1 Samuel Pt. 2

Review

Who is KING?

What went wrong when Israel asked for a King?

Saul’s folly

Bad shepherd

Hides in the baggage

Not informed/prepared to fight

In the next 3 chapters, the author of 1 Samuel transitions from Saul’s folly to Saul’s failures.

3. Saul’s Failures (13:1-15:35)

A. Failure to Wait for Samuel (13:1-14)

Philistines begin to rise up against Saul

fills people and king with fear

Samuel tells Saul to wait for him in Gilgal for seven days so that he can offer to God on behalf of Saul, vs. 8,‌

1 Samuel 13:8–9: “8 So he waited seven days, according to the appointed time set by Samuel, but Samuel did not come to Gilgal; and the people were scattering from him. 9 So Saul said, “Bring near to me the burnt offering and the peace offerings.” And he offered the burnt offering.”

The prophet of God had given Saul an instruction - wait, Samuel would come in 7 days.

Deuteronomy 18:15 - Israel was supposed to listen to God’s profit

Seventh day came - Samuel not there

Is the prophet dead? Is he standing Saul up?

Samuel’s absence and the peoples’ defection forced his hand

As the fire dies out on the sacrifice, Samuel happens to show up

Saul immediately begins to blame-shift

hints of Adam and Aaron’s blame shifting

For Saul's disobedience and impatience, Samuel pronounces judgment upon him, vs. 13,

1 Samuel 13:13–14“And Samuel said to Saul, “You have acted foolishly; you have not kept the commandment of Yahweh your God, which He commanded you, for now Yahweh would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. “But now your kingdom shall not endure. Yahweh has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart, and Yahweh has appointed him as ruler over His people because you have not kept what Yahweh commanded you.”

Will be replaced by a man after God’s own heart

a man with a heart like His own.

B. Failure of the Foolish Vow (13:15-14:52)

Samuel leaves, army has shrunk from 3,000 to 600 - Philistines encamp on one side of Ravine.

Saul stays on other side - resting in the shade

waiting for something to happen

On the other hand, Saul's son and heir, Jonathan, is ready to fight for YHWH, with YHWH, vs. 6,

1 Samuel 14:6–7: “6 Then Jonathan said to the young man who was carrying his armor, “Come and let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; perhaps Yahweh will work for us, for Yahweh is not restrained to save by many or by few.” 7 And his armor bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart; turn yourself, and here I am with you according to your heart.””

Man of faith and submission to sovereign God

Seeing things through the lens of YHWH’s power and might

Doesn’t look around, he looks up

impossible hike

impossible odds of 2 versus an entire army

Trusts in the one who has authority

put to death, make alive

shatter bows of the mighty

Jonathan and his servant have miraculous instant success in battle

God causes a panic and fear to come amongst the Philistines

Who is the one fighting the people’s battles, vs 23,

1 Samuel 14:23: “23 So Yahweh saved Israel that day, and the battle spread beyond Beth-Aven.”

It’s the KING

After sitting under the tree, watching God deliver them from the hands of the Philistines, Saul's army entered the fray and chased the fleeing Philistine army. It is during this arduous pursuit that Israel's human King decides to make a foolish oath, vs. 24,‌

1 Samuel 14:24–26: “24 Now the men of Israel were hard-pressed on that day. And Saul had put the people under oath, saying, “Cursed be the man who eats food before evening and until I have avenged myself on my enemies.” So none of the people tasted food. 25 Now all the people of the land entered the forest, and there was honey on the ground. 26 So the people entered the forest, and behold, there was a flow of honey; but no man put his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the sworn oath.”

Saul’s plagerism

Cursed be the man who eats - acting like God in the garden

until I avenge myself, my enemies - just as God declares he will do in the song of Moses

Honey on the ground - mana

Flow of honey - blessing of the Promised Land

Saul's son, Jonathan, wasn't there when Saul made this foolish vow. He was too busy fighting the Philistines with God. And so, he recognizes God's blessing of honey and consumes it, vs. 27,‌

1 Samuel 14:27–29“27 But Jonathan had not heard when his father put the people under a sworn oath; therefore, he put out the end of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb and put his hand to his mouth, and his eyes brightened. 28 Then one of the people answered and said, “Your father strictly put the people under a sworn oath, saying, ‘Cursed be the man who eats food today.’” And the people were weary. 29 Then Jonathan said, “My father has troubled the land. See now, how my eyes have brightened because I tasted a little of this honey.”

troubled the land - own father is so foolish

can’t lead his people

language used to describe fool Achan

stole things devoted for destruction and hid under tent - (Joshua 7:25)

After all of this, Saul is informed that Jonathan was the one who ate the honey, and he condemns his son to death, vs. 39

1 Samuel 14:38–39: “38 And Saul said, “Draw near here, all you chiefs of the people, and know and see how this sin has happened today. 39 “For as Yahweh lives, who saves Israel, though it is in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die.” But not one of all the people answered him.”

Saul Plagiarizes again - Son must surely die

Call back to curse of Genesis 2

Violation of foolish vow is a violation of his honor - sin deserving execution

Call back to Jepthah

Saul’s subjects refuse and intervene to save

Contrast with how Saul treated the vile men - sons of Belial after his first battle

Not even willing to spare the life his own son

The chapter closes with a parenthetical comment about Saul's character vs. 52,

1 Samuel 14:52 “52 Now the war against the Philistines was severe all the days of Saul; and Saul would see any mighty man or any man of valor and would gather him to his staff.”

No honor for one who fights his battles and follows the Lord

surround himself with strength of the world.

C. Failure to Obey (15:1-35)

This leads us to the third sin that saw the keys of the Kingdom stripped from Saul in chapter 15:1,

1 Samuel 15:1–2“1 Then Samuel said to Saul, “Yahweh sent me to anoint you as king over His people, over Israel; so now, obey the voice of the words of Yahweh. 2 “Thus says Yahweh of hosts, ‘I will punish Amalek for what he did to Israel, how he set himself against him on the way while he was coming up from Egypt.”

devote Amelekites to utter destruction

Attacked Israelites in the Exodus just after leaving Egypt (Ex 17:8-16)

Command by God to destroy Amelek after the conquest (Deut 25:17-19)

Saul spared Agag, Amelek’s king, and the best livestock (vs 8)

To commemorate the victory hen he sets up a monument for…himself (vs 12)

Samuel eventually tracks Saul down and Saul is completely oblivious to why Samuel is upset, vs. 13-14,

1 Samuel 15:13–14“13 And Samuel came to Saul, and Saul said to him, “Blessed are you of Yahweh! I have established the word of Yahweh.” 14 But Samuel said, “What then is this sound of the sheep in my ears and the sound of the oxen which I am hearing?”

