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

Psalm 6; 2 Samuel 12:16-31; 1 Chronicles 20:1-3; Psalm 21; 2 Samuel 13:1-39

In Psalm 6, he says, “Have mercy on me in my trouble.”
The next readings are of the death of David and Bathsheba's first child and the birth of Solomon.
In Psalm 21, we have David's thanksgiving for past victories and his anticipation of future triumphs.
Then David's family troubles begin to multiply as Amnon rapes his half-sister, Tamar; and Absalom takes vengeance by having Amnon killed.

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

2 Samuel 14:1-33; 2 Samuel 15:1-6; Psalm 62; 2 Samuel 15:7-12; Psalm 41; 2 Samuel 15:13-16; Psalm 63

The readings in II Samuel are of the rebellion of Absalom against his father, David. The Psalms in today's reading are of David's trust in God in spite of the dangers he faced from his enemies.

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

2 Samuel 15:17-28; Psalm 61; 2 Samuel 15:29; 2 Samuel 15:30; Psalm 3; Psalm 22

Here we have a few events in David's kingdom, plus three more Psalms. These Psalms are cries for God to hear in a time of trouble.
Psalm 22 Psalm 22 has many connections with the sufferings of Christ.

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

Psalm 14; Psalm 53; 2 Samuel 15:31-37; 2 Samuel 16:1-23

Psalms 14 and 53 are condemnations of all sin and are famous for their comment that the fool has said, “No God!”
II Samuel 15 and 16 are stories of betrayals and enemies of David.

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

2 Samuel 17:1-24; Psalm 4; 2 Samuel 17:25-29; Psalm 42

II Samuel 17 is the record of advice received by the rebellious son, Absalom.
Psalms 4 and 42 are poems of David's need for God.

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

Psalm 43; Psalm 55; Psalm 71

All of these Psalms are prayers for deliverance. If this is the point in David'slife when they were written, then the major enemy of whom he speaks is his own son, Absalom!

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

Psalm 28; Psalm 143; Psalm 70; Psalm 40

In the first three Psalms, the writer again desires 1) the Lord to hear his plea for deliverance and 2) vengeance upon the enemy.
In Psalm 40:6-8, we have a statement that is applied to Christ in Hebrews 10:5ff.

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

Psalm 27; Psalm 69; Psalm 120; Psalm 121

In Psalm 27, David is confident that the Lord will “hide” him.
Psalm 69 is another statement of David's afflictions, with some more verses that are quoted in the New Testament.
In Psalm 120 he says, “Deliver me from my bitter foes.”
And in Psalm 121, we have David lifting up his “eyes unto the hills.”

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

2 Samuel 18:1-33; Psalm 10; 2 Samuel 19:1-10; Psalm 122; 2 Samuel 19:11-23

We begin today with the tragic story of Absalom's fall and death.
Psalm 10 is a detailed description of the wicked.
Then Joab rebukes David for his grief over Absalom.
In Psalm 122, David prays for Jerusalem.
Finally, David returns to Jerusalem and pardons Shimei.

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

Psalm 92; 2 Samuel 19:24-43; 2 Samuel 20:1-26; 2 Samuel 21:1-14

Psalm 92 is a song of praise.
Then we have accounts of David's relation-ships with various people in II Samuel 19.
II Samuel 20 reveals the rebellion of Sheba and its consequences.
In II Samuel 21, an agreement is made with the Gibeonites that cost the lives of seven men.

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

Psalm 29; Psalm 65; 2 Samuel 21:15-22; 1 Chronicles 20:4-8; Psalm 36

In Psalm 29, “The voice of Jehovah shows glory and strength.”
In Psalm 65 we have the idea, “Praise God for His provisions for the earth.”
Then we read of David's last war with the Philistines.
Psalm 36 contains a contrast between the wicked and those who “trust in the
shadow of thy wings.”

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

2 Samuel 24:1-9; 1 Chronicles 21:1-6; 1 Chronicles 27:23; 1 Chronicles 27:24; 2 Samuel 24:10-14; 1 Chronicles 21:7-13; 2 Samuel 24:15-17; 1 Chronicles 21:14-17; 2 Samuel 24:18-25; 1 Chronicles 21:18-30; Psalm 30

Now we enter David's last days, beginning with his foolish census of the people and the consequences of it. Then he buys a threshing floor for the site of the temple that was to be built by Solomon.
In Psalm 30, we read of “Thanksgiving for deliverance from death.”

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

Psalm 33; Psalm 131; 1 Kings 1:1-40

In Psalm 33, the theme is, “Jehovah; our trust; the creator and preserver.”
Psalm 131 is a statement of humility.
I Kings 1 is the story of plots for the kingship after David's death, resulting in the anointing of Solomon.

