I Samuel 17:1-37 - The Threat of Goliath

I Samuel 17:1-37

Then David spoke to the men who were standing by him, saying, "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine, and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philstine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?" (verse 26)

Message: The Threat of Goliath

Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).

What the Lord is Saying: Saul is still king over Israel with David residing in his court. Chapter 17 begins with the word that the Philistines have gathered for battle. [Found this great map here showing the place where the Philistines have gathered - Socoh which is in Judah, below Jerusalem (which resides in the tribe of Benjamin)]. Philistines camped on one side of the mountain and Israel on the other mountain side with a valley in between (v.1-3). 

Enter Goliath, about 9 feet 9 inches tall and had armor weighing 125 pounds. He had on shin guards and a javelin (v.4-7). 

Goliath stands and announces himself as the Philistine and asks Israel for a man to come to him. A fight is offered with the winner becoming servants of the other (v. 8-10). Israel was afraid (v.11). 

In the next 8 verses an overview of David is given. He has 8 sons and is the son of Jesse and lives in Bethlehem (15 miles to Socoh, the place of battle so probably a days journey). "David went back and forth from Saul (in Socoh) to tend his father's flock at Bethlehem (verse 15)." David isn't even thought to be included in the battle but Jesse's other sons are present. Jesse instructs David to bring food to the camp for his brothers. 

The next 6 verses (v.20-25) David arrives and heads to the battle line to greet his brothers. Goliath speaks again the words he spoke before and David hears them. Men of Israel tell David that whoever defeats this man will be extremely honored and respected and receive the king's daughter. David responds in verse 26, "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine?" David is marveled that anyone would have that audacity to think they could defeat anyone represented by the Living God. 

From the moment David arrives throughout all of the conversations he has confidence in himself, his experience as a fighter, recalling when he fought a lion taken a lamb from his flock. He used his bare hands. It is in David's words (verse 32) that reflects his confidence, "Let no man's heart fail on account of him."  He tells Saul that he is able to fight the Philistine and Saul says to him in verse 37, "Go, and may the Lord be with you." 

Verse 26 are the first recorded words of David. And his words declare his confidence in God. Previously, it is God that has chosen David without any words or works shown by David. But when David does speak he proclaims his confidence in God. His first description is a man after God's own heart. He is the unlikely hero. 

As I have studied Saul, he seems like an everyday leader. On the surface there isn't much wrong with him, but Samuel does reflect him as being not too confident in God and having to be reminded to look to God for help and guidance. Contrast is David who is chosen by God and immediately reflects confidence in God. Saul was not anti-God by any means. He tried to please God, but perhaps his pleasing was more defined by himself. 

Summary: The Philistines have come to do battle and Goliath challenges anyone to fight him with the winner resulting in those people serving the other. David in coming to provide food for his brothers declares confidence that he can defeat Goliath because of God. 

Promise: God can deliver us from His enemies and we need to have complete confidence in Him alone. 

Prayer: God, you choose your workers and You have clearly chosen some for your purposes while others do not work for your glory completely and yet you sill can work through their lives for your good purpose. I think all people hope that they would be on your side. I pray that I am like a David, chosen by You, after your own heart, reflecting You. Be the strength in my life. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Samuel 16:14-23 - David's Ministry to Saul

I Samuel 16:14-23

So it came about whenever the evil spirit from God came to Saul, David would take the harp and play it with his hand; and Saul would be refreshed and be well, and the evil spirit would depart from him. (verse 23)

Message: David's Ministry to Saul

Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).

What the Lord is Saying: In the last lesson or the first part of Chapter 16, the next king is chosen or set apart for the purpose of God's conduit for Him to work. This person will be David, chosen by God, a man after his heart. Not one that is chosen because of outward appearance or stature, but because of something God sees - the heart of a man. 

In this passage of Chapter 16, there seems to be a struggle or journey of Samuel. This book has been about him and God working through Him. He is a sort of a mentor or teacher, not necessarily the focal point though. God uses Samuel to anoint Saul, but now David. In the last lesson he grieved over Saul (verse 1). 

Today's passage begins with some startling words, "an evil spirit from the Lord terrorized him (Saul) (verse 14)." David is now anointed. Saul is not. God allows an evil spirit to enter into Saul, to stir up in him unruly emotions - envy, rage, despair. Similar words are in Romans 1:24 when Paul says, "God gave them over." Saul was selfish and not thinking first and foremost of the Lord in his life and ways and instead himself. So God allows evil to overtake him. The Spirit of the Lord was with him but now it has departed. 

