I Samuel 29 - The Philistines Reject David

I Samuel 29

So David arose early, he and his men, to depart in the morning, to return to the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel. (verse 11)

Message: The Philistines Reject 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: I suppose I thought at the end of I Samuel 26 that David and Saul were simply going to go their separate ways. In I Samuel 27, David meet up with Achish and Achish gives David the place of Ziklag to live with his wives and family. David also clears out the land and people in South Judah to make sure no one reports him to Saul it would seem. Then in I Samuel 28, Saul experiences fear about the Philistines and perhaps he has heard of the union Achish and David also have and he really has nothing. David and Achish are conquering places together now. Saul meanwhile consults spirits, alas receiving confirmation that David will be king. 

David can't be on the side of Achish for long though as at some point there may be an attack towards his own people. Those people are still with Saul. As today's passage begins, the Philistines are in Aphek while the Israelites are in Jezreel (verse 1). Achish and David following further back the Philistines (verse 2). The Philistines notice this and confront Achish with the word that David really can't stay with them based upon his history toward the Philistines (verse 3-5). 

Achish tells David, "...return, and go in peace, that you may not displease the lords of the Philistines. (verse 7)" David left and returned to where he had come from rather than continuing in the fight.   

Though God is not mentioned in this passage, I don't think he has to be necessarily. He is still at work and perhaps all of these detours now have been necessary. 

Summary: David is with Achish following the Philistines, but those leaders recognize this and say this can't be good, so David returns to Ziklag. 

Promise: We can be sure that God is working for our benefit even when He seems absent.

Prayer: God, thank you for being present always in my life. Throughout all of life's circumstances you are there. Good times, bad times, easy times, hard times. You are near and I praise You and thank You. Guide my steps Lord. Direct me in the way you have me go. Give me wisdom. Give me grace. 

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Genesis 25:8 - Elderly, Not Happy

Genesis 25:8 

And Abraham breathed his last and died in a ripe old age, and old man and satisfied [with life]; and he was gathered to his people. 

Message: Elderly, Not Happy

Time: Genesis is the first book and Moses is credited as authoring. The book spans 2400 years of time. It was originally written in Hebrew.

What the Lord is Saying: Aging is difficult. I am finding this out. It seems for me that life simply ran its course for 50 years or so, maybe even 55 for me, but over the last couple of years, I have noticed age starting to set in. Discomforts are rising. My mind seems more cluttered at times. Memory seems harder. Responsibilities are increasing. At times, my ability to complete tasks is taking longer. My analysis seems to increase on things. I have started a book called "From Strength to Strength" by Arthur Brooks. It is a book about happiness and purpose in the 2nd half of life. Even that book I am having trouble making progress on. I want to but other things get in the way or take my focus off of it. The book has reminded me so for that as I sense live coming to a close, there may be a struggle with joy and happiness and purpose. 

I am 58 and told my boss this week that I think I will retire 1 year from next month. It seems the right time. And yet, I don't know what will happen to me after that. Even though I will stop working, I can continue to get paid for a year because of the vacation and sick pay I have stockpiled. 

So this text or reading here seems apt for me. Granted, there are always those older than me. Right now, I am in a Sunday school class and a couple of weeks ago it was said I am a young person in the class since most of the class is made up of people my parents' age. I know my dad continues to struggle following the death of my mom in October 2019. While he misses my mom, his fear of death seems greater. And these two emotions in his life control his life and define it. For him, there is solitude. He manages his day I think. He has routines but it seems that each day is simply an exercise in getting to tomorrow. 

This text today mentions Abraham at his old age, breathing his last, mentioning he was ripe, satisfied and with friends. To me this means, he was ready, satisfied and had people. Perhaps that is the need for any time or moment in life. Living like today is your last. Living with contentment and living with people around you. 

This lesson though lists 3 points today. 

1. The author here points out that Abraham had faith in God. This faith has existed throughout his life as he has learned to trust God and depend on His promises. Uncertainties that come and sufferings that come can be faced because of that faith. I think this means we believe in God's promises and words to us. We believe in the future he has prepared for us, our heavenly home. And we remember the love he has for us. 

Often people remark that they don't know how people make it without God. I have been talking to someone recently that I believe is an atheist. He is thankful for life and appreciates life. He understands suffering and pain. That life is simply this. But for me it life is something more. God's word and that knowledge that I am his creation, and living with him now and for eternity gives me an everlasting peace. I see his work in all things of life and He is my creator. That life is more than today, but tomorrow. And the principles in the Bible are for my best. So it seems empty to not have that. 

2. Abraham was obedient to God. Obedience follows faith. "Trust and obey, there is no other way than to be happy in Jesus" or so the song goes. Obedience produces alignment with God and His ways. As we abide in His ways, we see the fruit that follows and that alone brings peace and tranquility and we know and have assurance that God will not forsake us. 

3. His final point is Abraham walked with God. It seems to the author this meant a relationship with seems to be the product of faith and obedience. He talked to God, listened, and understood Him. This relationship with God assures us and Abraham that God is there. Having built that relationship, we have nothing to fret about it. It moves to more than simply trust, to an alignment.. 

One of the things I have noticed with my earthly father is he seems to have placed his entire well-being in my mom and his dependence on her for everything she did meant that upon her passing, he did not seem like he could be happy consistently. He stopped meeting with friends at Starbuck's, going to his synagogue, relating with people because his foundation (my mom) was no longer there and this has resulted in his extreme solidarity and loneliness to the point that all he has is his health. That health fear has always been there but it has grown in these final days.

Prayer: O God, how I want to find my rest in You. How I want find my peace in You, trusting in You day by day. I want to grow daily in that relationship and continue to have faith and follow that up with obedience. Thank you for bringing me to this point right now. Help me to hold onto you. And be ready to die, satisfied and content and surrounded by friends and family. All that you have blessed me with. 

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

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.