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
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
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
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
The robe of humility
Something remarkable occurs after David’s victory over Goliath. Jonathan, whose place as prince regent has been lost by his father’s disobedience, gives loving loyalty to David, the man who has displaced him. In a stunning demonstration of humility, Jonathan places
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 positive list
The picture of Saul has been quite negative in 1 Samuel. But that’s by no means the whole story of his reign and here the writer pauses to tell us more positive things about him. Saul fought hard for his