1 & 2 Samuel – Page 16

1 Samuel 20:1-23 – Helping a Friend

two hands shaking each other as friends would do

If David was in denial before this, he is now certain Saul’s intentions are to kill him. Interesting that as he fled the scene in our last reading, he now ends up in the presence of his friend, Jonathan.

David hasn’t forgotten who Jonathan’s father is. Crazy thoughts like, “should I trust Jonathan?” or “is Jonathan going to be loyal to his father or me?” were likely running through David’s head. But the question that was actually haunting David was “What is my crime? How have I offended your father that he is so determined to kill me?” I thought that to be a particularly good question!

1 Samuel 19:18-24 – Now What?

Read 1 Samuel 19:18-24

Words Know Jesus, Know Peace, with the NO is red in each case so it could be no Jesus no peace

Now what? David has escaped out a window to run for his life. If he wasn’t afraid before his wife kicked him out, he may be starting to at least wonder what’s up with Saul. What does this all mean for David’s future in Saul’s court or in his army?

The reality of this must have been crashing in. We’ve probably encountered times in our lives when we have had to pivot and ask, “now what?” I think about how the pandemic that started in late 2019 has changed lives in very monumental ways. Businesses grew and died. Brave people isolated and became fearful. Working parents became full time teachers on top of everything else!

1 Samuel 19:11-17 – The Deception

Read 1 Samuel 19:11-17

Saul just lost another of his children to the David camp (so to speak)! What do we make of Saul’s obsession? Can you in any way relate to how preoccupied Saul is with planning for David’s demise? I love to plan things as much as the next guy, but usually for things that benefit others or are for enjoyment of some kind. I can go overboard sometimes in the planning. I get being OVERLY focused on something.

This tormenting spirit hounding Saul isn’t helping. I’ve been thinking about how God is either sending this spirit, because verse 10 refers to “a tormenting spirit from God,” or God is allowing the spirit to create chaos within Saul. Once a respected king, Saul is becoming a bit of a spectacle.

1 Samuel 19:1-10 – Watch Out!

Read 1 Samuel 19:1-10

David is going to need to be careful. He has done only good things for Saul, making Saul look better. Yet, this tormenting spirit is really in control of Saul’s thinking. Good thing for David that he has such a friend in Jonathan.

Jonathan’s devotion to David is a bit astounding. To support David he has to, in effect, turn away from his own father. That doesn’t seem to be an easy thing for children, particularly male children to their fathers. There is also the expectation that exists that sons follow in their father’s footsteps.

1 Samuel 18:17-30 – Humility

Read 1 Samuel 18:17-30

This is a bit of a delayed reward. Remember the words David heard about Saul’s reward — that the one who took down Goliath would get to marry one of Saul’s daughters? I’m not sure how much time has passed, but it looks like David is finally going to receive his prize.

Although, it doesn’t sound like that part of Saul’s “reward” was a motivating factor for David in killing Goliath. He says, “Who am I, and what is my family in Israel that I should be the king’s son-in-law?” What do you think of David’s humility here? He even gave the gift away! Adriel, a man from Meholah, now had a new bride, the king’s daughter, thanks to David!