David Marries Michal

As many who have followed me for a bit, I have fallen into the Psalms, and I can’t get up! (As if I would want to.) The Psalms are a majestic collection of poetry, of heart felt human experiences that constantly challenge me in my own frail attempt to follow the true King. As many of the Psalms are written by David, my study on the Psalms has spurred me on to looking at the life of David, is the main contributor to this book, and to follow the victories and tragedies of the shepherd King of Israel.

Many times in the narrative, we will see the Lord Jesus, imperfectly, yet a reflection of His spirit in a man with weaknesses.

1 Samuel 18:30

30 Then the commanders of the Philistines came out to battle, and as often as they came out David had more success than all the servants of Saul, so that his name was highly esteemed.

Let’s remember what has just occurred in the life of David. A madman named king Saul demanded 100 foreskins of the Philistines to secure the hand of the royal princess Michal, that would bring David into the royal family through marriage.

What kind of dowry is that? This is the legacy of the princess Michal, that her worth in front of her father was that of the death of 100 Philistines, and then the mutilation of those men, shaming them in their death.

Out of this exercise of death and mutilation, David exceeds the request and brings 200 foreskins back to king Saul, doubling the request. (Michal must have felt such sensitive love towards her future husband!).

Yet out of this exercise of senseless death, the unintended(?) consequence would be the raising up of the Philistine army, responding to such a flagrant display of shaming, mutilation and death. So here come the battles with the enemy, all because of a madman’s desire to take David out of the picture.

Yet this must have pleased Saul, at least initially, since each battle with any enemy, offered the opportunity for David to breathe his last. One stray arrow, one swipe of a sword, and Saul’s troubles would all vanish, or so he thought. How foolish!

As the battles wore on, David’s reputation grew and Saul’s frustration intensified.

Young’s Literal Translation actually translates the last clause of this verse as

…his name is very precious.

Other translations speak of David’s renown, or his increasing notoriety, of his fame increasing, and his name being held in high esteem, but this may not be limited to only the nation of Israel, over whom he would eventually rule. I imagine even his enemies, the Philistines recognized his military prowess.

Granted, the Philistines surely did not consider his name precious, for he continued to win battle after battle against them. But for the nation of Israel, who have only king Saul to compare with as king material, David must have seemed like a ray of hope in a dark dark time.

With all this attention being focused on David, Saul must have been having fits. Not only was the king experiencing envy over David’s success, verse 29 of this chapter spoke of Saul’s fear increasing. He was even more afraid of David.

What is the result? Saul became David’s enemy continually. No let up, no reprieve, no allowance. Saul was set on destroying David.

Does that remind you of One, who is Precious in our sight, and yet had enemies committed to His destruction, without cause and without reason. He seeks our best and yet there are those who rail against Him. When they rail, remember, they are captive to the spirit of Saul, helpless in their rage and fear.

Let us be more like the Greater David, seeking their best in spite of their fear and envy. Maybe even love our enemies – What a novel idea!

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.

Come join us at Considering the Bible

David Marries Michal

As many who have followed me for a bit, I have fallen into the Psalms, and I can’t get up! (As if I would want to.) The Psalms are a majestic collection of poetry, of heart felt human experiences that constantly challenge me in my own frail attempt to follow the true King. As many of the Psalms are written by David, my study on the Psalms has spurred me on to looking at the life of David, is the main contributor to this book, and to follow the victories and tragedies of the shepherd King of Israel.

Many times in the narrative, we will see the Lord Jesus, imperfectly, yet a reflection of His spirit in a man with weaknesses.

1 Samuel 18:20-29

20 Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David. And they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.
21 Saul thought, “Let me give her to him, that she may be a snare for him and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” Therefore Saul said to David a second time, “You shall now be my son-in-law.”
22 And Saul commanded his servants, “Speak to David in private and say, ‘Behold, the king has delight in you, and all his servants love you. Now then become the king’s son-in-law.”
23 And Saul’s servants spoke those words in the ears of David. And David said, “Does it seem to you a little thing to become the king’s son-in-law, since I am a poor man and have no reputation?”
24 And the servants of Saul told him, “Thus and so did David speak.”
25 Then Saul said, “Thus shall you say to David, ‘The king desires no bride-price except a hundred foreskins of the Philistines, that he may be avenged of the king’s enemies.'” Now Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines.
26 And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king’s son-in-law. Before the time had expired,
27 David arose and went, along with his men, and killed two hundred of the Philistines. And David brought their foreskins, which were given in full number to the king, that he might become the king’s son-in-law. And Saul gave him his daughter Michal for a wife.
28 But when Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved him,
29 Saul was even more afraid of David. So Saul was David’s enemy continually.

Ok, so last we met, we saw King Saul invite David into his royal family via marriage to his elder daughter. Of course, David was to be granted this priviledge due to his taking on Goliath and defeating him, but Saul forgot about the gift’s he promised and negotiated another agreement with David for the hand of Merab, his elder daughter.

But lo and behold, on (or very near) the day of the wedding, Good ol’ King Saul took this benefit away from David, bringing shame upon his name and confusion to his heart. How could David understand what was going on? The king was surely mad, and by that I mean both mad (angry) and mad (insane).

With our passage this morning, we are going to experience a bit of deja vu, in that Saul and his henchmen take advantage of his daughters feelings to put David in the path of certain death.

Saul’s daughter Michal was in love with David, and with every bit of news that crosses the kings desk, Saul seeks the good of his daughter. No that is incorrect!! He seeks how he may take advantage of a situation for his own advancement, and this time is no different.

Let’s offer David another opportunity to join the royal family, and in the offer, provide a situation that may eliminate Saul’s greatest threat. The previous offer, for Merab, was to fight the Lord’s battles for Saul. Saul wanted to have control, provide direction to David, get in the mix, interfere and potentially direct David into dangerous situations, raising the likelihood of death in battle.

What is truly amazing is that David retains his humility through this emotional roller coaster ride, again referring to himself as not worthy of entering the royal family. He considered himself a “poor man” having “no reputation”.

What was David thinking when the king’s servants spoke of Saul’s love for David, and of all his servants loving him? The king had just recently thrown two spears at David, and shamed him in front of the nation by reneging on the marriage to Merab?

Whatever David thought, the offer was provided to him. The price of Micah’s hand for marriage? One hundred foreskins of the Philistines.

This was an attainable, specific, measurable goal for David, so he set out to complete his side of the bargain and “force” king Saul’s hand in providing Micah as his bride. And to make a point, good old David, when asked to walk a mile, walked two miles. He brought back two hundred foreskins, which meant two hundred Philistines had met their maker.

Saul got what he said he wanted, yet his frustration level must have been boiling over. Of course the Phillistines weren’t the problem! The Philistines were the solution, but they did not come to Saul’s request, and in loosing two hundred soldiers, only elevated David in stature, causing Saul greater fear of his dominance.

And now, he had two of his children committed to the enemy. It was bad enough for Saul when Jonathon had shown allegiance to David, but now it appeared that his daughter was also seeing the benefit of being associated with a believer in the Lord, a man who was led of the Spirit, and of a humble heart.

So it is with the kingdom, for as we exercise a humbleness, and desire to love our enemies, even after two spear throws, and a show of disgrace, the kingdom will expand, one by one.

Or the enemy will only slip into greater darkness, with more bile rising in his throat, and a commitment to fighting the believer! So it was with Saul, and he continually set himself as David’s enemy, even as his father-in-law.

Truly, this passage speaks of the division of family due to deeper allegiances that are offered, deeper even that blood. Micah made the wise choice, as did her brother Jonathon. They followed David.

Centuries later, Jesus, the Greater David, described this realignment of family in the following words.

Matthew 12:48-50

But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?”
And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers!
For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

Who is your sister? Who is your brother? It all depends on who your Father is!

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.

Come join us at Considering the Bible

David Marries Michal

As many who have followed me for a bit, I have fallen into the Psalms, and I can’t get up! (As if I would want to.) The Psalms are a majestic collection of poetry, of heart felt human experiences that constantly challenge me in my own frail attempt to follow the true King. As many of the Psalms are written by David, my study on the Psalms has spurred me on to looking at the life of David, is the main contributor to this book, and to follow the victories and tragedies of the shepherd King of Israel.

Many times in the narrative, we will see the Lord Jesus, imperfectly, yet a reflection of His spirit in a man with weaknesses.

1 Samuel 18:17-19
17 Then Saul said to David, “Here is my elder daughter Merab. I will give her to you for a wife. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD’s battles.” For Saul thought, “Let not my hand be against him, but let the hand of the Philistines be against him.”
18 And David said to Saul, “Who am I, and who are my relatives, my father’s clan in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?
19 But at the time when Merab, Saul’s daughter, should have been given to David, she was given to Adriel the Meholathite for a wife.

Ok Saul, you promised your daughter to any man who would take on the Philistine giant, a chapter back, in verse 25. Riches and tax free status for the family, along with the hand of the kings daugther, actually becoming of the royal family. Haughty rewards for knocking ol Goliath down.

1 Samuel 17

25 And the men of Israel said, “Have you seen this man who has come up? Surely he has come up to defy Israel. And the king will enrich the man who kills him with great riches and will give him his daughter and make his father’s house free in Israel.”

It is a good thing David didn’t depend on the word of the King to motivate him to take Goliath out. This reward of a kings daughter (and the other rewards) obviously had not been granted to David as yet, and as it turns out, this promise from the Israeli King was quickly be forgotten. An unfaithful party always wants to renegotiate!

Now to get the kings daughter – forget the riches and tax free status – David had to perform more tasks, life endangering tasks, tasks that would seemingly accomplish Saul’s not too secret desire for David’s demise. Saul offered his eldest daughter Merab, IF David would fight the LORD’s battles for Saul. Notice that little phrase that Saul inserted into this agreement David was offered.

Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD’s battles.

What is this all about. Of course David was on the team, and had shown himself to be sold out to God in his life, in battles that he would be called upon to fight, and service to his king. Is Saul seeking to hide his intentions, or rather reestablish his authority over David, and by doing so, hoping to control his actions, maybe directing David to more dangerous areas of battle.

