Hudson Taylor-Total Makeover

By Mary Vee

From J. Hudson Taylor's Notes

My first five missionary journeys inspired me to new goals. I wanted to find a place, far inland China, that could be used as a base. Time for a sixth missionary journey.

photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

On May 8th I set out for my next journey, one that would last twenty four days. The small junk I bought wouldn't handle a long journey. I hired a junk and a Chinese crew designed for shallow and deep water and set sail up the river.

All the time I spent studying and practicing Mandarin paid off. I was able to not only speak with the crew but understand them. 

We sailed about two hundred miles deeper into China to a city called Zhenjiang. Along the way God gave me opportunity to give two thousand seven hundred Scriptures and other Christian literature to cities and villages along the way.

In one city, I met a friendly, elderly man who liked to visit. He gave me his book, and I gave him a Bible. During our conversation he shared why he believed the earth moved around the sun. He felt doing good would result in happiness. When he said those words, I wanted to tell him about the God who loved him and had sent His Son to pay for all our sins. We can do nothing to save ourselves. I waited until he finished speaking before sharing this good news.

In some of the places I visited, drunks and angry people threw mud at me. They called me a foreign devil. And some people ran away from me, frighten by my skin and hair color, my clothes and the shape of my eyes.

I brought my medical bag with me wherever I went and learned people would listen to the Gospel when someone took care of their health. I also learned how to eat with chopsticks. Those rascal skinny pieces of wood make eating difficult, but in time I mastered the art.

One day, a boatman saw me eating with chopsticks. He said, "You should wear Chinese clothes and shave your head like the Chinese men." 

What a fantastic idea! Why didn't I think of that before.

As we sailed back to Shanghai, I remembered the terrible problem I had sleeping. Rats and mice scurried around the house, even on my bed. After we docked I saw a cat with two kittens at a house. "May I buy your kittens?"

The owner agreed. I took the two kittens with me, and solved the rat and mice problem.

Can you see me? I look different. I wear Chinese clothes, shaved my head, eat with chopsticks and have two kittens who eat quite well in my house. I feel at home.

J. Hudson Taylor

Do you have any questions?


Photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

Research resources: J. Hudson Taylor, An Autobiography by J. Hudson Taylor; It is Not Death to Die, a new biography of Hudson Taylor by Jim Cromarty; Hudson Taylor Founder, China Inland Mission by Vance Christie; J. Hudson Taylor, A Man in Christ, by Roger Steer, and Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret by dr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor.

David- Gibeonites Receive Justice

By Mary Vee
II Samuel 21

From David's Journals

A famine struck the land. For three long years, year after year. We had done something to anger the Lord.

I went and asked the Lord what we did. He answered, "It is because of Saul and his blood thirsty family. They killed the Gibeonites."

photo courtesy of visualbibleimages.com
Gibeon

Oh, yes. I remembered. A treaty had been made long ago between Joshua and the Gibeonites to never harm them. While the Gibeonites had been dishonest about the treaty, Joshua and all Israel had to keep their word. 

Saul, while he was king, enjoyed conquering all the nations in our land. One of the nations he fought with a powerful attack was the Gibeonites.

The problem had to be solved to stop the famine.

I asked the remaining Gibeonites to meet with me. I greeted them. "I understand your anger."

Their spokesman answered, "Yes, we had a promise and Saul broke it."

I shook my head. "What can I do for you. How can we repay what has happened to restore the treaty?"

"We don't want silver or gold from Saul or from his house. We don't want any Israelite to die for us."

I stroke my beard and waited, giving them time to think. "There must be something we could do."

"All right then." The spokesman looked at the others then replied. "The punishment we ask is give us seven of Saul's descendants. We will hang them before the Lord in Gibeah of Saul, the one whom the Lord chose."

Their request was reasonable, considering how many Gibeonites died under Saul's hand. "I will give them to you."

I considered which seven to send. I wanted to spare Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son. Seven men from the house of Saul were sent to the Gibeonites and hung on the first days of the barley harvest.

Rizpah, the mother of some of the men stayed by their bodies to keep the birds from attacking. 

After I heard what she did, I had the bones from Saul, Jonathan, and the seven men from the house of Saul who had been hung by the Gibeonites buried in the tomb of Kish, Saul's father.

