Divine Daily Devotionals

Verses:2 Samuel 12:24-25  "Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her; and she gave birth to a son, and he named him Solomon. Now the Lord loved him and sent word through Nathan the prophet, and he named him Jedidiah for the Lord's sake." This poignant passage from 2 Samuel offers a powerful testament to the profound and enduring nature of God's love. Despite the sinful circumstances surrounding Solomon's birth – his father's adultery with Bathsheba and the tragic death of their firstborn child – God extends His love and acceptance to this newborn. The passage states, "Now the Lord loved him and sent word through Nathan the prophet, and he named him Jedidiah for the Lord's sake." This declaration underscores a profound truth about God's character: His love is not contingent upon our circumstances, our parentage, or our past transgressions. This passage teaches us a vital lesson about the inherent value and di...

Verse: 2 Samuel 12:13 "David said to Nathan, 'I have sinned against the Lord.' And Nathan said to David, 'The Lord also has taken away your sin; you shall not die.'" In this poignant passage, we witness the profound exchange between King David and the prophet Nathan. David, having come to terms with the gravity of his sin, confesses to Nathan, acknowledging his wrongdoing before God. Nathan's response is both reassuring and sobering. He declares that God has forgiven David's sin, but he does not indicate that the consequences of his actions have been withdrawn. This nuanced distinction is crucial for us to understand. While God's forgiveness restores our relationship with Him, it does not necessarily exempt us from the consequences of our actions. David's sin had far-reaching repercussions, affecting not only his own life but also the lives of those around him. Despite God's forgiveness, David still had to face the sequels of his sin. This ...

Verses: 2 Samuel 12:7, 10-12, 14 "Then Nathan said to David, 'You are the man! Thus says the Lord God of Israel, "I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. ... 'Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.'" ... "However, because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also who is born to you shall surely die." ... "But the thing that David had done was evil in the sight of the Lord." In this passage, we witness the stark consequences of King David's sin. Despite his position and stature, God does not overlook David's actions, but instead, turns against him. The prophet Nathan delivers a scathing rebuke, reminding David of his covenant with God and the gravity of his offense. The consequences of David's sin are severe and far-reaching. ...

Verses: 2 Samuel 11:1-2 "Then it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel, and they destroyed the sons of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem. Now when evening came David arose from his bed and walked around on the roof of the king's house, and from the roof he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful in appearance." In this pivotal moment, King David finds himself at a crossroads. His army is at war, but he has chosen to remain in Jerusalem. As he walks on the roof of his palace, he catches sight of a beautiful woman bathing. This chance encounter sets in motion a chain of events that will have far-reaching consequences. As we reflect on this scene, we are reminded of the importance of being mindful in the face of temptation. David's decision to stay behind in Jerusalem, rather than leading his army into battle, creates an opportunity for him to be...

Verses: 2 Samuel 11:11,27 "But Uriah said to David, 'The ark and Israel and Judah dwell in booths, and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are camping in the open field. Shall I then go to my house, to eat and to drink and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing.'" ... "And when the mourning was over, David sent and brought her to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord." This passage recounts the tragic story of Uriah, a loyal servant of King David, who was deceived and ultimately killed by the very person he trusted. David's actions serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of deceit and betrayal. As we reflect on this event, we are compelled to examine our own relationships and consider the importance of integrity, honesty, and transparency. David's treatment of Uriah raises important questions about how we treat tho...

Verses: 2 Samuel 10:11-12, "And he said, 'If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me; but if the people of Ammon are too strong for you, then I will help you. Be of good courage, and let us play the man for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the Lord do what seems good to him.'" In the midst of a daunting battle, Joab's words to his brother Abishai offer a profound lesson for us today. As they prepared to face the allied forces of Ammon and Aram, Joab's counsel was not to worry about the outcome, but to focus on doing their part to the best of their ability. He encouraged his brother to be brave, to fight valiantly, and to trust that God would do what seemed good to Him. This passage teaches us a valuable principle about our relationship with God. As we navigate the challenges of life, it's easy to get caught up in worries about the future and concerns about the outcome. But Joab's words remind us that our responsibilit...

