Goliath

Good By God’s Standards

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To the choirmaster. A Maskil of David, when Doeg, the Edomite, came and told Saul, “David has come to the house of Ahimelech.”

1 Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man?
    The steadfast love of God endures all the day.
2 Your tongue plots destruction,
    like a sharp razor, you worker of deceit.
3 You love evil more than good,
    and lying more than speaking what is right. Selah
4 You love all words that devour,
    O deceitful tongue.

5 But God will break you down forever;
    he will snatch and tear you from your tent;
    he will uproot you from the land of the living. Selah
6 The righteous shall see and fear,
    and shall laugh at him, saying,
7 “See the man who would not make
    God his refuge,
but trusted in the abundance of his riches
    and sought refuge in his own destruction!”

8 But I am like a green olive tree
    in the house of God.
I trust in the steadfast love of God
    forever and ever.
9 I will thank you forever,
    because you have done it.
I will wait for your name, for it is good,
    in the presence of the godly. – Psalm 52:1-9 ESV

Doeg the Edomite had done a good thing, or at least he thought so. He had done exactly what the king of Israel had commanded him to do, and he knew it was going to win him favor in the king’s eyes. The fact that he had personally killed 85 priests of God, along with all their family members, didn’t seem to bother him. He seemed unconcerned that King Saul’s personal bodyguards had each refused to kill the Lord’s priests. When the king turned to Doeg and presented him with the opportunity to prove his loyalty, he stepped up to the challenge.

This story began when David was serving in King Saul’s royal administration. He had been hired by Saul after his unexpected victory over Goliath, the Philistine warrior who had repeatedly taunted and mocked the Israelites for their unwillingness to face him in hand-to-hand combat. David, a young shepherd boy, took on the Philistine’s challenge and, with God’s help, scored a decisive victory over his much larger and battle-hardened foe. David’s success over the Philistine made David famous and Saul jealous. It wasn’t long before the insecure king viewed David as a threat to his reign.

Possessed by an evil spirit and driven by jealousy, Saul attempted to take David’s life, forcing the young man to flee for his life. Desperate to escape from the demon-possessed king, David sought refuge in the town of Nob, where Ahimelech the priest provided him with food and the sword of Goliath, which had been kept there ever since David had killed the Philistine champion in battle. Little did David know that Doeg the Edomite, one of King Saul’s chief herdsmen, was there in Nob and saw the whole exchange between David and Ahimelech. He returned to Saul and reported that the priest had aided and abetted David, a fugitive from justice.

As a result of Doeg’s news, King Saul commanded the slaughter of all 85 of the priests of God living in Nob, along with their families. When Saul’s bodyguard refused to do his bidding, Doeg the herdsmen was given a chance to improve his station in life by proving his loyalty and displaying his bravery to the king. And evidently, according to David, Doeg the Edomite even bragged about his brave “exploits” against the unarmed priests of God, trying to present himself as a mighty warrior.

Why do you boast about your crimes, great warrior?
    Don’t you realize God’s justice continues forever?
All day long you plot destruction.
    Your tongue cuts like a sharp razor;
    you’re an expert at telling lies.
You love evil more than good
    and lies more than truth. – Psalm 52:1-3 NLT

Doeg had a knack for blowing the whole affair out of proportion, expanding the story with fanciful lies designed to justify his actions and boost his fame. David accused him of being “an expert at telling lies” (Psalm 52:3). He saw Doeg for what he was: a man who loved evil more than righteousness. He distorted reality by making evil appear as if it were good. At the end of the day, Doeg the Edomite cared more about himself than he did about God. His willingness to slaughter God’s priests reveals that he had no fear of the Almighty and no desire to do the right thing. He was obsessed with his own well-being and self-gratification. No doubt Saul rewarded him well for his “brave” handling of the whole affair.

While David was a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), Doeg was a man after Saul’s own heart. Like Saul, he wasn’t interested in doing what God wanted done; he was a selfish, self-centered man who longed to make a name for himself. His murder of God’s priests was probably well rewarded by Saul. More than likely, he was raised from chief herdsman to warrior status. His X-rated exploits got him a promotion, a raise, and the king’s praise. But David warned Doeg about the reality of his situation.

You love to destroy others with your words,
    you liar!
But God will strike you down once and for all.
    He will pull you from your home
    and uproot you from the land of the living.  – Psalm 52:4-5 NLT

God was going to repay Doeg in full for what he had done. David says, “Look what happens to mighty warriors who do not trust in God. They trust their wealth instead and grow more and more bold in their wickedness” (Psalm 52:7 NLT). David sarcastically refers to Doeg as a “mighty warrior” and accuses him of trusting his newfound wealth instead of God. He was addicted to his fame and fortune and became increasingly wicked, looking for additional opportunities to pad his resume and expand his wealth.

But Doeg’s “good deed” was in direct opposition to God’s will. He had slaughtered innocent people just to pad his resume and improve his lot in life. He was rewarded richly for his efforts, but God would hold him accountable.

David knew that those who oppose God’s will may receive rewards and recognition in this life, but, in the end, they will always get what they deserve. David preferred to trust in God. Rather than take matters into his own hands and do what appears to be good and expeditious by the world’s standards, David preferred to obey God. He would do only what God would have him do. On two different occasions, David had the opportunity to murder King Saul, and had he done so, he could have ended his fugitive lifestyle. Even David’s companions encouraged him to kill Saul, seeing it as a God-ordained opportunity to take revenge on his enemy. But David refused, knowing that God had not given him permission to kill the king. He believed that God would take care of King Saul in His own time and according to His own terms. In the meantime, David would trust God.

Despite the anger of Saul and the efforts of men like Doeg, God came through for David. Eventually, God eliminated Saul and elevated David to the throne. David trusted, and God provided. This is what led David to say, “I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God’s unfailing love. I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will trust in your good name in the presence of your faithful people” (Psalm 52:8-9 NLT).

Doeg trusted in himself. David trusted in God. Doeg was out for himself. David was out for God. Doeg looked successful, but would eventually fail. At one time, David appeared abandoned by God and was an apparent failure in the world’s eyes. But he trusted God and was rewarded for his faithfulness. David did what was right, according to God’s standards, and enjoyed true success. Doeg did what was right in his own eyes and according to the world’s standards, but failed in the end. We aren’t told what happened to Doeg the Edomite, but we can rest assured that God repaid him in full for what he had done – either in this life or the next.

David knew that God would deal with Doeg justly. “But God will strike you down once and for all. He will pull you from your home and uproot you from the land of the living” (Psalm 52:5 NLT). David trusted God.

Father, this world is constantly tempting us to live according to its standards. It wants us to do good on its terms, but You call us to trust You and live according to Your standards. Keep reminding us that Your way is the not only the best way, it is the only way. Your will trumps our will every time. Doing what is right in our own eyes or according to the world’s standards is never a profitable path to take. Trusting in You isn’t always easy, but it is always profitable. Amen

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

The Sole Source of Strength

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To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

1 O Lord, in your strength the king rejoices,
    and in your salvation how greatly he exults!
2 You have given him his heart’s desire
    and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah
3 For you meet him with rich blessings;
    you set a crown of fine gold upon his head.
4 He asked life of you; you gave it to him,
    length of days forever and ever.
5 His glory is great through your salvation;
    splendor and majesty you bestow on him.
6 For you make him most blessed forever;
    you make him glad with the joy of your presence.
7 For the king trusts in the Lord,
    and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved.

8 Your hand will find out all your enemies;
    your right hand will find out those who hate you.
9 You will make them as a blazing oven
    when you appear.
The Lord will swallow them up in his wrath,
    and fire will consume them.
10 You will destroy their descendants from the earth,
    and their offspring from among the children of man.
11 Though they plan evil against you,
    though they devise mischief, they will not succeed.
12 For you will put them to flight;
    you will aim at their faces with your bows.

13 Be exalted, O Lord, in your strength!
    We will sing and praise your power.  – Psalm 21:1-13 ESV

In this Psalm, David, as the Lord’s anointed king, recognizes that any victory or success he enjoys is attributable to God alone. David can’t take any credit for any of it. He has no right to brag or boast about his own strength or military capabilities. His army isn’t the source of his strength. His prowess as a military commander couldn’t explain his record of success. For David, it all pointed back to God.

He boldly proclaims, “The king rejoices in your strength, O LORD!” (Psalm 21:1 NLT), and the joy of victory was due to the gracious intervention of God Almighty. David could look back over his life and see God’s handiwork. His power and presence were evident. His answers to David’s prayers for assistance were too many to count.

For you have given him his heart’s desire;
    you have withheld nothing he requested. – Psalm 21:2 NLT

David is not only grateful, he is blown away by God’s goodness. He has been the undeserving beneficiary of God’s gracious mercy and love. As king, David enjoyed great power, prestige, and prosperity. He had lived a long and productive life, been bestowed with honor, and clothed with splendor and majesty.

But David considered his relationship with God more significant than all the perks that came with his position. The very presence of God meant more to him than anything else. His wealth, fame, and victories were nothing compared to his undeserved privilege of knowing God. In the Book of Jeremiah, Yahweh declares the unsurpassed value of knowing Him.

“Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom,
    or the powerful boast in their power,
    or the rich boast in their riches.
But those who wish to boast
    should boast in this alone:
that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord
    who demonstrates unfailing love
    and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth,
and that I delight in these things.” – Jeremiah 9:23-24 NLT

In his letter to the church in Philippi, the apostle Paul wrote of his past accomplishments and defended his right to boast about all he had done.