When all the work ended. The Lord was pleased and He ended the famine.

Here is a Psalm we sing. You call it Psalm 21

The king shall have joy in Your strength, O Lord;
And in Your salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!
 You have given him his heart’s desire,
And have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah

 For You meet him with the blessings of goodness;
You set a crown of pure gold upon his head.
 He asked life from You, and You gave it to him—
Length of days forever and ever.
 His glory is great in Your salvation;
Honor and majesty You have placed upon him.
 For You have made him most blessed forever;
You have made him exceedingly glad with Your presence.
 For the king trusts in the Lord,
And through the mercy of the Most High he shall not be moved.

 Your hand will find all Your enemies;
Your right hand will find those who hate You.
 You shall make them as a fiery oven in the time of Your anger;
The Lord shall swallow them up in His wrath,
And the fire shall devour them.
 Their offspring You shall destroy from the earth,
And their descendants from among the sons of men.
 For they intended evil against You;
They devised a plot which they are not able to perform.
 Therefore You will make them turn their back;
You will make ready Your arrows on Your string toward their faces.

 Be exalted, O Lord, in Your own strength!
We will sing and praise Your power.

********************************
1. What happened in the land for three years?
2. When David asked the Lord what was wrong, what did He say?
3. David called the Gibeonites to meet with him. What did he ask?
4. What punishment did the Gibeonites ask for?
5. Did David grant their request?
6. Who's life did David spare and why?
7. What was the last job needed to stop the famine?

David- Sheba Rebels Against David

By Mary Vee
II Samuel 20

From Joab's Journal

photo courtesy of visualbibleimages.com
Abel of Beth Maachah

David led us, all the soldiers and families who went with him to escape Abaslom, back to Jerusalem.

In the meantime, Sheba, a man from the tribe of Benjamin, the same tribe Saul, Jonathan, and Mephibosheth came from, led a rebellion. He wanted the ten tribes of Israel to join him in a fight against David.

David didn't wait to act for even one minute. He sent his army to capture Sheba before he hid inside a city. 

We chased after him, but unfortunately he hid in Abel of Beth Maachah. The city had fortified walls surround it. 

I ordered the men to set up a siege mound against the city. They battered against the wall, pounding to knock it down. 

Surprisingly, a woman stuck her head out a window and called out to us, "Wait, wait. Please call Joab to me that I may speak to him."

I went closer to the wall and listened. 

She called out, "Are you Joab?"

"Yes," I answered.

"Good. Will you listen to me?"

"Yes. I'm listening."

"It has been said about our city men will seek guidance at Abel. So men would come to end disputes here. I am one of the peaceable and faithful in Israel. You are trying to destroy a city and a mother in Israel. Why would you try to harm something that belongs to the Lord?"

I answered, "I would never want to harm or destroy. But a man from the mountains of Ephraim, his name is Sheba, has rebelled against king David. If you give him to me I will leave the city."

The woman said, "Stand watch. HIs head will be thrown to you over the wall."

Apparently she went to the city people, told them the problem They found Sheba, chopped off his head and flung it over the wall toward us. Since she kept her word, I blew my trumpet, ordering the battle to end and for all soldiers to return to Jerusalem.

This ended the rebellion and brought the kingdom back together. 

Here is a Psalm we sing. You call it Psalm 17

Hear a just cause, O Lord,
Attend to my cry;
Give ear to my prayer which is not from deceitful lips.
 Let my vindication come from Your presence;
Let Your eyes look on the things that are upright.

 You have tested my heart;
You have visited me in the night;
You have tried me and have found nothing;
I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
 Concerning the works of men,
By the word of Your lips,
I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer.
 Uphold my steps in Your paths,
That my footsteps may not slip.

 I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God;
Incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech.
 Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand,
O You who save those who trust in You
From those who rise up against them.
 Keep me as the apple of Your eye;
Hide me under the shadow of Your wings,
 From the wicked who oppress me,
From my deadly enemies who surround me.

 They have closed up their fat hearts;
With their mouths they speak proudly.
 They have now surrounded us in our steps;
They have set their eyes, crouching down to the earth,
 As a lion is eager to tear his prey,
And like a young lion lurking in secret places.

