I Samuel 26 - David Spares Saul Again

I Samuel 26

David also said, "As the Lord lives, surely the Lord will strike him, or this day will that he dies, or he will go down into battle and perish. The Lord forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the Lord's anointed; but now please take the spear that is at his head and the jug of water, and let us go." (Verse 10-11)

Message: David Spares Saul Again

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: Times have changed. Instead of David being the fugitive, now it feels like it has shifted over to Saul. And yet, as it looked like David had been reprieved of Saul attacking him, once again, here, at the beginning of this chapter Saul seems to be pursuing David again. 

Saul learns that David is in the wilderness of Ziph. "David sent out spies, and he knew that Saul was definitely coming" (verse 4). David approaches the place where Saul has camped. Abishai goes down with David to the camp. Abishai lets David know that David the Lord (maybe) has delivered Saul into his hand and Abishai is ready to strike, just say the word. But David once again says he is not to "stretch out his hand against the Lord's anointed." If he does, "surely the Lord wills strike him" that does that.

Once again, God provides. His sovereign hand is at work here, as it has been. So many times did David escape Saul's wrath and yet now at this moment, David listens to God and Saul is spared. David knows better. He knows that in due time Saul will die but David is not going to be the one to force this. There is a lesson here to learn. I need to wait on God and he will carry out the outcome on people's lives. No matter how I might believe that person is worthy of death, we are to wait on Him. This life is really short in comparison to eternity. 

David then confronts Abner, Saul's commander leader letting him now that Saul was left unguarded and if not him, someone else could have taken Saul. David not only spares Saul but ensures that he is protected. 

Saul recognizes David's voice. Saul is concerned that David is coming against him. Saul says, "I have sinned. Return, my son David for I will not harm you again because my life was precious in your sight this day." (v. 21).  David went on his way and Saul remained at his place. 

Summary: Saul begins to pursued David again, but God allows David to come upon Saul sleeping and David spares Saul's life, trusting instead in God to take care of Saul in his time. Saul and David part ways.

Promise: God is always working for our good. 

Prayer: Lord God, you are sovereign over all in this world and my world. You make things to work out for your glory. You weave this world in the palm of your hand and I can trust in You. I will trust You. I will surrender to You and trust You continually. I will wait and pray and ask You to have mercy on people's live and lean further on You throughout my days here on this earth. My hope is in you and I thank you for rooting that hope in me. Lord, at times, I know I can get swayed by other people and their thoughts, even as I converse with folks online about different beliefs. I am now challenged at times. I pray for strength, for Your strength to be rooted in me always. 

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

I Samuel 25 - Abigail Saves David

I Samuel 25

Then David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me, and blessed be your discernment, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodshed and from avenging myself by my own hand." (Verse 32-33)

Message: Abigail Saves 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: This chapter opens up with the mention of Samuel dying and his burial in verse 1. 

Then is a new story of a man in Maon which had been mentioned previously in 23:24 as a place David had fled. Maon and Engedi (ch. 24) are a distance of about 15 miles. In this place Maon lives Nabal and his wife Abigail. Nabal is rich. He was harsh and evil in his dealings. His wife very beautiful. A contrast here is shown - one who is tough and one who has a beautiful countenance. (v.1-3)

David hears that Nabal is shearing his sheep. Often following the shearing was a big meal. David sends me to Nabal with a favorable greeting to him: "Have a long life, peace be to you..." In times of feasting men are most vulnerable to attack and it is mentioned that they have not been insulted. And so the men send by David simply ask that if anything is left at this time that it be given to them (v. 4-8)

Nabal did not respond to this well. He assumed these men had run away from their master. He has nothing to share. So David's men went back to tell David of this. David's response seems to be one of anger, girding his men with their swords to go back to Nabal. (v.8-13)

Abigail, Nabal's wife, hears of what is going on that "David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, and he scorned them" from one of the men of David's group. In response, Abigail puts together our large amount of bread and wine, not telling her husband Nabal. David proclaims again what has occurred (v. 21-22), a sort of summary. (14-22)

Abigail comes before David and bows down. She admits the folly of her husband and states that she would have greeted them different if she had seen them. She brings a gift to the young men and asks, "Please forgive the transgression of your maidservant." Abigail sees what is going on and asks for peace. "When the Lord shall deal well with my lord, then remember your maidservant." (v. 23-31).

David responds to Abigail with gratitude - blessing her discernment and keeping them from bloodshed. He "have listened to you and granted your request." Abigail went to her husband to tell him. At first, he did not understand because he was drunk, but once he got sober his heart sank. And from this he died 10 days later. David is thankful and Blesses the Lord. The evildoing has landed back on Nabal and now he asks for Abigail to be his wife. Abigail responded bringing with her maidservants to be his wife. The text mentions also taking Ahinoam as a wife. Meanwhile Michal, David's wife, is given to another - Palti. Thus the separation between Saul and David is clear. (v. 32-44). 