I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more! – Philippians 3:4 NLT

But instead, Paul stated that he “put no confidence in human effort” (Philippians 3:3 NLT). He recognized that his past achievements were of little value apart from his relationship with Jesus Christ.

I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. – Philippians 3:7-9 NLT

As David wrote Psalm 21, he knew his current successes would not last. His enemies were many, and the likelihood of future conflicts was high. Even his relationship with God couldn’t immunize him from trouble or trials. But he knew he could count on God to hear his prayers and respond. He was confident in God’s unwavering support of His children and sovereign control over the future.

You will capture all your enemies.
    Your strong right hand will seize all who hate you.
You will throw them in a flaming furnace
    when you appear.
The Lord will consume them in his anger;
    fire will devour them.
You will wipe their children from the face of the earth;
    they will never have descendants.
Although they plot against you,
    their evil schemes will never succeed. – Psalm 21:8-11 NLT

David wasn’t immune from trouble. He didn’t live a charmed life free from conflict or potential death. But he knew that God reigned supreme and would ultimately sort out the affairs of men and mete out justice. David rested in the knowledge that the righteous would be rewarded and the wicked would be condemned — all according to God’s wise and just plan.

In this Psalm, David displays a perspective missing among many God-followers today. He expresses a confidence in God that is rare these days. His humility is refreshing but also convicting because we love to take credit for our victories and boast about our own capabilities. Even as Christians, we too often puff out our chests and bask in our own glory. But David reminds us that all glory belongs to God. He looked back over his life and recognized the hand of God in all that he had accomplished as king. Yes, he went into battle, wielded his sword, suffered wounds at the hands of his enemies, killed his fair share of them, and came back tired and bloody. But he recognized the reality that God was the one who brought about victory.

The book of 2 Chronicles contains the story of the people of God facing tremendous odds against a far superior army. Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, stood before the people and called out to God, confessing their weakness and calling on God to save them. He prayed, “You alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you!” (2 Chronicles 20:6 NLT).

He went on to describe their dire circumstances to God and then called out, “O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help” (2 Chronicles 20:12 NLT). As they stood there waiting, the Spirit of God came upon a man named Jahaziel. Under the inspiration of the Spirit, Jahaziel told the people, “This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15 NLT).

How did David know this same truth long before Jehoshaphat ever ascended to the throne of Judah? How could he be confident that victory was up to God and not man? Long before David became king of Israel, he experienced first-hand the triumph of God over a far superior enemy of his own. As a young man, he had come face to face with Goliath, a giant of a man who had ridiculed and taunted the men of Israel for days, challenging them to send out a champion to face him. There were no takers — until David appeared on the scene. While every other Israelite soldier, including King Saul, cowered in the shadows, afraid to face their enemy in their own strength, David called out to the boasting Philistine blowhard:

“You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies — the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the LORD will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! And everyone assembled here will know that the LORD rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the LORD’s battle, and he will give you to us!” (1 Samuel 17:45-47 NLT).

Notice what David said: “The Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you.”

Ultimately, he knew this confrontation would be up to God. David had a role to play, but any success would be solely attributable to the LORD. What a valuable lesson for us to learn today as we encounter enemies in our lives. The battle is STILL the Lord’s. Like David, we must learn to trust God and recognize that His unfailing love for us is what keeps us from stumbling in defeat. He is our champion, our strength, and our victory. If we really believe that to be true, then, with David, we can shout, “Rise up, O Lord, in all your power. With music and singing, we celebrate your mighty acts” (Psalm 21:13 NLT).

Father, the battle has always been Yours. Forgive me for sometimes assuming that I bring something of value to the fight. I can do nothing without You. Victory is possible only through You. Continue to teach me to trust in You and to rest in the power You alone can provide. Amen

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

The Battle is the Lord’s

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8 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. But David heard of it and went out against them. 9 Now the Philistines had come and made a raid in the Valley of Rephaim. 10 And David inquired of God, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?” And the Lord said to him, “Go up, and I will give them into your hand.” 11 And he went up to Baal-perazim, and David struck them down there. And David said, “God has broken through my enemies by my hand, like a bursting flood.” Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim. 12 And they left their gods there, and David gave command, and they were burned.

13 And the Philistines yet again made a raid in the valley. 14 And when David again inquired of God, God said to him, “You shall not go up after them; go around and come against them opposite the balsam trees. 15 And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then go out to battle, for God has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” 16 And David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army from Gibeon to Gezer. 17 And the fame of David went out into all lands, and the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations. – 1 Chronicles 14:8-17 ESV

Upon hearing word that David had been crowned king of Israel, the Philistines determined to attack him before he could establish his reign and gather strength. During the seven-year span that David ruled over the single tribe of Judah, the Philistines viewed him as no threat. But now that David was king over all 12 tribes of Israel, the Philistines determined to finish what Saul began but failed to finish; they set out to end David’s reign before it could get started.

No timeline is given for this event, but it would appear that the Philistines acted quickly so they could attack David while his new kingdom was in its infancy. At this point in time, Israel was still a loose collective of 12 tribes that operated independently of one another. David had not had time to set up a standing army and had only recently taken possession of Jerusalem from the Jebusites. While David had plans to make Jerusalem his new capital, he had not yet had time to fortify the city.

So, as the Philistine forces gathered in the Valley of Rephaim just west of Jerusalem, David and his men made their way to their stronghold in the land of Judah. We’re not told where this stronghold was but it could have been in the vicinity of the cave of Adullam near Hebron. Some scholars believe David remained in Jerusalem, which is referred to as “the stronghold of Zion” in 1 Chronicles 11:5. While David would eventually make Jerusalem his permanent capital, it is unlikely that it was ready to stand a long and drawn-out siege by the Philistines.

It seems more logical and strategic that David returned to his original stronghold in the wilderness. It would have made sense for him to return to familiar ground and draw the Philistines away from Jerusalem. The Valley of Rephaim was southwest of Jerusalem and closer to Hebron and the border between Israel and the Philistines. But regardless of where David’s stronghold was located, the more pressing matter was his reaction to the Philistine threat. His long-awaited reign over the 12 tribes of Israel had just begun and he was already facing his first test.

The Philistines were a formidable foe and were not to be taken lightly. David was well acquainted with their ways, not only from his previous battles against them but because of the years he and his men had spent living among them. David knew he was in for a fight and was ready to engage the enemy but before a single arrow was shot or a spear was thrown, David sought the counsel of God.

He wanted to know two things: Should he do battle with the Philistines and, if he did, would be successful. David could have easily assumed that war with the Philistines was inevitable and simply marched into battle without seeking any word from God. He could have rationalized that, as the king, doing battle with the enemies of Israel was his duty; it came with the job description. But instead of acting rashly or presumptuously,  David turned to God. He wanted God’s blessing and approval. But more than anything, He wanted God’s help.

David was taking nothing for granted. He knew his ascension to the throne of Israel had been God’s doing, but he had no assurances that a victory over the Philistines was part of the plan. He could have acted presumptuously and assumed that, as king, he had the right to act on God’s behalf without seeking God’s permission. But David was unwilling to take that risk.

This was not a new perspective for David. He had a long-held confidence in the Lord’s ability to provide victory in battle. As a young shepherd boy, David had his very first encounter with the Philistines and declared with confidence that God would give over Goliath, the Philistine champion.

“This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord‘s, and he will give you into our hand.” – 1 Samuel 17:47-47 ESV

It was David who later expressed in one of his psalms his firm confidence in the Lord.

Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed;
    he will answer him from his holy heaven
    with the saving might of his right hand.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
    but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. – Psalm 20:6-7 ESV

In the chronicles account, God answers David’s request in the affirmative, providing David with permission to engage the enemy and a guarantee of success. With God’s blessing, David took the battle to the Philistines and won his first major victory as the king of Israel. Having routed the enemy and captured their abandoned idols, David could have reveled in his success but, instead, he gave all the credit to God. He named the place of battle Baal-perazim, which literally means, “the Lord of breaking through.” David explains the meaning of the name when he says, “The Lord has broken through my enemies before me like a breaking flood” (2 Samuel 5:20 ESV).

David could sense God’s role in the victory because it had been so quick and decisive. The God of Israel had not only defeated the Philistine army but had proven His superiority over their false gods. In the aftermath of the battle, David and his men found the discarded idols littering the battlefield. The Philistines’ gods had been worthless because they were lifeless. So, David and his men gathered them up and burned them (1 Chronicles 14:12).

But while the Philistines lost the battle, they refused to give up the war. They regrouped and regathered in the Valley of Rephaim and when David was informed, he sought the counsel of God again. He was unwilling to assume that God’s first directive was still in effect, and his decision to seek God’s will a second time proved to be timely and well worth the effort. This time, God gave David different instructions.

“You shall not go up; go around to their rear, and come against them opposite the balsam trees. And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then rouse yourself, for then the Lord has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” – 2 Samuel 5:23-24 ESV

As a well-seasoned commander, David could have viewed this plan with incredulity. He could have questioned God’s wisdom and debated the benefits of such a strategy. After all, God’s plan sounds a bit strange. What did God mean by “the sound of marching of the tops of the balsam tree?” What kind of sign was that? How would David know when to attack? What if the plan failed?

But David never raised those questions. He didn’t balk or bicker with God, instead, he simply obeyed and, once again, he handily defeated the Philistines.

So David did what the Lord commanded, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer. – 2 Samuel 5:25 NLT

These two victories were God’s doing. Yes, David and his men had to fight, but it was God who gave them success. David’s naming of the first battleground, “the Lord of breaking through” provides us with insight into his perception of the events of that day. It had been God who had broken through his enemies like a flood. David didn’t boast in the actions of his “mighty men of valor” or attempt to take personal credit for the victory. He gave God the glory, and this pattern would continue throughout David’s life. He would experience other victories just like this one, and with each win over his enemies, his faith and confidence in God increased. His dependence upon God for aid in his battles is reflected in his psalms.

