Summary and Insights on Selected Bible Passages - Essay Example

Summary and Insights on Selected Bible Passages (2 Sam 7, 11 & 12; Psalms 3, 32, 51,103 & 139) The Bible is said to be one of the greatest manuscripts ever written. It connects man with accurate history, reveals the nature of mankind and most importantly, it uncovers the pure truth about God. In fact, many have sacrificed their lives for it. In fact, many have sacrificed their lives for it. To give further enlightenment on this issue, this paper is expected to impart briefly to the readers simple guided explanations as to what these passages from the second book of Samuel (7, 11 &12) as well as Psalms Nos. 3, 32, 51, 103 and 139 mean at the same time relate their relevance to the development of the Christian faith. Supplementary to the latter, this academic paper seeks to relate the preselected numbers of Psalms with the chapters identified from second Book of Samuel. Finally, this paper is also expected to provide some insights on the issue as to why God used prophets to communicate with his people complemented with a short discussion on few insights about the use of Psalms in the realm of the modern man. The Significant Events and Insights from Chapters 7, 11, 12 of the 2nd Book of Samuel To begin with, the 2nd Book of Samuel is an account of significant events in David’s reign as King. In Chapter 5, he was proclaimed the anointed ruler by God. God hides when he conveys his messages to David. He uses Nathan, a prophet to be his messenger. Nathan relayed to David the messages of God sent in his dreams. One of the most significant events ever recorded in this Book is when God established his covenant with David by detailing His promises as follows: “…I have cut you off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men on earth. And I will provide a place for my people of Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. The Lord declares to you that the Lord Himself will establish a house for you. When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom” (Holy Bible New International Version, 2 Sam 7: 9-12). In other words, for winning God’s favor, David, as written in Chapter 7, received great fame, fortune and successes in all the endeavors he took including victories in all the battles he fought. At the onset, it was also disclosed that God requested David through Nathan to build a house of cedar for the Ark of the Covenant which was then housed in a tent (2 Sam: 7:5). In the succeeding chapters, however, this request did not prosper because David fell short of God’s expectations. On Chapter 11, the dark side of King David was revealed. King David committed adultery when he slept with Bathsheba, daughter of Eliam and wife of a Hittite soldier, Uriah (The Holy Bible New International Version, 2 Sam 11: 5). Wanting to have more of Bathsheba all for himself, he used his power to transfer Uriah to one of the fiercest battles that will ensure Uriah’s death. This hidden move by David displeased God. Hence, Chapter 12 revealed how Nathan rebuked David of the evil he has done. To make David realize his guilt, Nathan enumerated all the best things God has given him. In fact, it was on this occasion when he was confronted by Nathan after committing adultery that David wrote Psalm 51. (The Holy Bible New International Version, Psalm 51). King David acknowledged his sin with Bathsheba before God, lamented sincerely and sought God’s forgiveness. However, God hates sin in all its form and does not allow any sin to go unpunished. In the end, King David surrendered to God’s will by accepting the death of his first child with Bathsheba. Seeing a true repentant heart in King David, God forgave King David and still allowed him to continue to rule as King until the birth of his second son, Solomon who also won God’s favor and succeeded David. What does the 2nd Book of Samuel and its selected chapters actually tell the readers in the context of the Christian faith? Historically, it reveals the beginning of fulfillment in the prophecy that the true redeemer of God’s people shall originate from the house of David. Of course, there were instances when some verses were found cross-referenced in another Book within the Holy Bible. These selected passages reveal the pure truth about God, His great mercy and grace. It also tells us how God provides for those whose hearts are truly set on him and does His will. The greater lessons learned include the proper attitude, sincerity and honesty that one must carry in his heart to be able to win God’s approval just like that of David’s. Above all, it also teaches a sinner how to deal with his sin particularly when it is related to the old saying, “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak”. God’s Communication through the Prophets The above insights do not stop there. A good point to ponder is why did God communicate His messages through His anointed prophets like Nathan? Before the Great Flood, God communicated directly with Abraham, Moses, Jacob and Noah. But after this deluge, Yahweh decided to convey his message through high priests or prophets. This can be better explained with this passage: “When a prophet of the Lord is among you; I reveal myself to him in visions, I speak to him in dreams” ” (Holy Bible New International Version, Num. 12:6). What are prophets and what exactly do they do? Prophets are anointed by God to represent Him before his people. They are said to be the most visible and accepted messengers by God’s people to convey the Divine disclosure. Prophets are used to test people’s attitude toward God. They usually get involved and assist in the plan of salvation. A good example was the prophet Jonah. To possibly reach out to the lost and the unbelievers, God usually combine human and divine interventions. The presence of prophets helps out build God’s fellowship with His people. Moreover, they are the medium used by God which allows the grace of the Holy Spirit to flow and manifest in what man usually need to accomplish. The Book of the Psalms Psalm Nos.: 3, 32, 51, 103 & 109 The Book of the Psalms is unlike the Book of Proverbs. The Book of Psalms is one of the most inspiring parts of the Bible. Psalms or Psalter as others call it is a collection of praise songs authored by prominent Biblical characters. The authorship of most psalms remains anonymous although the bulk has been traditionally attributed to the entire collection penned by King David. Over the years, each Psalm comes in different contexts and purpose. Psalms are written in the form of poetry and are considered a historical heritage of the Old Testament. It is hard to classify these because they represent the life of Biblical characters under differing occasions, sentiments, and experiences at various time frames throughout the entire course of Israel’s history. Thus, studying Psalm nos. 3, 32, 51, 103 and 109 would reveal that they were all labeled within the Bible as authored by King David. Content-wise, they vary due to the different passing of events. For example, poetically written Psalm no. 3 tells of a man praying for help when surrounded by his enemies. This was labeled in the source material as written by King David when he fled from his brother Absalom (The Holy Bible New International Version, Psalm 3). Psalms 32 and 51 are closely related to each other because they are both hymn, poetic prayers about confession for transgression and forgiveness. Psalm 103 is David’s prayer of praises to God for His unconditional love to the people of Israel. Lastly, Psalm 109 differs in a way because it is a prayer of complaints and petitions of a troubled man. After all of what has been said and written, how do Psalms become relevant to the Christian faith? These Psalms have a particular special relevance in understanding the early beginnings and the foundations of the religious life of ancient Israel. How does it relate to the cited chapters in the 2nd Book of Samuel? The situations and sentiments of King David at that time were reflected in the Psalms he authored. How do these psalms become relevant to modern times? These Psalms, in rich poetry form, are used to inspire other people in their worship services. These have also become helpful as prayers of adoration, enthronement and other important celebrations. Conclusion In retrospect, learning insights about what the Bible conveys is a dynamic endeavor. It does not stop where you ended. The Book of Samuel taught us how great God’s unconditional love for man and the security and care He provides once you win His favor. What is essential to Him is man’s expression of his sincere and honest heart with a determined mind to obey His will. Still along the issue on how God chooses to communicate, the use of prophets to convey God’s message is something that man must understand as His prerogative. God thought it better to have both man and divine interventions in reaching out to His people. Finally, with regards to the Psalms, using Psalms in prayer would be the clearest expression of individual worshippers. The Psalms’ teachings are always dynamic and difficult. Its essential purpose is to experience the deepest expressions of the heart. They come in terms of longing, hoping, aspiring and feeling of joy, among others that should all be expressed with the heart in the spirit of worship. Nonetheless, certain ideas are set forth in the psalms that are essential to the idea for which they were written, to include the significant relation with God and reality. Reference The Holy Bible New International Version: Containing the Old and New Testaments. International Bible Society. Colorado Springs: USA, 1984. Print Read More