Milo

MARCH 6

Reading 65

THE FUGITIVE YEARS END 1 Samuel 26–31

“One of these days I will be destroyed by the hand of Saul” (1 Sam. 27:1).Sometimes the pressure becomes so great that we try to run away. David finally became discouraged and fled to Philistia. As is often the case, the deepening darkness was a harbinger of a new dawn.

Background

Mercenaries. In ancient times bands of unemployed soldiers often hired out their services to foreign rulers. Later David himself had a guard of 600 men from Gath, who remained faithful to him when his own people rebelled (cf. 2 Sam. 15:16–22). When David fled from Saul into Philistine territory, the ruler of Gath treated him and his men as a mercenary force, and expected David to be loyal to the mercenary code of that day.

Overview

David and his followers settled in Philistine territory (27:1–12). As war approached, Saul desperately sought guidance, finally turning to a medium who consulted the dead (28:1–25). Meanwhile, David was saved from fighting against Israel when the Philistine rulers expelled his men from their army (29:1–11). David returned home to find his city burned and the wives and children of his men captured (30:1–6). They overtook the raiders and saved their families (vv. 7–31). Saul was killed in the Philistine war, and David’s adventurous fugitive years ended at last (31:1–13).

Understanding the Text

“The Lord forbid that I should lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed” 1 Sam. 26:1–25. Once again David had an opportunity to kill Saul, this time while he slept surrounded by his army. Instead David took the king’s spear and water jug, and used these items to prove he had again spared his enemy. Saul promised to stop pursuing David, and admitted that David would “do great things and surely triumph.” The king might well have been sincere—for the moment. But sincere words are not sufficient evidence of reform. David knew by now that Saul was not worthy of trust. Despondent and afraid that “one of these days I will be destroyed,” David decided to leave Israel. We can give Saul the benefit of the doubt, and say that he was sincere when he made this promise. Sometimes you and I are sincere when we make commitments. But sincerity is not enough. Sincerity moves us to make commitments. But it takes integrity to keep them. We must guard against thinking that our own sincerity is enough when we make promises to others. We must be men and women of integrity. “David . . . went over to Achish . . . king of Gath” 1 Sam. 27:1–12. The Philistine ruler treated David as a mercenary leader, and gladly gave him a country town to live in. Achish expected David to live up to the mercenary code. David, however, raided Israel’s enemies, telling Achish that his raids were against Hebrew settlements. This deception was not to David’s credit. But David’s decision to leave Israel almost forced him to act deceptively. David intended to be king of Israel one day, and would never raid his own people. Yet David was in a position where he had to act as a subject of one of Israel’s most bitter enemies. David’s experience teaches us an important lesson. One way to avoid deceit is to stay out of situations where lies will seem necessary. “Find me a woman who is a medium” 1 Sam. 28:1–25. Saul was terrified by the size of the Philistine army that was drawn up against him. He received no answer when he went to God for guidance. So he ordered his retainers to locate a medium. The Old Testament called for the death of those who used sorcery, divination, or other occult practices (Lev. 19:31; Deut. 18:10–11). Saul himself had tried to rid the land of occult practitioners. In his fear, he now turned to dark forces for aid. The familiar story tells how stunned this “witch of Endor” was when the shadowy form of Samuel actually appeared. She may have been a channel for demonic expression, but she had no access to the spirits of the dead. Samuel told Saul clearly that it was too late for him. Israel would be defeated in the next battle with the Philistines, and Saul himself would be killed. It is possible for a person to wander so far from God that there is no way back to the place of blessing. Yet to the king who lived in paranoid terror, seeing conspiracy everywhere, death would be a gift. There are worse things than dying. One of them is living on after losing all sense of God’s presence. “I would be pleased to have you serve with me” 1 Sam. 29:1–11. As a vassal of Achish, David was obligated to have his fighting men join the Philistine army. What a dilemma this posed! The decision David had made when discouraged by Saul’s constant harassment placed him in an impossible situation. There is no record of David asking the Lord if he should move to Philistia. It’s important for us to learn not to make hasty decisions when we are emotionally drained and that it is never wise to make significant choices without carefully seeking God’s guidance. In this case, God rescued David again. The other Philistine rulers refused to let David serve with Achish, and so Achish apologetically sent David back home. Did David learn his lesson? Apparently. The next chapter tells us that he paused under the most intense pressure to consult the Lord before acting (cf. 30:7–8). It is bad enough when you or I make serious mistakes. It is worse if we fail to learn from them. “They had attacked Ziglag and burned it” 1 Sam. 30:1–31. Returning home, David found his village burned and the wives and children of his men captured. This was a devastating low point for David, as his own men were bitter enough to talk of stoning him. Now David consulted the Lord and was guided by the Urim and Thummim to follow and attack the raiders. The families were rescued, and David even had extra spoil taken from the raiders to give as gifts to various communities in Judah. His generosity served David well. It helped the people of Judah forget his flight to Philistia, and later Judah was the first tribe to recognize David as king. “Saul and three of his sons . . . died” 1 Sam. 31:1–13. Israel was defeated by the Philistines and Saul was killed. The text adds a touching note. The bodies of Saul and his sons were taken by night from the walls of a Philistine city where they had been nailed for display. This was done by the men of Jabesh Gilead. In his first act as king, Saul had saved that city from the Ammonites. Its citizens now repaid his kindness. During his long reign Saul had proved to be an effective military leader. And he was rightly honored by his people. If not for his one great flaw, the inability to trust and obey the Lord, Saul could have been a great king, and his godly son Jonathan a worthy successor. With Saul’s death, David’s fugitive years were over.