Saul’s mind - I understood the assignment - done son

Samuel - Sound of bleating animals proof you failed

Why did you not obey?

Saul then takes up his default pattern of blame shifting, vs. 21,‌

1 Samuel 15:21 “21 “But the people took some of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the choicest of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to Yahweh your God at Gilgal.”

To which Samuel replies, vs. 22,

1 Samuel 15:22–23: “22 And Samuel said, “Has Yahweh as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of Yahweh? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. 23 “For rebellion is as the sin of divination, And insubordination is as wickedness and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of Yahweh, He has also rejected you from being king.””

Lesson: obedience is better than sacrifice. In world’s eyes: much better to ask for forgiveness than permission. God wants worshipers who love Him with all their lives through obedience to His word from their heart. True worship begins with true obedience.

To rebel is tantamount to seeking out instruction from a false god

Saul rejected God, God rejects Saul

III. The Lord’s Anointed (1 Samuel 16:1-31:13)

This naturally leads to the anointing of the true seed of the woman promised in Genesis 3:15. Saul ‌was from the tribe of Benjamin. Here, we see Samuel sent to the royal tribe of Judah to find a king after God's heart.

1. God’s Anointing of David (16:1-23)

God instructs Samuel to take his oil and go to the little town of Bethlehem - to the house of Jesse

Grandson of Ruth and Boaz

To anoint the one that God tells him - God’s King

But when he meets Jesse and his sons, he encounters the likely choice for a king, vs. 6,‌

1 Samuel 16:6–7“6 Now it happened, when they entered, he looked at Eliab and thought, “Surely the anointed of Yahweh is before Him.” 7 But Yahweh said 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 Yahweh looks at the heart.”

Samuel sees with eyes of the world -

Not about height,

not about outward appearance,

Was to look up to God who looks - at the right heart

After 7 sons - is there more?

the youngest, David - shepherding the sheep

so insignificant and young

This shepherd boy comes in from the hills of Bethlehem, vs. 12,

1 Samuel 16:12–13“12 So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And Yahweh said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of Yahweh rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah.”

King whom YHWH chooses (Deut 17:15)

mere shepherd boy, unlike world's kings.

appearance is described - concerning pattern of 1 Samuel

Rushed upon David - similar to the empowering of the Spirit upon Joshua and the judges who delivered God’s people

Immediately, Samuel leaves, and David finds himself in the eye of the storm, vs. 14,‌

1 Samuel 16:14–18 “14 Now the Spirit of Yahweh departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from Yahweh terrorized him. 15 Saul’s servants then said to him, “Behold now, an evil spirit from God is terrorizing you. 16 “Let our lord now speak to your servants who are before you. Let them seek a man who is a skillful musician on the harp; and it shall be that when the evil spirit from God is on you, he shall play the harp with his hand, and you will be well.” 17 So Saul said to his servants, “Provide for me now a man who can play well and bring him to me.” 18 Then one of the young men answered and said, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is a skillful musician, a mighty man of valor, a warrior, one who is understanding in speech, and man of fine form; and Yahweh is with him.””

Holy Spirit leaves Saul, God sends evil spirit to terrorize Saul

HS activity different than in New Covenant

resides and remains in every believer

Can be quenched but never removed from a NC saint

In OT, Spirit empowers those God chooses for mighty works

God not the originator of evil, yet sovereign over all, including the evil spirits

Causes what evil spirits intend for evil to bring about His good plan

God is with David in the court of a dangerous king just like He was with Joseph

David able to thwart the evil spirit with the praise of God

2. God’s Provision of Victory for David (17:1-58)

‌In chapter 17, the Philistines gathered again for battle. After camp is set up, the Philistine giant comes to find a worthy challenger, vs. 4,‌

1 Samuel 17:4–8“4 Then a champion came out from the camps of the Philistines named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. 5 And he had a bronze helmet on his head, and he was clothed with scale-armor, and the weight of that scale-armor was five thousand shekels of bronze. 6 He also had bronze greaves on his legs and a bronze javelin slung between his shoulders. 7 And the shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and the head of his spear weighed six hundred shekels of iron; his shield-carrier also walked before him. 8 And he stood and called out to the battle lines of Israel and said to them, “Why do you come out to arrange yourselves for battle? Am I not the Philistine and you slaves of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves and let him come down to me.”

A Giant

sons of Anakim - scared Israel from conquering promised land (Numb 13:25-33)

conquered by Caleb and Joshua and relocated to Philistia (Josh 11:21-23

Reintroduction indicates that Saul’s reign leading to undoing of the conquest

Sets up for David to be a greater Joshua and Caleb

Armed with superior military technology

weapon of choice - spear - head weighed about 25 lbs.

Scale-armor - appearance of fish - like dagon - or a serpent

Bronze - nahoshet - connection with the hebrew word for the serpent of Gen 3 - nahash

Goliath is the seed of the serpent

Since Goliath is so tall, wasn't there a comparably tall man to fight Israel's battles? Instead, Israel's tall man is filled with fear vs. 11,‌

1 Samuel 17:11“11 When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.”

Saul is once again fearing man instead of God.

permitted Goliath taunted Israel for 40 days

Until, one day, David then enters the scene, vs. 20,‌

1 Samuel 17:18–20“18 “You shall also bring these ten cuts of cheese to the commander of their thousand, and look into the welfare of your brothers, and bring back a token from them. 19 “And Saul and they and all the men of Israel are in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.” 20 So David arose early in the morning and left the flock with a keeper and carried the supplies and went as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the circle of the camp while the military force was going out in battle lines shouting the war cry.”