God’s way is perfect.
    All the Lord’s promises prove true.
    He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.
For who is God except the Lord?
    Who but our God is a solid rock?
God arms me with strength,
    and he makes my way perfect.
He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
    enabling me to stand on mountain heights.
He trains my hands for battle;
    he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.
You have given me your shield of victory.
    Your right hand supports me;
    your help has made me great. – Psalm 18:30-35 NLT

Praise the Lord, who is my rock.
    He trains my hands for war
    and gives my fingers skill for battle.
He is my loving ally and my fortress,
    my tower of safety, my rescuer.
He is my shield, and I take refuge in him.
    He makes the nations submit to me. – Psalm 144:1-2 NLT

David’s breakthroughs were God’s doing and his victories were the direct results of his reliance upon God. But God didn’t win the battles without David; He won them by using David as His preferred agent, His divinely chosen instrument to accomplish His will.

In the same way, God has chosen us as believers in Jesus Christ to act as His agents of change and His spiritual army to bring about His victories on this earth. As Paul reminds us, we are not fighting against flesh and blood.

Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. – Ephesians 6:10-13 NLT

God has provided us with spiritual armor and equipped us with spiritual power in the form of the Holy Spirit. He has assured us of victory over our enemy but we must fight and do so according to His terms while utilizing His strategies. We must seek God’s will in the battles we face.

As Paul reminds us, we must “pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere” (Ephesians 6:18 NLT). David was victorious because He sought the will of God. He won because God gave him a breakthrough against his enemy. The same thing can be true for us, as long as we turn to God, rely upon Him, and do what He commands us to do.

Attempting to do battle for God, but without permission from God is doomed to failure, no matter how well-intentioned we might be. Fighting the enemies of God in our own strength and according to our own terms will end in loss and disappointment every time.

Centuries later, another king found himself facing a formidable foe on the battlefield. The odds were against him and the outcome seemed certain. But despite the dire circumstances, King Jehoshaphat received a message that would contradict his worst assumptions and guarantee an unexpected outcome.

“Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!” – 2 Chronicles 20:15-17 NLT

And all these lessons from history were meant to encourage the returned exiles as they faced the formidable task of rebuilding and repopulating Judah.

English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

The Army of God

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1 Now these are the men who came to David at Ziklag, while he could not move about freely because of Saul the son of Kish. And they were among the mighty men who helped him in war. 2 They were bowmen and could shoot arrows and sling stones with either the right or the left hand; they were Benjaminites, Saul’s kinsmen. 3 The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, both sons of Shemaah of Gibeah; also Jeziel and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; Beracah, Jehu of Anathoth, 4 Ishmaiah of Gibeon, a mighty man among the thirty and a leader over the thirty; Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, Jozabad of Gederah, 5 Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah, Shephatiah the Haruphite; 6 Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korahites; 7 And Joelah and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of Gedor.

8 From the Gadites there went over to David at the stronghold in the wilderness mighty and experienced warriors, expert with shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were swift as gazelles upon the mountains: 9 Ezer the chief, Obadiah second, Eliab third, 10 Mishmannah fourth, Jeremiah fifth, 11 Attai sixth, Eliel seventh, 12 Johanan eighth, Elzabad ninth, 13 Jeremiah tenth, Machbannai eleventh. 14 These Gadites were officers of the army; the least was a match for a hundred men and the greatest for a thousand. 15 These are the men who crossed the Jordan in the first month, when it was overflowing all its banks, and put to flight all those in the valleys, to the east and to the west.

16 And some of the men of Benjamin and Judah came to the stronghold to David. 17 David went out to meet them and said to them, “If you have come to me in friendship to help me, my heart will be joined to you; but if to betray me to my adversaries, although there is no wrong in my hands, then may the God of our fathers see and rebuke you.” 18 Then the Spirit clothed Amasai, chief of the thirty, and he said,

“We are yours, O David,
    and with you, O son of Jesse!
Peace, peace to you,
    and peace to your helpers!
    For your God helps you.”

Then David received them and made them officers of his troops.

19 Some of the men of Manasseh deserted to David when he came with the Philistines for the battle against Saul. (Yet he did not help them, for the rulers of the Philistines took counsel and sent him away, saying, “At peril to our heads he will desert to his master Saul.”) 20 As he went to Ziklag, these men of Manasseh deserted to him: Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai, chiefs of thousands in Manasseh. 21 They helped David against the band of raiders, for they were all mighty men of valor and were commanders in the army. 22 For from day to day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army, like an army of God.

23 These are the numbers of the divisions of the armed troops who came to David in Hebron to turn the kingdom of Saul over to him, according to the word of the Lord. 24 The men of Judah bearing shield and spear were 6,800 armed troops. 25 Of the Simeonites, mighty men of valor for war, 7,100. 26 Of the Levites 4,600. 27 The prince Jehoiada, of the house of Aaron, and with him 3,700. 28 Zadok, a young man mighty in valor, and twenty-two commanders from his own father’s house. 29 Of the Benjaminites, the kinsmen of Saul, 3,000, of whom the majority had to that point kept their allegiance to the house of Saul. 30 Of the Ephraimites 20,800, mighty men of valor, famous men in their fathers’ houses. 31 Of the half-tribe of Manasseh 18,000, who were expressly named to come and make David king. 32 Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command. 33 Of Zebulun 50,000 seasoned troops, equipped for battle with all the weapons of war, to help David with singleness of purpose. 34 Of Naphtali 1,000 commanders with whom were 37,000 men armed with shield and spear. 35 Of the Danites 28,600 men equipped for battle. 36 Of Asher 40,000 seasoned troops ready for battle. 37 Of the Reubenites and Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh from beyond the Jordan, 120,000 men armed with all the weapons of war.

38 All these, men of war, arrayed in battle order, came to Hebron with a whole heart to make David king over all Israel. Likewise, all the rest of Israel were of a single mind to make David king. 39 And they were there with David for three days, eating and drinking, for their brothers had made preparation for them. 40 And also their relatives, from as far as Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, came bringing food on donkeys and on camels and on mules and on oxen, abundant provisions of flour, cakes of figs, clusters of raisins, and wine and oil, oxen and sheep, for there was joy in Israel. – 1 Chronicles 12:1-40 ESV

The chronicler used chapter 11 to introduce his readers to the “mighty men” of David. In this chapter, he provides further details concerning their lineage and the role they played during David’s years of personal exile from King Saul. These men proved to be valuable assets to David as he continued his battles with the enemies of Israel even while living with a bounty on his head.

With these two chapters, the chronicler is building a case for the validity of the reign of David. He is attempting to convince the returned exiles that David’s reign as king, even though long-ended, was the work of God. His emphasis on King David is meant to remind his readers of the promise that God made concerning David’s heir. The prophet Samuel recorded this prophetic promise

“Now go and say to my servant David, ‘This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies has declared: I took you from tending sheep in the pasture and selected you to be the leader of my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies before your eyes.’” – 2 Samuel 7:8-9 NLT

God had fulfilled that part of His promise. With the help of his “mighty men,” David had enjoyed great success over the enemies of Israel. Eventually, David ascended the throne of Israel and continued to pile up victories over his adversaries. This too, was in fulfillment of God’s promise.

”’Evil nations won’t oppress them as they’ve done in the past, starting from the time I appointed judges to rule my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies.’” – 2 Samuel 7:10-11 NLT

But the part of God’s promise multifaceted promise that the chronicler wanted to emphasize had to do with David’s dynasty.

“‘Furthermore, the LORD declares that he will make a house for you—a dynasty of kings! For when you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong.

‘Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.’” – 2 Samuel 7:11-12, 16 NLT

The chronicler wanted his readers to understand and believe that God’s promise of a future king to sit on the throne of David would happen. They were currently living without the benefit of a king who could provide guidance and protection from their enemies. But God was not done; He would keep promises.

To prove his point, the chronicler recounts the story of David’s flight to the land of the Philistines to escape the mercenaries Saul had sent to kill him. This story is recorded in 1 Samuel 27.

Then David said in his heart, “Now I shall perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will despair of seeking me any longer within the borders of Israel, and I shall escape out of his hand.” – 1 Samuel 27:1 ESV

Things had gotten so bad for David that he decided the only thing for him to do was to seek refuge among the Philistines so that Saul would think he had defected. This was not exactly a stellar plan, and it would end up causing David problems in the long run. There is no indication that this plan was authorized by God. Yet, in one of David’s greatest moments of despondency and desperation, God showed up. David was on the run and feeling as if his world was coming to an end. Feeling alone and abandoned by God, “David arose and went over, he and the six hundred men who were with him, to Achish the son of Maoch, king of Gath” (1 Samuel 27:2 ESV). What makes this decision all the more questionable is that Gath was the hometown of Goliath, the Philistine champion whom David defeated in battle (1 Samuel 17:50-53).

It made no sense for David to expect Goliath’s clan members to welcome him with open arms. Yet, as First Samuel makes clear, David and his men were allowed to settle in the land of Gath and lived there for almost a year and a half. During that time, he and his “mighty men of valor” made clandestine raids against the enemies of Israel. During his stay in Gath, David enjoyed a much-needed respite from Saul’s seemingly endless attempts to take his life. Not only that, his army grew in size and strength.

