I Samuel 28:3-25 - Saul's Final Rejection

I Samuel 28:3-25 

Now therefore, please let my lord the king listen to the words of his servant. If the Lord has stirred you up against me, let Him accept an offering; but if it is men, cursed are they before the Lord, for they have driven me out today that I should have no attachment with the inheritance of the Lord, saying, 'Go, serve other gods.' (verse 19)

Message: Saul's Final Rejection

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 lesson begins with continued word of Samuel's death and the lamenting which occurs. Also, the announcement here that "Saul had removed from the land those who were mediums and spiritists" (verse 3). Philistines are in Shunem; Saul with Israel in Gilboa. Saul sees the camp of Philistines and is afraid so inquires of the Lord, but receives no answer. Needing answers, he asks for a medium. He had outlawed mediums and spiritists so he disguises himself and shows up before the medium who warns him about Saul's removal of her trade and the danger. Saul proceeds though. 

Saul asks the woman to bring up Samuel. Then she realizes he is Saul. 

Saul confronts this spirit of Samuel. Samuel says that Saul's kingship has been given to David. The issue is Samuel "did not obey the Lord and did not execute His fierce wrath on Amalek" (verse 18). This is the passage from 1 Samuel 14-15 when Saul adapted what the Lord had told him. Saul feared these words and fell down with "no strength in him" (verse 20). But the woman provides food for Saul. 

Saul is desperate. The Philistines are nearby, the people he was supposed to conquer but instead he finds himself running from. At times, it was his son Jonathan that led a charge against the Philistines. Saul has led not a great life. He looks the part, but he doesn't act like it and yet he is bothered when others get the glory, like David began to get after defeating the Philistine Goliath. He seems to be at the end now and once again, starts with God but doesn't end there and seeks out other ways to get answer. Granted, the answer comes. God provides the answer, but it is not in the manner that was intended or should have been done. It is a reminder that God has a plan that we are to follow, we fail, but God continues to make His message known. 

God's ways happen. But that doesn't mean the actions of Saul were justified because he got the answer. He didn't do it God's way and God wants people that will follow His plans. 

Summary: Once again, fearing the Philistines, Saul asks God, but grows impatient and seeks a medium and receives confirmation that David is to be the new king, replacing him. 

Promise: We must stay close to God's commands. His pattern is the intended path for us.

Prayer: Lord, you are great and mighty and your ways are intended to be kept, but your plan will remain and You will be glorified and work things out according to that plan. But along the way we your people will either respond with obedience or disobedience. Nothing will thwart your way Lord, but we your people need to be people that trust You. I need to have my desire to be obedient, even though, yes, I sin and mess up. But what is my heart? I believe it is to glorify You. Unlike Saul who still had selfish ways and stopped at nothing to get answers. Help me to be one that surrenders to You. Give me grace and guidance as I speak to people. I want to be one that trusts You always and surrenders to You.  

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

Proverbs 11:15 - Verify the one receiving gifts

Proverbs 11:15 

He who is surety for a stranger will surely suffer for it,

But he who hates going surety is safe. 

Message: Verify the one receiving gifts

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: NIV - Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe. 

He who is surety for a stranger or for another. 

“He is in great danger to be undone, who stands bound to pay the debts of another man, especially of a stranger, whose ability and honesty are unknown to him; and the way to be secure from it, is not only to avoid such engagements one’s self, but to dislike to see other men enter into them.” Simon Patrick (1626–1707), a highly regarded 17th-century Anglican bishop, theologian, and biblical commentator.

Hmm. This evening I have been struggling with this guy begging me for money. I have been friends with this man for a while now. He credits things I did that I don't think I did. But I suppose this situation is different as it seems this verse speaks of giving to someone when you do not know how they will be using it. I have always wondered if we need to do our due diligence in making sure that our money is being used for good purposes, that we need are good and true and this verse seems to confirm that this is so. 

