Bible Study Notes in 1 Samuel- Chapter 31

1 Samuel 31

-The final chapter in this saga between the initial king of Israel, Saul, and the man after God’s own heart who would begin the eternal spiritual Kingdom of Israel, David, plays out with the death of King Saul. The Philistines were fighting the Israelites as the action picks up with the Israelis fleeing from their counterparts and being slain on Mount Gilboa. Saul was overtaken in the conflict along with his sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchi-shua. The three sons were killed in the malaise, and the battle went heavy against Saul, just as Samuel had prophesied from the grave (1 Samuel 28:1-25). Now it was Saul who would fall. The Philistine archers hit him and badly wounded him. The king commanded his armor bearer to draw his sword and finish him off, but in fear the servant could not bring himself to kill the king even in a merciful situation. Therefore, seeing that all hope was lost and that his enemies would make sport of him and pierce him through anyway, he took his sword and fell on it committing suicide in his waning moments. When the armor bearer saw this happen, he too lost all desire to live and fell on his sword as well. Thus they died together, the king, the armor bearer, and Saul’s three sons, on that day (1 Samuel 31:1-6). David had treated his king with the utmost respect and loyalty with no part in the demise. Soon it would be his kingdom in Israel. God had made a way and kept David’s character in tact through every twist and turn to fulfill his call and anointing.

-When the men of Israel saw what was going on from the other side of the valley beyond the Jordan to the east, they abandoned their cities and fled. Therefore, the Philistines came and lived in them immediately. The next day, when the Philistines came to strip the slain for spoil, they found the corpse of Saul along with his three sons. They taunted Israel in their victory by cutting off the head of the former king and stripped him of his weapons sending them throughout their land in jubilation to their idols and people. God was mocked by these pagans, and Saul’s weapons were put in the temple of Ashtaroth. Not only that, but they fastened the king’s body to the wall of a major thoroughfare city, Beth-shan, for full and gruesome display of the vanquished. At this point, some valiant men of Jabesh-gilead who had heard the terrible news of what the Philistines had done to Saul arose and walked all night to take back the body of their fallen leader and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan. Once confiscated, they came to Jabesh and burned the flesh of the deceased. Then they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree that was there in Jabesh. After that, they fasted for seven days. This is how the book of 1 Samuel concludes (1 Samuel 31:7-13).

-*Application* This untimely death of Israel’s king was not just a physical death, but the destruction of an ideal. Israel’s whim to have a king who could save them and solve all their troubles was burst and destroyed, like the army of Israel on Mount Gilboa. Israel’s real issue was not their form of government, as we will see later with the kingdom of David, but the sinfulness and double-mindedness of their king. Spurts of religious conviction were not enough to establish Saul, nor will it be for us. Real spirituality takes surrender to the Holy Spirit through the work of Jesus Christ by faith and a lifetime of dedicated-consistent obedience. Over time, our lives will show the fruit on Christ’s righteousness in us. Day by day we give our lives away as God’s power becomes more and more prominent. Continual-abiding growth is His desire for us (John 3:30).

Verse to Memorize: 1 Samuel 31:6

Bible Study Notes in 1 Samuel- Chapter 30

1 Samuel 30

-On the third day after his departure from Achish, David returned to an awful sight in Ziklag where his family and all his men’s families were staying. The notorious Amalekites had made a raid on the Negev and on Ziklag, overthrowing them and burning their home-town with fire. They had taken captive the women and all who were in Ziklag, both small and great. Thankfully though, they had killed no one in this raid. But, they were carried away as the Amalekites’ property. When David and his men came to the city and realized what had happened, all they could initially do was lift their voices in anguish, weeping until there was no strength left in them to cry any more. Among the captives were David’s two wives, Ahinoam and Abigail. Not only this, but David became greatly distressed because his own men began talk of stoning him. All the people were embittered. It was understandable when they thought that they had lost everything including their families. It was a low point in the life of this future king, a point of testing. But, David did something incredible, which is an inspiration to us all. The text says he “strengthened himself in the LORD his God (1 Samuel 30:1-6).”

-Next, in a display of wisdom he inquired of Abiathar the priest to bring him the ephod. Abiathar obliged so that David could inquire of the LORD on this matter. He asked God if he should pursue this raiding band of evil men and overtake them. God told him plainly to go and that he would overtake them. Further, God promised that all the captives would be rescued safely. Therefore, David took off with his 600 men. They came to the brook Besor. At that place, 200 of his men were too exhausted to cross the brook, and they remained behind as David and the 400 stronger men continued their pursuit. Providentially, they found an Egyptian in the field. He was brought to David and was given bread and water. His spirit revived when he partook of a piece of fig cake and a cluster of raisins. He had been without food or water for three days, so he was more than likely near death when they found this informer. After inquiring as to who he was and where he was from, David’s party found out that he was a servant of an Amalekite who was left behind three days ago sick along the way. He told them of the raids on the Negev of the Cherethites, and on that which belonged to Judah, and on that Negev that belonged to Caleb. Then he told them of burning Ziklag with fire. Upon hearing this, David wanted to know if he could bring him and his men down to find this band of marauders. After being asked to swear to God on this Egyptian’s safety from his masters or David’s men, he agreed to bring them down to their enemies’ camp. When David and his men found them, they were spread out all over the land, eating and drinking and dancing because of all the great spoil that they had taken from the Philistines and Judah. David wasted no time. He and his men slaughtered them from the twilight until the evening of the next day, and none of them escaped except for 400 who fled riding off on camels. So David, with the strong help of the LORD, recovered ALL that the Amalekites had taken. His two wives were rescued, and nothing was missing, small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything that they had taken for themselves including sheep and cattle. David brought it ALL back as his own spoil (1 Samuel 30:7-20)!

-Upon their return, David and his congregation came upon the 200 men at the brook Besor. They went out to meet David and all those with him and greeted them warmly. But some wicked and worthless men in David’s warrior clan spoke up and did not want any of these who had been left behind to have any of the spoil that they had gained except for their wives and children. They were acting greedily and wanted them to depart from the clan. But David had other ideas. He stated, “You must not do so, my brothers, with what the LORD has given us, who has kept us and delivered into our hand the band that came against us. And who will listen to you in this matter? For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage; they shall share alike (1 Samuel 30:21-24).” This ordinance and statute remained as a standard in Israel from that day forward (1 Samuel 30:25). In fact, David showed great generosity with gifts to all those in the region where he and his men were accustomed to going in their days of being fugitives from King Saul (1 Samuel 30:26-31).

-*Application* Leadership has many faces and seasons as we can see here in the text today. Sometimes our low points can radically change to incredible times of blessing when we strengthen ourselves in the LORD, even when no one seems to be on our side. Keep inquiring of the LORD, be patient with people who are fallen and need guidance. Be a person of integrity. Be valiant. Be generous and not greedy. Continue to trust God in the difficult times. This is who David was, and who we can be as well.

Verse to Memorize: 1 Samuel 30:6

Bible Study Notes in 1 Samuel- Chapter 29

1 Samuel 29

-The scene shifts back to David, who finds himself proceeding with his men in the rear of the Philistines flanks as they gathered to Aphek. He was with his lord Achish in support, but Divine intervention took place so that he, in integrity, need not raise his hand against his own countrymen. The commanders of the Philistines, who were proceeding on towards the battle by hundreds and by thousands, asked emphatically, “What are these Hebrews doing here?” Achish defended David as being a faithful man who had been at his side for not only days, but years. He found no fault in David from the day he deserted the kingdom of Saul for their nation. However, this did not appease the commanders of the Philistines, and they became angry with Achish over the matter. They desired that David go back to his assigned place by the king with no involvement with the looming battle. They feared that he and his men may become an adversary to them, and favor the kingdom of Israel taking the heads of Philistines when push came to shove. They no doubt remembered Goliath’s death and all the victories this warrior of Yahweh had accomplished over their people as they recalled the infamous refrain concerning David’s prowess, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands (1 Samuel 29:1-5).”

-So, Achish summoned David and told him that even though he had been completely upright in all his activities with his Philistine neighbors in their war pursuits, which pleased the king, the lords would not accept his participation in this particular fight. He told David to “return” and “go in peace” so that no further disunity occur on the Philistine side. David did not understand their position asking, “But what have I done?” He recounted his faithfulness to his lord in his time of distress against his enemies. But Achish lugubriously replied, “I know that you are pleasing in my sight, like an angel of God; nevertheless, the commanders of the Philistines have said, ‘He must not go up with us to the battle.’” He then told him to arise early in the morning with his men when there was sunlight so that they could depart. David complied that next morning to return to the land of the Philistines back to the south and west. Meanwhile, the Philistines continued on up to the Jezreel for the decisive battle in King Saul’s life (1 Samuel 29:6-11).

