Bible Pathways 4/6/05
April 6
Read I Samuel 17 -- 18
In Today's Reading:
David kills Goliath; Saul appoints David captain of his guard; he marries Saul's daughter Michal; Jonathan's loyalty to David
Early in Saul's reign, the giant warrior Goliath had challenged the Israelite army to send a man to fight him and let the outcome of their fight decide who won the war. Apparently Saul had been unwilling to accept Goliath's challenge himself.
But, when young David came into the camp and heard Goliath's taunts, he agreed to fight him. As they faced each other, he said to the Philistine, You come to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to you in the Name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day will the LORD deliver you into my hand; and I will smite you (strike you down). . . . that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel (I Samuel 17:45-46).
Following his spectacular victory over Goliath and the Philistines, David was welcomed into the palace of King Saul, was made his trusted captain of the guard, and soon became his son-in-law by marrying the king's daughter Michal (see 18:27). We are not told how much time passed after David was welcomed into the king's court until Saul was determined to destroy him. But, when Saul heard women singing David's praises, he became exceedingly jealous and attempted to kill David by throwing a javelin at him as he was playing his harp (see 18:10-11).
David fled and escaped with the help of his wife Michal. He came to Samuel at Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him (19:12,18). He once had enjoyed acceptance in the king's palace but Saul in his jealousy and hatred reduced David to hiding in caves. Difficulties, handicaps, and suffering in life are permitted by the Lord to develop godly character and to enable us to accomplish His purposes. Like David, we are put to the test to see if we will remain faithful and prove worthy of our high calling. We each are accountable for the effect which trials, suffering, or handicaps will have on us. They can be used to develop our faith in the Lord, or we can become bitter and resentful, and blame God and others for our troubles. We must through much tribulation enter into the Kingdom of God (Acts 14:22).
Word Studies:
17:6 greaves = leggings; 17:12 went . . . for an old man = was advanced in years; 17:18 take their pledge = bring back news; 17:22 carriage = baggage; 17:39 assayed to go = reluctant to go; proved = tested, tried; 17:40 a scrip = his pouch; 17:43 staves = sticks; 17:52 until thou come to = as far as; 17:53 spoiled their tents = looted their tents; 17:56 stripling = youth; 18:9 eyed = viewed with envy and jealousy; 18:11 avoided = escaped; 18:27 full tale = full number.
Christ Portrayed:
By Jonathan, who knew the will of God was to make David king and stripped himself of his royal robes and made a covenant promising all that he had to David (I Samuel 18:3-4). Jesus, knowing the will of God, loved us so much that He cast off His heavenly robes and made a new covenant with man which He sealed in His own blood. Jesus: who, being in the form of God . . . took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient to death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:5-8).
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Henry Rogers · BP Staff: Ken Sharp · Country: Tuvalu (11,000) nine islands in the southwestern Pacific · Major languages: Tuvaluan and English · Religious freedom · 92% Protestant; 5% Baha'i; 2% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Pray for godly discernment to know His will (Ezekiel 44:23)
Optional Reading: Acts 7
Memory Verse for the Week: I Thessalonians 5:15