Jesse’s three eldest in Saul’s army

David sent to look into their welfare - same language used for Joseph Gen 37:14

Leaves his sheep with the keeper - David is a thoughtful, good shepherd - contrast with Saul’s lost livestock

As David arrives, he sees Israel and the Philistines arranging themselves for their daily shouting match, vs 21,

1 Samuel 17:21–23: “21 And Israel and the Philistines arranged themselves in battle lines, battle line against battle line. 22 Then David left his baggage in the care of the baggage keeper and ran to the battle line and entered in order to greet his brothers. 23 As he was speaking with them, behold, the champion, the Philistine from Gath named Goliath, was coming up from the battle lines of the Philistines, and he spoke these same words; and David heard them.”

another contrast

Saul's coronation, no one could find him

hiding in fear among the baggage.

David arrives at the war camp - where does he throw his snack bag?

With the baggage.

David hears the words of the Philistine giant and he is filled with righteous zeal, vs 26

1 Samuel 17:26“26 Then David spoke to the men who were standing by him, saying, “What will be done for the man who strikes down this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should reproach the battle lines of the living God?”

David doesn't see Goliath with the eyes of the world

not intimidated by Goliath’s height

He sees things in biblical terms - calls him uncircumcised

Reference to Jonathan’s brave attack on an entire Philistine army (1 Sam 14:6)

Does not fight because his honor had been violated (Like Saul), but to vindicate the honor of the living God

Eventually Saul hears that David is at the camp asking around about Goliath, vs 31,

1 Samuel 17:31–36“31 Then the words which David spoke were heard. And they told them to Saul, and he sent for him. 32 And David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail on account of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” 33 Then Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a youth while he has been a warrior from his youth.” 34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant was shepherding his father’s sheep. And a lion and a bear would come and take a lamb from the flock, 35 and I would go out after it and strike it and rescue the lamb from its mouth. Then it rose up against me, and I would seize it by its beard and strike it down and put it to death. 36 “Your servant has struck down both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he has reproached the battle lines of the living God.”

David informs the King that no one’s heart should fail

recalls God’s instruction for warfare in the Law

Deuteronomy 20:3–4“3 “And he shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, you are drawing near to the battle against your enemies today. Do not let your heart be faint. Do not be afraid, nor be alarmed, nor be in dread before them, 4 for Yahweh your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.’” F

Faced a bear and a lion while shepherding - saved his sheep from their mouth

exercised dominion over the beasts of the earth to tend the garden of His father’s flock - new Adam

Then, in verse 37, we see who David credits his past victory to and who he would rely on to face Goliath,

1 Samuel 17:37: 37 And David said, “Yahweh, who delivered me from the hand of the lion and from the hand of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and may Yahweh be with you.”

Not with his own strength - prayed in faith

God delivered

Confidence in God gave him courage to face giant

After Saul failed to clothe David with the armor Saul should have worn to face the Giant, David equips himself, vs. 40,

1 Samuel 17:40“40 Then he took his stick in his hand and chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook and put them in the shepherd’s bag which he had, even in his pouch, and his sling was in his hand; and he approached the Philistine.”

Saul wants to arm him with the armor of the world

David wants armor of a shepherd - staff, shepherd’s bag, sling and stones

Choice of stones deliberate - punishment of the Law for blasphemy

Leviticus 24:16: “16 ‘Moreover, the one who blasphemes the name of Yahweh shall surely be put to death; all the congregation shall certainly stone him…”

As David approached the battlefield, his appearance was offensive to the giant, vs. 43,‌

1 Samuel 17:43–44“43 And the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 The Philistine also said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the field.”

Offended that David is treating him like a beast to by put in his place

Cursed him by his gods - especially dagon

threat - feed to Birds of the sky, beast of the field

The serpentine giant is trying to curse the new Adam with the creatures he should rule over

David replies with his curse by His God, vs. 46,

1 Samuel 17:46–47“46 “This day Yahweh 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 camp of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 47 and that all this assembly may know that Yahweh does not save by sword or by spear; for the battle is Yahweh’s, and He will give you into our hands.”

Confidence not in his own strength, but in YHWH

does not look around him in fear or at himself in self-determination

he looks up to God, the source of his strength

Why he fights - all the earth may know

Reference to the purpose of God fighting against Pharaoh

Not by sword - not by power shall men prevail

Battle belongs not to David but to YHWH

In verse 49, David then accomplishes the very thing he confidently declared,

1 Samuel 17:49–51 “49 And David sent his hand down into his bag and took from it a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead. And the stone sank into his forehead, so that he fell on his face to the ground. 50 Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and he struck the Philistine and put him to death; but there was no sword in David’s hand. 51 Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and put him to death and cut off his head with it. Then the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, so they fled.”

where does David hit the giant?

After Goliath falls, what does David cut off?

Bad guys get their head crushed in the Bible

Fell on his face - just like Dagon before the Ark of YHWH

Here we have a new Joshua, a new Adam - the Seed of the serpent is crushed, the Seed of the Woman is alive

Christ Connection and Application

Application from the chapter is often exclusively moralistic. We must run to face our giants, just as David did. Instead we must first see ourselves not in the role of David, but in the followers of Saul. Before the anointed one arrived, they were filled with fear and as good as dead with no one to save them. Similarly, the disciples, when Jesus had been arrested and executed scattered and cowered in fear. This is who we are apart from the Lord's anointed - the Messiah. But praise be to God, He was victorious, not over a mere Giant, but over the serpent, sin, and death itself. Through his conquering we are saved, made conquerers ourselves, and granted the privilege to share in His spoils.

Certainly, this story of David is inspiring. As we will see, David's feat inspired the entire nation in his day. But remember why David fought. He did not fight to face his fears or for his own honor. He fought for the glory of YHWH. If we are to be inspired to fight by David, we must be inspired to fight for what he was zealous for the glory of the Lord.

We should also take note of how God used the trials David faced in his youth that prepared for him to face the giant. God uses difficulties to sharpen and fortify us for greater difficulty. And even in those early trials, David did not lean on his skill and strength but on faith, prayer, and reliance on God to save him.

Lastly, David was confident in God not just because of his personal experiences of previous deliverance but because of his knowledge of God's past works of salvation. We too must look to Christ who has conquered the greatest of enemies. Since He is victorious what then should we fear?