David's response to Nabal is not exemplary. If anything, it is similar to the way that Saul would have responded, fighting fire with fire. David was not perfect. Abigail interceded and prevented this bloodbath from happening and David responding by taking the beautiful woman as his wife. But she would be only one of his wives as he would have man. 

Summary: David sends men to Nabal's camp in hopes of receiving something while he is having a feast. But they are rejected. Nabal's wife Abigail intercedes and prevents a bloodbath. Nabal dies and Abigail becomes one of David's wife. 

Promise: The Lord spares us from ourselves.

Prayer: Lord, you are gracious. Pride and vengeance rises in us at times, but thank you for diffusing situations and bringing forth your providence of grace. You are a great God of mercy. Thank you for working in people's lives to bring about your good purposes. Be glorified. 

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

I Samuel 24 - David Spares Saul's Life

I Samuel 24 

And now, behold, I know that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand. So now swear to me by the Lord that you will not cut off my descendants after me, and that you will not destroy my name from my father's household. (verse 20-21)

Message: David Spares Saul's Life

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: David has been somewhat of a fugitive thus far since chapter 18. Saul was threatened by David and therefore pursuing him to kill him but David continues to get away. David is now in the wilderness of Engedi. Engedi is further south, close to the Dead Sea. Saul is ready, taking 3,000 men. Upon arriving at a cave "Saul went in to relieve himself" or cover his feet. David is already in that cave and David's men say that the Lord is saying to David, "I am about to give your enemy into your hand." 

"Then David arose and cut off the edge of Saul's robe secretly." David was ready and could have seized and killed Saul. But he didn't. He didn't act in the same manner that Saul was acting towards him. Instead, he just cut of a little edge of Saul's robe. Even at that, his "conscience (heart struck) bothered him." Although Saul is trying to kill him. David still knows that "he is the Lord's anointed" as the Lord through Samuel had anointed him (chapter 10). 

In verse 8, "David bowed with his face to the ground and prostrated himself" before Saul. He knew he had an opportunity to kill Saul and he tells Saul this, but instead David says, "I will not stretch out my hand against you." He confirms, "there is no evil or rebellion (transgression) in my hands, and I have not sinned against you." Contrary to how Saul has sought to deal with David, David confirms that he has not sinned against the Lord or Saul in taking his life. David is different. "Out of the wicked comes forth wickedness, but my hand shall not be against you." 

Saul sees the difference that David is and says, "You are more righteous than I...I have dealt wickedly with you (verse 17)." Saul says "the Lord therefore reward you with good." Saul takes a moment here and does the honorable thing. For once, he surrenders to God after he hears David having done the same. Saul doesn't initiate his allegiance to God, but it only comes after someone else has done the same. He says to David, "I know that you shall surely be king" and he asks for David's mercy and "David swore to Saul."  

Summary: David shows grace toward Saul in not killing him. Instead bows to him and Saul tells David he will be king and David swears he will not hurt Saul. 

Promise: Leave vengeance to the Lord. 

Prayer: Lord, your grace is extended to others. I thank you for this. Thank you for David's example of how we are to live in an honorable way, letting you have vengeance as you wish. 

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

John 16:33 - Adversity Leads to Glory

John 16:33

These things I have spoken to you, than in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world. 

Message: Adversity Leads to Glory

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)." 

What the Lord is Saying: RC Sproul once remarked it is hard to be a Christian believing in a God you can't see. Yes, we have Jesus, the exact representation of God, but with God how do I trust in a God I cannot see. 

In life, there are hard circumstances that come our way. For me these instances feel momentary, but I talk to many people that are suffering in these circumstances more than simply momentary, but sometimes lifelong. I suppose as I age, the adversities in how I feel start to increase. Like right now, my left side and my foot and my tennis elbow -- all of these things seem to be occurring more often. So I often understand why in church, most of the prayer requests are focused on those health matters. 

This author of the article mentions Job. Job loses everything. And in response pours out his heart to God. I have been doing this more with Pamela. Most mornings, before I leave for work, going in and praying and my focus has been this - pouring my heart out to God for our kids. Praying often the same requests over and over. For my youngest son, the prayer has been somewhat the same for the past 9 years. It is a prayer that I keep praying - begging God, asking God to please send good people into his life, to break his heart of stone and break his will so that he surrenders to you God. I suppose it is a Job prayer. It is a prayer of lamenting and pouring my heart out to God. 

And this type of praying or pleading to God must be somewhat intentional because Job is in our Bible and I think we approach the Bible and the books in it with intentionality not accident. Those books are in there because I need them in there and God wants them in there and so those prayers that are happening are correct. The hardships we experience in this life are not random, pointless events. 

