May 24 – Davidic Ethics vs. Utilitarianism

May 24
2 Samuel 4:1-6:23
John 13:31-14:14
Psalm 119:17-32
Proverbs 15:31-32

2 Samuel 4:11 – David brings in a higher ethical standard. Instead a form of utilitarianism (greatest good for the greatest number, and what could be more utilitarian than assassinating one individual to save the lives of hundreds of soldiers – we read about this in John 11:50 and will read John 18:14), David advances a Torah-based ethical system (Deuteronomy 24:16).

432px-City_of_David
The City of David was immediately south of the Temple Mount. This is what it looked like in the apostle’s day. (2 Samuel 5:7)

2 Samuel 5:13 -David had been doing so well, and now he violates Deuteronomy 17:17. Thankfully he listens to God in 2 Samuel 5:19 and 2 Samuel 5:23.

2 Samuel 5:21 – David follows Moses’ pattern from 450 years ago (Exodus 32:20)

2 Samuel 6:3 – David sins again (Numbers 4:5-15), and Uzzah dies (2 Samuel 6:7) as God warned (Numbers 4:15). Strangely David is unfamiliar with Moses’ commands (2 Samuel 6:9).

John 13:34 – Moses gave 613 commandments, summarized into 10. Micah 6:8 summarized it into 3. Jesus boiled it down to two in Matthew 22:37-40. And because it is difficult to judge another’s love for God, it is best demonstrated by love for one another.

John 13:35 – From Earl Martin:

John 14:2 – A great promise, and set to music by Earl Martin. JW Pepper has a great song based on John 14:1-3 as well:

John 14:6 – Jesus is the way of life (Acts 2:28), the way of salvation (Acts 16:17), the source of instruction (Acts 18:25-26), alleged heresy (Acts 24:14), the way of peace (Romans 3:17), the way of truth (2 Peter 2:2), the way of righteousness (2 Peters 2:21).

Psalm 119:18 – A great prayer to pray before studying God’s law.

Psalm 119:23 – How should we treat the Word? Meditate therein, Delight therein (Psalm 119:24), and talk of it (Psalm 119:27).

Psalm 119:30 – From Earl Martin:

Proverbs 15:32 – Correction is never easy to take, but it saves your soul and gives understanding!

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