In verse 16, with the playing of the harp "you will be well." Interesting how there is a medicinal way of music in helping us. I love this. I love music and it helps me all of the time, calming me, relaxing me and giving me joy. I am so thankful for music that is played to express love for God. It seems like it has always had this effect on us as I watch movies of times past. Throughout scripture David speaks of a new song being played. Interesting that God chose in David to play music in order to remove the evil spirit. Saul knows he need this (v.17) and wants David to be located (v.18). Saul loves David (v. 21) and it is the music that has the evil spirit depart from Saul (v. 23). 

Saul continues to be king. David is the king in waiting and for now serves in Saul's court. 

Summary: David has been chosen, but for now he will play his harp, making Saul well in his court, after being terrorized by an evil spirit that God allows. 

Promise: From Tabletalk - "God controls even those things that can harm us and we can be confident that He can work them for our final good."

Prayer: Lord, I am so thankful for music. It is a big part of my life and I know as it has been said that music has a way communicating to us like nothing else. It soothes me and helps me very often and gives me a good feeling. With music by my side, I often feel like whatever work I am doing it can help me get through it. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Samuel 16:1-13 - The Anointing of David

I Samuel 16:1-13

But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look at his outward appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (verse 7)

Message: The Anointing of David

Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).

What the Lord is Saying: Now that the Lord has regretted Saul as King (15:35), he tells Samuel to not grieve (v.1) over something God has done. I think that's an important idea that sometimes we dwell on something that is over and complete. God has made a decision so we simply need to move on. 

Samuel fears his life. But The Lord plans a ceremony to show Saul who will choose - a sacrifice. God has "selected a king for Himself among his (Jesse the Bethlehemite) sons (verse 1)." 

No more playing the game of letting Israel select their king that ended up not being a man that will follow God. Israel had selected someone that looked good, was tall. He had the right appearance. The Lord confirms that He chooses people based upon their heart (verse 7). I think this is the first time I have read verse 7 and realized the first part of the verse was speaking about Saul. 

Samuel arrives in Bethlehem (verse 4) and invited Jesse and his sons to the sacrifice (v.5). It says in verse 5 in the NASB he consecrated those present. KJV says sanctified. To sanctify is "By the usual ceremonial purifications, such as washing the body and clothes, the outward symbols of spiritual preparation" (Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges). 

As the sons come in and come before Samuel, each son is presented - Abinadab, Shammah - in total "7 of his sons passed before Samuel (verse 10)."

Then it is discovered that the youngest is not even present. The youngest wasn't even thought to be included. And yet the youngest is who the Lord has his eye on. But he showed up and received the anointing by Samuel "in the midst of his brothers. (verse 13)" 

A lot went in to set David apart as king. All of the initial work, consecrating the gathering didn't even include the one person God set aside to be his king. But it was done. So far there isn't any mention of what David thought of this. But God has chosen him.

Summary: After Saul, the Lord shows Samuel perhaps an unlikely successor for king in David, as someone chosen by God and seen by God in His way, 

Promise: The Lord looks on the heart when He evaluates a person.

Prayer: O God, you are Holy and True. Thank you for reminding me the way you look at people and value them - looking at the heart. I want to have a good heart that honors You. Thank you for choosing me and calling Me to be Yours. Be glorified in me. Thank you for the people you have placed in my path. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 11:13 - Keep a Secret

Proverbs 11:13

He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets,

But he who is trustworthy conceals a matter. 

Message: Keep a secret

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.

What the Lord is Saying: New Living Translation - "A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence." Why say talebearer when most translations say gossip? In the King James a talebearer is contrasted with a faithful spirit. Talebearer is a stronger word. Saw this online, " A gossip is a broader term for someone who engages in casual, unconfirmed talk about others, often trivial, speculative, or critical, aiming to build themselves up or spread negativity, but the talebearer is the active secret-revealer within that gossip." So the talebearer is more direct and has more of a purpose to spread secretes. Thus, the verse states, "talebearer reveals secrets." The gossip is often spreading information that is unconfirmed. 

I think this can be a hard line to draw at times. As a manager, I know more things than most. It can be hard to know things and then what to share with others, who perhaps are of no help with that matter. I notice this in many circles. Someone reached out to me this week about info on the President. It was one thing I think for the newspaper to report on events happening, but something else for people to then comment incessantly on those events and speculating. I suppose I wonder some times the time we spend investing in activities like this that have not much lasting value and are just speculation. 