This chapter provides a detailed accounting of the tens of thousands of Israelite warriors from every tribe of Israel who defected to David’s side even while he was living with the Philistines. This speaks volumes about their respect for David and indicates that God was a part of this plan. Here was David, living in enemy territory, as far from the throne of Israel as he could possibly get, and yet God was expanding the size of his army. And this was not just any army. God was surrounding David with the best and the brightest, the strongest and the bravest.

Every day a new batch of battle-hardened soldiers showed up on David’s doorstep. The arrival of these unsolicited recruits must have surprised David. In fact, when the first group showed up, David thought they had come to capture him. He sensed betrayal, and for good reason because it had happened to him before.

“If you have come in peace to help me, we are friends. But if you have come to betray me to my enemies when I am innocent, then may the God of our ancestors see it and punish you.” – 1 Chronicles 12:17 NLT

But these men pledged their allegiance to David and indicated that they knew that God was with him and not Saul.

“We are yours, David!
    We are on your side, son of Jesse.
Peace and prosperity be with you,
    and success to all who help you,
    for your God is the one who helps you.” – 1 Samuel 12:18 NLT

With each passing day, David’s army grew.

Hardly a day went by without men showing up to help – it wasn’t long before his band seemed as large as God’s own army! – 1 Chronicles 12:22 MSG

Even while David lived among the Philistines, God was confirming his future and preparing him for his eventual ascension to the throne. God was working in ways that David could never have imagined. His desperate attempt to hide among the Philistines could not hide him from the will of God. God was going to finish what He had begun and in a spectacular fashion. With this many men having defected to David, it’s no wonder that Saul was so easily defeated in battle against the Philistines and took his own life. God had removed the greatest warriors from Saul and given them to David. God’s hand was on David because he was the divinely ordained successor to Saul and nothing was going to prevent the promise of God from being fulfilled; not even David’s questionable decision to live among the Philistines.

Years later, after Saul’s death, David found himself living in Hebron and receiving a contingent of leaders from the other 11 tribes of Israel. These men had come to pledge their allegiance to David and crown him as their king. On that same fateful day, David was joined by his “mighty men of valor,” those same men who joined his ranks while he was a fugitive in the land of the Philistines.

All these men came in battle array to Hebron with the single purpose of making David the king over all Israel. In fact, everyone in Israel agreed that David should be their king. They feasted and drank with David for three days, for preparations had been made by their relatives for their arrival. – 1 Chronicles 12:38-39 NLT

A celebration was held to commemorate David’s kingship. Food and wine were in abundance, but so were “the mighty men who helped him in war” (1 Chronicles 12:1 ESV). They had come to join their leader as he celebrated his rise to the throne of Israel. The presence of these men at David’s coronation provides a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty and uncanny ability to turn seeming defeat into victory. God used one of the darkest moments of David’s life to prepare him for his role as king, and He did it by providing him with the army he would need to rule a fractured nation. God provided David with his royal troops long before he held the title or wore the crown.

…they were all brave and able warriors who became commanders in his army. Day after day more men joined David until he had a great army, like the army of God. – 1 Samuel 12:21-22 NLT

In your worst moments do you tend to see the hand of God or do you simply see darkness and despair? God’s people must never forget that He is always working behind the scenes and in ways that we might not be able to comprehend. Whether we realize it or not, He is raising up “mighty men of valor” to come to our aid in our greatest times of need. It could be in the form of an encouraging word from a friend. It might be a surprising answer to prayer. It could take the form of a passage that you have read a thousand times before but that suddenly speaks to you in a fresh and exciting way. He might provide you with insight into an area of your life that He wants to work on. God is always at work in the lives of those He has chosen and loves, even in our darkest days.

If God could provide David with an army long before he needed it, then he could provide a rag-tag band of Israelites living in the land of promise with everything they needed to thrive in their less-than-deal circumstances. His promises had not been voided by their stay in Babylon. His faithfulness had not diminished because they had failed to live in obedience to His commands. He had promised to return them to the land and it had happened just as He had said. Now, He was ready to implement the next phase of His plan for their reoccupation of the land of promise.

English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Facing the Giants

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15 There was war again between the Philistines and Israel, and David went down together with his servants, and they fought against the Philistines. And David grew weary. 16 And Ishbi-benob, one of the descendants of the giants, whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of bronze, and who was armed with a new sword, thought to kill David. 17 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to his aid and attacked the Philistine and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You shall no longer go out with us to battle, lest you quench the lamp of Israel.”

18 After this there was again war with the Philistines at Gob. Then Sibbecai the Hushathite struck down Saph, who was one of the descendants of the giants. 19 And there was again war with the Philistines at Gob, and Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim, the Bethlehemite, struck down Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. 20 And there was again war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature, who had six fingers on each hand, and six toes on each foot, twenty-four in number, and he also was descended from the giants. 21 And when he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimei, David’s brother, struck him down. 22 These four were descended from the giants in Gath, and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants. – 2 Samuel 21:15-22 ESV

It is impossible to tell from the text at what point these events occurred in David’s reign. It is assumed that they took place in the early days of his kingship, but there is no definitive proof to support that position. As part of the “appendix” to the book, these stories are intended to provide the reader with an overview of David’s reign. As the author wraps up his chronicle of David’s life, he includes these colorful and captivating “snap shots” that capture key moments along the way.

Throughout his years as Israel’s God-appointed leader, David faced ongoing conflicts with the dreaded Philistines. His first encounter with these perennial foes of the Israelites took place in the valley of Elah. King Saul and the Israelite army were camped in the valley of Elah, preparing to face off with the Philistines. David, fresh off his anointing by the prophet of God, showed up at the Israelite camp with orders from his father to check on the welfare of his brothers. David was a young shepherd boy with no military experience, but he was shocked to find the entire Israelite army paralyzed by the threats of a brash and loud-mouthed Philistine named Goliath. This giant of a man had been taunting Saul and his troops, demanding that they send out a worthy opponent to face him in hand-to-hand combat. It would be a winner-takes-all affair with an extremely costly outcome for the losing side; they would be forced to become their enemy’s slaves.

As the story goes, David stepped up and volunteered to take on the giant. His brothers ridiculed him and King Saul doubted him. But, with no other viable options to which to turn, Saul eventually gave David permission to face Goliath. The rest, as they say, is history. David miraculously won the contest with nothing more than a slingshot and five smooth stones. He killed the giant and saved the day. But it seems that the Philistines never kept their end of the agreement. Rather than surrender to the Israelites, they panicked and ran. The Israelites slaughtered many of the Philistines and pillaged their camp, but the conflict between these two nations was far from over.

The closing verses of chapter 21 provide insight into the ongoing war David waged with the Philistines. His victory over Goliath, while epic in nature, did not eliminate the Philistine threat. Even during the years when he was forced to escape the wrath of King Saul, David continued to fight with the Philistines. On two separate occasions, David sought refuge among his mortal enemies in an attempt to escape the armed mercenaries who had been sent by Saul to take his life. Yet David would discover that there was no hope of forming alliances with these sworn enemies of Israel.

Ever since his days as the young shepherd boy, David had been in constant war with the Philistines. And it seems that the Philistines held a special disdain for David because of his defeat of their beloved champion, Goliath. They never forgot how David’s unexpected victory had rallied the Israelite army and turned the tide of the battle. Over the years, their hatred for David only intensified and their attacks on the Israelites increased. In this chapter, the author introduces us to four of Goliath’s big-boned relatives who made the defeat of the Israelites a personal matter.

There was Ishbi-benob, Saph, Goliath, and another unidentified man who was born with 12 toes and 12 fingers. Each of these men was larger than life, both literally and figuratively, and posed a real threat to David and the nation of Israel. But they fell at the hands of David’s men. Their massive size and formidable weapons were no match for the mighty men of David. But why? It would be tempting to make this all about the four men who accomplished these mighty deeds on behalf of David and the nation of Israel: Abishai, Sibbecai, Elhanan, and Jonathan.

Chapter 23 will even introduce us to the “mighty men of David,” a select group of individuals who displayed almost supernatural military prowess. But rather than put our focus on these men, we should immediately recognize the hand of God. The victories of Israel over the Philistines and their seemingly endless line of champions were due to God, not the efforts of these men. Yes, they had to fight. They were required to go into battle against superior adversaries and risk life and limb, but their victory was due to God, not themselves. Verse 22 states, “These four were descended from the giants in Gath, and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants.” But once again, their victories were made possible by God. The author’s emphasis on each Philistine’s larger-than-normal size and bigger-than-usual weapons is meant to paint a picture of impossible odds. Yet, David’s men came out victorious.

It’s interesting to note that the author claims that these Philistines “fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants.” Yet, it doesn’t appear that David played any part in the deaths of these four Philistine champions. In fact, out of concern for his safety, David’s men forbade him from accompanying them in battle.

“You are not going out to battle with us again! Why risk snuffing out the light of Israel?” – 2 Samuel 21:17 NLT

But because of his role as king, David is given credit for the deaths of these Philistine warriors. His faithful and fearless warriors fought on his behalf and gladly shared with him the glory of their victories.

Once again, it is unclear when all these duels between David’s men and the Philistines took place. It doesn’t appear that they occurred at the same time or in one epic battle. These were ongoing encounters between the disgruntled relatives of Goliath who longed to avenge the legacy of their fallen family member. The text makes it clear that these were not normal foes; they were “descended from the giants” (2 Samuel 21:20 ESV). The Hebrew word translated as “giants” is Rephaim, but its etymology is unclear. “Whatever the origin of the Rephaim, it is certain that a race of ‘giants’ — strong, tall people—did exist at one time, and many cultures had dealings with them” (“Who Were the Rephaim” GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/who-were-the-rephaim.html).

