3. (James 1:5-8) How to receive the wisdom you need from God
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But we must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him: James acknowledges that often the believer lacks the wisdom to face trials successfully. Just as when I lacked wisdom to pass those surprise English quizzes, we risk failing the tests God brings us for lack of godly wisdom. Trials bring a necessary time to seek wisdom from God. But, James tells us that our Father in heaven is ready and willing to provide us with the needed wisdom to pass His tests if we only ask.
Let him ask of God: Notice it does not say we are to seek books, friends, family or members from our church. No. If we want wisdom, we are to seek it directly from its source. It is so easy for us to seek out other sources--sources which are corrupt--to solve our problems. God tells us again and again to ask Him for the solutions to our problems. And yet, we so rarely do. It seems it is easier and safer to seek advice from the world around us than to search for answers from the Maker of all things.
Without reproach: And, He will answer our requests for wisdom in the face of trials without reproach. The Greek word for "reproach" is oneidizo, which means without casting an insult. There is an important difference between my high School English teacher and our Father in heaven. If I had stopped in the middle of one of those surprise pop quizzes to ask my instructor for the knowledge I lacked, I can tell you what I would have learned--I would have learned to never do that again! My request would have been met with much reproach.
However, our Father wants His children to grow in spiritual maturity because our degree of spiritual maturity in this life will be the Lord's measuring stick for assigning us our reward in the world to come. Our Father desires that we please Him and bring Him glory so that He may reward us.
James states that these trials and tests and experiments will come upon us by God's hand. He brings us these trials not to harm us but to develop within us endurance and patience and persistence, which, over time, will give opportunity for us to develop spiritual maturity. With that maturity, we can serve Him with steadfastness and faithfulness.
Moreover, these tests are open book tests! God is willing to give us the answers, the wisdom we need to pass His tests. When we recognize that we lack the knowledge to face our trials in a godly and mature manner, we are to ask God. But how do we ask God? By petitioning Him in prayer and seeking Him in His word. And James says the Lord will ALWAYS answer our requests. The Lord is willing to give us the godly wisdom we need to pass His tests because the whole point of taking a test is to pass. Our teachers did not give us tests to cause us to fail. Rather, tests were opportunities for us to succeed and grow. When we failed, it was only because we lacked knowledge.
Remember, our final exam is not found in this life. It comes at the Judgment Seat when the Lord will judge the works of believers. We should all want to be ready for that day; we should all want to be counted as perfect and complete.
We must ask in faith: Our request for wisdom must be made like any other request--it must be done in faith. Notice, we must not only come in faith, but we must also ask in faith. This is where the prayers of many people fail. People often make petitions unto God without having any confidence He will answer them. People pray in such a way in which they ask for nothing, and God, in return, answers by giving them nothing.
Without any doubting: In the New American Standard translation, the scholars translate the word diakrinomenos as doubting. The word literally means to discern or judge between. But, when it is taken with James's example of a surf, the word has a different meaning. James is not talking about a man who doubts, but a man who has a divided motive or an inconsistent approach to facing trials.
A better translation here is the King James Version: "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed."
In the King James, it is much easier to see the connection between vacillating and the movement of the sea, up and down, but never stable. James goes on to describe this person as someone driven and tossed by the wind.
The person James is describing is someone, during the midst of their trials, is unstable and wavers. The person might call out to God, but he does not have confidence that God is producing these challenges and that God has the solution to get us through the turbulent times. Moreover, as the person continues to seek godly wisdom, he grows impatient and runs to the world for their solutions...and the world is filled with an overabundance of wisdom--there is Dr. Phil, Cosmo, Christian books, horoscopes, Facebook, Twitter and even family and friends. But none of them are a replacement for God's own voice and His word. This instability results in God withholding the wisdom we desire when facing trials.
When we approach God for the wisdom to face a trial, we must approach the throne boldly in faith. It is in faith that we are able to accept from God the right answer. When we waver, we oscillate back and forth between God's wisdom and the world's wisdom. Wavering is a characteristic of spiritual immaturity.
However, when we grow in our maturity and rely on God's direction (from the study of His word and from praying), we become a more stable person. We become equipped to face big and small trials in ways in which do not greatly disrupt our lives. We learn to accept and understand God's purpose through all of it. It is a mark of spiritual maturity when we wait patiently on the LORD and accept His answers when we receive them. If you want God to give you wisdom to face trials, learn stability. Rest in God, and do not seek out worldly wisdom.