Was he seeking to increase his influence over David, through obligations that this marriage would create? Was Merab in love with David or a tool for Saul? We may never know!

What a dastardly fiend this Saul is turning out to be! Let’s be clear. This is not Saul coming good on a promise he gave David earlier. This is an alternative offer for him, that brought with the hand of the king’s daughter, added responsibilities to the king. A new agreement! What a loving family David is offered to join!

Notice David’s attitude, in that he exhibited a humble spirit in the face of his enemy, in the face of a man who had reneged on an earlier promise! Who am I, and what is my life or my father’s family in Israel…?

David was in a great place in this circumstance, having not been self elevated by the honors he had been granted. He was a humble servant.

In David’s humility, it appears the agreement for marriage was completed, and the plans for David and Merab’s wedding were progressing quite nicely. Expectations were established, and the nation most surely have heard the rumors, that a lowly shepherd boy, turning into a valiant warrior, was now entering into betrothal with the kings daughter, and soon to be a part of the royal family!

If it wasn’t for a settled humility that David lived in, this may have become a most heady time in his life.

Up until the wedding day that is. I can imagine Saul playing this game up until the very day of the wedding, keeping David in an elevated place of distinction before the entire nation.

Comes the wedding day, and Merab is no where to be found. Or is it that David is restricted from the wedding? And who is this Adriel the Meholathite? Where did he come from? His name will show up later in the story of David, but we shall be patient until then for any further information on this fellow.

Saul had successfully pulled the rug out from under David, and the shame that cascaded down on David must have been excruciating. How could he show his face amongst those who he led and fought with, and how could he explain the circumstances, the actions of this mad man who was king of Israel, and who was to be honored by all.

David was placed in a very difficult position by the king, and yet his commitment to God gave him the strength to keep his focus on higher things.

David’s depth of character shines bright in these passages.

He truly was a man after God’s heart, and provides such a great shadow of the True, Greater David, the One who would take our shame and disappointment!

Let us remember His faithfulness, his commitment, and His surety of promise to us. Let us be thankful the reneging spirit of Saul is not the Spirit of the Lord!

For He is faithful, and He is good.

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.

Come join us at Considering the Bible

Saul’s Jealousy of David

As many who have followed me for a bit, I have fallen into the Psalms, and I can’t get up! (As if I would want to.) The Psalms are a majestic collection of poetry, of heart felt human experiences that constantly challenge me in my own frail attempt to follow the true King. As many of the Psalms are written by David, my study on the Psalms has spurred me on to looking at the life of David, is the main contributor to this book, and to follow the victories and tragedies of the shepherd King of Israel.

Many times in the narrative, we will see the Lord Jesus, imperfectly, yet a reflection of His spirit in a man with weaknesses.

1 Samuel 18:12- 16

12 Saul was afraid of David because the LORD was with him but had departed from Saul.
13 So Saul removed him from his presence and made him a commander of a thousand. And he went out and came in before the people.
14 And David had success in all his undertakings, for the LORD was with him.
15 And when Saul saw that he had great success, he stood in fearful awe of him.
16 But all Israel and Judah loved David, for he went out and came in before them.

Fear. A natural result of departing from the Living God. Yet even in this maelstrom of emotions that Saul was experiencing, some lucidity seemed to come to him occasionally.

Yes the Lord had departed from Saul, and Saul was reminded of this daily as he saw David minister to him in his royal court. Saul had lost the kingdom, lost the Lord, and lost his sanity, and David was obviously becoming the benefactor of this transition of privilege.

So in the midst of envy, possession and fear, Saul made another decision. His failure to kill David must have only amplified his feelings of inadequacy, and this constant reminder when he saw David may have fueled this decision to send him out to war.

Yes, send David out into the wars.

Saul sent David out so he can find some temporary peace. Anything to provide relief from this constant realization that his future was in trouble. And David represented this trouble, a very obvious reminder that his days were numbered.

Yes, send David out into the wars.

Men die in war and David’s “luck” may just run out. How illogical to think that the one whom God has chosen to replace Saul would be in danger of being a victim in battle. This is typical of those who do not consider the reach of the saving hand of God.

Isaiah 59:1 Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear;

If God’s hand is on a man (or woman), that one is indestructible until God has accomplished His will through and in them.

David would experience success in all his undertakings, which only fueled Saul’s fear of David more. The passage shows the growth of Saul’s fear, in verse 12 to Saul’s fearful awe of David, in verse 15. Fearful awe.

David was simply listening to the Lord, acting with wisdom, performing his duties and doing as required. Twice in our passage, (verse 13, and 16) we find that David “went out and came in before the people”. David was becoming a man of the people, gaining in recognition and stature in the eyes of the nation he served.

But in David’s faithfulness, two very different reactions resulted.

The people of Israel and Judah loved him.

King Saul only saw David as a greater threat, and became more fearful. It seems that Saul’s short term solution to his problem only added to his long term problem of David’s ascension in the nation.

So what could Saul do? What could he do to control David, to gain power and influence over David?

What could he do? Killing him didn’t work. Having Israel’s enemies kill him didn’t work.

In our next installment, King Saul finds another way of controlling David.

See you then.

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.

Come join us at Considering the Bible

Saul’s Jealousy of David

As many who have followed me for a bit, I have fallen into the Psalms, and I can’t get up! (As if I would want to.) The Psalms are a majestic collection of poetry, of heart felt human experiences that constantly challenge me in my own frail attempt to follow the true King. As many of the Psalms are written by David, my study on the Psalms has spurred me on to looking at the life of David, is the main contributor to this book, and to follow the victories and tragedies of the shepherd King of Israel.

Many times in the narrative, we will see the Lord Jesus, imperfectly, yet a reflection of His spirit in a man with weaknesses.

1 Samuel 18:10-11

10 The next day a harmful spirit from God rushed upon Saul, and he raved within his house while David was playing the lyre, as he did day by day. Saul had his spear in his hand.
11 And Saul hurled the spear, for he thought, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David evaded him twice.

Envy had gripped King Saul by the throat and was beginning it’s death choke. The king couldn’t get beyond the woman’s celebration of his and David’s victory. To attribute more victories over the Philistines to David than to the great King Saul infuriated him, and put David squarely in his sights.

Did David intend to become a target of the King? Absolutely not. Did the women know they were placing David in harms way? No. Yet this envy of Saul would lead him down a very dark path, to the point of attempting to kill his greatest asset multiple times.

Saul’s envy opened the door for another influence that would amplify the illogical thinking the envy had begun. Saul was on a path that began a rapid descent into madness, and in the mysterious plan of God, God sent a harmful spirit to Saul to torment him. Saul knew this spirit, for God had sent it to Saul previously, to torment him due to his bad decisions, and evil actions.

Consider the following verses, and note that the harmful spirit was always from the Lord.

1 Samuel 16:14 Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a harmful spirit from the LORD tormented him.
1 Samuel 16:15 And Saul’s servants said to him, “Behold now, a harmful spirit from God is tormenting you.
1 Samuel 16:16 Let our lord now command your servants who are before you to seek out a man who is skillful in playing the lyre, and when the harmful spirit from God is upon you, he will play it, and you will be well.”
1 Samuel 16:23 And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him.
1 Samuel 18:10 The next day a harmful spirit from God rushed upon Saul, and he raved within his house while David was playing the lyre, as he did day by day. Saul had his spear in his hand.
1 Samuel 19:9 Then a harmful spirit from the LORD came upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his spear in his hand. And David was playing the lyre.

Saul was experiencing torment from this harmful spirit for days in this passage, raving about the house like a madman. As was David’s lot in life at this time, he was to calm the king, especially during these times of possession, but David’s faithfulness simply gave Saul the opportunity to nail David to the wall.

And Saul took this opportunity.

TWICE!

The text says that David evaded Saul’s spear twice. What is with this young shepherd? Saul exposes his intentions and yet David returns to minister to his King. Was it not David’s responsibility to minister to the King, especially in these times of madness? David returned because it was his responsibility. He was faithful, even though Saul made multiple attempts of killing him, to fulfill his ministry to the king, despite the king’s envious eye being directed to him.

Jesus also continued to minister to those who hated Him and sought His destruction. He asked the Father to forgive His murderers, even while hanging on that wretched cross, and He continues to do so even today. He is constantly reaching out to those who, without cause, despise Him.

He is a faithful Savior. Don’t be a madman and reject His ministry to you. He will provide a peace that is beyond understanding once you come to submit to His reign in your life.

He is King and Lord.

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.

Come join us at Considering the Bible

Saul’s Jealousy of David

As many who have followed me for a bit, I have fallen into the Psalms, and I can’t get up! (As if I would want to.) The Psalms are a majestic collection of poetry, of heart felt human experiences that constantly challenge me in my own frail attempt to follow the true King. As many of the Psalms are written by David, my study on the Psalms has spurred me on to looking at the life of David, is the main contributor to this book, and to follow the victories and tragedies of the shepherd King of Israel.

Many times in the narrative, we will see the Lord Jesus, imperfectly, yet a reflection of His spirit in a man with weaknesses.

1 Samuel 18:8-9

8 And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?”
9 And Saul eyed David from that day on.

As we ventured in our last post through David’s victory march and Saul’s development of a nasty case of envy, we made note that envy was not a possession thing, it was a character/skill thing. To be envious is to experience, even to feed a resentful awareness of someone else’s superiority.

With that understanding, we can see that Saul could do two things. Admit this envy as the sin it is, or succumb to it. As we know, Saul was not a man of self control, and he will seek to solve his problem through the use of his power as king.

Let’s remember that if Saul was simply jealous, he could take the possession from David that was causing the jealousy. But remember – Saul wasn’t jealous – he was growing envious, which in my opinion is a much bigger foe.

Envy is such a terrible foe. Envy’s victims are twofold, for the obvious victim in this case is David, but the real victim is Saul, for as we will see in future posts, Saul is driven crazy with envy, and never finds satisfaction, never attains his goal of obeying the dictates of this unsatiable envy. David the future king of Israel was entering into a trial based on Saul’s envy, a trial that would bring him to the edge of his grave.

