Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 24:15-16

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 24:15-16
"So the LORD sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the time appointed: and there died of the people from Dan even to Beer-sheba seventy thousand men.
And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite."

The Lord does not need to repent, and whenever I see that phrase in the bible I know there is a Joseph Smith translation of it. I was not disappointed. It was the people that repented.

"And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD said unto him, Stay now thine hand; it is enough;, for the people repented. And the LORD stayed the hand of the angel, that he destroyed not the people. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshingfloor of Araunah, the Jebusite."
(JST 2 Samuel 24:16)

Day 3841

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 21:1, 3

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 21:1, 3
"Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David inquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites.
Wherefore David said unto the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make the atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the LORD?

As I read this I wondered if the sins of Saul would really fall on David and his people? Why was the famine not in Saul's time. Why would David have to atone for something Saul did? As I pondered this I read this in the Old Testament Student Manual.

"Did God Require the Sacrifice of Saul’s Sons to Alleviate the Famine in the Land?
“This terrible episode must have been done in [the] days of David’s spiritual deterioration. The law would have not permitted sons to be put to death for the guilt of a father or a forefather. It cannot have been a revelation from the Lord that either required or approved this deed done ‘to avenge the Gibeonites’—some of whom Saul had slain in spite of the ancient promise of Joshua that they might live in Israel.
“It is a pathetic picture to envision the innocent mother of innocent sons guarding their bodies from the birds and beasts; and it is repulsive to read that after all this was done ‘God was entreated for the land.’ This is apostate theology, comparable to that of the Canaanite-Baal religions.
“The text is somewhat corrupted too, and the name Michal must be a mistake for Merab, for it was Merab who married Adriel. If it is indeed Michal, David’s wife and Saul’s daughter, who is meant, this is a very bitter ending to their relationships as man and wife.” (Rasmussen, Introduction to the Old Testament, 2:40.)
(Old Testament Student Manual, "2 Samuel 13-24: The Price of Sin: Tragedy in the House of David")

"The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin."
(Deuteronomy 24:16)

"So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it."
(Numbers 35:33)

Day 3840

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 18:32-33

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 18:32-33
"And the king said unto Cushi, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Cushi answered, The enemies of my lord the king, and all that rise against thee to do thee hurt, be as that young man is.
And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!"

David loved his son Absalom, even after he rebelled, sought his kingdom and his life. He asked his men to deal gently with Absalom for his sake. He didn't want to be cause of Absalom's death. Absalom rode under a great oak and his hair was caught up. The mule went out from under him and he hung there. In that vulnerable position he was killed. When I look on David's grief over his son it reminded me of forgiveness. David had a heart that could forgive. If there was no forgiveness he wouldn't have been able to mourn.

Day 3839

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 13:22-23

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 13:22-23
"And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.
And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baal-hazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king’s sons."

The story of Absalom, Amnon, Tamar and David is such a sad one. I wondered how did this lead Absalom to go after his father to take over the kingdom? I came back to these verses. It was hatred that festered unchecked for two years. Even it was understandable at first, this dislike of his brother after what was done to his sister, it was carried to far. After two years he plotted to have his brother killed. I pondered on how anger and hatred are never good. It will absolutely lead to a loss of the spirit and doing even worse things. It would have been far better for Absalom to speak to David about justice for his sister to settle the matter. Then to exercise forgiveness so it didn't poison his soul. Instead this part leads to destruction.

Day 3838

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 11:1

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 11:1
"And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem."

This was the beginning of David's downfall. It was the time when kings go to battle, and David didn't go. Instead he sent someone else and remained at home. David was unable to rest, he could not sleep, and walked upon his roof. That is when he watched Bathsheba washing herself. If David had gone to battle, and been where he was suppose to be, he would have been to busy to get into trouble.

Day 3837

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 7:16

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 7:16
"And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever."

In the end David sins and loses his exaltation. But, these promises of the Lord remained. David's throne would be established forever, through a descendant Jesus Christ.