-*Application* What I believe we should see from this passage is how the LORD rewards our faithfulness and works things out when we act with integrity. His Divine Hand is upon everything in our lives when we surrender to His will and go His way as followers in the Kingdom of Heaven. We must allow circumstances to play out in our own lives with authenticity and uprightness, even when there seems to be conflict and contradiction. We must be persons of our word, and live in subjection to God’s authority for what He wants us to do in every situation. It’s not always easy, but it works. Trust the Sovereign.

Verse to Memorize: 1 Samuel 29:9

Bible Study Notes in 1 Samuel- Chapter 28

1 Samuel 28

-“Now it came about in those days that the Philistines gathered their armed camps for war, to fight against Israel.” They may have found a new boldness in the fact that David had seemingly joined ranks with their cause, and decided to threaten the ranks of God’s people on this occasion. Achish wanted David to know without a doubt that he would be going out with this king in the camp along with his mighty men of valor. David was put in a precarious spot now. Either refuse Achish and reveal his disloyalty, which could put his own men in danger, or fight against his beloved Israel for whom he was predestined to lead in the near future as king. Thankfully, he was able to navigate the situation as the Philistine warriors discerningly distrusted him for joining them in the fight (see 1 Samuel 29:1-11). David pledged his loyalty to Achish nonetheless, and the king made him his bodyguard for life (1 Samuel 28:1-2).

-Meanwhile, the text reminds us that Samuel was dead, being lamented vigorously by his people in Israel and buried in Ramah. Saul had removed all of the mediums and spiritists from the land, which was a commendable thing (Deuteronomy 18:9-14, Exodus 22:18), but his heart still turned to this detestable occultic practice in his distress. The Philistines gathered together and came to camp in Shunem, while Saul gathered his troops from Israel together and camped in Gilboa. When Saul saw the camp of his pagan enemy, he was afraid and his heart trembled greatly. Saul initially inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him, “either by dreams or by Urim or by prophets.” After this futility, he decided to summon a female medium so that he could inquire of her. His servants knew of such a woman in En-dor, which was just northwest of where they camped at Mount Gilboa and just south of the Sea of Galilee. The king disguised himself putting on other clothes than the king’s wardrobe. Then, he along with two men went to her for some advice concerning his mounting predicament. They came to her at night asking her to conjure up a specific person from the side of the deceased. At first the woman baulked at the idea stating plainly that the king, Saul, whom she did not realize was this inquirer, had outlawed her practice. She felt like they were laying a snare for her so that they could put her to death. But, Saul swore to her by the LORD’s life that no punishment would come upon her for this thing. At last the woman consented, and she asked who he wanted to bring up from the dead. Samuel was who Saul wanted to hear from. When Samuel was then summoned, a force more powerful than her normal demonic activity emerged, and she cried out with a loud voice, “Why have you deceived me? For you are Saul.” Saul reassured her not to be afraid, but to tell him what she observed from the other side. She stated, “I see a divine being coming up out of the earth.” Saul wanted to know his form, and she told him that it was an old man coming up wrapped in a robe. By now Saul somehow knew this was Samuel. He bowed his face to the ground and paid homage (1 Samuel 28:3-14).

-There is now a mind- blowing conversation between the living Saul and the departed from earth Samuel. Samuel begins, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” Saul answered, “I am greatly distressed; for the Philistines are waging war against me, and God has departed from me and no longer answers me, either through prophets or by dreams; therefore, I have called you, that you may make known to me what I should do.” Samuel replied, “Why then do you ask me, since the LORD has departed from you and has become your adversary?” Then Samuel verified the word of the LORD given through him while he was alive on the earth, “The LORD has done accordingly as He spoke through me; for the LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, to David.” Then, he continued his rebuke from the other side, “As you did not obey the LORD and did not execute His fierce wrath on Amalek, so the LORD has done this thing to you this day.” Then he emphatically prophesied from the grave, “Moreover the LORD will also give over Israel along with you into the hands of the Philistines, therefore tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. Indeed the LORD will give over the army of Israel into the hands of the Philistines!” Upon hearing these haunting words, Saul fell immediately full length upon the ground and became very afraid. He had absolutely no strength left in him, since he had not eaten food all day or that night. The medium woman seeing that Saul was completely terrified by what he encountered pleaded for her well-being and beseeched him to eat some food. Initially Saul refused the offer, but his servants joined in with the woman finally convincing him to partake. The woman quickly slaughtered a fattened calf and took flour, kneading it and baking unleavened bread from it. After eating it, Saul arose with his men and went away that night (1 Samuel 28:15-25).

-*Application* What can possibly be said about this incredible chapter of intrigue. God will keep His word no matter what. Even when David had seemingly betrayed his people and gone to the camp of the Philistines, God was at work to fulfill His purposes through the Israelites. We can count on the words of the prophets. They will come to fruition. Also here we see the continued double-mindedness of the wayward King Saul. Though he made a pact to rid the nation of spiritists and mediums, he turned to them when things went awry. He heart did not fully trust in the LORD; therefore, his kingdom was torn from him and given to a better man, David. What then can we take from this? Don’t be double-minded and obey the LORD fully when He asks you to do something in His Name. Of course, we could also contemplate the concept of ghosts and hearing from deceased people. God does not want us to engage in this practice (again see Deuteronomy 18:9-14), so avoid it being content to look to His Spirit and His Word for all your spiritual needs (Spirit and Truth, John 4:23-24).

Verse to Memorize: 1 Samuel 28:16

Bible Study Notes in 1 Samuel- Chapter 27

1 Samuel 27

-David now says to himself that he would perish at the hand of evil, double-minded King Saul if he were to continue staying in the land of Israel. He concluded that there would be nothing better for him and his 600 men, with their families, than to go in escape to the land of the Philistines, who were the people of God’s mortal enemies. He accurately reasoned that Saul would despair of searching for him in enemy territory thus allowing for the deliverance of his life. So he arose and crossed over to side with Achish, king of Gath, and lived with him in his royal city. When it was told to Saul what David had done, he indeed called off the search for his arch nemesis (1 Samuel 27:1-4).

-After these things, David approached Achish with a petition. If he had found favor in the sight of this king, he desired a place in his country for his people to live so that they did not cramp the royal city with their presence. So Achish generously gave David and his people Ziklag that very day, which continued to be a possession of Israel until the writing of the text (1 Samuel 27:5-6). Therefore, David lived in the country of the Philistines a year and four months. In that time, they went up to the south and raided the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites who had been inhabitants of these lands from ancient times as one comes from Shur even as far as the land of Egypt. David and his men attacked the land and left no one alive, just as God had long ago commanded (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). He took away sheep, cattle, donkeys, camels, and clothing as spoil. Then he returned to Achish telling him of his exploits in the land of the Negev. Achish believed now that David was fully committed to his cause, and that he had surely become odious among his own people in Israel. He falsely assumed that David would be his servant forever at this point (1 Samuel 27:7-12).

-*Application* Sometimes in wisdom we must decide to enter the enemies camp for a season when things are so rough in our homeland. We know persecution is real when it gets to this point. I know Christians that feel more comfortable in a bar with heathens than in a cold-religious environment that is sterile, condescending, and callous. When we think of it, wasn’t Jesus doing the same type of thing (Matthew 23, Luke 7:33-35)?

Verse to Memorize: 1 Samuel 27:7

Bible Study Notes in 1 Samuel- Chapter 26

1 Samuel 26

-At this time the Ziphites returned to Saul and convinced him to go and seek David out again because he was hiding in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon (or the desert). So Saul arose with 3,000 chosen men of Israel and went down to the wilderness of Ziph to search for David once again with the intention of killing him. His party camped in the hill of Hachilah beside the road, fully exposed to David and his group of men. Therefore, they quickly knew he was coming after them as they hid in the wilderness. David sent out some spies, and soon he, himself, came to the place where Saul had camped. He observed Saul laying down and Abner, Saul’s army commander, with all the men of war camped around their king. David astutely convinced one of his men, Abishai, who was the son of Zeruiah and Joab’s brother, to go down with him to Saul in the camp. So David and Abishai came to the people of this camp by night. A sound sleep from the LORD had fallen on these weary men, thereby allowing David and his companion to go straightway to the king. Abishai declared to David in amazement, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hand; now therefore, please let me strike him with the spear to the ground with one stroke, and I will not strike him a second time.” But David had other intentions, “Do not destroy him, for who can stretch out his hand against the LORD’s anointed and be without guilt?” David then confessed his faith in the Almighty to handle every situation, “As the LORD lives, surely the LORD will strike him, or his day will come that he dies, or he will go down in battle and perish.” This last one was actually what happened (1 Samuel 31). David was assured of God’s promises unto him and rested in that with no animosity or revenge on his mind. What fear of God! What trust! What character! He then continued, “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.” He wanted to make a point to his enemy, and this was the perfect opportunity. They went away without a single person seeing them or knowing about what they had done (1 Samuel 26:1-12). It was like the sci-fi freeze ray or something. Truly a miracle. And truly David had shown kindness to his enemy.

