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
The Philistines continually threatened the kingdom of Israel. The conflict with the Philistines was fierce all of Saul's days, so whenever Saul saw any strong or valiant man, he enlisted him (I Samuel 14:52). 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, You come against me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel's armies, whom you have defied.This very day the LORD will hand you over to me. Today, I'll strike you down. . . . Then all the world will know that Israel has a God (17:45-46).
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 went to Samuel at Ramah and told him everything Saul had done to him (19:12,18). He once 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. It is necessary to pass through many troubles on our way into the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22).
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 God's will, 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, existing in the form of God. . . . emptied Himself . . . taking on the likeness of men. . . . He humbled Himself, becoming obedient to the point of death — even to death on a cross (Philippians 2:5-8).
Prayer Needs:
Government Official: Rep. Edward Schrock (VA) · Country: United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, & Wales) (59 million) off the coast of western Europe · Major languages: English and Welsh · Religious freedom · 53% Protestant; 10% Roman Catholic; 2.5% Muslim; .8% Sikh; .7% Hindu; .6% Jewish · Prayer Suggestion: Seek God as more important than food to satisfy your hunger (Psalms 119:103).
Optional Reading: Acts 7
Memory Verse for the Week: I John 2:5