by Susan Barnes | 20 Oct 2022 | Women in the Bible
In recent years much historical sexual abuse of women has come to light. But why did they stay silent for so long? Many didn’t feel safe sharing their experiences. They were afraid they would be blamed for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, for wearing...
by Susan Barnes | 26 Jan 2021 | Devotions OT
“And Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the king’s table; he was lame in both feet.” 2 Samuel 9:13 Previously Mephibosheth lived at Lo Debar, and even the name of the place sounds depressing. It means “no pasture.” It was an empty and barren...
by Susan Barnes | 4 Mar 2016 | Devotions OT
Once again there was a battle between the Philistines and Israel. David went down with his men to fight against the Philistines, and he became exhausted. 2 Samuel 21:15 It’s not clear why David became exhausted. Had he become so comfortable with palace living that he...
by Susan Barnes | 26 Feb 2016 | Devotions OT
The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!” 2 Samuel 18:33 Many pictures in the Old Testament teach us something...
by Susan Barnes | 19 Feb 2016 | Devotions OT
Then the king said to Zadok, “Take the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the Lord’s eyes, he will bring me back and let me see it and his dwelling place again. But if he says, ‘I am not pleased with you,’ then I am ready; let him do to me whatever...
by Susan Barnes | 12 Feb 2016 | Devotions OT
The woman said, “… When the king says this, does he not convict himself, for the king has not brought back his banished son? Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But that is not what God desires; rather, he devises ways so that...
by Susan Barnes | 5 Feb 2016 | Devotions OT
I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. I gave your master’s house to you, and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you all Israel and Judah. 2 Samuel 12:7-8 This was part of the rebuke that Nathan the prophet delivered to...
by Susan Barnes | 29 Jan 2016 | Devotions OT
Then David sent messengers to get her (Bathsheba). She came to him, and he slept with her. 2 Samuel 11:4 David was already married to Michal (who had been returned to him), Ahinoam and Abigail. Plus, “After he left Hebron, David took more concubines and wives in...
