2 Samuel 1 - Praying God's Word

Please read 2 Samuel 1.

www.blueletterbible.org/nasb/2sa/1/1/s_268001

Meditate on verse 16.

David said to him, “Your blood is on your head, for your mouth

has testified against you, saying, ‘I have killed the LORD’s anointed.’”

The true account of Saul’s death is recorded in 1 Samuel 31. The Amalekite in this chapter gave a very different version of Saul’s death. This young man wanted to be a hero by telling David he killed Saul. His deceitful, prideful words resulted in his death.

Remember this story when you are tempted to tell an embellished tale of your accomplishments. Ask yourself these questions: Is it the truth? Even if it is, does it need to be told? If so, who is glorified in the telling, you or God?

Use the words from 2 Samuel 1:16 to pray over yourself and those for whom you stand guard as a faithful, prayerful watchman (Isaiah 62:6-7).

“LORD, do not let ___________ and my mouth testify against us.

In Your name, Jesus~”

As you prepare for celebrating Jesus’ birth, you will continue to read the story of King David, the great, great, great ... grandfather of Jesus. David’s story foreshadows Messiah’s coming. In today’s reading, the Amalekite symbolizes Satan, who thought he killed the LORD’s Anointed on the cross. On the third day (v. 2), the Amalekite came to David, and his lie was exposed. On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead; Satan’s lie was exposed, and he was defeated.

Pray 2 Samuel 1:16 in thanksgiving for Jesus’ triumph over Satan.

“LORD, thank You that Satan did not kill Your Anointed.

Thank You that Satan’s blood is on his head for the lies his mouth testifies.

Because of Your blood, Jesus~”

The Watchman on the Wall 2 – Dr. Ron and Marsha Harvell

1 Samuel 31 - Praying God's Word

Please read 1 Samuel 31.

www.blueletterbible.org/nasb/1sa/31/1/s_267001

Meditate on verse 3a.

The battle went heavily against Saul…

What a sad chapter in God’s Word! How did a man go from being chosen and anointed by God to lead a nation to dying with his sons, armor bearer, and all his men, then having his headless body paraded among his enemies? 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 gives additional insight into this tragedy:

So Saul died for his trespass which he committed against the LORD,

because of the word of the LORD which he did not keep;

 and also because he asked counsel of a medium,

 making inquiry of it, and did not inquire of the LORD. 

Therefore He killed him and turned the kingdom to David the son of Jesse.

God killed Saul because he had disobeyed Him.

Learn well from the stories in God’s Word.  He carefully recorded them, not merely for a history lesson, but to disciple you into Godliness. 

·      Keep God’s Word.

·      Seek God’s counsel.

·      Do not be tempted to seek guidance from a fortune-teller, horoscope, etc.

·      Live as a person with a heart for God.

Pray for the opposite of 1 Samuel 31:1-3 over yourself and those for whom you stand guard as a faithful, prayerful watchman (Isaiah 62:6-7).

“LORD, as ________ and I obey You,

do not let our enemies fight against us and overtake us.

 Do not let the battle go heavily against us.

  Do not let us be hit by our enemies and badly wounded.

For the sake of Your name, Jesus~”

The WATCHMAN on the WALL 2 ~ Dr. Ron and Marsha Harvell

 

1 Samuel 30 - Praying God's Word

Please read 1 Samuel 30.

www.blueletterbible.org/nasb/1sa/30/1/s_266001

Meditate on verse 6b.

But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

David’s trials just kept coming!  When he and his men returned to Ziklag, they found the city overthrown and burned, and their women and children captured.   The people left behind wanted to stone David, and his mighty men wept uncontrollably. 

