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1 Chronicles

David: A Man of Passion and Destiny

Shepherd, musician, warrior, poet, patriarch, king . . . talk about a wide-ranging life! But perhaps David’s most telling and astonishing description came from none other than God who said David was a man after His own heart.

Pastor Chuck Swindoll takes a deep look in this 24-part series at the faith journey of King David . . . a journey that proves equally fascinating and instructive for all who walk on the same path of faith today.

David’s life was one of incredible range, spanning from the lonely hills of Bethlehem to the royal palace in Jerusalem. He was a musician who soothed a king, a warrior who toppled a giant, and a poet who articulated the deepest cries of the human soul. Yet, David was also a man of deep passions and significant failures. In this 24-part series, Chuck Swindoll explores the faith journey of the man God chose to lead His people. We see how God takes a “nobody” and refines him through obscurity, cave-dwelling, and even his own moral collapses to fulfill a divine destiny. David’s story proves that God is not looking for perfection, but for a heart that is fully turned toward Him.

Message 1: God’s Heart, God’s Man, God’s Ways

  • Summary: This opening message explores God’s selection of David over King Saul. While the world prizes external stature, God looks at the heart. We learn that God’s ways are surprising, often choosing the obscure to accomplish His greatest work.
  • Key Facts: God values character over credentials; spirituality, humility, and integrity are the traits God seeks.
  • Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1–13; 2 Chronicles 16:9; Psalm 78:70–72.

Message 2: A Nobody, Nobody Noticed

  • Summary: Focuses on David’s hidden years in the fields of Bethlehem. Even though his own family overlooked him, God was using solitude and monotony to build the inner strength necessary for his future crown.
  • Key Facts: Success in significant roles begins with faithfulness in small, uncelebrated tasks.
  • Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1–13; Psalm 139:1–6.

Message 3: Soft Music for a Hard Heart

  • Summary: David’s skill as a musician brings him into the court of King Saul. This message explores the therapeutic value of music and how David served a predecessor who was becoming increasingly unstable.
  • Key Facts: David used his talents to serve, even in difficult environments, showing a servant’s heart.
  • Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:14–23.

Message 4: David and the Dwarf

  • Summary: Goliath was a giant to the army, but a “dwarf” to David because David viewed him through the lens of God’s greatness. This message highlights the source of giant-killing confidence: the name of the Lord.
  • Key Facts: Giants lose their power when we stop focusing on our limitations and start focusing on God’s omnipotence.
  • Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:1–54; Psalm 27:1–3.

Message 5: Aftermath of a Giant-Killing

  • Summary: Great victories are often followed by great tests. Following the defeat of Goliath, David enters a season of sudden fame and the beginning of his deep, godly friendship with Jonathan.
  • Key Facts: Success is a greater test of character than failure; godly friendships are essential for surviving the “darkness” of success.
  • Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:55–18:9.

Message 6: Every Crutch Removed

  • Summary: As Saul’s jealousy turns lethal, David is forced to flee. One by one, God removes David’s “crutches”—his job, his wife, and his mentor—forcing him into total dependence on the Lord.
  • Key Facts: God sometimes brings us to nothing to reroute our lives; being stripped of substitutes for God is painful but necessary for growth.
  • Scripture: 1 Samuel 18–21.

Message 7: For Cave Dwellers Only

  • Summary: Hiding in the Cave of Adullam, David finds himself leading a band of broken men. This message explores how God does His deepest work in the dark, restricted places of our lives.
  • Key Facts: The “cave” experience is designed to turn our declarations of independence into declarations of dependence on God.
  • Scripture: 1 Samuel 22:1–2; Psalms 34, 57, 142.

Message 8: Life’s Most Subtle Temptation

  • Summary: In the caves of En Gedi, David has the chance to kill Saul but refuses. He identifies the “subtle temptation” as taking personal revenge rather than waiting on God’s timing.
  • Key Facts: Vengeance belongs to God; true character is shown when we refuse to “fight in the flesh” even when an enemy is vulnerable.
  • Scripture: 1 Samuel 24; Romans 12:17–19.

