1 Samuel 17 "David vs Goliath"

“This day the Lord will deliver you up into my hands” (v.46)

'David versus Goliath' must rank as one of the most uneven matchups in military history! On one side, a powerful giant nine feet tall, heavily armored, experienced in fighting, confident and proud. His opponent, a shepherd boy unarmed except for a sling, with no battle experience, but confident in God.

That spiritual fact outweighs the physical ones, for Goliath showed contempt for God and for His people. God's people, including Saul and David's jealous brothers, lacked the faith to respond to Goliath's godless challenge. David, however, trusted God and wanted to see His enemies defeated and His name glorified.

The Lord gave David a dramatic victory that day (vv. 46-47), and the shocked Philistines were sent running for home. His courage came from the God who guarantees victory. David had known the protection of Yahweh. While tending his sheep, he had faced lions and bears, and the Lord rescued him. He believed (rightly) that God would rescue him again from the hands of Goliath.

The application for us here is, just as God helped David defeat the giant in his path, so God can help us defeat the giants in our paths as well. Just as it was for David our battles belong the Lord.

The Truth: “Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor. 15:57) 

1 Samuel 16 "The LORD Looks At The Heart"

"Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (v.7)

Here in chapter 16, the Lord sent Samuel to Bethlehem, to the house of Jesse the Bethlehemite, to anoint a new king over Israel (v.1). God told Samuel, "I have provided Myself a king among his sons.” To which Samuel replied, “How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me.” But the LORD said, “Take a heifer with you, and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’ Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; then you shall anoint for Me the one I name to you” (vv.1-3)

So Samuel did what the LORD said, and went to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, “Do you come peaceably?” And he said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice.” Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons, and invited them to the sacrifice (vv.4-6). So it was, when they came (the sons of Jessie), that he looked at Eliab and said, “Surely the LORD’s anointed is before Him.” But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (v.7). God was reminding Samuel to look deeper than physical characteristics. In other words, don't make the same mistake Israel made about their first king. Saul looked the part, but he didn’t have the heart a king of God’s people should have. It didn’t matter how good Eliab looked because God said, “I have refused him” (v.7).

Then Samuel after viewing all of Jesse's sons present at the sacrifice asked,  “Are all the young men here?” To which Jesse replied, “There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him. For we will not sit down till he comes here" (v.11). So Jesse sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good-looking. And the LORD said to Samuel, “Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!" (v.12).

David the shepherd boy did not appear to be kingly material. His youthfulness did not measure up to the age and stature of his older brother Eliab (v.6). Yet the Lord corrected Samuel's original perception (v.7) and David would go on to become a great warrior and the Lord's chosen ruler of His people (1 Samuel 13:14; 18:8; 2 Samuel 7:1-17).

God’s choice of David shows that we don’t have to quit our jobs and enter into full-time ministry to be people after God’s own heart. We don’t need to be famous or prominent to be people after God’s own heart. We don’t need to be respected or even liked by others to be people after God’s own heart. We don’t need status, influence, power, the respect or approval of men, or great responsibilities to be people after God’s own heart. 

Now by all outward appearances David’s seven brothers seemed to be better material for royalty than he was. Yet, as unlikely as David was, he was the one chosen by God and anointed by Samuel in the midst of his brothers. From the actions of David, Jesse, and David’s brothers, after this we can assume that only God and Samuel knew exactly what happened here. Everyone else probably thought that Samuel just honored David for an unknown reason. Probably no one even dared to think this was a divine royal anointing. But God knew because He had worked in David’s heart for a long time. 

The application for all of us here in chapter 16 would be, when we are tempted to judge someone by his/her outward appearance, we would do well to remember that the heart is what matters to God.

The Truth: “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts.” (Proverbs 21:2)

1 Samuel 15 "Better To Obey"

“To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.” (v.22-23)

Obedience is what God desires, not sacrifices. It is an obedient heart surrendered to Him that pleases Him. One could make a thousand sacrifices for God, work a thousand hours for God’s service, or give millions of dollars to His work. But all these sacrifices mean little if there is not a surrendered heart to God, shown by simple obedience. Religious observance without obedience is empty before God. The best sacrifice we can bring to God is a repentant heart (Psalm 51:16-17) and our bodies surrendered to His service for obedience (Romans 12:1).

Saul had gone from the humble man who didn't think he could do the job, to a cocky liar that defends his rebellion, even blaming those he leads to save his own skin. A rebellious, stubborn heart rejects God just as certainly as someone rejects God by occult practices or idolatry. And because Saul, in his empty religious practice, rebellion, and stubbornness against God, rejected God’s word - So, God rightly rejected him as king over Israel. Yet it would be almost 25 years before there was another king enthroned in Israel. Saul’s rejection was final, but it was not immediate. God used almost 25 years to train up the right replacement for Saul.