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

Psalm 47; 1 Kings 1:41-53; 1 Chronicles 22:1-19; 1 Chronicles 23:2-6; 1 Chronicles 23:24-32; 1 Chronicles 24:1-31

In Psalm 47, the theme is, “Sing praises; God is the King of the earth.”
Our other readings for today are among the last acts of David as he prepares for the building of the temple and gives instructions to Solomon, who is probably only a teenager at this time. Then David gives orders to princes, Levites, and priests.

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

1 Chronicles 25:1-31; 1 Chronicles 26:1-32; 1 Chronicles 27:1-34

Chapter 25 lists the singers.
Chapter 26 lists the doorkeepers, treasurers, officers, and judges.
Chapter 27 lists the captains of the army, chiefs of the tribes, and David's overseers.

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

1 Chronicles 28:1; 1 Chronicles 23:1; 1 Chronicles 28:2-10; Psalm 145; 1 Chronicles 28:11-21; Psalm 104; Psalm 124

The first reading is David's address at a gathering of the people when Solomon was “made king.”
Psalm 145 is called, “David's Psalm of Praise.”
Then he gives his son instructions concerning the temple.
Psalm 104 is a praise to Jehovah, particularly regarding the creation week.
Psalm 124 is an expression of thanksgiving for God's being on “our side” when the enemy threatened.

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

Psalm 133; Psalm 86; 1 Chronicles 29:1-19; Psalm 72; 1 Chronicles 29:20-22

Psalm 133 is a brief tribute to true unity.
Psalm 86 is a plea for God to hear and teach.
I Chronicles 29 is a lesson on giving and a prayer.
Psalm 72 is titled, “A Psalm for Solomon.”

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

1 Chronicles 25:1-31; 1 Chronicles 26:1-32; 1 Chronicles 27:1-34

These are the “last words of David.”
The New King James Version gives Psalm 37 this heading: “The Heritage of the Righteous and the Calamity of the Wicked.”
In Psalm 138, David lists the reasons why he will praise God with his whole heart.

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

1 Kings 2:11; 1 Kings 2:12; 1 Chronicles 29:23-25; 2 Chronicles 1:1; 1 Kings 2:13-38; 1 Kings 3:1; Psalm 45; 1 Kings 3:2-4; 2 Chronicles 1:2-6; 1 Kings 3:5-15; 2 Chronicles 1:7-13; 1 Kings 3:16-28; 1 Kings 11:21; 1 Kings 11:22

We are now in the 1015 BC as Solomon begins his 40-year reign. First, he rids himself of men who would be dangerous.
Psalm 45 is applied to Christ in Hebrews 1.
The next readings are of the early faithfulness of Solomon.

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

1 Kings 4:1-19; 1 Kings 4:22; 1 Kings 4:23; 1 Kings 4:27; 1 Kings 4:28; 1 Kings 5:1-12; 1 Kings 7:13; 1 Kings 7:14; 2 Chronicles 2:1; 2 Chronicles 2:3-16; 1 Kings 5:13-18; 2 Chronicles 2:2; 2 Chronicles 2:17; 2 Chronicles 2:18; 1 Kings 2:39-46; Proverbs 31

Today's reading begins with a list of Solomon's princes and officers.
Then we read of his preparations for building the temple.
In I Kings 2:39-46, Shimei is executed for violating his covenant with Solomon.
Proverbs 31 is the king Lemuel's famous chapter about the virtuous woman.

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

1 Kings 6:1; 1 Kings 6:37; 2 Chronicles 3:1; 2 Chronicles 3:2; 1 Kings 6:11-13; 1 Kings 6:2; 2 Chronicles 3:3; 1 Kings 6:7; 1 Kings 6:9; 2 Chronicles 3:5-7; 1 Kings 6:3; 2 Chronicles 3:4; 1 Kings 6:4-8; 1 Kings 6:10; 1 Kings 6:16-22; 2 Chronicles 3:8; 2 Chronicles 3:9; 1 Kings 6:23-28; 2 Chronicles 3:10-14; 1 Kings 6:15; 1 Kings 6:29-35; 1 Kings 6:14

Now we enter the seven-year period during which Solomon's temple was built. The actual construction is described in the readings for today.

