1 Samuel 17:31 says, And when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul: and he sent for him. People heard what David said and reported it to Saul. David, a young shepherd and future king became the champion of Israel, because of his faith in God and not his own abilities. As long as we as followers of Christ put our faith in Him, we have no reason to fear what appear to be giants to the world. Verse thirty-two adds, And David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine. David told Saul to not let anyone's heart fail because of Goliath, because he would go fight him. We need to be the one that gives others encouragement when things seem hopeless by standing faithfully with God. Verse thirty-three continues, And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. Saul told David he couldn't fight Goliath, because David was but a youth and Goliath was a man of war. No matter how overpowering the odds may be for us, as a Christian if we put our faith in God then we will ultimately win. Verse thirty-four states, And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: David shared a story about when he was keeping his father's sheep and a lion and a bear took a lamb from the flock. Against such odds, we might say that it was only a lamb and let it go, but if we begin to compromise when the odds are against us, we will probably continue to compromise even when the cost is higher. Verse thirty-five adds, And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. David said that in spite of the danger, he went after the lion and killed it, and delivered the lamb out of its mouth. This is the type faith we have today, where we are willing to take the lion by the beard if necessary to save a lost lamb. Verse thirty-six continues, Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. David said that he killed both the lion and the bear, I believe implying by God's help, and the uncircumcised Philistine would be the same since he defied the Living God. We may be okay with people ridiculing us as followers of Christ, but we should never allow anyone, no matter how powerful, to get away with ridiculing God. Verse thirty-seven says, David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee. David then stated plainly that God had delivered him from the bear and the lion and said that God would do the same with Goliath. Saul then told him to go and said may the LORD be with you. Of course, Saul had really put little faith in God himself. We need a faith like David's but too often have a faith like Saul's. Verse thirty-eight adds, And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. Saul attempted to put David in his armor, but it didn't fit. We don't need to attempt to arm ourselves with someone else's armor, but only with faith in God. Verse thirty-nine continues, And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him. David said he couldn't go in Saul's armor, because he hadn't proved it. We must prove our faith more than someone else's armor. David removed the armor and went by faith alone, and so should we.
Saturday, July 15, 2023
Friday, July 14, 2023
1Samuel 17:19
1 Samuel 17:19 says, Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines. Though it says Saul and the men of Israel were in the valley of Elah fighting the Philistines, I believe they were actually watching ans listening to Goliath in fear. As followers of Christ, we are called to fight against those who are at war with God today, but we too often sit watching instead of engaging in the battle. I also believe that the more powerful the opposition, the less likely we are to get involved. Verse twenty adds, And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle. David arose early to carry out his father's instructions, and so should we start as soon as possible to do what God has called us to do. We also see that David provided for the care of the sheep that he had been tending, and we know that after His death, burial and resurrection that Jesus provided for our care as His sheep by the coming of the Holy Spirit. Verse twenty-one continues, For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army. Matthew Henry says that after forty days,the two armies were now getting ready to engage in battle, even though none of the men of Israel had answered Goliath's challenge to end the war by one of them fighting him one-on-one. Evidently, they were less afraid of fighting the army of the Philistines together than of one of them fighting Goliath alone. We as Christians have strength when we are united, but we should never be afraid to take on any giant that stands against us individually. As Matthew Henry points out, David got there at a crucial time, and when God calls us to particular battle today, it may be at a critical time in the war against evil in the world. Verse twenty-seven states, And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren. When David got there, he left his carriage in the care of the keeper of the carriage and ran and saluted his brothers. As Christians, sometimes we may be David and at other times we may be the keeper of the sheep or carriage while others are more actively involved in the battle against the forces of evil today. We must not shirk our responsibility if we are. Verse twenty-three adds, And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words: and David heard them. While David was talking with his brothers, Goliath appeared again. David had not come to fight, but simply to deliver food and check on the welfare of his brothers. As Christians, while are going about our everyday life, we may find ourselves confronted with someone openly defying God and challenging anyone to stand up to them. Verse twenty-four continues, And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid. The army of Israel may have been getting ready to engage in battle with