David’s attitude and thinking are being tested, to see if he is worthy to be the king God is calling him to be. One particular test comes when Saul falls into his hands. David’s men know what to do: strike
A testing time
God isn’t making things easy for David on the road towards being king. But the hard tests he faces prepare him for future service. Thus, David finds no refuge even amongst his Judahite kinsman and, having been betrayed, ends up
Tough decisions
David’s decision to go to God’s tent led to the massacre of the priests. When the sole survivor finds him, therefore, David takes him under this care. This then results in David having the blessing of the Lord’s guidance in
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
An emotional goodbye
Jonathan now knows his father’s murderous plans towards David. So he must warn him and then they must part. But that is so painful. Jonathan loves his friend as a brother and would happily serve under him, yet must remain
Fearless
Israel is limping into battle with fear, plagued by the challenge of her enemies’ huge warrior, Goliath. But the man anointed to be her future king has no such fear. David lets nothing put him off but, rather, speaks up
A monster of a man
Israel and Philistia are at stalemate in their war, with neither side having a clear upper hand. So the Philistines resort to intimidation to get inside their enemies’ heads. To do this their warrior giant, Goliath, invites solo combat. Now,
David and Goliath
This story is so well known that it has become a well-used metaphor for situations where someone or something small overcomes seemingly impossible opposition to win a great victory. However, as you read it you discover it’s quite an unusual
A tormented king
There is tension in Judah about Saul. David has been anointed but what might come next? Saul himself is growing deranged. No longer helped by God’s Spirit, Saul suffers at the hands of another spirit who brings trouble upon him.