Message 9: What to Feed an Angry Man

  • Summary: David loses his temper when a foolish man named Nabal insults him. Wise Abigail intervenes, teaching David (and us) how to handle conflict with restraint and wisdom.
  • Key Facts: Anger can be “temporary insanity”; waiting on God is often the most effective way to resolve impossible conflicts.
  • Scripture: 1 Samuel 25.

Message 10: Cloudy Days . . . Dark Nights

  • Summary: Discouraged by the constant pursuit, David lapses into a “dark night” of faith and moves into enemy Philistine territory. This message warns against making horizontal decisions based on fear rather than vertical trust.
  • Key Facts: Even believers can operate in the “flesh” when they lose their vertical focus; displacement and deception are signs of a wandering heart.
  • Scripture: 1 Samuel 27:1–30:6.

Message 11: Two Deaths . . . A Study in Contrast

  • Summary: Saul’s tragic suicide on Mount Gilboa is contrasted with the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. It marks the end of a reign of failure and the beginning of a new era for Israel.
  • Key Facts: Saul “played the fool” by neglecting God; his death illustrates that a life without God ends in isolation and despair.
  • Scripture: 1 Samuel 31; 1 Samuel 26:21.

Message 12: New King, New Throne, Same Lord

  • Summary: David is finally anointed King over all Israel. This message examines the responsibilities of promotion and how David sought to maintain his devotion to God while holding the highest office.
  • Key Facts: Promotion from a fugitive to a king requires a heart that remains anchored in the same Lord who was with the shepherd.
  • Scripture: 2 Samuel 5; Selected Scriptures.

Message 13: David and the Ark

  • Summary: David attempts to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem but does a “right thing in a wrong way,” leading to Uzzah’s death. He eventually learns that God cares about the details of obedience.
  • Key Facts: Pragmatism and expediency do not excuse us from following God’s specific precepts; true worship brings freedom, while pride brings bondage.
  • Scripture: 2 Samuel 6; 1 Chronicles 15.

Message 14: When God Says No

  • Summary: David desires to build a temple for God, but God denies the request, choosing Solomon for the task instead. This message teaches how to handle redirection without bitterness.
  • Key Facts: A “No” from God is not a rejection; it is often a redirection to a better plan or for a different generation.
  • Scripture: 2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17; 2 Chronicles 6:7–9.

Message 15: Grace in a Barren Place

  • Summary: David seeks out Mephibosheth, the crippled grandson of Saul, to show him kindness. This is hailed as the greatest illustration of grace in the Old Testament.
  • Key Facts: Grace is positive acceptance in spite of the person; it seeks out the unworthy and seats them at the King’s table.
  • Scripture: 2 Samuel 9; 2 Samuel 4:4.

Message 16: The Case of the Open Window Shade

  • Summary: At the height of his power, David falls into sin with Bathsheba. This message examines the “slippery slope” of compromise that starts with idleness and leads to moral collapse.
  • Key Facts: Success can lead to spiritual blind spots; idleness is often the breeding ground for temptation.
  • Scripture: 2 Samuel 11.

Message 17: Confrontation!

  • Summary: For a year, David hides his sin until Nathan the prophet confronts him. This message highlights the beauty of repentance and the courage required to speak truth to power.
  • Key Facts: God loves us too much to let us stay in our sin; repentance involves a total change of mind and direction.
  • Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:1–14; Psalm 51.

Message 18: Trouble at Home

  • Summary: Though forgiven, David must face the consequences of his sin within his own family. The “sword” enters his house through the rebellion of his children.
  • Key Facts: Forgiveness heals the relationship with God but does not always remove the earthly fallout of our choices.
  • Scripture: 2 Samuel 12–18; Galatians 6:7.

Message 19: Riding Out the Storm

  • Summary: David navigates the death of his child and the breakdown of his household. This message offers a model for recovery: pray intensely, face reality, and claim biblical truth.
  • Key Facts: “Riding out the storm” is a humbling but temporary experience; God’s grace provides the strength to keep moving forward.
  • Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:15–25; Hosea 8:7.

Message 20: Friends in Need

  • Summary: During Absalom’s rebellion, David is forced into exile and relies on the loyalty of unexpected friends. It highlights the value of those who stand by us in our lowest moments.
  • Key Facts: God provides “friends in need” to help carry the burden of consequence and offer emotional refuge.
  • Scripture: 2 Samuel 15–17; Selected Psalms.