DEVOTIONAL

Moving to Philistia? (1 Sam. 27)

My 31-year-old son is a “starving artist.” No. Not one of the artists who contributes to the sales sponsored under that name. Paul is a very talented painter, totally committed to his art. And living on the wrong side of poverty. Paul can understand the pressure that David felt after months and years of narrow escapes from Saul. He can understand why David, deeply discouraged, finally decided to move to Philistia. Often my son has wondered if he shouldn’t just give up his art and take a job that promises more than a bare living. To him that would be as great a surrender as David’s decision to move into Philistine territory. It would be a denial of who he is, and who he is called by God to be. I can’t judge what my son should do. It hurts me deeply to see his struggles and not be able to help. Sometimes I think it would be easier for him just to give up. To let his exceptional talent go, and try to make a better living in this world. Then I remember David. He gave up. But among the Philistines David found himself forced to deny who he was-the future king of Israel. David lived a double life there, and was again forced to lie just to survive. There may be no guidance for my son in this period in David’s life. But there are principles that you and I need to live by. When life is hard, let’s guard against seeking the easy way out. All too often the “easy way” takes us into a situation in which we’re forced to compromise who we are just to survive.

Personal Application

Circumstances are seldom the best guide to God’s will.

Quotable

This stubborn, adolescent will of mine Is making me a spiritual delinquent! It drives me recklessly about on life’s freeways, At times endangering both myself and others along the way. If I bring it daily unto God in prayer, Surely He can curb these tendencies With His understanding love And gently bend it to His will and way During this difficult period of growing up Toward spiritual maturity.-Carolyn N. Rhea

MARCH 5

Reading 64

DAVID THE FUGITIVE 1 Samuel 21–25

“Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God” (1 Sam. 23:16).The fugitive years were some of the most important to David spiritually. Out of the painful experiences recorded in these chapters came some of David’s most beautiful psalms.

Overview

In flight, David lied to obtain help from a family of priests at Nob (21:1–9). He escaped from Philistia only by pretending madness (vv. 10–15). David gathered some 400 fighting men and settled in a wilderness area (22:1–5). There he learned that Saul had murdered the priests who helped him (vv. 6–23). David’s force saved a Judean city (23:1–6), but fled when Saul set out with an army to kill him (vv. 7–29). David spared Saul’s life, and the king called off pursuit (24:1–22). The intelligent and beautiful Abigail prevented David from taking revenge on her foolish husband, and later became David’s wife (25:1–44).