A double-minded man, unstable in all his ways: A double-minded man is literally a two-souled man. The man of two souls has one soul for the earth, and one soul for heaven. It is a man who wishes to be secure in both worlds. He will not give up his earthly soul and at the same time, he clings to his heavenly soul.
4. (James 1:9-11) Encouragement for those affected by trials
But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away.
But the brother of humble circumstances: Have you ever thought of wealth or status as a form of a trial? It is, and it does not matter which end of the financial spectrum we find ourselves. God has placed us in our financial positions as a test to develop spiritual maturity. On the the one end of the scale is poverty. It is an inward test in which we must maintain a proper attitude through it. We show spiritual maturity as we contend with needs we cannot meet in this life. If we listen to the popular health, wealth and prosperity teachers, the answer to our poverty is to seek for that wealth "in faith" and demand God provide it. However, James says the exact opposite. We are to take satisfaction and glory in spiritual riches you have in the kingdom. Paul echos the same theme in Colossians 3:2 "Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on the earth."
The rich man is to glory in his humiliation: The person who finds himself with wealth experiences a similar test, but this time it is an outward test. We should not glory or celebrate our earthly wealth. Our humility should be our chief concern. Furthermore, riches and humility are in opposition. Money is a means to independence and allows us to live as if there is no God. We can follow our fleshly pride as far as our money will take us. So, when God grants someone wealth, it is a test of spiritual maturity. Will we forgo the independence that wealth offers us and rely on the LORD despite our wealth?
How often do you think Christians pass this test?
First let's consider it is a test that never ends. It seems our perspective on money is a chief tool God uses to develop spiritual maturity. We are to live in the world with eyes for eternity knowing that nothing in this world will last into eternity except our spiritual maturity.
Like flowering grass he will pass away: James compares the rich man's life to the beauty of a flowering grass. In desert climates, flowering grass does not last very long. After a rainstorm, the flowers quickly spring up and litter the land with their beauty. As the sun beats down on the ground and quickly evaporates the moisture, the flowers quickly dry up and die. So too, a man's life is just as short as he spends his time chasing the riches of this world.
Moreover, the riches of this world will certainly fade away just as quickly as the flowering grass. If we put our life and identity into things which fade away, we will fade away also. How much better is it to put our life and identity into things which will never fade! If a man is only rich in this world, when he dies, he leaves his riches. But, if a man is rich before God, when he dies, he will go to his riches.
James being highly versed in the Scriptures of the day (the Old Testament) seems to be referencing his readers back to the Book of Isaiah.
"A voice says, 'Call out.' Then he answered, 'What shall I call out?' All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the LORD blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever." (Isaiah 40:6-8)
B. Living for the LORD in times of temptation
1. (James 1:12) A blessing for those who endure temptation
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love him.
Blessed is a man: This sounds almost like one of Jesus' Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapters 5-7. In those great statements of blessing, Jesus gave us a sampling of ways in which we can be blessed. Here we learn of another blessing if we endure temptation. As we examine the text, it does not say, "Blessed is the man who is never tempted." Nor does it say, "Blessed is the man who finds all temptation easy to conquer." Instead, the promise of blessedness is given to the one who endures temptation. There is a special gift of blessedness from God to the one who can say "no" to temptation, and thereby saying "yes" to God.
Blessed simply means a spiritual happy life. Thus, enduring trials and stressful tests that God brings us will result in a peaceful content life. Through those experiences and the resulting spiritual maturity, we gain the ability through Christ in us to see these circumstances differently. The blessing we receive comes from having eyes for eternity.
Once he has been approved: Here James states the purpose of God in allowing temptation. The purpose is to approve us that through the testing, we would be revealed as genuine and strong in our faith.
He will receive the crown of life: Once the person has passed the test, he is worthy to receive the crown of life. The word for crown is the Greek word stephanos, which was the wreath awarded to the Olympians who won the race. It reflects an award that can be earned through performance. Therefore, we understand it is not a symbol for salvation. Never does Scripture refer to our salvation as a wreath or crown that can be earned. Salvation is only through grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).