-David crossed to the other side and stood on top of the mountain at a safe distance now with a large gap of space between them. He then called to the people, especially singling out Abner, rebuking him for not taking better care of the LORD’s anointed ruler of His people as they had every opportunity to kill him. He asked them to note the loss of Saul’s spear and water jug for a proof that they had easily trespassed on their camp, but with no ill intent. Saul, by now, recognized the voice of his nemesis and son-in-law. David verified that it was his voice, which by now was presumably obvious. Then he once again defended his innocent lot, “Why then is my lord pursuing his servant? For what have I done? Or what evil is in my hand?” He went on, “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 so that I would have no attachment with the inheritance of the LORD, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’ Now then, do not let my blood fall to the ground away from the presence of the LORD; for the king of Israel has come out to search for a single flea, just as one hunts a partridge in the mountains.” Saul once again realized his mistake, and that David sincerely meant neither him nor his kingdom any harm. He admitted his sin and told David to return with the guarantee that he would not harm him again since his own life was precious in David’s sight that day (or really night). Saul went on to confess that he had “played the fool” and had “committed a serious error.” On David’s part, he invited Saul’s young men to come and take back the king’s spear, which may have been the very one hurled at him a couple of times (1 Samuel 18:11; 19:9-10). The summation of this whole scene is worth noting in the text as it was David and Saul’s last known interchange. “The LORD will repay each man for his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I refused to stretch out my hand against the LORD'S anointed. Now behold, as your life was highly valued in my sight this day, so may my life be highly valued in the sight of the LORD, and may He deliver me from all distress.” Then Saul replied to David, "Blessed are you, my son David; you will both accomplish much and surely prevail." So David went righteously on his way, and Saul returned humbled to his place (1 Samuel 26:13-25).

-*Application* Our testimony to God’s goodness and grace are important to think about after observing this Scripture passage. We are to fear God like David, trust Him, and display the kind of character to respond in every situation with resolve. Are we passing the test of demonstrating forgiveness to those who have wronged us and pursued us with a vehement hatred? When Christ came, He had some strong words on this exact subject as He was teaching His disciples (and us) to pray (Matthew 6:12-15). When we choose forgiveness and extend it others, God will take care of our life situations and deliver us too with miracles and favor. We can count on that.

Verses to Memorize: 1 Samuel 26:10-11, 19, 23-25

Bible Study Notes in 1 Samuel- Chapter 26

1 Samuel 26

-At this time the Ziphites returned to Saul and convinced him to go and seek David out again because he was hiding in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon (or the desert). So Saul arose with 3,000 chosen men of Israel and went down to the wilderness of Ziph to search for David once again with the intention of killing him. His party camped in the hill of Hachilah beside the road, fully exposed to David and his group of men. Therefore, they quickly knew he was coming after them as they hid in the wilderness. David sent out some spies, and soon he, himself, came to the place where Saul had camped. He observed Saul laying down and Abner, Saul’s army commander, with all the men of war camped around their king. David astutely convinced one of his men, Abishai, who was the son of Zeruiah and Joab’s brother, to go down with him to Saul in the camp. So David and Abishai came to the people of this camp by night. A sound sleep from the LORD had fallen on these weary men, thereby allowing David and his companion to go straightway to the king. Abishai declared to David in amazement, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hand; now therefore, please let me strike him with the spear to the ground with one stroke, and I will not strike him a second time.” But David had other intentions, “Do not destroy him, for who can stretch out his hand against the LORD’s anointed and be without guilt?” David then confessed his faith in the Almighty to handle every situation, “As the LORD lives, surely the LORD will strike him, or his day will come that he dies, or he will go down in battle and perish.” This last one was actually what happened (1 Samuel 31). David was assured of God’s promises unto him and rested in that with no animosity or revenge on his mind. What fear of God! What trust! What character! He then continued, “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.” He wanted to make a point to his enemy, and this was the perfect opportunity. They went away without a single person seeing them or knowing about what they had done (1 Samuel 26:1-12). It was like the sci-fi freeze ray or something. Truly a miracle. And truly David had shown kindness to his enemy.

-David crossed to the other side and stood on top of the mountain at a safe distance now with a large gap of space between them. He then called to the people, especially singling out Abner, rebuking him for not taking better care of the LORD’s anointed ruler of His people as they had every opportunity to kill him. He asked them to note the loss of Saul’s spear and water jug for a proof that they had easily trespassed on their camp, but with no ill intent. Saul, by now, recognized the voice of his nemesis and son-in-law. David verified that it was his voice, which by now was presumably obvious. Then he once again defended his innocent lot, “Why then is my lord pursuing his servant? For what have I done? Or what evil is in my hand?” He went on, “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 so that I would have no attachment with the inheritance of the LORD, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’ Now then, do not let my blood fall to the ground away from the presence of the LORD; for the king of Israel has come out to search for a single flea, just as one hunts a partridge in the mountains.” Saul once again realized his mistake, and that David sincerely meant neither him nor his kingdom any harm. He admitted his sin and told David to return with the guarantee that he would not harm him again since his own life was precious in David’s sight that day (or really night). Saul went on to confess that he had “played the fool” and had “committed a serious error.” On David’s part, he invited Saul’s young men to come and take back the king’s spear, which may have been the very one hurled at him a couple of times (1 Samuel 18:11; 19:9-10). The summation of this whole scene is worth noting in the text as it was David and Saul’s last known interchange. “The LORD will repay each man for his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I refused to stretch out my hand against the LORD'S anointed. Now behold, as your life was highly valued in my sight this day, so may my life be highly valued in the sight of the LORD, and may He deliver me from all distress.” Then Saul replied to David, "Blessed are you, my son David; you will both accomplish much and surely prevail." So David went righteously on his way, and Saul returned humbled to his place (1 Samuel 26:13-25).

-*Application* Our testimony to God’s goodness and grace are important to think about after observing this Scripture passage. We are to fear God like David, trust Him, and display the kind of character to respond in every situation with resolve. Are we passing the test of demonstrating forgiveness to those who have wronged us and pursued us with a vehement hatred? When Christ came, He had some strong words on this exact subject as He was teaching His disciples (and us) to pray (Matthew 6:12-15). When we choose forgiveness and extend it others, God will take care of our life situations and deliver us too with miracles and favor. We can count on that.

Verses to Memorize: 1 Samuel 26:10-11, 19, 23-25

Bible Study Notes in 1 Samuel- Chapter 25

1 Samuel 25

-Samuel passes away at the beginning of this chapter with all of Israel gathering together to mourn for and bury him in his hometown of Ramah. Samuel had been the spiritual leader of this nation as it transitioned from the period of the judges to the kingdom. For David, he arose and went to the wilderness of Paran. This was at the northern edge of Paran, which went all the way southward into the Arabian Pennisula, but had vast pasturelands that stretched up as far as the Judean areas of Israel. It was a place suited for men of means, like Nabal, that we learn of in this next crucial episode in the fugitive state of David’s life. Nabal was in Maon, where David was hanging out during this season of his life, and he had business in Carmel. The text says he owned 3,000 sheep and 1,000 goats making him a very wealthy man during this time in history. His wife was a beautiful, virtuous, and intelligent woman by the name of Abigail. The setting of the story begins with Nabal shearing his sheep in Carmel. Because Nabal’s men had been with David’s men under their protection as they sheared their sheep without any insult or thievery, David sent ten young men up to Carmel to visit Nabal and greet him in an act of respect and honor. David relayed to them to speak blessing for Nabal in long life with peace to him, his house, and all that he had. He simply asked for a part in the festive day that had been prepared and planned to give whatever Nabal might find at hand to give with a generous heart. The messengers of David went and delivered this word, and then they waited patiently and expectantly for a response (1 Samuel 25:1-9). They had been on the run without much it could be assumed. They had treated all people fairly without incident. They hoped for a reprieve at this time for some levity in the situation.

-However, Nabal, being a selfish and arrogant man, replied harshly to their request. He demeaned the leader and men who had given his men safety and good will in his response, “Who is David? And who are the sons of Jesse? There are many servants today who are each breaking away from his master. Shall I then take my bread and my water and my meat that I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men whose origin I do not know?” Upon hearing this, David’s men retraced their steps and went back to tell their leader what Nabal had disparagingly uttered. David angrily commanded them at this point to gird their swords. David also girded his sword, and about 400 men went up behind him while the other 200 stayed back with the baggage at their camp. Gratefully, one of Nabal’s servants told Abigail how her husband had scorned the messengers of David even though they had been very good to them. They had never insulted them, stolen anything, and protected them well as they tended their sheep both day and night. This servant told Abigail to really consider what she should do, for he knew evil would be plotted against their master, Nabal, and all his household since he was such a worthless man that no one could rationalize with in speaking (1 Samuel 25:10-17).

