King David Series: David Spares Saul's Life Again

The Ziphites feared David and betrayed him by urging Saul to pursue him in their territories. However, when David learned on Saul's arrival of an army of three thousand men, he discovered the location of the camp.

Abishai joined David in spying out the camp at night. They discovered Saul asleep with the army commander, Abner, resting nearby.

Although Abishai thought that this would be an opportune time to kill Saul, David rebuked him, pointing out the Saul was the Lord's anointed. David tells Abishai that this is not the time or the means by which he will come to the throne. He tells him that Saul's life is in God's hands. God will work in His own way and in His own time to fulfill His promises in David's life. David will not be the instrument of Saul's destruction. He knows that God brought Saul to the throne, and only God can remove him from that position.

"But David said to Abishai, "Don't destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the Lord's anointed and be guiltless?" -- 1 Samuel 26:9

So, once again, David spares the life of the Lord's anointed. Instead, David took a spear the was stuck in the ground at the king's head along with the king's water jug. He left without detection because the Lord had caused Saul and all his men to fall into a deep sleep.

David could have killed Saul and Abner, but he would have disobeyed God and sent into motion possible cycles of vengeance and assassination. Instead, he took a spear and water jug, showing that he could have killed the king but had not done it. And, he made the point that he had great respect for both God and God's anointed king. When you need to make a point, look for creative, God-honoring ways to do so. It will have a more significant impact.

David crossed to a distant hill and called out to awaken Abner. He challenged him to consider his lapse in protecting the king, Saul. When Saul realized that David had taken the spear and jug, he regretted unjustly pursuing David.

Saul heard David's voice and recognizing that David spared his life again, calls him "son." David pours out his anguish before Saul. He proclaims his innocence, proven and cemented by David's mercy towards Saul's life. He told Saul the he'd been driven away from the inheritance the Lord gave his tribe and family, and in being forced from the Promised land, he'd been excluded from worshipping God. Because of Saul seeking David, he'd cut him off from the very promise which God had brought His people out of Egypt. David begs to be allowed back into the land of God's people.

"Saul recognized David's voice and said, "Is that your voice, David my son?" David replied, "Yes it is, my lord the king." And he added, "Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I Done, and what wrong am I guilty of?" -- 1 Samuel 26:17-18

David questioned all the possible causes of Saul's enmity toward him. Could it have been David's own fault? What have I done, and what wrong am I guilty of? David asked. (v. 18) Could other people have been the instigators? If so, May they be cursed before the Lord (v. 19) Could it somehow have been God's doing? If so, May he accept an offering, said David (v. 19) The one option David did not identify proved to the the real cause: Saul's sin. (v. 21)

Aware of David's righteousness in the face of his own sin, Saul admits his foolishness and asks David to come home. Saul's heart seemed to turn, even to the point of indicating David will triumph in the end. However, David held no hope the he would escape Saul's wrath.

He believed that because David had spared the Lord's anointed that the Lord in turn would deliver David. Saul confessed a second time that David would triumph.

Some scholars hold that this account is a retelling of how David spared Saul's life at En Gedi. While there are a number of similarities, David's different responses show that the two stories are distinct incidents.

As a result of En Gedi and the encounter with Nabal, who foolishly refused to respond kindly to David for protecting his flock, David realized that God would care for him.

David left Judah for a life among the Philistines in order to avoid further contact with Saul.

Next in the King David Series: The End of Saul.

King David Series: David vs. Goliath

Do you remember the story of David vs. Goliath?

How many of you are old enough to remember the Sunday morning cartoon of Davey and Goliath? It was a claymation cartoon that started in 1960 and ended in 2004.

"In this stop-action animated series, young Davey Hansen and his best friend (and dog) Goliath live ordinary suburban American lives. In each episode, Davey and Goliath experience some form of moral conflict either in themselves or in their friends. Drawing upon the guidance of his parents, his teachers, and his own religious beliefs, Davey doesn't always do the right thing, but he does always come away from the experience having learned valuable moral and life lessons." 

The version in the Bible is not about a boy and his dog.

Even though the prophet, Samuel, had anointed David to become the next king of Israel, he was still too young and had much to learn. God would teach David many lessons before becoming king.

Saul remained king even though he'd been stripped of God's Spirit and Samuel's counsel.

Saul took his army to battle the Philistines. Each army stood on the top of an opposing hill with a valley between them.

Goliath, the champion of the Philistines, taunted Saul's army to send out a man to fight. In ancient times, wars were sometimes decided through champions from each side who met in combat in a location between the armies. It was thought that the outcome of the fight was controlled by the warrior's gods more than by the military strength of the two sides.

Goliath was over nine feet tall, massive, and extremely intimidating. Saul's army reacts with terror and dismay.  No one comes out to meet Goliath's challenge for forty days.

Was it coincidence that David appears on the battlefield to hear Goliath's latest challenge?