This is one of five crowns mentioned in the New Testament for believers who excel in serving the LORD through trials. Crowns are a measure of our faithful service. These awards are presented when the test is over, at the Judgment Seat of Christ that all believers will face. This crown is for anyone who perseveres through to the end of a trial brought upon them to test their love for Christ. Remember, we are not talking about a test of whether we believe in the Gospel or whether we are saved. We are talking about a test of spiritual maturity that demonstrates our love for Christ. The purpose of this testing is to develop us and create a witness for Christ that brings Him glory in the world.
Jesus asks for a similar commitment from the early church in Smyrna. In that city, there was a strong persecution against Christians by those professing themselves to be Jews. They endured the sort of trials and tests James is speaking about here. In fact, James's words were prophetic in the way they foretold what the Christians would face.
Jesus says it this way to the Smyrna church in the Book of Revelation:
"And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last who was dead, and has come to life, say this: 'I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.'" (Revelation 2:8-10)
Jesus describes Himself as the One who was dead and is now alive to a church that was soon to experience martyrdom. He wants to encourage the faithful witness even in the face of death. That's quite a trial and test, is it not? But remember what James says about the reward--only after we have passed the test will we expect to receive a reward. Failing the test does not get us the reward. But to those who are approved, the crown of life is held out as a reward for those who endure trials. Our walk with Jesus is by faith, but it is also a walk of faithfulness. The tests God brings us are intended to give us opportunity to prove that faithfulness and our spiritual maturity. Then, God is prepared to reward us at the appropriate time.
To those who love Him: This describes the motive for resisting temptation--our love for God. The passions of sinful temptation can only really be overcome by a greater passion, and that is a passion for the honor and glory with God. Some resist temptation out of fear for man. The thief suddenly becomes honest when he sees a policeman. The man controls his lists because he would not bear to be found out and subsequently embarrassed. Others resist the temptation to one type of sin by the power of another sin. The frugal minister gives up partying because he does not want to spend the money. But the best motive for resisting temptation is to love God--to love Him with greater power and passion than your love for sin.
Sunday, July 29, 2018
Sunday, July 22, 2018
James Chapter 1 Part One (Verses 1-4)
A LIVING FAITH IN TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS
A. Trials and wisdom
1. (James 1:1) A Greeting from James
James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings.
James: There are four men mentioned in the New Testament who are named James.
1. James, the brother of John and son of Zebedee, the first apostle to be martyred. He is also known as James the Less (Matthew 10:2, Mark 15:40 and Acts 12:2).
2. James, the son of Alphaeus, another of the twelve disciples (Matthew 10:3).
3. James, the father of Judas (not Iscariot) (Luke 6:16).
4. James the Just, the half-brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55) and the brother of Jude (Jude 1), who led the church in Jerusalem (Acts 15:13).
Traditionally, the book of James has been attributed to James the Just.
A brief historical interlude:
Jesus' earthy life
During Jesus' time on earth, He grew up in a home that was probably as normal as any other Israeli family. His earthly father (Joseph) was a stone worker (aka, a carpenter), constructing buildings. (Remember that in Israel, the land is full of rocks. Most buildings in Jesus' time were constructed using rock. Carpentry of the day comprised of being a stone mason.)
Jesus was the son of Mary, but His biological father was not Joseph. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit as a new Adam; however, He was not made of the same flesh as the first Adam. But Joseph and Mary had other children conceived in the natural way. ("Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us?" Matthew 13:55-56)
One of Jesus' half brothers was a man named Jude, who wrote the New Testament letter by the same name.
Another half brother of Jesus was a man named James. James is a name translated from the Hebrew to Greek to Latin to English. James's name in Hebrew is Ya'akov (or Jacob in English). Named after the patriarch, Ya'akov means "he supplants" or "heel catcher".
Both Jude and James grew up with their older half-brother Jesus, living and working in Nazareth. We know nothing about the boys' early years together. When Jesus is about 30 years of age, He begins His earthly ministry. He begins teaching in the Galilee. His very first public declaration that He was Messiah was made in His hometown of Nazareth in the synagogue. It is likely that Jesus' half-brothers were present that day in the synagogue when they heard Him declare that He fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy of a coming Savior. His brother received the news with much skepticism.