God listens. God hears. But God's reasons for these trials and tribulations is not always evident or clear. In today's verse in John is the confirmation that "In the world you will have tribulation." 

Life is hard and we need each other. I need you. But the Bible also says, "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." - I Thessalonians 5:18. So we need to do that. Say life is hard, we need to encourage one another and still I can give thanks.

In adversity therefore is not evidence that God is not there or absent but rather he is there. And suffering leads us closer to the day when we will be with him. And free totally in Christ, in God. We are following in Jesus' footsteps. And so in each day we take up that cross (Luke 9:23) and make the choice to take on this life for the hope of a future glory. Christ did not fail on the cross and so I will not fail. That cross while being about suffering is also about God's love. Yes, it is hidden at times but we must live in hope. 

Prayer: God, I must admit, it is hard hearing about adversity being our life, but it does remind me that life here on this earth is hard. I notice myself all too often wanting to escape those hard moments. I hear it from my son - how can I work less and still have the money I need to survive. I am reminded of my friend in India and the number of hours he spends pleading and directing his requests to God for help. He is fulfilling his mission - trusting in God and going to God as Job did. His hope is in you God. Now provide for him and help him with what he needs. For the young man in Nigeria, remove pride from him and help me to have a trust in You. Lord, for my friend here struggling with illness, give him strength and help him to concentrate and get his tasks completed. Help his family and wife to show him appreciation. Pad him with encouragement. Help my kids to all know you and look to you and trust in You. 

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

I Samuel 23 - David Escapes Saul

I Samuel 23

So Saul returned from pursuing David, and went to meet the Philistines; therefore they called that place the Rock of Escape. And David went up from there and stayed in the strongholds of Engedi. (verse 28-29)

Message: David Escapes 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: At the end chapter 22, Saul had come across Ahimelech the priest who had given David consecrated bread or holy bread and then also Goliath's sword. Saul didn't like this and had Ahimelech and entourage killed, but his son Abiathar, the priest escaped. He let David know and David promised to keep him safe. David safeguarded his family in the area of Moab, but Saul continues to pursue David.  

At the beginning of chapter 23, David is informed that the Philistines "are fighting against Keilah and are plundering the threshing floors." The threshing floors, in the city of Keilah, are the elevated, open-air, and hardened surfaces where Israelite farmers processed their grain harvest, usually on a hilltop to catch the wind. Basically, the area that supplies their food. The Lord tells David to "Go and attack" but David's men are wondering if this is wise, so David asks the Lord again and again receives confirmation to go. They go and they conquer the Philistines, protecting Keilah. 

In verse 6, Abiathar mentions coming to David at Keilah with an ephod. What is this ephod? Doing some research it appears to be a part of the garment of a high priest. It is a linen cloth that is draped in the middle from the waist about down to the knee. But it could have been jeweled as well. It is some sort of tool used to inquire of the Lord, to determine his will. Perhaps to cast lots. Abiathar has the ephod in his hand. 

David wanted the ephod (v.9). Saul believes that "God has delivered him into my hand" referring to David. This seems peculiar that Saul thought that pious and God trusting David needs to be delivered into his hand. It is like Saul who it seems to be was anointed by God at some point but now has an evil spirit sent his way and yet thinks God is working to give him what he wants. In other words, anyone can call on the name of God and think that God is working for his good. Anyone can make this claim, but simply making this claim does not mean someone is called by God. 

After David gets the Ephod he called on God in verse 10. He asks God for guidance and understanding regarding Saul coming to Keilah and the Lord says, "He will come down. (verse 11)" And David finds out that God will indeed surrender David into the hand of Saul if David stays in the city of Keilah. So instead David goes to the hill country, wilderness of Ziph. Saul once again finds out about this, but Jonathan once again makes a covenant with David to protect him. The Ziphites also say they will surrender David into Saul's hand (verse 20). 

Next David goes to the wilderness of Maon and once again Saul pursues him there. "David was hurrying to get away from Saul (verse 26)." Saul goes to the Philistines and David finally in the last verse of the chapter is in the strongholds of Engedi.

Interesting chapter. Saul thinks he has the Lord on his side, but is actually David that uses the priestly garment, the ephod to call on the Lord and God tells him what will happen if he goes to these other lands, first Keilah. If he ends up there, those men will surrender David to Saul. Therefore, David goes elsewhere. The Lord is protecting David, warning him what will happen if he goes certain places. He is displaying His providence. God uses enemies of Israel later, to move Saul away from David and toward the Philistines. As always we can trust that God works things out. 

Summary: God is still directing David as David continues to call on him for guidance as Saul continues to pursue David. David is escaping though and each time God's providence is evident. 

Promise: God is directing the path of His people at all times, using all situations for His glory and our deliverance. 

