><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (1 Samuel) CHAPTER 15 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 Trace the course of Saul's disobedience-his excuses (verses 20, 21, 24) and his self-interest (verse 30). Trace also the course of Samuel's warning (verse 1), denunciation (verses 14, 18, 19), and declaration of divine judgment (verses 22,23, 26,28,29). What may we here learn concerning God's ways and the demands of His service? 2 From verse 11, and from Samuel's reply to Saul in verses 22, 23, what do we learn concerning the divine reaction against ritual with-out obedience, against outward religious observance which masks an inner disobedience? Have God's requirements or His attitude changed? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (1 Samuel) Chapter 15 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Les Tripp -------------------------------------------- 1 Sam 15:1: Notice that Samuel had been absent during the battle with the Philistines. Perhaps an indication that God had clearly removed his hand from Saul. 9: But... Do we get distracted like Saul and the army in our spiritual battles and hang on to sin rather than allowing God to eliminate it totally. We follow the desires of our hearts. And the sin come back to haunt us, to fester, and keep us from effective service to the Lord. 13: How could he say that? 14: The Lord knows the motives and the actions of each of us. 21: See v9. Is this clearly what they intended to do with the plunder they kept? 22: Again and again scripture tells us that the Lord desires obedience more than sacrifices. In fact the smoke of sacrifices are a stench in the nostrils of God when there is disobedience. 24: He blamed it on the people. This excuse is not original. Adam blamed the eating of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil on Eve - "the wife you gave me." 30: v27 and 30. Saul, recognized that Samuel not only had the ear of the people but also the Lord. After it was too late he wanted Samuel with him. We now know enough about Saul to know that it was for the wrong reasons. 35: An interesting statement: "And the Lord was grieved..." Is God grieving over his decision, implying that it was the wrong decision. Or did he grieve over his wayward children who chose a human king and rejected a holy God? The Lord was willing to pour out his blessing on his children, but they had a better idea! -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Saul did not follow the Lord's word, and he knew it. He tried to shift the blame from himself to his soldiers. Then he tried to justify their actions by saying they intended to sacrifice the cattle to the Lord. He knew he had sinned and admitted it, but did not want to be publicly disgraced. Samuel had mercy and went back with Saul before the elders. God demands that His words be followed to the letter, not to the liking. There is no "ad libbing". In serving God, submission and complete obedience are required. But he promises in Ps. 37:4 that if we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our heart. God sees rebellion and arrogance, things we are honestly all familiar with being, as detestable as divination and idolatry. These sins can be equally as bad as what we consider "evil practices" in foreign countries. We have our own evil in America when we rebel and seek our own way, thinking it is the best. There is also no difference between Saul's day and modern times, for (Is. 40:8) "The grass withers and the flowers fall, BUT THE WORD OF OUR gOD STANDS FOREVER." His word is everlasting! That's something worth believing in! -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Saul, a man who started out humble in the sight of others has let power go to his head and taken his role as king to the point of becoming proud. Saul weaves a sad tale indeed. First he sins, then in 20 tries to say he didn't(denial), then in 21 blames the people(projection), and in 24 he accepts the sin, but places the reason upon peer pressure(transference). From Samuels warnings we see that God is a) Powerful - and to be obeyed, b) Holy - and cannot tolerate any sin c) Sovreign - and unchanging in His ways. God demands full obedience, not out of a sense of guilt or shame or fear of judgement, but He wants our obedience to demonstrate our faith and our love for Him. The Gospel is the completion of this. Our Holy God cannot tolerate sin, but He loves us and wants fellowship with us restored, so He sent His son to die on the cross for the penalty of our sins, thus restoring the way for us to reach Him. The Gospel is not just the fact that He took away our sins, but that we are imputed with Jesus' holiness and righteousness. Thus we are empowered with his Holiness. God disciplines us out of a Fatherly love for his children, not to punish us, but rather to build us and to allow us to mature. 