Regardless of the genetic background of these men, the vital point of the story is their defeat at the hands of David’s men. But these victories over seemingly supernatural foes are really the handiwork of God Almighty. Even in his defeat of Goliath, David knew that his success had been God’s doing and not his own. Even as David faced off with Goliath in the valley of Elah, he warned his foe, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel!” (2 Samuel 17:45-46 NLT).

David’s reign would be marked by war and his battles against the enemies of Israel would never end. This perpetual state of warfare was the direct result of Israel’s failure to obey God and rid the land of all its inhabitants. Centuries earlier, under the leadership of Joshua, they had been ordered by God to eradicate all the pagan people groups that occupied the land that was to be their inheritance. Their partial obedience to God’s command had allowed nations like the Philistines to remain alive and well in the land. As a result, David was left with the task of finishing what Joshua had begun, and his battles would last the entirety of his reign. It would be his son Solomon who would reign over a kingdom marked by peace. But David’s tenure as king would be one of constant war and bloodshed. Yet God would be with him and that is the message found within these verses.

What should really stand out is God’s unwavering faithfulness in the face of so much unfaithfulness on the part of David and the people of Israel. David’s victories were the result of God’s grace and mercy, and not because David was a faithful and fully obedient servant. David didn’t earn or deserve his success as a military commander. He didn’t merit the expansion of his kingdom. God was blessing him in spite of him. Time and time again, David failed God in sometimes epic fashion. But God remained faithful to His promises to David. It would have been easy for the men of David to make much of their individual successes. They could have, and probably did, brag about their victories over superior enemies. But the message for us is one of dependence upon God. Our victories are His doing. Our successes are His alone. We are only as great as our God. To be victorious we must understand that our God is glorious.

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

The Self-Delusion of Self-Preservation

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1 Now the Philistines had gathered all their forces at Aphek. And the Israelites were encamped by the spring that is in Jezreel. 2 As the lords of the Philistines were passing on by hundreds and by thousands, and David and his men were passing on in the rear with Achish, 3 the commanders of the Philistines said, “What are these Hebrews doing here?” And Achish said to the commanders of the Philistines, “Is this not David, the servant of Saul, king of Israel, who has been with me now for days and years, and since he deserted to me I have found no fault in him to this day.” 4 But the commanders of the Philistines were angry with him. And the commanders of the Philistines said to him, “Send the man back, that he may return to the place to which you have assigned him. He shall not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he become an adversary to us. For how could this fellow reconcile himself to his lord? Would it not be with the heads of the men here? 5 Is not this David, of whom they sing to one another in dances,

‘Saul has struck down his thousands,
    and David his ten thousands’?”

6 Then Achish called David and said to him, “As the Lord lives, you have been honest, and to me it seems right that you should march out and in with me in the campaign. For I have found nothing wrong in you from the day of your coming to me to this day. Nevertheless, the lords do not approve of you. 7 So go back now; and go peaceably, that you may not displease the lords of the Philistines.” 8 And David said to Achish, “But what have I done? What have you found in your servant from the day I entered your service until now, that I may not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?” 9 And Achish answered David and said, “I know that you are as blameless in my sight as an angel of God. Nevertheless, the commanders of the Philistines have said, ‘He shall not go up with us to the battle.’ 10 Now then rise early in the morning with the servants of your lord who came with you, and start early in the morning, and depart as soon as you have light.” 11 So David set out with his men early in the morning to return to the land of the Philistines. But the Philistines went up to Jezreel. – 1 Samuel 29:1-11  ESV

While Saul was busy consulting with a witch, David was consorting with the enemy. According to 1 Samuel 27:7, David had been living in the land of Philistia for 16 months, and he had pulled it off by living a lie. He had deceived King Achish into believing he had turned his back on Israel and had chosen to join forces with the Philistines. Evidently, David had been convincing. If there had been an Academy Awards that year, David would have won an Oscar for Best Actor in a Drama. He had completely fooled Achish into believing he was a faithful friend and ally. David’s performance had left Achish fully convinced and willing to defend him to the rest of the Philistine commanders.

“This is David, the servant of King Saul of Israel. He’s been with me for years, and I’ve never found a single fault in him from the day he arrived until today.” – 1 Samuel 29:3 NLT

Even after Achish heard the concerns of his fellow officers, he refused to buy into their fears and expressed to David his unwavering confidence in his faithfulness.

“I swear by the Lord that you have been a trustworthy ally. I think you should go with me into battle, for I’ve never found a single flaw in you from the day you arrived until today” – 1 Samuel 29:6 NLT

“As far as I’m concerned, you’re as perfect as an angel of God.” – 1 Samuel 29:9 NLT

But while David’s performance had been convincing, it didn’t come without a cost. The longer he stayed in Philistia and kept up his ruse, the more dangerous his predicament would become. It was only a matter of time before David found himself in the awkward and unenviable spot of having to display his true colors. He couldn’t keep up this charade forever. In time, the nations of Israel and Philistia would find themselves at war and David would be caught in the middle. That is exactly the scenario recorded in chapter 29.

The Philistines had gathered all their troops to do battle with the Israelites. King Achish and his men arrived at Aphek on Philistia’s northern border with Israel. Bringing up the rear of his column was none other than David and his 600 fighting men. The significance of this moment is monumental. Here is David, the God-appointed, Spirit-anointed future king of Israel, riding among the forces of the Philistines, one of the greatest enemies of the people of God. This was no longer one of David’s cleverly disguised raids against Israelite enemies (see 1 Samuel 27:8-12). An all-out war between the Israelites and the Philistines was about to take place and David would have to make a decision. Would he fight with the Philistines and risk the wrath of God? Or would he do exactly what the Philistine commanders feared and turn against them in battle and become their adversary (1 Samuel 29:4)?

Without reading ahead, it’s easy to assume that David would have chosen the latter path. After all, he had passed up two opportunities to raise his hand against the Lord’s anointed (1 Samuel 24:6; 1 Samuel 26:9); so why would he suddenly change course and wield his sword against God’s chosen people?

If he did, he would find himself facing two foes: Achish and Saul. For the last 16 months, Saul had abandoned his hunt for David but his hatred for him remained undiminished. He most likely believed David was a traitor who hoped to steal the crown of Israel with the aid of the Philistines. So, if Saul met David on the battlefield, he would see him as an enemy, no matter which side he chose to fight for.

David was in a predicament. His plan to escape Saul’s wrath by living among the Philistines seemed like the logical thing to do at the time, but it appears that he made his decision without input from God. There is no indication that God directed David’s actions or ordered his escape into Philistine territory. Now David was faced with the inevitable consequences of his Godless decision. But while David had left God out of his plan, God had not left David. The Almighty may not have approved of David’s strategy, but He was committed to David’s well-being and future.

Despite David’s actions, God knew David’s heart. Years earlier, when Samuel the prophet was surveying the sons of Jesse looking for the next king of Israel, God told him, “The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:9 NLT). While David’s decision-making may have been suspect, his motivation was not, and God knew it.

David had been trying to do the right thing. He was still a faithful servant and all the while he lived in Philistia, he continued to fight against the enemies of Israel. But his self-inspired strategy for self-preservation produced a less-than-ideal outcome that only the sovereign hand of God could resolve.

As David and his men arrived at the Philistine camp at Aphek, the other Philistine lords were furious that Achish had brought this former Israeli commander and his men into battle with them. They questioned his reasoning and intelligence. Who in his right mind would allie himself with the man who killed the Philistine champion, Goliath? And, to make matters worse, Achish was the king of Gath, the hometown of Goliath. Yet here he was riding into camp with the man who had songs written about his military exploits against the Philistines.

Their disagreement with Achish’s decision was unanimous and unwavering.

“Send him back to the town you’ve given him!” they demanded. “He can’t go into the battle with us. What if he turns against us in battle and becomes our adversary? Is there any better way for him to reconcile himself with his master than by handing our heads over to him?” – 1 Samuel 29:4 NLT

They saw David as a threat and Achish as a fool. To them, everything about this scenario was wrong and David had to go. Outnumbered and unable to defend his decision, Achish reluctantly gave in to their demands. Always the performer, David reacted with surprise when Achish ordered him and his men to return to Ziklag.

“What have I done to deserve this treatment?” David demanded. “What have you ever found in your servant, that I can’t go and fight the enemies of my lord the king?” – 1 Samuel 29:8 NLT

It’s interesting to note that David used similar words when questioning Saul’s unjust treatment of him.

“Why do you listen to the people who say I am trying to harm you? This very day you can see with your own eyes it isn’t true.” – 1 Samuel 24:9-10 NLT

“Why are you chasing me? What have I done? What is my crime?” – 1 Samuel 26:18 NLT

David couldn’t understand why Saul was out to kill him. But he knew exactly why the Philistines were suspicious of his motivation and worried about his allegiance. Ever the dedicated thespian, David feigned surprise and did his best to act offended by the assertions of the Philistine commanders.

But in reality, this was the best thing that could have happened to David and his men. God had intervened and spared them from having to go into battle. At the very last minute, God stepped in and providentially protected David from the mess he had created. But as the next chapter will reveal, God’s timely rescue of David would not prevent him from experiencing the fruit of his godless decision-making. David had determined to make plans without God’s input and he would have to suffer the consequences. God protected David from having to go into battle with the Philistines, but David would not escape the discipline of God.

God had plans for David that included the years he spent hiding and wandering in the wilderness. God could have put David on the throne the very day Samuel anointed him, but David was not yet ready to be king; he needed to be prepared for the role. He had to learn the lessons God had for him, and a big part of God’s preparation for David would be found in his failure to trust God.

