| Date | Version | Reading Plan |
|---|---|---|
| October 20, 2025 | ESV (2016) | OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027 |
1 Kings 2
Observation & Interpretation
1 Kings 2:9 – David told Solomon that he should not hold Shimei guiltless and should bring his grey head down with blood to Sheol.
- with blood In using the term bedam (see 1 Kings 2:6), David suggests that Solomon’s wisdom should lead to Shimei’s violent death. (FSB)
1 Kings 2:12 – Following the death of David, Solomon sat on his father’s throne and his kingdom was firmly established.
- A definitive establishment of Solomon as king.
1 Kings 2:24-25 – In response to Adonijah’s request to have Abishag as his wife (a request brought to Solomon by Bathsheba), Solomon had Adonijah killed (carried out by Benaiah the son of Jehoiada).
1 Kings 2:26-27 – Solomon told Abiathar that he deserved death but would not put him to deat at that time because he carried the ark of the LORD for David, his father.
Mark 5
Observation & Interpretation
Mark 5:7 – The man with the unclean spirit adjured Jesus by God not to torment him.
- Ironically the spirits asked Jesus not to torment them as they had tormented the possessed man. (CSB Notes)
Mark 4:35 – 5:20 – Nature miracles and physical healings may at times be part of the experience of today’s followers of Christ, but they do not have to be…The attitude of the followers of Christ should be a fundamental gratitude for the redemption in Christ and his promised presence among his people. Should God, in addition, intervene supernaturally, this should be viewed as a special grace of God and not perceived as a fundamental claim or guaranteed right of every true believer. (ESVEC – Response)
Mark 5:21 – 6:6 – What becomes increasingly clear in Mark’s account is that readiness to suffer and willingness to surrender in humble ways (e.g., Mark 8:34; 9:35; 10:43) is far more important that, for example, receiving a physical blessing. As hard as this must sound, it is the path Jesus paves for his followers. (ESVEC – Response)
Resources
- J. I. Packer et. al, The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016)
- Colin Hansen (Editor in Chief), TGC Bible Commentary (Columbia, MO: The Gospel Coalition, 2022)
- Iain M. Duguid (Series Editor), ESV Expository Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2018-2025)
- Faithlife Study Bible (Lexham Press, 2016)
- Believer’s Bible Commentary (Thomas Nelson, 2016)
- CSB Study Bible Notes (Holman Bible Publishers, 2017)
- The New American Commentary (Brentwood, TN: Holman Reference)
- Lane T. Dennis and Wayne Grudem (Editors), ESV Study Bible, Crossway, 2008.