In John chapter 7, we see Jesus' brothers showing nothing but contempt for Jesus' claim that He was the Messiah: "Now the feast of the Jews, the Feast of Booths, was near. Therefore His brother said to Him, 'Leave here and go into Judea, so that Your disciples also may see Your works which You are doing. For no one does anything in secret when he himself seeks to be known publicly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.' For not even His brothers were believing Him" (John 7:2-5).
Jesus' brothers advised Jesus to go to Jerusalem to declare Himself to be Messiah. They saw His claims and did not believe Him. Teaching and preaching in small towns in the Galilee would only attract a small audience. They encouraged Jesus to go to Jerusalem so that He might be seen by the whole world.
After Jesus' death and resurrection
According to Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:7, Jesus appeared to James after Jesus' death and resurrection. ("then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles" 1 Corinthians 15:7.) This was probably the cause of James's conversion because up to this time, the brothers of Jesus were not supportive of His message and mission. It seems after this encounter, James became a faithful apostle and leader of the church in Jerusalem. James followed the Lord with great devotion. An early history of the church says that James was such a man of prayer that his knees had large and thick calluses, making them look like the knees of a camel. It also says that James was martyred in Jerusalem by being pushed from a high point on the temple. Yet, the fall did not kill him. On the ground, he was beaten to death, even as he prayed for his attackers.
James never describes himself as the half-brother of Jesus. Forgoing his claim to any fleshly relationship with Jesus, he instead identifies himself by his spiritual association--as a bond-servant of God and Christ.
(Back to the text)
Bond-servant: Translated from the ancient Greek word doulos, it is better translated as "slave". A slave was one who was in permanent servitude to another. Among the Greeks, the term carried a degrading connotation.
Lord: Translated from the ancient Greek word kurios, it means master of a doulos. In the context, it means that James considered Jesus God. Hellenistic Jews used the term kurios as a name for God.
To the twelve tribes: This is a Jewish figure of speech that sometimes referred to the Jewish people as a whole. ("And Jesus said to them, 'Truly I say to you, that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel" Matthew 19:28.) Paul referred to our twelve tribes in his speech before King Agrippa (Acts 26:7). The concept of the "twelve tribes" among the Jewish people was still strong, even though they had not lived in their tribal allotments for centuries.
Who are dispersed abroad: At this time, the Jewish people were scattered all over the world. Regarding the extent of the dispersion, Josephus wrote: "There is not city, no tribe whether Greek or Barbarian, in which Jewish law and Jewish customs have not taken root." The church was largely comprised of Jewish believers in the land of Israel with a small number of Jewish believers living in the surrounding areas of Asia Minor and as far away as Rome.
Considering that James was Jewish and that he was writing to Jewish believers, the book of James has a strong Jewish flavor. James's words focus on how to live as a believer. In particular, it emphasizes a believer's behavior rather than his belief or knowledge. Moreover, it is a book concerned with sanctification (to be set apart as holy) rather than salvation.
Greetings: The salutation Greetings was the customary Greek way of opening a letter. Paul never used it. Instead, he preferred to salute his readers with the words grace and peace. Here, James uses the more customary salutation.
2. (James 1:2-4) Patient endurance in trials
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials: The first theme of James's letter is having the proper Christian attitude and persistence when experiencing trials. The Greek language used in verse 2 is especially important to understanding James's first purpose in writing.
Encountering various trials: The word "encounter" is peripipto, which means to fall into something. It does not mean to yield to something as to fall in to sin. Rather, it means to come upon something. The same word is used in Luke 10 in the parable of the Good Samaritan. "Jesus replied and said, 'A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers...'" (Luke 10:30).
The word "various trials" is an interesting translation. There are many different interpretations of this phrase. However, it literally means "many colored temptations" or "varied experiments" or "tests". The meaning behind the phrasing is of circumstances that take many forms and are brought about for a divine purpose as a test or experiment. By trials, James is talking about Christians being persecuted, hated, receiving unfair treatment due to their faith, etc. But he is also talking about ordinary difficulties such as illness, financial difficulties, relationship struggles, unemployment, etc. James is talking about the myriad of life circumstances that come upon a believer. But now that we are believers, we must resist urges and desires. We must control our action and respond differently to these circumstances.