Understanding the Text

“David went to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest” 1 Sam. 21:1–9. David lied to Ahimelech, telling him that David was on a mission for Saul. The lie seemed innocent enough, as David was desperate for food and a weapon. David was soon to learn that even “little” lies can have tragic consequences. Later Jesus commented on the fact that Ahimelech gave David some of the consecrated bread that was to be eaten only by priests (cf. Ex. 25:30; Lev. 24:5–9). Jesus commended Ahimelech, who realized that the moral obligation to help a person in need was more important than ritual regulations (Matt. 12:3–4; Mark 2:25–26). David was wrong to ignore his moral obligation to be truthful with Ahimelech. But Ahimelech was right to give his moral obligation to David higher priority than a ritual obligation. “David . . . went to Achish king of Gath” 1 Sam. 21:10–15. David was also given a weapon by Ahimelech the priest—the sword of Goliath. We can sense something of David’s mental state when we’re told that he went from there to Gath, the giant’s hometown, where the weapon was sure to be recognized! It was recognized, and David escaped only by pretending to have gone insane. We can probably account for both David’s lie to Ahimelech and his flight to Gath by remembering that David was still very young. His life was in danger, and he was alone and helpless. Yet out of this experience of panic and uncertainty David forged an unshakable faith in God. The truths learned in this period sustained David all his life, and are reflected in Psalms 34 and 56. Only a person who has known fear grasps the necessity of trust. “You will surely die, Ahimelech” 1 Sam. 22:6–23. When Saul learned that Ahimelech had helped David, he accused the priest of conspiracy. Ahimelech answered reasonably. Everyone knew David was loyal—wasn’t he the king’s son-in-law, and captain of the king’s bodyguard? The paranoid Saul may have been further enraged by this implied praise of David. On Saul’s orders 85 priests and their entire families were murdered! One son, Abiathar, escaped. When David heard what had happened he immediately confessed, “I am responsible for the death of your father’s whole family.” David could never have imagined that Saul would be so wicked as to kill the priests of Nob. But David realized that his lie had led to the tragedy. There is no such thing as a “little” lie. Speaking or acting with intent to deceive others is wrong. Without excusing David’s sin, it’s important to see again how his character contrasts with that of Saul. At an earlier time Saul had refused to admit a sin of his, even when he was obviously guilty, and he was confronted by Samuel! (15:13–20) David immediately accepted responsibility for the consequences of his lie, even though there is no hint that Abiathar blamed him. If we remain as honest with ourselves, with God, and with others, we too will grow toward spiritual maturity, as David did. “David and his men . . . kept moving from place to place” 1 Sam. 23:1–29. David used his growing force of men to aid the Israelite city of Keilah against the Philistines. Yet the people remained loyal to Saul, perhaps out of fear. This left David no place to go but into wilderness areas where he might hide from Saul’s army. Saul’s army was closing in when a rumor that the Philistines were attacking drew Saul away. Psalm 54 reflects David’s fears and his faith in this critical situation. Again we remember that it is when we find ourselves in desperate situations that we learn, “God is my help; the Lord is the One who sustains me” (Ps. 54:4). “Jonathan . . . helped him find strength in God” 1 Sam. 23:16–18. This final meeting of the two friends reminds us how significant Jonathan was in the life of the younger David. Jonathan had saved his life. Now, when David seemed to have no future, Jonathan expressed his conviction that the Lord would one day make David king. Jonathan also expressed his own willingness to take second place. Jonathan would have made a great and godly ruler. But his role in life was to be a great and godly friend. Few of us will achieve greatness in this life. But each of us can be the kind of friend who helps others find strength in God. “You have treated me well, but I have treated you badly” 1 Sam. 24:1–22. David did not kill Saul when he had the opportunity, but spared his life. Later David stood at a distance and showed Saul a piece of his robe to prove that he could have killed the king. In calling himself “a dead dog” and a “flea” David used images to convey the idea that he was harmless, and no threat to Saul. Saul, deeply moved, admitted he was wrong. He asked that David not kill his family when the Lord made David king. David promised and later kept his word. Saul may have been sincere at that moment, but David knew that Saul was fickle and untrustworthy. Don’t rely on what a person says or feels at the moment. Rely on what he or she does over a long period of time. “Think it over and see what you can do” 1 Sam. 25:1–44. Abigail’s wisdom in defusing David’s anger over the insults of her husband Nabal provides a model we can follow (vv. 23–31). Notice that Abigail (1) admitted that Nabal had done wrong to David, (2) brought the provisions that Nabal had refused to provide, (3) and asked David’s forgiveness. Abigail also led David to consider the long-range consequences of acting in anger. David intended to become king. Killing some of his future subjects was hardly wise, for it would create fear and hostility. Why should David have the burden of needless bloodshed on his conscience? If we want people we wrong to set aside their anger, we need to take the three steps taken by Abigail. It’s no wonder that when God struck down Abigail’s husband a short time later, David wanted her for a wife.

DEVOTIONAL

Striking Back (1 Sam. 24)