I cannot resist reminding my reader that there was another King that was delivered up to the Romans by the chief priests out of envy.

Mark 15:10 For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up.

With the Lord, we know that the chief priests were successful in quieting the voice of the Lord initially, seemingly satisfying the demands of their envy, only to have the Savior rise from the grave, and forcing a greater decision upon the priests. Repent or destruction. Thankfully many of the sect of the Pharisees converted, yet some would live to see the fruits of their decision on the nation of Israel, and personally suffer their own destruction.

Back to David in our last verse, when the author stated that Saul eyed David from then on, it is fully understood that he has it in for this young shepherd warrior, this young man who has served him, this young man who delivered the nation from it’s greatest threat.

Yes, this envy would cause David much pain. But for Saul, like the chief priests in Jesus day, would cost him mounting frustration, and eventually his life!

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.

Come join us at Considering the Bible

Saul’s Jealousy of David

As many who have followed me for a bit, I have fallen into the Psalms, and I can’t get up! (As if I would want to.) The Psalms are a majestic collection of poetry, of heart felt human experiences that constantly challenge me in my own frail attempt to follow the true King. As many of the Psalms are written by David, my study on the Psalms has spurred me on to looking at the life of David, is the main contributor to this book, and to follow the victories and tragedies of the shepherd King of Israel.

Many times in the narrative, we will see the Lord Jesus, imperfectly, yet a reflection of His spirit in a man with weaknesses.

1 Samuel 18:6-7
6 As they were coming home, when David returned from striking down the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with songs of joy, and with musical instruments.
7 And the women sang to one another as they celebrated, “Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands.”

Ok, we have three participants in this short story. We have David, who had struck down the Philistines, King Saul who was “with” David, and the women.

Yes – the women.

They meant well, but it did cause a problem. Were the women trying to cause difficulty for David, trying to “stir the pot”? Absolutely not, if I read this properly. They were rejoicing that Israel was victorious and they knew that young shepherd soldier, who was all the rage in Israel, was the reason Israel was so successful. Yes, the women were simply rejoicing, with seemingly good motives, seeking to receive the victorious back to the land!

Yet, for David, this seemingly awesome reception and acknowledgement by the some of the nations women, set up a situation that would lead to attempts on his life, for there was a wee little man, (though head and shoulders above all his subjects), that could not accept the praise being given to David.

But that may not be entirely accurate.

It might not be that the praise given to David was the problem, but that Saul wasn’t receiving top billing, that King Saul was not the most important man in the parade.

It is not that King Saul was jealous, for that emotion is typically associated with possessions, or of a third party in a relationship. I suppose jealousy may apply here, but I think a more accurate word to describe Saul’s emotional constitution would be envy.

Envy and jealousy are sometimes thought of as synonymous, but I would submit to my reader that envy speaks to a resentful awareness of someone else’s superiority. It isn’t so much a possession thing but a character/skill that allows the nasty emotion to rise to the surface!

David was a skilled warrior. King Saul was one who sent men out to battle. Poor Saul wasn’t quite happy with his lot in life.

And the women, in all their innocent exuberance, brought out the envy residing in Saul, with force. It would become all controlling!

There were times when the Lord was praised by someone in the gospels, and He commanded them to be quiet. I never understood that for many years, thinking that everyone should know, that everyone should hear of all His works. That was until I settled down in my mind and thought of situations like we are looking at in this passage.

Good intentions of truthful witness can have dire circumstances. Of course Jesus was aiming for the cross, but it would be on His time schedule, and not someone else’s.

He was in control of every element of His ministry, the good, the bad and the innocent exuberance! Jesus was in control of His revealing at every moment. Jesus understood the heart of man like no other, and orchestrated His own crucifixion through the reactions of men’s dark hearts.

What an amazing Savior!

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.

Come join us at Considering the Bible

David and Jonathan’s Friendship

As many who have followed me for a bit, I have fallen into the Psalms, and I can’t get up! (As if I would want to.) The Psalms are a majestic collection of poetry, of heart felt human experiences that constantly challenge me in my own frail attempt to follow the true King. As many of the Psalms are written by David, my study on the Psalms has spurred me on to looking at the life of David, is the main contributor to this book, and to follow the victories and tragedies of the shepherd King of Israel.

Many times in the narrative, we will see the Lord Jesus, imperfectly, yet a reflection of His spirit in a man with weaknesses. .

1 Samuel 18:1-5
1 As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
2 And Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father’s house.
3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul.
4 And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt.
5 And David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him, so that Saul set him over the men of war. And this was good in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.

David has just vanquished the giant, having come out of nowhere to fight Israel’s battle.

A king, who was a literally a giant of a man amongst his people wasn’t taking the challenge. He didn’t seem to be affected by the slurs against the nation of Israel’s God. Politically, he sought someone to rescue him from this national embarrassment through the provision of gifts, his daughter and tax relief.

So a young shepherd shows up, simply being obedient to his father’s wishes, bringing sustenance to his brothers. After hearing the circumstances of the battle the Israelites were in the midst of, David takes action. Having conquered the enemy, the King asks again about David, but specifically about whose son this young man is.

As an aside, it is interesting to note that Saul was sending out a boy to battle, not concerned about his family, or who he was. This is the nature of a ruling class. Subjects are to be used for the needs of those in charge. After the victory, when Saul asks whose son this warrior is, was it to fulfill his commitment to grant tax free status to the family, or to find a resource he could take advantage of for future battles? I will leave it to my reader to decide.

Nevertheless, David was summoned and presented before the king. And a new character in David’s life appears. An Israeli prince by the name of Jonathon.

Let’s consider Jonathon for a moment. He has already established himself as a victorious, faithful soldier of the nation, a man who is a leader, as seen in his conquest of the philistine garrison is 1 Samuel 14. Not only did he take on a challenge due to opportunity and not by command – for you see Jonathon wasn’t commanded by the king to take on the garrison, but he saw opportunity and trusted God for a victory. As a matter of fact, Jonathon didn’t let his father know of his escapade.

1 Samuel 14:1 One day Jonathan the son of Saul said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the Philistine garrison on the other side.” But he did not tell his father.

Also, take note of Jonathon’s attitude as he spoke to his armor bearer in 1 Samuel 14:6

…It may be that the LORD will work for us, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few.”

It must seem obvious that when these two men met for the first time, a bond of fellowship was recognized between them. They were of kindred spirits, both men who sought ways to see God at work, who had faith in the Living God, and who risked their lives to exhibit this faith.

Surely Jonathon had heard of David, for David had been in the royal court for short periods of time prior to this, trying to satisfy both the king and his father with his presence. This was about to end, for the king was looking to take this young man from his family for his own service. David was to be in the kings court permanently.

Verses 3 & 4 speak of Jonathon and David’s connection, of Jonathon’s commitment to David, of his being bound together with David. The soul’s of these two men were “tied together” at this time, and we do not need to make any crazy assumptions beyond a friendship based on a “knitting together” of their souls.

Jonathon’s gift of supplying the robe to David was an act of the highest honor for a prince to perform. Not only did Jonathon provide this honor of supplying his robe, he went so far as to give David his armor his sword his bow and his belt.

The robe, it seems represents the royal status of the prince, and the remaining items the equipment of the soldier being sent out for the nation. Jonathon provided David the equipment he needed. For the king was keeping David near, to send him out representing the nation in battle. And as can be expected, David was successful where ever he went for the king.

And the people loved him.

The servants of Saul loved him.

Jonathon loved him.

But as we will find out, a small man like Saul began to hate him.

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.

Come join us at Considering the Bible

David and Goliath

As many who have followed me for a bit, I have fallen into the Psalms, and I can’t get up! (As if I would want to.) The Psalms are a majestic collection of poetry, of heart felt human experiences that constantly challenge me in my own frail attempt to follow the true King. As many of the Psalms are written by David, my study on the Psalms has spurred me on to looking at the life of David, is the main contributor to this book, and to follow the victories and tragedies of the shepherd King of Israel.

Many times in the narrative, we will see the Lord Jesus, imperfectly, yet a reflection of His spirit in a man with weaknesses.

The passage before us is the set up for the famous chapter telling the story of a young shepherd taking out a giant of an enemy! Even the most unread Christian has heard of the story. It is very familiar to many, but as we venture through, I believe we will see some details and truths that will be a blessing and challenge for us to consider.

55 As soon as Saul saw David go out against the Philistine, he said to Abner, the commander of the army, “Abner, whose son is this youth?” And Abner said, “As your soul lives, O king, I do not know.”
56 And the king said, “Inquire whose son the boy is.”
57 And as soon as David returned from the striking down of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand.
58 And Saul said to him, “Whose son are you, young man?” And David answered, “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite

Coming off the victory over Goliath, David was getting his gear together, that is his sling and stones, and here comes Abner, the commander of the Israeli army.

It appears the previous discussion Saul had with David concerning taking the giant out was dismissed by the king, or at the very least, the victory required the king to find out more about David. After all, the subjugation of Goliath brought with it certain rewards from the king.

1 Samuel 17:25 …the king will enrich the man who kills him with great riches and will give him his daughter and make his father’s house free in Israel.”

Before I get into this list of rewards, lets consider the general tenor of the king’s motivation. He did not call upon the nation to rise up for God, for the honor of the true King, but appealed to the basest desires of the nation. Money, status and financial freedom from taxation. He was looking for mercenaries amongst his people. The more I ruminate on this method, the less surprised I am of how the “army of Israel” acted after David did his thing. They half heartedly chased the Philistines for a short time, and then came back to the battle site to get things, to plunder the Philistines camp, now that there was no opposition.

Great riches

Great riches would be provided to the man who gained victory over the enemy of Israel. The king would take of the national treasures, (that which was gained by taxation of the people) and give it to the one who would do the armies job. Yes I know I am being harsh, for the army of Israel was likely a volunteer unit at this time is the history of Israel, but the provision of great riches most likely was on no material impact on Saul

Kings daughter

Speaking of material impact on Saul, this reward brought with it the status of belonging to a royal family. It is a kind of fading glory, especially when considered what David knew of his future.