What would you do in such a horrific situation?  Observe how David:

·      wept with the people (v. 4)

·      strengthened himself in the LORD (v. 6)

·      asked the LORD what to do (v. 8)

·      did not force the 200 exhausted men to go with him (v. 10)

·      fed a sick Egyptian (v. 11-13)

·      shared the spoil with all 600 men and Judah’s elders (v. 21-26)

Despite devastating trials, David cared about others.  The LORD gave him strength and wisdom to stop an angry mob, track down a band of invading kidnappers, and share with hundreds who would soon be his loyal subjects.  God had indeed raised- up a shepherd boy to be a king.  Only God would choose such an incredible 15-year journey to groom a monarch.

The LORD has you on a journey.  As you travel with Him, rely on His wisdom and strength; care for others, and share with them what God shares with you along the way.

Pray 1 Samuel 30:6 and 8 over yourself and those for whom you stand guard as a faithful, prayerful watchman (Isaiah 62:6-7).

“LORD, please strengthen _________ and me in You.

We inquire of You concerning ____________.

Tell us what to do.

In Your name, Jesus~”

The WATCHMAN on the WALL 2 ~ Dr. Ron and Marsha Harvell

1 Samuel 29 - Praying God's Word

Please read 1 Samuel 29.

www.blueletterbible.org/nasb/1sa/29/1/s_265001

Meditate on verse 2.

And the lords of the Philistines were proceeding on by hundreds and by thousands,

 and David and his men were proceeding on in the rear with Achish.

Picture this impossible situation. After taking refuge among the Philistines for at least two years, David and his 600 men were tagging along with them to fight the Israelites. Achish presumed David to be loyal to the Philistine cause; the Philistine commanders discerned differently and refused to take David and his men into battle with them. The LORD used pagans to keep David from being expected to kill his fellow countrymen.

Take encouragement from God’s Word. People who do not acknowledge the LORD and His Word have surrounded His people throughout human history. God has and will continue to use the ungodly for His purposes. He cares for you and prepares a table for you in the presence of your enemies (Psalm 23:5). Jesus prayed for the Father to protect you in His name and to keep you from the evil one (John 17:11, 15). Trust Him with the impossible situations you face in the midst of the enemy.

Pray 29:6 over yourself and those for whom you stand guard as a faithful, prayerful watchman (Isaiah 62:6-7).

“LORD, let even our enemies say this of ________ and me:

‘As the LORD lives, you have been upright,

and your going out and your coming in with me are pleasing in my sight;

for I have not found evil in you from the day of your coming to me to this day.’

For the glory of Your name, Jesus~”

The WATCHMAN on the WALL 2 ~ Dr. Ron and Marsha Harvell

1 Samuel 28 - Praying God's Word

Please read 1 Samuel 28.

www.blueletterbible.org/nasb/1sa/28/1/s_264001

Meditate on verse 6.

When Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD did not answer him,

 either by dream or by Urim or by prophets.

Saul was in a pathetic place. He had no one to advise him; God wouldn’t talk to him; Samuel the prophet was dead, and he had alienated his son, Jonathan. In desperation, he looked to a medium for answers. This spiritist was even surprised when her phony and demonic powers appeared to conjure up dead Samuel. The point of the entire encounter was to tell Saul, one last time, why his life was so miserable: he refused to obey the LORD. When Saul did not destroy the Amalekites and justified his disobedience as sacrificing for God, God became his adversary (1 Samuel 15; 28:16, 18). Saul’s rebellion resulted in a tormented life.

Examine your life. Do you delight in the LORD and His Word? Is it your heart’s desire to obey and please God? Ask Him to show you every area of your life where you are justifying disobedience, even rationalizing your behavior as sacrificing for God. Repent and walk wholeheartedly with Jesus Christ.

Pray for the opposite of 1 Samuel 28:6, 16, and 18 over yourself and those for whom you stand guard as a faithful, prayerful watchman (Isaiah 62:6-7).

“LORD, I am inquiring of You; please answer me.

LORD, never depart from ________ and me. 

Never become our adversary.

Help us to listen to Your voice, obey You,

and execute everything You tell us to do.

