let no one know anything of the matter about which I send you, and with which I have charged you. I have made an appointment with the young men for such and such a place. 3Now then, what do you have on hand? Give me five loaves of bread, or whatever is here. 4And the priest answered David, I have no common bread on hand, but there is holy breadif the young men have kept themselves from women. 5And David answered the priest, Truly women have been kept from us as always when I go on an expedition. The vessels of the young men are holy even when it is an ordinary journey. How much more today will their vessels be holy?6So the priest gave him the holy bread, for there was no bread there but the bread of the Presence, which is removed from before the Lord, to be replaced by hot bread on the day it is taken away. 7Now a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before the Lord. His name was Doeg the Edomite, the chief of Saul's herdsmen. 8Then David said to Ahimelech, Then have you not here a spear or a sword at hand? For I have brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste. 9And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you struck down in the Valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you will take that, take it, for there is none but that here. And David said, There is none like that; give it to me. David Flees to Gath 10And David rose and fled that day from Saul and went to Achish the king of Gath. 11And the servants of Achish said to him, Is not this David the king of the land? Did they not sing to one another of him in dances, Saul has struck down his thousands,and David his ten thousands? 12And David took these words to heart and was much afraid of Achish the king of Gath.13So he changed his behavior before them and pretended to be insane in their hands and made marks on the doors of the gate and let his spittle run down his beard. 14Then Achish said to his servants, Behold, you see the man is mad. Why then have you brought him to me? 15Do I lack madmen, that you have brought this fellow to behave as a madman in my presence? Shall this fellow come into my house?

Teacher: Dave Brown Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.—1 Samuel 18:7; 21:11 Saul was very angry; “they have credited David with tens of thousand,” he though, ‘but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?” And from that time on Saul kept a close eye on David.— 1 Samuel 18:8-9 David went to Nob, to Ahimelek the priest. Ahimelek trembled when he met him, and asked, “Why are you alone? Why is no one with you?” David answered Ahimelek the priest, “The king sent me on a mission and said to me, ‘No one is to know anything about the mission I am sending you on.' As for my men, I have told them to meet me at a certain place.”— 1 Samuel 21:1-2 The king ordered Doeg, “You turn and strike down the priests.” So Does the Edomite turned and killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. He also put to the sword Nob, the town of the priests, with its men and women, its children and infants, and its cattle, donkeys and sheep.— 1 Samuel 22:18-19 But one son of Ahimelek…named Abiathar, escaped and fled to join David. He told David that Saul had killed the priests of the Lord, Then David said to Abiathar, “That day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, I knew he would be sure to tell Saul. I am responsible for the death of your whole family.— 1 Samuel 22:20-22 If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.— John 15:18-20 The story of David isn't set before us as a moral model to copy. David isn't a person whose actions we're inspired to imitate. In the company of David we don't feel inadequate because we know we could never do it that well. Just the opposite; in the company of David we find someone who does it as badly as, or worse than, we do, but who in the process doesn't quit, doesn't withdraw from God.— Eugene Peterson God's will for our lives can be divided into two parts: 1 - General will — Loving God and loving others 2 - Specific will — “The place were your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet.” David isn't an ideal life bit an actual life. We imaginatively enter the company of David not to improve our morals but to deepen our sense of human reality: this is what happens in the grand enterprise of being human. Reentering through my believing imagination the world of David, I'm more myself—free to be myself and able find God in the middle of what's going on right now.— Eugene Peterson

Saul starts to crack under pressure and becomes increasingly paranoid, imagining that David could strike at any moment. He accuses his men of not caring about him and conspiring against. Doeg the Edomite speaks up, remembering that he had seen David get supplies from Ahimelech. In a rage, Saul visits Ahimelech, accuses him of treason, and assigns Doeg the task of slaughtering an entire city of priests and their families. Only one priest escapes the massacre, and he flees to David. Later, Jonathan visits with David in Horesh and renews his covenant with his friend. 1 Samuel 22 - 1:03 . 1 Samuel 23 - 7:54 . Psalm 90 - 13:51 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

2 Kings 14 has a lot to say: Amaziah becomes the new king of Judah Amaziah becomes prideful and starts worshipping Edomite gods after a successful battle  Israel completely plasters Judah in battle Amaziah dies the same way that his father did Jeroboam becomes the next king of Israel The #1 lesson we learn from the kings   Click all the links for more cool stuff: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries  Website - https://www.p40ministries.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p40ministries  Contact - jenn@p40ministries.com  Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/c-6493869  Books - https://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Kokal/e/B095JCRNHY/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk  Merch - https://www.p40ministries.com/shop  YouVersion - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/38267-out-of-the-mire-trusting-god-in-the-middle    Support babies and get quality coffee with Seven Weeks Coffee  https://sevenweekscoffee.com/?ref=P40   This ministry is only made possible due to your generous support https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries

