Sharper Iron from KFUO Radio

As Israel questions David’s reign over all of them, a Benjaminite named Sheba begins to lead a rebellion against David. David’s new commander Amasa delays in dealing with the problem, and Joab treacherously murders Amasa to regain his spot as commander for David. Joab and his brother pursue Sheba even to a city where Sheba is likely to find allies, and through the wisdom of a woman in that city, Sheba’s rebellion is brought to an end before much traction is gained. Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 20:1-26. "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Joab rebukes David’s overwhelming grief over the death of one who meant David harm, lest the people of Israel abandon their rightful king. Upon receiving Joab’s rebuke, David begins to make plans for his return to Jerusalem, starting with allegiance from his kinsmen in Judah. As David encounters those who both harmed and helped him during his time away from Jerusalem, he is consistently gracious and merciful to them, even as the rest of Israel wants to make sure that they have a share in David’s kingdom along with Judah. Rev. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 19:1-43. "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

As David prepares to lead his army into battle, his men recognize how valuable his one life is compared to theirs. His three commanders go out in his stead with specific instructions to be gentle with Absalom. The LORD delivers the victory to David over Absalom, but Joab disobediently takes matters into his own hands and kills Absalom. When news reaches David of the death of his son, he is overwhelmed by grief and sorrow. Rev. Chris Hull, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Student Center in Macomb, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 18:1-33. "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Although Ahithophel's counsel to seek to destroy only David's life is sound, the LORD defeats this counsel through Hushai's shrewd words to Absalom. David's allies in Jerusalem manage to get news to David so that he is able to avoid Absalom's plan, leading Ahithophel to take his own life. As the two sides draw up for battle, David's allies strengthen him in the wilderness. Rev. Rick Jones, Chaplain and Vice President of Spiritual Life at the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch in Minot, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 17:1-29. "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

As David goes past the Mount of Olives, Ziba, a servant of Saul's house, comes and offers David help while claiming the house of Saul intends to retake the throne. Unable to investigate the matter fully, David receives the needed aid. As the king continues to flee, another member of Saul's house curses David. The king refuses to return violence or take vengeance, but instead he receives it as the LORD's chastisement and waits for the LORD's deliverance. Meanwhile in Jerusalem, the LORD's Word concerning judgment for David's sin comes to pass as Absalom violates his father's concubines after receiving treacherous advice. Rev. Andy Wright, pastor at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Topeka, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 16:1-23. "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Absalom's plot against his father's throne takes shape right under David's nose until Absalom's followers grow strong enough to declare him king at Hebron. David quickly recognizes the great danger and gathers a group of faithful followers to go with him from Jerusalem, even while he directs certain supporters of his to remain and thwart Absalom's work in the capital city. David's weeping and flight from Jerusalem by way of the Mount of Olives looks forward to our Lord Jesus' tears and passion on Maundy Thursday. Rev. James Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 15:1-37. "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Joab watches David mourn over Absalom's continued absence, even as David takes no action. Joab takes matters into his own hands by sending a wise woman with a wise story to David in order to call the king to make a decision concerning Absalom. In response, David brings Absalom back to Jerusalem, but Absalom does not come into the king's presence. This continued passivity on David's part leads Absalom to act out in violence and begin to plot against his father. Rev. Sean Daenzer, director of worship for The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod and chaplain for the International Center in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 14:1-33. "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

The consequences of David's sins against Bathsheba and Uriah begin quickly, just as the LORD had spoken. David's oldest son Amnon wickedly desires and violates his half-sister. When David takes no action, his third son Absalom waits patiently for the right time to take vengeance and assassinate Amnon. David's inaction continues for three years while Absalom stays away from Israel in exile. As one sin leads to another, the need for a greater Son of David is seen. Rev. Sam Wirgau, pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ossian, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 13:1-39. "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

The LORD will not let David languish in unrepentant sin. He sends Nathan the prophet to confront him through a parable by which David speaks the judgment against himself. When Nathan makes clear the sin that David has committed and speaks God's punishment for his sin, the Holy Spirit miraculously brings David to confession and repentance. Nathan speaks God's absolution to him, even as the child born to David and Bathsheba dies. This event provides a picture of the sacrifice made by the greater Son of David, Jesus Christ. Rev. Matt Ulmer, pastor at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church--Friedheim, just outside Decatur, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 12:1-31. "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

David’s idleness provides a playground for the devil’s temptations. Although the king should have come to his senses and turned from his sin at any number of times, over and over David chose evil. His laziness led to lust. His lust led to adultery. His adultery led to murder. David’s sin leads others into sin and brings great harm upon them. Uriah’s righteousness stands in ironic contrast to David’s callousness. Rather than repenting at such a sting of conscience, David kills the man who reminds him of his guilt. By the end of the chapter, David seems to have gotten away with it all, even looking outwardly pious. Yet what man cannot see, the LORD does, and He will not leave David to die in such unrepentant sin. Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 11:1-27. "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

When David sends a merciful diplomatic contingent to Ammon, his kindness is met with violence. David seeks to cover the shame of his men while also seeking justice against the Ammonites who have defied him. As Ammon strengthens its position through menacing mercenaries, David sends Joab, whose wisdom and trust in God leads to success. After the Ammonite threat against Israel ends, David ensures that Syria too will no longer trouble the people of God. Even as David continues to succeed militarily, his weaknesses begin to show in this chapter, particularly in his absence from an initial battle. Rev. Nate Hill, pastor at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Winchester, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 10:1-19. "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Even after the death of Saul and Jonathan, David is faithful to the promises he made. He seeks out a member of Saul’s household to whome he might show mercy. Whereas a king ruling in the way of the world would seek to eliminate even the slightest threat to his throne, David seeks out Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan to destroy any shame he still has from his family name or from his physical disability. David invites Mephibosheth to dine at the king’s own table, thereby making the son of Jonathan part of David’s own family. Through David’s mercy shown to Mephibosheth, we see a picture of the mercy that Christ shows to us sinners. Rev. Jeremy Swem, pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church and School in Grand Rapids, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 9:1-13. "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