-Then Abigail hurried in haste to bring two hundred loaves of bread, two jugs of wine, five sheep already prepared, five measures of roasted grain, one hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred fig cakes on donkeys to go to David’s men for negotiations. She told her young men to go before her, but not to tell Nabal what she was doing. She met David and his men as she was riding her donkey down a hidden part of the mountain. David told her frankly, “Surely in vain I have guarded all that this man has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that belonged to him; and he has returned me evil for good.” He then earnestly threatened to kill all the males who belonged to Nabal as now enemies of his. When Abigail saw David, she humbly and hurriedly dismounted her donkey and fell on her face before him bowing herself to the ground. She took the blame on herself sacrificially asking David to simply hear her out as a maidservant. She beseeched him NOT to pay attention to this worthless man, Nabal (nabal- foolish). His name was indicative of who he really was and his folly was with him she pleaded. Abigail maintained that she, herself, never saw the young men whom David had sent implying that if she had, things would have been different and that they would have been treated respectfully. She commended them as a means of prevention that they had restrained from bloodshed as servants of the LORD. She recognized that kind words would be effective in resolving this situation. Then she denounced the enemies of any, including potentially Saul, that sought evil against David comparing them to the foolishness of Nabal. Then she presented them with the gifts of provision asking forgiveness. She prophesied in that she exclaimed that David, her lord (which she repeats often in this dialog), would certainly have an enduring house as he was fighting the battles of the LORD. She complimented him saying that evil would not be found in him all of his days. In other words, Abigail called David a righteous man. She basically guaranteed him victory in every conflict, and that he would survive and thrive as he put down his enemies one by one. She knew he would be ruler over God’s people in Israel, and that shedding unnecessary blood would be a stain on his reputation. David saw all of the wisdom and kindness in this intelligent and well-worded woman. He blessed the God of Israel for sending her to him in such a manner. He acknowledged her impeccable discernment, and he blessed her as a person for keeping him from this act which he was about to participate in. He decided rightly not to avenge himself by his own hand. This would have been evil in the sight of the LORD. David received the gifts of provision in the end and all was good. He told her to go up to her house in peace for he had listened to her request and granted it (1 Samuel 25:18-35).

-Now Abigail came back home to Nabal, who was drunk by now with merriment as he enjoyed his festivities, and she did not dare to speak to him in that state for the night. But in the morning, when the wine had gone out of this foolish man, Abigail told him these things which had occurred with David. This made Nabal’s heart die within him according to the text. He became as a stone, comatose. About ten days later, the LORD, Himself, struck Nabal and he died (1 Samuel 25:36-38).

-When David heard the news of Nabal’s destruction, he blessed the LORD, who pleaded his noble cause and bore his reproach. He also exalted the LORD for holding back his hand from evil doing as God’s servant. Entranced with Abigail’s beauty and character, he now sent a proposal to this widow to take her as his wife. Abigail accepted the offer humbly bowing with her face to the ground, and then she washed David’s servants’ feet as a maidservant herself. This is reminiscent of Jesus’ heart in washing His disciples’ feet at the last supper (John 13:3-9). Afterwards, Abigail rose quickly and rode on her donkey with her five maidens who attended her and followed the messengers back to David to became his wife. Now the text displays some growing concerns in David’s moral character as he had also taken Ahinoam of Jezreel as a wife. Meanwhile, King Saul had reneged on his daughter Michal’s marriage to David and given her to Palti, the son of Laish, who was from Gallim (1 Samuel 25:39-44). And so the saga continued.

-*Application* Vengeance is the LORD’s (Romans 12:19). When we react in anger without considering the consequences to our character and future, we make a huge mistake. Take time to consider our actions when someone does us wrong. Listen to wise advice and then make a God honoring, discerning decision. We must let the LORD fight our battles. Easy lesson to learn, sometimes hard to apply. Forgiveness is the key here, which means that we must extend grace and humility.

Verse to Memorize: 1 Samuel 25:28

Bible Study Notes in 1 Samuel- Chapter 24

1 Samuel 24

-Saul was told as soon as he had returned from pursuing the Philistines, who had raided Israeli land (see 1 Samuel 23:27-29), that David was in the wilderness of Engedi. The king took 3,000 of his choicest men from all Israel and went to seek David and his men in front of the “Rocks of the Wild Goats” very near the Dead Sea in an otherwise barren wasteland. He came to the sheepfolds along the way where there was a cave. Saul had to go to the bathroom to relieve himself in modest fashion. It just so happened that the cave he went into, which there are innumerous caves and crevasses in this region, was the cave where David and his men were sitting back in the inner recesses. When David’s men saw what was transpiring, they declared to their leader, “Behold, this is the day of which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold; I am about to give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it seems good to you.’” David had a real opportunity and choice on his hands. He arose, but did not kill the king. Instead, he cut off the edge of Saul’s discarded robe secretly. Later, he was bothered in his righteous conscience in what he had done to the king. He admitted to his men, “Far be it from me because of the LORD that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.” David won over his men with these words and persuaded them not to rise up against Saul in order to destroy him. Meanwhile, Saul eventually left the cave as a relieved man on his way. Afterward, David went out of the cave into the open air and called after Saul with hopes of reconciliation and a sustained unity. He proclaimed in a stunning display of respect, “My lord the king!” When Saul turned and looked at him, I’m sure startled, David bowed with his face to the ground and prostrated himself. David continued, “Why do you listen to the words of men, saying, ‘Behold, David seeks to harm you?’ Behold, this day your eyes have seen that the LORD had given you today into my hand in the cave, and some said to kill you, but my eye had pity on you; and I said, ‘I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is the LORD’s anointed.’” Then David spoke further and showed him the edge of his robe, which he had cut. He asked him to perceive that there was no ill intent on his behalf, no rebellion, no evil. He had not sinned against his king even though this man was trying to hunt him down and destroy him by lying in wait. He asked earnestly that the LORD judge between him and Saul and that the LORD alone avenge the wickedness which was being perpetrated. He recalled the ancients’ proverb, “Out of the wicked comes forth wickedness.” But he maintained for his part, “But my hand shall not be against you.” He denounced Saul’s attempt to come out against him as being as vain as killing a dead dog or pursuing a single flea. The artistic poetry of David was coming through even in these times of high stress. The LORD would be allowed to decide this fate between the upcoming, anointed, and righteous king whose heart was after God and the disobedient, double-minded man who was in power with suspicion, jealousy, and fits of rage. David acknowledged the omni-presence of Almighty God who sees and pleads the case of the just and then delivers them. As David finished his speaking, Saul said with a spirit of resignation, “Is this your voice, my son David?” Then the king lifted up his voice and wept. He admitted that David was a more righteous man than he. He conceded that David’s actions in dealing with him were full of grace; whereas, his dealings with David had been wicked. He stated that David had done good to him even though the LORD had indeed delivered his body into the upstart’s hand. He felt, at least for the moment, that David was his friend and not his enemy since he had been allowed to safely keep existing in the physical realm with no harm. He spoke blessing on David that the LORD would reward him for his kindness of the day, and he now fully was aware that this one would surely be the next king of Israel, established and secure. He then asked a favor of David. He wanted David to swear to him that he would not cut off his descendants from his father’s household, and David fully obliged as he had previously done with Saul’s son, Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:42). In the end, Saul went back to his home, humbled and ashamed but still in control. David, for his part, went back with his men to their stronghold to patiently wait for better days (1 Samuel 24:1-22).

-*Application* The ability to return good for evil an indelible characteristic of the Christian (Romans 12:21, 1 Thessalonians 5:15). How good are we at doing that honestly? It’s tough. In fact, it’s downright impossible without the righteousness of the indwelling Holy Spirit. God let David get tested in this area as preparation for being a great king in an enduring Kingdom. Think about the call on our lives today, and what possibilities the LORD might have for us as we endure persecution with all the grace and kindness God’s bestows in our time of need.

