1 Samuel 31 “Jabesh-Gilead”

 “Now when the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all the valiant men rose and walked all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and they came to Jabesh and burned them there. They took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days.” (vv.11-13)

Back in chapter 11, right after Saul was made king, Nahash the Ammonite threatened to wage war against the men of Jabesh-gilead (v.1). Saul being moved with compassion, rallied 330,00 men of Israel and came to their aide (v.8). Saul marched all night to rescue the inhabitants (v.9) and the men of Jabesh-gilead never forgot it. 

Now here in chapter 31 (40 years later) after Saul had been killed in battle, decapitated the next day, his head displayed as a trophy, his armor placed in the temple of Ashtoreths, and his naked body nailed to the wall of Beth Shan (v.9-10), the people of Jabesh returned the favor and rescued Saul’s body from public humiliation (v.12). Showing mercy no other nation dared to accomplish. 

This reminds us of the compassion of our Lord who was; striped, mocked, whipped, beaten, nailed to a cross, and publicly humiliated for us. Just as the men of Jabesh-gilead remembered how Saul had rescued them and showed them mercy, so we should remember how our Lord rescued us and showed His mercy towards us. 

The Truth : Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7)

1 Samuel 30 "David Strengthened Himself In The LORD His God"

"So David and his men came to the city, and there it was, burned with fire; and their wives, their sons, and their daughters had been taken captive. Then David and the people who were with him lifted up their voices and wept, until they had no more power to weep. And David’s two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite, had been taken captive. Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God." (vv.3-6)

When David and his army returned to Ziklag, to be reunited with their families, they discovered that the Amalekites had invaded the town, burned down their homes, and carried their families away (v.1-2). Not only did David lose his house and his family, but his own men turned against him, and were ready to stone him (v.6a) So, what did David do? He “strengthened himself in the Lord.”

It took a lot to bring David to this place, but now he is here, God is his only strength. This was backslidden and wayward David. Why would God strengthen him? Because God is rich in mercy and grace, and because David was now completely broken, ready to be filled. Sometimes we think we have to achieve God’s blessing or strength, but David shows us another way.

David’s strengthening probably came through looking back at all the ways in which God had protected him, provided for him and gave him victory in many perilous situations. It very well could have come in the form of praise to God through songs, as we know, David wrote many.

However, as he strengthened himself, he came out of his sorrow and inquired of the LORD, “shall I pursue them?” The Lord answered him directly in verse 8, “Pursue, for you shall overtake them and recover all.” Then Daivd and his 400 men acted on God’s direction and recovered every person and procession that was taken, along with enough spoil to share with the entire nation (v.26-30).

What a great lesson for us today. Even though David had been off track with God, by strengtheneing himself in the Lord, inquiring of the Lord, and following the Lord’s direction, he was used mightily.

The Truth: “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies.” (Psalm 18:2-3)

1 Samuel 29 “David Returns To Ziglag”

“So David arose early, he and his men, to depart in the morning to return to the land of the Philistines.” (v.11)

Here in chapter 29 we will see how God worked in David’s life; 1) to spare him from the dilemma of fighting against king Saul and 2) free him up to rescue his own people from the Amalekites (Ch.30).     

Back in chapter 27, we saw David had left Israel (to escape Saul) and fled to the land of Israel’s enemy, the Philistines. Then in chapter 28, David was so convincing in his betrayal of Israel that King Achish enlisted David to fight with him against his enemies (v.1-2). Now here in chapter 29, king Achish has brought David and his men with him to fight against king Saul. What will David do? How will he escape this dilemma?

Mysteriously the Philistine commanders began to complain of David to king Achish and demand that David return Ziglag, for they feared this would provided David an opportunity to prove his loyality to king Saul (v.4). King Achish then said to David, “Now therefore return and go in peace, that you may not displease the lords of the Philistines” (v.) 

The idea that “God moves in mysterious ways” is often overused, but it still contains much truth. David was now both free from having to draw his sword against king Saul and return to Ziklag to carryout God’s plan of rescuing his people from the Amalekites.