No, not at all. Once again, God's plans are set in place.

Jesse, David's father, sends him with food supplies for his brothers fighting in Saul's army. He gives the food supplies to to the keeper of supplies and runs out to the field and greets his brothers. While there, he hears Goliath's shouts.

The men in the army tell David that that Saul promises great wealth to the man who kills Goliath, his daughter, and the victor's family tax exemption.

David is disgusted that no one has defeated this disgrace to Israel who defies their Lord. David's oldest brother, Eliab, is angry that David is on the field and presumptuous enough to speak out. As the oldest of all David's brothers, Eliab was upset that he'd been passed over by Samuel during David's anointing.

Despite Saul's army losing faith in the size of their God and fearing the size of Goliath, David does not. David understands that God is everything -- He is ever-present, ever-powerful, and ever-watchful. He knows his God and knows that nothing is impossible for Him.

David tells the soldiers near his brothers that he can fight. He's overheard, a message is sent to Saul, and Saul sends for David.

"David said to Saul, "Let no one lose heart on account of their Philistine; your servant will go and fight him." - 1 Samuel 17:32

"Saul replied, "You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth." - 1 Samuel 17:33

David convinces Saul by telling him that he'd been keeping his father's sheep, he'd fought a lion and bear and he'd kill the Philistine who defied the armies of the living God. David convinces king Saul that the Lord has prepared him for this moment. God had tested David's courage, given him the opportunity to use his strength, and taught David to depend on Him in times of trouble.

Saul is convinced. He dresses David in his own tunic, puts a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. However, David can't walk in this gear, so he removes it all, picks up his staff, chooses five smooth stones from the stream and put them in his pouch,  and walks toward the Philistine, Goliath, with his sling in his hand.

Amused, Goliath looks at David, a boy, and "he said to David, Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?" - 1 Samuel 17:43

David doesn't see a giant monster who intimidated Israel's army for forty days, he sees only the size of his God. He sees the victory before the battle has ever begun. His words to Goliath are:

"You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord's, and He will give all of you into our hands." - 1 Samuel 17:45-47

This is a lesson we can all learn. Our faith can be strengthened by the power of God's promises. Nothing is hidden from God's sight. He knows not only what is happening today, but what will be tomorrow. We must remember that our God is bigger than any problem, any struggle, and any circumstance. This helps us to face our giants and keep those distorted, dark, discouraging moments in perspective.

The battle was over in seconds. The Philistine, Goliath, moved toward David, intent on attacking him. However, David ran toward the battle line, reached into his pouch, removed a stone, put it in his slingshot and slung the stone toward Goliath hitting him in the forehead.

"So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him." - 1 Samuel 17:50


The Philistine army runs away and the Israelites army wins the day.

David took the dead Philistine's sword, cut off his head and took it to Saul. Saul asks about David's lineage. David tells him he is the son of Jesse of Bethlehem, Saul's servant.

David's battle with Goliath is a portrait of the battle that surrounds us every day. Like this ancient battle, the champions of each side are fighting. The representative of evil verses the representative of the godly. Whatever happens to the champion decides the fate of the people on their side.

The battle is not between us and Satan, it is between Christ and Satan. In the spiritual struggle between good and evil, Jesus has already won the battle. If we align ourselves with Jesus, then His victory is ours.

Next in the King David Series: Saul Fears David.

King David Series: The Boy After God's Heart

David's beginning starts with Ruth who married Boaz. Ruth was a trusting woman; advised by Naomi, her mother-in-law, whom she dearly loved.

Naomi trusted God. Even through all her tragedies, Naomi knew God would bring her great blessings. When Ruth married Boaz, then gave birth to a son, Obed, the father of Jesse, the father of David, Naomi's life and legacy were significant. She lived in faithfulness to God, knowing that the significance of her life will extend beyond her lifetime. (Ruth Chapters 3-4)

David became her reward.

Israel demanded a king. Samuel, the prophet heard God and prepared Saul as Israel's first King. By anointing Saul, indicating that Saul was God's representative to the people. This special anointing oil was a mixture of olive oil, myrrh, and other expensive spices. It was poured the king's head to symbolize the presence and power of the Holy Spirit of God in his life. This anointing ceremony was to remind the king of his great responsibility  to lead his people by God's wisdom and not his own. (1 Samuel Chapters 8, 9, 10)

Saul presented the ideal visual image of a king, but the tendencies of his character often went contrary to God's commands for a king. Saul was God's chosen leader, but this did not mean he was capable of being king on his own.

Saul's greatest successes were when he obeyed God. His greatest failures were a result of disobeying God and acting on his own.

God loved His people, the Israelites. He granted their request for a king, but His commands and requirements remained the same. God was to be their true King and both Saul and the people were to be subject to His laws. No person is EVER exempt from God's laws. No human action is outside His jurisdiction. God is the true King of area of life. We must recognize His kingship and pattern our relationships, work life, and home life according to His principles.