2) We see from verse 11 that we cannot pay lip service to God's commands and alter them to fit our purposes, or interpret them in our own easier to digest manner. Sometimes the commands of God are bitter, they are hard to swallow, but once digested, they are fruitful and sweet like honey from the honeycomb. We must learn to take His commands and obey them fully. The Lord doesn't want our 'religious' devotion, but wants us to obey His commands from a heart of love and devotion. The simple physical act of going to church is not what God wants - He desires a heart to worship Him. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- (i) You Were Little In Your Own eyes, 15:17 The statement implied that Saul was no more a humble man. This is what we are studying the Bible for - to find out how to live before God. (ii) Strike Amalek And Utterly Destroy All That He Has, 15:3 God demands us to destroy the enemies totally. It is God's commandment that "Thou shalt not kill." We should not kill the innocent ones. But for Satan, we should not leave any room for them to survive. (iii) Behold, To Obey is better than Sacrifice, 15:22: For worldly people, God wants them to believe that Jesus is Christ. For Godly people, the Lord wants us to be obedient. (iv) 15:23: rebellion = sin of divination; arrogance = the evil of idolatry: Life Application Bible "For rebellion is as bad as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as bad as worshipping idols." Rebellion and stubbornness of a Christian is just as bad as performing witchcraft and idols worshipping of the unbeliever. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (1 Samuel) CHAPTER 16 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 How is true obedience illustrated in Samuel's behaviour? What can you learn from his example? 2 What great truth was brought home to Samuel at Bethlehem? Consider how this truth is emphasized in Jesus' teaching. See Mt. 6:1; 7: 15, etc. Cf Rom. 2:28, 29. 3 Here men twice sent to fetch David; why? When he comes into sight, what do we learn about him? Make a list of his characteristics.What was the chief evidence that God had chosen him and rejected Saul? Cf 2 Cor.1:22. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (1 Samuel) Chapter 16 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Les Tripp -------------------------------------------- 2: Did God ignore Samuel's question? 6: He is God's obedient servant, Samuel, second guessing the Lord. We have a sovereign God. Once before he chose a king from the lowest clan. Now he was to choose an apprentice shepherd. As godly a man as Samuel was he did not have the mind of God. 7: The Lord uses this as a teachable moment for Samuel, an old man. we are never to old to learn form the Lord. 8: We can not that Samuel was a quick learner. 14: There appears to be a spiritual vaccum in each of us. We can choose to fill it with the Holy Spirit or the spirit that has captured the world's attention. God permitted the evil spirit to possess Saul now that his spirit had departed. This opens the door for David to serve in the Courts of Saul. -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Samuel, despite his own fear of being killed by Saul, followed the Lord's command to anoint the one from Jesse's house. I am impressed by that, considering all he had at stake (endangered his own life). He made no complaint, but submitted and carried out the commands of God. At Bethlehem, Samuel discovered that David would be the next king, based on the fact that the Lord looks at the heart and not the outward appearance (v. 7). The one who is a little man in the eyes of the world, just a shepherd boy, may be a king by God's choice. Praise God! No one considered David to be important - they left him at home to tend the sheep. Therefore, he had to be called from what he was doing. David was "ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features" and the youngest, considered the least important in his family. He also spoke well, and could play the harp well. Most of all, the Lord was with him. God chose David and the Spirit of the Lord came upon D. in power. That is the Lord's mark of having chosen D. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Samuel is unsure of what to do, he is grievous that the Lord has rejected Saul as king, and doesn't know what to do. Yet even in his sorrow, he obeys the Lord's command to go find the newly selected one to anoint as king. 2) Verse 7 tells it all. God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. Saul was a tall strong man, one that would make a good leader physically. David is not the tallest most handsome even of his brothers. But, he would be the next king as chosen by God. Joseph was also the yougest of his brothers, even despised by them, but was used by God in a powerful way. Similarly Jacob was the yougest son too. God seems to work through the younger members of the families. Jesus brings out the same concept mentioned here, that of our outward actions not being the ones judged by God, but rather the heart with which we perform those actions. 