Aftermath Of A Giant-Killing
Greetings one and all! I pray everyone had a great weekend and start to the week.
Let's continue with the weekly study of David. This chapter in Swindoll's book covers 1 Samuel 17:55 through 18:9. In review, David's life changed forever when he got out there to fight Goliath. He was thrust from teenage nobody to a national hero instantly. I think David was already known by the king Saul at this moment (16:21-23), but the king still didn't recognize him and thus inquired about him to Abner (17:55-56). When David defeated the mighty Philistine giant he gained instant popularity. Before it, he was just known as "David, the son of Jesse"; and then all of a sudden his name was being talked about by everyone. People were even saying "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands" (18:1-6). Even with all of this popularity he still remained humble with his faith in God. Saul, though, was stewing with all of this. He was saying "... 'They have ascribed to David ten thousands, but to me they have ascribed thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?' And Saul looked at David with suspicion from that day on" (vv. 8-9).
Four different relationship experiences are worth noticing here. God used each of these relationships to mold him into His man for the throne. First, David was under submission to king Saul. Soon after David's victory, Saul recruited him for service in the army soon promoting him to commander of a regiment (18:2, 13). In all of this David was faithful and didn't attempt to usurp the throne from Saul or pull any thing hinting he was the successor either. He just went about his business at hand. Second, David's relationship with Jonathan was one of affection. God, in His great wisdom, gave David an intimate relationship with Jonathan, who just happens to be Saul's son (18:1). There are four key qualities that made this a deep relationship. One being a willingness to sacrifice. Apparently Jonathan was several years David's senior (see ch.14), but Jonathan made a special covenant with David and they exchanged gifts (18:3-4). Secondly, Jonathan gave him a loyal defense. Saul tried to kill David a few times, but Jonathan defended David to his father Saul (19:4-5). Thirdly, they had accepting hearts. In chapter 20:41b we see that they wept together and kissed each other. And forthly they consistently encouraged each other. In chapter 23:16-17 we see how Jonathan encouraged David when he was on the run. Just heart to heart encouragement.
Back to the first list. David's relationship with the people of Israel was that of exaltation. David was a star in the peoples' eyes and they took joy in his leadership (18:5). Some even sang, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands" (v. 7b). Yet he remained humble and prospered in his new role (v. 5). In verse 30 it says that he "behaved him self ... wisely". The Hebrew word here is Sakal which is defined as "wisdom which brings success" (see Proverbs 18:19 and 21:11).
And the last one being David's relationship with Saul was opposition. With David's star on the rise Saul's displeasure also rose. He had the classic case of paranoia here in 1 Samuel 18:8 where he was upset at what the people were saying about David's accomplishments surpassing Saul's. "... What more can he have but the kingdom" he said (v.9).
Lastly let's look at three things about this for our lives today. Firstly, not knowing the future forces us to live one day at a time. Secondly, having a friend helps us face whatever comes our way. And the third thing, a positive attitude and wisdom are the best defense against the enemy.
More on David next week. Any thoughts or comments on this today? I'll do another blog tomorrow. At church tomorrow evening we're hosting an elder from the church in Benton, KY and a gentleman who works with the Preaching school in the West African nation of Benin. I'm looking forward to that. I visited Togo (which is right next to Benin) in 1999. Mission work in that part of the world is close to my heart. I'll share some of what we learn on Thursday. Remember to let go and let God. May He bless your day today.
Zack
Let's continue with the weekly study of David. This chapter in Swindoll's book covers 1 Samuel 17:55 through 18:9. In review, David's life changed forever when he got out there to fight Goliath. He was thrust from teenage nobody to a national hero instantly. I think David was already known by the king Saul at this moment (16:21-23), but the king still didn't recognize him and thus inquired about him to Abner (17:55-56). When David defeated the mighty Philistine giant he gained instant popularity. Before it, he was just known as "David, the son of Jesse"; and then all of a sudden his name was being talked about by everyone. People were even saying "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands" (18:1-6). Even with all of this popularity he still remained humble with his faith in God. Saul, though, was stewing with all of this. He was saying "... 'They have ascribed to David ten thousands, but to me they have ascribed thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?' And Saul looked at David with suspicion from that day on" (vv. 8-9).
Four different relationship experiences are worth noticing here. God used each of these relationships to mold him into His man for the throne. First, David was under submission to king Saul. Soon after David's victory, Saul recruited him for service in the army soon promoting him to commander of a regiment (18:2, 13). In all of this David was faithful and didn't attempt to usurp the throne from Saul or pull any thing hinting he was the successor either. He just went about his business at hand. Second, David's relationship with Jonathan was one of affection. God, in His great wisdom, gave David an intimate relationship with Jonathan, who just happens to be Saul's son (18:1). There are four key qualities that made this a deep relationship. One being a willingness to sacrifice. Apparently Jonathan was several years David's senior (see ch.14), but Jonathan made a special covenant with David and they exchanged gifts (18:3-4). Secondly, Jonathan gave him a loyal defense. Saul tried to kill David a few times, but Jonathan defended David to his father Saul (19:4-5). Thirdly, they had accepting hearts. In chapter 20:41b we see that they wept together and kissed each other. And forthly they consistently encouraged each other. In chapter 23:16-17 we see how Jonathan encouraged David when he was on the run. Just heart to heart encouragement.
Back to the first list. David's relationship with the people of Israel was that of exaltation. David was a star in the peoples' eyes and they took joy in his leadership (18:5). Some even sang, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands" (v. 7b). Yet he remained humble and prospered in his new role (v. 5). In verse 30 it says that he "behaved him self ... wisely". The Hebrew word here is Sakal which is defined as "wisdom which brings success" (see Proverbs 18:19 and 21:11).
And the last one being David's relationship with Saul was opposition. With David's star on the rise Saul's displeasure also rose. He had the classic case of paranoia here in 1 Samuel 18:8 where he was upset at what the people were saying about David's accomplishments surpassing Saul's. "... What more can he have but the kingdom" he said (v.9).
Lastly let's look at three things about this for our lives today. Firstly, not knowing the future forces us to live one day at a time. Secondly, having a friend helps us face whatever comes our way. And the third thing, a positive attitude and wisdom are the best defense against the enemy.
More on David next week. Any thoughts or comments on this today? I'll do another blog tomorrow. At church tomorrow evening we're hosting an elder from the church in Benton, KY and a gentleman who works with the Preaching school in the West African nation of Benin. I'm looking forward to that. I visited Togo (which is right next to Benin) in 1999. Mission work in that part of the world is close to my heart. I'll share some of what we learn on Thursday. Remember to let go and let God. May He bless your day today.
Zack
posted by Zack | 8:08 AM
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