God is not after our sacrifices or other ritualistic practices, He is after a heart surrendered to Him in humility. We often look for some way to please God with service or sacrifice, when God is just looking for a humble obedient heart. The work the Spirit guides us to is rarely some great sacrifice, but often many little ones. Like, saying a word of encouragement here, lending a hand there, is far more pleasing to Him than any half hearted sacrificial service we could perform.

Therefore, seek His direction, listen to your still small voice, be obedient, surrender to Him in true humility, and He will use you for His kingdom.

The Truth: “Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.” (Psalm 143:10) 

1 Samuel 14 "Jonathan's Faith"

Then Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be that the LORD will work for us. For nothing restrains the LORD from saving by many or by few.” So his armor bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart. Go then; here I am with you, according to your heart. Then Jonathan said, “Very well, let us cross over to these men, and we will show ourselves to them. If they say thus to us, ‘Wait until we come to you,’ then we will stand still in our place and not go up to them. But if they say thus, ‘Come up to us,’ then we will go up. For the LORD has delivered them into our hand, and this will be a sign to us.” (vv.6-10)

Back in chapter 13 we read that the Phillistines had prepared a great army to fight with Israel in retaliation for Jonathan's attack against them; thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the seashore in multitude. So they came up and encamped in Michmash, to the east of Beth Aven. And when the men of Israel saw that they were in danger (for the people were distressed), they hid in caves, in thickets, in rocks, in holes, and in pits. And some of the Hebrews crossed over the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. As for Saul, he was still in Gilgal, and all the people who followed him were trembling. 

We also learned that Saul had about 3,000 men in his regular army (1 Samuel 13:2). But now he was down to 600 because many soldiers scattered while Saul waited for Samuel in Gilgal (1 Samuel 13:8). The loss of so many men was probably the reason why Saul offered the sacrifice without Samuel, and it displayed a heart of distrust and disobedience to God. Therefore, God allowed this reduction to Saul's army to test his faith, to see if he believed God was great enough to deliver from so many with so few.

However, the story of our text (chapter 14), reveals that Jonathan was the great man of faith that day. For he believed that whatever God called him to do was possible. So much so that Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be that the LORD will work for us. For nothing restrains the LORD from saving by many or by few.” 

So Jonathan climbed up the rocky cliff on his hands and knees with his armor bearer after him; and the Philistines fell before him. And as the armor bearer came after Jonathan, he killed them. That first slaughter which Jonathan and his armor bearer made was about twenty men within about half an acre of land. (vv.11-14). 

As a result there was a great trembling in the camp, in the field, and among all the Philistines. The garrison and the raiders also trembled; and the earth quaked, so that it was a very great trembling (v.15). This devine quake caused the Philistines to be under confusion as they woke that morning thinking, “We are attacked by enemies in our midst!” They rushed about thinking their fellow Philistines might be the enemy and began to fight and kill one another. 

You see, it didn’t matter that the Philistines greatly outnumbered the Israelites and had far better weapons. God was more than able to set the Philistines against each other. If the Israelites had no swords, the LORD would use the swords of the Philistines against the Philistines. 

Who would have thought that two soldiers could set in motion the defeat of a whole army? But Jonathan followed God step by step. And he and his armor bearer.

Spiritual victories often come from small steps taken for God. Putting your feet to your faith, acting instead of sitting, it may be just what is needed to begin the chain of events leading to complete victory.

The Truth: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) 

1 Samuel 13 "Disobediance Has Consequences"

Now it happened, as soon as he had finished presenting the burnt offering, that Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might greet him. And Samuel said, “What have you done?” Saul said, “When I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered together at Michmash, then I said, ‘The Philistines will now come down on me at Gilgal, and I have not made supplication to the LORD.’ Therefore I felt compelled, and offered a burnt offering.” (vv.10-12)

In today's text, King Saul learned the high cost of disobedience. He faced the prospect of fighting a huge well-equipped Philistine army with his small band of frightened and untrained followers. While waiting for Samuel to come and offer a sacrifice before going to battle, Saul became impatient and offered the sacrifice himself, even though he knew that God had given that right only to the priests. It was a costly mistake.

Once Samuel arrived and saw what Saul had done, he put it plainly to him: "You have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God. For now the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue" (vv.13-14). God had commanded Saul to do something, and he did the opposite. And because Saul did not repent, that one act of disobedience changed the course of his life. From that point on, it was a sad downhill journey. Saul would reign for another 20 years, he would still be on the throne as a king, but it would never be the same because the end of his kingdom and his dynasty was now certain. 

Lastly, we see in v.14 that, "The LORD has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be commander over His people." Though God rejected Saul He did not reject Israel. Because God loved Israel He would raise up a king, a man after His own heart, King David. Saul was a man after Israel’s heart. He was all about image, prestige, and the things men look at. But God will now give Israel a man after His own heart and raise that man up to be the next king. 

A man who seeks after God’s own heart honors the LORD. Saul was more concerned with his will than God’s will. When Saul was confronted with his sin he offered excuses. When David was confronted with his sin he confessed his sin and repented (2 Samuel 12:13). Today, God is still looking for men and women after His own heart. Those who repent before Him and not give excusises, those who know it is better to obey than to sacrifice.  

