April 1 - (Online Reading Links - KJV | NKJV | NIV | NASB)

1 Samuel 4-7:17

Much of the work of Samuel is covered here. Note that the Philistines were the main enemy, as in the days of Samson. Thus, the lives of Samson, Eli, and Samuel may well have overlapped quite a bit.

April 2 - (Online Reading Links - KJV | NKJV | NIV | NASB)

1 Samuel 8-10:27

The Lord knew that the day would come when Israel would desire a king, so He made provisions in the law for this event, even though it was a sign of their rejection of Him (see Deuteronomy 17:14-20; Hosea 13:11). Saul, of the tribe of Benjamin, was the first king. His humble beginnings are traced in today's reading. Saul's reign began in 1095 BC.

April 3 - (Online Reading Links - KJV | NKJV | NIV | NASB)

1 Samuel 11-13:23

In the early part of his reign, Saul follows in the ways of the faithful judges by delivering his people. In chapter 12, Samuel attempts to teach the people a lesson from history, as Moses had done about four centuries earlier. The beginning of the end for Saul is in chapter 13; his first great sin: the offering of a sacrifice as if he were a priest.

April 4 - (Online Reading Links - KJV | NKJV | NIV | NASB)

1 Samuel 14-16:23

Chapter 14 is the record of Saul's second great error: he becomes a foolish leader, nearly costing Israel a victory and Jonathan (his son) his life. Chapter 15 is his third great sin: the failure to utterly destroy Amalek. Thus, the kingdom was to be taken from him. Chapter 16 introduces us to David of Judah: the boy who was to be the next king. He was not even born until Saul had been king for ten years!

April 5 - (Online Reading Links - KJV | NKJV | NIV | NASB)

Psalm 39; Psalm 19; Psalm 8

Since David wrote so many of the Psalms, we will try to insert them in their possible places as we read through his life. In Psalm 39, David pleas for God to help him see himself as he was: a sinner in need of God's kindness. In Psalms 19 and 8, he ponders the greatness of God as seen in His creation and in His word.

April 6 - (Online Reading Links - KJV | NKJV | NIV | NASB)

1 Samuel 17:1-58

Today's reading begins with the famous - and very useful - story of David and Goliath.

Psalm 23; Psalm 5

Then we have his Great Shepherd Psalm (23) and a contrast between David and the enemy (Psalm 5).

April 7 - (Online Reading Links - KJV | NKJV | NIV | NASB)

1 Samuel 18:1-30; Psalm 12; Psalm 11; 1 Samuel 19:1-24

I Samuel 18 begins the tragic story of Saul's jealousy against David and the great friendship between two heirs to the throne: the anointed David and Saul's firstborn, Jonathan.
Psalm 12 is a plea for God's help against the wicked.
Psalm 11 is a tribute to Jehovah's fairness.
I Samuel 19 shows how God continued to deliver David from Saul.

April 8 - (Online Reading Links - KJV | NKJV | NIV | NASB)

Psalm 59; Psalm 7; Psalm 25; 1 Samuel 20:1-42

The heading of Psalm 59 places it in the context of I Samuel 19 and is a plea for God's help. Psalm 7 is both a plea for God to judge him (David) according to his own life, and a commitment to praise God. Psalm 25 has been set to music and is a poem that is worthy of our memorizing it. It expresses great confidence in all of God's ways.

April 9 - (Online Reading Links - KJV | NKJV | NIV | NASB)

Psalm 26; 1 Samuel 21:1-15; Psalm 34

This week we continue our readings in the life of David, including several more of his Psalms. In Psalm 26, he presents his life as a faithful one before Jehovah.
In I Samuel 21, he goes to Ahimelech the priest and then to Achish the king of Gath in order to be safe from Saul.
Psalm 34 is a plea by David for others to serve God.

April 10 - (Online Reading Links - KJV | NKJV | NIV | NASB)

Psalm 56; 1 Samuel 22:1; 1 Chronicles 12:16; Psalm 141; 1 Samuel 22:2; 1 Chronicles 12:17; 1 Chronicles 12:18; Psalm 142

In Psalm 56, David is again concerned about the efforts of his enemies.
The rest of today's readings show how he relied on his mighty men and his God during these dark days.

April 11 - (Online Reading Links - KJV | NKJV | NIV | NASB)

1 Samuel 22:3-5; Psalm 64; 1 Samuel 22:6-19; Psalm 35; 1 Samuel 23:1-6; 1 Samuel 22:20-23; Psalm 52

In the early part of I Samuel 22, David continues to be concerned about safety for his family and himself.
In Psalm 64, we learn that he continued to rely on God.
In the next section of I Samuel 22, Ahimelech suffers for having been a friend of David.
Psalm 35 is one of the psalms that calls on God to bring severe judgment on the enemies of truth and right.
The remainder of our reading in I Samuel shows that some of the needed punishment was done at the hand of David.
Then in Psalm 52, he contrasts himself with the wicked.