 Arise, O Lord,
Confront him, cast him down;
Deliver my life from the wicked with Your sword,
 With Your hand from men, O Lord,
From men of the world who have their portion in this life,
And whose belly You fill with Your hidden treasure.
They are satisfied with children,
And leave the rest of their possession for their babes.

 As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness;
I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.

*****************

1.  Who rebelled against David?

2.  Who did David say was worse than Absalom?

3.  David told his men to hurry and find _______ before he _____

4.  Why did the woman call out to David's army?

5.  What did she give to Joab?

6.  Why did she help Joab?

Hudson Taylor-The Mandarin Says, "Yes"

By Mary Vee

From J. Hudson Taylor's Notes

This is the end of the report for my fifth missionary journey, both trials and triumphs. 

The first officer, who made us wait a very long time, sent John and me on to his supervising magistrate. After reporting the abuse we received from the militia, I demanded we receive proper treatment . The officer allowed us to be carried on chairs to the next required destination.

photo courtesy of visualbibleimages.com

The military carried us through long winding roads, it seemed we had entered a city within a city. The soldiers continued their march through large arching gates that resembled a prison. I didn't know the instructions given to these men. John and I wandered if the chairs served as nothing more than a last right before our punishment of death.

My concerns eased when the military set our chairs down in front of a doorway bearing the inscription: The father and mother of the people. This office belonged to the magistrate. We were told to wait outside while a soldier took our identification cards into the magistrate.

This time we waited only a few minutes before receiving permission to enter the office. The soldiers who took us inside bowed before the magistrate. One signaled me to do the same, but I refused. 

The mandarin greeted us and led us into his inner chamber. Writers, runners, and other officials under the mandarin's instruction followed us. 

The mandarin invited us to speak. I looked at John who told me to speak. "Sir, we have come to tell the people about the God who loves them. We have books--" I pulled one from my satchel and handed it to him. "We want to give these books to any man or woman who can read." 

I handed him a New Testament which also included Genesis through Ruth. "This book teaches what God has done for you." I also gave him some tracts and shared the Gospel with him. He listened to all John and I had to say. The others standing in the room listened with great interest as well.

When I finished, the mandarin called for refreshments to be served. John and I hadn't eaten or drank all day and appreciated his gift. 

At the end of our visit, I asked if we might walk through the city, visit with the people, and tell them about the God who loves them. 

"Yes, of course," he answered.

"Mandarin, if I may speak freely. We suffered terrible treatment when entering the city. We realize the soldiers didn't know we came in peace. However, we request protection as we walk throughout the city and when we leave."

"Yes, of course." He turned to his runners. "Go about the city and warn the people no harm is to come to these men." The runners left immediately.  

The mandarin walked us to the door and treated us with the kindness expected of an official.

We walked through the city telling people about God's love and handing out the books. Runners stayed in front of us, warning the people not to harm us. When the streets grew too crowded to let us pass, the runners swung their long braid like a whip to make the people clear a path. 

It didn't take long to give away every Bible we brought and then return to our boat.

My report of this fifth missionary journey reached the British and Foreign Bible Society. They sent me back a note telling me how pleased they were with our work. Inside the envelope I found a gracious gift. The society included enough money to buy more scriptures and to set up a small clinic for Dr. Parker.

I never expected to receive support from the Bible Society, and am deeply grateful for God's provision.

Please continue to pray for us and God's provision for our needs,

J. Hudson Taylor

Do you have any questions?


Photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

Research resources: J. Hudson Taylor, An Autobiography by J. Hudson Taylor; It is Not Death to Die, a new biography of Hudson Taylor by Jim Cromarty; Hudson Taylor Founder, China Inland Mission by Vance Christie; J. Hudson Taylor, A Man in Christ, by Roger Steer, and Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret by dr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor.

David-A Time to Help-Barzillai

By Mary Vee
II Samuel 19

From David's Journal

There was such a kind man named Barzillai who lived in Rogelim. God had blessed him with great riches. But not every rich person wants to share their money with those in need.

photo courtesy of visualbibleimages.com

He provided the people who joined me in the escape from Abasalom's threat the supplies we needed. During the entire time we camped in Mahanaim he gave us more than what we could want.