the Philistines, but when they saw Goliath, they fled from him and were afraid. Evidently, none of them, Saul their king included, were looking to God to empower them in a fight against Goliath. Though we should be ready to engage in battle against the army of forces of evil today, we cannot allow a particular giant challenge to cause us to flee in fear. Verse twenty-five concludes, And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father’s house free in Israel. The men of Israel asked David if he had seen Goliath, and told him the reward for facing him. Of course, whoever faced Goliath would have to defeat him to claim the reward, and none of the men of the army of Israel had been willing to try. We may not gain material riches if we engage in a particular battle to defend God's word today, but this should not be a determining factor in our willingness to do so. Verse twenty-six declares, And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? David asked them what reward there was for the man who faced Goliath, and then said that Goliath was a reproach not only to the army of Israel, but to God Himself. Matthew Henry says that David might have asked about the reward so word would get back to Saul about David not being afraid of Goliath. If we are obedient to God we have no reason to fear any giant that stands before us. Verse twenty-seven adds, And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him. The men around David assured him that these rewards would be given to the man who killed Goliath. The only reward we should be looking for as followers of Christ when we battle against evil is our reward in Heaven, which is everlasting life with God. We should never look for material things as a motivator. Verse twenty-eight continues, And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle. Eliab, David's oldest brother, berated David, claiming that he had abandoned the sheep simply to come down to see the battle out of self-pride. Too often today, Christians who are afraid to engage in battle sit back and question or berate those who are willing to fight. Verse twenty-nine says, And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? David asked Eliab what had he done that was wrong, and was there not a cause for his questioning what was happening. The army of Israel still had not engaged in battle, and there was one who was openly defying them and this reflected poorly on God as well. As Christians, it is bad enough if we allow ourselves to be cowered by the people of the world, but it is even worse if our actions bring dishonor to God. Verse thirty adds, And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner. David then turned to the other men around him and asked the same questions. When we stand for God, we should not be surprised if those who are unwilling to do so question or even berate us.
Thursday, July 13, 2023
1 Samuel 17:12
1 Samuel 17:12 says, Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul. While the armies of the Philistines and Israel were facing off against each other, and Goliath was taunting the army of Israel, David was tending his father's sheep. Jesse was old at this time and was somewhat reliant on his eight sons, of whom David, the anointed king, was the youngest. Jesse's three oldest sons had gone to join Saul, so there was likely even more responsibility falling on David, but he didn't use his appointed position to shirk his responsibility, just as we as Christians should not use our called position of authority, if we have one, to lord it over other Christians. Verse thirteen adds, And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle: and the names of his three sons that went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah. The three eldest sons of Jesse who followed Saul to the battle are named here. They had followed Saul to the battle, but so far there was no battle. They were there while Goliath was issuing his challenge, but they had not accepted it. We may be ready to join the battle against evil today until we see what seems to be a giant standing before us. Verse fourteen continues, And David was the youngest: and the three eldest followed Saul. We are told again that David was the youngest of the brothers. We may be younger spiritually than those around us, and they may already be technically foighting the war against evil today, but that doesn't make us less qualified as long as we are obedient to God. Verse fifteen continues, But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Bethlehem. David had evidently had gone home at some point from serving Saul, because he was needed to feed his father's sheep. We need to remember our everyday responsibilities in the church as Christians, and not just get caught up in waiting for the coming big battles. Verse sixteen states, And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days. Goliath had been issuing his challenge for forty days, and no one answered it, including Saul and David's three brothers. We need to do more than be looking at the challenges confronting us as fo)lowers of Christ today. We need to engage in the battle. Verse seventeen adds, And Jesse said unto David his son, Take now for thy brethren an ephah of this parched corn, and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to thy brethren. Jesse became concerned about his three sons, and called, on David to carry them some parched corn and bread, and also to check on their welfare. We should always be concerned about the welfare of our fellow Christians and may need to help them materially at times. Verse eighteen continues, And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge. Jesse also sent some cheese to those over his sons. He did not just limit his providing provisions to his family, and neither should we limit our providing help to those in need to our immediate family.