Message 21: Being Big Enough to Forgive

  • Summary: David encounters Shimei, who curses him, yet David refuses to retaliate. This message explores the discipline of total forgiveness and breaking the cycle of revenge.
  • Key Facts: Unforgiveness leads to a “downward plunge” into resentment and hatred; big people are the ones who release debts.
  • Scripture: 2 Samuel 16:5–13; 2 Samuel 19:15–23.

Message 22: A Song of Triumph

  • Summary: Near the end of his life, David pens a magnificent song of praise. Despite his failures and sorrows, he focuses on God as his rock, fortress, and deliverer.
  • Key Facts: Spiritual strength is often most visible when physical strength is removed; God is our only true security.
  • Scripture: 2 Samuel 22; Psalm 18.

Message 23: When the Godly Are Foolish

  • Summary: In a late-life lapse of judgment, David numbers the people out of pride. The resulting plague teaches the dangers of unaccountability and the cost of “stat-driven” security.
  • Key Facts: Christians never mature beyond the need for the Holy Spirit; an unaccountable life is a dangerous life.
  • Scripture: 2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21.

Message 24: The End of an Era

  • Summary: The series concludes with David passing the torch to Solomon. David’s legacy is defined not by perfection, but by a persistent pursuit of God’s heart until the very end.
  • Key Facts: Finishing well isn’t about a perfect track record; it’s about serving God’s purpose in your own generation.
  • Scripture: 1 Chronicles 28–29; Acts 13:36.

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Walking with Integrity in Times of Adversity

One essential ingredient . . . which is especially overlooked in our day but is required all day each day for those who want to live a godly life in Jesus Christ . . . is a heart integrity.

In this brand-new series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll examines 12 inspiring examples of integrity in the lives of biblical characters. Each one offers special insight to help us uphold this essential ingredient while navigating times of adversity.

Discover the integrity of enduring obedience, moral purity, a bold vision, true humility, finishing well, and much more.

Integrity is an essential ingredient for a godly life, yet it is often ignored or compromised in our modern world. In this series, Chuck Swindoll explores twelve inspiring examples of men and women from Scripture who refused to sacrifice their honor, even when facing significant adversity. From the quiet strength of enduring obedience to the boldness of moral purity and courageous confrontation, these messages provide a blueprint for upholding a heart of integrity. Discover how to navigate life’s most difficult seasons without losing the character that defines a faithful follower of Christ.

Message 1: The Essential Ingredient for a Godly Life

Message Overview: In this introductory message, the focus is on God’s search for a leader whose heart is aligned with His. While humans look at outward appearance, God prioritizes the internal quality of integrity. David’s “essential ingredient” was a heart completely devoted to God, even while performing the mundane tasks of a shepherd.

Key Facts:

  • The Setting: God rejects Saul as king and sends Samuel to Bethlehem.
  • The Principle: Integrity is what you are when no one is looking.
  • The Outcome: David is anointed king in private long before he wears the crown in public.

Scripture References: 1 Samuel 16:1–13

Message 2: The Integrity of Enduring Obedience

Message Overview: David demonstrates that integrity often requires serving in difficult or “lesser” roles before assuming leadership. Despite being the anointed king, David humbles himself to serve as Saul’s musician, proving his obedience to God’s timing rather than his own ambition.

Key Facts:

  • Contrast: Saul is plagued by an evil spirit; David is filled with the Holy Spirit.
  • Character Trait: Obedience is measured by how we treat those currently in authority over us.
  • Key Lesson: Promotion comes from God, not through self-manipulation.

Scripture References: 1 Samuel 16:14–23

Message 3: The Integrity of Moral Purity

Message Overview: While often viewed as a story of physical bravery, the battle with Goliath is a testament to David’s moral and spiritual integrity. He refuses the king’s armor, choosing to rely on the proven power of God. His purity of motive—vindicating God’s name—is what leads to victory.