Nevertheless, as we know of the eastern culture in those days, the eldest daughter would be presented first, and per 1 Samuel 14:49, Merab would be first in line for marriage.

It turns out that Saul began the process of providing Merab to David, but hesitated, even reneging on the promise.

1 Samuel 18:19 But at the time when Merab, Saul’s daughter, should have been given to David, she was given to Adriel the Meholathite for a wife.

During this potential offering of Merab, Saul began to attach conditions to the offer of his daughter. Had he forgotten so soon that the conditions for marrying his daughter had already been performed?

Saul is not looking good in this instance, for he is needing more concessions from David to receive his bride, and then changes the promise of Merab as a bride for David, giving her to Adriel the Meholathite.

Eventually, Michal would become David’s wife, after more conditions were laid on David by Saul. Go kill a hundred Philistines, and bring back proof, their foreskins, and then I will fulfill the promise I made to you when you killed Goliath, with my second daughter.

Wow – this reward was becoming quite the privilige!

Fathers house free in Israel

This last reward may have been realized by Jesse, but I can find no evidence in the Word that Saul kept this promise. Nevertheless, this reward is similar to the first promise of great riches, in the fact that it cost the king nothing of his personal wealth, but simply made the nation with less resources. Now of course I am assuming the king separated his wealth from that of the nations coffers, but of this I do not know.

Nevertheless, with the previous faithfulness Saul exercised in the previous rewards, I have a sense that Jesse may not have realized this benefit, until a new king came on the scene!

It is a good thing that David had kept his eyes on the prize on not the rewards, for Saul’s rewards were fading, or not even realized.

No – David kept his eyes on the prize!

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.

Come join us at Considering the Bible

David and Goliath

As many who have followed me for a bit, I have fallen into the Psalms, and I can’t get up! (As if I would want to.) The Psalms are a majestic collection of poetry, of heart felt human experiences that constantly challenge me in my own frail attempt to follow the true King. As many of the Psalms are written by David, my study on the Psalms has spurred me on to looking at the life of David, is the main contributor to this book, and to follow the victories and tragedies of the shepherd King of Israel.

Many times in the narrative, we will see the Lord Jesus, imperfectly, yet a reflection of His spirit in a man with weaknesses.

The passage before us is the set up for the famous chapter telling the story of a young shepherd taking out a giant of an enemy! Even the most unread Christian has heard of the story. It is very familiar to many, but as we venture through, I believe we will see some details and truths that will be a blessing and challenge for us to consider.

50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. There was no sword in the hand of David.
51 Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him and cut off his head with it. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled.
52 And the men of Israel and Judah rose with a shout and pursued the Philistines as far as Gath and the gates of Ekron, so that the wounded Philistines fell on the way from Shaaraim as far as Gath and Ekron.
53 And the people of Israel came back from chasing the Philistines, and they plundered their camp.
54 And David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, but he put his armor in his tent.

David killed Goliath unconventionally. David spoke of his God unconventionally. David served his enemies unconventionally. Heck – even the name David is unconventional in the Word. There is only one David, and there is only One Jesus. But suffice it to say, I will leave the parallels for my other series called Jesus in the Old Testament.

Everyone used a sword. David used a sling. As soon as that stone hit the mark on Goliath’s head, David took the opportunity and used the giants very own weapon against him. Yes – David knew he didn’t need a sword since he would eventually use Goliath’s. Yes – Goliaths sword was used to cut off Goliath’s head.

He who lived by the sword literally died by his own sword in this instance!

Now as soon as the mighty army of Israel knew it was safe to come out and play, they pursued the frightened Philistine army to Gath and Ekron. This distance is between 6 and 10 miles (as the crow files) and the text speaks of pursuing or chasing. Is it that the mighty army of Israel did no fighting, just chasing? I am no military commander, but when you have an army fleeing, would not this be the time to strike, to decimate the enemy, to take advantage of their fear. Was the army of Israel too tired, too wore out, too emotionally drained to actually fight? I am too sarcastic at times!

It seems the army simply chased them away, only to come back to get things! To plunder an empty camp, to get things. Wow.

As I read the passage one more time, I must correct myself. I assumed it was the army of Israel who chased the Philistine army, but the army of Israel isn’t referred to in this passage. It is the “men of Israel and Judah (v52) and the “people of Israel” (v53) that were active after David killed the giant and sent the Philistine army running. The last time the term “army” was use din the chapter was back in verse 21!

Yes the people came back from chasing the Philistines, only to get stuff, things, possessions. What a tremendous victory for the nation, a stunning revealing of a young warrior, and the people return after a bit of a chase to get things.

David brought the head of Goliath to Jerusalem. He had mastered the enemy and did not take it to his home, so that he could gloat over his victory, but to the capital city of Jerusalem, where the nation turned to for leadership and strength.

In a very real sense, David gave the nation the victory, not only in reality but also in symbology. Goliaths head was a symbol of the strength the victor had over the enemy, and David took it to Jerusalem.

He served the nation and not himself, in that the head of Goliath would represent the victory for the nation of Israel.

I suppose he figgered the “people of Israel” would bring him some of the plunder! (Again with the sarcasm!)

What a comparison between a lowly shepherd boy and the mighty warriors of Israel!

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.

Come join us at Considering the Bible

David and Goliath

As many who have followed me for a bit, I have fallen into the Psalms, and I can’t get up! (As if I would want to.) The Psalms are a majestic collection of poetry, of heart felt human experiences that constantly challenge me in my own frail attempt to follow the true King. As many of the Psalms are written by David, my study on the Psalms has spurred me on to looking at the life of David, is the main contributor to this book, and to follow the victories and tragedies of the shepherd King of Israel.

Many times in the narrative, we will see the Lord Jesus, imperfectly, yet a reflection of His spirit in a man with weaknesses.

The passage before us is the set up for the famous chapter telling the story of a young shepherd taking out a giant of an enemy! Even the most unread Christian has heard of the story. It is very familiar to many, but as we venture through, I believe we will see some details and truths that will be a blessing and challenge for us to consider.

48 When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine.
49 And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground.

Ok – Here is where the rubber hits the road! Both of the combatants has had the chance to speak their mind, to try to intimidate their enemy, to correct their adversary, to warn their opponent, but now is when we find out who was simply speaking great swelling words!

David allows the giant to make the first move, to initiate the conflict. Might there be in this little detail the desire of David to come to peaceable terms with the enemy?

Is it not true that the man (or woman) of God is to seek peace, to be a peacemaker? Even in this tiny reference to David allowing Goliath to make the first move, we may see this principle come to light.

It seems to me that Psalm 120:7 typifies the attitude of the godly man.

I am for peace,
but when I speak, they are for war!

One other tidbit that catches my eye, being the procrastinator that I am, is that once the conflict starts, David is all in. The passage speaks of David running quickly to the battle line. He ran to his imminent death, or so it must have appeared to those about him. What a suicide mission! What a fool, for the army of Israel did not understand David. The Philistine army didn’t understand David. The giant didn’t understand David.

The entire world heard a man boast of great things for his God, and then appeared to act on his claims! How audacious! He ran into the face of death, actually believing what he spoke of.

No hesitation, no delay. Time for planning was over, and the time for action was upon him. Too bad for the moment when it appeared he was doomed.

But that is the Christian life, is it not? We are not to walk by sight but by faith. We need to know who our God is, understand His ways, follow His lead and act on it!

I have a friend at work who will review and review, check every option, discuss and coordinate…. I often refer to this condition as paralysis by analysis. My friend, we have no way to know how all the options and possibilities will work out, but we do have the privilege of knowing the One who has all the possibilities worked out and has promised His oversight, even in those times when we sense a failure.

Once the battle begins, once Goliath takes that first step, run to it, not away from it. Whatever the battle entails, go into it with the faith David exhibits here, knowing the God of Israel.

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.

Come join us at Considering the Bible

David and Goliath

As many who have followed me for a bit, I have fallen into the Psalms, and I can’t get up! (As if I would want to.) The Psalms are a majestic collection of poetry, of heart felt human experiences that constantly challenge me in my own frail attempt to follow the true King. As many of the Psalms are written by David, my study on the Psalms has spurred me on to looking at the life of David, is the main contributor to this book, and to follow the victories and tragedies of the shepherd King of Israel.

Many times in the narrative, we will see the Lord Jesus, imperfectly, yet a reflection of His spirit in a man with weaknesses.

The passage before us is the set up for the famous chapter telling the story of a young shepherd taking out a giant of an enemy! Even the most unread Christian has heard of the story. It is very familiar to many, but as we venture through, I believe we will see some details and truths that will be a blessing and challenge for us to consider.

41 And the Philistine moved forward and came near to David, with his shield-bearer in front of him.
42 And when the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was but a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance.
43 And the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.
44 The Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field.”
45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.
46 This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel,
47 and that all this assembly may know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give you into our hand.”

We would do well to remember that warfare during David’s time was completely different than warfare today. These days we do some saber rattling, but for the intent of testing the waters, or to get some allowance from the enemy.

In David’s time the battle was established, and the combatants faced each other, with both men given the opportunity to speak of their battle plans, or at least of their intent in battle. Such is the case in this instance. Goliath, the Philistine speaks first, with derogatory statements, calling David a “dog” and speaking of his fighting methods as “sticks”. After this slight cast upon David, the intelligent Philistine falls to the calling of curses upon David. It is always a sign of weakness when a man (or woman) reverts to cursing. It is as if they have no argument of substance and fall back to simply attacking the person and not the cause.

It is interesting to say the least that when we read that Goliath “cursed” David, the term has roots in meaning to be slighted, or trifling. Goliath, when he cursed David, it was to his person, not his methods, and the cursing brought out Goliaths contempt for David. He considered David of little consequence, of no threat, no significance.

Goliath simply underestimated his enemy, for he made two mistakes.

First he looked at the size of David. This is a common mistake for those who defy God, for God chooses the weak, the insignificant, the unimpressive.