In today's readings, we learn how Doeg the Edomite betrayed David, the priests, and the Lord. Fr. Mike explains that betrayal is painful because our hearts are deeply wounded when trust is broken. Today we read 1 Samuel 21-22 and Psalm 52. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

More on Balaam, and how was truly just so wicked, at least in the rabbinic literature. How bad was he in the Torah? Plus, he was a true prophet, regardless of the fact that he was wicked. The Gemara than describes just how wicked Balaam was, according to his ideas to entrap Jews and turn them from worship of God -- into the defecation worship of the Baal-Peor. Plus, how young Balaam was at his death, and why. Also, shifting focus to Do'eg Ha-Edomi, from the book of Samuel - a bit of an enemy of King David. Where God seems more willing to let Do'eg have a future and moments of not-wickedness than David himself. He seems to have known some Torah, in any case. But what he did that was so bad seems to be worked into the biblical narrative about him.

Do you know the story of Doeg the Edomite and the slaughter of Israel's priests at Nob? According to its superscript, this horrific incident is the backdrop to Psalm 52's important message about the wicked.----------------------------Please follow us on these platforms:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JointhesearchTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jointhesearchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jointhesearchtodayFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jointhesearchtoday

Welcome to Day 2590 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2590 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 52:1-5 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2590 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2590 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today's Wisdom Nugget, we'll finish our study of Psalm 52, focusing specifically on verses 6 through 9. In the first part of this Psalm, we saw King David boldly confronting the arrogance and destructive speech of Doeg the Edomite—a man who used his tongue as a weapon, betraying David and slaughtering innocent people. David declared confidently that God would bring justice to the wicked. Now, in verses 6-9, David turns his attention to how the righteous will respond to God's judgment. This portion contrasts the secure fate of those who trust God with the tragic end of those who rely on their own power and wealth. Let's read Psalm 52:6-9 from the New Living Translation: 6 The righteous will see it and be amazed. They will laugh and say, 7 “Look what happens to mighty warriors who do not trust in God. They trust their wealth instead and grow more and more bold in their wickedness.” 8 But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God's unfailing love. 9 I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will trust in your good name in the presence of your faithful people. The Amazement of the Righteous (Verses 6-7) Let's begin by looking closely at verses 6 and 7 again: “The righteous will see it and be amazed. They will laugh and say, ‘Look what happens to mighty warriors who do not trust in God. They trust their wealth instead and grow more and more bold in their wickedness.'” These verses describe the ultimate reaction of the righteous when they see God's judgment finally unfold upon the wicked. David paints a picture here of surprise, astonishment, and even a kind of ironic laughter—not because they rejoice over someone's suffering, but because justice has triumphed after appearing delayed or even absent. In the Ancient Israelite worldview, such amazement came from witnessing God's sudden reversal of what seemed inevitable. The wicked, like Doeg, often appear to have the upper hand for a time. They boast about their power and wealth, seeming untouchable. They become more arrogant, trusting in their own resources rather than in God. However, the righteous know a profound truth that escapes the wicked: security built apart from God is always temporary. This idea resonates throughout Scripture. In Proverbs 16:18, we read, “Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.” The righteous understand that no matter how powerful someone appears, without God their foundation is fragile and ultimately doomed to collapse. Illustration: Consider the story of the Titanic—hailed as “unsinkable” because of its impressive engineering and luxurious design. Yet, as history tells us, on its maiden voyage, it tragically sank. Passengers and crew placed their complete confidence in human innovation, wealth, and strength, only to discover painfully how quickly it all could fail. In a...

Welcome to Day 2588 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2588 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 52:1-5 Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2588 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2588 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today's Wisdom Nugget, we're stepping into Psalm 52, specifically focusing on verses 1 through 5. This Psalm provides a vivid contrast between those who boast in wickedness and the righteous judgment of God. In these verses, King David boldly confronts a man whose pride, deceit, and misuse of power have brought harm upon others. Let's first read Psalm 52:1-5 from the New Living Translation: 1 Why do you boast about your crimes, great warrior? Don't you realize God's justice continues forever? 2 All day long you plot destruction. Your tongue cuts like a sharp razor; you're an expert at telling lies. 3 You love evil more than good and lies more than truth. 4 You love to destroy others with your words, you liar! 5 But God will strike you down once and for all. He will pull you from your home and uproot you from the land of the living. As we begin, it's helpful to understand the context behind this Psalm. Psalm 52 was written during a particularly dark moment in David's life. According to 1 Samuel chapters 21 and 22, David was fleeing from King Saul, who was jealous and desperate to kill him. During his escape, David sought refuge from Ahimelech, the priest at Nob. Ahimelech provided food and the sword of Goliath to David, unaware that David was fleeing from Saul. Unfortunately, this act of kindness was witnessed by a man named Doeg the Edomite, Saul's chief herdsman. Doeg maliciously informed Saul about Ahimelech's aid to David, deliberately misrepresenting the priest's intentions. Saul, in his paranoia and rage, ordered Doeg to kill Ahimelech and the priests—an action so brutal that Doeg slaughtered eighty-five innocent priests and destroyed their families and their entire town. This event left a deep scar on David's heart, leading him to pen the words of Psalm 52 as an expression of grief, anger, and ultimate trust in God's justice. A Heart of Arrogance (Verse 1) Let's look again at verse 1: “Why do you boast about your crimes, great warrior? Don't you realize God's justice continues forever?” Here David directly confronts the arrogance of Doeg. Notice how David ironically calls him a “great warrior.” It's a stinging sarcasm. Doeg's “bravery” wasn't noble or heroic—it was wicked, cowardly, and unjust. He had used his position of trust and authority not to protect the innocent, but to destroy them. Doeg's boasting reflects a deeply distorted worldview—one in which power and manipulation appear to triumph. But David's question is piercing: “Don't you realize God's justice continues forever?” From an Ancient Israelite perspective, this is a profound truth. They deeply believed that while wickedness might temporarily succeed, God's righteousness and justice ultimately prevail. Evil men might think they've gotten away with their crimes, but God sees...

