Thy Strong Word from KFUO Radio

The Rev. Steven Theiss, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 10. When King David sends his envoys to express condolences to the Ammonite king after the passing of his father, they are met with suspicion and humiliation. Fueled by wounded pride, the Ammonites join forces with the Arameans, their allies, and prepare for war against Israel. Sensing the impending threat, David dispatches Joab, his trusted general, to lead the Israelite army into battle. What follows is a harrowing tale of strategic warfare, shifting alliances, and the quest for victory in the face of overwhelming odds. 2 Samuel tells how David becomes the king of Israel and faces both success and failure. It shows YHWH's faithfulness to His promise and David’s need for His mercy. Through this book, God reveals David in times of both strength and weakness, but nevertheless as a man after God’s heart.

The Rev. Matthew Knauss associate pastor of Community Lutheran Church in Escondido, CA, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 8-9.David’s remarkable military victories as the king of Israel are recounted. He defeats the Philistines, the Moabites, the Arameans, and the Edomites, and establishes his authority over the surrounding nations. He dedicates the spoils of war to the Lord and appoints officials to administer justice and peace in his kingdom. David then seeks out any surviving member of Saul’s family and finds Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s crippled son. He restores to him all the land that belonged to Saul and invites him to eat at his table as one of his sons.2 Samuel tells how David becomes the king of Israel and faces both success and failure. It shows YHWH's faithfulness to His promise and David’s need for His mercy. Through this book, God reveals David in times of both strength and weakness, but nevertheless as a man after God’s heart.

The Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne, MN and host of the program goes solo for this study of 2 Samuel 7. King David desires to build a temple for God but is told by the prophet Nathan that it will be his son who fulfills this task. This revelation humbles David, who realizes the eternal significance of God's covenant and promises. God assures David that his descendants will establish an everlasting kingdom in Israel. David responds with humility and gratitude, recognizing God's grace and faithfulness.2 Samuel tells how David becomes the king of Israel and faces both success and failure. It shows YHWH's faithfulness to His promise and David’s need for His mercy. Through this book, God reveals David in times of both strength and weakness, but nevertheless as a man after God’s heart.

The Rev. Gem Gabriel, pastor of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Norwalk, CT joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 6.King David's exuberant procession to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem takes a tragic turn when a well-intentioned man touches the sacred Ark, resulting in his death. Filled with fear, David hesitates but witnesses the blessings that follow the presence of the Ark in Obed-Edom's house. Renewed with reverence, David resumes the journey, emphasizing the delicate balance between celebration and reverence, reminding us of the consequences of disregarding sacred boundaries and not heading God’s commands.2 Samuel tells how David becomes the king of Israel and faces both success and failure. It shows YHWH's faithfulness to His promise and David’s need for His mercy. Through this book, God reveals David in times of both strength and weakness, but nevertheless as a man after God’s heart.

The Rev. Christopher Amen, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pipestone, MN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 5.David finally unites all Israel under his rule and he captures Jerusalem from the Jebusites and makes it his own city. He receives support from a foreign king and expands his family and wealth. He faces the Philistines, his former allies, and defeats them with God’s help. He is the king that God chose and blessed. But will he remain faithful to God?2 Samuel tells how David becomes the king of Israel and faces both success and failure. It shows YHWH's faithfulness to His promise and David’s need for His mercy. Through this book, God reveals David in times of both strength and weakness, but nevertheless as a man after God’s heart.

The Rev. Dr. Peter Elliot, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Seattle, WA, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 4.A king in danger, a plot to kill, and a surprise twist. Ish-Bosheth, Saul’s son and rival king of David, is in trouble. His strongest ally is dead, and his kingdom is crumbling. He doesn’t know who to trust or what to do. Two of his own commanders have a plan to end his misery and secure their future. They sneak into his bedroom and do something unthinkable. They think they have done a great service to David, but they are in for a shock when they meet him face to face. How will David react to their deed? What will happen to Ish-Bosheth’s legacy?2 Samuel tells how David becomes the king of Israel and faces both success and failure. It shows YHWH's faithfulness to His promise and David’s need for His mercy. Through this book, God reveals David in times of both strength and weakness, but nevertheless as a man after God’s heart.

The Rev. Tim Winterstein, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in East Wenatchee, WA, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the 2 Samuel 3.Abner, the loyal supporter of Saul’s house, defects to David after a quarrel with Ishbosheth, Saul’s weak son and heir. He negotiates with David to unite all Israel under his rule. Yet, he falls victim to Joab’s revenge and die by his sword. David laments for Abner and distances himself from Joab’s crime. He honors Abner as a prince and a great man in Israel.2 Samuel tells how David becomes the king of Israel and faces both success and failure. It shows YHWH's faithfulness to His promise and David’s need for His mercy. Through this book, God reveals David in times of both strength and weakness, but nevertheless as a man after God’s heart.

The Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 2.The war for the throne of Israel begins in earnest. David is anointed king of Judah in Hebron, while Saul's son Ishbosheth rules over the rest of the tribes. A bloody battle ensues between their armies, led by Joab and Abner. Who will prevail in this struggle for power and God's favor?2 Samuel tells how David becomes the king of Israel and faces both success and failure. It shows YHWH's faithfulness to His promise and David’s need for His mercy. Through this book, God reveals David in times of both strength and weakness, but nevertheless as a man after God’s heart.

The Rev. John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 1. Find Wrestling with the Basics at https://www.kfuo.org/category/wrestling-with-the-basics/ 2 Samuel opens with David’s reaction as he hears about the death of not only Saul, but also his close friend Jonathan. David mourns for Jonathan out of his love for him. He also mourns for King Saul out of his great respect for his office as the Lord’s anointed. David exercises judgment against an Amalekite who came to him with an interesting story to tell: that he was the one who dealt the final death blow against King Saul. 2 Samuel tells how David becomes the king of Israel and faces both success and failure. It shows YHWH's faithfulness to His promise and David’s need for His mercy. Through this book, God reveals David in times of both strength and weakness, but nevertheless as a man after God’s heart.

The Rev. Dennis McFadden, a pastor at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 1 Samuel 31.In this final chapter of 1 Samuel, King Saul’s reign comes to an end in an ignoble way. Saul and his army face the Philistines on Mount Gilboa, but they are defeated and flee. The Philistines pursue them and kill Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua, Saul’s sons. Saul himself is critically wounded by the Philistine archers. He asks his armor-bearer to kill him, but he refuses. So, Saul takes his own sword and falls on it. His armor-bearer follows his example and dies with him. The next day, the Philistines find their bodies and cut off Saul’s head.The Book of 1 Samuel beings with the unique birth of Samuel, the last judge of Israel. Soon, the people of Israel begin to press upon the aging prophet Samuel to anoint a king over them like the other nations. YHWH assures Samuel that the people are rejecting their God, not Samuel. He advises Samuel to give the people what they want. What follows is the rise and fall of King Saul, the eventual anointing and coronation of David as king, the forerunner of Jesus. It’s a true story of political intrigue and warfare, but it’s also more than that. 1 Samuel shows us God working to save his people from their enemies and even from themselves.