BibleStudyTogether DailyReadings
A 2-Year Chronological & Thematic Journey through God's Word
with Daily Comments from Dr. Del Tackett.
Jan 31
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 396 (1/31) – Psalms 118:1-29; Mark 12:1-12
Our Psalm today gives us the source for the quote Jesus gives to accompany His parable of the tenants. It would be good to imagine the scene Jesus is painting and contemplate just how ungrateful and then how wicked it was of them to continually beat, kill and reject those that the owner sent. This should stimulate a good discussion as you apply it to our world today.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Jan 30
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 395 (1/30) – Psalms 80:1-19; Matthew 21:33-46
This is somewhat of a sad reading today and it should hit close to home. God did so much for Israel, as we read in the Psalm and in the parable of the tenants, and yet they rejected Him. Think of how much He has done for us here in this land. Please join together in praying for repentance, Tuesdays, noon eastern. May God grant us repentance.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Jan 29
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 394 (1/29) – Song of Solomon 3:1-5:1
There is such beauty in the Word of God. The love poetry here is unexcelled. In the midst of this I was struck by the admonition: “...do not stir up or awaken love until it pleases.” Good and wise counsel for the young.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Jan 28
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 393 (1/28) – Song of Solomon 1:1-2:17
It would be good to view the video overview of Song of Solomon before you begin reading. There are many different interpretations of this book. I am uneasy with the headings that you will find here because it assumes that the male voice is Solomon’s. I’m not sure it is. Anyway, do not lose sight of the overall conclusion that love is a gift from God, marriage has been designed by Him and when it is carried out according to His design there is nothing that can match the joy that comes from it. Our love for others stems from His love for us, and we should daily contemplate that exceedingly unfathomable marvel.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Jan 27
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 392 (1/27) – 1 Kings 1:1-27; Luke 20:1-8; Matthew 21:28-32
Yesterday we thought about how much gold and silver David had and had given to the building of the temple. I wonder if this was what motivated Adonijah to want to be king in place of David. The thought of high significance, as the world plays it, has motivated the heart of man from the beginning. You and I both know this will not end well, nor does it ever when we seek our own significance.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Jan 26
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 391 (1/26) – 1 Chronicles 29:1-22; Psalms 112:1-10; 2 Corinthians 9:1-15
If you would like to calculate how much gold and silver was given for the construction of the temple you can add up the numbers and then multiply by 75 pounds per talent. There was a lot of gold and silver given! What struck me was David’s prayer in verses 10-15. That is worth memorizing. We are reminded through this of our own need for a heart that is generous to others.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Jan 25
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 390 (1/25) – 1 Chronicles 27:25-34, 28:1-21; Mark 11:20-33; Matthew 21:23-27
This struck me today: “Hushai…was the king’s friend.” Jesus has called us His “friends”. Imagine what Hushai and David were like in their friendship. Do we draw near to Jesus like this? Notice also that the plans for the temple were “in writing” and “from the hand of the Lord.” We don’t know if the Lord dictated this to David or He actually wrote it. Either way, it is surely something to ponder. Jesus was wise in how He dealt with outsiders, just as we are enjoined to be in Colossians 4:5. It would be good for us to pursue godly wisdom in this versus our own agendas.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Jan 24
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 389 (1/24) – Psalms 8:1-9; 1 Chronicles 27:1-24; Mark 11:15-19; Matthew 21:12-17; Luke 19:45-48
What struck me today was how the order that had been put in place way back by David had, by the time of Jesus, become so centralized and powerful that what was happening in the temple was disgusting to Him. And, it was this power that resisted the arrival of their Messiah, because Jesus represented an attack upon their position, power and authority. When He did “wonderful” things, it made them “indignant”, “fearful” and “seeking to destroy him”. Unchecked, this is, unfortunately, the way institutions drift in a fallen world.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Jan 23
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 388 (1/23) – 1 Chronicles 26:1-32; Mark 11:12-14; Matthew 21:18-22
Organization and being orderly is part of God’s character and nature. Random chaos is not. David is certainly putting things in order. We have seen the organization of the materials for the temple, the organization of the Levites, the priests, the musicians; today the gatekeepers, treasurers and other officials; tomorrow the military and leaders of the tribes. All of this was for order, efficiency and fruitful purposes. This is part of why we see Jesus curse a fig tree that had been created to bear fruit, but did not.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Jan 22
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 387 (1/22) – 1 Chronicles 25:1-31
Try to imagine what the scene at the temple would have been like with these men set aside to prophesy with “lyres, harps and cymbals”. Twenty-four divisions of twelve each would allow for some sort of rotation throughout a lunar calendar of 48 weeks. It is sad, isn’t it, that music has become a common source of division among the people of God today? That which was meant to be a joyful noise to the Lord has, instead, increasingly become more and more for us and about us.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Jan 21