Maybe it’s when that crazy driver cuts you off at a corner, making you jam on the brakes to avoid an accident. Maybe it’s when the boss takes credit just one time too many for your work or ideas. Maybe it’s when your abusive spouse belittles you in front of friends. But it happens to all of us sometime. We get tired of being a victim. And we want to strike back. I suppose it’s all right to be angry when people turn us into victims. God understands that rush of adrenaline, the flushed face, and the sudden feeling of fury. But no anger-even justified anger-gives us the right some people claim. The right to strike back. “Don’t get mad,” the world says. “Get even.” Once David himself might have felt that way. But when Saul unknowingly entered a cave where David and his men were hiding, David had grown spiritually. David’s men were excited. “Look, David,” they whispered. “Here’s your chance! God’s handed Saul over to you! You’ve got him now. Kill him!” David’s response teaches us how you and I as believers are to deal with those who victimize us. David did not allow his men to harm Saul. Later he told the king, “May the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you” (v. 12). How do we deal with those who wrong us? First, we turn them over to the Lord, asking Him to avenge any wrongs they may have done to us. This is a positive action, and relieves us of the feeling of being victims. We have actually “taken them to court.” Not a human court, but the highest court of all. Then we simply wait for God to judge. At the same time, we make a personal commitment. David said, “My hand shall not touch you.” For us this means we determine not to take revenge, or try to repay others for the wrong they do to us. The choice David made isn’t an easy one. When we’re wronged, when we’re angry, we want so much to strike back and hurt the person who hurt us. But the choice David made is the right choice. This is what counts with God and what should count with us too.

Personal Application

In what relationship do you need to apply the lesson of this incident?

Quotable

“Nothing is more to be feared than too long a peace. You are deceived if you think that a Christian can live without persecution. He suffers the greatest persecution of all who lives under none. A storm puts a man on his guard and obliges him to exert his utmost efforts to avoid shipwreck.”—Jerome

MARCH 4

Reading 63

DAVID IN SAUL’S COURT 1 Samuel 18–20

“When Saul saw how successful [David] was, he was afraid of him” (1 Sam. 18:15).Character is often revealed in how a person reacts to success. Especially the success of others!

Biography: Jonathan

Jonathan is one of the most attractive of Old Testament characters. Though heir to Saul’s throne, Jonathan remained close to David and confronted his father for treating David unjustly. When Jonathan learned that Saul had made up his mind to kill David, Jonathan warned his brother-in-law. Aware that God intended to strip the throne from his father’s house because of Saul’s sins, Jonathan pledged to support David, and David promised to do good to Jonathan and his family. After Jonathan was killed in battle and David became king, David kept that promise. Jonathan’s unselfish love for David continues to serve Christians as a model for friendship.

Overview

The success of David, now an officer in Saul’s army, made the king jealous and fearful (18:1–19). Saul attempted to use his daughter Michal’s love for David to get him killed in battle, but David again succeeded and married into the royal family (vv. 20–30). David avoided several attempts on his life by Saul (19:1–24). When Prince Jonathan, David’s friend, realized Saul was determined to kill his son-in-law, he helped David flee (20:1–42).

Understanding the Text

“Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with David but had left Saul” 1 Sam. 18:1–16. The defeat of Goliath won David high rank in Saul’s army. David’s military successes were so spectacular, and his popularity so great, that Saul became intensely jealous. Earlier Saul had shown that he was more concerned with being honored by his people than with being faithful to God (15:30). David’s popularity made Saul intensely jealous. When Saul realized that David’s success was due to his relationship with the Lord—a relationship which Saul had forfeited—Saul also feared David. Terrified that David might supplant him as king, Saul himself twice tried to kill David (18:11). When Saul offered David his eldest daughter, as he had pledged before the battle with Goliath, David realized this would place him in even greater danger and refused. “She may be a snare to him” 1 Sam. 18:20–30. As David’s popularity grew, Saul hesitated to attack him directly. Learning that Michal, his youngest daughter, was in love with David, Saul had court officials tell David that the king truly wanted him as a son-in-law. Saul waved the normal dowry, or bride price, which for a king’s daughter would have been extremely high. Instead Saul said he would settle for trophies proving David had killed a hundred Philistines. Saul’s whole purpose in this was to get David killed by Israel’s enemy so that he could not be blamed. When David succeeded, Saul could do nothing but keep his promise. Yet this added evidence of God’s blessing made Saul an even more determined enemy. What is sometimes overlooked is Saul’s cruel use of Michal. He cared nothing for the fact that she loved David, and thought nothing of the misery David’s death would cause his youngest girl. Later, after David fled, Saul married Michal off to another. The brutal disregard of her father, as well as of others, undoubtedly contributed to the bitterness and anger she later exhibited toward David and toward God (cf. 2 Sam. 6:20–23). Actions motivated by jealousy and anger always are harmful—to the individual and to everyone around him or her. “Jonathan spoke well of David” 1 Sam. 19:1–7. A reconciliation affected by Jonathan was short-lived, despite Saul’s promise not to put David to death. It’s not uncommon in intimate relationships for a person who strikes out and hurts another to show remorse and promise, “I’ll never do it again.” But when a pattern develops, with repeated apologies followed by repeated fits of jealousy and rage, be warned. “Michal let David down” 1 Sam. 19:9–17. At last Saul determined to murder David openly and have done with it. Michal got word of the plot and helped David escape. Recent research suggests that teraphim, the object Michal laid on David’s bed and covered with blankets, does not necessarily mean “idol” in this context. How significant that two of Saul’s children took sides with David against their own father. We too need to act on what we believe is right, whatever the cost. “Is Saul also among the prophets?” 1 Sam. 19:18–24 When Saul heard that David had gone to Samuel and that the two were together at Ramah, he sent men to capture David. However, when Saul’s men approached Samuel, they were overcome by God’s Spirit and “prophesied.” Many believe that here “prophesy” is some form of ecstatic speech, perhaps a corollary to the New Testament gift of tongues. Saul himself went to Ramah, and he too experienced the Spirit of the Lord coming on him. Remember the limited meaning in the Old Testament of the Spirit “coming upon” a person. This was no sign of spirituality, or even of faith. After all, the Spirit once enabled a donkey to speak to the pagan seer, Balaam (Num. 22). “We have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord” 1 Sam. 20:1–42. In an angry confrontation with his father, Jonathan was at last convinced that Saul would never stop trying to kill David. Jonathan warned David, and the two pledged eternal friendship. What an example these two are for Christians. Potential rivals for the same throne, each set aside personal interests out of the deep affection they had for each other. Jonathan risked his father’s anger, and even his life, on behalf of David. Later David restored the fortunes of Jonathan’s youngest son, despite the fact that Jonathan’s line had a claim to the throne and might produce a rival. These two each display the attitude that Paul later exhorted all Christians to have. “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Phil. 2:4).

