Song of Solomon 2:8-13 Although later given spiritual and religious interpretations, the Song of Solomon is firstly a lyrical poem about human love.  The poet compares her lover to a “gazelle or a young stag.”  She finds him sneaking looks … Continue reading →

I Kings 8:(1,6,1011), 22-30,41-43 David’s deferred dream to build a permanent place worthy to house the “ark” is now fulfilled by his son, King Solomon.  A grand procession conveys the”ark” from its tent-tabernacle to “the inner sanctuary of the house, … Continue reading →

I Kings 2:10-12,3:3-14 The nine Sundays in which we have followed David’s life and reign as King conclude.  Now the story of the reign of the son David had with Bathsheba, Solomon, commences.  David now “sleeps with the ancestors.”  Although … Continue reading →

II Samuel 18:5-9 The King’s generals, Joab, Abihai and Ittai, persuade David to remain in the city while they go out to battle.  He gives them a special order: Deal gently with my rebellious son, Absalom.  Despite the fact that … Continue reading →

II Samuel 11:26-12:13a The denouement of King David begins.  Having successfully plotted the death of Uriah, David takes his widow, Bathsheba, as his wife, who gives birth to a son.  The prophet Nathan is sent by the Lord to tell … Continue reading →

II Samuel 11:1-15 Favored since his youth by the Lord and known for his bravery, David’s conniving starts his downfall.  He sends his army out to battle while he stays safely at home in Jerusalem.  His wandering eye lands on … Continue reading →

II Samuel 7:1-14a Having brought the “ark of God” to a tent-sanctuary in his new capital city of Jerusalem, King David tells the prophet Nathan, “I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God stays in … Continue reading →

II Samuel 6:-15,12b-19 Having taken Jerusalem from the Canaanites and established it as the new capital of a united Israel, King David further enhances its status by bringing the “ark of God” to the new “city of David.”  Its arrival … Continue reading →

II Samuel 5:1-5,9-10 Following the formative, dramatic events of David’s youth and the tragic death of King Saul and his eldest son, Jonathan, David is made King of both North and South in a united Israel.  Rather than reign from … Continue reading →

Deuteronomy 10: 17-21 In Deuteronomy, Yahweh is no longer the greatest god among gods, God is God of all creation, who inexplicably chose the descendants of Abraham and Sarah for a unique relationship.  As Robert Alter explains, this God is … Continue reading →