Bible Pathway - April 7
Read 1 Samuel 19
Highlights:
Gigantic "battle" between God and Satan – Inside Saul; Saul is jealous, rebellious, disobedient, and confused; David displays wisdom and confident faith in God.
And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod: if thou wilt take that, take it: for there is no other save that here. And David said, There is none like that; give it me (1 Sam. 21:9).
David had at one time been Israel's hero. He had been in a wonderful place in life for a season. He was a great champion for Israel that had experienced many victories. He had been just like a son to the king, Saul. David had been commander over Israel's armies. Saul had even given him one of his daughters to marry. So, he had been part of the royal family as the king's son-in-law. He truly had come a long way; from tending his families' sheep, to his slaying of Goliath, to this place in his life.
Those days, however, had come to an end. The great victories that he had experienced had caused the people to revere him. He had been placed even above the king in their hearts. Saul saw this and became very jealous. Saul surely believed that David wanted to steal his throne. The truth was David had already been anointed as next king. Samuel had anointed David and the Spirit of the Lord had come upon him and left Saul (16:13). Saul now sought to kill him, and David was on the run.
These events are of no surprise to any true believer in Christ. How many times has the enemy tried to derail us when we're doing a good work for the Lord? Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us (1 Thes. 2:18). It seems that sometimes right when we get to where God is using us most, then we come under attack. Of course, that is the devil's purpose for existence. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10). Praise be to God for that second part of the verse.
Yes, David had seen difficult times, but God was about to give him a reminder of those better days. The providence of God is shown so much in this verse. David just happens to need a sword. David just happens to arrive at this place. The sword of Goliath just happens to be here. There is nothing happenstance here. God directed David to a place where he could be reminded of his greatest victory.
The Lord is always moving us in the right direction as we follow Him. At times, it might seem the enemy has derailed us, but if we continue to let God be our guide we will not go astray. What may seem like derailment is just a switching of tracks to go in the new direction that God is engineering. God will always direct us to the right destination.
For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes (Rev. 7:17).
Thought for Today:
God never fails us even when those we love and trust may turn against us.
Christ Portrayed:
By David, who, as a servant of Saul, suffered at the hands of the one whom he served (1 Sam. 19:1,10-11). Jesus suffered at the hands of the ones He came to serve and to save. From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto His disciples, how that He must ...suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day (Matt. 16:21).
Word Studies:
19:9 played with his hand, played music on the harp; 19:13 bolster, headrest; 20:2 but that he will shew it me, without first telling me; 20:12 sounded, questioned; 20:26 not clean, ceremonially defiled (Lev. 15; Num. 19:11); 20:30 confusion, dishonor, shame; 20:33 javelin, spear; 21:4 hallowed bread, Showbread, sacrificial bread to be eaten only by priests (Ex. 25:30; Matt. 12:3-4).
Prayer Suggestion: Pray for those who are in adverse circumstances (Heb. 13:3).
Optional Reading: Acts 8
Memory Verse for the Week: John 11:25