DEVOTIONAL

Dealing with Jealousy (1 Sam. 18)

Insecure people are likely to be threatened by the success of others. What David experienced isn’t uncommon at all. Some husbands are threatened when their wives are promoted at work or earn a college degree. Bosses are frequently threatened by bright, competent employees. Others are threatened when a friend proves popular, or is attractive, or even dresses well. Like Saul, such insecure people are likely to express their jealousy as anger and strike out. Usually they strike with words intended to humiliate or belittle, or to rob another of credit. In a way we should be sorry for the person who is so insecure that he or she has to cut others down in an effort to build himself up. But it still hurts when someone strikes out at us. So the question is, what can we do in a situation where we, like David, are innocent victims of another’s vindictiveness? First Samuel 18 suggests three principles. (1) Keep on trying to do well. David didn’t let Saul’s antagonism rob him of his enthusiasm for his work as an army officer or destroy his effectiveness. (2) Stay close to the Lord. Part of Saul’s antagonism was rooted in his awareness that the Lord was with David. David’s success grew out of that relationship, as God blessed David’s efforts. Staying close to the Lord when victimized by others will comfort us. And it will enable us to keep on living successfully. (3) Maintain a humble demeanor. David wisely refused to become Saul’s son-in-law when first offered the privilege. David was honestly humble. But he was also wise enough to realize that Saul was insincere in his offer. The best way to avoid traps others may set for us is to be honestly humble. Later David set this principle aside and married a daughter of the king. God protected David, but the marriage did nothing to bring David to the throne. It only confirmed Saul’s hostility toward David. There is little we can do to change a person who is determined to be hostile toward us. But if we follow David’s example, we can keep our own hearts pure, and limit the damage a hostile person may do.

Personal Application

It’s usually wiser to avoid hostile individuals than battle them.

Quotable

“If people speak ill of you, live so that no one will believe them.”—Plato

MARCH 3

Reading 62

SHEPHERD AND SAVIOUR 1 Samuel 16–17

“I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel” (1 Sam. 17:45).When the obstacles we face seem overwhelming, it helps to remember the young shepherd boy, David, whose faith gave him courage to face the giant Goliath.

Biography: David

David was Israel’s ideal king, a type of the Messiah whom the Old Testament predicts will one day rule not only the Holy Land but the whole earth. As Israel’s king, David welded the 12 tribes into a powerful, united nation. He conquered Israel’s enemies, and multiplied its territory 10 times. David also united the nation spiritually, making Jerusalem the religious as well as political capital. He reorganized Israel’s worship and wrote many of the psalms used in public services. Despite his many accomplishments, David is portrayed in Scripture as a very human individual. He was a man who truly loved God, yet a man who had serious weaknesses. What distinguishes David from Saul is David’s humility and his willingness to confess his sins, not only to the Lord but also publicly (cf. Ps. 51). Like so many other famous men, David’s children disappointed him, and David failed to deal wisely with them. David is an important figure theologically. The Old Testament predicts that the Messiah, the promised Deliverer of humankind, would descend from David. Other prophecies show that this Person, David’s greater Son, would also be the Son of God. Genealogies in the Gospels make it clear that Jesus Christ meets this requirement, and fulfills God’s promise to David that the ultimate Ruler would come from his family line.