After the battle, and we stood by the shore of the Jordan River, I turned to Barzillai and looked into his old eyes. He was eighty years old and travelled all the way from Rogelim to see us to the shore. "Please, Barzillai, come with me. I will provide for you while you live in Jerusalem with me."

His lips curled up in a tender and wise smile. "My lord, how long do I have to live? Should I go up to Jerusalem with you when I am an old man of eighty years? Will I be of any use to you by knowing right and wrong when I can hardly see, or taste, or hear the voice of singing men or women?

He shook his head and put a knobby finger on my arm. "No I don't want to be a burden to you.I will go a short ways with you across the Jordan but return to my home. I don't deserve a reward. If you please, let me return back home that I may die in my own city, near the grave of my father and mother."

He turned to a man standing next to him and invited the man to step closer to the king. "Here is my servant, Chimham. Please let him cross over the river with you, my king, and give him or do for him what seems good to you."

Again Barzillai chose to be kind to someone. I nodded. "Chimham may cross over with me, and I will do for him what I would have done for you. Whatever you ask, I will give."

The whole army and many others who came with me crossed the River Jordan together. On the western shore I turned to Barzillai and blessed him and sent him back to his home as he asked. 

Oh that we all could be as kind as Barzillai, a man of God.

Here is a Psalm we sing. You call it Psalm 16

Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust.

 O my soul, you have said to the Lord,
“You are my Lord,
My goodness is nothing apart from You.”
 As for the saints who are on the earth,
“They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.”

 Their sorrows shall be multiplied who hasten after another god;
Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer,
Nor take up their names on my lips.

 O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
You maintain my lot.
 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
Yes, I have a good inheritance.

 I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel;
My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.
 I have set the Lord always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.

 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will rest in hope.
 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol,
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
 You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

****************************

1. What kind of person was Barzillai?
2. What did he do for David and all those who escaped with him?
3. When David was ready to cross the River Jordan what did he want to give Barzillai?
4. Why did Barzillai say no thank you?
5. Who did Barzillai ask David to give the gift to?
6. Did David agree?

David-A Time to Forgive Mephibosheth

By Mary Vee
II Samuel 19

From David's Journal

From the day my best friend Jonathan died I promised to care for his family. Some time later I found out he had a son named Mephibosheth.

photo courtesy of christianimagesource.com

Mephibosheth became crippled when he was young. HIs nurse dropped him the day they hurried to escape. His nurse assumed, since I was crowned king, I would want to cause the boy harm. She was mistaken.

Once Mephibosheth was found, I brought him to the palace, gave him a nice room to sleep in as if he was my own son. He ate at my table alongside my own children. 

But the day my oldest son Absalom took over the throne, Mephibosheth rebelled and did not go with me. He stayed back, hoping he could get his grandfather's throne in all the confusion. 

After the elders crowned me king the second time, Mephibosheth came to Jerusalem to speak with me. He hadn't cared for his feet, trimmed his mustache, or washed his clothes since the day I left.

He entered my chambers and bowed. "Mephibosheth, why didn't you go with me when I escaped?"

He answered, " My lord, O king, my servant deceived me. I told him I would saddle a donkey for myself and ride with the king. My servant said mean things about you to me. I wouldn't listen because you are like an angel of God.

He lowered his head, "Please, my lord, do what you think is right. Everyone from my father's house was dead, yet you brought me to your table and let me eat. What right do I have to cry out for help from you?"

I thought he took the whole situation a bit out of control. "Why are you talking like that? I already said you and Ziba, your head servant, should divide the land."

Mephibosheth shook his head. "No. I have all I need. Let Ziba take it all. My happiness comes from your return to the throne and that you have brought peace back to Israel."

It seemed to me that Mephibosheth's desires to become king had finally been settled. He will return to my table and finish his life in my household as I promised his father, my best friend, Jonathan.

It is important to forgive those who do mean things to us. The anger in an unforgiven person can destroy peace. When Mephibosheth realized peace returned the day I returned to the throne, he stopped wishing for to be king.

Here is a Psalm we sing. You call it Psalm 15

Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle?
Who may dwell in Your holy hill?

 He who walks uprightly,
    And works righteousness,
    And speaks the truth in his heart;
 He who does not backbite with his tongue,
    Nor does evil to his neighbor,
    Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend;
 In whose eyes a vile person is despised,
    But he honors those who fear the Lord;
He who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
 He who does not put out his money at usury,
    Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.