Key Facts:

  • The Conflict: Goliath defies the armies of the living God for forty days.
  • The Tool: Five smooth stones and a sling, representing faith over conventional weapons.
  • Core Truth: Integrity provides the courage to face giants that terrify others.

Scripture References: 1 Samuel 17:1–58

Message 4: The Integrity of a Wise Wife

Message Overview: Abigail is introduced as a woman of profound character married to a “fool” (Nabal). Her integrity shines through her proactive intervention to prevent David from committing a rash act of vengeance. She demonstrates how wisdom can override adversity in a difficult marriage.

Key Facts:

  • Character Study: Abigail is described as intelligent and beautiful; Nabal as surly and mean.
  • The Action: Abigail prepares a peace offering without her husband’s knowledge to save her household.
  • The Role: A wise wife can be a “restraining grace” for others.

Scripture References: 1 Samuel 25:1–35

Message 5: The Integrity of a Loyal Husband

Message Overview: This message examines the complexities of David’s relationships and the biblical standard for loyalty. It contrasts the political maneuvering of the day with the spiritual necessity of a husband’s devotion and leadership within his home.

Key Facts:

  • The Struggle: David’s early years were marked by multiple wives and political marriages.
  • The Requirement: True integrity in a husband involves spiritual protection and emotional loyalty.
  • Focus: Navigating family friction with a commitment to God’s design.

Scripture References: 2 Samuel 3:12–16; 6:16–23

Message 6: The Integrity of a Courageous Confrontation

Message Overview: Integrity is not just about avoiding sin, but how one handles the confrontation of sin. This message looks at Nathan the prophet’s courage in rebuking King David and David’s subsequent brokenness and repentance.

Key Facts:

  • The Parable: Nathan uses the story of the ewe lamb to mirror David’s sin with Bathsheba.
  • The Turning Point: David’s confession: “I have sinned against the Lord.”
  • The Lesson: Real integrity owns up to failure immediately and completely.

Scripture References: 2 Samuel 12:1–15

Message 7: The Integrity of a Bold Vision

Message Overview: David expresses a desire to build a house for God, but God tells him “no.” David’s integrity is seen in his response to this redirection. He accepts God’s better plan—an eternal covenant—showing that bold vision must always be surrendered to God’s sovereignty.

Key Facts:

  • The Davidic Covenant: God promises David a kingdom that will last forever (pointing to Christ).
  • The Prayer: David responds with a prayer of profound humility and gratitude.
  • Vision Principle: Integrity means being more in love with the Giver than the dream.

Scripture References: 2 Samuel 7:1–29

Message 8: The Integrity of Waiting . . . Not Worrying

Message Overview: David had multiple opportunities to kill Saul and take the throne by force, but he waited on God. This message explores the “integrity of the wait,” teaching believers how to trust God’s timing when being treated unfairly.

Key Facts:

  • The Cave: David cuts a corner of Saul’s robe but refuses to “stretch out his hand” against the Lord’s anointed.
  • The Discipline: Waiting is not passive; it is an active exercise of faith.
  • Key Phrase: “Trust in the Lord and do good.”

Scripture References: Psalm 37; 1 Samuel 24:1–22

Message 9: The Integrity of True Humility

Message Overview: When David’s son Absalom rebels, David leaves Jerusalem in humility rather than fighting for his rights. He even accepts the curses of Shimei, trusting that if God intends to restore him, He will.

Key Facts:

  • The Crisis: Absalom steals the hearts of the men of Israel.
  • The Response: David refuses to use the Ark of the Covenant as a “good luck charm.”
  • The Definition: Humility is recognizing that God is the final judge of our circumstances.

Scripture References: 2 Samuel 15:1–37; 16:5–14

Message 10: The Integrity of Righteous Resistance

Message Overview: Integrity sometimes requires saying “no” to those in power. Using the principles seen in David’s life and other biblical examples, this message outlines how to resist evil without becoming evil yourself.

Key Facts:

  • The Standard: Resistance must be based on biblical conviction, not personal preference.
  • The Manner: Righteous resistance is done with respect and a willingness to accept the consequences.
  • Outcome: God is glorified when His people stand firm under pressure.