3. God’s Exaltation of David (18:1-30)

After David fights for the honor of the name of the Lord, the Lord causes the honor of the people to fall upon David, starting with the heir to the throne, vs. 3,

1 Samuel 18:3–4“3 Then Jonathan cut a covenant with David because he loved him as his own soul. 4 And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, even his sword and his bow and his belt.”

recognizes heart of David was knit (vs. 1) with his own.

zeal for the honor of the Lord

faith in the Lord to provide for them.

strips himself of his royalty - gives to David

He decreases, that the true King might increase.

Saul sets David over his army

sends them after the Philistines

David is victorious and the people rejoice, vs 7

1 Samuel 18:7–8“7 And the women sang as they were merry and said, “Saul has struck his thousands, And David his ten thousands.” 8 Then Saul became very angry, for this saying was displeasing in his eyes; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, but to me they have ascribed thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?”

Not an intentional dig at Saul

David’s praise draws petty envy from Saul

The Davidic king is divisive - sets the son agains father

inspires faithful love from the son of the king

inspires murderous envy from the king

One day, Saul's murderous intentions find opportunity in vs. 10,

1 Samuel 18:10–12 “10 Now it happened on the next day that an evil spirit from God came mightily upon Saul, and he raved in the midst of the house. Now David was playing the harp with his hand, as usual; and a spear was in Saul’s hand. 11 Then Saul hurled the spear for he thought, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David escaped from his presence twice. 12 And Saul was afraid of David, for Yahweh was with him but had turned away from Saul.”

David is holding instrument intended for Divine praise

Saul is holding the weapon we last saw in the hands of Goliath

Acts like the giant and attempts to kill the Lord’s anointed

YHWH was with David - prospering in all his ways (vs 14)

4. God’s Protection for David (19:1-20:42)

As Saul's fear increases, he is tempted to murder David again. But David's faithful friend, Jonathan, seeks to intervene on David's behalf, vs. 5,‌

1 Samuel 19:5–6“5 “For he took his life in his hand and struck the Philistine, and Yahweh brought about a great salvation for all Israel; you saw it and were glad. Why then will you sin against innocent blood by putting David to death without a cause?” 6 And Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan, and Saul swore, “As Yahweh lives, he shall not be put to death.”

David willing to sacrifice his life to fight Goliath

Killing David would be shedding innocent blood

Saul swore by YHWH’s life - he won’t kill David

However, a few verses later Saul acts like Goliath again and attempts to kill David with his spear.

Goes back on his word like Pharaoh

After this, in vs. 12, Saul's daughter, Michal, who was given to David, helps David escape,

1 Samuel 19:12–16: “12 So Michal let David down through a window, and he went out and fled and escaped. 13 Then Michal took the household idol and laid it on the bed and put a quilt of goats’ hair at its head and covered it with clothes. 14 Then Saul sent messengers to take David, but she said, “He is sick.” 15 So Saul sent messengers to see David, saying, “Bring him up to me on his bed, that I may put him to death.” 16 The messengers came, and behold, the household idol was on the bed with the quilt of goats’ hair at its head.”

similarities to past scripture.

lets David down from her window as Rahab did

takes Saul's household idol and uses it deceptively to fool her father, just as Rachel did

Author raising our antennas - setting up for a contrast

protection of men vs. protection of God

David flees from Saul to Samuel's hometown. After hearing of David's whereabouts, Saul sends servants to capture him, vs 20,

1 Samuel 19:20: “20 Then Saul sent messengers to take David, but they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing and presiding over them. And the Spirit of God came upon the messengers of Saul; and they also prophesied.”

This protection contrasted with the scheme of Michal

Her idol deceives Saul

The Holy Spirit, not Samuel, intervenes transforms Saul’s servants to join Samuel as prophets

Saul sends two more groups of servants and the Spirit makes them join Samuel too

Saul decides to take matters into his own hands, vs 22

1 Samuel 19:22–23“22 Then he himself went to Ramah and came as far as the large well that is in Secu; and he asked and said, “Where are Samuel and David?” And someone said, “Behold, they are at Naioth in Ramah.” 23 So he went there, to Naioth in Ramah; and the Spirit of God came upon him also, so that he went along prophesying continually until he came to Naioth in Ramah.”

Before he even gets to Samuel’s town

David’s Divine Defender intervenes

incapacitates Saul himself for an entire day

But in chapter 20, David takes his protection into his own hands.

Returns to Jonathan and devises a deceitful scheme to reveal if Saul is still murderous

Lie: David went home for local sacrifice

What should have David done?

Who could David have asked to find out?

Not so shockingly - Saul still sought to murder David.

Jonathan tells David's lie, King sees right through it

attempts to murder his heir with his spear.

David lies, and his best friend almost dies.

Jonathan then warns David of Saul’s intentions and the friends part from each other as David leaves an exile from his own kingdom.

5. God’s Tests for David (21:1-26:25)

Remember that in chapters 13-15, Saul sinned against the Lord on three separate occasions. His failures as King were highlighted threefold, and in each incident, Saul fell deeper into his sinful and foolish ways.

David faces three tests as he flees Saul into the wilderness (23:14). The location of the wilderness serves to remind us of Moses and Israel, both of whom were tested and refined by God in the desert.

A. The Test of the Bread (21:1-22:23)

As David is fleeing from Saul, he first comes to the priest at Nob, vs. 1,‌

1 Samuel 21:1–3“1 Then David came to Nob to Ahimelech the priest; and Ahimelech came trembling to meet David and said to him, “Why are you alone, and no one is with you?” 2 And David said to Ahimelech the priest, “The king has commanded me with a matter and has said to me, ‘Let no one know anything about the matter on which I am sending you and with which I have commanded you; and I have directed the young men to a certain place.’ 3 “So now, what do you have on hand? Give five loaves of bread into my hand, or whatever can be found.”

Ahimelech - grandson of Phinehas, great grandson of Eli

David’s presence fills him with fear

David devises another deceitful scheme

does so to possibly remove priest’s suspicions

Could also be doing so to give Ahimelech plausible deniability

Asks for bread, priest only has the Bread of Presence.

twelve loaves of unleavened bread placed on the table in the sanctuary of the Tabernacle of God.