The Truth: “Who has understood the mind of the Lord, or instructed him as his counselor?’ (Isaiah 40:13)

1 Samuel 28 "Samuel's Spirit Prophesies Saul's Judgement"

 "The Lord has done for Himself as He spoke by me. For the LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, David. Because you did not obey the voice of the LORD nor execute His fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore the LORD has done this thing to you this day. Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with you into the hand of the Philistines. And tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The LORD will also deliver the army of Israel into the hand of the Philistines. Immediately Saul fell full length on the ground, and was dreadfully afraid because of the words of Samuel.” (vv.17-20)

Here in chapter 28 King Saul iis on his last legs as king of Israel, and was in a panic. The Philistines, Israel's archenemies, were poised to attack; and Saul was desperate for a word from God. But the prophet Samuel was dead, and God wasn't speaking to Saul directly anymore (v. 6).

In his fear and sinfulness, the king decided to go to a medium for help, although he himself had outlawed witchcraft (Detu. 18:9-13) At this point his character (if possible) had sunk even lower by asking her to bring up Samuel’s spirit from the dead (v.11).  

How could she do so? Do witches really have such power over dead saints? No. In this case God permitted the spirit of Samuel to come with a specific message for Saul. Lies and disguises ended, as the king's identity is revealed (v.12). After death, in the same way as when he was alive, Samuel prophesied God's word, a judgment for Saul. The Israelites would be defeated, and Saul and his sons were to die because of their disobedience (v.18).

Although he heard this final word from the man he most respected, Saul still did not repent. Sadly, his only response was fear (v. 20). Saul, had completely removed himself from the grace and presence of God, and he was left with a terrifying fear and an inability to lead his people. Such is the consequences of unchecked sin. 

Even king David would later experience this fear but, unlike Saul, he repented and God's grace was granted to him.

The Truth: ‘O Lord, when you favored me, you made my mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed.” (Psalm 30:7)

1 Samuel 27 "David Forgot God's Protection"

Then David said to himself, “Now I will perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape into the land of the Philistines. Saul then will despair of searching for me anymore in all the territory of Israel, and I will escape from his hand.” (v.1)

The sad story of 1 Samuel 27 begins with something David said in his heart. He may have never said it out loud; he may have never said it to anyone else; he may have never said it to God. But David said it in his heart. What we say in our heart has a tremendous power to shape our thinking, our actions, even our whole destiny.

In today’s passage, David is telling himself that sooner or later, Saul was going to capture him, therefore, “the best thing I can do is to escape to the land of the Philistines” (27:1). So David decides to leave Israel and live among the idol-worshiping Philistines. At this point, David was so discouraged that he thought there was nothing better for him in Israel and among God’s people. So he flees Israel and joins with the Philistine leader Achish.

Prior to this David had trusted in the Lord to protect him from the hand of Saul. Now, he gave up trusting in the Lord and instead left the land of promise, left the people of God, to find “protection” among the Philistines. Given all we have seen of God's repeated protection of David, this decision to find safety among the godless Philistines rather than in God's continued care is totally off.

So what's missing here? Comunication with God! At no point does David seek the Lord, His promises, or His past protection. The absence of prayer in today's text points us back to others who forgot God as the true source of their security. We may understand, even sympathize with David's difficulties, but Scripture also warns us against leaving God out of our decision-making processes.

Today’s passage reminds us that all of God’s children falter in their faith, even David. It is not easy to remain patient during times of great stress but moving forward with a choice (which seems wise to us) without God in it, usually leads to trouble.

Therefore, do not lose heart as David did but look at God – not at the wind or the waves but to Him who calms them both.

The Truth: But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. (Matthew 8:26) 

1 Samuel 26 "Godly Repentance vs Regret"

Then Saul said, “I have sinned. Return, my son David, for I will not harm you again because my life was precious in your sight this day. Behold, I have played the fool and have committed a serious error.” (v.21)

There's an old saying, “Prisons are full of people who are sorry………sorry they got caught! – not necessarily repentant of their deeds. Here in chapter 26 we find king Saul is expressing the same sorrowful admission of being caught. He regrets the folly and its consequences but, is not repenting before God. He is simply admitting to being a fool and committing a serious error.

