1 Samuel 17

Highlights:

A point to consider: God used both Samuel and David, as youths to fulfill His will. David gives Saul his résumé, his objective, and why — Goliath (I Sam. 17:26,34-37,47). Check out David's weapon (17:45). David gains the heart of all Israel and Judah (18:16) and Saul's son and daughter (18:1,20), but Saul becomes jealous of David (18:9-11).

Verses for Today:

Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice. . . . Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines. . . . and Saul became David's enemy continually (I Sam. 18:11,25,29).

Early in Saul's reign, the giant warrior Goliath challenged the Israelite army to send a man to fight him and let the outcome of their fight decide who won the war. Apparently neither Saul nor anyone in his army were willing to accept his challenge.

But, when young David came into the camp and heard Goliath's taunts, he was ready to fight him and boldly said to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the Name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee (strike you down) . . . that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel (17:45-46).

Faith in the God of Israel gave David his spectacular victory over Goliath, David was welcomed into the palace of King Saul, made his trusted captain of the guard, and soon married his daughter Michal (18:27). We are not told how much time passed after David was welcomed into the king's court before Saul heard women singing David's praises. He became exceedingly jealous and attempted to kill David (18:10-11).

David fled and escaped with the help of his wife Michal. He came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him (19: 12,18). He had enjoyed acceptance in the king's palace but now he was reduced to hiding in caves. Difficulties, handicaps, and suffering in life are permitted by the Lord to develop godly character and to enable us to accomplish His purposes. Like David, we are put to the test to see if we will remain faithful and prove worthy of our high calling. We each are accountable for the effect which trials, suffering, or handicaps will have on us. They can be used to develop our faith in the Lord, or we can become bitter and resentful, blaming God and others for our troubles.

Thought for Today:

We must through much tribulation enter into the Kingdom of God (Acts 14:22).

Christ Portrayed:

By Jonathan, who knew the will of God was to make David king and stripped himself of his royal robes and made a covenant promising all that he had to David (I Sam. 18:3-4). Jesus, knowing the will of God, cast off His heavenly robes and took upon Him the form of a servant . . . and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (Phil. 2:5-8).

Word Studies:

17:6 greaves =leg armor; 17:18 take their pledge =bring back news of how they are doing; 17:20 trench =camp; 17:22 carriage =baggage, supplies; 17:31 rehearsed =reported; 17:39 assayed =tried, attempted; proved =tested, tried; 17:40 a scrip =his small pouch; 17:43 staves =sticks; 17:53 spoiled =looted; 17:56 stripling =youth; 18:9 eyed =kept his eye upon David with suspicion, envy, and jealousy; 18:11 avoided =escaped; 18:27 tale =lumber.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Mrs. Betty Majors • Assistant to the Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Terry Hall • Government Officials: Rep. Michele Bachmann (MN), Rep. Joseph Courtney (CT), and Rep. Timothy Walz (MN) • Country: Djibouti (447,000) in eastern Africa • Major languages: French and Arabic • Limited religious freedom • 91% Muslim; 7% Roman Catholic; .75% Eastern Orthodox; about 300 Protestants • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to give you strength for today's need (Eph. 3:14-16).

Optional Reading: Acts 7

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:9-10