The Truth: “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.” (Romans 5:19) 

1 Samuel 12 Samuel's Farewell Address"

Then Samuel said to the people, “Do not fear. You have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. And do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing. For the LORD will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you His people. Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way. Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you. But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king.” (vv.20-25)

Here in Samuel’s farewell address, he would not minimize Israel’s sin. Yet, he did not want them to dwell on the sin of the past, but to go on walking with the LORD today. The same is true with us. We can’t do anything about yesterday, and at the present moment we can’t serve God tomorrow. At the present moment all we can do is not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all our hearts. Satan loves it when we live in the past or in the future, when we do anything but serve the LORD with all we have right now. Samuel wanted Israel to know that rejecting the LORD and turning aside from Him just doesn’t work. If they would not serve God for spiritual reasons, then let them do it simply to succeed because nothing else can profit or deliver.

Samuel also wanted Israel to know that God loves them. Despite the sin of their past, they could get on with serving the LORD and still see His blessing because God loves them. His favor towards Israel was not prompted by the good they did, were doing, or promised to do. It was for His great name’s sake because it pleased the LORD to do it. The reasons were in Him, not in Israel. Samuel knew the best thing he could do for Israel was to pray for them. His words would make no difference if the LORD did not work in their hearts, and the best way to promote the work of the LORD in their hearts was through prayer. Oh he could have felt hurt that the people rejected him and the LORD as leaders over the nation. He might have been bitter against the people and refused to pray for them. But Samuel was a godlier man than that.

Therefore, Samuel would pray. However, he would not only pray but, "I will teach you the good and the right way." There was still a place for teaching, and Samuel would faithfully fulfill that role as well. “Whether a minister shall do more good to others by his prayers or preaching, I will not determine, saith one; but he shall certainly by his prayers reap more comfort to himself.” (Trapp) Samuel wants the people of Israel to know that even as he steps back and allows Saul to emerge as a leader, he will not forsake Israel. He will continue to lead and to serve them, but more in a spiritual way through prayer and teaching.

And what was his first lesson? To teach the children of Israel the importance of giving proper reverence to God. Suggesting their view of God must be one of divine greatness combined with the reverence of a son, and not the fear of a slave. As such, they should serve Him in truth (with all their hearts) not being seduced by other teachings, nor serving out of obligation, or merit but, from a deep love and compassion to follow His will. In so doing Samuel adds, to consider all God has done for them.

The Truth: “Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.” (Psalm 100:2) 

1 Samuel 11 "God's Chosen Man Made King"

 “And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal; and there they made sacrifices of peace offerings before the LORD; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.” (v.15)

Throughout the history of the nation of Israel, the people have turned their backs on God and questioned His chosen leaders. In our reading today Saul, who’s kingship had been rejected back in chapter 10 by many, leads an army of three hundred thousand men to liberate those Israelites who had chosen to live on the other side of the Jordan river. Then, upon his success, Saul wisely attributed the victory to God alone (v.13).

The choice of Saul as king, privately made by God through Samuel, and publicly confirmed by the election at Mizpah, had now received complete ratification in his victory over Nahash. His detractors were silenced, and the unanimous consent of the people was made evident by all who gathered both to make sacrifices and rejoice before the LORD. Thus, God's chosen man was made king.

There’s an old saying, “Love conquers all.” It was Saul’s love for his country, even those who chose to separate themselves across the Jordan, that united the nation behind him. But the LORD saw him even before he was born. If only he love the LORD with all of his heart.

The Truth: “And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2)

1 Samuel 10 "Saul Held His Peace"

"But the children of Belial said, ‘How shall this man save us?’ And they despised him, and brought no presents. But he held his peace.” (v.27)

Here in verse 27 we see that not everyone was happy about God’s choice for king. The children of Belial, most accurately translated “worthless men,” lead the protest against Saul. These men scornfully questioned his ability to save them. After all, he was just a herdsmen, from the tribe of Benjamin, a servant and no governing experience! Implying, that a king ought to have been of a rich family, a large tribe, a prince, whose interest and influence were great, not only in his own tribe, but in others, which would enable him to engage in war with an enemy, and protect the people. 

Our text also shows that Saul’s detractors would not even call him by his name (an insult), while describing him as a person who had no power to deliver them. So complete was their despise for him, they brought him no token (Presents) of their subjection to him, nor made any visits to him, as were the customs when a king came into power. But, Saul held his peace.

Wow! What an example of wisdom and self-control, and a fore- shadowing of king Jesus as well. Saul remained silent, he took no notice of what they said, he bore the insult rather than having to begin his reign with and act of severity against his own people.

So too Jesus, who was born in a stable, in the city of Nazareth, a carpenters son, scorned and rejected by many, and became our great High Priest, is patiently waiting for the modern day, “children of Belial” to call Him by name. And is holding His peace until the fullness of the gentiles comes in. Then, "every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is LORD, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:11)

The Truth: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)