His tendency to make decisions without God’s input would teach him the danger of autonomy in the life of the servant of God. Decisions made apart from God will never result in the blessings of God. Trying to do God’s will his own way would never produce God’s results. This phase of David’s life would provide yet another valuable opportunity for him to learn to trust God, rather than himself.

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

From Madness to Gladness

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10 And David rose and fled that day from Saul and went to Achish the king of Gath. 11 And the servants of Achish said to him, “Is not this David the king of the land? Did they not sing to one another of him in dances,

‘Saul has struck down his thousands,
    and David his ten thousands’?”

12 And David took these words to heart and was much afraid of Achish the king of Gath. 13 So he changed his behavior before them and pretended to be insane in their hands and made marks on the doors of the gate and let his spittle run down his beard. 14 Then Achish said to his servants, “Behold, you see the man is mad. Why then have you brought him to me? 15 Do I lack madmen, that you have brought this fellow to behave as a madman in my presence? Shall this fellow come into my house?” – 1 Samuel 21:10-15  ESV

When reading these verses, the first question that should come into your mind is, “What was David thinking?” There seems to be nothing rational or logical in his behavior. Why in the world would David, the very man who killed Goliath, who was from Gath, choose to seek refuge in Gath, all while carrying the sword that once belonged to their fallen champion? What kind of flawed logic led David to believe he would be welcomed with open arms by the people of Gath? After all, it was David who, in an act of over-achievement, killed 200 Philistines to obtain the 100 foreskins Saul had demanded as a dowry for his daughter, Michal. It was David who had served as a commander in Saul’s forces and won great victories over the Philistines. So what did David think would happen when he showed up in Gath unannounced and uninvited?

From what we know of David’s faithfulness to God and his hatred of the enemies of God, it seems quite unlikely that David had gone to Gath to offer his services as a warrior to King Achish. In other words, David was not considering switching sides and fighting for the Philistines against his own people. So why did he go? The text doesn’t tell us. We can only conjecture that David was desperate to get away from Saul and any troops that may be out to seek him. He knew the last place Saul would look for him was in the land of the Philistines. But David didn’t fully think his strategy through; he made a rash decision under duress and now found himself in a very dangerous predicament.

The Philistines immediately recognized David. It’s interesting to note that they referred to David as “the king of the land” (1 Samuel 21:11 ESV). They had heard about the songs sung about David that celebrated his military exploits and lauded him as greater than Saul. It’s doubtful that they knew of David’s anointing by Samuel, but they most likely viewed David as the true leader of the Israelites. At the battle in the Valley of Elah, Goliath had challenged Saul and his men to send a champion to face him in hand-to-hand combat, but no one would step forward. Day after day he taunted them, but Saul remained in the background, afraid to take up the challenge and take on Goliath. At that moment, the Philistines most likely lost all respect for Saul as a king, and when David ended up slaying Goliath, they viewed him as the true king of Israel. But whatever the case, they knew that the man standing before them was an enemy and a threat.

The text rather matter-of-factly states, “And David took these words to heart and was much afraid of Achish the king of Gath” (1 Samuel 21:12 ESV). It was as if David woke up from a bad dream and realized the gravity of his situation. The stupidity of his decision to go to Gath suddenly dawned on him and he was “much afraid.” He was petrified, terrified, and mortified that he had ever come up with this doomed plan in the first place. So, finding himself in a difficult situation, David resorted to deceit. Here was the man who killed Goliath, defeated hundreds of Philistines in battle, and slaughtered 200 Philistines just to pay the dowry for his wife, choosing to feign madness rather than trust God and fight his enemies. David somehow forgot all about his anointing and the fact that God had been by his side during all the conflicts of his life.

The young man who once shouted, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:27 ESV), and then took the life of Goliath with nothing more than a sling and a stone, was now so fearful in the face of his enemies, that he resorted to acting like a madman. The Message paraphrases verse 13 this way: “So right there, while they were looking at him, he pretended to go crazy, pounding his head on the city gate and foaming at the mouth, spit dripping from his beard.”

What a sad scene. The man after God’s own heart and the God-ordained successor to the throne of Israel is reduced to acting like a drooling madman in a desperate attempt to keep from being killed by his enemies. The man who killed Goliath with nothing more than a sling is holding the slain Philistine’s sword but never thinks to use it against his enemies. Instead, he chooses to feign insanity and hope for the best. This is the very same man who would later write:

Blessed be the Lord, my rock,
who trains my hands for war,
and my fingers for battle;
he is my steadfast love and my fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer,
my shield and he in whom I take refuge,
who subdues peoples under me. – Psalm 144:1-2 ESV

He trains my hands for war,
so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. – Psalm 18:34 ESV

This ill-timed, poorly conceived plan of David would be used by God to teach His young king-in-waiting an invaluable lesson about faith. From this painful experience, David would learn to place his trust in God rather than his own rash plans and flawed attempts at self-preservation. Despite his poor planning and pitiful acting, David would escape with his life, if not his dignity. He would never forget that day. In fact, he ended up penning a psalm as a result of this encounter with King Achish.

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.
    He freed me from all my fears. – Psalm 34:4 NLT

In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;
    he saved me from all my troubles. – Psalm 34:6 NLT

The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.
    He rescues them from all their troubles. – Psalm 34:17 NLT

The righteous person faces many troubles,
    but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.
For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous;
    not one of them is broken! – Psalm 34:19-20 NLT

It’s interesting to read these statements in light of what actually happened that day. There are no prayers recorded in 1 Samuel 21 and there is no indication that God intervened. David didn’t take the sword of Goliath and slaughter King Achish and all his soldiers. No lightning bolt came down from heaven and struck the Philistines, allowing David to walk away safe and secure. There is no mention of any miraculous displays of God’s power on David’s behalf.  But David did survive and not as a result of his stellar dramatic skills.

While no prayers are recorded, it is safe to assume that David was silently calling on the Lord throughout his ordeal. Even as he resorted to acting like a madman, complete with drool dripping from his beard, David was issuing impassioned pleas to the Almighty to deliver him from the hands of his enemies. Faced with the prospect of death, David had taken matters into his own hands and escaped with his life because he was willing to throw away any sense of pride or dignity he had. Yet, when looking back on that day, David viewed his deliverance in a different light. Despite his actions, God had rescued him. While it had been his idea to run from the land of God to the city of Gath, Jehovah had never abandoned him. Even in the middle of one of his worst moments, God was still with him. Regardless of how badly David’s poor attempt at self-preservation turned out, God rescued David from himself because that is what God always does for His own.

God had declared that David would be the next king of Israel and nothing was going to prevent that plan from taking place. Even David couldn’t screw up what God had drawn up. He could make things harder on himself, but nothing he did would make it too hard for God to fulfill His divine plan for him. Poor decision-making and panic-induced problem-solving could not derail the plans of God. Nothing, including a bout of temporary insanity, was going to keep the sovereign God of the universe from carrying out His divine will for David’s life.

This experience would have a lasting impact on David’s life. He would never forget that humiliating and heart-pounding moment when he was forced to play the part of a madman so that he might live to be God’s man. He put his own life at risk but learned the invaluable lesson that God was always in control. He could screw up but God would never give up. He could fall but God would never fail. This awakening awareness of God’s providential power over his life led David to later pen the following words:

The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
    He delights in every detail of their lives.
Though they stumble, they will never fall,
    for the Lord holds them by the hand. – Psalm 37:23-24 NLT

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Brides, Bribes, and Broken Promises

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17 Then Saul said to David, “Here is my elder daughter Merab. I will give her to you for a wife. Only be valiant for me and fight the Lord’s battles.” For Saul thought, “Let not my hand be against him, but let the hand of the Philistines be against him.” 18 And David said to Saul, “Who am I, and who are my relatives, my father’s clan in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?” 19 But at the time when Merab, Saul’s daughter, should have been given to David, she was given to Adriel the Meholathite for a wife.

20 Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David. And they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. 21 Saul thought, “Let me give her to him, that she may be a snare for him and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” Therefore Saul said to David a second time, “You shall now be my son-in-law.” 22 And Saul commanded his servants, “Speak to David in private and say, ‘Behold, the king has delight in you, and all his servants love you. Now then become the king’s son-in-law.’” 23 And Saul’s servants spoke those words in the ears of David. And David said, “Does it seem to you a little thing to become the king’s son-in-law, since I am a poor man and have no reputation?” 24 And the servants of Saul told him, “Thus and so did David speak.” 25 Then Saul said, “Thus shall you say to David, ‘The king desires no bride-price except a hundred foreskins of the Philistines, that he may be avenged of the king’s enemies.’” Now Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines. 26 And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king’s son-in-law. Before the time had expired, 27 David arose and went, along with his men, and killed two hundred of the Philistines. And David brought their foreskins, which were given in full number to the king, that he might become the king’s son-in-law. And Saul gave him his daughter Michal for a wife. 28 But when Saul saw and knew that the Lord was with David, and that Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved him, 29 Saul was even more afraid of David. So Saul was David’s enemy continually.

30 Then the commanders of the Philistines came out to battle, and as often as they came out David had more success than all the servants of Saul, so that his name was highly esteemed. – 1 Samuel 18:17-30 ESV

In attempting to rid himself of David, Saul had tried the direct approach. On multiple occasions, in one of his fits of rage, he had unsuccessfully attempted to kill David with a spear. But his failures only fueled his desire to get rid of this threat to his reign as king. So he developed more clandestine and creative plans that would expose David to life-threatening circumstances while protecting himself from any appearance of impropriety or personal involvement. While his tactics changed, his goal remained the same: To do whatever it took to eradicate this threat to his reputation and rule.