Scripture References: Daniel 3:1–30; 1 Samuel 24:1–22

Message 11: The Integrity of Pressing On

Message Overview: At Ziklag, David faces total loss—his city is burned and his family taken. His own men speak of stoning him. David’s integrity is found in how he “strengthened himself in the Lord” and pressed on to recover all that was lost.

Key Facts:

  • The Low Point: David and his men wept until they had no more power to weep.
  • The Turnaround: David asked for the ephod to seek God’s direction.
  • The Victory: Persistence rooted in God leads to restoration.

Scripture References: 1 Samuel 30:1–20

Message 12: The Integrity of Finishing Well

Message Overview: In his final days, David prepares his son Solomon for the future. He doesn’t fade away in bitterness but spends his last strength ensuring the next generation is equipped to love God. Finishing well is the ultimate proof of a life of integrity.

Key Facts:

  • The Legacy: David provides the plans and resources for the Temple he would never see.
  • The Charge: “Be strong and courageous, and do the work.”
  • Conclusion: A life of integrity is a long obedience in the same direction.

Scripture References: 1 Chronicles 28:1–21; 29:1–22

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What Every Believer Must Never Forget!

Times were hard—very hard. A corrupt government and a covetous judiciary made life miserable for all living in a nation that was once strong and stable. Idolatry was rampant, leaving the land with no spiritual vitality. What is worse, the prophets, who would normally guide the people toward righteousness, were weak and shamelessly compromising.

Most of these horrid conditions could be traced back to the failure of King Uzziah, who had once been a strong and competent leader. His extraordinary fame and success resulted in pride and arrogance. In the backwash of all this, a young, very-concerned prophet named Isaiah turned to the Lord to gain understanding. What happened to that young prophet leaves us with four truths we must never forget.


In this powerful study of Isaiah chapter 6, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores a pivotal moment in the life of the prophet Isaiah. Set against a backdrop of national corruption, political instability, and spiritual apathy, Isaiah’s vision of the Lord provides four foundational truths that act as an anchor for every believer. This message serves as a reminder that when earthly leaders fail and culture crumbles, God remains sovereign, holy, and in absolute control.

1. God and God Alone (Isaiah 6:1–9a)

  • Overview: Isaiah’s vision occurs in the year King Uzziah died—a time of great national mourning and uncertainty. In the midst of this vacuum of earthly leadership, Isaiah sees the true King seated on His throne.
  • Key Fact: The death of an earthly leader often provides the “clear air” necessary for us to see the Lord in His rightful place of authority.
  • Scripture: Isaiah 6:1 – “In the year of King Uzziah’s death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple.”

2. The Holiness of the Lord (Isaiah 6:2–4)

  • Overview: Describes the seraphim and their cry of “Holy, Holy, Holy.” This repetition in Hebrew denotes the superlative degree, emphasizing God’s total set-apartness from sin and His absolute perfection.
  • Key Fact: God’s holiness is His defining attribute; it is the “atmosphere” of heaven and the standard to which His people are called.
  • Scripture: Isaiah 6:3 – “And one called out to another and said, ‘Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory.'”

3. The Conviction of Sin (Isaiah 6:5)

  • Overview: When confronted with God’s holiness, Isaiah does not feel empowered or “good about himself”; he feels “undone” and deeply convicted of his own impurity.
  • Key Fact: True worship begins with a realistic assessment of our own unworthiness in the presence of a holy God.
  • Scripture: Isaiah 6:5 – “Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips… for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.”

4. The Provision of Grace and Call to Service (Isaiah 6:6–9a)

  • Overview: God provides the solution to Isaiah’s guilt through the coal from the altar, leading to Isaiah’s immediate and voluntary response to God’s call.
  • Key Fact: God does not just convict; He cleanses. And once cleansed, the believer is ready to say, “Here am I. Send me!”
  • Scripture: Isaiah 6:8 – “Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!'”

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Fascinating Stories of Forgotten Lives

Do you want to be famous?

Many people would answer that question without hesitation—yes! But God, more often than not, does some of His most significant work through His forgotten few, as Chuck Swindoll reminds us in this Old Testament study.