3) God's spirit leaves Saul. When we first met Saul and he was following and allowing himself to be led by God, he received the Spirit. Now, after relying on himself, he has lost the Spirit's power. In fact, an evil spirit has been sent by the Lord to Saul. This must have been much like God hardening Pharaoh's heart. The indwelling of God's Spirit is his mark upon us, that He has chosen us for His good work. May we be filled continually with a renewing of the power of the Holy Spirit. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- (i) The Spirit of The Lord Came Upon David, 16:13b; 16:18: AND FROM THAT DAY ON THE sPIRIT OF THE lORD CAME UPON dAVID IN POWER. hE IS A BRAVE MAN AND A WARRIOR. hE SPEAKS WELL AND IS A FINE-LOOKING MAN. aND THE lORD IS WITH HIM. When the Spirit of God is with you, you will be in power, brave and speak well. In Old Testament time, David was the only person with whom God's Spirit was with constantly. Psalm 51:11. That is why David was a man after God's own heart; because he was always in communion with God. Each time he sinned, in fact he sinned seriously, his heart was broken and he asked for forgiveness. (ii) The Spirit of the Lord Had Departed From Saul, 16:14: In the Old Testament times, the Holy Spirit did not stay on earth. But it did come and go. Whenever a judge or prophet spoke, it says that the Spirit of God came upon them. Each time the Spirit of God energized an individual to perform a specific task. In New Testament times, the Holy Spirit is within us. Romans 8:9-10; I Corinthians 15:45; Philippians 3:10-11 - yOU, HOWEVER, ARE CONTROLLED NOT BY THE SINFUL NATURE BUT BY THE sPIRIT, IF THE sPIRIT OF gOD LIVES IN YOU. aND IF ANYONE DOES NOT HAVE THE sPIRIT OF cHRIST, HE DOES BELONG TO cHRIST. bUT cHRIST IS IN YOU, YOUR BODY IS DEAD BECAUSE OF SIN, YET YOUR SPIRIT IS ALIVE BECAUSE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. ---tHE FIRST MAN aDAM BECAME A LIVING BEING; THE LAST aDAM, A LIFE-GIVING SPIRIT. i WANT TO KNOW cHRIST AND THE POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION AND THE FELLOWSHIP OF SHARING IN HIS SUFFERINGS, BECOMING LIKE HIM IN HIS DEATH, AND SO, SOMEHOW, TO THE RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD. After being baptized, we already received and are sealed by the Holy Spirit. However, we need the Holy Spirit to recharge us to refresh and renew our spirit constantly. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (1 Samuel) CHAPTER 17:1-54 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 What was it that made David view the situation differently, and gave him courage, when all the men of Israel were much afraid? Cf Ps. 42:5,11; Is. 51: 12, 13. 2 How did David's past experiences of the Lord's deliverance give him confidence to face the present challenge? What practical lessons does this teach about (a) the value of remembering, and (b) the importance of proving God's presence and power in ordinary daily living? 3 What do you think of Saul's reasoning (verse 33), and of his provision for David (verses 38, 39)? Did he understand what he saying, in his words to David: 'The Lord be with you!'? What is lacking? See verse 47. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (1 Samuel) Chapter 17:1-54 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Les Tripp -------------------------------------------- 1 Sam 17:1: The timing of this story is out of sequence with the last few verses of Chapter 16. This story seems to fit better between David's anointing as king and his entrance into the court of Saul because it is only after this story that we see David as a warrior (unless the warrior reference is to his success in protecting the sheep?). Since the events of Chapter 17 do not follow those of chapter 16, the HS seems to be elevating this story and setting it apart from the historical sequence that goes before. The HS appears to be saying, "Stop, pay close attention, this is important. Do not miss the point." This chapter is a gold mine. I find new nuggets every time I return. 4: It has been pointed out that Goliath represents Satan. In this verse we see his over whelming size. 5: The scale armor represents the scales of the serpent. The helmet is indicated as an attempt to protect Goliath's (Satan's) head which Gen 3 reports will be crushed. The weight of the armor represents the strength and endurance of Satan. 1 "shekels": That is, about 125 pounds (about 57 kilograms) 6: Satan appears to be well protected with an impressive arsenal at his disposal. 8: Satan is full of bluster and bravado. His taunts and threats are frightening. 11: Satan achieving the desired effect -- dismay and terror. 