He who does these things shall never be moved.

****************

1. Who was Mephibosheth?
2. Why did he come to see David?
3. Why didn't he go with David in the first place?
4. David said he gave Saul's family land to Mephibosheth and ______ to divide in half.
5. What did Mephibosheth say?
6. Where did Mephibosheth end up living?

Hudson Taylor-Fighting to Serve Christ

The militia pounded on my head, arms, and chest. They pulled my hair. I shrank to the ground and became convinced this fifth missionary journey would be my last. I would die a martyr for the cause of Christ. If you missed the first part of this story click here.

photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

My partner, John Burdon, reached into his satchel and pulled out some New Testaments. If we had to die, it would be while we were witnessing. The leader yelled at his men to cuff John's arms to prevent him from doing anything with the books. Unfortunately, the handcuffs couldn't be found. Still, the leader's message had been communicated. Do not hand out the Testaments to the soldiers.

The soldiers pushed and dragged us where ever they wanted us to go. I understood some of their conversation. They fought over what should be done with us. A couple of the men wanted to kill us right there. The apostles Paul and Peter endured the same trials when they went out to preach the Gospel. 

Other soldiers said we should be taken to the city official. When I heard those words I remembered my identification card and hoped it would help. In between being pushed along the dirt road, I pulled my arm free and reached in my pocket and pulled out a Chinese card with my name. Once the soldiers saw the card they stopped shoving and hitting. They treated us better. Not well, but better.

Once I saw their attitude change, I demanded they take us to the city official's office. The soldiers consented. They dragged us through so many long winding streets. The city didn't seem that big on the outside. We needed something to drink, treatment for our injuries, and to rest.

At long last we arrived at the building housing the city official's office. John and I leaned against the wall, weary, sweaty, and thirsty from the day's journey. I turned to the soldiers and said, "We would like to have a chair."

He held his hand up to me and growled, "Wait." 

John looked at me. We would have to revive ourselves in order to share the Gospel with anyone. I turned to the soldiers again and said, "Can we have some tea. We are so thirsty." He gave the same answer.

The wait lasted longer than we expected. Around the corner, a crowd had gathered. John smiled and pulled out a handful of Testaments. "Let's go, Hudson." We walked around the corner and called out to the crowd. They immediately turned toward us. John preached one of the most compelling messages that afternoon. 

As he preached, our cards and New Testaments were taken in to the city officer. Hours later the a messenger said the official wanted to refer us to his superior officer. Apparently he hardly had any rank and planned to release us to the crowds to do whatever they wanted.

I remembered what the Apostle did in a similar situation and refused to move a single step until John and I had a chair to sit for a while. The soldiers complained and fussed but got the chairs and carried us to the superior's office.

Being a Christian doesn't mean we have to allow others to mistreat us. We can fight when the law is being violated.

This story will continue next week.

J. Hudson Taylor
Servant of God in China

Do you have any questions?


Photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

Research resources: J. Hudson Taylor, An Autobiography by J. Hudson Taylor; It is Not Death to Die, a new biography of Hudson Taylor by Jim Cromarty; Hudson Taylor Founder, China Inland Mission by Vance Christie; J. Hudson Taylor, A Man in Christ, by Roger Steer, and Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret by dr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor.

David-A Time to Forgive Shimei

By Mary Vee
II Samuel 19

From David's Journals

courtesy of christianimagesource.com

There were those in my kingdom who went against me, choosing to side with my son, Absalom, as he swept away my throne. Many fought in Absalom's army against their own brothers who served in my army. They also searched for me to end my life.

My army defeated Absalom's soldiers, and sadly my son lost his life in the battle. I listened to the words of my captain, Joab and went to the people at the gate to listen to their concerns. Once all the matters had been settled the elders asked me to take the throne again.

My army and their families marched back to the river Jordan and prepared to cross over to the west side and return to our homes. While I stood at the river's edge, Shimei rushed from his home to the shores on the other side and crossed to the east side of the river. 

He fell to the ground before me and said, "Please, my lord, forget the evil I have committed against you by following Absalom. I know I have sinned. See, I am the first one from my tribe, the tribe of Joseph to come down to the river and meet you."