Then in contrast is one who is trustworthy, so it is a person that people can share anything with, private matters and they know the word won't get around. We all have events in our lives that are a struggle for us and we need people to confide in. I appreciate the men in my life that struggle with things in life and we have one another, but those matters need to be kept a secret. I need to be seen as a trustworthy person. 

The one with a faithful spirit know how to control one's tongue. 

Prayer: Lord, my speech -- it seems like a constant issue and I suppose it is as I learn information and then knowing what to share, what to talk about. I suppose it is our past time to talk about things. And yet I wonder how much we should. I can read articles, engage in work activities, listen to music, serve others, and do those things, but simply sitting back and talking of others, I need to watch out for this in my life. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Samuel 15:10-35 - The Importance of Obedience

I Samuel 15:10-35

22 Samuel said,

“Does the Lord have as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices

As in obeying the voice of the Lord?

Behold, to obey is better than a sacrifice,

[And] to pay attention is [better] than the fat of rams.

23 For rebellion is [as reprehensible] as the sin of divination,

And insubordination is [as reprehensible] as false religion and idolatry.

Since you have rejected the word of the Lord,

He has also rejected you from [being] king.”

(v. 22-23)

Message: The Importance of Obedience

Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).

What the Lord is Saying: In Chapter 15, Samuel tells Saul that the Lord had sent him to say to Saul that he should punish the Amalekites for the evil oppression they did toward Israel. Saul sets out to do this, but he doesn't do all that the Lord says and spares Kenites and the King Agag. 

Once again, in verse 10, "the word of the Lord came to Samuel" and he was regretting Saul as king because he "has not carried out My commands." All must be obeyed not partially. Partial obedience is seen as no obedience. This is hard and tough but even a little sin or Jesus would say, "a little leaven leavens or spoils the whole lump (I Corinthians 5:6)." We need to be about complete obedience. 

But in verse 13, Samuel believes he has been obedient and tells Saul as much. And yet the animals that he has spared in conquering the Amalekites are crying out, basically showing him something is wrong (v. 14). Saul in sparing them now says it is for the purpose "to sacrifice to the Lord your God. (v. 15)" 

Saul reviews with Samuel what has occurred up to this point. "The Lord anointed You king over Israel (v.17)." "And the Lord sent you on a mission...and utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites (v.18)." So why did he spare some spoil (v.19)? 

Saul once again thinks he has done right (v.20). In verse 21-23 Samuel declares before Saul "to obey is better than sacrifice" and he tells Saul that "rebellion is as the sin of divination." In other words, we can't be partial in our obedience. Then Saul comes back and while he says he has sinned in verse 24 he brings up the people once again, shifting the blame to them, rather than completely on himself. He asks for a pardon.

Samuel said to Saul, "No." As Samuel is leaving, Saul seizes the edge of his robe. Saul pronounces this as a sign in that "the Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel (v. 28)." 

Samuel judges Agag and hewed him to pieces before the Lord at Gilgal (v. 33). "Samuel grieved over Saul. And the Lord regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel (v. 35)."  

I can’t help myself but to have some sympathy for Saul, because in the way, he thought he was being obedient. But Samuel states that because he compromised that therefore his obedience was incomplete and therefore any good that Saul thought he had done was not seen. I suppose it is a good reminder of our need for grace and redemption. We are too often trained in the idea that we are expecting God to grade us on a curve. 

It still seems like, though the Lord regretted it, just as he sort of regretted mankind in sending Noah to lead a flood of the world that soul was still chosen of the Lord. Yes, our evil ways or a disappointment, clearly. Obedience or disobedience, does not make us more worthy or less worthy. God chooses his people and such as people on high because of that choice.

Summary: Saul gets told that the Lord regretted making Him king because he lacked complete obedience. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "Going through the motions—even if they are the right motions—is insufficient to fully please the Lord. He does not want our sacrifices if we do not intend to obey Him in other matters."

Prayer: God, I must admit, this is a tough lesson of obedience, maybe because of how I've been trained, on the curve and to do the best I can, but the bottom line is your grace covers me. I just wonder if it covered Saul. I have to think it did because you did work through Him. And maybe like him you have regrets about me. I suppose I have those regrets as well. Glory be to God for your mercy and love. For loving me always. And still bringing me to be together with you forever in paradise. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 11:12 - Have Sense, Keep Silent

Proverbs 11:12

He who despises his neighbor lacks sense,

But a man of understanding keeps silent. 

Message: Have sense, keep silent

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.

What the Lord is Saying: Amazing, I was just dialoguing with a person that I felt like was being a little rough to another person and sent the note. 