While history often focuses on the famous, God frequently does His most significant work through the “forgotten few.” In this 14-part series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll rediscovers a group of Old Testament characters—some heroic, some tragic, and some obscure. By examining their lives, we learn that no life is insignificant in God’s eyes and that our choices, whether public or private, leave a lasting legacy in His kingdom.

1. Often-Overlooked Lives of Significance (Introductory Message)

  • Overview: Sets the stage for the series by challenging our cultural obsession with fame. Chuck highlights that many of the most influential people in church history were individuals who worked faithfully behind the scenes.
  • Key Fact: God values faithfulness over fame; many “forgotten” lives have shaped the course of history through their prayers and quiet service.
  • Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:27 – “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong.”

2. Cain: The Farmer Who Murdered His Brother (Genesis 4:1–16)

  • Overview: The tragic story of the first person born on earth. It explores the roots of jealousy and the devastating consequences of a heart that refuses to master its anger.
  • Key Fact: Cain’s downfall began with a “downcast countenance” and a refusal to heed God’s warning that sin was “crouching at the door.”
  • Scripture: Genesis 4:7 – “If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door.”

3. Abraham: The Father Who Released His Son (Genesis 22:1–19)

  • Overview: A profound look at the test of Abraham’s faith on Mount Moriah. It teaches the principle of surrendering our “Isaac”—the thing we love most—to God.
  • Key Fact: Abraham’s obedience was based on his confidence that God was able to raise the dead, illustrating a “radical trust” in God’s promises.
  • Scripture: Genesis 22:12 – “Now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.”

4. Esau: The Son Who Couldn’t Win (Genesis 25, 27)

  • Overview: The story of the man who traded his birthright for a bowl of stew. It serves as a warning against a “profane” or secular mindset that values immediate gratification over eternal inheritance.
  • Key Fact: Esau’s tragedy was not that he lost a blessing, but that he lacked a spiritual appetite for the things of God.
  • Scripture: Hebrews 12:16 – “See to it that no one is… godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights.”

5. Achan: The Man Whose Sin Brought Calamity (Joshua 7:1–26)

  • Overview: Explores the “ripple effect” of hidden sin. Achan’s private theft resulted in a national defeat at Ai and cost several lives.
  • Key Fact: There is no such thing as “private” sin; our hidden choices invariably affect those around us and can hinder God’s work in the community.
  • Scripture: Joshua 7:21 – Achan’s confession: “When I saw… I coveted them and took them; and behold, they are concealed in the earth.”

6. Samuel: The Boy Who Heard God’s Voice (1 Samuel 3:1–21)

  • Overview: Focuses on the transition from the era of Judges to the Kingdom. It highlights the importance of a heart that is open and available to God’s call from a young age.
  • Key Fact: Samuel’s ministry began with a simple prayer of availability: “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.”
  • Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:10 – “Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for Your servant is listening.'”

7. Saul: The King Who Refused to Bow (1 Samuel 9–15)

  • Overview: A study in tragedy. Saul had every physical and social advantage but lacked the internal character to obey God when it was inconvenient.
  • Key Fact: Partial obedience is actually disobedience. Saul’s attempt to substitute “sacrifice” for “obedience” led to his rejection as king.
  • Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:22 – “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.”

8. Abigail: The Woman Who Saved Her Husband’s Neck (1 Samuel 25:1–35)

  • Overview: Abigail’s wisdom and quick action prevented David from committing a grave mistake. It illustrates the power of feminine discernment and diplomatic courage.
  • Key Fact: Abigail recognized that God’s plan for David was too important to be derailed by a petty act of vengeance against her husband, Nabal.
  • Scripture: 1 Samuel 25:33 – “Blessed be your discernment, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodshed.”

9. Absalom: The Rebel Prince Charming (2 Samuel 13–18)

  • Overview: A warning against superficial charm without internal substance. Absalom’s beauty and charisma hid a heart of bitter rebellion and entitlement.
  • Key Fact: Charisma can be a mask; Absalom “stole the hearts of the men of Israel” while plotting to overthrow his own father.
  • Scripture: 2 Samuel 15:6 – “In this manner Absalom dealt with all Israel… so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.”