After what appears to be a lengthy delay, Saul decided to honor his promise to reward the one who killed the Philistine champion, Goliath. He had promised to “give that man one of his daughters for a wife, and the man’s entire family will be exempted from paying taxes!” (1 Samuel 17:25 NLT). It seems that Saul had reservations about keeping his commitment because it might further enhance David’s advantage over him. Allowing David to marry his daughter would make him a permanent part of the royal family and provide him with increased legitimacy and accessibility to the throne.

So, Saul came up with a plan to use his own daughter as bait, hoping to lure David into a deadly trap. In a disingenuous display of magnanimity, Saul offered David the hand of his eldest daughter Merab.

“Here’s my oldest daughter, Merab. I want to give her to you in marriage. Only be a brave warrior for me and fight the battles of the Lord.” – 1 Samuel 18:17 NLT

Like an unscrupulous used-car salesman, Saul tried to wheel and deal his way into a more profitable outcome, using his daughter as a bargaining chip. Saul was attempting to use David’s intense sense of loyalty and nationalistic pride to his own advantage. He knew that David’s faithfulness to God and country would cause him to risk life and limb and further increase the odds of his untimely death. So, Saul offered David the hand of his daughter in marriage on one condition: That he continue to “fight the battles of the Lord.”

But Saul never intended to keep his part of the agreement. His entire plan was based on the inevitability of David’s death.

“There’s no need for me to raise my hand against him. Let it be the hand of the Philistines!” – 1 Samuel 18:17 NLT

Saul was so convinced that David would never live to see his own wedding day, that he eventually gave his daughter to another man.

When the time came for Merab, Saul’s daughter, to be given to David, she instead was given in marriage to Adriel, who was from Meholah. – 1 Samuel 18:19 NLT

In contrast to Saul’s manipulative and hateful tactics, David displayed an innocent and humble spirit. While he had rightfully earned the reward, he did not see himself as worthy of the honor.

“Who am I? Who are my relatives or the clan of my father in Israel that I should become the king’s son-in-law?” – 1 Samuel 18:18 NLT

This self-effacing statement must have sounded eerily familiar to Saul because it echoed the words he spoke when Samuel announced he was to be Israel’s king.

“But I’m only from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel, and my family is the least important of all the families of that tribe! Why are you talking like this to me?” – 1 Samuel 9:21 NLT

The once-humble and contrite Saul had become an egotistical, scheming man who would do anything to retain his royal position and protect his precious reputation.

Saul’s plan eventually backfired because David was the Lord’s anointed and enjoyed the presence and power of God’s Spirit. No matter how many battles he fought or how many enemies he faced, David was under the watchful eye of Jehovah and would continue to enjoy great success and increasing popularity. This led Saul to come up with Plan B. When he learned that his other daughter, Michal, loved David very much, he decided to use this relationship to his advantage. Because of David’s close friendship with Saul’s son, Jonathan, he likely spent a great deal of time in Jonathan’s company and, as a result, had been able to get to know Michal well. Upon discovering his daughter’s affection for David, Saul saw another opportunity to rid himself of David once and for all. It was the same tactic but a different daughter.

“I will give her to him so that she may become a snare to him and so the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” – 1 Samuel 18:21 NLT

This time, Saul came up with a more specific and potentially deadly condition for David to meet. To win his daughter’s hand in marriage, David was required to provide a dowry of one hundred Philistine foreskins. Once again, Saul was appealing to David’s sense of duty. He knew that David came from a less-than-affluent family and would be unable to pay the customary dowry, especially one fit for the daughter of a king. So he would allow David to use his military skills and his hatred for the enemies of God to come up with a somewhat unorthodox dowry payment.

This entire sequence of events is designed to provide a glimpse into David’s character. Saul sent his servants to prime the pump and convince David to strongly consider Saul’s generous offer of Michal’s hand in marriage. But David simply responded, “How can a poor man from a humble family afford the bride price for the daughter of a king?” (1 Samuel 18:23 NLT). He knew he was out of his league. He was unworthy to be the son-in-law of the king; he didn’t have the financial means or the family heritage to warrant such a thing. But that was not going to deter Saul. He knew that David, being a man of integrity, would take him up on his offer. But he also knew that the risk involved in David accomplishing such a feat was going to be great, and the likelihood of David dying in the process was even greater.

Verse 27 matter-of-factly states: “David arose and went, along with his men, and killed two hundred of the Philistines. And David brought their foreskins, which were given in full number to the king, that he might become the king’s son-in-law. And Saul gave him his daughter Michal for a wife” (1 Samuel 18:27 ESV). Much to Saul’s chagrin, David took the king up on his offer and fulfilled the requirement to have Michal as his wife. He even doubled the number of foreskins, just to make sure that he didn’t underpay for the privilege of becoming the king’s son-in-law.

Saul’s plan had failed. His strategy to eliminate David had actually elevated him. Now David was a permanent member of his family and would more than likely give him grandchildren and potential heirs to the throne. Not only that, Saul became increasingly aware that David enjoyed the benefit of God’s blessings. Everything David did was successful and there was nothing Saul could do about it. As a result, Saul’s fear of Dvid grew exponentially.

So Saul was David’s enemy continually. – 1 Samuel 18:30 ESV

This last line is significant because it reveals that the animosity between Saul and David was one-way. David had done nothing but honor Saul, serving him as his personal armor bearer, court musician, and military commander. While David’s reputation had grown, he never sought fame or glory. He was not prideful or arrogant. There is never an indication that he had aspirations for the crown. It is still unclear whether David even knew that his earlier anointing by Samuel had been to make him the next king of Israel. No, David simply served, faithfully and unselfishly. At no time does he seem to view Saul as his enemy, even though the king had tried to kill him with his own hands. He never utters a disparaging word about the king.

Saul’s hatred for David was one-directional, and his attempts to kill David would continue to prove unsuccessful because God had a greater plan in place. David would be the next king, whether Saul liked it or not, and regardless of whether Saul loved David or not. David’s fame would continue to grow; so would Saul’s hatred for David. But God was not done. His preparation of David for the throne was not yet complete. Things would get worse before they got better. The tension between David and Saul was going to reach a boiling point and the next phase of God’s king-creating curriculum would soon begin.

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

God’s School of Leadership Development

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1 As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 2 And Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father’s house. 3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. 4 And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt. 5 And David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him, so that Saul set him over the men of war. And this was good in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.

6 As they were coming home, when David returned from striking down the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with songs of joy, and with musical instruments. 7 And the women sang to one another as they celebrated,

“Saul has struck down his thousands,
    and David his ten thousands.”

8 And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?” 9 And Saul eyed David from that day on. – 1 Samuel 18:1-9 ESV

David’s victory over Goliath was going to bring him great fame and a full-time position on Saul’s staff; no more dividing his time between the sheepfold and the palace. Saul gave him a permanent place on the royal payroll. Not only that, David was able to strike up a deep and lasting friendship with Saul’s son, Jonathan. But David’s close proximity to the king was going to result in a growing tension. His popularity among the people was unprecedented. He was a rock star, with a growing fan base and people were not only singing his praises, they were actually making up songs about him. All of this is far from pleasing to Saul because he had never forgotten the fateful words spoken by Samuel the prophet.

“But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.” – 1 Samuel 13:14 ESV

The prophetic message spoken by Samuel remained in the back of Saul’s mind throughout his reign, causing him great unrest as he waited for its fulfillment. Who would his successor be and when would he show up? What would the transition of power look like? Years had passed since Samuel spoke those foreboding words and Saul remained the king of Israel. But he was forced to rule with his head on a swivel, always looking over his shoulder to see if the man after God’s own heart was there.

As he witnessed the meteoric rise of David’s popularity after his defeat of Goliath, Saul must have been conflicted about just what to do with this rising superstar. He recognized that David would be an invaluable addition to his leadership team but, in the back of his mind, he couldn’t help but be paranoid and a bit defensive regarding David’s growing fame. Despite assigning him a commission in the Israelite army, Saul began to question David’s loyalty and wonder whether this ambitious young man might be the one of whom Samuel spoke.

The text states that David “was successful wherever Saul sent him” (1 Samuel 18:5 ESV). This young man was a natural-born leader with an innate capacity to succeed at whatever he did. This must have left Saul wondering whether David would grow discontent serving behind the scenes and eventually aspire to a more permanent and powerful position in Israel’s government. Was David conspiring to stage a coup and replace Saul as the king?

It didn’t help that Jonathan, Saul’s son, developed a close friendship with David. These two men ended up sharing a lot in common. Both were faithful believers in Jehovah and had demonstrated their trust in His power by standing up to the Philistine threat despite overwhelming odds. Jonathan and his armor-bearer had snuck into the Philistine camp, slaughtering 20 of their soldiers, and inciting a panic among the enemy troops that led to a surprising Israelite victory. Jonathan’s actions had been motivated by his belief in Jehovah’s presence and power.

“Let’s go across to the outpost of those pagans,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer. “Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!” – 1 Samuel 14:6 NLT

David shared Jonathan’s confidence in Jehovah and was willing to go up against the Philistine giant, Goliath, with nothing more than a slingshot and five smooth stones. But David knew he wasn’t going into battle out-gunned; he had Jehovah on his side.

“I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” – 1 Samuel 17:36-37 NLT

David and Jonathan shared a kinship of faith that developed into a deep friendship. They became soulmates who enjoyed a common belief in Jehovah’s preeminence and power to deliver His people from their enemies. Unlike Saul, these two men exhibited a willingness to trust God for the future of the nation and conducted their lives in keeping with His will and according to His commands.