Secondly, he looked at the physical enemy when he should have looked at who David represented! The God of Israel, the One who took on the nation of Egypt and utterly destroyed them, who provided for a nation through the desert travellings, and who established a nation in a foreign land.

Those who do not understand who God is underestimate who they are responsible to. Dear reader – Do you consider Goliath one who ignored the God of the Bible, or was he honestly ignorant of who David represented? Let me know your thoughts in the comments

Planning & Faith

It occurred to me this morning that David was very well prepared for this meeting. Not only did he retrieve his stones at the brook (in full view of the enemy), but was ready with a battle plan, specific to the situation he was facing, with not only the actions he would take, but he would also speak of the purpose of his actions.

David intended to strike Goliath down, and to cut off his head. David would then provide a feast for creation of the bodies of the armies of the Philistines. Ever the overachiever, David was not satisfied with victory over his opponent, but also over his nations enemy. This wasn’t a grudge match in David’s mind – it was much bigger!

David laid out his actions simply and to the point, but the bulk of David’s message to the giant was of his purpose in the battle. The nation of Israel was to have one purpose and David understood this. Israel was to be a shining light for the nations, drawing them to the God of Israel. To draw men, truth has to be understood, and David’s battle would expose to all that the God of the Bible, the God of the nation of Israel is real.

You see – claiming a truth and living a truth may be separate activities for a believer. David was providing evidence that the God of Israel was knowable

 1 Samuel 17:46 …that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel,

David intended one more outcome from this confrontation. Not only would the knowledge of the Lord be provided, but that the knowledge of His ways would also be evident. God saves unconventionally, for our manner of warfare (such as sword or spear, or in our culture, fighter jets or Abrams tanks) is not the way God works.

1 Samuel 17:47 …all this assembly may know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear

It is interesting that David seems to indicate two audiences. First – all the earth would know there is a God in Israel. Secondly – that all this assembly would know of the Lord’s ways, the manner in which He saves.

Is there a knowledge that is reserved for those in the assembly, for those who have come to know the God of Israel, entering into the assembly/congregation? Only upon knowing the God of Israel, can we begin to know of His ways.

As a believer, I entered into the assembly decades ago, and have been learning of His ways ever since. It is good to remember that it is a privilege to enter into the workings of the Lord, to watch His ways and to seek to follow.

Is this not the Lord’s will for each of us to know the God of Israel, the One who came to earth and suffered for us? As we watch Him walking amongst His people, teaching simple (shocking) truths, and serving those who would hurt him, we should come away realizing we have far to go in truly imitating Him.

If you are ignorant of the Lord, reach out to Him. Call on the name of Jesus.

If you know Him, seek His ways, learn of His methods and how He related to those He rubbed shoulders with.

The only thing I ask for you is to not be a Goliath! A seeming winner in the eyes of the world, but in reality, what a looser!

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.

Come join us at Considering the Bible

David and Goliath

As many who have followed me for a bit, I have fallen into the Psalms, and I can’t get up! (As if I would want to.) The Psalms are a majestic collection of poetry, of heart felt human experiences that constantly challenge me in my own frail attempt to follow the true King. As many of the Psalms are written by David, my study on the Psalms has spurred me on to looking at the life of David, is the main contributor to this book, and to follow the victories and tragedies of the shepherd King of Israel.

Many times in the narrative, we will see the Lord Jesus, imperfectly, yet a reflection of His spirit in a man with weaknesses.

1 Samuel 17:38-40

38 Then Saul clothed David with his armor. He put a helmet of bronze on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail,
39 and David strapped his sword over his armor. And he tried in vain to go, for he had not tested them. Then David said to Saul, “I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them.” So David put them off.
40 Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd’s pouch. His sling was in his hand, and he approached the Philistine.

Saul did what every king would do. Seek to protect his investment. Provide what he could to help. Give his new soldier every worldly advantage. 

What struck me this morning is that David allowed him to provide these supposed benefits. Saul clothed David with armor. Heavy armor for a young teen who was not experienced in wearing it! 

There is one additional place in the Bible that speaks of a helmet of bronze and a coat of mail. It was the description of what Goliath wore when he entered into battle.

1 Samuel 17:5 He (Goliath) had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail, and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze.

King Saul sought to level the playing field for David. The king supplied the same protection and weaponry the enemy had. 

But David put it off. He actually took the king’s armor off. What a strange thing to do in the eyes of the king. He rejected the king’s protection. But you see he had to take the armor off in order to retain the protection he sought.

He had not tested this new fangled armor. But he had tested the sling and staff. His hours of being all alone in the field with his sheep afforded him time to master his skills and gain confidence in his chosen method of warfare. He was not a carbon copy of every other man on the field that day. He was one who was comfortable being different! This speaks of David’s stability and self knowledge, of his willingness to stand on his convictions.

Don’t be afraid to be different! Do not be conformed to the giant!

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.

Come join us at Considering the Bible

David and Goliath

As many who have followed me for a bit, I have fallen into the Psalms, and I can’t get up! (As if I would want to.) The Psalms are a majestic collection of poetry, of heart felt human experiences that constantly challenge me in my own frail attempt to follow the true King. As many of the Psalms are written by David, my study on the Psalms has spurred me on to looking at the life of David, is the main contributor to this book, and to follow the victories and tragedies of the shepherd King of Israel.

Many times in the narrative, we will see the Lord Jesus, imperfectly, yet a reflection of His spirit in a man with weaknesses.

1 Samuel 17:31-37

31 When the words that David spoke were heard, they repeated them before Saul, and he sent for him.
32 And David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.”
33 And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth.”
34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock,
35 I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him.
36 Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.”
37 And David said, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you!”

First thing to notice in this passage is the humility and servanthood of the next king of Israel. His concern is with the hearts of the soldiers out there facing this degrading situation. Unlike Eliab, who tore down his own brother in front of strangers, David seeks to build up strangers in front of the king. So many differences between those two son’s of Jesse!

We see David’s attitude of willingness to take care of problems as we saw earlier in this passage, when he rose up early to come the the front. He didn’t drag his feet, or find ways to avoid unpleasant tasks. My goodness – he is committing himself to go fight a giant here!

The giant that Saul and his army experienced was much much larger than the giant David saw. For the army, Goliath was invincible. The army had the attitude much like the 10 spies who came back from spying out the promised land, and spoke of large grasshoppers. It is not possible!

Yet David did not. Remember three things about David that he has in his life that those in the army lacked.

Experience

David was not a trained warrior, and for that we can be thankful. He had found his niche in combat skills by watching over his father’s sheep. His experience was with hand to hand combat if necessary, and had practiced with the sling in order to protect his sheep. He took his responsibility over his father’s sheep very seriously, and was prepared for when the enemy came, whether it be a lion or a bear!

Passion

His experience was worthy of impressing the King, but what stands out for myself is the passion young David communicated to the king. He chased after the bear and the lion, not willing to give an inch when it came to his sheep! His passion for the sheep garnered their protection and the killing of any enemy. This passion easily and naturally escalated when it came to His God. He was one who would not allow the giant to defy the armies of the Living God!

Spirit of God

Most importantly, and without a doubt the major influence in David’s reaction to this uncircumcised giant, was that David was filled with the Spirit of the Lord since his anointing. How could he not be aghast at the defamation of God by this heathen giant? How could he not seek to strengthen those who were cast down, who were shamed and hurting? He was of a different nature, more than simply a shepherd boy with skills and passion, but the one who would lead the nation to heights of dominance they had never experienced!

David cared for his fellow Israeli’s, even those who had mocked him, attributed evil intentions or shamed him. 

Let no man’s heart fail because of him (Goliath). David had many motivators for this challenge, but the one that warms my heart is the concern he had for his fellow Israeli’s. 

How much more has the Greater David expressed His love for us as we are downtrodden, overwhelmed and discouraged. He has taken on the giant of death and the devil, and in our daily lives provides encouragement and strength. 

He will not let any man’s heart fail because of a giant.

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.

Come join us at Considering the Bible

David and Goliath

As many who have followed me for a bit, I have fallen into the Psalms, and I can’t get up! (As if I would want to.) The Psalms are a majestic collection of poetry, of heart felt human experiences that constantly challenge me in my own frail attempt to follow the true King. As many of the Psalms are written by David, my study on the Psalms has spurred me on to looking at the life of David, is the main contributor to this book, and to follow the victories and tragedies of the shepherd King of Israel.

Many times in the narrative, we will see the Lord Jesus, imperfectly, yet a reflection of His spirit in a man with weaknesses.

1 Samuel 17:28-30

28 Now Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke to the men. And Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, “Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your presumption and the evil of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.”
29 And David said, “What have I done now? Was it not but a word?”
30 And he turned away from him toward another, and spoke in the same way, and the people answered him again as before.

No matter how you cut it, Eliab is a piece of work in this passage. He fully exposes himself in front of the army, and before his brothers face, his attitude of superiority over David, his condescending tone, his judgement of intent. Eliab does not look good in this passage.

First off, He rejects David’s attendance. Why have you come down? Why are you here? Never mind that David was sent, Eliab assumes David came to stir the pot, to cause trouble, that David came of his own volition.

Secondly, Eliab tries to shame David, by speaking of “those few sheep in the wilderness” that he cared for. If it was but a few sheep, this speaks of David’s faithfulness, yet we do not know if there was any truth to this slur of Eliab’s. Was it a few sheep, or dozens of sheep. Not the issue to be honest, for Eliab was working the same warfare as Goliath at this point, a warfare that attacked and denigrated the opposition. But the difference here is that Eliab is family! At least in the physical sense. 

Finally, Eliab judges David’s intentions, his heart, the motivations that drove David to come to the battle field. Remember, David came at the behest of his father, to provide sustenance for his brothers. David came to the battlefield as a servant, but Eliab assigned evil intentions to his younger brother, while in the middle of frustrated soldiers that were being shamed. 

Truly, Eliab was rejected by God as the next king, based on character traits that may not have been obvious at the time. It seems these character traits are starting to become evident, and Eliab has no problem expressing his disfavor of his own brother in the midst of a gang of soldiers. Yes Eliab had his issues. And it seems his rejection by God was well warranted. He simply was not good leadership material. Gosh – he wasn’t even good brother material!

