As we’ve read in this story, jealousy and anger can drive us to the point of murder. Imagine King Saul hurling a spear towards his own son in boiled rage to kill him. All because of his intense jealousy towards David. God’s hand and favour were now on David, and Saul became enraged because he no longer received the attention or glory for leading God’s people.
Read More anger, forgiveness, jealousyIn 1 Samuel 21:1-15 David’s escape from Saul to the land of Gath put David in the path of danger with King Achish of Gath. King Achish knew David well, as David was the one who killed the Philistine Goliath. Fleeing from Saul put him in the city of Gath: the home of his enemies, the home of Goliath the giant he’d killed a few years earlier.
Did David think they would not recognize him?
Read More stress, distress, trials, rescue, difficultyWe’ve all have bad days, and times when we try to run from our problems. But the last time I pulled the blankets over my head in an effort to avoid the coming day, I didn’t wish for hundreds of people to join me.
When David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam, his brothers and all his other relatives joined him.
Read More problems, supporters, helpSaul had no idea what he was walking into. But this would be the greatest test for David, the future king. David had every right to kill Saul: Saul murdered priests, men and women, children and babies. Justice needed to be served to this war criminal.
But God was testing David. Was he going to listen to man or God?
Read More getting even, justice, revengeI love receiving gifts. Giving gifts is a gesture that people have used for centuries to express love, peace and forgiveness.
In this case, the gift offering that Abigail brought David changed the destiny for thousands of people in the city of Carmel. However it wasn’t the gift that brought the change to Abigail’s people – it was that the gift offering was received as acceptable to David.
Read More peace, cross, giftHere I go again on my own. Or am I on my own?
Nothing disappoints me more than to watch a movie with a different ending than the one I would have chosen. I’ve invested an hour or two of my time and lo and behold, I’m left with an opposing, unsatisfying outcome.
Read More control, trust, patience, perseveranceIn today’s episode, we are reading about failure. Get ready, because you will be wondering why this man of God (David) who trusts and turns to God for guidance, is now slaughtering men and women and pillaging their possessions.
The word “hypocrite” comes to mind.
Read More sin, forgiveness, failure, inconsistencyA person’s true character is often most evident when under great pressure.
The looming Philistine battle sent King Saul into great distress. A king who is supposed to be confident, heroic in nature, superior in stature and domineering, is now falling apart and full of fear.
In disobedience to what the Old Testament teaches, Saul seeks out a medium for guidance about his future instead of waiting on the Lord for answers.
Read More wisdom, Holy Spirit, guidance, God’s Word, psychic, occultGod intervened in this difficult situation David found himself in. His only escape from Saul at the time was to join the Philistine army. God worked though Philistine commanders to urge King Achish to not let David and his army go into battle with them.
Was David a valued defector or a threat to the Philistine army from within?
Read More grace, rescue