Verse to Memorize: 1 Samuel 24:6

Bible Study Notes in 1 Samuel- Chapter 23

1 Samuel 23

-David was told that the Philistines were fighting against fellow Israelis in Keilah by plundering their threshing floors. So David inquired of the LORD asking Him if he and his men should go and attack these pagan and godless enemies. God granted his servant favor in this mission, so they went in deliverance of Keilah even in the face of fear from his men. God gave these into the hand of David as he and his men led away their livestock and struck them with a great slaughter so that Keilah was delivered (1 Samuel 23:1-5). Then it came about that Abiathar, son of Ahimelech (see 1 Samuel 22:9-23), after he had come to David for safety, presented the ephod in his hand (1 Samuel 23:6). This represented God’s favor in the human form of a priest, a go-between and mediator, for this on the run bunch of renegades that were doing the LORD’s will in the newly formed kingdom of Israel.

-When it was told to Saul that David had come to Keilah, the king thought that he had his enemy trapped and that God had delivered him into his hands for a killing. The double gates and bars of this city would entrap David and his cohorts. Therefore, Saul summoned all his people for war so that they would go down to Keilah to besiege the innocent patriot with all his men. However, David had knowledge that Saul was plotting evil against him, so he had Abiathar bring the linen ephod to him. He asked, through the priest, if the men of Keilah would surrender him into the hands of Saul and if indeed Saul was coming. The LORD informed him that Saul would come down and that the men of Keilah would surely surrender him before the king. This expedited David’s departure from Keilah. He and his 600 men by this point went wherever they could go. Upon hearing that David had escaped from Keilah, he gave up his pursuit. Meanwhile, David stayed in the wilderness (or desert) strongholds and remained in the wilderness hill country of Ziph. Saul sought after him every day according to the text, “but God did not deliver him into his hand (1 Samuel 23:7-14).”

-David was by now fully aware that he was a hunted man and realized that Saul had plans on seeking his life while he was in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh. But something Divine and unexpected happened there. Saul’s son, Jonathan, came to David at Horesh and “encouraged (chazaq- made strong his hand, supported, prevailed upon) him in God.” What a friend! In dire circumstances, against his own father’s wishes, he visited the estranged fugitive. He told him not to be afraid. He assured him that his father would not find him. He let him know that indeed David would be the next king of Israel and that he would be next to him in support. He even told his buddy that his father knew these things would come to pass. So the two of them made a promise before the LORD once again in camaraderie. David stayed at Horesh, and Jonathan went back to his home after these unifying things transpired (1 Samuel 23:15-18).

-Then, the plot thickened some more when the Ziphites came up to Saul at Gibeah informing him that David was amongst them in the strongholds of Horesh on the hill of Hachilah, which was south of Jeshimon. They let the king know that he could come down and do all that was in his soul and that they would be happy to surrender him into Saul’s hand. Saul blessed them in the Name of the LORD for their compassion on him. Then he sent them away to investigate and make more and more sure of where his haunt was and who had seen him there. Saul knew that this David was very cunning and elusive. It would take skill to catch him, and the king wanted to cover all his bases in the quest. He wanted them to come back to him with certainty in their surveillance. If they had him penned down in the land of Judah, Saul would come with them. As the men of Ziph went, David and his men had moved to the wilderness of Maon, in the Arabah to the south of Jeshimon. David was pursued by Saul into the wilderness of Maon with Saul on one side of the mountain, and David with his men on the other side of the mountain. David was hurrying to get away from Saul, and the king was trying to surround the escape artist so that his men could seize him and his men. But, in a Divine twist of fate, a messenger showed up with news that the Philistines had made a raid on the land back closer to their homeland fortifications. So Saul returned from his pursuit of David to meet the Philistines in battle. The place where this occurred was thereafter known as the “Rock of Escape.” From there, David ventured down below sea level around the Dead Sea area and camped now in the strongholds of Engedi, a rugged and desolate place in the wilderness (or desert, 1 Samuel 23:19-29).

-*Application* Most of us cannot say we know the life of a fugitive in this manner. But we have all felt the sting of rejection, false accusation, and persecution if we have indeed followed Christ Jesus. It hurts to feel hunted, and David demonstrates valor in the throes of life. We can learn from him not to throw in the towel, not to lose our heads or composure, and not to ever forsake seeking the LORD in our times of distress from this episode. Valuable lessons continue to be learned in the difficult periods of life.

Verse to Memorize: 1 Samuel 23:16-17

Bible Study Notes in 1 Samuel- Chapter 22

1 Samuel 22

-David departs after having acted like a lunatic before Achish, king of Gath, of the Philistines and escapes now to hide in the cave of Adullam, which was southwest of Jerusalem in the hill country. His brothers and all his father’s household heard of where he had gone and came down there to him. In fact, “Everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him; and he became captain over them.” There were about 400 men who joined forces with David at this time (1 Samuel 22:1-2).

-From there in Adullam he ventured eastward to Mizpah of Moab. He asked the king of Moab to allow his father and mother to stay in their land until he knew what God would do for him. Apparently the king allowed for this as they stayed in security with this people in Moab as David returned to a stronghold position. When there, a prophet came to him by the name of Gad. He warned them to depart from the stronghold and go into the land of Judah, which David and his men did arriving in the forest of Hereth. Not too much later, Saul discovered the whereabouts of his enemy, David, as he was sitting under the tamarisk tree on the height of Gibeah, his hometown, with his spear of war in his hand. All his servants were standing around him and he proclaimed, “Hear now, O Benjamites! Will the son of Jesse also give to all you fields and vineyards? Will he make you all commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds? For all of you have conspired against me so that there is no one who discloses to me when my son makes a covenant with the son of Jesse, and there is none of you who is sorry for me or discloses to me that my son has stirred up my servant against me to lie in ambush, as it is this day (1 Samuel 22:3-8).”

-However, Doeg the Edomite now disclosed that he had seen David in Nob coming to Ahimelech to inquire of the LORD for him and give him provisions including bread and Goliath’s sword (1 Samuel 21:1-9). Upon hearing this news, Saul sent someone to summon Ahimelech the priest and all his father’s household who the priests in Nob, and they came before the king. The angry Saul accused them vigorously. But, Ahimelech defended the righteous David just as vigorously as a faithful man to the king as his son-in-law who was the captain over his guard and an honored man in his house. He also maintained his own innocence as to knowledge of this whole affair of which he was being accused, which was 100% accurate. But the enraged king said, “You shall surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father’s household!” Saul commanded the guards around him to put to death these priests of the LORD for siding with David and not revealing this information to the sovereign king. But the servants were not willing to go this far against the commands of the LORD. So Saul turned to Doeg, the Edomite villain in this scenario, and told him to attack the priests. Doeg did it, killing 85 priests of the LORD who wore the linen ephod. Not only that, he struck the city of Nob with the edge of the sword, both men, women, children, and infants along with their oxen, donkeys, and sheep. Only one son of Ahimelech, named Abiathar, escaped and fled after David. He told David all that had transpired in the killing of the priests of the LORD. David had discernment and knew that Doeg was trouble. He knew on the day that the Edomite was there with Ahimelech that he would surely tell King Saul. On so it happened. David sorrowfully acknowledged that he had brought about the death of every person in Abiathar’s father’s household. He asked him to stay with them and be unafraid. Those that sought his life also sought David’s life, but they would surely be safe together (1 Samuel 22:9-23).

-*Application* Saul was an angry and vindictive man. Don’t let anger get the best of us. It certainly does not produce the righteousness of God (James 1:20). Self-control and letting the LORD do our fighting is a much better approach. From this event in history we can also see the sorrow that deception can bring to a situation. The men of God paid a horrific price for David’s lies and dishonesty. Another application here is to listen to the prophetic. David listened to Gad and left a stronghold position because he received the word of God from a person. Who knows what would have happened if he would have rejected this word. One final application that we can draw from here is that we must follow the commands of God over the commands of man (Acts 5:29). The servants of Saul rightfully did not attack the priests because they feared God over man, even when he was a king.

Verse to Memorize: 1 Samuel 22:2

Bible Study Notes in 1 Samuel- Chapter 21

1 Samuel 21

-David is now on the run from a king who wants him dead. He ventures to Nob, due south of where he had been in Ramah and Gibeah and straight north of Jerusalem. There he meets Ahimelech the priest, who came out trembling in fear as David arrived. He may have had some suspicions and wanted to know why David was all alone. David told him a lie. He said that he had been commissioned by the king to a matter no one was to know about with men meeting him at a certain place. He beseeched the priest for some provisions such as bread and supplies for this mission. Ahimelech informed him however that there was no ordinary bread available. Only the consecrated bread offered to the LORD in His table of Presence was attainable. The priest offered it to David only if he and his men had been sexually pure from women. David assured him the vessels of these were holy, so the priest gave him the consecrated bread that he had removing it from the table of the LORD’s Presence (1 Samuel 21:1-6). This was unlawful (Leviticus 24:5-9), but the priest put David and the nation’s needs ahead of religious ceremony. Jesus used this Scripture to defend some of His disciples’ actions when they were accused of breaking Sabbath traditions of men (Matthew 12:1-8).