Godly repentance regards sin as a crime done against the most Holy God, and regrets the pain given to Him. “Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Thy sight.” (Psalm 51:4) It is a faithful recognition of our position in the sight of God, as weighed in the balances of eternal justice. When sin is humbly confessed, the Savior assures us: “Thy sins, which are many, are forgiven thee; go in peace.” (Luke 7:47)

Saul’s admission falls far short of this. He wasn’t repentant only regretful, bitterly realizing that once again David got the better of him as he remarks in the latter part of our text, "I have played the fool and have committed a serious error." Sadly, in these words we have a perfect autobiography. In them, the complete life-story of this man is told.  

May we all examine our hearts and humbly confess to Him, through Godly repentance, any sin that weights us down today.     

The Truth: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) 

1 Samuel 25 "Providential Care"

“Praise be to the Lord, who … has kept his servant from doing wrong.” (v.39)

Today's passage is yet another example of God's providential care for David, but this time God's protection has a twist. In previous chapters, God protected David from the hand of others. In 1 Samuel 25, God protected David from doing harm to others.

The story is well-known. David's men asked the fool Nabal for provisions. Nabal hurled insults, and David gathered his men for a vindictive slaughter. It all would have been over quickly if not for the intelligent and resourceful Abigail, who intervened with provisions and apologies. She convinced David to rethink the matter.

While David was set on exacting his own revenge (v.24), Abigail's wisdom brought God back into the picture: “Since the Lord has kept you … from avenging yourself with your own hands, … ” avoid “the staggering burden of needless bloodshed” (vv. 26-31, 34). In other words, think about what you're doing; this is not the way of God's anointed!

In God's providence, He sent Abigail to bring David to his senses, and even David realized the fact: “Praise be to the Lord, who … has kept His servant from doing wrong” (v. 39). David saw God's providential hand and responded with humility and gratitude for God's preventive care. In the end, Nabal's death still occurred (v.37), but by God's means, not by David's rage. Through God's restraining providence, David avoided the sin of needless bloodshed.

God's providential care works not only to protect us from the harm of others, but also from ourselves. Scripture reminds us today that we should be just as thankful for being kept from sinning as from being delivered from suffering.

The Truth: “You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.” (Psalm 32:7)

1 Samuel 24 "David Restrains His Hand"

“Then the men of David said to him, “This is the day of which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do to him as it seems good to you.’” And David arose and secretly cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. He said to his men, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord's anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the LORD." With these words David rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way.” (vv.4-7)

Apparently, on some previous occasion God promised David, “Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do to him as it seems good to you.” Here David's men believed that this was the fulfillment of the promise and that David needed to seize the promise by faith and by the sword.

After everything Saul had done to David, here in chapter 24 David is given an opportunity to end king Saul’s life. However, he would not take revenge against God’s elect. In fact, just cutting off the corner of his robe caused David’s conscience to be stricken. He recognized Saul as the one on whom the anointing of God had been placed. Even though David himself had been anointed as the future king of Israel, he still respected Saul. Perhaps David realized that what he does to Saul will set an example for others' behavior toward him in the future.

David not only kept himself from taking vengeance upon Saul, he also restrained his servants. Many men in the same situation, would say, “Well, I won’t kill Saul now, but if one of my servants does, what can I do?” and therefore leave the door wide open for Saul to be killed. But David wouldn’t do that, and he restrained his servants as well.

We too must respect whom God elects and treat them with as much respect and fear of the LORD as David did with Saul. It is no different. To slander another brother or even speak the truth that would damage their reputation, should convict us just as taking a corner of Saul’s robe convicted David. Has anyone done even half the wrongs that Saul did toward David? No? Then consider the example of David and let God deal with His elect in His timing. Even though an opportunity may arise in which to speak out against a brother (delivered into your hand so to speak), that’s a test for you. The question is, will you come away with a testimony like David's or his men who encouraged him to kill the king? I pray that it is the former, not the latter.