Verses:2 Samuel 9:13 "So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the king’s sons" 1 Samuel 20:14-17, "And Jonathan said to David, 'The Lord, the God of Israel, be witness! When I have Sounded out my father, about this time tomorrow, or the third day, behold, if he is well disposed toward David, shall I not then send and disclose it to you? Then you shall be on your guard, lest you be swept away in the overthrow that is to come upon my father's house. For the Lord has sworn to me that the enemies of the Lord shall be destroyed, one and all, from the face of the earth.' And Jonathan made David swear again by his love for him, for he loved him as he loved his own soul." In the midst of his exaltation as king, David remained faithful to his word and sought out any surviving members of Jonathan's family to show them kindness. This act of faithfulness serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of keeping our promises and being mindful of the imp...

Verses:2 Samuel 8:15, 2, 3-7 "David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people... David also defeated the Moabites, and they became subject to him and brought him tribute... David defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, and brought back from him a thousand chariots, seven thousand charioteers, and twenty thousand foot soldiers... David took great quantities of bronze from Hadadezer and brought it to Jerusalem... David also took the gold shields that were carried by the officers of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem." As we delve into the narrative of 2 Samuel 8, we find ourselves immersed in the intricacies of war, power, and leadership. On the surface, this chapter appears to chronicle David's military conquests, showcasing his prowess as a warrior-king. However, upon closer examination, we begin to unravel the complexities of war and its implications on our understanding of God. The biblical account of David's reign presen...

Verses:2 Samuel 7:1-5 - "After the king was settled in his palace and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him, King David said to Nathan the prophet, 'Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.' Nathan replied to David, 'Whatever you have in mind, do it, for the Lord is with you.' But that night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, saying: 'Go and tell my servant David, “This is what the Lord says: Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in?"' As we reflect on this passage, we are reminded that God's ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts. Nathan, a faithful prophet, initially encourages David to build a temple for the Lord, only to be corrected by God Himself later that night. This poignant episode highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance and confirmation, and the limitations of even the most well-meaning servants of God. Nathan's initial response to...

Verses: 2 Samuel 6:20-22, "When they had brought the ark of God to the city of David, Michal daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, and she despised him in her heart. David returned home to bless his household. Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, 'How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, going around half-naked in full view of the slave girls of his servants!' David said to Michal, 'It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lord’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor.'" As we reflect on this passage, we see a powerful example of humility and surrender to God's glory. King David, in his excitement and gratitude, danced and prais...

Verses: 2 Samuel 6:6-7 "Now when they came to Nacon's threshing floor, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. The Lord's anger burned against Uzzah because of the irreverent way he had reached out and touched the ark. So God struck him down, and he died there beside the ark of God." The story of Uzzah's death is a sobering reminder of the importance of handling God's things with reverence and care. Uzzah, a Levite from a priestly family, was tasked with transporting the ark of God, but in a moment of carelessness, he reached out and touched the ark, resulting in his own death. The original meaning of the text suggests that Uzzah's actions were not just careless, but also irreverent, implying a lack of seriousness and respect for the things of God. This incident serves as a warning to all of us who handle God's things, whether it be in ministry, worship, or our daily lives. We must approach God's things with a ...

Verses: 2 Samuel 6:7-9 "Now when they came to Nacon's threshing floor, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. The Lord's anger burned against Uzzah because of the irreverent way he had reached out and touched the ark. So God struck him down, and he died there beside the ark of God. Then David was angry because the Lord had burst forth against Uzzah. He did not want to take the ark of the Lord to be with him in the City of David. Instead, he took it aside to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite." The story of Uzzah's death is a powerful reminder of the unpredictability of God. As the Israelites were celebrating the return of the ark, Uzzah's actions seemed innocent enough - he simply reached out to steady the ark when the oxen stumbled. But God's response was swift and severe, striking Uzzah down for his irreverent actions. David's reaction to Uzzah's death was one of shock and anger. He had underestimated God...

Verse: 2 Samuel 5:12 "And David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and that his kingdom had been highly exalted for the sake of his people Israel." As we journey through life, it's easy to get caught up in our own accomplishments and achievements. We may start to think that we're the ones responsible for our success, and that our hard work and determination are the sole reasons for our prosperity. But as David's story reminds us, it's essential to acknowledge God's hand in our lives. When David became the king of all Israel, he didn't take credit for his own success. Instead, he recognized that it was God who had established him as king, and that his kingdom had been highly exalted for the sake of His people. David's response was one of humility and gratitude, and he gave all the honor and glory to God. This is a powerful lesson for us today. As we navigate the ups and downs of life, it's crucial that we acknowledge God...

