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
A deceitful offer of marriage
David now works at a palace where the king – Saul – wants him dead. In his corner David has other members of the royal family, seeking to protect him. But Saul in his paranoia about David, schemes secret ways
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
Stick and stones
David goes into his fight with Goliath in a way no-one else expects, with weapons seeming incapable of taking down the heavily protected warrior apart from some incredible luck. But David isn’t relying on luck. He goes trusting his God
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.
Looking for better
Saul has become like the kings of the world and has been rejected by God. Samuel is now sent to find a replacement but fears for his life in doing so. Nonetheless, through the very fitting subterfuge of hiding behind
Loss of trust
The relationship between Saul and Samuel is rapidly breaking down due to Saul’s repeated disobedience and God’s rejection of him. So Samuel does not accept Saul’s limited apology/explanation and then just carry on as before. Saul is too unstable; they