By Your power, LORD Jesus~”

The WATCHMAN on the WALL 2 ~ Dr. Ron and Marsha Harvell

1 Samuel 27 - Praying God's Word

Please read 1 Samuel 27.

www.blueletterbible.org/nasb/1sa/27/1/s_263001

Meditate on verse 1a.

Then David said to himself,  “Now I will perish one day by the hand of Saul. 

There is nothing better for me than to escape into the land of the Philistines.”

At this point in David’s life, he felt safer with his enemies, the Philistines, than with his own countrymen. He lived among foes for a year and four months. During that time, the LORD used David to take care of unfinished business. The Geshurites, Girzites, and Amalekites were inhabitants of Canaan that God commanded the armies of Joshua and Saul to utterly destroy (Joshua 13:13; 1 Samuel 15). During this waiting time, David and his men did what God commanded, attacking and killing these enemies of Israel.

David could have spent those 16 months whining and complaining to God about the last 15 years of his life. Instead, he productively used the time doing God’s will, removing enemies from the kingdom that would one day be his.

Are you in one of God’s waiting times? Look around; what unfinished business does the LORD want you to complete? Ask Him to give you the energy and the courage to remove surrounding “enemies.” (These could be “enemies” that rob you of time, energy, health, spiritual growth, etc.)

Use the words from 1 Samuel 27:4-5 to pray over yourself and those for whom you stand guard as a faithful, prayerful watchman (Isaiah 62:6-7).

“LORD, let  ________ and my enemies no longer search for us.

Give us favor in Your sight and in the sight of __________.

Give us what we need…

For the sake of doing Your will, Jesus~”

The WATCHMAN on the WALL 2 ~ Dr. Ron and Marsha Harvell

1 Samuel 26 - Praying God's Word

Please read 1 Samuel 26.

www.blueletterbible.org/nasb/1sa/26/1/s_262001

Meditate on verse 12.

So David took the spear and the jug of water from beside Saul’s head,

and they went away, but no one saw or knew it, nor did any awake,

for they were all asleep, because a sound sleep from the LORD had fallen on them.

Can you imagine 3,000 people and a king, all sound asleep at the same time in a camp? Not one single person stirred because God made them sleep. David moved among 3,001 of his enemies, taking the spear Saul used to try to kill both him and Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:10-11; 19:9-10; 20:33). With spear in hand, David could have killed King Saul, but David acknowledged Saul as the LORD’s anointed because God had not yet taken Saul’s life. David trusted God and maintained his integrity.

Are you ever tempted to compromise your integrity? Someone maligned you; now you have information to hurt them. Do you stab them like they did you, or will you trust the LORD to take care of the situation? You ought to receive a certain position. Do you work angles to promote yourself, or will you wait for God to promote you when His time is right? Let God work on your behalf, so you can have a life filled with “because God ...” moments.

Pray 1 Samuel 26:24-25 over yourself and those for whom you stand guard as a faithful, prayerful watchman (Isaiah 62:6-7).

“LORD, let ________ and my life be highly valued in Your sight.

Deliver us from all distress.  Bless us, LORD. 

May we accomplish much and surely prevail.

Because of You, Jesus~”

The WATCHMAN on the WALL 2 ~ Dr. Ron and Marsha Harvell

1 Samuel 25 - Praying God's Word

Please read 1 Samuel 25.

www.blueletterbible.org/nasb/1sa/25/1/s_261001

Meditate on verses 32-33.

Then David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the LORD God of Israel,

 who sent you this day to meet me, and blessed be your discernment,

 and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodshed

 and from avenging myself by my own hand.”

When David was in a murderous rage, God sent Abigail to keep him from sinning. David wisely listened to the counsel of this God-given advisor. Abigail’s interruption paused David long enough to think before he did something regrettable.

There is much to learn from this story and virtuous Abigail. Abigail was submissive, bold, intelligent, diplomatic, and brilliant. Be mindful when God sends people like her into your life; learn from them and emulate their Godly characteristics. Thank the LORD when He interrupts your life with “Abigails” sent to keep you from the regrettable.

