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Daily reflections

Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. 

Betrayal and defeat: 2 Samuel 15.1–37 (Day 262)

Was Absalom always going to 'break bad', or was the tension with his father the thing that tipped him over the edge? Either way, he planned a classic coup, getting the people on his side by promising them whatever they wanted...

Blow upon blow: 2 Samuel 16.1–14 (Day 263)

David and his regime have been plunged into chaos by Absalom's rebellion. Amid the scramble for safety, loyalties disintegrate and many are simply out for what they can get. Among these is Ziba, a former servant of Saul and...

Courage and cowardice: 2 Samuel 17.1–14 (Day 264)

David is still a fearsome opponent. Absalom has the services of his turncoat counsellor, Ahithophel, but David has a mole in the enemy camp – Hushai. In scenes of low cunning and high drama, Hushai succeeds in overturning...

Absalom, my son!: 2 Samuel 18.1–18 (Day 265)

Absalom's rebellion comes to its dramatic conclusion. He is out-fought by David's army and defeated. Joab, David's commander, perhaps fearful that the king's affection for his son would compromise his effectiveness, persuades...

A time to build: 2 Samuel 19.1–30 (Day 266)

David is not yet secure on his throne, and risks alienating his supporters by his grief over Absalom. Joab, his key ally, is forced to rebuke him (verses 5–8). The loyalty of the northern tribes, who would rebel against...

Innocent victims: 2 Samuel 20.1–22 (Day 267)

David's troubles are not over yet; he has to deal with another rebellion. Again, it is the northern tribes who prove disloyal. Amasa, to whom David has given the command of the army, is evidently not up to the job (verse 5...

Sin’s cost and consequences: 2 Samuel 21.1–14 (Day 268)

Some Bible stories are extremely difficult for us today, reflecting as they do an understanding of God that we cannot share. In this story, God sends a famine on Israel because of the guilt of the house of Saul for his treatment...

The everlasting mercy: 2 Samuel 22.17–28 (Day 269)

This chapter is a psalm of praise to God for keeping David safe in his troubles. It's also in the book of Psalms (Psalm 18). It uses vivid imagery drawn from storms and floods to depict the trials of David's life – and our...

David’s last song: 2 Samuel 23.1–17 (Day 270)

At this stage of 2 Samuel David's life is drawing towards its close, though there's still more drama to come. This chapter pays tribute to his mighty warriors; it reads like our own stories of chivalry from the Middle Ages...
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