As David hides from Saul, he pours out his lament before the LORD in confident faith. At the same time, many of those who are in need gather to David, who begins to fulfill the role of a faithful king. Meanwhile, King Saul continues in his unfaithfulness, selfishly feeling sorry for only himself and accusing everyone of conspiracy against him. Only Doeg the Edomite sides with Saul, who hears the accusations against Ahimelech and the priests at Nob and orders their execution for their aid to David. When David hears of Saul's evil, he provides refuge to Abiathar, the lone survivor of Saul's vicious attack. David's actions throughout the text point us forward to the reign of the true King, the Son of David, Jesus Christ.  Rev. Martin Dressler, pastor at Salem Lutheran Church in Black Jack, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Samuel 22:1-23.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Exodus 7 verses1-13 describe Moses' and Aaron's next encounter with Pharaoh, who was the embodiment of supremacy over all Egypt's gods. The Almighty had told his representatives that Pharaoh would mightily resist until God's signs and wonders had been multiplied in Egypt and Yahweh shown to be superior and incomparable in all the earth. The demand for proof of the authority of Yahweh's envoys was made and the sign of the supreme serpent devouring staff was demolished. The magicians (Jannes and Jambres were put to shame (2 Timothy 3 verses 8-9). The first plague followed with the life blood of Egypt, the Nile river, being made death to the Egyptians. Chapter 8 tells of the second plague quickly following. Pharaoh asked his magicians to replicate the plague, which they endeavoured deceitfully to do. Eventually Pharaoh seems to relent and when asked of Moses to name the timing of the frogs' departure from his land, he said, make it tomorrow. As soon as Pharaoh was granted respite from the frogs he hardened his heart. The record tells us that Pharaoh hardened his own heart and it also tells us that God hardened Pharaoh's heart. Both are true for God had raised up a stubborn resistant man to rule over Egypt at this time in order that Yahweh's might and magnificence might be evident (Romans 9:16-18). Next followed the third plague of swarming gnats, whose annoyance was vast. The magicians failed to copy this miraculous sign; and they acknowledged before Pharaoh, "This is the finger of God". From now on says Moses to Pharaoh Yahweh's people will not feel the effects of the plague; in order that you may know the One who is bringing these plagues; and He is telling you to yield and let His people go. The fourth plague of blood sucking flies came next. And as promised Israel were exempted from this plague. Pharaoh momentarily relents and says that only the adult males can sacrifice in the nearby wilderness. Moses warned Pharaoh to cease with his deceitful cheating; and, if he did, Moses would beseech his God to remove the flies. But once more Pharaoh lied and turned away from the agreement once he had respite. Psalm 60 is another Michtam of David. David deserved to die for his adultery with Bathsheba and his murder of Uriah, from the commands to Joab. Joab had previously smitten Rabbah (the Ammonite capital). These events meant that David had effectively ceased to be king. Joab effectively usurped the kingly authority; and had become the defacto ruler. God's wrath had been upon Israel and its king, who was defiantly acting selfishly. Israel in battle had been at the precipice of defeat. This Psalm was written primarily to commemorate Joab's victory over the Edomites. Petra, the Edomite capital, appeared impregnable. The LORD had stood by His people and eventually granted victory to His people over their foes; as this Psalm proclaims. Psalm 61 is a plea from David to find support and stability for His turning to his God; as the only dependable constant in a troubled and vexatious life. It had all been David's fault; yet his Sovereign had not forgotten, nor forsaken, him. God had proven Himself to be David's fortress and consolation. David says that he has learned a reverence for Yahweh and would promote this attitude in all the faithful. Those learning these lessons would become the citizens of Jerusalem in the Kingdom Age (Psalm 15). CONT reading https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-readings-for-february-2nd-exodus-7-8-psalms-60-61-romans-12/

This podcast is a ministry of the Bonners Ferry Baptist Church and Pastor Nevin Neal.  If you have any questions, you can reach us by email at answers@bfbaptist.com.