12: Contrast Goliath with David. From the worldly perspective there is no comparison. V14 says that David was the youngest. Relegated, because of his youth and inexperience to being an errand boy. 20: David was obedient! following his fathers instruction. At the same time, he was responsible, making sure that his normal duties would be cared for during his absence. We are called to be obedient in the small things in preparation for being obedient in the big matters. 22: David put his baggage down. When fighting giants we must put down or baggage. We must not be incumbered with things that drag us down and make us ineffective. 26: David clearly saw that the giant must be removed. Goliath was an impediment to Israel. Notice that David clearly understands that this is spiritual warfare! How does one know Satan (the uncircumcised)? -- Not from experience with Satan, but from knowing the one, true God. When we know God, we will recognize spirits that live apart from God. We must see clearly the need to eliminate our giants. 28: David is ridiculed by his brother and accused falsely. So we must be prepared to be ridiculed when the battle is spiritual. We must be ready for ridicule and false accusations from others, even our brothers in Christ! 30: David is persistent. Testing the army of Israel to determine if anyone sees Goiliath the same way he does. In our spiritual battle we should look for others of like precious faith to accompany us into battle. But when there are none, we must be prepared to enter the battle alone. 32: "Do not lose heart," The youth giving counsel the the experienced warrior! David's suggestion that he fight Goliath was not bravado. Instead, he understood that the battle was the Lord's. 34: David gives his testimony. He knows the Lord and he has seen the power of the Lord in very practical ways. The size and strength of Goliath are no match for his Lord. We must stop and reflect on the power that the Lord has demonstrated around us. We dare not enter spiritual warfare with out the testimony of the Lord. 37: Perhaps, being reminded that the battle is the Lord's, Saul was embarrassed and permitted David to fight the giant. The risk was great. If David was killed, the Israeli camp would be over run and the children of Israel would become Philistine slaves. From Saul's perspective this would be the most likely outcome. Saul may have been extremely desperate! Desperation is the mark of those whose faith is not in the Lord. 39: David was wise. He preferred his own weapons. The weapons with which he was experienced. This is a humorous passage. Imagine David wearing Saul's armor when Saul stood a head taller than the men of Israel. The Lord expects us to enter the battle with the equipment and experience he has given us. 42: Satan despises us. He tells us how the world sees us. We are small in stature, ill equipped, and unprepared for battle. 45: David proclaims victory because the battle is the Lord's! Do we declare victory before the first blow is struck? 46: David already knows the outcome and is not afraid to proclaim it! The victory will be a testimony to the power of the God of Israel! 48: David did not shrink back from the battle but move forward to challenge Goliath. The asks us to proceed with boldness and confidence because he is with us. 49: The battle is the Lord's but the Lord equips us, prepares us, and fills us with the spirit of boldness and confidence. The Lord accomplishes victory through us. We should not stand idly by. The wound is to the head. It was a fatal wound. The head of the serpent was crushed! 51: David finished the job. While Goliath was in fact dead. David made sure that the world knew he was dead by cutting off his head. Goliath's head was a testimony to the power of the Lord! David severed Goliath's head with the giants own sword! There would be no argument that Goliath recovered! -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- "...it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; FOR THE BATTLE IS THE lORD'S, AND hE WILL GIVE ALL OF YOU INTO OUR HANDS," said the little shepherd boy (if the Bible had exclamation points, there would be one here...!) Isn't this the picture we all have of David - the most famous one?? What faith!!! David understood the key to victory -- the Lord Almighty of Israel. Do we take our key to life and victory with us each day? Keys are very important, as anyone who has lost them knows (I certainly have experienced this!!). Without the Lord, we have nothing, no key to victory or eternal life, no peace with God. With the Lord Jesus, "the Key", we have all these! Past succesful experiences give us courage. David was able to recall how the Lord delivered him from "the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear." These practical experiences from his daily life gave D. the extra know-how and trained