Verses: 2 Samuel 4:9-10 "As surely as the Lord lives, who has delivered me out of all trouble, when someone told me, 'Saul is dead,' and thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and put him to death in Ziklag. That was the reward I gave him for his news! How much more—when wicked men have killed an innocent man in his own house and on his own bed—should I not now demand his blood from your hand and rid the earth of you!" In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, it's easy to lose sight of what's truly important. The story of Recab and Baanah serves as a stark reminder of the importance of holy means. These two men, who had been tasked with protecting Ishbosheth, treacherously killed him and then reported their actions to David as if they had done him a favor. But David was not pleased. Instead, he was outraged by their wicked deed and had them put to death. David's response was guided by a deep understanding of God's character and a desire to refle...

Verses:2 Samuel 3:31-34 "Then David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, 'Tear your clothes and gird on sackcloth and mourn before Abner.' And King David followed the bier. They buried Abner in Hebron, and the king lifted up his voice and wept at the grave of Abner, and all the people wept. And the king sang a lament for Abner and said: 'Should Abner die as a fool dies? Your hands were not bound nor your feet put into fetters; as one falls before the wicked you have fallen.' Then all the people wept again over him." The tragic fall of Abner, the valiant and straightforward leader, is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of treachery and deception. Abner, who had come to befriend David and make amends, was killed in cold blood by Joab and his brother Abishai. This heinous act was all the more reprehensible because it was committed during a time of peace and reconciliation, rather than in the heat of battle. David's reaction to A...

Verses:2 Samuel 2:18-23  "Now the three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asel. Asahel was as fleet-footed as a wild gazelle. And Asahel pursued Abner, and in his pursuit he did not turn to the right or to the left from following Abner. Then Abner looked behind him and said, 'Is that you, Asahel?' He answered, 'It is I.' And Abner said to him, 'Turn aside to your right or to your left, and seize one of the young men and take his armor for yourself.' But Asahel would not turn aside from following him. And Abner said again to Asahel, 'Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I face Joab your brother?' However, he refused to turn aside. Therefore Abner struck him in the stomach with the butt of his spear, so that the spear came out of his back, and he fell there and died on the spot." In the midst of life's battles, it's easy to get caught up in the heat of the moment and ignore the w...

Verse: 2 Samuel 1:14 - "Then David said to him, 'How is it you were not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the Lord's anointed?'" As we navigate the complexities of life and ministry, it's essential to understand how to relate to those who claim to be servants of God. With so many voices and opinions out there, it can be challenging to know who to listen to and who to respect. But the Bible provides us with a clear principle: we should treat everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their position or claim to be God's servants. This means that we should approach every person with kindness, compassion, and humility. We should recognize that every individual is created in the image of God and deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. Whether someone claims to be anointed or not, we should still extend to them the same level of respect and reverence that we would offer to anyone else. But as we seek to grow in our faith and deepen our relations...

Verses: 1 Samuel 31:6, 12,13 - "So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armor-bearer, and all his men, on the same day together." "All the valiant men arose, and went all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Bethshan, and came to Jabesh, and burnt them there." "And they took their bones, and buried them under a tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days". The Bible is an infallible book that narrates historical events without hiding the truth, even when it comes to the stories of people who are close to our hearts. The story of Jonathan, Saul's son, is one such example. Jonathan was a man of great love, charm, loyalty, and faithfulness. He loved what was right and stood against his father when he was wrong. Despite being a member of the royal family, Jonathan's life was cut short, along with his father and brothers, due to Saul's disobedience to God. This tragic event serves as a warning to us to be mindful ...

Verse:1 Samuel 30:6 "David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God." In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and lost. But as believers, we have a source of strength that is unwavering and unshakeable - God's presence. David, the great king of Israel, knew this truth intimately. Despite facing unimaginable challenges, including the loss of his family and possessions, David found strength in the Lord his God. As we navigate the twists and turns of life, we can learn from David's example. When we feel like we're at the end of our rope, when our circumstances seem insurmountable, and when our emotions are in turmoil, we can turn to God. We can recall His past deliverances, His faithfulness, and His love. We can ruminate on the times when He has come through for us, when He has provided for us, and w...