April 12 - (Online Reading Links - KJV | NKJV | NIV | NASB)

Psalm 109; Psalm 140; 1 Samuel 23:7-13; Psalm 31

In Psalms 109 and 140, David is desiring the downfall of the wicked. We, too, should desire their downfall if they will not repent!
In I Samuel 23:7-13, David escapes the evil plan of Saul. Note the great difference between Saul (who said that God was on his side) and David (who sought the word of the Lord!).
In Psalm 31, the poet of Israel again pours out his soul before the throne of God as he commits himself to do God's will.

April 13 - (Online Reading Links - KJV | NKJV | NIV | NASB)

1 Samuel 23:14-29; Psalm 13; Psalm 54; Psalm 17

The verses we read today in I Samuel 23 show that David is still fleeing Saul's wicked plans. These verses also contain the final meeting between David and his beloved friend, Jonathan. Let us have beloved friends, and let us be aware that any meeting with them may be our last.
The brief Psalm 13 is full of many emotions. How many can you note?
Psalm 54 is another clear statement that there are only two ways: good and evil. In psalm 17, David makes several important requests of God.

April 14 - (Online Reading Links - KJV | NKJV | NIV | NASB)

1 Samuel 24:1-22; Psalm 57; Psalm 108; 1 Samuel 25:1-44

Now that we have seen David's many thoughts about his enemies (such as Saul), and his strong desire for God to “reward” them, we see how David actually treated his enemy: he spared his life!
In Psalm 57 and 108, he offers his praise to God.
I Samuel 25 is the story of a fool: Nabal. Notice how his stubbornness cost
him everything.

April 15 - (Online Reading Links - KJV | NKJV | NIV | NASB)

1 Samuel 26-27:12; 1 Chronicles 12:1-7

In chapter 26, David spares Saul's life again. In chapter 27, he goes to the land of the Philistines to escape Saul.
I Chronicles 12 lists those who went with him.

April 16 - (Online Reading Links - KJV | NKJV | NIV | NASB)

1 Samuel 28-29:11; 1 Chronicles 12:19-22; 1 Samuel 30-31:13

Now we begin to add much more of the Chronicles to our reading, which makes the stories fuller, but it also involves more turning back and forth to keep it in order. Today's readings cover the tragedies at the end of the lives of Saul and Jonathan.

April 17 - (Online Reading Links - KJV | NKJV | NIV | NASB)

1 Chronicles 10:1-14; 2 Samuel 4:4; 2 Samuel 1:1-27; 1 Chronicles 8:29-40; 1 Chronicles 9:35-44; 2 Samuel 5:4; 1 Chronicles 29:27; 2 Samuel 2:1-32; 2 Samuel 3:1-5; 1 Chronicles 3:1-4; 2 Samuel 3:6-39

David now begins his reign (1055 BC) of 40 years in deep grief over the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. Then he consolidates his kingdom.

April 18 - (Online Reading Links - KJV | NKJV | NIV | NASB)

2 Samuel 4:1-12; 2 Samuel 5:1-3; 1 Chronicles 11:1-3; 1 Chronicles 12:23-40; 1 Chronicles 29:26; 2 Samuel 5:5; Psalm 58; Psalm 93; Psalm 95

Finally, David is king over all of Israel—after six and one half years in Hebron.
The Psalms enter the story today, too. Notice the wide range of emotions expressed by the author in these three poems. Mark Psalm 95—it is a call to worship in remembrance of the faithless generation that died in the wilderness after leaving Egypt. It is quoted in Hebrews 3 as a warning to Christians about the sin of unbelief among “believers.”

April 19 - (Online Reading Links - KJV | NKJV | NIV | NASB)

2 Samuel 5:6-10; 1 Chronicles 11:4-9; Psalm 118; 2 Samuel 5:11; 2 Samuel 5:12; 1 Chronicles 14:1; 1 Chronicles 14:2; Psalm 101; 2 Samuel 5:17; 1 Chronicles 14:8; 1 Chronicles 12:8-15

In this reading, Jerusalem becomes the capital of the country.
Psalm 118 is a great song of victory. Verse 22 is one prophecy of Christ and His suffering, as are other portions.
Psalm 101 is a commitment to take a stand against sinners.