him to skilled with the sling; the Lord provided all D. needed, in advance, to kill the mammoth Goliath. Saul certainly did not realize his own words - "...the Lord be with you", for the Lord was already with D.! It reminds me of a topic we had at my school Bible study - that it is not scriptural or "faithful" to pray "..Lord, be with this person...", because if we had faith, we would know that He already is with His children constantly. We had many divided opinions on that...it is really a complicated topic, and I think it also applies here. Should we alter our prayer style not to sound like Saul?? I never realized how similar my prayers sound to this, until reading exactly what Saul said here, the same as many of us modern-day Christians...>O__O< (eye-opener) -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) David understood God's provision and His Awesome Power and entrusted his soul to Him, the Almighty. David's brothers show jealousy for him, again like Josephs brothers were jealous of his many colored coat, another interesting similarity between Joseph and David. I see many parallels between their lives. 2) David knew from the past tests that the Lord would deliver Him. It is interesting that he refuses the sword and helmet and armor because they were not "tested" in battle. How often do we resort to the ways and means of this world to get us through a battle we face, when we should just put our trust in God and let him use the simple weapons that He has provided us that have been tested in battle in the past and are proven. We must remember the ways we were victorious in past battles, and cling to them when facing new attacks of a similar nature and use these methods to go through the real life tests of everyday life. 3) Saul reasons as a man would, he puts human limitations on the power of God. We ourselves often do this in thinking that there is no 'earthly' way imaginable for something to happen, when we really need to put our trust in God that He can overcome anything through his omnipotent power. We must remember as the chorus says: The Battle Belongs to the Lord, and Ephesians 1:18-23 [18] I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, [19] and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, [20] which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, [21] far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. [22] And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, [23] which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. May we rest in the victory already won by Christ and know the limitless expanse of his 'incomparably great power'. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- (i) Bible Is Not Only God's Word But Also God's Deeds, 17:26b; 17:37: David started as a shepherd boy. God created circumstances for him to live a sherpherd's life with lion and bear attacks. When David asked the men standing near him about Goliath.. He could not stand the situation that anyone should insult his Lord, 17:26b. He told Saul that tHE lORD WHO DELIVERED ME FROM THE PAW OF THE LION AND THE PAW OF THE BEAR WILL DELIVER ME FROM THE HAND OF HIS pHILISTINE, 17:37. This chapter of the Bible ( "the Book") is full of light, life, love, power and wisdom. One of the essential messages is the Lord God is a good shepherd. (ii) How The Good Shepherd Takes Care Of His Sheep? I Sam. 14:34-36; Jn. 10:10-11: --- wHEN A LION OR A BEAR CAME AND CARRIED OFF A SHEEP FROM THE FLOCK, i WENT AFTER IT, STRUCK IT AND RESCUED THE SHEEP FROM ITS MOUTH. wHEN IT TURNED ON ME, i SEIZED IT BY ITS HAIR, STRUCK IT AND KILLED IT. yOUR SERVANT HAS KILLED BOTH THE LION AND THE BEAR; ---. tHE THIEF COMES ONLY TO STEAL AND KILL AND DESTROY; i HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE, AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL. i AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD. tHE GOOD SHEPHERD LAYS DOWN HIS LIFE FORTHE SHEEP. (iii) How to deal with Jealousy? 17:28-30: David's brothers had sour grapes feelings towards him. All that David did was ignore them and do what was right before the Lord. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (1 Samuel) CHAPTER 17:55-19:24 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 How were fear and jealousy like a cancer in Saul's spirit? How did they show themselves? How do you explain God's action in the matter? By what means were Saul's attempts to destroy David foiled? 