The Truth: “Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.” (Romans 8:33)

1 Samuel 23 “Saul Pursues David”

“Now David became aware that Saul had come out to seek his life while David was in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh.” (v.15)

Here in chapter 23, David is facing real hatred and persecution. Saul had a laser-like focus to pursue David, wherever he might be found, and to kill him. However, in the middle of that persecution, we see three ways in which God protected him. 

First, after David's rescue of Keilah from the Philistines, David inquired of the Lord, who told him that Saul was coming and that the citizens of Keilah would be willing to hand him over to Saul. David then exercised prudence and promptly left. Next, while staying in the Desert of Ziph, Saul searched for David repeatedly, “but God did not give David into his hands” (v.14). Moreover, God sent Jonathan to David who “helped him find strength in God” (v.16). Finally, while in the Desert of Maon, Saul was in pursuit, closing in on David and his men. Just then, a message came that the Philistines were raiding the land, and Saul cut off the chase (v.28). 

Saul never gave up his intent to kill David, but God never ceased protecting him either. Likewise, it is also given that we as Christians will face tough times in this world. However, we can rest in the fact that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Then we, like Jonathan, can be an encouragement to our brothers/sisters, strengthening those who are going through difficult days of spiritual attack or persecution for their beliefs.

The Truth: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)

1 Samuel 22 “Saul Orders Priests Killed”

And the king said to Doeg, “You turn and kill the priests!” So Doeg the Edomite turned and struck the priests, and killed on that day eighty-five men who wore a linen ephod. (v.18)

Today's chapter is not an easy one. Doeg, the Edomite, informed Saul that Ahimelech the priest had recently given David provisions and Goliath's sword. In his fury, Saul summoned the entire compliment of priests before him. Despite Ahimelech's reasonable defense, Saul ordered them all put to death. Doeg (the Edomite) willingly executed eighty-five priests, plus the entire town of Nob, including women, children, and cattle. Only Abiathar escaped.

This horrific slaughter was brought on by Saul’s anger and pride but carried out willing by Doeg the Edomite, an enemy of Israel and God. Yet, as terrifying as this slaughter was, it was also the fulfillment of God's word against Eli, some fifty years earlier because of the wickedness of Eli’s sons ( 2:30-36). Even God's enemies carry forth God's will.

This should point us to another brutal execution—the cross—in which the enemies of God carried forth God's promises, this time for the purpose of redemption for the world (Acts 2:23). However, this doesn't minimize the evil of Saul's massacre or Christ's death, but it does bring the hopeful realization that God's enemies, even in their most vengeful moments, are still subject to the redeeming work and plan of God. For God's purposes will always be worked out.

It's easy to look at the world we live in and see nothing but chaos, danger, and a powerful evil force arrayed against God. But today's text should encourage us to see even in a fallen world, God is still King, and He still rules. 

The Truth: “Now therefore, be wise, O kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, And rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.” (Psalm 2:10-12)

1 Samuel 21 "David And The Holy Bread"

“Since there was no other food available, the priest gave him the holy bread—the Bread of the Presence that was placed before the LORD in the Tabernacle. It had just been replaced that day with fresh bread.” (NLT v.6)

Matthew, Mark, and Luke all refer to this event. They all quote Jesus using this verse to show that mercy is more important than the Law. In one case, Jesus was answering why it was alright for the disciples to pick grain to eat on the Sabbath. In the other it was to heal a man on the Sabbath.

Jesus interpreted this passage to show us a spiritual lesson. Abiathar, the priest that gave the holy bread to David and his men, was showing mercy instead of insisting on the letter of the Law. The Law clearly said that the bread was to be eaten only by priests. But these men were hungry after traveling hard. What else could the priest do but show mercy and share that bread.

The immediate lesson here is, mercy is greater than the law. Mercy is an attribute of God. God’s character is greater than rules that are guidelines. David had done nothing wrong, and he was in need. The right thing to do was to feed him even if it meant breaking the law. In giving David the bread, Ahimelech broke with priestly custom but not with God’s word. He rightly understood that human need was more important than Levitical observance.

When Jesus’ disciples were criticized for breaking religious custom by eating against traditions, Jesus used what Ahimelech did to explain the matter (Matthew 12:1-8). Jesus approved of what Ahimelech did, and Jesus honored him by standing on Ahimelech’s same ground.