10. Rehoboam: The Reckless Phony (1 Kings 12:1–24)

  • Overview: Solomon’s son, whose pride and refusal to listen to wise counsel led to the division of the United Kingdom.
  • Key Fact: Rehoboam chose the “harsh words” of his peers over the “kind words” of the elders, proving that arrogance is the enemy of leadership.
  • Scripture: 1 Kings 12:13 – “The king answered the people harshly, for he forsook the advice of the elders.”

11. Jabez: The Unknown Who Became Well Known (1 Chronicles 4:9–10)

  • Overview: A brief but powerful biography tucked away in a list of genealogies. It focuses on a man who refused to be limited by his painful past.
  • Key Fact: Jabez’s prayer was not for selfish gain, but for an enlarged territory of influence and for God’s hand to keep him from harm.
  • Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:10 – “Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my border… and that You would keep me from harm.”

12. Naaman: The Officer Whose Leprosy Was Cleansed (2 Kings 5:1–19)

  • Overview: A study in humility. Naaman had to set aside his rank and his pride to find healing in a muddy river.
  • Key Fact: Healing often requires us to do the “simple” and “humbling” thing that God commands, rather than the “great thing” we imagine.
  • Scripture: 2 Kings 5:13 – “If the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?”

13. Gehazi: The Servant Who Got Greedy (2 Kings 5:20–27)

  • Overview: The dark side of Naaman’s story. Elisha’s servant chose material gain over spiritual integrity, resulting in the transfer of Naaman’s leprosy to himself.
  • Key Fact: Greed is a “leprosy of the soul” that blinds us to the value of spiritual work and the consequences of dishonesty.
  • Scripture: 2 Kings 5:26 – “Is it a time to receive money and to receive clothes and olive groves…?”

14. Uzziah: The Leader Who Became a Loser (2 Chronicles 26:1–21)

  • Overview: The series concludes with a king who started well but was ruined by his own success. His “extraordinary fame” led to a pride that cost him his health and his ministry.
  • Key Fact: Success is the ultimate test of character. Uzziah’s heart became “proud to his destruction” when he stopped seeking the Lord.
  • Scripture: 2 Chronicles 26:16 – “But when he became strong, his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly.”

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God’s Masterwork, Volume Two

In this practical series, covering the books of Joshua through Esther, Chuck Swindoll will provide a close-up look at the heights and depths of living in this world. From the heights of Joshua’s entrance into the land of promise to the depths of exile from the land, this series will trace the threads of faithfulness through the often faithless existence of God’s chosen people.


In this second volume of the God’s Masterwork survey, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the “Historical Books” of the Old Testament (Joshua through Esther). This era chronicles Israel’s journey from the triumphant conquest of the Promised Land to the tragic depths of exile and the hopeful return of a remnant. Through these historical accounts, we discover that while God’s people are often faithless, God Himself remains unfailingly faithful to His covenant.

Message 1. Joshua: Triumph After Tragedy

  • Overview: Charts the transition from wilderness wandering to the conquest of Canaan. It highlights the importance of courage rooted in the Word of God.
  • Key Fact: Joshua’s leadership was successful because it was built on a foundation of meditation and obedience to the Law.
  • Scripture: Joshua 1:8 – “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth… then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.”

Message 2. Judges: Recycled Misery

  • Overview: A sobering look at Israel’s downward spiral of disobedience, discipline, and deliverance. It illustrates the chaos that ensues when people reject God’s authority.
  • Key Fact: The book follows a repetitive four-part cycle: Sin, Suffering, Supplication, and Salvation.
  • Scripture: Judges 21:25 – “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

Message 3. Ruth: Interlude of Love

  • Overview: A beautiful narrative of loyalty and redemption set during the dark days of the Judges. It highlights God’s grace toward those outside the covenant of Israel.
  • Key Fact: Ruth, a Moabitess, becomes an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ, proving that God’s grace knows no national boundaries.
  • Scripture: Ruth 1:16 – “Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.”