Verses: 1 Samuel 29:9-11 "But Achish trusted David and said to him, 'As surely as the Lord lives, you have been reliable, and I would be pleased to have you serve with me in the army. From the day you came to me until today, I have found no fault in you, and the Lord is with you.' So the commanders of the Philistines asked Achish to send David back, saying, 'He must not go with us into battle, or he will turn against us during the fighting. How better could he regain his master’s favor than by taking the heads of our own men?' So Achish called David and said to him, 'As surely as the Lord lives, you are reliable, and I would be pleased to have you serve with me in the army. But the Philistine commanders are against you, so you must leave early in the morning with your master’s servants who have come with you.'" David's experience among the Philistines is a powerful reminder that our faithfulness to God is not limited to our relationships with fello...

Verses:1 Samuel 28:7,8 "Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at En-dor.And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and went, he and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, Divine unto me, I pray thee, by the familiar spirit, and bring me up whomsoever I shall name unto thee." In 1 Samuel 28, we see a tragic example of what happens when we rely on ourselves instead of God. King Saul, once a mighty leader chosen by God, finds himself in a desperate situation, seeking guidance from a witch. This may seem like a shocking decision, but it's a stark reminder of what happens when we disconnect from God and rely on our own understanding. Saul had previously removed all forms of black magic from the land, but now, in his desperation, he turns to the very thing he once condemned. ...

Verse: 1 Samuel 27:4 "And it was told Saul that David was fled to Gath: and he sought no more again for him." In this passage, we see a significant development in the story of David and Saul. When Saul learned that David had fled to Gath, Philistia, he stopped pursuing him. Saul felt safe while David was away, and he no longer saw him as a threat. This raises an important question: why did Saul stop chasing David when he left Israel? The answer lies in the fact that David was no longer a threat to Saul while he was outside of Israel. When David was in the territory that God had assigned to him, he was a threat to Saul's power and authority. This illustrates an important principle: it is only when we are in the place where God has called us that we will face challenges and opposition. As followers of Christ, we are called to be in God's territory, fulfilling our God-given purposes and assignments. This is where we will experience God's presence, power, and provisio...

Verses: 1 Samuel 26:23-25 "The Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness, for the Lord delivered you into my hand today, but I would not stretch out my hand against the Lord's anointed. And indeed, as your life was precious in my sight this day, so let my life be precious in the sight of the Lord, and let Him deliver me out of all tribulation. Then Saul said to David, 'May you be blessed, my son David! You shall both do great things and also still prevail.'" In this remarkable passage, we witness a striking exchange between David and Saul, two men who had been bitter enemies for a long time. Despite the animosity between them, Saul acknowledges David's righteousness and faithfulness, and even goes so far as to prophesy his future success. This is a powerful testimony to the impact of David's focused devotion to God and His will. It is noteworthy that Saul, David's arch-nemesis, recognizes that David will ultimately succeed. Saul...

Verse: 1 Samuel 25:28 "Please forgive the trespass of your maidservant. For the Lord will certainly make for my lord a lasting house, because my lord fights the battles of the Lord, and evil is not found in you throughout your days." In this passage, we see Abigail, the wise and courageous wife of Nabal, intervening on behalf of her household to prevent a slaughter. David, who had been wronged by Nabal, was furious and seeking revenge. But Abigail's wise words and generous gifts quenched David's fury, and he spared the lives of her household. What is remarkable about Abigail is that she was used by God to convey a message of hope and guidance to David. Her words were not just a clever attempt to appease him, but a genuine expression of her faith in God's sovereignty and guidance. She spoke of God's plan to make for David a lasting house, and of David's role in fighting the battles of the Lord. This passage teaches us that God can use anyone to convey His m...

Verses: 1 Samuel 24:3-5 "So he came to the sheepfolds by the road, where there was a cave; and Saul went in to attend to his needs. David and his men were just inside the cave. Then the men of David said to him, 'This is the day of which the Lord said to you, "Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do to him as it seems good to you."' And David arose and secretly cut off a corner of Saul's robe." In this passage, we see David with a unique opportunity to take revenge on his enemy, King Saul. He could have easily killed Saul and taken the throne that had been promised to him. But instead, David's heart did not let him do it. He was not even tempted to take matters into his own hands. This was not because he had made a conscious decision to spare Saul's life, but because his heart was in tune with God's heart. David's awareness of the wrong in killing God's anointed was strong, and his concern for Saul was genuin...