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Wednesday, July 12, 2023
1 Samuel 17:1
1 Samuel 17:1 says, Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which belongeth to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim. The Philistines had invaded Israel, something Matthew Henry says wouldn't have happened if the people of Israel had remained faithful to God. We as the church are God's people today, and we cannot afford to allow the world to invade us. If we begin to turn away from any of God's teachings, we are in danger of allowing this to happen. Verse two adds, And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines. Saul and the army of Isreal were armed for battle against the Philistines across a valley. Saul had evidently gotten over being totally controlled by the evil spirit at this time and was ready to lead Israel, but God still wasn't with him. People today who have been depressed, who don't have a personal relationship with God, may get better by some method, and Matthew Henry says it may have been David's playing the harp that improved Saul’s disposition, but they will never be truly happy and satisfied. He also says that instead of remaining around the palace as Saul’s armor bearer, that even though David had been anointed king, he went back home to tend his father’s sheep. David had not gotten puffed up with his own importance, and neither should we. Verse three continues, And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them. As stated, the army of the Philistines and the army of Israel faced off against each other across a valley. We need a dividing line between the people of the world and us as Christians today, as we will always be at war with them spiritually. What we need to pray for is that we will always be acting under God's direction and by His power as we battle against evil in the world. Verse four states, And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. The Philistines sent out a champion to challenge the people of Israel. He was a giant, that I have always heard was around nine feet tall, but Matthew Henry says he was almost twelve feet tall. Either way, he towered over any of the Israelites, even Saul himself. We may face challenges that seem like giants today, but if we are faithful to God, they will never be more powerful than we are. Verse five adds, And he had an helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass. Verse six continues, And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders. Goliath was heavily armored, and had to have been an imposing figure standing tall before the army of Israel. We may face imposing looking challenges today, some which even defy us to put our faith in God, but God will always be bigger if we will just remain faithful to Him. Verse seven continues, And the staff of his spear was like a weaver’s beam; and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him. Not only was Goliath armor clad, but he also had some impressive weapons, both offensive and defensive, with him. Looking from simple physical view, he would have seemed undefeatable to the people of Israel. We may face what seems to be impossible odds today physically or materialistically, but if God is with us, we don't need to be concerned, because He has already ensured us the ultimate victory. Verse eight declares, And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me. Goliath issued a challenge to the people of Israel. He was a Philistine and they were a part of Saul's army, so instead of the forces of the armies fighting, why did they not send out a man to face him one-on-one. If we are presented a challenge to face what seems to be impossible odds today as we fight against evil in the world, as a follower of Christ, are we willing to face the challenge? Verse nine adds, If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us. Goliath proposed a winner take all battle, with the losers serving the winners. We actually are in a winner take all battle against the world today, but as Christians, we have God on our side if we are obedient to Him. Verse ten continues, And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together. Goliath issued a defiant challenge to the army of Israel, asking them to send out a man too face them. I believe we often face similar challenges today, though we may not have a physical giant standing before us. We are challenged to stand before what often seem to be impossible odds as the world fights against God today. Verse eleven concludes, When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid. When Saul and his army heard this, they were greatly dismayed and were afraid. They at this time were not God's army, but Saul’s army, and they had evidently forgotten about the power of God. If we begin to rely on our own power and forget about God and His power, we may be afraid to face the giants that we encounter.
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
1 Samuel 16:14
1 Samuel 16:14 says, Btt the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him. God's Spirit departed from Saul, and it says he was troubled by an evil spirit from the LORD, but I don't believe that God actually sends evil spirits to people. I believe that it would be more accurate to say that because God was no longer with Saul because of Saul’s actions and not God abandoning him, that Saul’s spirit toward God became evil. If God is responsible for our doing evil things, He cannot condemn us for doing them and still be a just God, but He doesn't and He is. Veres fifteen adds, And Saul’s servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. Saul’s servants even recognized that he was becoming troubled by an evil spirit, though they accredited the evil spirit to God sending it and not to Satan, the true source. We should never attempt to hold God responsible for the evil in the world in general or our life in particular. Verse sixteen continues, Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well. They suggested sending for someone who could play the harp well to come and sooth Saul’s soul with music when the evil spirit was upon him. Music always seemed to play a big role in the lives of God's people, and though it cannot relieve us from the responsibility of sin, it can make life easier to deal with at times, especially if it is music dedicated to God. Verse seventeen states, And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me. Saul told his servants to find a man who could play well and bring him to him. Saul did not thank them for their suggestion, nor ask that they see if they could find someone willing to come and play, but he acted more as a tyrant than a loving king, I believe. He also did not express any desire to repent and make things right between God and himself. If someone is attempting to help us in times of trouble today, we should be thankful to them and not act as though they owe us their help. Verse eighteen adds, Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him. On of the servants said he knew of such a man, who was not only cunning in playing the harp, but was a valiant man of war who was prudent in all matters and a nice looking man, whom God was with. He was a son of Jesse from Bethlehem, and though the servant hadn't said so yet, his name was David. The