Pray 1 Samuel 25:32-33 over yourself and those for whom you stand guard as a faithful, prayerful watchman (Isaiah 62:6-7).

“I bless You, LORD God of Israel, for sending _________ to meet me.

Blessed be their discernment, and bless them for keeping me

 from bloodshed and from avenging myself by my own hand.

LORD, make _______ and me that kind of people,

people of discernment that keeps others from sinning.

In Your name, Jesus~”

The WATCHMAN on the WALL 2 ~ Dr. Ron and Marsha Harvell

1 Samuel 24 - Praying God's Word

Please read 1 Samuel 24.

www.blueletterbible.org/nasb/1sa/24/1/s_260001

Meditate on verse 5. 

It came about afterward that David’s conscience bothered him

 because he had cut off the edge of Saul’s robe.

The LORD continued to teach David how to be a king, and in a cave, God gave him a test. When presented with a great opportunity to advance his kingdom, would David heed the advice of friends or obey the counsel of God?

What were the chances of David and Saul being in the same cave together in a wilderness full of caves? “Surely the LORD gave Saul into David’s hand to finally put an end to this unrelenting enemy,” David’s men reasoned. But David chose to listen to God instead of his friends; he passed the test, refusing to kill Saul.

Be mindful of similar tests in your life. You are presented daily with choices and opportunities. As you encounter each one, seek God’s wisdom before heeding the counsel of advisors and friends. Ask the LORD to help you discern advice contrary to His will and to give you the courage to make Godly choices.

Pray 1 Samuel 24:11b over yourself and those for whom you stand guard as a faithful, prayerful watchman (Isaiah 62:6-7).

“LORD, let there be no evil or rebellion in ________ and my hands.

Do not let us sin against You or others.

For the sake of Your name, Jesus~”

The WATCHMAN on the WALL 2 – Dr. Ron and Marsha Harvell

1 Samuel 23 - Praying God's Word

Please read 1 Samuel 23.

www.blueletterbible.org/nasb/1sa/23/1/s_259001

Meditate on verse 4.

Then David inquired of the LORD once more.  And the LORD answered him and said, “Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand.”

It was approximately 15 years after his kingly anointing before David actually wore the crown. God used those years to prepare David for His high calling. Instead of going to finishing school, the young shepherd boy was plucked from his familiar pastures outside of Bethlehem and chased by King Saul throughout Israel. God used the school of difficulties to teach David about the land and the people he would eventually govern. God used the school of impossible circumstances to discipline David to rely on Him and seek His guidance before making decisions.

How is the LORD preparing you for His future plans? Is He using a difficult situation to draw you into richer faith and wholehearted reliance on Him? Sometimes the LORD’s training grounds are unorthodox; trust His sovereignty and learn from the individualized lessons He daily prepares for you.

Use the words from 1 Samuel 23:2, 4, and 16 to pray over yourself and those for whom you stand guard as a faithful, prayerful watchman (Isaiah 62:6-7).

“LORD, help _______ and me always inquire of You where we should go

 and what we should do.  Answer us and help us to hear and obey.

As we go, let us encourage others in You.

In Your name, Jesus~”

The WATCHMAN on the WALL 2 ~ Dr. Ron and Marsha Harvell

1 Samuel 22 - Praying God's Word

Please read 1 Samuel 22 and Psalm 52.

www.blueletterbible.org/nasb/1sa/22/1/s_258001

www.blueletterbible.org/nasb/psa/52/1/s_530001

David wrote Psalm 52 because of the events in 1 Samuel 22.

Meditate on 1 Samuel 22:22 and Psalm 52:1.

Then David said to Abiathar, “I knew on that day,

when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. 

I have brought about the death of every person in your father’s household.”

Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man? 

The lovingkindness of God endures all day long.

David’s decision to get bread from Ahimelech (1 Samuel 21) resulted in the deaths of 85 priests and their families.  Can you imagine being in David’s situation, and how would you handle it if you were?