Message 4. 1 Samuel: Nation in Transition

  • Overview: Records the transition from the period of Judges to the United Kingdom, focusing on the lives of Samuel, Saul, and the rise of David.
  • Key Fact: This book marks the beginning of the monarchy in Israel—a move prompted by the people’s desire to be “like the other nations.”
  • Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:7 – “For God sees not as man sees… but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Message 5. 2 Samuel: Ecstasy and Agony of a King

  • Overview: Focuses exclusively on the reign of David, showcasing both his spiritual triumphs and his devastating personal failures.
  • Key Fact: While David was a “man after God’s own heart,” the second half of the book reveals the severe domestic consequences of his sin with Bathsheba.
  • Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:7 – Nathan’s direct confrontation: “You are the man!”

Message 6. 1 Kings: Solomon and a Civil War

  • Overview: Details the peak of Israel’s glory under Solomon and the subsequent division of the kingdom into Israel (North) and Judah (South).
  • Key Fact: Solomon’s divided heart eventually led to a divided nation.
  • Scripture: 1 Kings 11:4 – “His heart was not wholly devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been.”

Message 7. 2 Kings: From Compromise to Captivity

  • Overview: Traces the decline of both kingdoms as they ignored the prophets’ warnings, ending in the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles.
  • Key Fact: Despite the spiritual darkness, God raised up prophets like Elijah and Elisha to demonstrate His power and call the people to repentance.
  • Scripture: 2 Kings 17:13 – “Yet the Lord warned Israel and Judah through all His prophets… saying, ‘Turn from your evil ways.'”

Message 8. 1 and 2 Chronicles: Reassurance for a Remnant

  • Overview: Written after the exile, these books retell the history of Judah to encourage the returning remnant of their spiritual heritage and God’s ongoing plan.
  • Key Fact: Chronicles focuses primarily on the southern kingdom of Judah and the Davidic line, emphasizing the importance of the Temple and worship.
  • Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray… I will heal their land.”

Message 9. Ezra: True Man of the Word

  • Overview: Chronicles the return of the Jews from Babylon and the rebuilding of the Temple under the leadership of a priest dedicated to the Scriptures.
  • Key Fact: Ezra’s primary contribution was not just a building, but a spiritual reformation based on the study of the Law.
  • Scripture: Ezra 7:10 – “For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord and to practice it, and to teach His statutes.”

Message 10. Nehemiah: Softhearted Hard Hat

  • Overview: The story of the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls and the restoration of its people’s security and identity.
  • Key Fact: Nehemiah models the perfect balance between fervent prayer and practical, hard-working leadership.
  • Scripture: Nehemiah 4:9 – “But we prayed to our God, and because of them we set a guard against them day and night.”

Message 11. Esther: The Beauty and the Best

  • Overview: A dramatic account of God’s silent but sovereign protection of His people during the exile through a young Jewish queen.
  • Key Fact: God’s name is never mentioned in the book of Esther, yet His “fingerprints” are on every page of the narrative.
  • Scripture: Esther 4:14 – “And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?”

Common Questions: God’s Masterwork, Volume Two

1. Why did God allow Israel to be taken into captivity in 2 Kings? As Pastor Chuck explains in “From Compromise to Captivity,” God is patient but also holy. After centuries of ignoring prophetic warnings and practicing idolatry, the exile was a form of divine discipline designed to purge the nation of its unfaithfulness.

2. What is the significance of the “cycle” in the book of Judges? The cycle illustrates human nature: we tend to forget God when things are going well. The “Recycled Misery” shows that without a spiritual anchor, society quickly decays into moral relativism, where everyone does what is right in their own eyes.

3. How does the book of Ruth fit into the larger story of the Bible? Ruth provides a “ray of light” during the dark era of the Judges. It demonstrates that God’s plan of redemption (the family line of the Messiah) continues even in small, seemingly insignificant acts of loyalty and kindness.

4. What can we learn from the difference between 1 & 2 Kings and 1 & 2 Chronicles? Kings was written to explain why the exile happened (judgment), while Chronicles was written to remind the survivors who they were (heritage). Kings is more “prophetic” and critical, while Chronicles is more “priestly” and encouraging.

5. Is God still in control even when He seems silent, like in the book of Esther? Absolutely. The series emphasizes that Esther is a masterpiece of divine providence. Even when God isn’t performing “parting of the sea” miracles, He is working behind the scenes through the “accidental” decisions of kings and the courage of ordinary people to fulfill His purposes.

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