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 386 (1/21) – 1 Chronicles 24:1-31
The use of lots to discern the will of God was practiced by God’s direction in the Old Testament. God is sovereign over every molecule and He can certainly direct how the lots would fall. We do not know what that actually looked like, but we are not told to use this method now that we have His Word and His Spirit to guide us. [Here] is a good summation of casting lots. By the way, as you read each of these names, ponder what it must have been like for them as they were each present for the building of Solomon’s temple.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Jan 20
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 385 (1/20) – 1 Chronicles 23:1-32; John 12:37-50
This struck me from our reading today: “they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God”. This is such a sobering statement for us in our times. Also, it is interesting that Jesus stated it would not be Him who judged people in the end, but it would be His Word that would judge and “His commandment is eternal life”. The words of Jesus in our reading today are very hard for some to accept, but they are His Words. Good day for meditation and praise of His sovereign mercy.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Jan 19
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 384 (1/19) – 1 Chronicles 22:2-19; Psalms 99:1-9; John 12:20-36
Try to imagine the vast amount of resources David was gathering for his son to build a temple that was “exceedingly magnificent, of fame and glory throughout all lands”. David is being obedient to the Lord in passing this task on to Solomon, who would reign in an era of peace. It is interesting to see some parallel here with our text in John, for some see this as the move from Jesus’ ministry primarily to the Jews now shifting to drawing “all people to myself”. The section is introduced with the arrival of “Greeks” or “Gentiles”. Jesus tells them that whoever loves his life will lose it. How appropriate for us to read this in our culture where we are being pulled into loving our life and “who we are”. All of these verses provide a great basis for discussion and meditation today.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Jan 18
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 383 (1/18) – 1 Chronicles 21:18-22:1; 2 Samuel 24:18-25; 2 Corinthians 8:1-24
We have a significant text before us today. This is the purchase of the site upon which Solomon’s Temple will eventually be built. Note the presence of “the angel of the Lord” and the fire from heaven upon the altar. The difference in the price paid is most likely the difference between the price for the threshing floor (in Samuel) and for the entire mount (in Chronicles). David feared the “sword of the angel of the Lord”. This is, no doubt, part of the consequences of his sins, though he felt blameless (remember his psalms). Great discussion for your family concerning the grace of God and consequences of sin.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Jan 17
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 382 (1/17) – 1 Chronicles 21:1-17; 2 Samuel 24:1-17; Luke 19:41-44; John 12:12-19
By reading these parallel passages, we can see there are differences. A couple are significant. I suggest you read [here] to help ponder why one says it was Satan that incited David and the other says it was the Lord. Second, is the difference in the totals. In Chronicles we are given a number of “men who drew the sword” as 1,100,000. In Samuel, we are told there were 800,000 “valiant men”. You can read various commentaries that show how these can be reconciled, including the simple fact that a census can return various numbers by categories. So, we might have a census and it would tell us how many left-handed people or single males over 20. So, one good explanation for the reason we have the word “valiant” in one and not in the other is that it could have not included younger men who could draw the sword but had not yet been tested in battle.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Jan 16
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 381 (1/16) – 2 Samuel 22:26-51; Psalms 18:25-50; Luke 19:28-40
All of the shadows of the Old Testament point to the reality that is in Christ. Jesus said the very rocks would have cried out if His disciples had not shouted out His praise as He entered Jerusalem. It is good to read the Psalms with this understanding, for our “enemies” are not against flesh and blood. We battle against the lies of the world, the flesh and the devil. Guard your heart.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Jan 15
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 380 (1/15) – 2 Samuel 22:1-25; Psalms 18:1-24
The words penned by David today are worth more than silver and gold. One may question how David could possibly state “I was blameless before Him” when we have read of David’s great sins. My friend, it is here that we must ask ourselves if we truly believe in the grace of God. Do we truly believe that we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ? Do we believe God when He says that He will remember our sins no more or that He has separated us from our sins as far as the east is from the west? The Spirit of God is moving David to declare the most unbelievable truth about the most amazing grace of God. May that unimaginable truth penetrate our heart today.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Jan 14
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 379 (1/14) – Psalms 7:1-17, 61:1-8, 144:1-15
Our first Psalm is in response to an event that is not recorded in Scripture, but David acknowledges that God is a righteous judge. [I wrote a devotion on God’s attribute of Judge here] It is not the most popular aspect of God. Yet it is satisfying to know that evil does not win. I was struck by David’s apparent understanding that his throne was pointing to the eternal throne and by the final verse: “Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord!"