2 How did Jonathan and Michal show their love for David? Do we ever risk anything for our friends? See 1 Jn. 3: 16, 18 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (1 Samuel) Chapter 17:55-19:24 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Saul's fear and jealousy spread throughout his spirit, causing him to be tormented by the evil spirit, sent from God. It is a strange thing to me how God was with David to protect him and help him, yet he caused an evil spirit to be in Saul, who tried to kill David. In our human minds, it would seem counterproductive. I think that it shows how God allows circumstances that we see as bad to shape and mold us into stronger Christians. If David had gained the kingship easily, it would not have been the same. In addition, many of the psalms written may not include that aspect of utter desperation and dependence upon God for help. Saul was unable to kill David due to God's intervention of certain people like Michal and Jonathan and sheer physical protection from whirling spears. Jonathan and Michal showed their love for David by "defying" their father, reaching outside of their family ties to honor the Lord and love David. As the old saying goes, "A friend is need is a friend indeed." Desperate times bond people together, for they cannot be self-sufficient, but must seek help in one another. Those who reach out freely, like Jonathan and Michal (who were not really obligated to David since Saul was also their father) show true friendship and love. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) We see a sad picture of Saul, a man consumed by jealousy for David. So much so that he would have David killed. God provides a way out for David. It seems like his own children were constantly trying to hinder their father from killing David. Both Michal and Jonathan tried to help David escape Saul's jealous anger. 2) Jonathan is a true friend and Michal displays her love for David through their actions. They remain true to helping him by trying to circumvent attempts by Saul to kill him. We see the true meaning of Frienship in the following passage from 1 John 3:16-18 16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. May we be able to say that we are truly friends with our brothers and sisters so much so that we are willing to act on this frienship in love. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- (i) God Is Great, I Samuel 18:1-4: When the Lord assigns us to a task, He does not let us walk alone. In this case the co-workers are really having a major conflicts in interests. Yet, the Lord made them not only having man to man friendship; but also heart to heart fellowship. Despite their positional differences that one was a prince and the other was the anointed future king. (ii) Demotion, I Samuel 18:13: David was set to be the "Commander in Charge" of the army, 18:5. And later on was demoted to a captain. Did you have that experience in your life when it happens without good reason? It is not a easy lesson to learn from the Lord. But when it happens to you, it would be an empty feeling. The only comfort you would have is that I am better off than Job. (iii) Saul Was A Disrespectful King, I Samuel 18:17: How could a king not keep his promises? He did that to provoke David. In my mind, he was a foolish king. He could have other ways to irritate David instead of eating up his promise. (iii) Should we lie? Michal did! Isamuel 19:14 & 17: Michal lied twice in one chapter. By all means, I am not saying that there is no problem to lie. I am only pointing out the fact of record. Michal loved David, 19:20. Obviously, David loved her too. Otherwise, he would not risk his life to get the required 100 foreskins of the Philistines. Michal even lied to save the life of her husband. Is it right of wrong?! Bible is a challenging, philosophical and practical book for us to search the balance of our lives. (iv) The Title Of Chapter 19 Should Be "God's Protection": In this chapter we reviewed God's protection to David through (1)Jonathan, (2)Michal and (3) Samuel. Lord! I praise you for the protection you granted to David. And pray that you protect my Christian brothers, sisters and myself the same way. -------------------------------------------- * Les Tripp -------------------------------------------- 1) Long before this incident, Saul had begun the slide down the slippery slope of disobedience. His actions against David demonstrate the growing intensity of his struggle against the Lord. Saul did things his way and then sought the Lord's blessing. God permitted Saul to proceed (descend) on his own path. There is an interesting contrast here. God had removed his hand from Saul's life. He was not present in Saul's life. On the other hand, he was with David and protected him on the battle field and in his encounters with Saul. David seems to be a reminder to Saul of what could have been. Surely he saw in David the presence of the Lord that he himself had once enjoyed. Yet Saul did not turn back to God. God's hand of protection is clearly evident in David's life. It is said that it is safer to be in the will of God in the most dangerous situation than to be outside of the will of God in the safest environment. God placed his hedge of protection around David -- in battle and in Saul's presence. 