Saul sees that David has spared his life again, admits his sin and calls David home. But times have changed and David can no longer be with Saul. He’ll only go home when it’s time for him to take the
Unforeseen consequences
On the run from the king, David paid a visit to Israel’s priests. In doing so, he intended no harm to them and, indeed, tried to protect them from Saul’s malice. But a spy was present who now reports to
Homeless
Fleeing murderous Saul, David struggles to find anywhere safe to go. His first thought is to hide amongst his enemies. But that goes badly wrong and he has to extract himself in an embarrassing way. Next he hides in a
David alone
David is on the run from Saul who wants him dead. Jonathan has done his best to protect him but now David must go where Saul can’t reach him. Where is that? David believes the only answer is to his
The temper test
David and Jonathan plan to test Saul using his temper. David has sworn that Saul is hiding from his son a plot to kill David. If the king becomes angry when he suspects Jonathan has found out about the plot,
Friendship under stress
Saul’s son Jonathan previously made a covenant with David which should protect him and see him installed as king (18:3-4). However, all the trouble with Saul has raised questions in David’s mind. Is the agreement still good? Is Jonathan still
Lost potential
Saul is hunting David just as he once hunted donkeys. But, as on that occasion, he finds Samuel instead. His soldiers go to kill David but end up prophesying. When he goes the same happens to him except in a
Toxic heart
Saul has disobeyed the Lord and been rejected as king. However, he doesn’t repent. Instead, he doubles down in protecting his position and sees David as a rival. His son Jonathan briefly convinces him to change his mind but Saul
Away for twelve
Jesus could so easily become a king in the normal way, given the size of the crowds who are flooding to him and the power he appears to wield. Yet his kingdom is not of this world. So he does
Conspiracy!
In Jerusalem, Paul has testified to Jesus as the Messiah and been rejected. Now the Lord would have him move to Rome (v11) and so he arranges this in a quite unexpected way. Paul’s extraction will be triggered by a