God rejects Saul for his disobedience and rejects Saul as King. The Lord guides Samuel to a new leader. A new King. (1 Samuel Chapters 13, 14, 15)

In secret, God sends Samuel to Jesse of Bethlehem and his sons to consecrate themselves and sacrifice with him. Samuel knew he was there to choose the next king. Jesse paraded seven of his oldest sons before Samuel, but God did not choose any of them. (1 Samuel 16: 1-10)

Saul was tall and handsome; a very impressive looking man. Samuel may have been trying to find someone who look like Saul to be Israel's next King. But God warned Samuel against judging by appearance alone.

When people judge by outward appearance, they may overlook quality individuals who last the particular physical qualities society currently admires. Appearance doesn't reveal what people are really like or what their true value is.

Fortunately, God judges by faith and character, not appearances. And because only God can see on the inside, only he can accurately judge people. Most people spend hours each week maintaining their outward appearance; they should do even more to develop their inner character. While everyone sees your face, only you and God know what your heart really looks like.

What steps are you taking to improve your heart's attitude?

Samuel asked if Jesse had any other sons. Jesse replied that his youngest was in the fields tending the sheep. Samuel asked that this son be sent for and brought forth.

David appeared in glowing health, with a fine appearance and handsome features. God spoke to Samuel saying,"this is the one. Anoint him." (1 Samuel 16:11-12)

Samuel uses the horn of oil to anoint David in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. (1 Samuel 16:13)












While Saul was still King, God prepared David for his future responsibilities.

What are your first impressions of David?

• Shepherd
• Poet
• Giant-killer
• King
• Ancestor of Jesus

One of the greatest men in the Old Testament.

David also had failures:

• Betrayer
• Liar
• Adulter
• Murderer

However, above all else, David is known, respected, and admired, for his heart for God.

Acts 13:22 "God testified concerning him: 'I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart, he will do everyone I want him to do.'"

David, more than anything else, had an unchangeable belief in the faithful and forgiving nature of God. He was a man who lived with great zest. He sinned many times, but he was quick to confess his sins. His confessions were from the heart, and his repentance was genuine. David never took God's forgiveness lightly or His blessing for granted. In return, God never held back from David either His forgiveness or the consequences of his actions. David experienced the joy of forgiveness even when he had to suffer the consequences of his sins.

We tend to get these two reversed. Too often we would rather avoid the consequences than experience  forgiveness. Another big difference between us and David is that while he sinned greatly, he did not sin repeatedly. He learned from his mistakes because he accepted the suffering they brought. Often we don't seem to learn from our mistakes or the consequences that result from those mistakes.

What changes would it take for God to find this kind of obedience in you?

The King David Series continues. Up Next: David's Service to Saul.

New Series Coming Up. Subject is King David/Psalmist David

I am really excited about this new series I am researching and how I am going to put it together to share with you. I've been doing a lot of studying of King David, recently.













We all remember young David when he brought down the mighty Goliath, right?

Do you remember how David grew and became the most lauded man in his nation?

David was a KING! The highest position in the land. Yet, he was humbled when exiled, an outcast from his on people, from God.

Or so he thought.

We are going to start out with Psalm 42:5,6 learning about why David is so depressed and heartbroken.

David was taken from his home.

Why? Because Saul was hunting him and sent others to hunt David.

David was depressed because exiled from his city, he could no longer worship in the temple. And, during the God-given holidays, the Jewish nation was remembering all that God had done for them, but David could not be there.

So, we will study David's exile. His depression, and the facts that led up to his exile. We all know that David was a man that was of God's heart.  However, David did some things that didn't please God. We will discover what they were and what God did about that.

This is the perfect time of year to study David's actions and God's reactions. This is a time of Thanksgiving. And a time to be grateful. How did David come to be grateful for being an outcast?

We shall find out. Stick around and read more.

Have a Blessed Day!

Mystery or Creativity - Guest Post

WE ARE EXHORTED TO REJOICE ALWAYS, IN EVERYTHING ...THIS IS POSSIBLE, ONCE WE UNDERSTAND GOD'S HEART AND PURPOSE FOR US...
HE IS NEITHER MAD AT, NOR PUNISHING US...OUR CIRCUMSTANCES ARE NEITHER KARMA OR CHANCE...THEY ARE NEITHER FOR OUR PUNISHMENT OR DESTRUCTION ...SEEING GOD'S HAND IN EVERYTHING, EVEN TRAGEDY AND SORRY HE WILL REDEEM, BRINGING BEAUTY FROM ASHES,TRULY CAUSING EVERYTHING ...EVERYTHING ...TO WORK FOR OUR GOOD AND HIS GLORY, IN HIS DIVINE PLAN, FOR HIS PURPOSES, IN HIS UNFAILING LOVE FOR US