Abishai the priest leaned close to me. "Don't listen to him, David. Put Shimei to death for cursing your name by following Absalom."

I shook my head and held up my hand. "You have no right to give me advise on this matter, Abishai. Why should anyone be put to death in Israel today? I don't need to kill any Israelite to prove I am king. Enough blood has been shed."

I turned to Shimei. "You shall not die." 

Shimei thanked me several times and stayed to help us cross. 

There is a time to punish and a time to forgive. Today we need to help our kingdom become one.

Here is a Psalm we sing. You call it Psalm 14

The fool has said in his heart,
“There is no God.”
They are corrupt,
They have done abominable works,
There is none who does good.

 The Lord looks down from heaven upon the children of men,
To see if there are any who understand, who seek God.
 They have all turned aside,
They have together become corrupt;
There is none who does good,
No, not one.

 Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge,
Who eat up my people as they eat bread,
And do not call on the Lord?
 There they are in great fear,
For God is with the generation of the righteous.
 You shame the counsel of the poor,
But the Lord is his refuge.

 Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion!
When the Lord brings back the captivity of His people,
Let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad.

************
1. Where were David and his men going?
2. Who came down to the river?
3. What did he say to David?
4. What did Abishai want to do?
5. What did David say?

David- The Gathering Time

By Mary Vee 
II Samuel 19

From David's Journal

This has been a difficult season for me. I love all the children God has given to me. My son, Absalom, though, turned away from me, won the heart of the people, and overthrew my thrown. 

Those who remained loyal to me had to hide or risk death. I gathered my followers and took them to a safe place where Absalom and his army could not harm them. The soldiers who came with me wanted to settle the matter in battle, overthrow Absalom's army, and return the kingdom to unity. One king, one people. 

photo courtesy of christianimagesource.com

I agreed. God's chosen people should be one, but I didn't want my son to be harmed in the process. Unfortunately, not everything can be what we desire. The report of Absalom's death broke my heart. I couldn't stop my grief to perform my duties.

My soldiers returned to the city after the winning battle with shamed faces. Why? Because they respected me and knew I grieved for Absalom. 

Joab, captain of my army, requested to speak to me. He was angry. "Your sorrow is hurting the people. I think you would have been happier if the entire army had been killed and Absalom alive to continue ruining the country. If you do not go out and talk with the people, not one will stay loyal to you."

His words were harsh, but true. I wiped my eyes and went to the city gate where the people could see me and know they could talk with me. 

Those who came argued who should be king. The ones who followed Absalom said, "David may have saved us from the hand of our enemies and delivered us from the Philistines, but he fled the land because of Absalom. We crowned Absalom king because he showed how much he cared about us. Still, Absalom died in battle and we need a new king. Should we crown David king again?"

After listening to the people both their comments and arguments, I sent for Zadok and Abiathar the priests. "Go to the elders of Judah and say, 'Why are you the last to bring David back to the throne since the people have said the want him as their king?' When you finish the message turn to Amasa and say, 'David asks, are you not his relative? You will be commander of the army in place of Joab.'"

The two priests delivered my message to the elders. The elders held a meeting and decided to restore the throne to me. The hearts of all Judah became as one asking me to return to the throne along with my servants.

The kingdom has gathered together again, we will ask the Lord's blessing, and unite as one people thankful for what God has done for us.

May the Lord be praised for His goodness and mercy.

Here is a Psalm we sing. You call it Psalm 13

How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
 How long shall I take counsel in my soul,
Having sorrow in my heart daily?
How long will my enemy be exalted over me?

 Consider and hear me, O Lord my God;
Enlighten my eyes,
Lest I sleep the sleep of death;
 Lest my enemy say,
“I have prevailed against him”;
Lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved.

 But I have trusted in Your mercy;
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
 I will sing to the Lord,
Because He has dealt bountifully with me.

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Did you notice what David did after his captain yelled at him? He didn't say a word. He didn't get angry or say anything back in his defense. He simply went out to the city gate where the people came and listened. And this is why David is considered a king chosen by God. :)

1. Why did David cry?
2. What didn't David do?
3. What did Joab, his captain tell him he should do?
4. In the city gates, the people came and talked about what?
5. Because of their conversation David sent two priests to tell the elders what?
6. What did the elders decide?
7. What happened to the kingdom of Israel?