The bond between the two of them was strong and sealed by a surprising display of submission on the part of Jonathan. As the son of Saul, Jonathan was the heir-apparent to the throne of Israel, but in an act of uncoerced humility, he removed his royal robes, armor, and sword, and presented them to David as a gift. It would appear that Jonathan somehow knew that David was to be the next king of Israel and he was willing to divest himself of all rights to the throne so that his friend might serve in his place.

“. . . when Jonathan took off his robe (a symbol of the Israelite kingdom; cf. 15:27-28…) and gave it to David (v. 4), he was in effect transferring his own status as heir apparent to him . . .” – Ronald F. Youngblood, “1, 2 Samuel,” in Deuteronomy-2 Samuel, vol. 3 of
The Expositor’s Bible Commentary

But Saul grew concerned that David would use his friendship with Jonathan and his access to the palace as the means for staging a coup. So, he intended to keep David close so that he could keep an eye on him. Yet everywhere Saul turned, he literally heard the people singing David’s praises.

“Saul has struck down his thousands,
    and David his ten thousands.” – 1 Samuel 18:7 ESV

Much to Saul’s chagrin, David was getting top billing and receiving all the accolades. This state of affairs left Saul with a growing sense of suspicion and jealousy that bordered on paranoia. He began to believe that David was out to get him.

“…what more can he have but the kingdom?” –  1 Samuel 18:8 ESV

This part of David’s life is fascinating. So far, he has done everything right. He had proven to be a faithful son, caring for his family’s flocks, even returning to care for them after having received the anointing of the prophet. He had obediently followed his father’s commands, taking food to his brothers on the front line. Then, when he had seen the Philistine champion and heard his taunts, he had been shocked that no one was stepping forward to deal with this pagan who was defying the God of Israel. So he offered his services to the king, placing his hope in God, and defeating Goliath with nothing more than a sling and a stone. But despite all this, David found himself under the suspicious and watchful eye of the king. He had made a new friend in Jonathan but was quickly developing a formidable enemy in Saul. And it is not yet clear whether David even knew the implications of his anointing by Samuel. Did David realize he had been divinely appointed to serve as Saul’s replacement? Had the prophet shared with him the details of God’s plan?

He most likely saw himself as just another servant of Saul, trying to do the right thing and serve the king in whatever way he could. Up to this point, David had been Saul’s armor bearer and harp player. He had done the king a huge favor by eliminating the threat of Goliath. And it seems that whatever David did, he did well.

David was faithful and he had the Spirit of God dwelling upon him. But all his success would prove his downfall. In God’s providential plan, David was right where he needed to be. His rapid rise to fame and prominence was not a surprise to God. And Saul’s hatred of David was not only expected, it was planned. It was all part of God’s divine strategy for preparing David to be king.

David had received the anointing to be king, but now he was going to get the practical training required for him to be the kind of king God intended for him to be. Whether David realized it or not, he was being placed in God’s boot camp for kingship. As a participant in Saul’s administration, David would have a front-row seat from which to witness an epic display of poor leadership. Saul would provide a master’s-level course in executive management gone bad.

But there were other valuable lessons that David was going to need to learn for him to rule righteously. His world was about to be rocked. As time went on and Saul’s jealousy and anger increased, David’s former days in the pasture tending sheep were going to look increasingly more appealing. But there was much that God had to teach David. He was a man after God’s own heart. In other words, he had a passion for the same things God did. But now God was going to begin the process of giving David a godly heart. His passion for the things of God was going to deepen. His love for the ways of God would become richer and fuller. His trust in the strength of God would grow. His reliance upon the care and provision of God would increase exponentially. And it would all begin with the growing hatred and animosity of King Saul. Things were about to heat up because God’s lessons for David were about to start up.

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Shepherd Turned Savior

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51 Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him and cut off his head with it. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled. 52 And the men of Israel and Judah rose with a shout and pursued the Philistines as far as Gath and the gates of Ekron, so that the wounded Philistines fell on the way from Shaaraim as far as Gath and Ekron. 53 And the people of Israel came back from chasing the Philistines, and they plundered their camp. 54 And David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, but he put his armor in his tent.

55 As soon as Saul saw David go out against the Philistine, he said to Abner, the commander of the army, “Abner, whose son is this youth?” And Abner said, “As your soul lives, O king, I do not know.” 56 And the king said, “Inquire whose son the boy is.” 57 And as soon as David returned from the striking down of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand. 58 And Saul said to him, “Whose son are you, young man?” And David answered, “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.” – 1 Samuel 17:51-58 ESV

David had just conquered the enemy of the Lord by defeating Goliath and cutting off the giant’s head with his own sword. As a result, the Philistines ran rather than face the prospect of becoming slaves to their much-hated enemies, the Jews. It had been Goliath who had set the conditions for the battle, guaranteeing the enslavement of the army of the losing combatant; but his troops, never expecting him to lose, were unwilling to keep the terms he had established. They turned and ran. But David’s unexpected victory gave the troops of Israel new life and the boldness to pursue the Philistines all the way back to Goliath’s hometown. One man’s faith in God revealed the power of God and provided the people of God with the incentive they needed to fight the enemies of God.

David, fresh off his victory and still carrying the severed head of Goliath in his hand, was brought before King Saul. It seems that, while David was already in the employment of Saul, acting as his armor bearer and court musician, the king knew little about him. Neither Saul nor his commander, Abner, knew who David’s father was. This is interesting because chapter 16 makes it quite clear that Saul had been well-informed about David before he conscripted him into service.

One of the servants said to Saul, “One of Jesse’s sons from Bethlehem is a talented harp player. Not only that—he is a brave warrior, a man of war, and has good judgment. He is also a fine-looking young man, and the Lord is with him.”

So Saul sent messengers to Jesse to say, “Send me your son David, the shepherd.” Jesse responded by sending David to Saul, along with a young goat, a donkey loaded with bread, and a wineskin full of wine. – 1 Samuel 16:18-19 NLT

But enough time had passed so that Saul had forgotten all about how David had come into his service. And it would seem that Saul was not in the habit of concerning himself with the life details of the men whom he forced into his service as soldiers. God had warned the people of Israel just what kind of king Saul would become.

The king will draft your sons and assign them to his chariots and his charioteers, making them run before his chariots. Some will be generals and captains in his army, some will be forced to plow in his fields and harvest his crops, and some will make his weapons and chariot equipment. The king will take your daughters from you and force them to cook and bake and make perfumes for him. – 1 Samuel 8:11-13 NLT

So it’s not surprising that Saul had no idea who David really was. But he needed to learn the name of David’s father so that he could fulfill his promise of the reward.

The king has offered a huge reward to anyone who kills him. He will give that man one of his daughters for a wife, and the man’s entire family will be exempted from paying taxes! – 1 Samuel 17:25 NLT

When Saul asked David who his father was, he responded, “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite” (1 Samuel 17:58 ESV). In answering Saul’s question, David was revealing something even more significant. This young shepherd boy was from the village of Bethlehem. This somewhat obscure and insignificant spot on the map would one day become the most important destination in the world. It is there that the future Messiah of the Jews would be born.

And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. – Luke 2:4 NLT

Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the prophet Micah predicted the future arrival of another ruler who would also hail from the tiny village of Bethlehem.

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past. – Micah 5:2 ESV

While David’s defeat of Goliath seems to be the central focus of the story, there is far more going on than initially meets the eye. God was actually paving the way for a much greater victory over a much more significant enemy. He was setting the stage for not only David’s kingship but also that of His Son, the future Messiah and the King of kings and Lord of lords. David slew one man and provided his people with temporary relief from slavery, but Jesus Christ would defeat sin and death by sacrificing His life so that condemned men and women might be free from slavery to both. What David did to Goliath was a foreshadowing of what Jesus would do to Satan, our adversary (1 Peter 5:8) and accuser (Revelation 12:10). David, a former shepherd, delivered the flock of God from the jaws of Goliath, “the roaring lion” who had sought to devour the sheep of God’s pasture. Jesus, “the great shepherd of the sheep” (Hebrews 13:20), would do the same, but He would provide a greater deliverance that would have eternal significance.

And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.

Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens,

“It has come at last—
    salvation and power
and the Kingdom of our God,
    and the authority of his Christ.
For the accuser of our brothers and sisters
    has been thrown down to earth—
the one who accuses them
    before our God day and night.
And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb
    and by their testimony.
And they did not love their lives so much
    that they were afraid to die. – Revelation 12:8-11 NL

David’s victory was not insignificant; it breathed new life into the Israelite army. But the victory accomplished by Jesus brought eternal life to all those who place their faith in Him. David defeated Goliath. Jesus defeated Satan. David’s victory was temporary. Jesus’ victory was permanent. The victory David accomplished required the life of a Philistine. The victory Jesus brought about was at the expense of His own life. Goliath died for his own sins, having defied the armies of the living God. Yet Jesus died for the sins of others so that He might become the propitiator who satisfies the just demands of a holy God.

The story surrounding the life of David is intended to foreshadow and point towards the life of Jesus. The young shepherd boy from Bethlehem serves as a representation of the good shepherd to come. As David stood before Saul with Goliath’s severed head in his hands, he was a Christ figure, a human representation of the One who would also call Bethlehem His home and grow up to become the deliverer of God’s people.

But David was about to find out that his victory, while good news to many, was going to end up creating bad news for him. His defeat of the giant Goliath was going to make him a household name and a hero among the people of Israel. But his soaring popularity would cause a growing rift between him and the king. David’s greatest conflicts were ahead of him, not behind him, and his most formidable enemy would prove to be none other than Saul, the king of Israel. David’s victory would produce in Saul jealousy and resentment that manifested in an ever-intensifying desire to eliminate this potential threat to his reputation and rule.

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.