David’s kingdom experiences continued blessings from the LORD of hosts. At each of the four points of the compass, the LORD grants David victory over great and powerful enemies. Through such victories, the LORD shows Himself to be the true God over and against any idols of the nations. As some from the nations ally themselves with David, we see a picture of God gathering His Church from all nations. David’s reign proves a blessing to the foreign nations and to all of Israel through his wise rule and capable help from many advisors. Rev. Andrew Belt, pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Marshfield, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 8:1-18. "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

David goes before the ark of the LORD to pray in awe and thanksgiving at the LORD’s promise. In humility, David recognizes the LORD’s greatness in continuing to teach His people concerning the coming Christ. The Lord GOD has done this because of His own heart, not only for David, but for all Israel, whom the Lord GOD has claimed as His own people. Therefore, David prays that the LORD would confirm His promise and bless David’s house, just as He has said He will do. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 7:18-29. "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

God’s gift of family came to His creation before the fall into sin. Even though our lives in the family experience the hurt of sin, these vocations from God remain good. Husbands are given to love their wives with respect and gentleness, sacrificing themselves for their wives as Christ has done for His Church. Wives are to receive this love from their husbands with submissiveness and joy, as the Church receives the gifts of her Lord. Parents are to raise their children with love that points them to God’s Word, and children are to receive their parents’ teaching with honor and obedience, trusting God to bless them as they do. Humility is commended to the youth, and hope is given to widows. In all relationships, Christians show love to each other and pray for each other. Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study the Table of Duties from the Small Catechism. Learn more about Sharathon 2025 and give now at kfuo.org/sharathon. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

The Table of Duties is the third section of the Small Catechism that helps us to know our place in life as Christians. Pastors are to live their lives so that they do not become a scandal to the Word of God that they are given to teach to their hearers, and hearers are given to support their pastors financially and gladly hear the Word that their pastor preaches. The civil government must recognize that all authority comes from God and use it to promote what is good and punish what is evil, while citizens should respect and submit to the authority God has vested in civil government, praying for their leaders. Employers and employees are to live and work in relationship toward each other recognizing that God is their ultimate Lord. Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study the Table of Duties from the Small Catechism. Learn more about Sharathon 2025 and give now at kfuo.org/sharathon. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

David’s desire to build a house for the LORD seems pious enough, as is Nathan’s initial response confirming David’s desire. The LORD interrupts, however, to let David know that His plans are much larger than what David has in mind. The LORD reminds David that the LORD has done everything for David individually and Israel collectively. The LORD has remained mobile along with His people, and that has served both Him and Israel well. The time is not yet for a permanent structure for the LORD, but the LORD has a better promise in mind. The LORD will establish a house for David. This is more than the promise of a dynasty in Israel. This is the promise that the Christ will come from the line of David to be the true temple for the LORD and reign as King forever. Jesus is the fulfillment of this promise. Rev. Ned Moerbe, pastor at Memorial Lutheran Church and School in Houston, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 7:1-17. "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Now that David’s capital city is secure, he brings the ark of the LORD to Jerusalem with great joy. The initial happy procession halts quickly as the LORD strikes careless Uzzah dead. David’s anger turns to fear, and the ark stays outside of Jerusalem for a time. When David realizes that the LORD’s presence, rightly respected, does mean blessing, David finishes bringing the ark to Jerusalem in the right way, and the king dances mightily in the procession because of what God has done. David’s wife, Michal, wrongly despises David, and she is left barren, meaning that Saul will not have an heir on the throne of Israel. The LORD continues to establish David’s kingdom in this way. Rev. Bart Day, president and CEO of Lutheran Church Extension Fund in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 6:1-23. "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

At last all of Israel recognizes David as their king whom God has appointed to be their shepherd. Once more, David is anointed as king, and we learn that his combined reign in Hebron and Jerusalem was a complete forty years. Although the Jebusites mock David’s ability to take their city, the LORD grants David success and gives to him Jerusalem. There, Hiram the king of Tyre builds David a palace for David’s growing family and court. The LORD further gives David success on the battlefield against the Philistines. David continues to inquire of the LORD for military strategy, and the LORD continues to fight for David and defeat His enemies. Throughout this chapter, both David’s successes and sins point toward Jesus as the true Good Shepherd and King for all people. Rev. Matt Wietfeldt, Assistant Vice President of Admissions and Director of the Christ Academy Program at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 5:1-25. "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

David refuses to gloat over the death of Abner. In his mourning, David makes it plain that Joab killed Abner without David’s approval. In this, David shows wisdom to unite Israel under his reign. Meanwhile, Ish-bosheth realizes his precarious position now that Abner has died. Two treacherous men assassinate Ish-bosheth in his own bed. Though these men thought they would be doing David a favor, David continues to show faithfulness to the house of Saul and rightly executes justice against the two murderers. Throughout continued actions of political intrigue, the LORD remains at work to remove all obstacles to David’s kingdom. Rev. Mark Squire, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 3:31-4:12. "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org