Abiathar the priest did the right thing. May we all see with the eyes of the Spirit in similar situations in our lives and make the right thing, the right thing.

The Truth: And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to destroy it?” After looking around at them all, He said to him (with the withered hand), “Stretch out your hand!” And he did so; and his hand was restored. But they themselves were filled with rage, and discussed together what they might do to Jesus. (Luke 6:9-11)

1 Samuel 20 "Biblical Friendship"

 “The Lord is witness between you and me forever.” (v.23)

Friendships are valuable beyond words, and that was certainly the case with David and Jonathan. And this most famous of biblical friendships is the focus of our passage today. As we trace our way through the events of 1 Samuel, we see that this friendship encouraged David as he waited for God to fulfill His promise and make him king of Israel. 

Here in chapter 20, David and Jonathan reaffirmed their friendship with a covenant. They bound themselves, before God, to care for one another and their future generations (v.42). These two young men, who had been in battle together, were already friends, a relationship they kept even in the explosive atmosphere of Saul's court. Though Jonathan knew that David would take the throne, he felt no envy or anger (compare Saul in vv.30-31); in fact, Jonathan blessed David (v.13) and loved him as he loved himself (v.17). 

What a beautiful picture of biblical friendship we see in David and Jonathan! They were the truest of friends against the odds, through tough times, wholeheartedly. 

I am truly thankful for the "biblical friends" God has placed in my life. Those I can bare my soul to and them to me for prayerful support. It is my hope that God has blessed you with at least one such friend, someone who knows you well, who sticks with you through thick and thin, and who loves you unconditionally, displaying true biblical friendship. If not, my prayer for you is that you develop such a relationship. 

The Truth: “As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17)

1 Samuel 19 “Divine Protection”

Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan, and Saul vowed, “As the Lord lives, he (David) shall not be put to death.” (v.6)

Today's reading is full of anxiety and danger for young David, but it is also full of evidence that God was with him, guiding him and protecting him from harm. All David needed was to look back on his own history to see the clear hand of God at work in his life.

As we go through life, we too will experience times of anxiety, frustration, maybe even life threatening danger. I know I have. In looking back on my life I can definitely see times of “divine protection” for both me and my family. Although we don't have the same kingly promises as David, we can still be confident of God's guiding, protective hand in our lives. 

As David wrote: “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them” (Psalm 34:7) 

The Truth: “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

1 Samuel 18 "David Behaved Wisely"

Now Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, but had departed from Saul. Therefore Saul removed him from his presence, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people. And David behaved wisely in all his ways, and the LORD was with him. Therefore, when Saul saw that he behaved very wisely, he was afraid of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them. (vv.12-16)

By all outward appearances, Saul was in control. Saul had the throne, the army, the spears. Yet, Saul was afraid of David because the LORD was with him. And that made it difficult for Saul to have David around. Therefore Saul removed him from his presence and made him captain over a thousand men. Saul’s desire was not to bless David, but to set him up for harm. Saul’s jealousy has made him manipulative, working a secret agenda against David. Yet David behaved wisely.

It isn’t easy to behave wisely when spears are being thrown at you. It isn’t easy to behave wisely when you are put out of the palace. It isn’t easy to behave wisely when you have powerful and determined enemies coming against you. Yet, even in the midst of all those terrible circumstances, David did. The writer of 1 Samuel tells us that David "behaved wisely" four times in this chapter (vv.5,14,15,30). In fact, he behaved "more wisely than all the servants of Saul, so that his name became highly esteemed" (v.30). The phrase "highly esteemed" suggests an unusual respect. David was not only honored by all the people but more significantly, he was highly respected by those in Saul's court who were impressed by his noble character. 

As we come to know Jesus through obedience to His Word, we too will begin to display qualities of character that set us apart from others. James said, "The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy" (3:17). This glorious word of making our way through this world can come only come by dying to self and praying for the Holy Spirit's help to behave wisely. 

David's experience can be ours as well. We just need to be open to God's instruction to us. 

The Truth: "I will instruct you [cause you to be wise] and teach you in the way you should go" (Psalm 32:8)