Prayer: God you are great and this word reminds me that you safeguard your people. You keep our enemies far from us, but we must continually seek You. We must continually trust in You and be guided by You and ask for your guidance in our life. 

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

Proverbs 13:2 - Violent Words

Proverbs 13:2

From the fruit of a man's mouth he enjoys good,

But the desire of the treacherous is violence.

Message: Violent Words

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: Reading Tabletalk and the article "Violent Words" and the author translates this verse, "From the fruit of their lips people eat what is good, but the unfaithful desire violence." There is a contrast here between wise, helpful, kind, thoughtful words and words that destroy or tear down. 

In the heat of anger, how are we sometimes responding? In this moment, the person we are fighting with becomes a sort of enemy with our biting, sarcastic and vengeful words. It could be a friend, co-worker, or even spouse or parent. Often, through our words we want to inflict pain. It happens. Our sense of entitlement takes over. Our expectations are unmet. We feel wronged. 

As quickly as I run to anger, I need to quickly run to repenting, confessing to God first, and then to the other party, asking forgiveness and truly forgiving others. I admit I sort it out first in my mind and try to get past it. 

In these tense moments, I don't have to respond with sin. That sometimes is the hard part for me: how do I act differently? What should I have done instead? How do I take these wronged feelings and not respond with anger and being threatened. How do I pursue the offense without hurtful words? Not sure I know any other way to get it resolved. Sometimes at work I see often that what stirs me up and angers me rarely works out for me, reminding me that my many words of emotion didn't get me anywhere but disappointment and anger and mess up other relationships or other times of enjoyment. 

Prayer: Lord, I need help. I think of my son who struggles with this as well. As he approaches these scenario's which make him made how do we respond differently. How can we still get our concern out and yet not sin? Teach me to do it in love. Teach me to not be swept away by those feelings and still deal with the situation, but with love and hope, seeking you Lord with direction and guidance. 

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

I Samuel 22 - Saul Kills the Priests at Nob

I Samuel 22

Then Ahimelech answered the king and said, “And who among all your servants is as faithful as David, the king’s own son-in-law, who is commander over your bodyguard, and is honored in your house? (verse 14)

Message: Saul Kills the Priests at Nob

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: The Fugitive. Sort of funny to me, but that's what I'm thinking David is right now. Of course, he hasn't really done anything wrong, though Saul would heartily disagree. Saul it seems feels threatened by him. Saul wants to be king of the hill and David, chosen by God, and responding to this calling by trusting in God and seeing good things happen to him and the people of Israel has gotten in the way. Saul is the people's choice for king and though looks the part is not one who seems to put God first. 

As David is fleeing, Saul's son Jonathan and daughter Michal (David's wife) have been trying to help. David is now without his wife, simply going from town to town to stay alive. 

In Chapter 21, Dave had fled to Gath, more on the western side of Israel in the region of Judah. Next he heads east to the cave of Adullam. About 10 miles in distance so easily a day's journey or half a day. Once he gets to the cave, his family shows up -- parents and brothers -- as well as a bunch of others. And then David goes to Mizpah of Moab. He shelters and leaves his parents there while it is recommended he go back to the forest of Hereth in the land of Judah. 

Saul is hearing about David and the other men. He tells them that David basically doesn't have what he has to offer them - land and possibilities to be over armies. Doeg the Edomite, one of Saul's men, witnessed David with Ahimelech and mentions this to Saul. Saul summons Ahimelech and questions him, wondering why he has conspired against him. Ahimelech had provided David a sword and holy bread (chapter 21). Ahimelech tries to defend himself. He basically throws it back into Saul's face stating he is "commander over your bodyguard, and is honored in your house? (verse 14)" Well, Saul doesn't respond to this very well and wants Ahimelech seized and killed. 

Saul asks his servants to take care of Ahimelech and his other men, but they refuse, so he speaks to Doeg who has no problem killing folks. He kills 85, but in the process, Ahimelech's son -- Abiathar-- escapes. "Abiathar informed David that Saul had killed the priests of the Lord (verse 21)." And David tells Abiathar, "For you are safe with me (verse 23)." 

Summary: David continues to flee but he makes sure his parents are safe in Moab while he goes back to Judah. Saul meanwhile apprehends Ahimelech and has Doeg kill him and his entourage while Ahimelech's son Abiathar goes to David and has refuge. 

Promise: From Tabletalk -- Nothing is too vile for men to do when God has given them over to the lust of their hearts. Only the restraining hand of God keeps people from being as bad as they could possibly be.

Prayer: God, you are rich in mercy. And grace. Thank you for protecting me and the people of God for your glory. Evil happens. But Lord you restrain evil according to your sovereign plan. It is hard to see it occur. But I will trust in You. Keep me focused on You. Thank you for keeping me safe as David did with the priest Abiathar. And help me to protect my parents, my father and my wife's mother, and I pray my children will do the same with me. 

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