2) Jonathan and Michal demonstrated their love for David by placing their lives on the line for him. Both stood in opposition to Saul and thwarted his attempts to take David's life. Jonathan challenged Saul to preserve David's life when he was intent on killing him. Michal deceived Saul to protect David. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (1 Samuel) CHAPTER 20:1-21:9 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 What was David's purpose in seeking Jonathan? What request did Jonathan in turn make of David? What components of true friendship does the relationship of these two men illustrate? 2 What characteristic of true 'loyal love' (20: 14) does this passage reveal? Compare it with (a) I Cor. 13:4-7, and (b) your own life, 3 When human need and ceremonial obligations conflict as in 21:6, what guidance do we find here as to the right course to take? Cf Mt. 12:3-8. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (1 Samuel) Chapter 20:1-21:9 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) David was seeking to find out what he had done to make Saul want to kill him. Jonathan asked David to promise to show unfailing kindness (to J.)like that of the Lord as long as he lives, so that he may not be killed, and to never cut off his kindness from J.'s family. It exemplifies true friendship, to be kind and loving, no matter what the circumstances and no matter how great D. might become. The components of true friendship I draw from this are loyalty, love, kindness, unity of spirit, and also commitment to be there to help. (2) The reference to I Cor. 13:4-7 sums it all up, to me: "Love is patient (really patient), love is kind (always kind). It does not envy, it does NOT BOAST, it is NOT PROUD. It is NOT RUDE, it is NOT SELF-SEEKING, it is NOT EASILY ANGERED, it KEEPS NO RECORD OF WRONGS (that's a tough one). Love does not delight in evil but REJOICES WITH THE TRUTH. IT ALWAYS RPOTECTS, ALWAYS TRUST, ALWAYS HOPES, ALWAYS PERSEVERS. And also - (v. 8) - LOVE NEVER FAILS... (3) Sometimes, rules must be broken. It should only be done, though, out of a need that is greater than keeping the rules. In addition, David did ask the priest for any food available; the consecrated bread was the last alternative. However, it shows that God makes allowances for special circumstances. In life, we are constantly faced with these kinds of questions, in different forms. May the Bible be our guide. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- (i) Jonathan's Understanding, I Samuel 20:13 ---- mAY THE lORD BE WITH YOU AS HE HAS BEEN WITH MY FATHER. Jonathan knew that the Lord appointed his father to be the first king of Israel. After that, the Lord ordained David to serve His people. Even though he was the heir of king Saul who's supposed to be the successor to the throne, he yielded his right to obey God's order. Most people, under such circumstances, would feel that it is something I deserve and am entitled to have and would fight for it. (ii) The Covenant Jonathian made with David, I Samuel 20:15-16: aND DO NOT EVER CUT OFF YOUR KINDNESS FROM MY FAMILY ----- I think, the covenant David agreed to Jonathian was the reason that David did not kill Saul, even later on David had chances to do so. (iii) The Serious Lie David Committed Caused the death of Ahimelech, 21:1-9; 22:15: As we read about Michal's lies in Chapter 19, it is kind of understandable because she was not that spiritual a person who even hid idol in her bed room, 19:16. But when David lied to Priest Ahimelech, I am totally lost. It is so serious and caused the life of Ahimelech and other 84 souls. -------------------------------------------- *Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 20:1-21:9 ---------------------------------- 1) David sought Jonathan's counsel concerning why Saul was after him. Jonathan asks David not to forget his family line no matter what. The trust and complete devotion and loyalty as friends is demonstrated here in a beautiful way. Friends till the end... 2) This passage shows the protective aspect of loyal love. I Cor. 13:6-7 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. We see in the end of Chp 20 Saul's anger toward Jonathan for supporting David and putting his own position down, to fulfill God's selection of David as King. That is love and loyalty, to seek the good of your friend over your own gain. 3) Ahimelech recoginizes that the physical needs here outweighed the spiritual sanctity of the bread. He thus gave David the consecrated bread. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (1 Samuel) CHAPTER 21:10 - 22:23 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 Do you gather from 21:10-15 and 22:3-5 that David's fights out of the holy land were done without God's guidance? What seems to have determined David's actions? Contrast 22: 23. Are you free from the fear of men? Cf Prov. 29:25. 