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Jan 13
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 378 (1/13) – 2 Samuel 21:1-22; 1 Chronicles 20:4-8; Matthew 21:1-11
1 and 2 Samuel are one of the most difficult for translators because of the notable (yet ultimately minor) differences between the Masoretic text and the Greek text. You will see that 1 Chronicles tells us that the name of the giant that Elhanan killed was “Lahmi, the brother of Goliath” whereas 2 Samuel simply names him as “Goliath”. There are numerous explanations, including that “goliath” was a common word for “giant” or that we simply have a phrase missing in 2 Samuel. Do not let these things trouble you. It is indicative of our reverence for God’s Word that scholars spend hours and hours trying to discern the exact words that were delivered to us by God in the original manuscripts. It is remarkable, if not miraculous, that our current manuscripts are so very very accurate, with so very little to reconcile.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Jan 12
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 377 (1/12) – 2 Samuel 20:1-26; Mark 11:1-11
We rightly associate betrayal with a kiss to Judas, but in our very difficult passage today, we see that it is unfortunately found here as well. What struck me was how often we might do the same to God, as in “this people draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me”. In the very familiar event of Jesus entering Jerusalem, it is the first time my thoughts were drawn to the people’s cry “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” We have seen that their hopes might have been set on something quite violent and bloody, for David’s reign was certainly filled with both, rather than the coming of a suffering servant.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Jan 11
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 376 (1/11) – Psalms 3:1-8, 64:1-10; 2 Samuel 19:31-43; John 12:1-11
As our culture grows more heavy with those who hate the way of Truth, it would be good for us to pray as David prayed. Do this as you read these psalms today. John gives us more insight into this anointing of Jesus, including that it was Mary who did so. As today, there are those who use “compassion” (as Judas feigned compassion for the poor) as the means by which they not only line their own pockets, but increase their own power. In the end, everyone suffers.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Jan 11
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 376 (1/11) – Psalms 3:1-8, 64:1-10; 2 Samuel 19:31-43; John 12:1-11
As our culture grows more heavy with those who hate the way of Truth, it would be good for us to pray as David prayed. Do this as you read these psalms today. John gives us more insight into this anointing of Jesus, including that it was Mary who did so. As today, there are those who use “compassion” (as Judas feigned compassion for the poor) as the means by which they not only line their own pockets, but increase their own power. In the end, everyone suffers.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Jan 10
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 375 (1/10) – 2 Samuel 19:1-30; Mark 14:3-9; Matthew 26:6-13
Today we read of the beginnings of the rift between Judah and Israel that will continue into the divided kingdom. Note we have here as well two incidents of people that had apparently wronged David (it is probable that Mephibosheth hadn’t, but David thought he had) and yet David is gracious to forgive and go on. Has someone wronged you in the past and you still hold it against them? Is there still a rift? This will eat at you and not do you well. Think of how often we wrong the Lord. Forgiveness and restoration are not only commanded of us, but in the end it is like a sweet anointing to the soul.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Jan 9
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 374 (1/9) – Psalms 26:1-12; Luke 19:1-27
Here is a great discussion for your family: how can David write that he walks in integrity and his hands are innocent? The event of Jesus and Zacchaeus is pretty special. Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. The parable of the ten minas is just one of the many places that we find God is looking for fruit from His creatures. Are we being fruitful in our family, our vocations and our neighborhoods?