FATHER IN HEAVEN, KING AND CREATOR OF ALL THINGS,OPEN THE EYES OF OUR HEART,THAT WE MAY KNOW YOUR TENDER LOVE FOR US,THAT WE MAY SEE YOUR HAND IN EVERYTHING, THAT WE MAY TRUST IN YOU,NO MATTER WHAT,THAT WE MAY KNOW, AND BELIEVE THAT YOU DELIGHT YOURSELF IN US AND TRULY DO HAVE GOOD FOR US,PLANS THAT CANNOT BE SHAKEN OR TAKEN,FOR YOU ARE GREATER THAN ALL, AND NONE CAN CHANGE WHAT YOU HAVE PURPOSED IN YOUR HEART FOR US...WE LOVE YOU AND PRAISE YOU AND REJOICE IN YOU,IN YOUR HOLY SPIRIT YOU HAVE GIVEN US,THAT OUR NAMES ARE IN YOUR BOOK OF LIFE!!!!!!!! IN JESUS NAME AND AUTHORITY    AMEN!!!!!!!!                                      - Norm Bennett

Today is a wonderful day to give thanks a praise our Lord God Father of Jesus Christ. God's blessing are pooring over all of you. Let God take all of your worries and transform them to victories. May God take all of your illnesses and make you healthy. May God take all of your sadnesses and make you and all of those you love and love you JOYOUS!!            - Antonio Dipino

What is our everyday strategy? Give thanks unto the lord

In the silent times, seek God

In the painful times, praise God

In the terrible times, trust God

At all times, thank God!            - Ann Voskamp, Canada

 

Today's Creation Moment - Reversible Wings: Mystery or Creativity?

Isaiah 31:5 "As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver [it; and] passing over he will preserve it."

Sometimes incredible wonders pass right before our eyes, but we are not equipped to see them. Take the hummingbird, for an example.

Did you know that like the woodpecker, the hummingbird has a tongue that wraps all the way around its head just under the skin? This feature is not really evident when you look at the hummingbird. Nor is the wonderful way in which its wings move, so that it can hover, fly forwards or fly backwards.

High-speed photography has revealed some amazing secrets about the hummingbird's wings that cannot be noticed by the eye. All birds, except the hummingbird, move their wings at the shoulder, elbow and wrist. Only the hummingbird is capable of turning his wings upside down, so that when he hovers, both strokes of his wings beat the air in order to support him. This demonstrates that the hummingbird is not a modification of the general bird design – as evolutionists tell us. Rather, the hummingbird was created with unique features that enable it to make its living.

Likewise, when God tells us that He cares for those who are His through faith in Christ's saving work, we don't always see exactly how He is caring for us. But like the virtually invisible features of the hummingbird, His care is nevertheless there.

Prayer: Father in heaven, I thank You that You have made me Your own child through Jesus Christ. Help me to believe what You tell me in Your Word, even if I cannot see it all for myself. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Tale of the Hummingbird

A top highlight of summer is the hummingbirds - darting here and there, feeding and hiding. Forwards, backwards, upside down, vertically, and just plain hovering. I love the marvelous little flying miracles.

A righteous man regards the life of his animal…  Proverbs 12:10

One warm, sunny day, I spent all afternoon and into the evening helping a neighbor get his potatoes planted. I finally returned home as the sun was setting…it was getting dark and it was getting cool.
Inside, I was surprised to discover I had a visitor in the grand piano room – one of my hummingbirds! When i entered the room, he flew frantically all around the ceiling looking for an opening, and finally perched on the exposed wire that hangs from the high ceiling, running to a hanging lamp.

What did i do? I did the only thing I knew to do – I Immediately spoke with our loving heavenly Father - 'Father - what can i do to help this bird? i need wisdom; I need Your help.'

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally…  James 1:5

In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.   Job 12:10

Then I spoke softly to my visitor 'hello....i want to help you.'

At once, the hummingbird flew off his perch near the ceiling and landed on the grand piano, a step away from me. Astonished, I took a half step and calmly spoke to him again - 'I'm not gonna hurt you...but I am gonna reach out and put you in my hand so I can take you outside.'

A few seconds later, i reached out and softly closed my right hand around the bird. My visitor gave no resistance. I walked him outside and set him on the deck railing. A few seconds later, as if nothing much had happened, the hummingbird casually flew up to a branch in a tree about 15 feet above the ground…and for several moments looked back at me, as if in appreciation. Then he flew away to resume his usual life with the dozens and dozens of other hummingbirds.

Who among does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? Job 12:9

This wonderful incident lasted less than 60 seconds; the memory will last a lifetime.

Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God.  Luke 12:6

Aren't these stories wonderful?

Once again, my friend ST Mann has enchanted and mesmerized us with his special words and phrases.