April 20 - (Online Reading Links - KJV | NKJV | NIV | NASB)

2 Samuel 5:18; 1 Chronicles 14:9; 2 Samuel 23:13-17; 2 Samuel 5:19-21; 1 Chronicles 14:10-12; 2 Samuel 5:22-25; 1 Chronicles 14:13-17; 1 Chronicles 13:1-4; Psalm 139; 2 Samuel 6:1; 2 Samuel 6:2; 1 Chronicles 13:5; 1 Chronicles 13:6; 2 Samuel 6:3-5; 1 Chronicles 13:7; 1 Chronicles 13:8; Psalm 78:1-11; Psalm 78:67-72

Here we read of conflicts between David and the Philistines.
Psalm 139 is a famous Psalm exalting the many characteristics and abilities of God.
Psalm 78 is a rehearsal of the history of the nation. We read this Psalm completely earlier, but these verses are appropriate here, too.

April 21 - (Online Reading Links - KJV | NKJV | NIV | NASB)

2 Samuel 6:6-11; 1 Chronicles 13:9-14; Psalm 68; 1 Chronicles 15:1-14; Psalm 132

Now we learn about the exploits surrounding the ark of the covenant and the strictness of God.
Psalm 68 exalts Jehovah and Psalm 132 is a promise to find a place for Him to dwell. Does He dwell in you by faith (Romans 10:17)?

April 22 - (Online Reading Links - KJV | NKJV | NIV | NASB)

1 Chronicles 15:15-24; 2 Samuel 6:12-15; 1 Chronicles 15:25-28; Psalm 97; 2 Samuel 6:16; 2 Samuel 6:17; 2 Chronicles 1:4; Psalm 15; Psalm 24; 2 Samuel 6:18; 2 Samuel 6:19; 1 Chronicles 16:2; 1 Chronicles 16:3

Psalm 97 is a command to rejoice because Jehovah is the God of power and justice.
Psalm 15 is a plea for self-examination, and
Psalm 24 is a reminder of where Deity dwells.

April 23 - (Online Reading Links - KJV | NKJV | NIV | NASB)

1 Chronicles 16:4-43; Psalm 96; Psalm 98

The readings for today are almost entirely devoted to praising God for His many marvelous works. Learn how to use these thanksgivings and praises in your own prayers.

April 24 - (Online Reading Links - KJV | NKJV | NIV | NASB)

2 Samuel 6:20-23; 2 Samuel 7:1-3; 1 Chronicles 17:1; 1 Chronicles 17:2; 2 Samuel 7:4-17; 1 Chronicles 17:3-15; 2 Samuel 7:18-29; 1 Chronicles 17:16-27; Psalm 2; Psalm 110

The first readings for today are about the life of David; particularly with reference to the fact that God decided not to allow him to build the temple.
Psalms 2 and 110 are clearly referring to the Messiah (Who was to be a king and a priest at the same time; Zechariah 6;12,13).

April 25 - (Online Reading Links - KJV | NKJV | NIV | NASB)

Psalm 16; 2 Samuel 8:1-14; 1 Chronicles 18:1-13; Psalm 9

Psalm 16 is quoted by Peter in Acts 2 as being written by David about the resurrection of Christ.
Then we begin reading about more of the conquests of David as he expands his kingdom.
Psalm 9 is a thanksgiving for the justice of Jehovah.

April 26 - (Online Reading Links - KJV | NKJV | NIV | NASB)

Psalm 60; 1 Kings 11:15-20; 2 Samuel 23:8-39; 1 Chronicles 11:10-47; 2 Samuel 8:15-18; 1 Chronicles 18:14-17

Psalm 60 is a song of the victories of Jehovah through people like David.
The other readings are more of David's victories and the heroics of his mighty men.

April 27 - (Online Reading Links - KJV | NKJV | NIV | NASB)

2 Samuel 22:1-51; Psalm 18; Psalm 144

These three chapters are great songs of deliverance by David.
Why not list some of the deliverances God has granted you?

April 28 - (Online Reading Links - KJV | NKJV | NIV | NASB)

2 Samuel 9:1-13; 2 Samuel 10:1-14; 1 Chronicles 19:1-15

II Samuel 9 is the story of Saul's grandson, Mephibosheth.
After this, we read of more victories of David's armies.

April 29 - (Online Reading Links - KJV | NKJV | NIV | NASB)

2 Samuel 10:15-19; 1 Chronicles 19:16-19; Psalm 20; 1 Kings 15:5; 2 Samuel 11:1-27; 2 Samuel 12:1-15

First, David's army fights against Syria.
Psalm 20 is a prayer for God to hear the plea of His anointed.
Then we read the disastrous story of the sin of David and Bathesheba.
How far the “man after God's own heart” fell!

April 30 - (Online Reading Links - KJV | NKJV | NIV | NASB)

Psalm 51; Psalm 32; Psalm 38; Psalm 103

Psalm 51 is David's plea for mercy after the sins of yesterday's reading.
In the other three Psalms, he continues to write about sin and forgiveness.
He would bless Jehovah because of His mercy.