After David’s declaration of taking on the giant, and Eliab’s tongue lashing of David, the rumor mill cranked up in activity and the news reached the king. 

We have a soldier willing to take on the giant! Bring him to the King!

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.

Come join us at Considering the Bible

David and Goliath

As many who have followed me for a bit, I have fallen into the Psalms, and I can’t get up! (As if I would want to.) The Psalms are a majestic collection of poetry, of heart felt human experiences that constantly challenge me in my own frail attempt to follow the true King. As many of the Psalms are written by David, my study on the Psalms has spurred me on to looking at the life of David, is the main contributor to this book, and to follow the victories and tragedies of the shepherd King of Israel.

Many times in the narrative, we will see the Lord Jesus, imperfectly, yet a reflection of His spirit in a man with weaknesses.

1 Samuel 17:24-27

24 All the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him and were much afraid.
25 And the men of Israel said, “Have you seen this man who has come up? Surely he has come up to defy Israel. And the king will enrich the man who kills him with great riches and will give him his daughter and make his father’s house free in Israel.”
26 And David said to the men who stood by him, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”
27 And the people answered him in the same way, “So shall it be done to the man who kills him.”

I can imagine that at this point, in David’s mind, he had decided he was going to kill Goliath. It was a settled conviction for David, a decision he made when the giant defied the armies of the Living God. Note that the men amongst him (his brothers?) merely referred to the armies being defied, without any reference to the Living God. This is what separated David from the rank and file of the nations armies.

But David also had a strategy for this opportunity. Yes he would kill the barbarian, the uncircumcised giant. No debate on this outcome. He would face the giant and with God’s help defeat him. 

But the news of three benefits from the king were freely shared amongst the army. I am sure King Saul reminded the army of this opportunity, hoping someone would step forward. The men of Israel spread the news – the reward the king would offer was three fold, and it was a generous offer! 

• Great riches
• The kings daughter in marriage
• The family’s house free in Israel. – no taxes

So great were these rewards, that David needed some clarification, so he asked again what would be granted to the man who defeated this enemy. Can you imagine what this news would do for the young shepherd? First he is anointed king, and now he has the opportunity to gain riches (become a name in Israel), marry into royalty (which would become a hindrance eventually) and provided tax free living for his father. 

This opportunity to gain wealth, connections and status in the nation must have signaled to David that God was continuing to guide him into great things. 

Of course this is not completely parallel for the believer today, for we are not to be enticed by the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes or the pride of life. In no way am I suggesting David was fueled by these desires, but the rewards may position him to be on a trajectory to fulfill (at least in his mind) his future coronation into the Kingship of Israel.

No matter, for David’s mind and heart were set. We cannot see all the ruminations within this young mans mind, but one thing was certain. He was going to take care of this problem!

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.

Come join us at Considering the Bible

David and Goliath

As many who have followed me for a bit, I have fallen into the Psalms, and I can’t get up! (As if I would want to.) The Psalms are a majestic collection of poetry, of heart felt human experiences that constantly challenge me in my own frail attempt to follow the true King. As many of the Psalms are written by David, my study on the Psalms has spurred me on to looking at the life of David, is the main contributor to this book, and to follow the victories and tragedies of the shepherd King of Israel.

Many times in the narrative, we will see the Lord Jesus, imperfectly, yet a reflection of His spirit in a man with weaknesses.

1 Samuel 17:19-23

19 Now Saul and they and all the men of Israel were in the Valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.
20 And David rose early in the morning and left the sheep with a keeper and took the provisions and went, as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the encampment as the host was going out to the battle line, shouting the war cry.
21 And Israel and the Philistines drew up for battle, army against army.
22 And David left the things in charge of the keeper of the baggage and ran to the ranks and went and greeted his brothers.
23 As he talked with them, behold, the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, came up out of the ranks of the Philistines and spoke the same words as before. And David heard him.

David was a responsible young man, always ensuring those assignments to which he could not attend to, were taken care of. Note that prior to leaving for the front, he left the sheep with a keeper. As he entered the encampment area, he assigned a keeper to care for the provisions he brought for his brothers.

Note also, that David rose early, indicating a willing spirit, for he didn’t stay in bed, sleep in, act the sluggard, but rose early and performed his assigned tasks. This enthusiasm, it turns out was instrumental for David to arrive at the camp, just in time to hear Goliaths rant. To be with his brothers as they were subjected to psychological warfare.

The soldiers were being worn down, with this assembly of the ranks before the enemy required with a daily formation and approach, only to pull back, to take the mental hit and go back to the camp, licking their wounds.

This time a young man, a teenager, a future king, a shepherd, heard the rant from the enemy. At this point, everything changes! And Goliath might better start measuring his coffin, for he is a dead man!

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.

Come join us at Considering the Bible

David and Goliath

As many who have followed me for a bit, I have fallen into the Psalms, and I can’t get up! (As if I would want to.) The Psalms are a majestic collection of poetry, of heart felt human experiences that constantly challenge me in my own frail attempt to follow the true King. As many of the Psalms are written by David, my study on the Psalms has spurred me on to looking at the life of David, is the main contributor to this book, and to follow the victories and tragedies of the shepherd King of Israel.

Many times in the narrative, we will see the Lord Jesus, imperfectly, yet a reflection of His spirit in a man with weaknesses.

1 Samuel 17:17-18

17 And Jesse said to David his son, “Take for your brothers an ephah of this parched grain, and these ten loaves, and carry them quickly to the camp to your brothers.
18 Also take these ten cheeses to the commander of their thousand. See if your brothers are well, and bring some token from them.”

Jesse sent his youngest son into a war zone. According to my calculations, Jesse still had five sons at home, of whom David is the youngest. 

Why send David?

Jesse sent the future king of Israel into a war zone. How long ago had it been that David was anointed to be King of Israel? 

Why send David?

Jesse sent the family shepherd into a war zone. Were the other four brothers busy working for the father?

Why send David?

Jesse sent David into a warzone to provide supplies for his brothers and superior, and to “spy” on the conditions of the army of Israel. ”Spy” may be too harsh a word for this errand but the result is the same. Jesse was curious about the conditions his sons were experiencing, and Jesse’s concern for his older boys brought David into an unsafe situation.

So why send David. Did not Jesse have a servant that was trustworthy, but somewhat expendable? It turns out in our next passage, we find that David, prior to leaving on this mission, found a keeper for his sheep. Jesse had servants!

Was Jesse revealing how he saw David, not as the future King, or as his youngest son, but just as another servant, one whom was already busy performing shepherding tasks for him and service to the king. Note that David had just been described as having returned from the king’s service in our previous passage.

In all of this conjecture, I find that David’s anointing made no difference to those about him. Nothing changed in the eyes of the family towards the youngest son of Jesse. The promise of God on David may have only created further friction within the family.

Forgetting motivations and family interactions within David’s family, it is always good to see the Lord Jesus pictured in the Old Testament. In this very passage, we see the Son being sent by the Father into a warzone for the sake of His own. We see the Son providing sustenance for those of His people. We will see that He was rejected by those he came to serve, and entered into a battle all alone, was mocked and ridiculed and faced certain death in front of the enemy. He entered battle without the conventional defensive and offensive battle gear, but that which was simple and effective.

This story of David and Goliath is truly amazing as a historical incident in the nation of Israel, a time that set the nation on a course of great success both politically and militarily. Only more so is this story worth considering if we see Jesus in the midst of it, and consider how these stories of a young shepherd boy pre-shadowed the true King of Israel.

His story is the greater story, for He is the Greater David.

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.

Come join us at Considering the Bible

David and Goliath

As many who have followed me for a bit, I have fallen into the Psalms, and I can’t get up! (As if I would want to.) The Psalms are a majestic collection of poetry, of heart felt human experiences that constantly challenge me in my own frail attempt to follow the true King. As many of the Psalms are written by David, my study on the Psalms has spurred me on to looking at the life of David, is the main contributor to this book, and to follow the victories and tragedies of the shepherd King of Israel.

Many times in the narrative, we will see the Lord Jesus, imperfectly, yet a reflection of His spirit in a man with weaknesses.

Let’s continue with the life of David, and his relations to two men who influenced his life greatly.

1 Samuel 17

12 Now David was the son of an Ephrathite of Bethlehem in Judah, named Jesse, who had eight sons. In the days of Saul the man was already old and advanced in years.
13 The three oldest sons of Jesse had followed Saul to the battle. And the names of his three sons who went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next to him Abinadab, and the third Shammah.
14 David was the youngest. The three eldest followed Saul,
15 but David went back and forth from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Bethlehem.
16 For forty days the Philistine came forward and took his stand, morning and evening.

Consider Jesse the Ephrathite. To be from Ephrath was to come from an historic location. Many who may be reading this may be surprised to find that Ephrath is the same place as Bethlehem. 

Let’s go back to the first verse of the first chapter of the first book of Samuel. You see, Samuel’s ancestor came out of Ephrath, and we know that a very famous King was to be born in Ephrathah.

Micah 5:2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.

Jesse, the father of David, found his place in Israel in the little town of Bethlehem. An old man by the time David shows up on the scene, with numerous children prior to the future kings birth. An old man with a large family, in a small, seemingly insignificant town. With his nation on the brink of yet another war.

It turns out that there were at least 7 son’s of Jesse before David came on the scene. David, at the time of his anointing, was the eighth son of Jesse. As we mentioned earlier, David’s relationship within the family is not as clearly described as we might want it. If you haven’t been following my journey through David’s life, consider reading Life of David – 3.04 for some hints as to the family dynamics David lived within.

The first three sons followed King Saul to battle. These three soldiers had recently experienced the anointing of David to be the future King of Israel, yet they followed after King Saul into battle. A bit of conflict? Might this speak of the brother’s faith, or even of their jealousy? Of course this may have been more a factor of age than political difference, yet it makes me wonder of the relationship David had with his brothers.

