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
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
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,
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
Whatever seems best
Saul’s foolish, proud leadership has left his army famished with the result they devour captured animals like a pack of wild dogs. Rather than admitting his mistake, however, Saul tries to put things right his way. This goes badly wrong
Bright eyes
Saul is his chaos and so are his people. Despite a moment of victory presenting itself, by the Lord’s grace, he cannot see the right thing to do and issues commands that either cause havoc or end up getting quickly
Perhaps
Jonathan could have been left downhearted by his father’s sin and the trouble it’s brought to him. But he actually acts boldly, going quietly with one servant to challenge the enemies of the nation. It looks hopeless. One sword against
The heart of a man
Israel’s self-confidence that she can fight her own battles is exposed for the folly it is. Under the strain of Philistine intimidation, Saul’s heart gives way and he disobeys his orders from God via Samuel. Saul then follows this failure