-*Application* David’s lie seemed to have been insignificant enough, but nowhere in Scripture is this sin commended. In fact, 85 priests ended up dying because of this seemingly innocent little fib (1 Samuel 22:9-19). Dishonesty is never right, even when we are in trouble. God can still take care of us when we are fully straightforward.

-Now one of the servants of Saul was there that infamous day. His name was Doeg. He was an Edomite, the chief of Saul’s shepherds. This would prove fateful as events unfolded in Israel (1 Samuel 21:7; 22:9-19).

-Since he was empty handed, David proceeded to deceivingly ask for weapons from the priest. Unaware of any growing tension within the kingdom, Ahimelech offered to the national hero the spear of Goliath the Philistine, whom David had actually killed. David took it and departed, fleeing towards the enemy’s camp in Gath to Achish their king. Obviously he had a reputation there as the Philistine servants of Achish remembered the songs of the Israelis, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” The Bible represents David at this time as taking these words to heart with a great fear of Achish, king of Gath. Therefore, he disguised his sanity before these pagans and acted insanely in their company scribbling on the doors of their city gate and letting saliva run down his beard in a messy drool. Achich couldn’t even understand why his men would bring this lunatic into his presence behaving as a madman. He told them there were plenty of crazy people around him already. He didn’t need David in the presence of his house thinking he had lost his mind (1 Samuel 21:8-15).

*Application* Once again, we see David in a state of desperation and deceiving with his conduct. This was period of doubt and fear in this young man’s life. We all go through seasons like this when we have the promise and call of God, yet things don’t seem to be working out like we thought they would right away. Let’s learn the lessons from David here and keep trusting in the LORD with honest hearts and actions even during dark times of distress and complications.

Verse to Memorize: 1 Samuel 21:6

Bible Study Notes in 1 Samuel- Chapter 20

1 Samuel 20

-As this chapter begins David is fleeing back to his confidant, Jonathan, from Naioth in Ramah where the wayward King Saul had been prophesying under the control of God rather than trying to kill God’s anointed as his flesh desired to do (1 Samuel 19:23-24). David’s plea to the king’s son is honest, “What have I done? What is my iniquity? And why is my sin before your father that he is seeking my life?” Jonathan swore to his friend’s protection and let him know that his father would do nothing without divulging his plans before him as his son. David still feared for his life and the pathos can be felt with these words, “…truly as the LORD lives and as your soul lives, there is hardly a step between me and death.” Jonathan, feeling his friend’s agony, responded, “Whatever you say, I will do for you.” David knew that a climax was approaching where he would be expected to eat with the king at his table due to the new moon festivities. He told Jonathan to let him go so that he could hide out in the field for three evenings. The plan was to read the king’s attitude toward his son-in-law and one-time commander (1 Samuel 18:5, 20-27). If Jonathan’s father missed David and asked about him, the son was to respond that David had gone to Bethlehem, his hometown, for a yearly sacrifice with the whole family. If Saul responded that that was good, then all would be well and he could return safely to the king’s presence. But, if he was angry, they would all know that Saul had decided on evil towards David. The covenant was remembered between David and Jonathan, and David told his trusted pal that if any iniquity be in him towards the king at all to kill him right away. It would be better than bringing him before the king. But, Jonathan reassured his soul-mate that it would be far from him not to protect the innocent David. He would tell him of any evil that was headed his way (1 Samuel 20:1-9).

-David still wanted to know how he would be informed if the king’s answer was harsh concerning his absence from the table. Jonathan took him out into the field and developed a plan. They renewed their covenant with each and the peace between their houses in perpetuity. They simply loved each other with a Godly-agape type of love. Jonathan loved David as he loved his own life (1 Samuel 20:10-17). It was a divine connection (1 Samuel 20:23). The plan was for David to hide in the field, and Jonathan would seek out how his father was reacting in the absence of David. If Saul was affable, Jonathan would send his youthful lad helping with his arrows to go a short distance not even to where David was hiding. This would indicate that it was safe for David to return into the king’s presence in peace and well-being with no harm. If Jonathan were to tell the lad to go further because the arrows were beyond him, David was to “go, for the LORD has sent you away.” So David hid in the field and the new moon meal came where the king had his traditional feast. He sat to eat as usual, and did notice that David was not there, though Jonathan and Abner, his uncle and commander, were present. Saul did not speak anything that first day thinking it was accident and that he was probably not ritually clean. Then the second day came, and David’s place was again empty. So Saul inquired to his son, “Why has the son of Jesse not come to the meal, either yesterday or today?” Jonathan replied in the predetermined excuse that he had gone with permission to Bethlehem for the family sacrifice in the city. At this point, Saul’s anger burned and he began to curse his son, “You son of a perverse, rebellious woman! Do I not know that you are choosing the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of your mother’s nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be established. Therefore now, send and bring him to me, for he must surely die.” Jonathan, like others in the king’s family, defended the virtuous David to the chagrin of his father, “Why should he be put to death? What has he done?” Saul couldn’t take any more. This time he hurled a spear at his own son in rage trying to strike him down. Jonathan now knew without any shadow of a doubt that Saul’s intentions were indeed evil, and David had to be warned to evacuate quickly. Jonathan rose from the table in “fierce anger” that second day of the new moon and did not eat due to his grief over this situation with David’s dishonor because of his father’s jealousy issues (1 Samuel 20:24-34).

-It came about that next morning that Jonathan went out into the field as appointed for his communication with David, and a little lad was with him. Jonathan told his helper to run and find the arrows that he would shoot. As the lad took off Jonathan shot his arrow past him. When the lad got to the place where he thought the arrow had landed. Jonathan beckoned him to go further beyond that point. He also told him to hurry, to be quick, and not to stay or linger. The lad faithfully retrieved the arrow and came back to his master. But, the lad was not aware of anything concerning the matter between Jonathan and his coded communication with David. Soon enough, Jonathan instructed his lad to take his weapons back to the city. When the lad was gone, David arose from his hiding place to the south side and fell before Jonathan on his face bowing three times in honor and admiration. They brotherly, and culturally, kissed each other and wept together, for they knew that this was it. They would be separated and an unknown bitter future seemed all too obvious. “David,” the Scripture says, “wept the more.” Jonathan’s last words to his beloved friend summed it all up, “Go in safety, inasmuch as we have sworn to each other in the Name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD will be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants forever.’” So, sadly David rose and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city (1 Samuel 20:35-42).

-*Application* There’s nothing like the feeling when we know that someone has our back. That they will be with us through thick or thin, rough and smooth, good times or bad. I have been blessed with friends like that through the years knowing that I could trust in and count on them. That indeed is a special feeling. Dearly loved and genuine friends are something God bestows on us as a gift of grace. Parting can be such sweet sorrow, but our memories hold us close and keep us in constant awareness. Let’s all thank the LORD for the true friends in our lives today, and even go further. Let them know how special they are to us. Express your love and appreciation to them.

Verse to Memorize: 1 Samuel 20:17

Bible Study Notes in 1 Samuel- Chapter 19

1 Samuel 19

-The double-minded saga of Saul’s relationship with David continues to play out in this vigorous, intriguing, and threatening chapter of Scripture. The pericope begins with Saul telling his son, Jonathan, and all his servants to put David to death. However, as we have seen previously in the text (1 Samuel 18:1-4), Jonathan was David’s comrade and delighted in their relationship. He warned his chum and told him to be on guard, staying in a secret hiding place until he could discern his father’s intentions better. After all, Saul at this point was a very unstable man in all his ways, inconsistent and volatile. He promised to divulge any pertinent information to his friend as soon as he could. Jonathan spoke well of David before his father, “Do not let the king sin against his servant David, since he has not sinned against you, and since his deeds have been very beneficial to you. For he took his life in his hand and struck the Philistine, and the LORD brought about a great deliverance for all Israel; you saw it and rejoiced. Why then will you sin against innocent blood by putting David to death without a cause?” This showed a lot of moxie in this patriarchal culture. Saul did listen to the voice of his son and vowed at this time, “As the LORD lives, he shall not be put to death (1 Samuel 19:1-6).”