"This verse is an example of a dualistic prophecy, that is, a prophecy with a double meaning. It promised that David’s lineage would continue on the throne, and unlike Saul’s lineage, would not be overthrown after his death. But it is clearly a Messianic prophecy as well. Jesus, the Messiah, was called David, He would hold the key of David, and He would sit upon the throne of David. Clearly, only one person can sit upon the throne of David (that is, rule over the house of Israel) forever and ever, and that one is Christ. He came into mortality as a descendant of David and as an heir to his throne both physically and spiritually. Elder James E. Talmage explained the significance of the genealogies of Jesus given by Matthew and Luke as establishing Jesus’ right to the throne.
“At the time of the Savior’s birth, Israel was ruled by alien monarchs. The rights of the royal Davidic family were unrecognized; and the ruler of the Jews was an appointee of Rome. Had Judah been a free and independent nation, ruled by her rightful sovereign, Joseph the carpenter would have been her crowned king; and his lawful successor to the throne would have been Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” (Jesus the Christ, p. 87.)"
(Old Testament Student Manual, "2 Samuel 1-12: The Fall of King David")

Day 3836

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 6:3, 6-7

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 6:3, 6-7
" And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart.
And when they came to Nachon’s threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it.
And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God."

Its hard to understand at first why steading the ark so it wouldn't fall was worthy of death. Then I thought of Adam and Eve being told to not eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Who would think eating something was worthy of being banished from the garden, and have to one day face mortal death. There are strict commands that God has given man, and with them consequences. Adam and Eve were warned about what would happen if they ate the fruit. This made me go back to find when God warned about touching the ark.

"And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation."
(Numbers 4:15)

God doesn't lie. He commandments are clear. There are times we need to just stand aside and let God do His work and not get in the way. The Lord or His angels could have come to steady the ark.

Day 3835

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 1:11-12

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 1:11-12
"Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that were with him:
And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword."

I have always been impressed by David's respect for Saul as king. Calling him the Lord's anointed. Saul had wanted to kill David, yet David would not slay Saul when he had a chance. Now that the matter was over and Saul was dead, he weeps and mourns for him. That is a great man, and a great heart.

"Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—"
(Mosiah 18:9)

Day 3834

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 28:7-8

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 28:7-8
"And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech’s son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David.
And David inquired at the Lord, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all."

The ephod was fastened to the Breastplate of Judgment. It had 12 precious stones and the Urim and Thummin. David asks the high priest to inquire of the Lord through it, and he immediately receives an answer. Saul had tried earlier and the Lord would not answer him through it.

"And when Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets."
(1 Samuel 28:6)

Being denied Saul seeks out a women with a familiar spirit. She pretends to see Samuel and tells Saul what he says. That doesn't mean Samuel was summoned by the witch of Endor. It means Satan can tell you things that are true but its the one percent that isn't that will lead to spiritual death. In this case for Saul it also lead to physical death.

Day 3833

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 25:1

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 25:1
"And Samuel died; and all the Israelites were gathered together, and lamented him, and buried him in his house at Ramah. And David arose, and went down to the wilderness of Paran."

I read that and this was all I could think of while I read three chapters in the Old Testament. Samuel the prophet dies, and the day I read it I learn President Russell M. Nelson, prophet, seer and revelator for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has passed away. I wait to know when his funeral is. Will it be before General Conference this Saturday and Sunday or after? It was shocking, but not shocking, President Nelson was 101 years old. I wish my heart was allowed to just mourn the passing of such a wonderful prophet. Instead it is marred by the horrific events in Michigan, at a shooting and fire at one of our chapels. People died. It hurts my heart. Of course we don't know all the details, not sure if I really want to know all the details. All I can feel is a prophet that taught me so much about being a peacemaker is gone. I feel like the world rejected his message and God has sent us a judge in President Oaks. There has been a shift and change, though I expect the message on what I need to do during these latter-days will remain the same. I am so grateful that General Conference is this coming weekend. I need to sit at the feet of the prophets and hear their messages of peace.

Day 3832

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 23:20-21

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 23:20-21
"Now therefore, O king, come down according to all the desire of thy soul to come down; and our part shall be to deliver him into the king’s hand.
And Saul said, Blessed be ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me."

Saul had 85 priests slaughtered, and then killed men, women, children, babies, and animals of the city of Nob, because they helped David escape. It made me ill that Saul dares to say to the person he sent to kill these people, "Blessed be ye of the Lord". It makes me sick when wicked people say words giving the impression their evil acts are righteous. Then Saul says "ye have compassion on me." Again it's all about Saul and no feeling for any of the innocent people they just slaughtered. None of these actions are of the Lord. I pondered on how we have to be so discerning about who we follow and support, even when they give an impression they are doing God's work.

Day 3831

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 19:1, 6

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 19:1, 6
"And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David.
And Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan: and Saul sware, As the LORD liveth, he shall not be slain."