I saw this -- The Septuagint translates differently, "A wicked man doeth evil when he mixes with the righteous; he hateth the sound of safety (η΅χον ἀσφαλείας)." Interesting that the word doeth is now speaking of here as surety in other translations. Surety is taking the responsibility of another. And odd that this verse starts with the wicked mixing with the righteous rather than the other way around. Matthew Henry says, "Our Lord Jesus Christ became a surety for us when we were strangers, and he smarted for it, he was bruised and wounded for our sins; but then he knew our circumstances, and what the consequence would be, and became a surety on purpose to pay the whole debt and set us free." He knew what he was getting into. 

So we must be careful how we give. Like Jesus, once we know what the ministry is about, we have then the option to give and perhaps we need to give if it is a worthwhile situation. Maybe I need to be quicker to give when I found out areas that are in need. I have been given much and so much responsibility has been given to me to help those in need. 

Looking at this verse - "I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them." (Luke 6:27–31)

Not sure if this is literal. And so I don't think we have to give to everyone who asks. We need to be able to verify that our gifts are going to a good cause. To bridge these two verses seems to be the idea from the Book of Numbers -- "Be careful" of the authority of God. God is on the throne and in charge, so I need to be careful to make sure I am obedient to all that He says. And in the process, make sure I am not being selfish. If I have the funds, I need to give. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you so much for this Proverb. I have wondered about this thought for some time. I believe we are living in a time of so much need and we need to be careful as to who we are giving to therefore. And this verse confirms that I need to make sure righteousness and evil are not mixing. And so the money that I give to people needs to be for good causes. Help me with this recognition and seeing the need and therefore giving. You will provide for my needs and so I can give. Help me to be a cheerful giver again and not one that is sore about giving or doing it reluctantly. I praise you God. 

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

I Samuel 27:1-28:2 - David Deceives Achish

I Samuel 27:1-28:2

So Achish believed David, saying, "He has surely made himself odious among his people Israel; therefore he will become my servant forever." (verse 12)

Message: David Deceives Achish

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: It seemed in the last chapter that Saul's time was coming to an end. Each of them went on their way (26:25). And yet here in chapter 27 both are mentioned again. David feels that despite what has happened in the last chapter that "I will perish one day by the hand of Saul" and so he remarks going into the land of the Philistine. Reminder, these are the people Saul was originally called to vanquish or conquer, but David says if he retreats there then Saul won't follow him there. Thus, this chapter is about this. 

He goes to Achish king of Gath. David brought his men and his two wives. "Now it was told Saul that David had fled to Gath, so he no longer searched for him" (verse 4). David asks Achish for a place to reside and is given Ziklag. This will be where David resides as he flees Saul. He will stay there 1 year and 4 months. 

The text then says David raided and attacked, leaving no man or woman alive, in the areas of the Geshurites, the Girzites, and eh Amalekites. These areas represented the south country of Judah. Afterwards, he returned to Achish. 

Tabletalk lesson today notes that some passages are easy to digest and understand and some are not. This one falls in the "some are not" category. 

In some ways David's approach here seems puzzling. Again, as chapter 26 ended he and Saul went their separate ways and yet David seems to still think he needs to get away from Saul and perhaps he is correct. But in some ways it is odd that he would do this given his trust of God at this point and the fact that he has somewhat made this decision without God's involvement, at least according to the text. And yet his approach seems to make sense. Go camp out with your enemy. 

And then he goes and conquers those people, in order to make sure they remain silent. Hmm. Not sure I see a lesson here today other than people of God sometimes go rogue, but that doesn't mean their non-rogue times or trusting God times are null and void. 

Summary: David seems to take a detour and run off to Achish to flee from Saul and in the process conquers and kills people south of that place in Judah. 

Promise: God can bring about good from our mistakes.

Prayer: God, you are good. As a man and human I have bouts with not being good. I can be selfish and me-focused often and can do things that sometimes seem right to me but aren't. I am not sure if this describes David here in this situation, but I see it as an opportunity to reflect on my humanity and my need for God and that He is perfect. I thank you for this. I believe you are all-knowing and I need you for everything. Keep me running towards You. 

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

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.