READ THE BIBLE IN 2022: This past week, April 3 through April 9, we read 1 Samuel 25 - 2 Samuel 18. Kingdom building and the consequences of sin are two of the themes in this week’s readings. In addition, with the report of Samuel’s death the changeover from judges to kings is complete. Both Saul and David have been anointed as Israel’s king. David, however, is never presumptuous. He serves Saul—as far as Saul allows—and waits on the Lord. Saul’s death in battle, and the death of three of his sons, closes the book of 1 Samuel. David does not immediately rise to the thrown of Israel. He is made king of Judah at Hebron. After seven years, David is anointed by the elders of Israel as the king of the whole nation. His first action was to defeat the Jebusites and claim Jerusalem as the City of David. He then brought the Ark of the Covenant there and planned to build the House of the Lord, but the Lord has a better plan. God says He will build a house for David—a Kingdom that will last forever. God’s promise is fulfilled in Christ Jesus, the “Son of David” (Mt 1:1, 21:9). Sadly, we must mention David’s great sins of adultery and murder. God forgave him, but the consequences would trouble him the rest of his live. This week (April 10 - 16) read 2 Samuel 19 through 1 Kings 11.