I just don't understand Saul's hatred of David to the point he wants to kill him. Jonathan, seems to talk sense into him and then he turns around and is after David again. I don't think its so much a matter of revenge for anything David has done personally to him. I think it's Saul's pride, and he doesn't want anyone around that would appear better than him. David is victorious in battle and that is enough for Saul to throw a javlein at him. It is a terrible thing to have a wicked king with a very big ego, can't keep his word, and lives by revenge because he easily offended. The Lord has already rent the kingdom from Saul, but Saul is still king. Why is that? It is hard to get rid of an iniquitous king.

"And behold, now I say unto you, ye cannot dethrone an iniquitous king save it be through much contention, and the shedding of much blood."
(Mosiah 29:21)

Day 3830

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 18:14-15

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 18:14-15
"And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him.
Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him."

These verses reminded me of these.

"And it shall be called the New Jerusalem, a land of peace, a city of refuge, a place of safety for the saints of the Most High God;
And the glory of the Lord shall be there, and the terror of the Lord also shall be there, insomuch that the wicked will not come unto it, and it shall be called Zion.
And it shall come to pass among the wicked, that every man that will not take his sword against his neighbor must needs flee unto Zion for safety.
And there shall be gathered unto it out of every nation under heaven; and it shall be the only people that shall not be at war one with another.
And it shall be said among the wicked: Let us not go up to battle against Zion, for the inhabitants of Zion are terrible; wherefore we cannot stand.
And it shall come to pass that the righteous shall be gathered out from among all nations, and shall come to Zion, singing with songs of everlasting joy."
(Doctrine and Covenants 45:66-71)

Because David behaved wisely, having a deep love and trust in God, keeping all the laws and commandments, not of a contentious nature, and people love him, the wicked (Saul) were afraid of him. Saul sought to have David die in battle, which didn't happen. It made me ponder on how Zion will look terrible to the wicked. Zion will not be at war with one another. I used to think it was physically battles all around. Now I think it more a battle of words and opinions. The only ones that are not contending will be a Zion people. We will be at peace while the world is growing ever darker. The wicked can not stand up against goodness. The wicked dig pits against others and then fall into it. They cannot stop truth and are afraid of it.
"The standard of truth has been erected. No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the great Jehovah shall say the work is done."
—Joseph Smith, 1842

Day 3829

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 15:24

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 15:24
"And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice."

This is the driving force that caused Saul to disobey the word of the Lord and do what he thought was right in his own eyes. It was a fear of the people and not God. He loved the adoration of the people and wanted to look big in their eyes. It was pride. It was pride that made him offer burnt offerings when he had no authority to do so. It was pride that made him keep the spoils of war against the Lord's command, and then try to justify it by giving them as offerings. It is because of pride and disobedience that the Lord rent the kingdom from him.

"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
(Proverbs 16:18)

"Perhaps the greatest obstacle to our ability to hearken courageously to the word of the Lord involves our egos, vain ambitions, and pride. It seems that the proud find it burdensome to hear and accept the instruction of God. We are told in Proverbs that “pride goeth before destruction”. The proud are more anxious about man’s judgment than they are of God’s judgment."
(H. David Burton, "Courage to Hearken", Apr 1994 General Conference)

"And behold, how oft you have transgressed the commandments and the laws of God, and have gone on in the persuasions of men.
For, behold, you should not have feared man more than God. Although men set at naught the counsels of God, and despise his words—"
(Doctrine and Covenants 3:6-7)

Day 3828

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 12:16-18

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 12:16-18
"Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the Lord will do before your eyes.
Is it not wheat harvest to day? I will call unto the Lord, and he shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which ye have done in the sight of the Lord, in asking you a king.
So Samuel called unto the Lord; and the Lord sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the Lord and Samuel."

After Samuel made Saul king he emphasized the fact that this was not the Lord's plan. It was because they desired a king when the Lord their God was their king. The great thing to happen was thunder and rain in the middle of wheat harvest. That is not what you want to happen when harvesting wheat. They needed a visual reminder of how powerful the Lord was. Samuel reminds them they can repent and turn and follow the Lord.

"And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart;"
(1 Samuel 12:20)

Day 3827

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 8:5-7

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 8:5-7
"And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.
But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the Lord.
And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them."

Samuel's son were not righteous, but that isn't the only reason the people rejected them. They wanted to be like other nations, that had kings. They wanted to reject the theocracy, and being given direction from God. Samuel warns them about the dangers of kings, but they didn't care. The Lord counsels Samuel to give them what they want, a king, because they have rejected Him. I pondered on how rejecting the government that the Lord setup is a sign of their complete apostasy.