Every Sabbath, they were removed and replaced by hot loaves,

old loaves were eaten only by the priests.

Ahimelech recognized the needs of David and his men and showed compassion by making an exception to preserve God's higher priority in life.

Interestingly, this story connects to a sabbath 1000 years into the future.

In Mark 2:23-28, Jesus' disciples pick grain heads to feed themselves during the Sabbath,

causes the Pharisees to accuse Jesus of allowing his disciples to violate the Law.

Jesus uses Ahimelech’s actions to illustrate

in God's eyes, showing compassion always trumped strict adherence to ceremony.

From Jesus' use of this story, we can see that David was not wrong in asking for bread,

Ahimelech was not wrong in giving him the bread of presence.

However, nowhere does Jesus justify the lie that David told to get the bread in the first place.

As David receives the bread from the priest, a wicked witness is standing in the shadows, the chief shepherd of Saul, Doeg the Edomite.

This wicked shepherd told Saul what happened with David and the priest,

Saul to command his servants to put the priests to death.

As they did when Saul commanded the execution of his son Jonathan, Saul's servants refused to listen.

However, Doeg the Edomite was more than willing, and he executed 85 priests and struck down the men, women, and children of Nob.

David lied, and a whole town died. Except for one.

The priest's son, Abiathar, escaped and report to David, vs. 21,‌

1 Samuel 22:21–22“21 And Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of Yahweh. 22 Then David said to Abiathar, “I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. It is I who have turned against every person in your father’s household.”

David understands that the guilt of the death of the priests at Nob is his to bear -as if he was their attacker with his scheme

Contrast with Saul, who when confronted, immediately blame shifts

There is one other positive note in this chapter. As David is fleeing Saul, note what types of men flock to him, 22:2

1 Samuel 22:2: “2 Then everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was bitter of soul, gathered to him; and he became a commander over them. Now there were about four hundred men with him.”

Saul surrounded him with any man who was strong - the best people in the eyes of the world

The distressed and bitter of soul gather to David and he brings them in - it could be that some or all of the 30 mighty men of David

B. The Test of the Promise (23:1-25:1)

With the episode of the bread over, the scene shifts to David doing the work of the King and fighting his people's battles, ‌23:1,

1 Samuel 23:1–2“1 Then they told David, saying, “Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are pillaging the threshing floors.” 2 So David asked of Yahweh, saying, “Shall I go and strike these Philistines?” And Yahweh said to David, “Go and strike the Philistines and save Keilah.”

In Chapter 22, Saul asked a gentile to go and slay Israelites

In Chapter 23, David inquires after YHWH to save Israelites

Seeking the Lord in faith as he once did as a shepherd boy

men with David are filled with fear by David's plan, so David asks the Lord again, verse 4,

1 Samuel 23:4“4 Then David asked of Yahweh once more. And Yahweh answered him and said, “Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand.””

Word comes to David that Saul is on his way to Keilah

Instead of running or coming up with a scheme, David turns to the Lord a third time to see if he should stay or go, vs. 10,

1 Samuel 23:10–11 “10 Then David said, “O Yahweh, the God of Israel, Your slave has heard for certain that Saul is seeking to come to Keilah to make the city a ruin on my account. 11 “Will the men of Keilah surrender me into his hand? Will Saul come down just as Your slave has heard? O Yahweh, the God of Israel, I pray, tell Your slave.” And Yahweh said, “He will come down.””

remarkably detailed, asking God about every aspect of his situation.

David might not be perfect, but his heart responds to the Lord's discipline.

The Lord informs David that the people will give him up, and David flees to the wilderness of Ziph, where he constantly escapes Saul's grasp.‌

In chapter 24, report comes to Saul that David is in the wilderness of Engedi, and it is there that we have the famous scene in the cave, vs. 3,

1 Samuel 24:3–4: “3 And he came to the sheepfolds on the way, where there was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet. Now David and his men were sitting in the inner recesses of the cave. 4 Then the men of David said to him, “Behold, this is the day of which Yahweh said to you, ‘Behold, I am about to give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it seems good in your eyes.’” Then David arose and cut off the edge of Saul’s robe secretly.”

Out of all the caves in the wilderness, Saul chose the cave that David and his men were hiding in

servants declared - this was the Lord fulfilling his promise to David.

did God say the words that the servants quoted? No.

presumed upon God's providence.

took promise that God made out of context.

At Keialah, God said that He would give the Philistines into David's hand,"

David's servants modified this promise to fit the present predicament.

Initially, David is convinced by his men. But instead of killing Saul, he cuts off just a corner of Saul's robe. Yet, even after seemingly sparing Saul's life, his conscience was pricked after his actions, vs. 5,

1 Samuel 24:5–7: “5 And it happened afterward that David’s heart struck him because he had cut off the edge of Saul’s robe. 6 So he said to his men, “Far be it from me because of Yahweh that I should do this thing to my lord, the anointed of Yahweh, to send forth my hand against him, since he is the anointed of Yahweh.” 7 And David tore his men to pieces with these words and did not allow them to rise up against Saul. And Saul arose, left the cave, and went on his way.”

As YHWH’s anointed king his person, including the clothes he wore were not to be violated.

David immediately understood this and his heart struck him

Same word used in 1 Sam 17 to describe David’s stone striking Goliath

David goes from tearing a piece from Saul’s robe to tearing his men to pieces with words to keep them from attacking Saul

David comes running out of the cave, bows low to the ground. He retells the situation of the past 20 minutes

promises that his hand shall never be against Saul.

pleads his case based on the will of the KING, vs. 15,

1 Samuel 24:15: “15 “Therefore Yahweh be judge and execute justice between you and me; and may He see and plead my cause and execute justice for me to escape from your hand.”

David does not seek safety in a possible heart change in Saul.

David sets his faith in the future grace and the faithfulness of YHWH to rescue him from Saul's cruel intentions.

Saul's response, however, would have been incredibly reassuring.

He acknowledges that David has shown himself to be righteous and gracious.

He then makes this astonishing declaration to David and before all his men, vs. 20,

1 Samuel 24:20–21“20 “So now, behold, I know that you will surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hand. 21 “So now swear to me by Yahweh that you will not cut off my seed after me and that you will not destroy my name from my father’s household.”

