David is living amongst his enemies and it’s tough. He’s had to convince them of his rejection of Israel and loyalty to them. But that now puts him in the dilemma of being called to fight against his own. How
Living with the enemy
To secure peace for himself, his family and his army, David has had to go and live among his enemies, the Philistines. It’s a bold plan which requires David to conduct himself shrewdly. But he pulls it off, managing both
A time of transition
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
Whispers in the night
David has the upper-hand over Saul since he knows exactly where he is whereas Saul is in the dark. So, this time, David goes hunting for the king. However, the situation becomes a temptation when another with him offers to
A mixed sandwich
Chapters 24, 25 and 26 are like a sandwich in 1 Samuel. The first and last are very similar; the middle different but complementary. The three work together to show us David tested for suitability as the king that God
Temporary repentance
David has boldly confronted Saul with his crimes, using evidence that shows clearly David has no ill intentions towards him. How does the king respond? With heart-felt sorrow. Saul is broken by David’s words and actions. Then he recognises that
Dealing with an enemy
Though Saul became an easy target for David, he didn’t strike the king but let him go free. But now David faces a choice. Does he leave it there, with Saul ignorant of what has happened? Or does he call
A close shave
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
Worship only Him
5.1 God commands human beings to worship only Him. Therefore Christians should be exclusively committed to Him. As members of God’s kingdom, we are under God’s rule. In presenting our lives to God and seeking to put Him first, we
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,