-With cooler heads prevailing, Jonathan called back to David and told him all the words of his father, and the young warrior returned into his presence as before. When war came back to the nation, David went out and fought valiantly with the Philistines and defeated them with another great slaughter so that they fled before him. But, the evil spirit came rushing back upon jealous Saul as he was sitting again in his house as David played the harp before him one day. Once again, the king tried to pin the anointed next ruler of the kingdom to the wall with his spear, but David slipped away out of Saul’s presence so that the spear stuck only into the wall. David escaped that night, but Saul was out to get him again sending messengers to keep watch of him so that they might put him to death the next morning. However, Michal, the king’s daughter and wife of David, informed her husband of her father’s shenanigans, and David was let down through a window so that he could flee and get out of the situation. Michal, on her part, put a decoy in his bed with the household idol and a quilt of goat’s hair at its head covered in clothes. She lied and told the messengers who came to get David that he was sick. Saul wanted him brought up on his bed for the killing. He was intent on destruction this time. When the messengers finally found out the trickery and deception, they reported it to the king who said to his daughter, “Why have deceived me like this and let my enemy go, so that he has escaped?” She lied again and told him that David had threatened her with her life if she didn’t let him go (1 Samuel 19:7-17).

-Now David ran for his life to the prophet Samuel at Ramah and told him all that had transpired. Then he and Samuel stayed in the area at Naioth of Ramah. Soon Saul found his enemy’s whereabouts, but the messengers he sent to confiscate David had the Holy Spirit come upon them. Remarkably, they started prophesying with Samuel standing and presiding over them as they came to Ramah. Other messengers came, and they prophesied too. A third wave of messengers were sent, and they also prophesied. Then, King Saul himself went to Ramah and came as far as the large well that is in Secu. Upon asking the whereabouts of Samuel and David and finding that they were in Naioth of Ramah, he went and the Holy Spirit descended upon him also. Thus he too prophesied continually until he came to Naioth in Ramah stripping off his clothes and speaking the word of the LORD before Samuel. He lay there naked all that day and night rendering those around to declare, “Is Saul also among the prophets (1 Samuel 19:18-24)?” The Spirit of God had immobilized him so that he was unable to harm David in any way.

-*Application* When the LORD wants to consume a situation, He has all the power and authority He needs to do it, even when the people He is dealing with are wayward and sinister. God can overtake with His Spirit anytime He desires. Would that we invite His presence with repentance and righteousness, for that is much better and accomplishes His plans in convergence rather than by force. I believe in miracles, do you?

Verse to Memorize: 1 Samuel 19:18

Bible Study Notes in 1 Samuel- Chapter 18

1 Samuel 18

-This chapter begins with the connection that Saul’s son, Jonathan, formed with David post the killing of Goliath. The text claims that Jonathan was “knit to the soul of David,…loved him as himself,…made a covenant with David,…and gave him his robe, armor, sword, bow, and belt.” David was made to come with Saul from his father Jesse’s house to live with them in royalty being sent out where Saul desired. Everywhere David went he prospered, and soon he was set over the Israeli men of war. This thing was pleasing in the sight of all the people including Saul’s servants. The anointed David was gaining immense favor and blessing by the Hand of the LORD. Prophecy was being fulfilled. It so happened one day as he had returned from killing the Philistine (presumably Goliath) that the women came out of all the cities of Israel singing and dancing before King Saul. With great joy and instruments of tambourines, triangles, and other three stringed instruments they sang, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands (1 Samuel 18:1-7).”

-Obviously, this did not sit well in the psyche of the fragile minded Saul. He became angry as this saying displeased him very much because they were ascribing much more greatness to the young David than himself as the presiding king. He began to fear his kingdom was slipping away to this upstart, and looked on David with suspicion from that day on (1 Samuel 18:8-9). Notice that David did nothing to instigate or entice this action. He was doing his national service under the authority of the LORD in faith. But, he now had to face the tribulation of a jealous autocrat that was out to remove him from the scene.  

-This jealous spirit in Saul is described as “an evil spirit from God,” which came mightily upon him. He raved (naba' – coming under the influence of a divine spirit, as in self-prophesying, a trance, false prophesy) in the midst of his house much like a lunatic. As was David’s custom which we have previously read (1 Samuel 16:16-23), he was attempting to soothe the spirit of the wayward king with his hand to the harp playing some inspirational melodious music in the king’s house. Saul, who had a spear in his hand, however, hurled his weapon at young David thinking that he would pin this fellow to the wall, but David providentially escaped his presence (1 Samuel 18:10-11). Wow! Talk about heightening the tension. The Bible says at this point that Saul was actually afraid of his new counterpart, David, “for the LORD was with him but had departed from Saul.” David was removed by the king from his presence, and now he was appointed as Saul’s commander of a regiment of 1,000. He went out and came in before the people as their general basically, still prospering in all his ways as the LORD continued to be with him. Observing the ascension of this new leader, Saul detested his prosperity and dreaded David with a vehement passion (1 Samuel 18:11-15).

-But, all Israel was loving their newfound hero, God’s anointed, and he continued to gain more and more favor amongst them. Then, Saul cunningly offered his oldest daughter, Merab, as a wife if he would go out and valiantly fight the LORD’s battles. His secret deception was intended to expose him on the battlefield before the enemy so that his own hand would not be against the national superstar. However, David expressed humility stating, “Who am I, and what is my life or my father’s family in Israel, that I should be the king’s son-in-law?” Ironically, when the time came for Merab to be given away, she was actually given to Adriel the Meholathite for a wife sparing David from having to go to a potentially dangerous battle with the Philistines. But, there would still be a family connection between Saul and David. A younger daughter, Michal, loved David and Saul was agreeable to the matrimony. Saul, again being the mischievous-fearful king, concluded in his own mind that Michal would be a snare to David making him more vulnerable before the Philistines. The arrangements were made between Saul and David through his servants. Again David expressed unpretentiousness as he replied to the marriage offer, “Is it trivial in your sight to become the king’s son-in-law, since I am a poor man and lightly esteemed?” Upon hearing this reported back to him, Saul said, “The king does not desire any dowry except a hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to take vengeance on the king’s enemies.” Saul, the text plainly states, planned to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines as before. He had sinister plans inspired by the devil himself. But, these words found favor with David, and he did desire to become the king’s son-in-law. Therefore, before the days expired to complete his requirement, David rose up and went, with his men alongside, striking down 200 men among the Philistines capturing their foreskins. He presented these to the king that he might became the king’s son-in-law, and Saul consented to give away his daughter to his arch nemesis. The chapter concludes with this ominous statement, “When Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved him, then Saul was even more afraid of David. Thus Saul was David’s enemy continually. Then the commanders of the Philistines went out to battle, and it happened as often as they went out, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul. So his name was highly esteemed (1 Samuel 18:16-30).”

-*Application* There is a reason why the sin of jealousy is such a big deal with God (2 Corinthians 12:20, Galatians 5:19-20, James 3:14-16). It leads to disorder and every evil thing. In other words, it simply destroys things. Whether it’s a relationship, a home, a community, an organization, or a church, when jealousy persists, a lot of demonic activity is present and severe damage occurs. Notice the evil things that flowed from this spirit of demonic jealousy: suspicion, fear, dread, bitterness, deception, cunning, selfishness, anger, rage, etc. We must determine in our lives that we will yield to the Holy Spirit and resist the temptation to be overcome by jealousy. Ask the LORD today to forgive any jealousy we might be holding on to in our hearts.

Verses to Memorize: 1 Samuel 18:9, 12, 15

Bible Study Notes in 1 Samuel- Chapter 17

1 Samuel 17

-The Philistines gathered again to oppose the armies of the Living God in Israel. The Philistines gathered at Socoh, a Judean area, and the camped between Socoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim. Saul and his men were assembled and camped in the valley of Elah to the southeast of the Philistines. The Philistines controlled one mountain while Israel stood on their mountain on the other side with a valley between them (1 Samuel 17:1-3).

-“Then a champion came out from the armies of the Philistines named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span (over 9 feet tall).” This gargantuan wore a bronze helmet, was clothed in scale-armor weighing 5,000 shekels of bronze, and had shin guards of bronze with a javelin slung between his shoulders. This dude was indeed an intense and imposing figure. The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and head of it weighed a hefty 600 shekels of iron. If that was not enough intimidation, he had a shield-carrier who also walked before him in protection (1 Samuel 17:4-7). He would stand and shout at the Israeli army with taunts trying to draw them down to battle with him. He wanted a one-on-one encounter. If someone could kill him, the promise was that the Philistines would become Israel’s servants. However, if he killed his opponent, Israel would serve them as servants. He defied the ranks of Israel, and craved this battle with boasting and arrogance. “When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid,” much like their ancestors when the ten spies observed giants in this same land of Promise (Numbers 13, 1 Samuel 17:8-11). This was a petrifying and stifling anxiety.

