Justin Houtz

2 Samuel 23, Mark 2

DateVersionReading Plan
October 17, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

2 Samuel 23

Observation & Interpretation

2 Sam. 23:15-17 – David requested that he be brought water to drink from the well of Bethlehem by the gate, but when three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem and gave it to David to drink, he would not drink of it.

  • David expressed a longing for a drink of the water from the well of Bethlehem. At the risk of their lives, these men broke through the lines of the Philistines and brought some water back to David. He was so overcome by this sacrifice that he poured it out as an offering to the LORD; he did not feel that he could drink it. (BBC)

Mark 2

Observation & Interpretation

Mark 2:17 – to call the righteous With this statement, Jesus is neither affirming nor denying that the Pharisees are righteous. He is simply pointing out that the call to repentance and offering of forgiveness are for those who need it—sinners. (FSB)

Mark 2:1-17 – A believing acceptance of Jesus’ atoning death forms the basis for the assurance of personal acceptance before God. This heals the soul and emboldens the followers of Christ to pursue reconciled relationships in all areas of personal and corporate life…following Christ to becoming increasingly Christlike while depending continuously on Jesus. Such Christlikeness is to be sharply distinguished from a misguided attempt at mimicking Christ. Rather, the follower of Christ allows the imprint of Jesus’ forgiveness and covenantal inclusion to grow in such a way as to develop attitudes and behaviors akin to those displayed by Christ. (ESVEC – Response)

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