Excerpt--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --IntroIn our penultimate lesson of our Christmas seriesThe story of Christmas from people who were actually thereThe inn keeper - making room for JesusThe shepherds - loners and outcasts invited into the storyThe magi - pagan astrologers used by GodToday: King HerodBut, as always, let's start with a question:Q. Whose Kingdom Are You Building?Think about it: everyone's building someone's kingdomA successful friend of mine wants to start his own businessHe's made a lot of money for the owner of his companyDawned on him: why doesn't he start his own!!Today's point isn't to inspire a new generation of entrepreneursIt's to call your attention to this fact:Everyone's working for someone's kingdomEither God's or yoursToday as we meet King Herod we'll find a ruler desperate to protect his kingdom at all costs, even opposing God's eternal plan.NOTE: The Bible mentions several rulers named Herod, each playing a distinct role in different contexts. The Herods were a dynasty of Edomite rulers under Roman control, and they feature prominently in the New Testament:1st Gen: Herod the Great: Ruler at Jesus' birth. (Matthew 2:16-18)2nd Gen:Herod Archelaus: Feared by Joseph. (Matthew 2:22)Herod Antipas: Executed John the Baptist, mocked Jesus. (Mark 6:14-29, Luke 23:7-12)Herod Philip I: First husband of Herodias. (Mark 6:17)Herod Philip II: Tetrarch of northeastern territories. (Matthew 16:13)3rd Gen: Herod Agrippa I: Executed the apostle James and imprisoned Peter. (Acts 12:1-4)4th Gen: Herod Agrippa II: Heard Paul's defense. (Acts 25:13–26:32)Herod the Great = clear bad guy in the storyDriven by self-interest (building his own kingdom) made some terrible decisionsIt's easy to see sin in someone else's life, isn't it?But when we look in the mirror, we're often blind…Truth is: We are Herod - we all tend to do this, act out of destructive self-interest:Sinful HabitsAddiction that destroys you and your relationshipsOr Even Good things:Careers: pushing hard at any cost (often families)Finances: building wealth without asking “what for?”Relationships: burning bridges Influence: Gaining followers but losing friendsBlinded by self-interest: Elizabeth Holmes, founder of Theranos (see “The Dropout” podcast) once celebrated as a groundbreaking entrepreneur who promised to revolutionize the medical industry with her blood-testing technology. obsessed with maintaining her

In the last episode, we talked about Caesar Augustus, ruler of the vast Roman Empire at the time of Jesus' birth. One of the ways he made governing this massive area more manageable was to establish local kings to rule on his behalf. At this time, there arose in Israel a young man who fit the bill perfectly. He was half-Jew, half-Edomite, born into a politically connected family, and hungry for power. His name was Herod.He curried favor with Augustus and at 25 years old was conferred by the Roman Senate with the title, “King of the Jews.”Though Herod is known as an accomplished builder, history remembers him even more as a butcher. He was almost insanely suspicious, and his suspicions drove him to murder. He murdered his wife, his sons, his rivals, anyone who threatened his power. So you can imagine his response when the Magi showed up asking where they could find the new King of the Jews! Matthew 2 says Herod was “disturbed,” literally agitated, all shook up. But rather than eliminating these foreign visitors, he used them. People accustomed to getting and keeping power are masters at using those around them.  “Go find this child, and when you do, come back to me so I can worship him too.” Is that really what he intended to do? No! He played these guys. People who grasp for power are not only users, they are deceivers. When the Magi didn't return to Herod, but having been warned by God they went home a different way, Herod was furious. He ordered the slaughter of every baby boy under the age of two in the region of Bethlehem. People who seek to hold on to power, to stay in control, use people… they deceive people… and they ultimately hurt people. Though Herod died shortly after this, the Herod spirit didn't die. It's alive and well and threatens us today. Every one of us has areas of our lives that we struggle to submit to Jesus' rulership – private areas over which we desire to stay on the throne, protected places where we want to wear the crown. Ask yourself these questions and see if the Lord may identify a Herod spirit in your life.In what area of my life do I have a tendency to use people? At work? In your family? Perhaps you control or manipulate people to get what you want.In what area of my life am I guilty of deceiving people?  Whether you openly lie or leave others with false impressions, where do you shade the truth to maintain control?In what area of my life am I willing to hurt people? It may not be physical harm, but you're willing to hurt people through gossip or slander. Through lashing out in anger or rage. Or maybe you freeze them out and seek to punish them through passive aggression. Are you willing to lay down your crown and surrender control to the true King, Jesus?

David's suffering became a template of Jewish history until the arrival of Moshiach. His prayers for salvation and rescue from enemies are therefore relevant to every generation, especially ours. Doeg the Edomite symbolizes our national nemesis, the offspring of Esau, from the Romans to Haman to the Nazis. Ultimately, they all disappear.