David will be king

Covenant between Saul and David mirrors same promises made between David and Jonathan in ch 20

C. The Test of the Crown (25:2-26:25)

After the incident in the cave of Engedi and the death of Samuel in 25:1, we have this interesting interjection in chapter 25. This chapter is a chiasm surrounded by another opportunity to secretly take Saul's life in chapter 26.

‌The story begins with David and his band protecting the shepherds and livestock of a wealthy man. We find out his name in verse 3, ‌

1 Samuel 25:3“3 (now the man’s name was Nabal, and his wife’s name was Abigail. And the woman was good in insight and beautiful in appearance, but the man was harsh and evil in his dealings, and he was a Calebite),”

Nabal - Harsh and evil

Wife Abigail - insightful and beautiful

Contrast each other - he is a fool

David sends servants - request provision from rich Nabal.

doesn't lie to get the provision he needs.

He requests that Nabal return the kindness that David and his servants showed

But Nabal responds unkindly to the request of David, vs. 10, ‌

1 Samuel 25:10“10 But Nabal answered David’s servants and said, “Who is David? And who is the son of Jesse? There are many servants today who are each breaking away from his master.”

This rhetorical put-down, "who is David?" mirrors the defiant response of Pharaoh (Exodus 5:2) - "Who is YHWH?"

How does David respond? Verse 13,

1 Samuel 25:13 “13 Then David said to his men, “Each of you gird on his sword.” So each man girded on his sword. And David also girded on his sword, and about four hundred men went up behind David, and two hundred stayed with the baggage.”

David is angry - incensed that Nabal would refuse his request

disrespect him, the Lord’s anointed.

Providentially, stupid Nabal had a brilliant servant

who went to wise Abigail and told her of Nabal's foolishness and David's plan to exact vengeance.

The insightful wife of the fool jumps in to mediate between the King and her husband.

gathers David's requested goods and sends them ahead of her as Jacob did before meeting Esau.

The Author notes that she does this without telling Nabal

she knows she is about to give away what he prizes and loves most: his possessions.

The scene then shifts to the hillside where David is marching down with his warriors on one side, and Abigail and her servants are hurrying up with a peace offering on the other. David's wrath is further revealed in words in vs. 22,

1 Samuel 25:22: “22 “May God do so to the enemies of David, and more also, if by morning I leave as much as one male of any who belong to him.”

David is furious that someone would dishonor him

ready to slaughter the entire household of his fellow Judahite, Nabal.

This declaration immediately brings to mind the slaughter of Saul of the priests and people of Nob.

As one commentator put it, “As we see him filled with hatred and revenge, and swearing by God himself to murder not only Nabal but all his innocent servants, we see how, apart from the gracious help of God (mediated here through Abigail), he himself was quite capable of assuming the very character of Saul and all those who have been pursuing him.”

Harry A. Hoffner Jr., 1 & 2 Samuel, Evangelical Exegetical Commentary

A foolish rich man mirroring Saul's character is at the center of this chiasm between the two scenes with Saul.

In the cave, David stopped short of taking the life of the King and taking the Kingdom into his own hands.

But here, David had no restraint in destroying Saul's doppelganger.

Moreover, in his murderous mood, David acted like the wicked King who was chasing him down.

Providentially, the only wise character enters the scene in verse 23, ‌

1 Samuel 25:23“23 Then Abigail saw David; so she hurried and dismounted from her donkey and fell on her face before David and bowed herself to the ground.”

She appeals to David as David had just appealed to Saul in chapter 24.

The parallel here is on purpose.

To begin to calm the foolish wrath of a king, you must first meet him on his terms, with you bowed down as a humble subject.

She adds words of humility and servitude to match her lowly posture, calling herself David's maidservant.

She agrees with David's character assessment of her husband, calling him a vile man - a son of Belial.

In her best attempt to cool the heart of David, she equates her actions with the providence of God, verse 26‌

1 Samuel 25:26 “26 “So now, my lord, as Yahweh lives and as your soul lives, since Yahweh has restrained you from shedding blood, and from saving yourself by your own hand, so now, let your enemies and those who seek evil against my lord, be as Nabal.”

She pleads with David to recognize how his intended action would make him a murderer

YHWH had sent Abigail to him today to save him from the consequences that would surely fall upon David's head if he carried out his plan.

She concludes her plea for mercy by presenting the prize of a clean conscience vs. 30,

1 Samuel 25:30–31“30 “And it will be that when Yahweh does for my lord according to all the good that He has spoken concerning you, and appoints you ruler over Israel, 31 then this will not cause stumbling or a troubled heart to my lord, both by having shed blood without cause and by my lord having saved himself. When Yahweh deals well with my lord, then remember your maidservant.”

Abigail and the Author want to point out - David is not yet the King.

YHWH, had not fulfilled the promises made to David.

if David relented, he would have no cause for stumbling or a troubled heart on the day David received all that YHWH had promised.

David, the man after God's own heart, has his eyes immediately opened by Abigail's argument vs. 32,

1 Samuel 25:32–33“32 Then David said to Abigail, “Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me, 33 and blessed be your discernment, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodshed and from saving myself by my own hand.”

David's heart is changed.

providential care of YHWH in sending Abigail - comes to his senses.

The David we know and love comes back to us.

After this, God's providential care for David becomes even more evident in verse 36,

1 Samuel 25:36–38“36 Then Abigail came to Nabal, and behold, he was holding a feast in his house, like the feast of a king. And Nabal’s heart was merry within him, for he was very drunk; so she did not tell him anything small or great until the morning light. 37 But in the morning, when the wine had gone out of Nabal, his wife told him these things, and his heart died within him so that he became as a stone. 38 Now it happened that about ten days later, Yahweh smote Nabal, and he died.”

David realized his folly and that it was not time for him to act like a king.

Nabal had no such realization - feast of a king

Decadence ends in death by the Divine hand of God

In verse 39, David recognizes the same thing the Author indicates: that the providential hand of YHWH struck Nabal dead instead of David,

1 Samuel 25:39“39 Then David heard that Nabal was dead, so he said, “Blessed be Yahweh, who has pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal and has kept back His servant from evil. Yahweh has also returned the evil of Nabal on his own head.” Then David sent a proposal to Abigail, to take her as his wife.”