"Now I say unto you, that because all men are not just it is not expedient that ye should have a king or kings to rule over you.
For behold, how much iniquity doth one wicked king cause to be committed, yea, and what great destruction!
And behold, now I say unto you, ye cannot dethrone an iniquitous king save it be through much contention, and the shedding of much blood.
For behold, he has his friends in iniquity, and he keepeth his guards about him; and he teareth up the laws of those who have reigned in righteousness before him; and he trampleth under his feet the commandments of God;
And he enacteth laws, and sendeth them forth among his people, yea, laws after the manner of his own wickedness; and whosoever doth not obey his laws he causeth to be destroyed; and whosoever doth rebel against him he will send his armies against them to war, and if he can he will destroy them; and thus an unrighteous king doth pervert the ways of all righteousness. "
(Mosiah 29:16-17, 21-23)

Day 3826

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 4:3-4

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 4:3-4
"And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the LORD smitten us to day before the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies.
So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God."

What I find interesting is that after Israel is defeated by the Philistines in battle, they decide to bring the ark of the covenant. Along with it come Eli's sons that the Lord was already displeased with. The outcome is disastrous not only are they defeated again, but the ark of the covenant is captured. I pondered on how instead of turning to prayer and repentance they thought to use something sacred to protect them. We cannot trifle with holy things. Holy things will not protect us when used to protect us in our sins.

Day 3825

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 3:1, 19-20

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 3:1, 19-20
"And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.
And all Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD."

The word of the Lord was precious, meaning it was scarce. The Lord could not speak to Eli because he did not clean his own house, and allowed his sons to do vile things. They caused the people to transgress and abhor the offering of the Lord. Samuel was young and ready to hear the word of the Lord.He grew and became a prophet and the people recognized him as such.

“You need have no fear that when one of the apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ delivers a prophecy in the name of Jesus Christ, because he is inspired to do that, that it will fall by the wayside. I know of more than one prophecy, which, looking at it naturally, seemed as though it would fall to the ground as year after year passed. But lo and behold, in the providences of the Lord, that prophecy was fulfilled.” (Grant, Gospel Standards, p. 68.)
(Old Testament Student Manual, "1 Samuel 1-15: The Prophet Samuel and Saul, King of Israel")

How grateful I am for living prophets today. There has been much counsel given by President Russell M. Nelson that I see today as inspired. Even just the get your rest and eat your vitamins before the whole pandemic hit. Being told to be a peacemaker has changed my life and for the better. It helps me stand apart from the contention in this world. I so look forward to general conference and being able to again sit at the feet of a prophet. Those words will be precious to me, by holding them dear to my heart.

Day 3824

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 9:11

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 9:11
"And because they did cast them all out, that there were none righteous among them, I did send down fire and destroy them, that their wickedness and abominations might be hid from before my face, that the blood of the prophets and the saints whom I sent among them might not cry unto me from the ground against them."

I had wondered about the righteous being a causality of destruction that happened after the Lord was crucified. I know there were wounded among them for the Lord healed them. In this verse I see that cities destroyed were due to the wicked casting them out. Being persecuted and cast out would have been a trial for the righteous to endure, but in the long run it moved them to places of refuge from the coming storm. Those whose blood were spilt at the hands of the wicked were claimed by the Lord and his. I can see that this was also a fulfillment of prophesy given by Samuel the Lamanite.

"But blessed are they who will repent, for them will I spare. But behold, if it were not for the righteous who are in this great city, behold, I would cause that fire should come down out of heaven and destroy it.
But behold, it is for the righteous’ sake that it is spared. But behold, the time cometh, saith the Lord, that when ye shall cast out the righteous from among you, then shall ye be ripe for destruction; yea, wo be unto this great city, because of the wickedness and abominations which are in her."
(Helaman 12:13-14)

Day 3532

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 13:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 13:7
"And behold, an angel of the Lord hath declared it unto me, and he did bring glad tidings to my soul. And behold, I was sent unto you to declare it unto you also, that ye might have glad tidings; but behold ye would not receive me."

I had not noticed this before in the story of Samuel the Lamanite. He originally came to preach to the Nephites glad tidings, but he was rejected and cast out. He came back and now gave them a warning. The glad tidings of the coming birth of Savior, that would atone for our sins, was now a warning of their need to repent or destruction would come upon them. Nothing could save them but repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ. I wondered how different that message would have been to those that were righteous and wanted to receive a prophet.

Day 3520