Overview

God sent Samuel to the house of Jesse, where the old prophet anointed David to become Israel’s future king (16:1–13). David entered Saul’s service as a musician (vv. 14–23). When the Philistines assembled to attack Israel, only David was willing to face their champion, the giant Goliath (17:1–37). In history’s most famous duel, young David killed Goliath with his sling (vv. 38–58).

Understanding the Text

“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” 1 Sam. 16:1–12. God sent Samuel to the home of Jesse of Bethlehem to anoint one of his sons king in place of Saul, whom He had rejected. There Samuel was impressed by Jesse’s oldest, who looked impressive but was not God’s choice. We see the wisdom of God’s rejection of Eliab later, when Eliab not only cowered before Goliath with the rest of Israel, but angrily rebuked David for expressing his belief that God would help an Israelite defeat “this uncircumcised Philistine” (cf. 17:26–28). It’s significant that even Samuel, a wise man with much spiritual insight, was deceived by Eliab’s physical appearance. It’s not surprising that today we place too much importance on beauty when choosing a mate, and on TV image when selecting national leaders. God’s rebuke of Samuel is one each of us needs to take seriously. Like God, we need to make choices based on what is in others’ hearts. Lacking God’s perfect knowledge, you and I need to go slowly in developing relationships. More than one life has been ruined by making a quick commitment without knowing enough about another’s character. “From that day on the Spirit of the Lord came upon David” 1 Sam. 16:13. The New Testament teaches that the Holy Spirit now lives in each believer, and is the Source of our spiritual growth and power (cf. 1 Cor. 3:16; 2 Cor. 3:18). But we should not read this New Testament meaning into the Old Testament phrase. In the Old Testament, the Spirit “coming upon” someone is a technical theological phrase. It means simply that God empowered the person spoken of for a specific task. In David’s case the task was to be ruler of Israel, with all the military and other responsibilities rule would entail. God provides the resources we need to accomplish any task He sets before us. “An evil spirit from the Lord” 1 Sam. 16:14–23. Saul, having rejected God, was now subject to fits of rage and deep depressions. The Old Testament ascribes the cause of his irrational moments to an “evil spirit from Yahweh.” Some take this to indicate a demon, one of Satan’s followers, who was permitted to torment Saul (cf. Matt. 12:24). Others believe the phrase speaks of Saul’s own spirit, “evil” in the sense of harmful or painful. Either interpretation affirms God’s sovereignty, and suggests either punishment or a last effort to turn Saul back to God. David was introduced to court life when he was recommended as a skilled harpist. David’s playing quieted Saul during his bad times. David did not stay with the king permanently, but was allowed to return home at times when Saul was well (1 Sam. 17:15). “I defy the ranks of Israel!” 1 Sam. 17:1–16 The armies of Israel and Philistia were drawn up opposite each other. A deep ravine cuts across the Elah valley, and apparently neither force was willing to risk attacking across it. So the giant Goliath came out daily for over a month and challenged Israel to send out a representative to fight him. Such duels before the main battle were not uncommon in ancient times. As Goliath was some 9’9″ (3 meters) tall, and carried a spear whose point was heavier than a modern shot put, the Israelites were too terrified to accept the challenge. “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine?” 1 Sam. 17:17–31 In Old Testament times citizen soldiers had to provide their own supplies. So Jesse sent his youngest, David, to bring more food to his brothers. David was shocked that no one had been willing to fight Goliath, and openly expressed his surprise. The question, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine?” is dismissive. Since Goliath was not one of God’s covenant people, he could expect no help from the Lord and thus should be defeated easily. David’s repeated questions about the reward offered to anyone who would defeat Goliath, and his bold statements, angered his older brother. But they had their desired effect. Saul heard about David’s remarks, and called him to his tent. In Old Testament times the average Israelite was about 5’ tall. The picture shows a typical Israelite, Saul (who was a head taller than any of his people [cf. 1 Sam. 10:23]), and the giant Goliath. “You are not able” 1 Sam. 17:32–37. Saul’s heart must have sunk when he saw David, a mere youth, and smaller than average at that. But David confidently related his exploits against wild animals who attacked his father’s sheep, and his belief that the Lord would “deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” Perhaps Saul was impressed. At any rate, he gave David permission to fight. God can still do more with one little person willing to try than with a whole army of hesitant soldiers. “I come against you in the name of the Lord” 1 Sam. 17:38–54. We all know the outcome of that battle. With a single stone hurled from his sling David killed Goliath, serving ever since as the prime example of faith overcoming impossible odds. “Whose son is that young man?” 1 Sam. 17:55–58 The question does not contradict the 1 Samuel 16 description of David in Saul’s court. Saul knew who David was, but did not remember his lineage. David identified his father, who benefited from David’s victory by being forever exempt from royal taxation (cf. 17:25).