I think as we venture a bit further into the story we will find that at least one of the brothers was undergoing a sampling of the green-eyed monster, a wee bit of jealousy. But I am getting ahead of myself.

Consider the heart of David in that when he was requested of King Saul, David did not forget his father. If there was some relational difficulties between David and the family, David’s actions did not reveal this. He could have justifiably stayed with King Saul, but he returned to his father, going back and forth between his father’s needs and the king’s needs. 

David went back and forth, from Jesse, a man that may have “ignored” his son at times, possibly favoring his first born, or the elder brothers, to King Saul, a man who could not ignore David, but instead became his lethal enemy.

David served them both.

May I remind you that another King lived as a servant, a King that humbled Himself beyond our imaginations. A Man who gave to His enemies, even as He suffered and died. The Greater David came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for all.

Thank Him for His loving kindness today, for His safeguarding of your life, for the blessing of knowing Him and His goodness. 

Praise the Lord.

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.

Come join us at Considering the Bible

David and Goliath

As many who have followed me for a bit, I have fallen into the Psalms, and I can’t get up! (As if I would want to.) The Psalms are a majestic collection of poetry, of heart felt human experiences that constantly challenge me in my own frail attempt to follow the true King. As many of the Psalms are written by David, my study on the Psalms has spurred me on to looking at the life of David, is the main contributor to this book, and to follow the victories and tragedies of the shepherd King of Israel.

Many times in the narrative, we will see the Lord Jesus, imperfectly, yet a reflection of His spirit in a man with weaknesses.

The passage before us is the set up for the famous chapter telling the story of a young shepherd taking out a giant of an enemy! Even the most unread Christian has heard of the story. It is very familiar to many, but as we venture through, I believe we will see some details and truths that will be a blessing and challenge for us to consider.

1 Samuel 17:8-11
8 He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why have you come out to draw up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me.
9 If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us.”
10 And the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day. Give me a man, that we may fight together.”
11 When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.

In our last post we spoke of the advantage Goliath had over the nation of Israel, of this dominant stature, his body armor and his multiple offensive weapons, even his assistant who provided additional defensive protection through carrying a shield. It is crazy how this man who had every advantage left nothing to chance! This fella is the proverbial bully, ganging up on his intended victim and having all the protection he can muster for his own security.

And as all bully’s do, he turned to verbal threats and taunts. 

At first, he simply began by asking the nation of Israel to send out a single person to fight against him. A man. One man that would fight Goliath, assuming the fight would again be on Goliaths term’s. Hand to hand battle, a fight to prove who was the greatest warrior between the two nations.

It was a simple proposition. Two armies don’t have to enter into a war of attrition. One man need only die to provide the decision of the war. One man to be offered on the battle field to save the entire army from much death. Of course this situation favored the one offering it, but that is beside the point!

One man to represent the nation, that would be sent to certain death for their sake. If Goliath won – and it was obvious he would – Israel, though in bondage to the Philistine’s would experience a form of peace. A period where they would serve the Philistines instead of die in battle. 

Tempting?

Surely the King of Israel was considering his options. That is until Goliath stepped in it. 

Yes Goliath defied the ranks of Israel. Note that in verse 10, Goliaths taunt was

 “I defy the ranks of Israel this day.”

Yet when David heard it, he heard something different. I am reaching ahead in our study a bit, but it speaks volumes to the perception David had, and what Goliath’s intentions were.

 vs 26 For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”

David understood that to defy the “ranks of Israel” is to defy the “armies of the Living God.”

In David’s mind, to be an approach upon the people of God is to be an approach on the Living God.

Let me try to explain this in a New Testament example. A man was on the hunt for some New Testament believers, those who entered the kingdom of God by belief in the True King, and this man was pulled up short by the King. And what did the King ask him?

Acts 9:4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”

Saul was hunting down Christians, those of the “ranks of Israel”, and Jesus equated this with attacking the Living God.

The connection between the Father and His people is indistinguishable in the Father’s mind, and as such we would do well to consider that as we interact with those who call on the name of the Lord. We are called to love our brother and sister, and to do no harm. No gossip, no lies, no hurt.

But I digress. 

Goliath was entering into dangerous territory when he defied the ranks of Israel, when one who was sensitive to the honor of God heard it, that is. He spoke his taunt for days prior to David’s appearance, but once David showed up, heard the taunt, understood the intent and decided to do something, the curtain began to close on ol’ Goliath.

But until then, all of Israel were dismayed and greatly afraid! Imagine the disbelief David’s faith faced as he entered the camp. A lone believer. A single, young teenager amongst his nation’s greatest warriors

How incredulous!

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.

Come join us at Considering the Bible

David and Goliath

As many who have followed me for a bit, I have fallen into the Psalms, and I can’t get up! (As if I would want to.) The Psalms are a majestic collection of poetry, of heart felt human experiences that constantly challenge me in my own frail attempt to follow the true King. As many of the Psalms are written by David, my study on the Psalms has spurred me on to looking at the life of David, is the main contributor to this book, and to follow the victories and tragedies of the shepherd King of Israel.

Many times in the narrative, we will see the Lord Jesus, imperfectly, yet a reflection of His spirit in a man with weaknesses.

The passage before us is the set up for the famous chapter telling the story of a young shepherd taking out a giant of an enemy! Even the most unread Christian has heard of the story. It is very familiar to many, but as we venture through, I believe we will see some details and truths that will be a blessing and challenge for us to consider.

In our last post on this upcoming victory of David over the giant, we considered the nation attacking them and the location of the battlefield. The Philistine army was encamped within the boundaries of Israel, choosing the location to their advantage, waiting for Israel to show up.

Until we get to the internal concerns of the Israeli armed forces, lets take a minute to consider the problem they were facing. 

Goliath. 

1 Samuel 17:4-7
4 And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.
5 He had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail, and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze.
6 And he had bronze armor on his legs, and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders.
7 The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron. And his shield-bearer went before him.

It turns out that Goliath, although the most famous of giants, was not the only giant to be roaming the area. There appeared to be multiple giants in the region, a descendant of Rapha. During David’s reign, many of the giants fell, and there may be a lesson in that for us. 

One victory spurs on additional victories. One bold move by a young shepherd emboldened other warriors to take on giants. I can hear the apostle Paul speaking of this same concept in Philippians

Philippians 1:14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

There is some debate as to whether Goliath was a Philistine, or hired as a mercenary to fight for them. 

His appearance, and his boasting brought about fear and trembling, working the very effect the Philistines were seeking to have. 

Consider that Goliath was over 9 feet tall. For the sake of getting a feel for the scale of this man’s height, I would refer you to Robert Wadlow. In the past, I have visited Ripley’s Museum and seen a statue of Robert Wadlow, the tallest man in recorded history. His height reached 8′ 11″. 

To be dwarfed by a giant like Wadlow had an impact on me, yet his bearing was that of a thin man, a man that was not of the warrior bearing as Goliath. To see Goliath, a warrior decked out in all the defensive armor as Goliath must have intimidated everyone. Surely this was Goliath’s greatest psychological power over his combatants.

And yet Goliath did not simply depend only on his natural stature, but also on his weapons of warfare, both offensive and defensive.

His defensive protection included a helmet of bronze to protect his head. As we know from the account of the battle, it didn’t help him against David’s stone. He also wore a bronze coat of mail, or body armor weighing over 120 pounds. His final protective equipment was that of armor on his legs. He was suited out for every conventional protection, taking no chances in any battle!

His offensive weapons included a javelin and a spear. It appears the javelin may also be understood to be the sword that David turned on Goliath, chopping his head off! The spear alone is described as massive, with a head equivalent to 16 pounds. 

On top of all of this protection, Goliath had an armor bearer, holding a shield before him. This guy was intimidating and protected. 

Goliath left nothing to chance! He was larger, stronger, more experienced, more confident, over protected and trained in wielding the sword and spear. For those who heard of his challenge, it must have seemed to be a suicide mission.

Everything was playing out for Goliaths goals. He knew he had the advantage, and everyone around him knew he had the advantage. He had every physical advantage, had the upper hand in psychological warfare, and came against a nation that wasn’t able to equal his challenge. 

It was a slam dunk for Goliath. Even if King Saul came out to battle, Goliath still had the advantage. Remember that of all the men of Israel, Saul was the tallest, and as the King, he should have led the country into the fight Goliath demanded! 

The only slip Goliath made was to defy the Living God. Up until then, everything was going Goliath’s way.

But a young inexperienced teenager heard the slur against his God, and in his inexperience, in his blind faith, in his trusting self sacrifice, he stepped up. 

And Goliath fell down.

But I am getting ahead of myself. Our next passage will look at the slurs that Goliath spread, the defiance that became his downfall.

Oh how the mighty have fallen!

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.

Come join us at Considering the Bible

David and Goliath

As many who have followed me for a bit, I have fallen into the Psalms, and I can’t get up! (As if I would want to.) The Psalms are a majestic collection of poetry, of heart felt human experiences that constantly challenge me in my own frail attempt to follow the true King. As many of the Psalms are written by David, my study on the Psalms has spurred me on to looking at the life of David, is the main contributor to this book, and to follow the victories and tragedies of the shepherd King of Israel.

Many times in the narrative, we will see the Lord Jesus, imperfectly, yet a reflection of His spirit in a man with weaknesses.

The passage before us is the set up for the famous chapter telling the story of a young shepherd taking out a giant of an enemy! Even the most unread Christian has heard of the story. It is very familiar to many, but as we venture through, I believe we will see some details and truths that will be a blessing and challenge for us to consider.

Our first three verses speaks to us of the Philistine nation and the location chosen for this fateful clash of nations. 

1 Samuel 17:1-3
1 Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle. And they were gathered at Socoh, which belongs to Judah, and encamped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammim.
2 And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered, and encamped in the Valley of Elah, and drew up in line of battle against the Philistines.
3 And the Philistines stood on the mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on the mountain on the other side, with a valley between them.

It appears the Philistines were confident in approaching Israel, for they had already ventured into the tribe of Judah’s land, had set up camp at Ephes-dammim near Socoh, and waited for the nation of Israel to appear. They were truly the thorn in Israel’s side during and prior to Saul’s monarchy. 

