1 & 2 Samuel – Page 14

1 Samuel 25:23-38 – It Worked!

We can see God’s fingerprints all over Abigail’s boldness in our last reading. God was certainly playing the lead role in protecting David from doing something unfitting for a future king. I like the rawness of this story. I can totally imagine it happening as if I was there watching. I love it when the Bible comes alive like that.

David probably underestimated the woman he sees interrupting their journey to vengeance. He was likely very impressed by her boldness and how she effectively offered herself for her husband and community. David, of course, totally rejected the idea of harming this beautiful woman.

1 Samuel 25:1-22 -Wise Choice

Read 1 Samuel 25:1-22

Conquer Fear Everyday - white and red lettering on gray background

Farewell to Samuel. I just have to say I was surprised of the brevity of the tribute to Samuel upon his death. He was such a pivotal player for God in this transition in God’s story, our story.

The passage moves on quickly to Abigail doing “what you have to do” to save someone you love, even when they aren’t very lovable in the first place. Her husband, Maon was a rich man, and he was described by one of his servants as, “so ill-tempered that no one can even talk to him!”

1 Samuel 24:16-22 – Saul’s Turn

Read 1 Samuel 24:16-22

It got real when Saul looked down and saw a chunk missing from his robe—the same chunk he sees in David’s grasp. David’s words must have cut through him, despite the fact he has been overtaken by an evil spirit.

Saul was on the spot. He needed to speak with authority and not lose credibility. Yet he had heard everything David had said. David opened with “my father” in verse 11 and called him “king” twice more. Emotion overcame Saul in this moment. Saul now begins with a clear-headed, heartfelt response.

1 Samuel 24:7-15 – Innocence

Read 1 Samuel 24:7-15

Have you ever been accused of something you didn’t do? Then you can remember how it feels to be misunderstood, singled out, slandered, etc. Certainly, we want to set the record straight. David was no different. He had his image to uphold. Sound familiar?

It was only a matter of time before Saul would bring total ruin and defeat to his time as king. You’d think he’d want to go out in “glory.” But we’ll walk through that together in the readings to come. For now, this is David’s turn at saving his reputation.

1 Samuel 24:1-7 – Would You Have Killed Him?

Read 1 Samuel 24:1-7

It was like Saul was delivered to David on a silver platter. Yet David spared Saul’s life that day in the cave. Can you imagine the emotions that were coursing through David’s veins? His men were urging him to kill Saul. Surely God had made Saul vulnerable for David’s benefit, hadn’t he?

David’s restraint and wisdom was great. We can ponder all day how it was that David was able to get that close to the king without being detected. David didn’t waste the opportunity he was given. He chose to spare Saul’s life and cut off part of his robe instead. Accomplishing that without detection was quite a feat!