DEVOTIONAL

Giant Killers (1 Sam. 17)

There have been too many sermons on the subject to belabor the point. The odds seemed impossible when David went out to meet Goliath. Yet, with faith in God and a simple shepherd’s sling, David won. Everyone has times when he or she faces a personal Goliath in some situation in which the odds seem impossible. A challenge that no one else is willing to take up. A struggle it seems impossible to win. When that happens, we, like David, have nowhere to turn but to God. We are to remember that we too can meet that personal giant in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of hosts. It was in God’s name that David killed Goliath. It is with God’s help that Christians through the ages have faced similar impossible odds—and won.

Personal Application

Learn to see your problems as “uncircumcised Philistines.” Face them with courage and faith.

Quotable

“Difficulties are God’s errands. When we are sent upon them we should esteem it a proof of God’s confidence and as a compliment from Him.”—Henry Ward Beecher

MARCH 2

Reading 61

SAUL’S FLAWS 1 Samuel 13–15

“Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has rejected you as king” (1 Sam. 15:23). Too often success breeds pride. When that happens, there’s a real danger that we will no longer rely on—or obey—the Lord.

Overview

Facing a powerful Philistine army, Saul panicked and officiated at a sacrifice rather than waiting for Samuel (13:1–15). Yet the poorly equipped Israelites (vv. 16–22) led by Jonathan, Saul’s son, attacked (14:1–14) and routed the enemy (vv. 15–23). The intervention of the army saved Jonathan, who unknowingly violated Saul’s command (vv. 24–52). Ironically, the man who was willing to execute his son for disobeying him unintentionally, knowingly disobeyed God, and was rejected by the Lord (15:1–35).