When James uses words like "come upon us" and "experiment" or "test", he is not just describing the quality of these trials, but he is also indicating their origin. Who brings these trials? They originate from God. He brings them upon us. They do not happen by chance. They are a consequence of His Sovereign purpose to test us. It is this understanding that God guides our circumstances and brings these trials upon us that enables us to understand and obey James's command that we consider or count these circumstances as all joy.
Consider it all joy: Consider or count means to make up your mind concerning something or to judge something. We have a choice in how we view our circumstances, especially those that come upon us due to our walk of faith. The choice we should make is to count trials as joy. In the Greek, the word "joy" is chara, which means supreme joy or highest joy. While we could face trials with fear or anger or sorrow, as Christians we are to choose to be joyful.
We come to this attitude not naturally, but rather, we come to this as a result of our knowledge and faith. From verse 2, we can know that our circumstances were ordained from the Lord as a divine test. It is an experiment to see how we will respond, what we will do and how we are maturing in our walks as Christians. And God brings these trials about so that we may pass the test.
In high school, I had an English teacher who loved to spring pop quizzes on his classes. Although there were scheduled exams, the instructor always felt as though he needed to test us to ensure we were keeping up with the class. Every day, we were given reading assignments. Whenever the teacher felt like it, he would spring upon his students a quiz.
When I was prepared for the test, I approached the moment very differently that when I was caught off guard. When I was prepared, I breezed through the questions and knew I would ace the exam. It was easy during these times to consider the trial a joy. When a good mark was ensured, it was easy to celebrate. However, things were much different when illness or work or after school activities left me behind on the assignments. Even being just one day behind on the reading assignment could cause great anxiety if that was the day of the pop quiz.
James says to approach our trials of life work in a similar fashion. The more we understand how God uses trials in our lives to test us and to assign an eternal grade, the better prepared we will be to face them with confidence and joy.
Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance: James says knowing is the key to enduring trials. The Greek word for "knowing" is ginosko, which means to understand, to perceive properly or to see things in the right way. Do we see the trials in our life in the right way? Jesus tells us how we are to face trials. "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:11-12).
We are receiving tests for the sake of a heavenly reward. Have you ever considered that each time you suffer through a trial, there is something eternal at stake? A grade from the Lord is being assigned to us each time we come through one of those trials.
And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing: When we face the trial successfully, we learn endurance. The Greek word for endurance is hupomone, which means patience or steadfastness. The word does not describe a passive waiting but an active endurance. It is not so much this quality that helps you sit quietly in the doctor's waiting room as it is the quality that helps you finish a marathon. The ancient Greek word hupomone comes from hupo ("under") and meno ("to stay, abide, remain"). At its root, it means "to remain under". It has the picture of someone under a heavy load and choosing to stay there instead of trying to escape.
James is talking about a consistency in our Christian character and attitude that does not vary with the circumstance. We should not be dancing on the rooftops one day and crying uncontrollably the next. If that describes you, then it is a sign according to Scripture that you still have a lot of maturing left to do in the Christian walk. Or perhaps, it means we have not been passing our God-appointed tests...and if we are not, then it is probably a consequence of a lack of knowledge that God brings us to these circumstances, and we are being graded for our response.
Have its perfect result: The word for "perfect" in Greek is telelos, which means complete of mature. James says that endurance leads to the result of complete maturity, perfection. Do you yearn to reach spiritual maturity? Do you desire to reflect Christ in your life and become that good and faithful servant that pleases his Master?
James states that the road that takes us to maturity is filled with trials and tests. As each test comes, we count it as joy because we know we are learning to practice patience and endurance which brings us to maturity. As James says, you will lack nothing in the area of spiritual maturity. You will be greatly blessed as a result of your close walk with the Lord.
On the other hand, what do you think the Lord will do with a Christian who is lacking spiritual maturity? Most likely, He will bring trials into our lives. And just like high school pop quizzes, when we face a trial unsuccessfully, God is likely to bring another one soon to give us another opportunity to do better. Have you ever faced trials in your life with that thought? But the key to meeting these tests successfully is in our wisdom and knowledge.
A. Trials and wisdom
1. (James 1:1) A Greeting from James
James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings.
James: There are four men mentioned in the New Testament who are named James.
1. James, the brother of John and son of Zebedee, the first apostle to be martyred. He is also known as James the Less (Matthew 10:2, Mark 15:40 and Acts 12:2).