Dr. Jonathan Williams is back on to discuss his new book titled, "The Edomite Enigma: Esau, His Children, and Romans 9:10-13," which can be found here: https://www.wgsministries.org/enigma   To learn more about Dr. Williams, check out his website at: www.wgsministries.org   To get your copy of Dr. Flowers new book, Drawn By Jesus, go here: https://a.co/d/6s767Ey   To SUPPORT this broadcast, please click here: https://soteriology101.com/support/   Subscribe to the Soteriology 101 Newsletter here: www.soteriology101.com/newsletter   Is Calvinism all Leighton talks about? https://soteriology101.com/2017/09/22/is-calvinism-all-you-talk-about/   DOWNLOAD OUR APP: LINK FOR ANDROIDS: https://play.google.com/store/apps/de... LINK FOR APPLE: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/soterio...   Go to www.ridgemax.co for all you software development needs! Show them some love for their support of Soteriology101!!!   To ORDER Dr. Flowers Curriculum “Tiptoeing Through Tulip,” please click here: https://soteriology101.com/shop/   To listen to the audio only, be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, or one of the other podcast players found here: https://soteriology101.com/home/   For more about Traditionalism (or Provisionism), please visit www.soteriology101.com   Dr. Flowers' book, “The Potter's Promise,” can be found here: https://a.co/d/iLKpahj   Dr. Flowers' book, “God's Provision for All” can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Provision...   To engage with other believers cordially join our Facebook group: https://m.facebook.com/groups/1806702...   For updates and news, follow us at:  www.facebook/Soteriology101   Or @soteriology101 on Twitter   Please SHARE on Facebook and Twitter and help spread the word!   To learn more about other ministries and teachings from Dr. Flowers, go here: https://soteriology101.com/2017/09/22...   To become a Patreon supporter or make a one-time donation: https://soteriology101.com/support/   #LeightonFlowers #Calvinism #Theology

Shockingly, after Solomon starts worship child sacrifice idols: God raises up two adversaries: Hadad and Rezon Hadad was son of the Edomite king Hadad lived happily with Pharaoh for many days, but his bitterness caused him to wage war against Solomon Rezon was a servant of King Hadadezer who led a rebellion Rezon gets so close to Israel that he makes his base in Damascus   Hey! Don't leave before looking at other P40 stuff: Website - https://www.p40ministries.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p40ministries  Contact - jenn@p40ministries.com  Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/c-6493869  Books - https://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Kokal/e/B095JCRNHY/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk  Merch - https://www.p40ministries.com/shop  YouVersion - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/38267-out-of-the-mire-trusting-god-in-the-middle    Support babies and get quality coffee with Seven Weeks Coffee  https://sevenweekscoffee.com/?ref=P40   This ministry is only made possible due to your generous support https://www.p40ministries.com/donate

Hunter brings Doeg the Edomite as a lesson about selfishness and God's justice. Jesse brings the Pharisees to talk about keeping the law and allowing tradition to take control.--Passages explored: 1 Samuel 21-22; Psalm 52; John 3 --contact@parableministries.comhttps://www.parableministries.comhttps://www.instagram.com/parable_ministries/--Music created by Chad HoffmanArtwork created by Anthony Kuenzi--Jesse Turkington is the executive director of Parable Ministries and has been a Bible teacher for the last 9 years. When Jesse was just finishing high school, he started a little Bible study at his parent's house. Little did he know, this Bible study would change the direction of his life. He fell in love with the richness of the Bible and he wanted to pursue serious study. About 10 years later, Jesse still carries that passion for the Bible and from this passion was born Parable Ministries - a Bible teaching resource. Jesse believes that the Bible is a life changing book and that it can transform the way we view the world. The Bible presents a Creator God who desires intimate fellowship with us. His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts. Through study and thoughtful meditation, the Bible works to untangle our situational worldview and elevate our hopes and desires - we are encouraged to think on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Jesse is all about this book and he wants to share it with whoever will listen.-Hunter serves on the board of Parable Ministries and as podcast manager. He grew up in Montana and now serves the Church in Albany Oregon where he works as a youth and young adults pastor. He and his wife Ana stay busy with two kids. Hunter loves studying the Bible and communicating it in a way which encourages further exploration of others. Hunter enjoys listening and making podcasts for others to enjoy.