I am involved in an online ministry in which we I have spiritual conversations with people through a secure email client. I support other online ministries as a leader for about 25 people. One of those individuals I noticed in her correspondence she seem to be Expecting people to adhere to her conversation script, and when they didn’t, I noticed her belittling them.

Is this verse talks about despising your neighbor to me? It is partly talking about belittling your neighbor, or thinking less of your neighbor for any reason.  For doing that it lacks sense or like Good sense. The difficulty I am having with this individual, though is she does not recognize The way she is speaking. She’s having trouble understanding or taking the time to understand the individual because she’s more concerned that they simply follow the script or the intended path. She wants to walk them through. Granted that path is one of scripture and encouraging them to walk with God and trust him. But sometimes people are not receptive to that and first would like their request met. 

The counter or the opposite to this verse is a person who has understanding stay silent. I’m not thinking this means that the person does not speak, but perhaps it’s simply silent in a critical way and if anything is encouraging if a word is spoken.

The Pulpit commentary says, "An intelligent man is slow to condemn, makes allowance for others' difficulties, and, if he cannot approve, at least knows how to be silent."

Prayer: Lord, help me to remember to always be sensitive to people's needs but also have wisdom and understanding. I need to hold my tongue and be quiet and seek guidance from the Lord for what to say. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Samuel 14:47-15:9 - Military Victories and Spiritual Loss

I Samuel 14:47-15:9 

"Now the war against the Philistines was severe all the days of Saul; and when Saul saw any mighty man or any valiant man, he attached him to his staff." (verse 52)

Message: Military Victories and Spiritual Loss

Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).

What the Lord is Saying: In Chapter 14, after Jonathan went forward and initiated the defeat of the Philistines, it seems that Saul feels threatened by this. He therefore erects a requirement that no one of his army and people can eat anything until he can avenge himself and this issue. The people are starving and out of their need for hunger they start devouring the spoil of the Philistines and along the way eat the blood of animals which is strictly prohibited by the Law. Saul confronts them on this. He has to be reminded by a priest to draw near to God. He does do this, and in not hearing an answer expects that some sin must have gotten in the way. The sin he believes is Jonathan and him eating of the honeycomb on the ground, despite not knowing his father's requirement. Saul in his urgency to fulfill the requirement is ready to kill Jonathan. 

Verse 47 and 48 provide a summary of all that Saul had done in his wars up to this point. In verse 49-51 is another summary of who his sons are (Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchi-shua), his daughters (Merab, Michal) and his wife Ahinoam, the captain of his arm, his uncle Abner, his father Kish. He concludes by saying in all of his wars with the Philistines, when he found good soldiers, he brought them into his regime. 

In chapter 15, verse 1 is another summary given by Samuel - confirming his anointing of Saul as king and also confirming the Lord's work to punish Amelek (sons of Esau) (verse 2) who attacked and opposed the Lord's people. And now Saul (verse 3) is to completely eradicate and destroy these people which would mean not taking their spoils. 

And yet, Saul will now in the remaining verses not follow through completely on this destruction but will instead spare some groups. He saves the Kenites (verse 6) stating their kindness to Israel. He spared Agag, the king of the Amalekites (verse 8) and instead it says, "everything despised and worthless, that they utterly destroyed." Saul felt justified in what he spared. 

There does seem a possible problem in what Saul is doing. On the surface at times, it seems like he is doing the Lord's work, but rather than following it to a tee, he adapts it and changes the command to fit what he feels is right, justifying it himself. It is a problem I think we all have at times. We adjust the Lord's commands to fit our needs and wants. We perhaps say, "Oh, God couldn't have meant that." We do this because we think we know better than God. We have done this. We justify divorce, abortion, being unequally yoked. We justify lying and coveting. We justify the Sabbath day and working on Sunday. We text OMG thinking we are not blaspheming God. We skate often on the commands that God gives, making it seem more reasonable to us. But are we really following God's command or are we adjusting them slightly to make them more palpable to us and our ways. 

Summary: An overview of the victories Saul has been involved in is given and he is commissioned by Samuel to eradicate the Amalekites, he almost does it complete, but makes a few adjustments to fit his liking. 

Promise: Our focus should be on faithfulness to the Lord before any of the other achievements we pursue. 

Prayer: God, your ways are right and I admit sometimes I feel like it is too harsh and so in the process, I make adjustments to adapt things to my own way. But Lord, I need to be a people that is straight forward in obeying Your commands. Help me to really trust You and do the things you are asking me to do. Thank you for this truth and this lesson that you give. Thank you for the richness of this text and how Your word speaks of so much to us. Help me to honor You with my words and actions always. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.