If you recall, they were the nation that took the Ark of the Covenant from the nation, suffered debilitating disease in various of their cities and eventually sent it back the Israel. 

In thier next battle with the nation of Israel, they met with Israel at Mizpeh, and as the battle was raging, the Lord “thundered with a mighty sound against the Philistines” confusing the enemy and securing a victory for Israel.

Now both of these instances had provided the Philistines proof of a miraculous intervention of the Israeli God, yet we we see them taking on the nation again. 

From their first appearance in Judges, with battles over the cities of Gaza, Ashkelon and Ekron, through Shamgar’s killing of 600 Philistines, Samson’s suicidal domination over the nation, and now into Samuel’s and Saul’s time, they were a confident lot of a nation. 

Tenacious.

Determined.

I would suggest their determination is best summed up in 1 Samuel 4:7-9

7 the Philistines were afraid, for they said, “A god has come into the camp.” And they said, “Woe to us! For nothing like this has happened before.
8 Woe to us! Who can deliver us from the power of these mighty gods? These are the gods who struck the Egyptians with every sort of plague in the wilderness.
9 Take courage, and be men, O Philistines, lest you become slaves to the Hebrews as they have been to you; be men and fight.”

The Philistines were determined, yet in the face of all the miraculous victories, this determination may be also considered stubbornness. A blind stubbornness that refuses to consider their history with Israel. Wisdom for them may have not been their strong suit. 

Nevertheless, here they are, knocking on Israel’s door, picking a fight, using a giant as their secret weapon. This approach has to work, right?

The Philistines chose the location of the battle field, having encamped on the slopes north of the stream cutting through the valley of Elah, in between Azekah and Socoh. 

This epic battle took place at Ephes-dammim, so called for the battles waged here.  Ephes-dammim actually means “boundary of bloods” and is also referred to as Pas-dammin elsewhere in the Scriptures. The area consisted of a flat valley with two hills running east west along the stream. 

As mentioned above, the valley was cut with a stream running through it, though the modern pictures above do not show it. Might this be the stream that David resorted to for his stones? In the very sight of the Philistines?

But who was paying attention to a young teenage Israelite when the Philistines had such might and power by the name of Goliath. Surely the Philistines were confident in their chances against the little nation of Israel, with such a mighty giant on their side. 

But we know where their confidence lies, don’t we? (Hint – Not in the Living God!)

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.

Come join us at Considering the Bible

David in Saul’s Service

As many who have followed me for a bit, I have fallen into the Psalms, and I can’t get up! (As if I would want to.) The Psalms are a majestic collection of poetry, of heart felt human experiences that constantly challenge me in my own frail attempt to follow the true King. As many of the Psalms are written by David, my study on the Psalms has spurred me on to looking at the life of David, is the main contributor to this book, and to follow the victories and tragedies of the shepherd King of Israel.

Many times in the narrative, we will see the Lord Jesus, imperfectly, yet a reflection of His spirit in a man with weaknesses.

Our current portion of Scripture speaks of David, the newly anointed King of Israel, being chosen by Saul’s servants as the One to serve the deposed King. How curious that of all within Saul’s kingdom, David is chosen to be a blessing to Saul. Let’s continue with the passage begun last week

1 Samuel 16:20-23, 17:5

20 And Jesse took a donkey laden with bread and a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them by David his son to Saul.
21 And David came to Saul and entered his service. And Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor bearer.
22 And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Let David remain in my service, for he has found favor in my sight.”
23 And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him.
15 but David went back and forth from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Bethlehem.

In our last post we began to see the circumstances that Saul fell into in order to provide David the conditions required to prove himself as a warrior and future king, in the very king’s court that he will someday assume. Incredible, but Saul invites the very person into his circle that will become his successor! 

As a short review, Saul, in order to provide some relief from a troubling spirit from the Lord, sent his servants to Jesse requesting the service of his son David. Consider Jesse, fresh from coming off experiencing his son being anointed the next king of Israel, and then the current king has his men show up on his doorstep! Talk about suspicious coincidences!

Surely this must be bad! Very bad news for the son of Jesse! No wonder Jesse sent a donkey laden with gifts, along with the son he may never see again. How this must have confused Jesse, not to mention David himself. He had just received a promise form God about his destiny, and now he is entering the very lions mouth! 

Nevertheless, David entered Saul’s service , and he served Saul to the point where Saul gained great affection for him, to the point of loving him, and appointing him to be his armor bearer. David was pulled into the inner circle quickly, with Saul seeking to keep him, that Jesse would allow him to remain.

Saul could have kept David, for he was king and had the authority to take as he pleased, but his actions speak of the respect he had for David at this time, and the desire to keep him in his service willingly. This is a redeeming trait in Saul’s life at this time, though it may have been somewhat selfish in order to satisfy his own needs. Whatever motivated Saul, David was becoming the one that Saul depended on in areas of mental health and general service.

Yet note that our last verse speaks of David splitting his time between his father and his king. David did not use this opportunity granted him of being called to a higher position to ignore his previous duties. He did not forget his father’s sheep. He was a shepherd at heart and though he would become a man of war, and a powerful king, his heart is exposed in this little verse. When he could pull away from formal duties for the king, he would seek out the welfare of his father’s sheep.

There is another Shepherd, that in His many duties, is still seeking out His sheep, for that is where His heart is. He is a Savior that is not constrained by time limitations as David was, but our Savior is constantly tending to His Father’s sheep.

He is the True Shepherd, the Greater David, a Kind and Loving King who has bled and died for us. May His name be praised for all that He is and for all that He does!

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.

Come join us at Considering the Bible

David in Saul’s Service

As many who have followed me for a bit, I have fallen into the Psalms, and I can’t get up! (As if I would want to.) The Psalms are a majestic collection of poetry, of heart felt human experiences that constantly challenge me in my own frail attempt to follow the true King. As many of the Psalms are written by David, my study on the Psalms has spurred me on to looking at the life of David, is the main contributor to this book, and to follow the victories and tragedies of the shepherd King of Israel.

Many times in the narrative, we will see the Lord Jesus, imperfectly, yet a reflection of His spirit in a man with weaknesses.

Our next portion of Scripture speaks of David, the newly anointed King of Israel, being chosen by Saul’s servants as the One to serve the deposed King. How curious that of all within Saul’s kingdom, David is chosen to be a blessing to Saul.

But before I go any further, let us read the passage.

1 Samuel 16:14-19
14 Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a harmful spirit from the LORD tormented him.
15 And Saul’s servants said to him, “Behold now, a harmful spirit from God is tormenting you.
16 Let our lord now command your servants who are before you to seek out a man who is skillful in playing the lyre, and when the harmful spirit from God is upon you, he will play it, and you will be well.”
17 So Saul said to his servants, “Provide for me a man who can play well and bring him to me.”
18 One of the young men answered, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a man of good presence, and the LORD is with him.”
19 Therefore Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me David your son, who is with the sheep.”

Notice that right off in this passage, the Lord had informed Saul of his loss of authority. Yes Samuel had pronounced the loss of Saul’s kingdom due to his rebellion, but at the beginning of this passage we are informed that Saul had the inner witness of the Spirit of God departing from him. And as the Spirit departed, we find a harmful spirit from the Lord tormenting him. The passage speaks three times of this harmful spirit coming from the Lord! The term actually speaks of a spirit that produces an ecstatic state of frenzy and violence, per BDB Lexicon. 

As a side bar, is this not instructive to the common man, that a life of increasing frenzy and violence indicates a loss of connection with the Holy One. He is our peace and we, if wise, would do well to seek the True David, to provide contentment and peace in our lives.

But let us continue in considering the troubling spirit from the Lord. It is puzzling to say the least, yet as we will all confess, He is sovereign and mysterious in the working out of His will. Not only are those spirits who are compliant and subject to His authority available for His service , but also all spirits who have rebelled and bring trouble to our souls. He has a purpose that is beyond my comprehension, and in these situations, we must be willing to simply trust Him that He has a higher purpose, a reason to bring about this condition.

In this historical instance, an obvious reason for the troubling spirit upon Saul is to bring the newly anointed king into the royal environment, to provide training for the young shepherd boy, to give him experience as a soldier and to become a confidant of the king, and to finally prove himself as the more worthy one in the eyes of the nation.

But again, I am getting ahead of myself. Our passage speaks of the “circumstances” that God provided Saul into in order to have David brought into the royal circle by the choice of the deposed king. No one could say that David was forced upon Saul – no – he was invited, requested and desired in order to serve Saul, to provide relief to his soul, and eventually to supply deliverance from the enemies of the nation. 

The “harmful” spirit from the Lord initiated a desire by Saul’s servants to find relief for their master, and in this back and forth with Saul, David’s name was brought forward. A young man had heard of him. This shepherd boy had quite the resume. His skill set, along with his character and abilities were truly impressive.

• Skillful in playing
• A man of valor
• A man of war
• Prudent in speech
• A man of good presence
• The Lord is with him

David was a young man that had excellent qualities and he was being spoken of through out the nation. Even as a shepherd boy, out with his father’s sheep, the news of his abilities were being voiced abroad to others. It is of interest that, even as he was a young man, David had the reputation of one who was prudent in speech. The six descriptions of his life by this young man i Saul’s service deserve consideration, but I would life to focus on the prudent in speech for just a moment.

To be prudent communicates intelligence, a discerning mind, (which is different than “mere” intelligence) and one who understands situations clearly. David was prudent in speech, which requires the formulation of correct understanding in his thoughts prior to his communicating to others. He had a discerning mind, and with that, the boldness to speak it at the right time and in the right manner. Surely the Lord was with Him, for at an early age (many think he was still a teenager at this time) David was head and shoulders, metaphorically speaking, over of his contemporaries.

The new king would stand above his competition, but not based on physical appearance, but based on that which pleased God.

Our King also is head and shoulders above all others, prudent of speech. His words are full of grace and truth towards us and we are only right to seek Him out.

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.

Come join us at Considering the Bible