David took responsibility for the deaths and offered shelter to Abiathar, the lone survivor.  Then, according to Psalm 52, David put the situation into God’s perspective.  He knew that the LORD would deal with Doeg and punish him for his wickedness.  David kept His focus on God, trusting in His lovingkindness and giving Him thanks (Psalm 52:8-9).

Reread Psalm 52 aloud.  Then pray 1 Samuel 22:14 and Psalm52:8 over yourself and those for whom you stand guard as a faithful, prayerful watchman.

“LORD, make _______ and me faithful.  Give us honor in our homes.

Make us like a green olive tree in Your house, God. 

We trust in Your lovingkindness forever and forever.

Thank You, LORD Jesus~”

The WATCHMAN on the WALL 2 ~ Dr. Ron and Marsha Harvell

1 Samuel 20 - Praying God's Word

Please read 1 Samuel 20.

www.blueletterbible.org/nasb/1sa/20/1/s_256001

Meditate on verse 8a.

Therefore deal kindly with your servant,

 for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the LORD with you.

After David killed Goliath, he and Jonathan entered into a covenant relationship with each other (1 Samuel 18:3-4).  Jonathan gave David his princely robe and his armor.  The exchange was poignant, foreshadowing that David would be king instead of Jonathan and promising that Jonathan would protect David at all costs.  1 Samuel 20 confirms that covenant relationship between Jonathan and David.

When you are in a covenant relationship with Jesus, similar exchanges are made.  Jesus takes your sin and robes you with Himself.

But put on the LORD Jesus Christ,

and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.

—Romans 13:14

Jesus also promises to protect you in this covenant relationship.

But the LORD is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.

—2 Thessalonians 3:3

Pray 1 Samuel 20:8 and 15 over yourself and those for whom you stand guard as a faithful, prayerful watchman (Isaiah 62:6-7).

“LORD, deal kindly with Your servants, __________ and me,

for You have brought Your servants into a covenant with You. 

Thank You that You put Yourself to death for our iniquity. 

Thank You that You will not cut off Your lovingkindness from our house forever,

not even when You cut off every one of Your enemies from the face of the earth.

Because of Your sacrifice, Jesus~”

The WATCHMAN on the WALL 2 ~ Dr. Ron and Marsha Harvell

1 Samuel 19 - Praying God's Word

Please read 1 Samuel 19.

www.blueletterbible.org/nasb/1sa/19/1/s_255001

Meditate on verse 9.

Now there was an evil spirit from the LORD on Saul as he was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand, and David was playing the harp with his hand.

Perhaps you noticed a repeated phrase in the last four chapters of 1 Samuel: “an evil spirit from the LORD” (1 Samuel 16:14-16, 23; 18:10; 19:9). Sovereign and all-powerful God controls evil spirits. Ask the LORD to help you accept and understand this truth as stated in His Word.

Another repeated phrase in 1 Samuel is: “the Spirit of God came upon” (1 Samuel 10:10; 11:6; 19:20, 23). Throughout the Old Testament, the Spirit of God came upon individuals to meet the needs of the situation. (See also: Numbers 11, 24; Judges 3, 6, 11, 13).

As a New Testament follower of Jesus Christ, you have the Spirit of God living inside you, and He will never leave you. Bask in Jesus’ Words:

“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper,

that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth,

whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him,

 but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.”

—John 14:16-17

Use the words from 1 Samuel 19:9 and 23 to pray over yourself and those for whom you stand guard as a faithful, prayerful watchman (Isaiah 62:6-7).

“LORD, do not allow an evil spirit to come upon _________ and me.

Thank You that Your Spirit has come upon us and lives in us. 

May we speak continually of You.

Let Your Spirit come upon __________, who needs to follow You.

In Your name, Jesus~”

The WATCHMAN on the WALL 2 ~ Dr. Ron and Marsha Harvell

1 Samuel 18 - Praying God's Word

Please read 1 Samuel 18.

www.blueletterbible.org/nasb/1sa/18/1/s_254001

Meditate on verse 30b.

