“The envious man,” wrote Horace (65 BC–8 BC), “grows lean on the success of his neighbor.” The first 16 verses of 1 Samuel 18 seem to be a rerun. How many times did Saul seek to kill David? I’ve lost count. This incident follows the signal victory of Israel over the Philistines, attributed to one […]
One of the true measures of a sterling character is seen in the constancy of a loyal friendship. The last four verses of 1 Samuel 17 are sometimes misunderstood. Why would Saul, after he had employed David in the palace and had this historic conversation with him, still ask Abner, the commander of the army, […]
David didn’t worry about the enemy’s trash talk. He just removed the source of the problem! What a lovely pastoral scene it is to observe someone feeding the birds and animals. Well, not exactly! Goliath says he intends to feed them with David’s flesh (1 Sam 17:44). But David is planning a much larger banquet: […]
The promises of God sent in the purpose of God by the power of God will bring down the foe. Fought any giants lately? Giant Fear? Depression? Anger? Jealousy? Despair? The sons of Anak are prolific. We better stoop with David at the brook and select five smooth projectiles that will fly true to hit […]
Saul’s idea of hand-to-hand combat was ridiculous. And heaven-bound prayers are our best shot, too. David arrived at Israel’s military encampment armed with “an ephah of…dried grain… ten loaves, and…ten cheeses” for “the captain of their thousand” (1 Sam 17:17-18). But, it turns out, he also had his trusty slingshot. When he saw the standoff […]
Read More… from October 23, 2023 — The Weapons Of Our Warfare
Was Goliath one of the Anakim? Perhaps. Joshua 11:22 says they hadn’t been destroyed in Gath. Here come the Philistines again! This time, instead of all-out battle, they had decided on a contest. Each side was to provide a champion, and the winner would determine the outcome. To the southwest, the Philistine army “encamped…in Ephes […]
Heavenly music can often heal the wounds that surgeons cannot reach nor can medicines cure. Samuel had anointed David, God’s choice for Israel’s king, “and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward” (1 Sam 16:13). At this point, a clarification might be helpful. In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit […]
The name David means “beloved.” Nothing could be more fitting for the man after God’s heart. Although few knew it, a new day had dawned in Israel. “Fill your horn with oil, and go,” the Lord told Samuel (1 Sam 16:1). Go where? To Bethlehem, to the house of Jesse. Now the road from Bethel […]