Leaders bear the responsibility for their decisions. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 22 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "From Caves Of Distress To Community Connections." Yesterday, Doeg slaughtered the entire priestly line of Ahimelech. But today, we learn one priest escapes. Let's find out who that is in 1 Samuel 22:20-23: But one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled after David. And Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of the Lord. And David said to Abiathar, "I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I have occasioned the death of all the persons of your father's house. Stay with me; do not be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life. With me you shall be in safekeeping." — 1 Samuel 22:20-23 Abiathar is the sole heir of Eli's house, who remains according to the prophecy in Chapter 2. If you can remember, about 20 weeks ago, when we began this series, there was a man of God who prophecied against Eli because of his wicked sons, and he said: Only one of you whom I shall not cut off from my altar shall be spared to weep his eyes out to grieve his heart, and all the descendants of your house shall die by the sword of men. — 1 Samuel 2:33 That prophecy has come true for Abiathar, the final heir of Eli. But notice two details. First, Abiathar does not cast any blame on David for what has happened to his father or his entire family. He comes in peace, seeking refuge. David provides refuge for him for all the days of his life and will be a high priest in his empire. Second, even though Abiathar doesn't blame David, David takes full responsibility for the events that led to his family's death. This is quite the comparison to Saul, who takes no responsibility at all. Great leaders take responsibility for their actions and inaction and the impact they have on others, no matter how big or small. This is a fundamental principle of leadership. Today, I want to encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your leadership roles. Carefully consider any areas where you may need to start taking responsibility for your actions or inaction. Bear the weight of your leadership responsibility. Then, share your conviction with the people you lead and make the commitment to step up as a leader and provide the leadership they need. #LeadershipResponsibility, #AccountabilityInFaith, #FaithfulLeadership Ask This: In what areas of your leadership—whether at work, community, or home—do you need to take more responsibility for your actions and their impact on others? How can you create an environment of openness and accountability within your team or community, encouraging others to also take ownership of their roles? Do This: Take responsibility in one area of leadership this week. Pray This: Father, help me to embrace my leadership responsibilities with humility and courage, acknowledging the impact of my actions on those I lead. Grant me the wisdom to create a culture of accountability where we can support one another in our journeys of growth and service. Amen. Play This: I Have Decided.

Ungodly influences will affect your legacy. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 22 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "From Caves Of Distress To Community Connections." Yesterday, we ended our reading just as Saul ordered his soldiers to slay Ahimelech and his entire priestly line. They refused for obvious reasons. Here's what happens in 1 Samuel 22:18-19: Then the king said to Doeg, "You turn and strike the priests." And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests, and he killed on that day eighty-five persons who wore the linen ephod. And Nob, the city of the priests, he put to the sword; both man and woman, child and infant, ox, donkey and sheep, he put to the sword. — 1 Samuel 22:18-19 This event is genuinely saddening on so many levels. I hope you notice that Doeg didn't merely follow the king's orders; he took the opportunity to go above and beyond, leaving a bloody trail of devastation. He is a shepherd who slays every breathing creature in Nob. What's striking is that there's no indication Saul tried to stop this slaughter of surplus. On that day, Doeg revealed who he indeed was—an Edomite enemy, betraying the Israelites and destroying their priests at the will of a possessed Israelite King. The actions taken against Ahimelech echo the kind of judgment God decreed upon enemy nations. This moment is eerily reminiscent of what God commanded Saul to do to the Amalekites in 1 Samuel 15:3. Except this time, Saul finally follows through. Through his ruthless henchman, he finally enacts the kind of judgment he was commanded to impose on his people instead of the Amalekites. By the voice of Doeg, Saul is tipped over the edge and has now become a failure of monumental proportions. Saul's decline is shocking. The once reluctant leader has devolved into a ruthless tyrant, completely consumed by corruption. Like Pharoah in the time of Moses and Herod in the time of Jesus, Saul's decline turns him against his people and God. All men and leaders are susceptible to the same decline. I am, and so are you. As a believer, take time to identify one ungodly influence that has infiltrated the ranks of your life. Then, eliminate this influence. There is no reason to let one ungodly influence have decision rights in those emotional times of your life. These people don't care about you. They also don't care about the consequences of their flawed advice. They may even take advantage of you as Doeg did of Saul. #LeadershipLessons, #GuardYourHeart, #UngodlyInfluence Ask This: What ungodly influences have you encountered in your life, and how can you actively remove or address them to maintain your spiritual integrity? In what ways can we ensure that our leadership, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, remains aligned with God's principles rather than succumbing to corrupt influences? Do This: Eliminate one ungodly influence. Pray This: Father, help me to surrender my fears to You and trust in Your perfect plan, knowing that You are always in control. May I seek to build a strong community of faith around me, supporting one another as we navigate life's challenges together. Amen. Play This: Honest.