David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul. 

So his name was highly esteemed.

After the death of Goliath, David soon faced a new enemy, jealous King Saul. Saul’s gratitude for his young musician’s victory over the enemy turned to deadly envy. Saul conceived plot after plot to kill him, yet David’s LORD Champion was always with him, keeping him safe, even in impossible circumstances. Just as he trusted God to save him from lions, bears, and giants (1 Samuel 17:34-37), David trusted the LORD to save him from a crazy king, keeping his behavior above reproach despite how Saul behaved.

You often encounter ungodly people. They may be family members, friends, coworkers, or a stranger in the car next to you. How do you respond? Do you reflect their words, actions, and attitudes, or do you behave more wisely than those around you because Christ controls you? Trust your Savior and Champion to fight your battles (Isaiah 19:20).

Pray 1 Samuel 18:14 and 30 over yourself and those for whom you stand guard as a faithful, prayerful watchman (Isaiah 62:6-7).

“LORD, let ________ and me prosper in all our ways for You are with us.

Let us behave ourselves more wisely than others.

May our name be highly esteemed.

Because of Your name, Jesus~”

The WATCHMAN on the WALL 2 ~ Dr. Ron and Marsha Harvell

1 Samuel 17 - Praying God's Word

Please read 1 Samuel 17.

www.blueletterbible.org/nasb/1sa/17/1/s_253001

Meditate on verse 51b.

When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled.

The Philistine warrior, Goliath, was called “champion” three times in this chapter (vs. 4, 23, 51).  For 40 days, the Israelite armies shook in their boots because of him, until a young musician/shepherd arrived.  Appalled by Goliath’s words, David quickly volunteered to fight. David had a proven Champion that would battle for him, delivering him and his nation from this Philistine bully.

Do you need a champion?  There are two other verses in the Bible that talk about a champion; as you read them, be encouraged and emboldened like David.

They will cry to the LORD because of oppressors, and He will send them

 a Savior and a Champion, and He will deliver them.

—Isaiah 19:20b

But the LORD is with me like a dread champion;

therefore my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. 

—Jeremiah 20:11a

Appeal to the LORD as your Champion and pray 1 Samuel 17:37 over yourself and those for whom you stand guard as a faithful, prayerful watchman (Isaiah 62:6-7).

“LORD, deliver _________ and me from the hand of __________.

Thank You that wherever we go, You are with us.

Because You are our Savior and Champion, Jesus~”

The WATCHMAN on the WALL 2 ~ Dr. Ron and Marsha Harvell

1 Samuel 16 - Praying God's Word

Please read 1 Samuel 16.

www.blueletterbible.org/nasb/1sa/16/1/s_252001

Meditate on verse 7b.

God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance,

 but the LORD looks at the heart.

King Saul had a heart issue. He did not wholeheartedly follow God; he did ungodly things and tried to justify them as Godly.  “The LORD regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel” (1 Samuel 15:35). He chose another to be king: David, a young man who pursued the heart of God, desiring to do all of God’s will (Acts 13:22).

The world tells you to follow your heart. God says to follow His heart; to hate what is evil and cling to what is good; to pursue faith and righteousness; and to know God and walk with Him with your whole heart (Romans 12:9; 2 Timothy 2:22; Jeremiah 7:23; 24:7). Ask the LORD to search your heart for areas not pleasing to Him. Give yourself wholeheartedly to the LORD, living without regrets.

Pray 1 Samuel 16:13 and 18 over yourself and those for whom you stand guard as a faithful, prayerful watchman (Isaiah 62:6-7).

“LORD, anoint _________ and me. 

Let Your Spirit come upon us mightily. 

Make us skillful, mighty people of valor, warriors,

prudent in speech, and handsome.

LORD, be with us.

Because of Your heart’s desires, Jesus~”

The WATCHMAN on the WALL 2 ~ Dr. Ron and Marsha Harvell