2 Consider the character of the motley crew of which David now became the leader. Why did they turn to him? How can God today transform any group under Christian leadership? Cf I Cor. 6:9-11; note especially the phrase, 'such were some to you'. 3 Read the story of 22:7-19 in the light of Pr. 6:34; 14:30; 27:4. How can the Christian be zealous without being jealous? Cf I KI. 19:10, 14;Jn. 2: 17. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (1 Samuel) Chapter 21:10 - 22:23 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) These sections describing David's exploits have some mixed motives. In 21:210-15, David seems to rely on the will to survive, and in 22:3-5 he relies on God's direction and seeks it. 2) The men that comprised David's troop were the micreants of society, those who probably gambled(owed debts), those in distress, and the discontented. They were in Victor Hugo's french words, Les Miserables(The miserables - wretches from the dregs of society). Band of outcasts behind him, David seeks out God's will. These men turned to David out of desperation and lack of any other means. God can take any of us and equip us to be fruitful workers for Him. He is able to use anyone willing to be transformed into a new creation in Him. We are all just as bad off as the worst sinner in God's eyes, and it is only through the transforming grace of His Son Jesus Christ our Saviour that we are imputed holiness to be made righteous before God. 3) We must have the proper motivation for our zeal. We must be zealous out of our love for the Lord, and from no other motivation. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- (i) Why did David Flee From Saul to the Philistines' Territory? I samuel 23:23; 27:1: fIND OUT ABOUT ALL THE HIDING PLACES HE (David) USES AND COME BACK TO ME(Saul)WITH DEFINITE INFORMATION. tHEN i WILL GO WITH YOU; IF HE IS IN THE AREA, i WILL TRACK HIM DOWN AMONG ALL THE CLANS OF jUDAH. bUT dAVID THOUGHT TO HIMSELF, oNE OF THESE DAYS i WILL BE DESTROYED BY THE HAND OF sAUL. tHE BEST THING i CAN DO IS TO ESCAPE TO THE LAND OF THE pHILISTINES. tHEN sAUL WILL GIVE UP SEARCHING FOR ME ANYWHERE IN iSRAEL, AND i WILL SLIP OUT OF HIS HAND. In I Samuel 21: 10, when Saul was searching for Daivd's life, he fled to Achish, king of Gath. Achish was a Philistine and Gath is one of their capital cities. The referenced verses indicated that David felt safer to stay out of the country. One on the questions was asked in our Friday Family Bible Study on June 5, 1998 - Where Philistines came from? They lived in southwest Canaan, and probably migrated here from Caphtor (Gen. 10:14; Jer. 47:4), perhaps the island of Crete in the Mediterranean. (ii) David, the "Captain" of 400 misfits (motley), I Samuel 22:2: Any one showed loyalty to king Saul would not come to David at this time. Therefore, David could only recruit a bunch of "social trash" to build up his "army force." Those in distress, in debt and discontented ones would support his force to overthrow the power of king Saul. There are similar cases like this in Chinese history. (iii) David Received Abiathar, I Samuel 22:20-23: Abiathar was one of Ahimelech's sons, who alone had escaped Saul's slaughter of the priests at Nob, where the Tabernacle was staying at that time. David kept him because David had the faith and told Abiathar that sTAY WITH ME; DON'T BE AFRAID; THE MAN WHO IS SEEKING YOUR LIFE IS SEEKING MINE ALSO. yOU WILL BE SAFE WITH ME. 22:23. -------------------------------------------- * BLenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) It would seem that David was acting more out of fear and personal decision, rather than out of God's guidance. Sometimes, I think it's good because we today can learn from his actions by reading the Bible. After all, these Biblical figures are mere humans, like us. In addition, God actually helped D. out by placing the prophet Gad in Mizpah, and giving D. the wisdom to act insane at Gath. Perhaps God seemed far to David at that time, but He was always placing specific people or events to point D. in the right direction. God is faithful, but sometimes we are not, and He is whether we know it or not. (2) This group was (22:2) "All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him." Wow! A disgruntled union going on strike, so to speak. However, it is a large number and exactly what D. needed. Jehovah-Jireh provided again. Although it might seem like a burdensome group of rebellious people, it was God's prescription for D.'s need of an army. Praise Him for He provides! (3) As Christians, we have NO NEED to be jealous - of what?? Our God is the True and Living God. He satisfies the righteous with good things...and he lifts up the humble. If anything, we should be zealous and not jealous. We have an inheritance that will never perish, spoil or fade, kept in heaven for us!