Verses:1 Samuel 23:16-18"  "And Jonathan, Saul's son, arose and went to David at Horesh, and encouraged him in the Lord. Then he said to him, 'Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Even my father Saul knows that.' So the two of them made a covenant before the Lord. And David stayed in the woods, and Jonathan went to his own house." In this passage, we see a beautiful example of encouragement in the Lord. Jonathan, the son of King Saul, takes a great risk to visit his friend David, who is on the run from his father's wrath. Despite the danger, Jonathan is determined to encourage David and remind him of God's promise that he will one day become king over Israel. What strikes us about Jonathan's encouragement is that it is not based on human strength or ability. He does not tell David to rely on his own power or resources to overcome the challenges he faces. Instead,...

Verses: 1 Samuel 22:14-18 "Then Ahimelech answered the king and said, 'And who among all your servants is as faithful as David, who is the king's son-in-law, who goes at your bidding, and is honorable in your house? Did I just begin to inquire of God for him today? Far be it from me! Let not the king impute anything to his servant, or to any in the house of my father. For your servant knew nothing of all this, little or much.' And the king said, 'You shall surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father's house!' Then the king commanded the guards who stood about him to turn and kill the priests of the Lord, because their hand also was with David, and because they knew when he fled and did not tell him. But the servants of the king would not lift their hands to strike the priests of the Lord. And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and he slew on that day fourscore and five p...

Verses: 1 Samuel 21:12-15 "And he changed his behavior before them, and pretended to be insane in their hands, and scribbled on the doors of the gate, and let his saliva fall down on his beard. Then Achish said to his servants, 'Look, you see the man is insane. Why have you brought him to me? Have I need of madmen, that you have brought this fellow to play the madman in my presence? Shall this fellow come into my house?'" In this passage, we see David, a man who had a deep and intimate bond with God, acting like a madman in front of Achish, the king of Gath. At first glance, it may seem like David is being deceitful or manipulative, but as we look deeper, we see that he is actually using his God-given wisdom to protect himself from harm. David could have easily thought that God would deliver him by Himself, without any effort on his part. But instead, he chose to use his intellect and discernment to act wisely in the situation. David's actions were not driven by a...

Verse: 1 Samuel 21:6 "So the priest gave him holy bread; for there was no bread there but the showbread which had been taken from before the Lord, in order to put hot bread in its place on the day when it was taken away." In this passage, we see David, a man who had a deep and intimate bond with God, eating the showbread that was only meant for the priests. This act may seem like a trivial thing, but it highlights an important aspect of our relationship with God. The perfect sphere of spirituality is not just about following rules and laws, but about having an intimate bond with God and leading a life with His guidance. Everything we do, every decision we make, every step we take, should be guided by our relationship with God. But, we know that this is not always easy. There are times when we struggle to find our way, when we grapple to understand God's will, when we feel lost and alone. It is in these moments that the laws and rules that God has given us become important...

Verse: 1 Samuel 20:3 "But David answered Jonathan, 'There is only a step between me and death.'" David, the newly anointed king of Israel, was on the run for his life. King Saul, who had once been like a father to him, was now determined to kill him. Saul's jealousy and anger had consumed him, and he was relentless in his pursuit of David. Despite Jonathan's efforts to protect him, David knew that his life was in grave danger. He felt like he was just one step away from death. In the midst of this chaos and uncertainty, Jonathan tried to offer David some words of encouragement. He hinted that God would deliver David from all his enemies, but David couldn't even bear to think about it. He was too consumed by fear and anxiety. God could have easily delivered David from Saul's wrath, but instead, He chose to allow David to go through this difficult time. Jonathan, however, was instrumental in helping David escape from Saul's clutches. He came up with ...

Verses: 1 Samuel 19:23-24 "Then he went there to Naioth in Ramah; and the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on and prophesied until he came to Naioth in Ramah. And he also stripped off his clothes and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Therefore they say, "Is Saul also among the prophets?" The story of Saul prophesying before Samuel is a remarkable and paradoxical instance of a person who was not walking in obedience to God's will, yet receiving the Holy Spirit and prophesying perfectly. It is astounding to think that Saul, who was trying to kill God's anointed, David, could still receive the gift of prophecy and exercise it with such precision. This raises a profound question: is it possible for a servant of God who disobeys God often to prophesy? The answer, as we see in Saul's case, is yes. This phenomenon teaches us a valuable lesson. We should never measure our walk with God by our spir...