-Now we learn of David and his growing involvement in the national life of Israel as he stood in the strength and courage of the anointing of the LORD God Almighty. The son of Jesse, who by this time was an aged man, was instructed to take provisions to Saul and his three oldest brothers, who were at the battle line with the Israeli army.  He was also a messenger for their well-being during this time. The family needed to know how the boys were doing. For 40 days, Goliath came forward morning and evening to take his stand and demand a challenger to his awesome brawn. Leaving the flock with a keeper, David rose early in the morning to take the supplies as his father had commanded him. He came to the circle of the camp just when the army was going out in battle array shouting the war cry. Both sides stood opposing one another. The excitement drew David to leave his baggage in the care of a servant keeper, and he ran to the battle line and entered in order to greet his brothers. As he was conversing with them and checking up on their well-being, “the champion,” the Philistine from Gath, Goliath, came out from the enemy’s ranks and spoke his taunting words in the hearing of young David. David observed the fear and trepidation of the Israeli army as they fled the opposer in great fear. He was informed of the reward for the person who would challenge him and defeat this mammoth. The king would enrich the one who killed Goliath. Saul would even give him his daughter in marriage and make his father’s house “free” (taxes and public service) in Israel. David upped the ante, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the Living God?” This really irritated his oldest brother, Eliab, who was part of the pageantry of fear. His anger burned against young David, “Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your insolence and the wickedness of your heart; for you have come down in order to see the battle.” This was the spirit of accusation at its finest. David replied like so many other brotherly scenarios down through the annuals of time, “What have I done now? Was it not just a question?” He kept right on talking and showing confidence in the situation. He did not back down, nor show a spirit of fear (1 Samuel 17:12-30).

-Soon enough, the assured words of David were relayed to King Saul, and he sent for David, the shepherd boy. David passionately told the king not to let his heart fail, for he would go and fight with this ungodly Philistine. Saul showed no confidence in him initially. He spoke negatively claiming rightly that he was just a youth in comparison to Goliath’s vast warrior experience from his own youth. Undaunted by the situation, David displayed no fear of man as he stated, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, I went out after him and attacked him, and rescued it from his mouth; and when he rose up against me, I seized him by his beard and struck him and killed him.” This passage shows the preparation stage of David’s life, and how God was using his every experience to mold him into the best military leader Israel would ehave. He went on, “Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he has taunted the armies of the Living God. The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” At this, Saul did not try to dissuade him any further as he said, “Go, and may the LORD be with you.” Saul even tried to help out by giving the youth his garments for war. But, remember that Saul was head and shoulders taller than anyone else in Israel. David was just a youth, and the armor did not fit properly. As David tried to gird this gear with his sword and walk, the test failed, for David was not use to them. David then took these garments off and went with what he knew. He took his stick in his hand and chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook. These stones he placed in his shepherd’s bag, plus he had an all-important sling in his hand. He approached the mighty Goliath with just a stick, a sling and five smooth stones. As the Philistines approached with his shield-bearer in front of him, he observed the young, ruddy, handsome David and mused, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” He cursed David by his false gods and told him that he would soon give his young flesh to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the field. But David confidently replied, “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the Name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. This day the LORD will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD’s and He will give you into our hands.” How about that trash talk and reply? Intimidation did not work with David; his faith and call was genuine. David “ran quickly” toward the battle line when Goliath arose to come draw near to meet him. With decisive action he put his hand into his bag and took out a stone. Then he put it in his sling and slung it right at the Philistine’s head. Bullseye!!! The stone smacked Goliath right in the forehead, the only place he was vulnerable. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell flat on his face to the ground. “Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and he struck the Philistines and killed him; but there was no sword in David’s hand.” Not a bad arm. If he was born in this time he might have had a major league baseball pitching career J. Quickly, David ran and stood over the vanquished foe. He then took the giant’s sword out of its sheath and finished him off for good by cutting off his head with it. Seeing all this transpire, the Philistines fled with the men of Israel and Judah rising to pursue them with valiant shouts. They chased them all the way to Ekron, a stronghold city of the Philistines to the west. Dead bodies fulfilled David’s prediction as they lay strewn out along the way to Shaaraim, even to Gath and Ekron. As the sons of Israel returned from their chase, they plundered the Philistines deserted camps. For David, he took Goliath’s head and brought it to Jerusalem, but he kept the giant’s weapons in his own tent (1 Samuel 17:31-54).

-In an aside that seems to be out of sequence with the narrative, Saul asks his uncle and commander of his army, Abner, whose son this young man was as he saw David going out against the Philistine enemy. Abner had no idea, and so King Saul commanded him go and inquire who his father was. When David returned from killing the Philistine with Abner, he had the destroyed man’s head with him in his hand. Saul asked whose son he was. And David replied, “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite (1 Samuel 17:55-58).”

-*Application* So much has been made through the years of this narrative between the seemingly invincible foe and the unlikely hero. Books, devotionals, sermons, motivational speeches, movies, and more have heralded the triumphs of this man of valor and faith in his God. We all face giants of many kinds through the course of our lives. The main point we should see here in this passage is that it is the LORD who fights our battles and gives us the victory when we stand confidently, not cockily, in His Name. Fear has no part of the Kingdom of Christ Jesus when facing our foe. Remember, insurmountable odds and impossible circumstances can be conquered when we surely and solely trust the LORD for His deliverance.

Verses to Memorize: 1 Samuel 17:37, 45, 47

Bible Study Notes in 1 Samuel- Chapter 16

1 Samuel 16

-The LORD has to ask an important question to his despondent and grieving prophet after the whole ordeal with the disobedient King Saul, “How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel?” Then the LORD gives a command, “Fill your horn with oil and go; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have selected a king for Myself among his sons.” Samuel actually resisted the call initially as he feared for his life in this new climate of distrust in Saul. But, God worked out a plan for him to take a heifer with him to Bethlehem to have a sacrifice as a front, thereby protecting the prophet from any perceived harm. Samuel was instructed by the Almighty to invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and then He would show the prophet what to do next. Samuel was told that indeed he would anoint for the LORD a new king, which would be designated. “So Samuel did what the LORD said,” and obediently went to the Judean city of Bethlehem, just south of Jerusalem. When he arrived, the elders of the city came to him trembling in fear because of his renown, and asked him if he had come to them in peace. He assured them that he had come in peace and to offer a sacrifice before the LORD God. He beckoned them to consecrate themselves for this occasion and included Jesse in the ceremonial festivities along with his sons. When Jesse’s boys entered, Eliab, the oldest, caught Samuel’s attention as he thought, “Surely the LORD’s anointed is before Him.” However, Yahweh had other plans as He subtly spoke to Samuel, “Do not look at his 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 (1 Samuel 16:1-7).” In fact, seven of Jesse’s sons passed before Samuel with not one of them getting the call for kingship. Samuel asked Jesse, “Are these all the children?” Jesse let him know that there was one more, the youngest of them all, who was out tending the sheep. Samuel sent for this one claiming that they would not sit down until he presented himself. So David was sent for and brought in. Upon their first meeting, Samuel found him to be “ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance,” but he was the kid of the group. Nonetheless, God spoke, “Arise, anoint him; for this is he.” Samuel immediately took the horn of oil, symbolic of God’s Holy Spirit, and anointed him in the midst of all his brothers. Then, the Holy Spirit came mightily upon young David and stayed on him from that day forward. Seeing that his mission was complete, Samuel went back home to Ramah (1 Samuel 16:8-13). No fanfare or celebration mentioned in Scripture. Just a simple passing of the mantle of leadership in the kingdom of Israel. Saul was not dethroned, nor did he abdicate his authority at the time, but a serious transition was occurring.

-“Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD terrorized him.” It was so debilitating that his servants took notice of it. They wanted to seek out a man who was skillful in the harp that could play soothing music to mellow the troubled king when this evil spirit persisted in his being. They figured that all would be well if they could pacify his soul with these placid sounds. One of the young men had knowledge of David’s, son of Jesse, abilities in this area. Not only was David acknowledged as a skillful musician, but he was reputed as a mighty man of valor, a warrior, one prudent in speech, handsome, and who had the LORD with him. So Saul sent messengers to Jesse and beckoned the young man, David, to his come to his palace from the flock that he was tending. Therefore, Jesse sent his youngest son to the king’s service along with a donkey loaded with bread and a jug of wine and a young goat. David attended to the king, and immediately gained the admiration and favor of the troubled of Saul. “Saul loved him greatly.” David became his armor bearer and stood before the king. “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 (1 Samuel 16:14-23).”

-*Application* The presence of God transcends our understanding and exalts the most common of people from their places of perceived mediocrity and simplicity. This has always been how He has operated. He makes wise the humble who toil in ordinary circumstances (1 Corinthians 2-4). He chooses the shepherd boy tending his flock and raises him to be a great shepherd of His people and ancestor of the King of kings. God always looks at the heart, not the outward appearances. So, let us take care of our heart and abide in Him for true peace and soothing. Those who resist His Spirit’s presence will find the void taken over by an evil spirit that only gravitates to physical means of coping, which is always just a temporary solution.

Verse to Memorize: 1 Samuel 16:7