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

Psalm 127; Psalm 128; 1 Kings 6:38; 1 Kings 7:1-12; 1 Kings 7:15-22; 2 Chronicles 3:15-17; 2 Chronicles 4:1; 1 Kings 7:23-26; 2 Chronicles 4:2-5; 2 Chronicles 4:10; 1 Kings 7:27-39; 2 Chronicles 4:6; 1 Kings 6:36; 2 Chronicles 4:9; 1 Kings 7:40-47; 2 Chronicles 4:11-18; 1 Kings 7:48-50; 2 Chronicles 4:7; 2 Chronicles 4:8; 2 Chronicles 4:19-22; 1 Kings 7:51; 2 Chronicles 5:1

Psalms 127 and 128 are brief statements of principles for the family. We would do well to read them often.
Then we enter the thirteen year period during which Solomon's palace wasbuilt. In I Kings 7:15 and II Chronicles 3:15, the writers begin a description of the furnishings of the temple.

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

1 Kings 8:1-11; 2 Chronicles 5:2-14; Psalm 115; Psalm 134; Psalm 136

The first readings for today begin the record of the dedication of the temple.
Psalm 115 is a contrast between Jehovah and idols.
In Psalm 134, the people are told to bless the Lord.
In Psalm 136, many reasons for being thankful are given.

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

1 Kings 8:12-16; 2 Chronicles 6:1-6; 1 Kings 8:17-20; 2 Chronicles 6:7-10; 1 Kings 8:21; 2 Chronicles 6:11; 1 Kings 8:22-53; 2 Chronicles 6:12-42; 1 Kings 8:54-61

These readings take up with Solomon's address and prayer at the dedication of the temple.

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

2 Chronicles 7:1-3; 1 Kings 8:62-66; 2 Chronicles 7:4-10; Psalm 99; Psalm 100; 1 Kings 9:1; 2 Chronicles 7:11; 1 Kings 9:2-9; 2 Chronicles 7:12-22; 1 Kings 9:10-14; 2 Chronicles 8:1-3; 1 Kings 9:24; 2 Chronicles 8:11

Today we begin with the Lord's approval of the previous events and the public worship by the people at the temple.
Psalm 99 says, “Praise Him: for He is holy.”
Psalm 100 says, “Praise Him: He is our good creator.”
Almost immediately we turn to the terrible downfall of Solomon.

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

Song of Solomon 1-4:16

The key to this book is in 8:6,7, where we learn that it is a book about love.
Remember that true love expresses itself in ways that God approves (I Corinthians 13:1-7). And the sexual expression of love between husband and wife is honorable.

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

Song of Solomon 5-8:14

Finish reading the book with the thought that it is a proper description of the communication of love between husband and wife.

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

1 Kings 9:20-23; 1 Kings 9:15; 2 Chronicles 8:7-10; 1 Kings 9:16-19; 2 Chronicles 8:4-6; 1 Kings 9:25; 2 Chronicles 8:12-16; 1 Kings 9:26-28; 1 Kings 10:22; 2 Chronicles 8:17; 2 Chronicles 8:18; 2 Chronicles 9:21; 1 Kings 10:1-13; 2 Chronicles 9:1-12; 1 Kings 10:14-25; 1 Kings 10:27; 2 Chronicles 1:15; 2 Chronicles 9:13-20; 2 Chronicles 9:22-24; 2 Chronicles 9:27

These passages cover various items in the reign of Solomon, including the famous visit of the Queen of Sheba.

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

1 Kings 4:26; 1 Kings 10:26; 1 Kings 10:28; 1 Kings 10:29; 2 Chronicles 1:14; 2 Chronicles 1:16; 2 Chronicles 1:17; 2 Chronicles 9:25; 2 Chronicles 9:28; 1 Kings 4:21; 1 Kings 4:24; 1 Kings 4:20; 1 Kings 4:25; 2 Chronicles 9:26; 1 Kings 4:29-34; Psalm 88; Psalm 89; Proverbs 1:1-33

We continue with more details of his reign and the statement of his great wisdom.
Psalm 88 is a cry unto God as a result of great trials.
Psalm 89 is a remembrance of God's covenant with David.
Then we begin the reading of Solomon's Proverbs; emphasizing the greatness of wisdom. Pay close attention to the general purposes of the book in 1:1-6, and the special note to his son in 1:7-9.

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

Proverbs 2-4:27

These chapters are addressed to Solomon's son, pleading with him to heed his father's teaching. Of course, much of Solomon's own life was not in harmony with his teaching!

May 31 - (Online Reading Links - KJV | NKJV | NIV | NASB)

Proverbs 5-7:27

A large part of this reading is to exhort the “son” (Rehoboam) of Solomon to avoid falling into immorality. Under each of the days we spend reading Proverbs, jot down two or three that are especially helpful in this column.