Expository Thoughts on 1 Samuel 31 While David had been rescued by God from joining the Philistines against his people and from the wiles of the Amalekites (Ch. 29&30), Saul was in a battle for his livelihood and life (31:1). When the Philistines were fighting against Israel, they killed Saul’s sons and eventually the king himself. Just as Samuel foretold, Saul’s reign as King of Israel came…
Call to Worship November 28 2021
Expository Thoughts 1 Samuel 30:21-31 After the reckoning with the Amalekites, the reclaiming of goods, and reconnection with their families, much joy returned to the people. David was no longer under scrutiny and they praised him as their king once again. While traveling home many said the spoil taken from the Amalekites was David’s, but some “wicked men” were plotting amongst themselves to have their way with…
Call to Worship November 21 2021
Expository Thoughts on 1 Samuel 30:1-20 There must have been some relief for David and his men as they traveled back to Ziklag. God spared David the difficulty of defending Achish at the upcoming Philistine battle against Israel. He and his men got to go home and see their families. Nevertheless, when David and his men arrived at Ziklag another frowning providence was evident. Ziklag was burned…
Call to Worship November 14 2021
Expository Thoughts on 1 Samuel 29 The anointed King of Israel lived in the land of Israel’s arch enemy, Goliath’s people, the Philistines. David voluntarily resided there – not by kidnapping or under protest. He deceptively raided pagan tribes from his base at Ziklag (27:6-12). Furthermore, he was Achish’s side-kick and bodyguard (28:1-2). Seemingly, he was ready to defend Achish even against the Israelites, his own people…
Call to Worship November 7 2021
Expository Thoughts on 1 Samuel 28 Remember, Samuel was dead and Saul had decreed the removal of any spiritists from Israel (3). Now, the Philistines and Saul gathered for war. The site of their army brought fear to the heart of Saul. He recognized their military movement threatened the economic life of Israel.[1] His heart was so troubled by the camp of the Philistines he did something…
Call to Worship October 31 2021
Expository Thoughts on 1 Samuel 27 Life is often more complex and confusing, than calm and comforting. People are much the same, especially since they make up so much of daily life. David is no different. His thoughts and actions were sometimes encouraging and even heralding, but other times perplexing and disconcerting. The LORD protected him from the moody wiles of Saul. David, by God’s grace, withstood…
Call to Worship October 10 2012
Expository Thoughts on 1 Samuel 25 No one likes to be slighted, especially without cause. David was no different than most people, and being snubbed set him off to unreasonable proportions in this particular narrative. He encountered an irritable, worthless fool named Nabal. Fool? Yes, that is what his name meant (25:25).[1] He acted that way apparently with some regularity according to his servant and his wife…
Call to Worship October 3 2021
Expository Thoughts on 1 Samuel 24 David, once again, was being pursued by Saul. Saul selected his choice 3,000 men to hunt for David, and his somewhat ragtag bunch of 600. Saul’s chase ranged far enough south that he needed a pit stop, so he entered a cave for a nature break. Strangely, he chose a cave that David and his men were using for refuge. As…
Call to Worship September 26 2021
Expository Thoughts on 1 Samuel 23 William Tyndale encountered tenacious opposition while seeking to translate and transport English Bibles. He was most concerned with his English speaking people’s ability to read and know the biblical truth of God’s salvation through Christ alone, by faith alone. More than once Tyndale was turned in to English authorities or law enforcement in various mainland European cities, where he was exiled,…
Call to Worship September 12 2021
Expository thoughts on 1 Samuel 21-22:4 Fugitives are often confused and wandering. They search for hope in the midst of their circumstances. The fear of their situation and surroundings manifests troubling and sometimes sinful decisions. David as a fugitive proved to produce some disconcerting decisions. David was no longer the teenager who had been ready to take hell on with a water pistol. He had seen war,…