Verses: 1 Samuel 18:10-11, 14 "Now it had happened on the next day that the distressing spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house. So David played music with his hand, as at other times; but there was a spear in Saul's hand. And Saul cast the spear, for he said, "I will pin David to the wall!" But David escaped his presence twice... And David behaved wisely in all his ways, and the Lord was with him". As we reflect on the story of David and Saul, we are struck by the repeated attempts of Saul to kill David. Despite David's wise behavior and his loyalty to Saul, the king's jealousy and anger towards him only grew. But what is remarkable about this story is that David was delivered from Saul's hand not just because of his own wise actions, but because God was with him. The scripture says that David behaved wisely, and it is true that his wise vigilance did foster God's presence in his life. However, it is also clear that th...

Verses: 1 Samuel 17:34-37 But David said to Saul, "Your servant used to keep his father's sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it. Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God." Moreover David said, "The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." And Saul said to David, "Go, and the Lord be with you!" As we reflect on the story of David and Goliath, we are struck by the courage and confidence that David displayed in the face of overwhelming odds. But where did this courage come from? David himself tells us that it was his past experiences of God's deliverance that gave h...

Verses: 1 Samuel 16:18-21 "Then one of the servants answered and said, "Look, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is skillful in playing, a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome person; and the Lord is with him." Therefore Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, "Send me your son David, who is with the sheep." And Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine, and a young goat, and sent them by his son David to Saul. So David came to Saul and stood before him. And he loved him greatly, and he became his armorbearer." As we reflect on the story of David's anointing as the future king of Israel, we are struck by the sovereignty of God's plan. No one knew about Samuel's anointing of David, not even Saul, the current king. Samuel, who had made Saul king, was afraid of him and knew that Saul might behave wrongly towards him. Yet, despite the uncertainty and potential danger, God was working behind t...

Verses: 1 Samuel 15:22, 23 "But Samuel replied: 'Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.'" As we delve into the story of Saul, the first king of Israel, we are met with a profound lesson on the importance of adapting to God's culture. In this passage, Samuel confronts Saul about his disobedience to God's command to completely destroy the Amalekites. Saul's response is revealing - he claims to have spared the best of the livestock in order to sacrifice to the Lord. However, Samuel's rebuke cuts to the heart of the matter: obedience to God's word is far more important than sacrifice. Saul's mistake was not that he intended to disobey God, but rather that he lacke...

Verses: 1 Samuel 14:34, 35 "Then Saul said, 'Let us go down after the Philistines by night and plunder them until the morning light; let us not leave a man of them.' And they said, 'Do whatever seems good to you.' But the priest said, 'Let us draw near to God here.' And Saul inquired of God, 'Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you give them into the hand of Israel?' But he did not answer him that day. And Saul said, 'Come here, all you leaders of the people, and know and see how this sin has arisen today. For as the Lord lives, who saves Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die.' But there was not a man among all the people who answered him." In this passage, we see Saul, the king of Israel, continuing to act in ways that seem spiritual and pleasing to God, but without a genuine connection with Him. Despite his initial amazement and gratitude at being made king, Saul's relationship with God had become su...

Verses: 1 Samuel 13:10-13 "Just as Saul was finishing his offering, Samuel arrived. Saul went out to meet him and greet him. Samuel asked, 'What have you done?' Saul replied, 'When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Mikmash, I thought, "Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the Lord’s favor." So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering.' Samuel said to Saul, 'You have done a foolish thing. You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time.'" In this passage, we see Saul, the king of Israel, making a grave mistake. He had been waiting for Samuel to arrive and offer a sacrifice to God, but when Samuel was delayed, Saul took matters into his own hands. He offered the sacrifice himself, even though it was not his place to do so. This...

Verse: 1 Samuel 12:24, 25 "But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will be swept away." In this passage, Samuel is reminding the Israelites of the great things God has done for them, and urging them to fear and serve Him faithfully. He is emphasizing the importance of recognizing and acknowledging God's presence and power in their lives. Samuel is not just asking them to believe in God, but to realize that God is the Ultimate Entity Extant, the highest being in existence. Samuel's message is not just about believing in God, but about understanding the nature of God. He is saying that God is not just a being among many, but the only Ultimate Reality. God is not just a name, but the very essence of existence. Samuel is warning the Israelites against idolatry, against giving God a name or a form that can be worshipped. He is saying t...