David has learned once more - he must wait on the Lord to make him King

he must wait on the Lord to take the life of Saul as He took the life of Nabal.

He must conform his will to the will of YHWH the KING

In Chapter 26, we see an interesting geographical note - David is in the wilderness of Ziph once more. Here in the wilderness, David has a second chance to kill Saul secretly. So what will David do with this new opportunity to forcefully take the crown before the Lord granted it to him? Verse 7,

1 Samuel 26:7–8 “7 So David and Abishai came to the people by night, and behold, Saul lay sleeping inside the circle of the camp with his spear stuck in the ground at his head; and Abner and the people were lying around him. 8 Then Abishai said to David, “Today God has surrendered your enemy into your hand; so now, please let me strike him with the spear to the ground with one stroke, and I will not strike him the second time.”

David has been tested

His trust in the Lord was put on trial on four separate occasions.

The first three times, he failed

each time, he responded with remorse and repentance.

The Lord was refining His King in the wilderness.

And here, in verse 9, we see him finally pass the test,

1 Samuel 26:9–10“9 But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can stretch out his hand against the anointed of Yahweh and be without guilt?” 10 David also said, “As Yahweh lives, surely Yahweh will smite him, or his day will come that he dies, or he will go down into battle and be swept away.”

David declares that YHWH will be the One to strike the King.

He is the One Who miraculously protected David from Saul at Ramah.

He is the One Who granted victory over the giant Goliath.

He is the One Who saved Israel at the battle of Ebenezer.

He is the One Who decapitated and dismembered the idol of Dagon.

He is One who is the KING who fights His people's battles.

Christ Connection

Fast forward 1000 years. Again, we find ourselves in God's testing center - the wilderness. Coming into view is a person. This man is an anointed king, declared by the voice of God the Father Himself to be God's Beloved Son. He still needs to receive his kingdom. He has been providentially led into the wilderness like his ancestor David to be tried and tested like his ancestor, David.

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Coming into view is another person, the ultimate Tempter, the Devil himself. He has come down to earth to test this anointed king person. He isn't leaving this to the crazed wrath of a jealous king or the stupidity of a foolish man. He comes onto the scene with plans to cause the fall of the Promised King. He is one-for-one when he comes on the scene. He figures I did it once with Adam; that was easy. I'll do it again with this so-called second Adam.

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The first test: demonstrate your divine power and turn stones into bread. The Devil declares,

Matthew 4:3: "…If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread."

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The son of God shouldn't starve! Don't trust your Father to provide. Use the power that is yours to meet the needs of your belly. Knowing the history behind this event, knowing what is at stake, feel the suspense of this moment. Will Jesus fail as David did before him? Not a chance,

Matthew 4:4: "4 But He answered and said, "It is written, 'MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.'"

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The Second test is to fulfill the promise of God: take the kingdom that should be yours!

Matthew 4:6 "6 and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, 'HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU'; and 'ON their HANDS THEY WILL BEAR YOU UP, LEST YOU STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.'"

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Just like David's men, Satan took God's promise out of context. Will Jesus fall prey to this ploy like David? Not a chance,

Matthew 4:7: "7 Jesus said to him, "Again, it is written, 'YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.'"

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The third and final test, just assume the crown now. Don't wait for God to make you King. Bow to me, and I will make you King of the world!

Matthew 4:9: "9 and he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You fall down and worship me."

David needed the assistance of Abigail to prevent him from falling prey to this temptation, but Jesus didn't need any such help,

Matthew 4:10: "10 Then Jesus said to him, "Go, Satan! For it is written, 'YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.'"

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Jesus is the ultimate David. Where David failed, Christ triumphed. David did not pass the test. Indeed, he grew and learned from his failures. But he failed. Christ had no failures to learn from. He passed the tests perfectly. He, unlike every son of David before him, was victorious.

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Matthew 4 wasn't just written to demonstrate that our Savior was tempted and tried like us. It wasn't just written to show how we, too, can defeat temptation and pass the test. Matthew's main point is that this Son of David is the promised Messiah King.

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He is the one promised of old who will crush the head of Satan. He is the one promised of old on whose shoulders God will place the government of the entire world.

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He is the King who will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace. His government will not end.

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He is the promised Son of David who will have an everlasting kingdom established by God forever.

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He is the Messiah who will completely reverse the curse of sin and death and who will restore all heaven and earth. He is the ultimate Son of God.

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He is the King of Kings. All authority has been given to Him, both in heaven, on earth, and under the earth.

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He lived the perfect life that God's King must live. He died the kingly death that God's King must die, suffering instead of His people.

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When He returns to establish His kingdom fully, every knee will bow in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. Every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Conclusion

In light of all the events of this book, listen once more to the paradigmatic song of Hannah,

1 Samuel 2:1–10: "1 Then Hannah prayed and said, "My heart exults in Yahweh; My horn is exalted in Yahweh; My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies Because I am glad in Your salvation. 2 "There is no one holy like Yahweh; Indeed, there is no one besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God. 3 "Do not multiply speaking so very proudly; Let arrogance not come out of your mouth; For Yahweh is a God of knowledge, And with Him actions are weighed. 4 "The bows of the mighty are shattered, But those who stumble gird on strength. 5 "Those who were full hire themselves out for bread, But those who were hungry cease to hunger. Even the barren gives birth to seven, But she who has many children languishes. 6 "Yahweh puts to death and makes alive; He brings down to Sheol and raises up. 7 "Yahweh makes poor and rich; He brings low; He also exalts. 8 "He raises the poor from the dust; He exalts the needy from the ash heap To make them sit with nobles, And inherit a seat of glory; For the pillars of the earth are Yahweh's, And He set the world on them. 9 "He keeps the feet of His holy ones, But the wicked ones are silenced in darkness, For not by power shall a man prevail. 10 "Those who contend with Yahweh will be dismayed; Against them He will thunder in the heavens; Yahweh will render justice to the ends of the earth, And He will give strength to His king, And He will exalt the horn of His anointed."