Understanding the Text

“Their situation was critical” 1 Sam. 13:1–7. The Philistines were the major enemy of Israel during this era. They controlled the coastlands. Archeologists have found evidence of Philistine outposts as far inland as the Jordan valley. When Saul’s son attacked one of these outposts, the Philistines assembled a great army to put down the Hebrew uprising. Earlier the men of Israel had responded to Saul’s call and turned out to fight the Ammonites (11:7). Now they ran and hid, and some even left the country. Many in Saul’s tiny standing army of 3,000 began to desert. In describing the Ammonite battle the text says Israel was moved by “terror [awe of, respect for] of the Lord.” Now all they felt was fear of the Philistines. The Old Testament rightly says that the “fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Prov. 1:7). It’s foolish to lose sight of the fact that God is more powerful than any human foe. “You acted foolishly” 1 Sam. 13:8–15. Earlier Samuel had instructed Saul to meet him at Gilgal before any major engagement, and to wait there seven days (cf. 10:8). Waiting now became too much for Saul, who panicked as he saw more of his tiny force desert. Rather than wait for Samuel, Saul himself sacrificed to the Lord. Saul sinned in officiating at the sacrifice. Only priests were to serve the altar. By acting as he did, Saul disobeyed Samuel’s command to wait and God’s prohibition against any but Aaron’s descendants offering sacrifices. Here “foolish” is a strong word, implying not a lack of understanding but a lack of moral character. Under pressure Saul showed that he was deeply flawed. The text adds an ironic note. Saul later counted and found that he still had 600 men with him. This was twice as many as the 300 with which Gideon had earlier routed a similar enemy horde. Weapons of iron 1 Sam. 13:16–22. It’s true that Israel lacked weapons. The Philistine secret of working iron gave them unquestioned military superiority. But Gideon defeated his enemy with 300 pitchers, 300 torches, and 300 trumpets. If only Saul had remembered what God had done, he might have been less fearful and more willing to obey. “That will be our sign” 1 Sam. 14:1–14. The text introduces Jonathan, Saul’s son, who attacked a Philistine frontline post after seeking and receiving a sign that “the Lord has given them into our hands.” Jonathan and his armor-bearer were outnumbered too. But Jonathan, unlike Saul, trusted God completely and had no fear. “Withdraw your hand” 1 Sam. 14:15–23. After Jonathan’s victory, God threw the Philistine camp into a panic. Saul, hearing the commotion, called for a priest to use the ephod [not “ark”] to consult God. As the tumult across the valley increased, Saul couldn’t wait, and told the priest to “withdraw your hand.” That is, he said, “Don’t bother,” and rushed off to battle. Despite Saul’s behavior, the Lord helped Israel. The Philistines began to run away, and the Israelites who had hidden joined in the pursuit. “None of the troops tasted food” 1 Sam. 14:24–45. Saul uttered a curse on any Israelite who should eat until the battle was over. Jonathan did not hear this vow and tasted some honey he found during the battle. Saul’s command was unwise. His troops pursued the Philistines some 18 miles (from Micmash to Aijalon)! Afterward they were so exhausted that they butchered cattle and ate the meat on the spot. This eating of meat before the blood had been drained was a serious violation of Old Testament Law. When Saul was eager to go on and invade Philistine territory, the priest, whom Saul had rushed to consult earlier, insisted Saul ask God for guidance. But God gave no answer. (Many believe the priest carried a blank stone in the ephod as well as stones indicating yes and no.) Saul assumed that some sin was blocking the response. When lots were cast, Jonathan was chosen, and admitted violating his father’s command. Though Saul’s command had been unwise, when uttered as a curse it was binding, and disobedience was a sin. When Saul proposed executing Jonathan, the army refused to let Saul harm him. Again we sense irony. Saul was ready to kill his own son for disobeying his command. Yet Saul himself thought nothing of disobeying the Lord, Israel’s God and true King. “He fought valiantly” 1 Sam. 14:47–48. Most of the text is given to an analysis of Saul’s flaws. Two verses sum up his strengths. Saul was a valiant soldier, who did defeat Israel’s enemies. To the biblical writer, who gives only two verses to chronicle Saul’s victories, what counts is not Saul’s prowess but his pride. Not his accomplishments, but his personal failings. It’s the same today. The true measure of a man is not found in what he does, but in the kind of person that he is. “I was afraid of the people and so I gave in to them” 1 Sam. 15:1–34. The final revealing incident describes Saul’s attack on the Amalekites. This invasion was divine punishment, and the city attacked was to be “devoted” to God. That is, all the people and animals of the area were to be killed, and no booty taken. Saul did attack. But he returned with vast herds and with a royal prisoner. God sent Samuel to confront the disobedient king. At first Saul insisted he had obeyed God. After all, the Amalekites had been destroyed. Finally Saul admitted that he had violated God’s command, and confessed that he had done so because he “was afraid of the people.” What a commentary. Saul, the king, was ruled by fear. He had feared the Philistine army. Now he was afraid of his own people. If only Saul had feared God, respect for the Lord would have freed him from the burden of fearing mere men. “Please honor me . . . before Israel” 1 Sam. 15:30. The verse is a fitting epitaph. A heartbroken and angry Samuel announced God’s final rejection of Saul. This disobedient king would establish no dynasty in Israel. And all Saul could think of when Samuel turned away is how it would look to his people! May God deliver us from caring more about what people think than what God thinks of us, and from the hypocrisy that such an attitude generates.

DEVOTIONAL

Saul and You (1 Sam. 15)

Some find reading about Saul frightening. Saul reminds them of their own weaknesses. Saul reflects their own flaws. And so they wonder. Perhaps like Saul they’ve gone too far. Might they too be rejected by God? Yet the story of Saul isn’t intended to frighten us. It’s in our Bible to encourage us. And to teach us how to avoid the pitfall that trapped Israel’s first, failed king. Saul’s basic problem was that he was unwilling to trust God, and so found it impossible to obey Him. Saul panicked when confronted by a massive Philistine force (1 Sam. 13). He forgot that God was able to deliver. Because he did not trust God to act in the deteriorating situation, Saul disobeyed the Lord. By the time we read this last story, Saul is even afraid of his own people. Once again Saul’s fear comes from a lack of trust, and is expressed as a failure to obey the Lord. The one thing that ruined Saul’s life and destroyed his future was his inability to trust God, expressed in his failure to obey. This is what’s so encouraging about Saul’s story. As we read it we come to understand the central issue in the spiritual life. Saul’s story teaches us that the one thing we must do is to trust God, and that trust will free us to obey. When you or I feel fear or sense panic, that’s the time to pause and remember who our God is. To think about His greatness. To remember His power. To meditate on His love. When we keep our hearts fixed on who God is, we trust ourselves to Him. And we obey.

Personal Application

Trust in God frees us to obey. And obedience protects us from Saul’s fate.

Quotable

“He that cannot obey, cannot command.”—Benjamin Franklin