Are you friends with too many deceptive opportunists? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 22 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "From Caves Of Distress To Community Connections." Yesterday, we discovered King Saul pouting in Gibeah. If you remember, Saul threw a tantrum, leaving his servants, who were mostly his family, in shock. Then, we assume this outburst was met with silence until one man breaks the silence. I wonder who that man might be? Let's read 1 Samuel 22:9-10: Then answered Doeg the Edomite, who stood by the servants of Saul, “I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, and he inquired of the Lord for him and gave him provisions and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.”— 1 Samuel 22:6-8 The man is Doeg. He was herding in Nob days before when he saw David, and he just happened to be here at Saul's outburst. Therefore, since he is an enemy slave, he will leverage an opportunity. He takes advantage of the silence and sells David and the priests out, leveraging his knowledge against Saul's people. You will see tomorrow that Doeg's opportunism will strike a deadly blow to Israel and its spiritual community. And it's not good. We live in very suspicious times. We are less trusting of legacy media, political messaging, social media, news propaganda, educational institutions, drug providers, and corporate policies than ever. While I don't think we need to embrace every conspiracy theory, I think it is good to be skeptical and to trust institutions and people less without abandoning them. Doeg is merely a sleeper opportunist. He is a foreigner who has infiltrated Israel because Saul has allowed it. Doeg is a skilled herdsman and will use his skill to herd the people of Israel against one another. He intentionally retained information and saw an opportunity to sell David out for his own benefit, turning the priests against Saul and his servants. Watch out for oppositional opportunists like Doeg in your life. These are people who do not care about you and will take advantage of your willingness to trust them, using that to their advantage at the cost of something in your life. They will sneak in, spy you out, and then sell you out and it is never an enjoyable experience. This occurrence here is going to turn deadly, ripping apart the house of God, as we will see tomorrow. Here is my advice: Go to a Bible-preaching church. Join a small group or form a close relationship with other believers. Marry a believer. Do business with people who are believers. Build lasting, trusting relationships with believing men and women. Stop spending time with so many Doegs, those who do not share your values, beliefs, and faith in God. Over time, they slip in and tear friendships apart, churches apart, marriages apart, and businesses apart. #CommunityMatters, #BewareOfOpportunists, #FaithfulConnections Ask This: Who are the “Doegs” in your life, and how can you better identify and protect yourself from their influence in your relationships? In what ways can you actively seek out and cultivate trusting relationships with other believers to strengthen your spiritual community? Do This: Decrease your Doegs. Increase disciples. Pray This: Father, please help me discern the intentions of those around me and build trusting relationships with fellow believers who will encourage my faith. Strengthen my community connections so that I can grow in my walk with You and support others in their journey as well. Amen. Play This: Relationship.

Are your friends really foes and, therefore, hard to trust? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 21 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "Man On The Run." Remember, David is at Nob, at the Tabernacle, talking with Ahimelech. There is someone present this day, a spy of sorts. Listen to 1 Samuel 21:7: Now a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before the Lord. His name was Doeg the Edomite, the chief of Saul's herdsmen. — 1 Samuel 21:7 Doeg is a crucial figure in the next chapter, so note this occurrence and what we learn today. There are two details about Doeg worth noting. First, he is an Edomite, a people who have been enemies of God since the time of Moses. The big question is why King Saul allowed an Edomite a place of any authority in his kingdom. Second, we learn that he does not have a minor role. He is the "Chief Shepherd." If you recall, David was a shepherd, too, and we would assume he was one of the best. However, David can not be both a shepherd and a warrior, so Saul must choose someone else with this skill. But his choice is a captured opponent, illustrating again the deteriorating discernment of Saul, which will play into his evil hands in the next chapter because Doeg is not just a captured opponent and chief shepherd but a contracted spy. Sometimes, people who look like friends may actually be foes. This principle is so hard to teach young teens. During the impressionable teen years, when teens are desperate for acceptance, they sometimes surround themselves with compromising people, which leads to compromising decisions. This was a hard-learned lesson for each of my children. But adults fall for this, too. When building new relationships in new situations, we can assume that people have our best interests in mind, only to find out later that this is not entirely true. Thus, we learn time and time again that some people who look like friends might be foes. Once we get burned, we trust less, become less vulnerable, and become more suspicious of those who might be foes. Unfortunately, one application of this reality is within a church small group. Many men hesitate to join a small church group because they perceive members as foes rather than friends. This may seem like a copout, but in small to medium-sized churches, I think their concerns are legitimate. Opening up about our hurts and hangups is risky when we are concerned that someone might breach confidentiality and share that information with others. This was David's situation. All of David's present problems were within the church and his family. He did not know who he could trust or with whom he could be vulnerable. He was suspicious at every turn. He then turned to the men of God, Samuel and now Ahimelech, only to later discover that nearby Doeg was a spy who would sell them out. When we are in vulnerable situations, we need friends, not foes. But if we become vulnerable and get burned by a friend who was really a foe, it's hard to be vulnerable the next time. If this happens too often, we can become resistant to any form of vulnerability. But here is the rub: only by being vulnerable can we test a friendship and build lasting friends that stand the test of time. Vulnerability is difficult to learn, slowly gained, quickly lost, and risky to recover. This is why so many men have many issues with vulnerability. But you need to work through this. Past issues with foes are not present excuses for your lack of friends. You need at least one believing friend you can trust and be vulnerable with in this life. And it's not exclusively your spouse. It's someone of the same gender, with grounded biblical beliefs, who can speak the truth in love and give you the spiritual direction you need. So get a Jonathan, not a Doeg, and build a friendship that will last the test of time. #TrustWisely, #FriendshipMatters, #VulnerabilityInFaith Ask This: Who are the "Doegs" in your life—those you initially trusted but later realized may not have had your best interests at heart? How can you discern true friendship in the future? In what areas of your life do you struggle with vulnerability? What steps can you take to build authentic relationships that foster trust and support, similar to David and Jonathan? Do This: Be vulnerable and build a lasting friendship. Pray This: Father, help me to discern the true intentions of those around me, guiding me to build authentic friendships rooted in trust and faith. Grant me the courage to be vulnerable, knowing that in sharing my struggles, I can find the support and encouragement I need. Amen. Play This: I Surrender All.

