How large was Israel under Solomon’s rule?
How large was Israel under Solomon’s rule? During the reign of Solomon, Israel extended into the Sinai desert near Egypt in the south and to… Read More »How large was Israel under Solomon’s rule?
How large was Israel under Solomon’s rule? During the reign of Solomon, Israel extended into the Sinai desert near Egypt in the south and to… Read More »How large was Israel under Solomon’s rule?
No witnesses. Under normal circumstances, priests and judges would have presided over the case between the two prostitutes (3:16–28). However, because there were no witnesses… Read More »No witnesses
Why did Adonijah ask for Abishag? Marrying David’s concubine (2:17) would have given Adonijah a claim to the throne.
Horns of the altar. Many ancient Near Eastern cultures regarded shrines and temples as places where a person could seek safety and refuge. In Hebrew… Read More »Horns of the altar
God promised to establish David’s kingdom forever (2 Sam. 7:1–17). Although Adonijah was David’s eldest living son, Nathan and Bathsheba’s actions ensured that Solomon’s claim… Read More »Forever
David’s Song of Deliverance is nearly identical to Psalm 18. Perhaps 2 Samuel 22 was meant to be read aloud for instruction and Psalm 18… Read More »Song of Deliverance
Barley was an essential grain for the Israelite people and their livestock (21:9). A failed barley crop could spell disaster for a whole community.
Kissing was a cultural means of showing respect, friendship, or reverence, as it is in many places today. A kiss was often given as a… Read More »Kissing
The forest of Ephraim was east of the Jordan River in Gilead. Gilead was known for its forests, and there David’s men would have a… Read More »The forest of Ephraim
When attacking a city, ropes with grappling hooks were often used to bring down its walls (17:13). Since most cities were built on hills, the… Read More »Ropes with grappling hooks
A stiff penalty. The punishment for cursing God (Lev. 24:10–23), the king (Ex. 22:28), or one’s parents (Lev. 20:9) was death. Shimei cursed King David… Read More »A stiff penalty
Regicide is the act of murdering a king. In most cases, a person who killed a king was trying to place himself on the throne.