servant had suggested David, whom God had chosen as Saul’s successor as king, come and help ease Saul’s spirit. David really checked all the boxes that would be expected in the king of Israel, especially the fact that God was with him. Those who will not obey God often fail to recognize that there are better people around them that God has in place to replace them, especially if they are involved in the leadership of the church. Verse nineteen continues, Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep. Again, Saul did not send a messenger to Jesse and ask if David, who is now identified, could come, but simply demanded that he be sent. Knowing that God had already ordained David to be the king, I have to wonder if he thought about telling Saul this at that time. Sometimes, God may lead us to simply wait and be obedient to Him as we deal with other people, including those in power over us, even though we know that Jesus Christ is already the only King. Verse twenty says, And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul. Jesse sent an gift along with David to Saul, who was as yet the king in the view of the people of Israel. Jesse did not attempt to force a change in leadership, but left it up to God. We also need to wait on God to carry out His plan today instead of attempting to force it on people. Verse twenty-one adds, And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer. Though David had been anointed to be the new king of Israel, he came to Saul willing out of love for him as king and became Saul’s armourbearer. David did not come in arrogance stating that Saul should serve him, but came with respect and humility, waiting on God to tell him when the time was right for him to assume the position of king. We also must never get ahead of God's plan, especially if we are acting out of self-pride and arrogance. Verse twenty-two continues, And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight. Saul did ask Jesse to allow David to remain with him, because David had found favor in his sight. If Saul had only known who David really was, the outcome might have been different, but he still saw David as only someone to serve him. I believe that if people really knew Who Jesus Christ is, they would treat Him differently, but too many people feel that they or some god they serve are superior to Him. Verse twenty-three concludes, And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him. When Saul was under the influence of the evil spirit, David would play the harp for him and he would be refreshed. We would likely say that Saul was depressed and that David cheered him up with music. I believe that if we as Christians are depressed today that it is because we have allowed an evil spirit of the world to control us. As followers of Christ, saved forever by God's mercy and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross in our place, we really have nothing to be depressed about, no matter how bad things may be in this world. This is not to say that depression is not a reality in the life of Christians, but that the source of overcoming it is allowing God to take the burden by our faith in Him.
Monday, July 10, 2023
1 Samuel 16:6
1 Samuel 16:6 says, And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD’s anointed is before him. When Samuel was looking at the sons of Jesse to find and anoint the new king, when he saw Eliah he said that surely he was God's anointed. He was looking at physical attributes, but that is not the way that God calls His leaeders. Verse seven adds, But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. God told Samuel that he was not to look on physical attributes, because God had refused Eliah. Saul had looked very much like we would think it king should look, but he turned out to be all wrong, because he would not follow God. We may see people today who look very much like we think a preacher should look, and yet they will be all wrong because they aren't called byGod. God told Samuel that He looked on the heart and not physical attributes, and He still does today. Verse eight states, Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this. Jesse began to call his other sons, calling Abinadab next. Samuel said that God also rejected him, or this as the KJV says. Verse nine adds, Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this. Next, Jesse had Shammah pass before Samuel, and Samuel gave the same response. We have to assume that after Eliah that Samuel began to rely on God to direct him to the correct son of Jesse instead of relying on their physical appearance, and God was still telling them that he had seen the right one yet. We can never grow impatient in selecting the right person for a role of leadership in the church today, but must wait for God to lead us to the right person. Verse ten continues, Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these. Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said that God had not chosen any of them. Since God had told Samuel that he was going to select His king from Jesse's house, I believe they both may have been getting frustrated by this time, and his sons may have been disappointed. Still, we must never become frustrated as we wait on God to reveal His will in any situation. Verse eleven says, And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. Samuel asked Jesse if these were all his children, and he said the youngest remained keeping the sheep. He evidently was left to work while the others were at the feast. He was the youngest, serving as a lowly shepherd. From the standpoint of the Jews, he would have been very far down from the inheritance aspect, so was easily overlooked. Those that God calls to serve in the church today, especially as leaders in the church, might be easily overlooked because of their physical looks or worldly qualifications. Jesus Himself would not even be considered by many larger churches today to be their pastor, because His resume would never even get Him consideration. Samuel told Jesse to send for this last son, and said they would do nothing else until he was there. Verse twelve continues, And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. When Jesse's youngest son came before Samuel, we are told that he was of beautiful countenance, and God told Samuel to arise and anoint him, because he was the one God had chosen. Still, he was not chosen because of his looks, but because of his heart for God, as should our leaders in the church be chosen today. Yet, I believe that we too often look at worldly qualifications. Verse thirteen concludes, Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah. Samuel anointed David to be the new king in the midst of his brothers, and then he returned to Ramah. We are told that the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. He had been anointed as the king of Israel, but there was no immediate transfer of power. God has called each of us to a place of service in the church today, if we have accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord, and once we have, the Holy Spirit indwells us from that day forward. We like David may not immediately fill the position that we are called to, but we need to place our life in God's hands as He prepares us to serve in our called position.