In today's readings, we learn how Doeg the Edomite betrayed David, the priests, and the Lord. Fr. Mike explains that betrayal is painful because our hearts are deeply wounded when trust is broken. Today we read 1 Samuel 21-22 and Psalm 52. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

n our FBI, there are many good people in the field and, there is also a rot in the FBI at the very top. There are some things they can't guarantee, such as whether those coming across the southern border aren't part of terrorist organizations. On the other hand, there is a very dangerous terrorist flying on our airplanes. I know this because the federal government has labeled him a terrorist. He is not yet one year old. He is a baby but happens to be the son of a man who was near Washington D.C. on January 6th. Show me your budget and I will show you your priorities. They can't guarantee that terrorists are not coming in from our southern border, but they can make sure that Amish farmers aren't wrongly processing meat. We hear more from an Amish farmer who was sabotaged by his government and hear the statements from a Nobel Prize laureate in physics who says that the planet is not in peril. We discuss the wicked kings of the Bible and how it relates to those who seek to be wicked kings today.What does God's Word say? Wicked kings in the BibleIt is very sad that, though King Saul started well as a humble man, he degenerated later to become a tyrant and a vicious manhunter who destroyed the lives of many. King Saul was a Benjaminite and the son of Kish. His sense of insecurity and his fit of jealousy and hatred for David drove him to commit serious atrocities against innocent people. King Saul was told by Doeg, the Edomite, that David had been to Nob and the priest Ahimelech had helped him, giving him provisions and the sword of Goliath and inquiring of the Lord for him. On hearing that, King Saul sent for Ahimelech and his entire family, the household of his father Ahitub; and they came to Saul at Gibeah. And King Saul, after interrogating them, commanded Doeg, the Edomite, to kill them. And Doeg fell on Ahimelech and the entire members of his family – the household of Ahitub, killing eighty-five priests on that day. That still did not quench Saul's thirst for revenge; further, Saul attacked Nob, the city of the priests, and put to the sword both men and women, children and infants, oxen, donkeys, and sheep. Only Abiathar the son of Ahimelech escaped the massacre to inform David. Such a wicked deed makes King Saul a wicked king. Bible reference 1 Samuel 22:6-9Episode 1,238 Links:The polls keep getting worse for Biden; Trump's vote share in national polls is higher than at any time in the past year.Democrat Rep. Jamaal Bowman says Biden is losing support among Black Americans because there has been "no conversation at all about reparations"The FBI cannot guarantee to the American people that Hamas or members of other terrorist groups are not numbered among the estimated 2 million + got-aways that have entered our country. More from my questions to FBI Director WrayInfant Son of J6 Defendant Placed on Quiet Skies Suspected Terrorist Watchlist. This is pure revenge stuff here."There have been 66 attacks by Iranian-backed militia groups on U.S. coalition forces since October 17. Why aren't these U.S. counterstrikes working as a deterrence strategy?" Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh: "We have days sometimes where we don't have attacks"Whistleblowers: FBI Purging Bureau of Religious Conservatives, Military Vets, Trump SupportersThe raiding of Amish farms by the Federal Government is saving exactly WHO?Croatian MEP, Mislav Kolakušić, doesn't hold back in exposing the WEF's 'Great Reset' agenda, in the EU parliament:4Patriots https://4Patriots.com/Todd See this week's discounts and deals before they are gone and get free shipping on orders over $97. 4Patriots.com/Todd Alan's Soaps https://alanssoaps.com/TODD Use coupon code ‘TODD' to save an additional 10% off the bundle price. BiOptimizers https://bioptimizers.com/todd Use promo code TODD for 10% off your order plus up to $100 of free product with purchase. Bonefrog https://bonefrogcoffee.com/todd Enter promo code TODD at checkout to receive 10% off your first purchase and save 15% on subscriptions. Bulwark Capital https://KnowYourRiskRadio.com Sign up for the final FREE Live Webinar of the year at KnowYourRiskRadio.com Space is limited. HumanN http://americalovesbeets.com Get a free 30-day supply of Superbeets Heart Chews and a free full-sized bag of Turmeric Chews only at http://americalovesbeets.com SOTA Weight Loss https://sotaweightloss.com SOTA Weight Loss is, say it with me now, STATE OF THE ART! GreenHaven Interactive Digital Marketing https://greenhaveninteractive.com Your Worldclass Website Will Get Found on Google!

In today's readings, we learn how Doeg the Edomite betrayed David, the priests, and the Lord. Fr. Mike explains that betrayal is painful because our hearts are deeply wounded when trust is broken. Today we read 1 Samuel 21-22 and Psalm 52. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.