April 6, 2006
Read 1 Samuel 17
In Today's
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 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 was unwilling to accept his challenge.
But, when young David came into the camp and heard Goliath's taunts, he agreed to fight him and said to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the Name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite (strike you down) thee. . . . that all the earth may know that there is a God in
Following his spectacular victory over Goliath, 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 (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 (18:10-11).
David fled and escaped with the help of his wife Michal. He came to Samuel to 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 now he was reduced 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, blaming God and others for our troubles. We must through much tribulation enter into the
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, cast off His heavenly robes and took upon Him the form of a servant, and . . . became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:5-8).
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mrs. Ann Werschin · Staff: Beth Carlton · Country: Papua New Guinea (5 million) in the southwestern Pacific · Major languages: 715 indigenous languages · Religious freedom · 64% Protestant; 33% Roman Catholic; 2% ancestor worship, belief in spirits, and witchcraft · Prayer Suggestion: Can you say you are ready for the Lord's coming (Malachi 3:2)?
Optional
Memory Verse for the Week: I Samuel 15:22