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Jan 8
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 373 (1/8) – 2 Samuel 18:1-33
No one can be glad for the outcome today. Absalom and David’s forces are at war against each other and 20,000 men died in the battle. Absalom’s death is gruesome and we end with David weeping for him and lamenting that he would have died in his place. How sad is the plight of fallen man, even so great a man as David.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Jan 7
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 372 (1/7) – 2 Samuel 16:15-17:29
Today’s passage could be read as if it were a movie, full of intrigue, deception, narrow escapes, deceit and rebellion. It isn’t hard for one to recognize that David’s life thus far has been full of tragedy and heartbreak. Still, through it all, we are reminded that Jesus was called the “Son of David”. In the providence of God, David, with all of his flaws and mistakes, was used by God to fulfill His purposes and plans. Don’t let the enemy's accusations throw you off course.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Jan 6
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 371 (1/6) – Psalms 71:1-24; 2 Samuel 16:1-14; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18: 35-43
Sometimes, there is humor in tragedy. Here David is fleeing Jerusalem because his one son has led a mutiny against him. And along the way, Shimei is walking parallel to him, on the hill, cursing him and throwing dust and stones upon him. Note also that even Mephibosheth, whom David showed great kindness to, has joined the other side. What a humbling time for David. But when the Lord humbles us with tragedy or trials or embarrassment or whatever, that is not the time to rebel against Him, but to humble ourselves before HIm. Bartimaeus had been humbled: blind and now a beggar. He humbled himself before the Lord and was healed. How many of us refuse that healing because we hold on to our pride?
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Jan 5
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 370 (1/5) – 2 Samuel 15:1-37; Matthew 20:20-34
What a very, very sad picture we have today. Absalom has led a rebellion against David as he seeks the throne for himself. David doesn’t want to fight him, possibly because he is not sure that God would bless him in that battle, so he flees Jerusalem. David sets up a method by which he can gain intelligence of what Absalom is doing. This hunger for significance has ruined many a person. Jesus tells us that this is not to be among His followers.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Jan 4
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 369 (1/4) – 2 Samuel 14:1-33; Mark 10:35-45
When we finish the account of Absalom, you may want to come back and discuss whether or not the kiss that David gave his son at the end of our passage today was a real restoration. David gets another Nathan-like lesson from the woman from Takoa, but Absalom comes home to a cold shoulder from David. Think of what might have been had he fully forgiven Absalom. Obviously, things are not good in David’s home and Absalom’s heart to be exalted will lead to further disaster. The words of Jesus to James and John would have been appropriate for Asbalom as they are for us.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Jan 3
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 368 (1/3) – 2 Samuel 13:1-39; 1 Corinthians 7:25-40
It is hard not to grieve as we read of the tragedy that comes to Tamar and David’s house. Sin has consequences that go far beyond ourselves. In my opinion, the entire difficult passages of 1 Corinthians 7 must be understood in the context in which Paul places it: “in view of the present distress” and “time has grown very short”. Paul is writing this at about the time Nero arises and the horrible events leading up to his own death and the destruction of Jerusalem. Read these passages in that context. Paul is not overturning the institution of marriage here.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Jan 2
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 367 (1/2) – Psalms 51:1-19; 2 Samuel 12:26-31; 1 Chronicles 14:3-7, 20:2-3; 1 Corinthians 7:1-24
The Psalm that David wrote after he had been confronted by Nathan and had been broken and convicted by it, is an amazing prayer of humbleness before a mighty God. We will pray this prayer today, Tuesday noon eastern, if you would care to join us.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Jan 1
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 366 (1/1) – 2 Samuel 12:1-25; 5:14-16; 1 Chronicles 3:5-9
I don’t suppose there is a more moving event in the Scriptures than the confrontation that Nathan brings to David in the form of the selfish actions of a rich man in taking a poor man’s only beloved lamb. David responded with humility. God forgave him, but the consequences were going to be long lasting. As we begin this new year, may we renew our desire to be responsive to the Spirit’s prompting before we turn selfishly to the left or the right.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Please note: Through our partnership with Bible Study Together, you will have the opportunity to view and read various resources intended to deepen your learning through understanding the history and cultural context of the Scriptures. However, we caution you apply discernment when viewing and/or reading these extra resources; we do not fully endorse every video or other resource, nor the organization(s) or ministries that produce them.
Monthly List of BibleStudyTogether Readings
Access Previous Months' Readings