6. God’s Establishment of David’s Rule (27:1-30:13)

The book ends with God doing just as David declared He would do, taking the kingdom from Saul and giving it to David.

A. David in Philistia (27:1-12)

In chapter 27, in order to avoid another encounter with Saul, David leaves Israel to the town of Gath. As he resides there, David begins to do war against the nearby Canaanites whom Joshua failed to conquer. He even goes to war against the Amalekites who Saul failed to wipe out when he disobeyed the word of the Lord.

B. Saul and the Witch at Endor (28:1-25)

In chapter 28, Saul is presented in a far more troubling scene. The Philistines go to war again with Israel. As is customary, the sight of the Philistines causes Saul to fear and tremble. But instead of hiding he goes to ask of YHWH, but YHWH does not answer him. Like Eli at the beginning of the book, God is done speaking to Saul. So Saul turns to another supernatural source of guidance, vs 7

1 Samuel 28:7“7 So Saul said to his servants, “Seek for me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.” And his servants said to him, “Behold, there is a woman who is a medium at En-dor.”

In seeking a medium Saul fulfills the prophetic condemnation of Samuel from chapter 15, 1 Samuel 15:23“23 “For rebellion is as the sin of divination, And insubordination is as wickedness and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of Yahweh, He has also rejected you from being king.”

Before meeting the witch from Endor, He removes his royal robes and disguises himself. And then he asks her to divine for him the word of Samuel. To the shock of the medium and of Saul, Samuel actually appears, vs. 15,

1 Samuel 28:16–19“16 And Samuel said, “Why then do you ask me, since Yahweh has turned away from you and has become your adversary? 17 “So Yahweh has done accordingly as He spoke by my hand, for Yahweh has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, to David. 18 “As you did not listen to the voice of Yahweh and did not execute His burning anger on Amalek, so Yahweh has done this thing to you this day. 19 “Moreover Yahweh 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 Yahweh will give over the camp of Israel into the hands of the Philistines!”

The Word of the Lord will be fulfilled. The Kingdom will be David’s and Saul will perish at the hands of the Philistines the next day.

A myriad of questions arise following this incident. Wasn’t Israel forbidden from engaging in divination and necromancy? Certainly. The Law expressly prohibits it in Deut 18:9-22. To do so was an abomination before God.

Can God’s people, like Samuel - a prophet called by God, regularly be summoned by witches and mediums? The best answer from the objective language of this passage is that by the permission of God for HIs own purposes.

Does God’s permitting this occurrence justify the practice? May it never be. Scripture is clear that God’s people are to be blameless and holy, seeking the word of God, not of a witch.

C. Back at Aphek (29:1-11)

In Chapter 29, we see that the Philistines encamp at Aphek. This is the same town where they fought and took the Ark of the Lord at the beginning of the book. From this we see that the king that Israel desired, one who could fight their battles, accomplished absolutely nothing. They are right back where they started. David is initially there amongst the Philistines, but the generals do not trust him in open battle against his kinsmen. They send David home, thus removing any hint of David taking the kingdom by force.

D. David’s Deliverence (30:1-31)

In Chapter 30, David returns from the army of the Philistines to his home to find that his wives and household had been taken captive by the Amalekites. However, before taking vengeance and retrieving his household, David sought the Lord, vs. 8

1 Samuel 30:8“8 And David asked of Yahweh, saying, “Shall I pursue this band? Shall I overtake them?” And He said to him, “Pursue, for you will surely overtake them, and you will surely deliver all.”

In the ancient near east, a ruler or head of house’s failure to protect his wives indicated their failure as a ruler. But David did not fail. With the Lord’s permission to deliver, he did just that.

Prior to arriving at his home in Philistia, David had a three day journey where they travelled a total of 75 miles. And as he pursued the Amalekites, God provided David with nourishment in the form a random Egyptian carrying a feast of bread, fig cakes, raisin clusters, and water. David didn’t have to lie or devise some scheme. God just provided.

The Egyptian also just happened to be an abandoned servant of the Amalekites who was able to guide David to the Amalekite camp. The author only mentions David in this scene, using his name 8 times as if to demonstrate that David was the one who delivered his household from the Amalekites.

About a third of his men were too exhausted to join David in his pursuit, however, David granted them the same portion of the spoils that the other two thirds of his army received.

In verse 25, the author records,

1 Samuel 30:25“25 So it has been from that day forward, that he made it a statute and a judgment for Israel to this day.”

This phrase, “statute and judgement” was previously used by the two most prominent leaders of God’s people, Moses in Exodus 15:25 and of Joshua in Joshua 24:25. And he did so because the victory did not belong to him, or only part of his army, but to the Lord.

E. The Death of Saul (31:1-13)

The book ends in chapter 31 with a battle between the Philistines and Saul. Saul is wounded takes his own life. The next day the Philistines see the dead king and cut off his head. This is the third and final beheading of the book, Dagon before the Ark, Goliath before David, and now Saul before the Philistines.

In light of all the events of this book, listen once more to the paradigmatic song of Hannah,

1 Samuel 2:1–10“1 Then Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in Yahweh; My horn is exalted in Yahweh; My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, Because I am glad in Your salvation. 2 “There is no one holy like Yahweh; Indeed, there is no one besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God. 3 “Do not multiply speaking so very proudly; Let arrogance not come out of your mouth; For Yahweh is a God of knowledge, And with Him actions are weighed. 4 “The bows of the mighty are shattered, But those who stumble gird on strength. 5 “Those who were full hire themselves out for bread, But those who were hungry cease to hunger. Even the barren gives birth to seven, But she who has many children languishes. 6 “Yahweh puts to death and makes alive; He brings down to Sheol and raises up. 7 “Yahweh makes poor and rich; He brings low; He also exalts. 8 “He raises the poor from the dust; He exalts the needy from the ash heap To make them sit with nobles, And inherit a seat of glory; For the pillars of the earth are Yahweh’s, And He set the world on them. 9 “He keeps the feet of His holy ones, But the wicked ones are silenced in darkness, For not by power shall a man prevail. 10 “Those who contend with Yahweh will be dismayed; Against them He will thunder in the heavens; Yahweh will render justice to the ends of the earth, And He will give strength to His king, And He will exalt the horn of His anointed.”