Notes: July 6, 2008 – 1 Samuel 18:1-19:11
David and Jonathan
Meditation Points:
- David and Jonathan, King Saul’s son, became close friends; and King Saul invited David to live with them (vs. 1-3).
- David behaved himself wisely (vs. 5, 14, 30); but Saul, knowing that God had already rejected him, was wary of the ever-popular David (vs. 12).
- On (at least) two occasions, Saul attempted to kill David (vs. 11, 19:10); and he ordered others to do so (19:1). He also sent David to battle the Philistines, hoping that David would be slain (vs. 18, 25). And for what reason did Saul hate David so (1 Samuel 19:4-5)?
- Jonathan interceded for David (19:4); but Saul’s hatred of David soon rose again.
- Even Michal, Saul’s daughter who was married to David, worked against the will of her evil father (vs 19:11).
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Notes: July 5, 2008 – 1 Samuel 17
David and Goliath
Meditation Points:
- When the enemy defies you to choose a man to fight for you (vs. 8), will you choose Jesus?
- When some people face opposition, they see giants and run away (vs. 24); others see insignificant sinners who are no match for the Almighty God (vs. 26).
- Sometimes our family doesn’t understand our devotion to God (vs. 28).
- Do you have a reason to live for God (vs. 29)?
- How old must one be before he can fight the good fight (vs. 33)? If you would live for God, let no one despise your youth (1 Timothy 4:12).
- Only those who have experienced God’s wise providence will bravely face new experiences (vs. 34-37).
- You cannot live by someone else’s faith; you must have your own (vs. 39).
- David had a staff, some stones, a scrip, and a sling (vs. 40); Goliath had a sword, a spear, and a shield (vs. 45). Maybe spending more money on new technology is not the answer to failed evangelism.
- “The battle is the Lord’s” (vs. 47). Are you confident that you are on the Lord’s side?
- Do not be surprised when people you have ministered to forget you (vs. 55-58).
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Notes: July 4, 2008 – 1 Samuel 16
David is chosen to replace Saul
Meditation Points:
- “How long will you mourn for Saul” (vs. 1)? Are you clinging to a past relationship rather than progressing with God?
- “I have rejected him” (vs. 1). If God has plainly rejected a person’s leadership, then why would I mourn about it?
- “Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature” (vs. 7). Saul was head and shoulders taller than all the others; and we see that he was a terrible king. Don’t be impressed by a person’s size.
- “The Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart” (vs 7). Judge righteous judgment (John 7:24). Do you see people the way that God sees them, or are you blinded by unholy humanism and emotion?
- “The Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward” (vs. 13). With God present and enabling, what can a man do?
- “But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him” (vs. 15). You will be filled by a spirit. Which one will it be?
- “Saul’s servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubles you” (vs 15). Sometimes others know the source of our problems, even when we are unaware of our condition.
- “The LORD is with him” (vs. 18). Has anyone ever said this about you?
- “When the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, David took a harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him” (vs. 23). Frank Garlock, of Bob Jones University, is well known for preaching on the effects of music on our bodies, our minds, and our souls. You may disagree with his ultimate conclusions and preferences of music genre, but you cannot deny his thesis that we should be careful what we hear.
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