2. James, the son of Alphaeus, another of the twelve disciples (Matthew 10:3).
3. James, the father of Judas (not Iscariot) (Luke 6:16).
4. James the Just, the half-brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55) and the brother of Jude (Jude 1), who led the church in Jerusalem (Acts 15:13).
Traditionally, the book of James has been attributed to James the Just.
A brief historical interlude:
Jesus' earthy life
During Jesus' time on earth, He grew up in a home that was probably as normal as any other Israeli family. His earthly father (Joseph) was a stone worker (aka, a carpenter), constructing buildings. (Remember that in Israel, the land is full of rocks. Most buildings in Jesus' time were constructed using rock. Carpentry of the day comprised of being a stone mason.)
Jesus was the son of Mary, but His biological father was not Joseph. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit as a new Adam; however, He was not made of the same flesh as the first Adam. But Joseph and Mary had other children conceived in the natural way. ("Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us?" Matthew 13:55-56)
One of Jesus' half brothers was a man named Jude, who wrote the New Testament letter by the same name.
Another half brother of Jesus was a man named James. James is a name translated from the Hebrew to Greek to Latin to English. James's name in Hebrew is Ya'akov (or Jacob in English). Named after the patriarch, Ya'akov means "he supplants" or "heel catcher".
Both Jude and James grew up with their older half-brother Jesus, living and working in Nazareth. We know nothing about the boys' early years together. When Jesus is about 30 years of age, He begins His earthly ministry. He begins teaching in the Galilee. His very first public declaration that He was Messiah was made in His hometown of Nazareth in the synagogue. It is likely that Jesus' half-brothers were present that day in the synagogue when they heard Him declare that He fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy of a coming Savior. His brother received the news with much skepticism.
In John chapter 7, we see Jesus' brothers showing nothing but contempt for Jesus' claim that He was the Messiah: "Now the feast of the Jews, the Feast of Booths, was near. Therefore His brother said to Him, 'Leave here and go into Judea, so that Your disciples also may see Your works which You are doing. For no one does anything in secret when he himself seeks to be known publicly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.' For not even His brothers were believing Him" (John 7:2-5).
Jesus' brothers advised Jesus to go to Jerusalem to declare Himself to be Messiah. They saw His claims and did not believe Him. Teaching and preaching in small towns in the Galilee would only attract a small audience. They encouraged Jesus to go to Jerusalem so that He might be seen by the whole world.
After Jesus' death and resurrection
According to Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:7, Jesus appeared to James after Jesus' death and resurrection. ("then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles" 1 Corinthians 15:7.) This was probably the cause of James's conversion because up to this time, the brothers of Jesus were not supportive of His message and mission. It seems after this encounter, James became a faithful apostle and leader of the church in Jerusalem. James followed the Lord with great devotion. An early history of the church says that James was such a man of prayer that his knees had large and thick calluses, making them look like the knees of a camel. It also says that James was martyred in Jerusalem by being pushed from a high point on the temple. Yet, the fall did not kill him. On the ground, he was beaten to death, even as he prayed for his attackers.
James never describes himself as the half-brother of Jesus. Forgoing his claim to any fleshly relationship with Jesus, he instead identifies himself by his spiritual association--as a bond-servant of God and Christ.
(Back to the text)
Bond-servant: Translated from the ancient Greek word doulos, it is better translated as "slave". A slave was one who was in permanent servitude to another. Among the Greeks, the term carried a degrading connotation.
Lord: Translated from the ancient Greek word kurios, it means master of a doulos. In the context, it means that James considered Jesus God. Hellenistic Jews used the term kurios as a name for God.
To the twelve tribes: This is a Jewish figure of speech that sometimes referred to the Jewish people as a whole. ("And Jesus said to them, 'Truly I say to you, that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel" Matthew 19:28.) Paul referred to our twelve tribes in his speech before King Agrippa (Acts 26:7). The concept of the "twelve tribes" among the Jewish people was still strong, even though they had not lived in their tribal allotments for centuries.
Who are dispersed abroad: At this time, the Jewish people were scattered all over the world. Regarding the extent of the dispersion, Josephus wrote: "There is not city, no tribe whether Greek or Barbarian, in which Jewish law and Jewish customs have not taken root." The church was largely comprised of Jewish believers in the land of Israel with a small number of Jewish believers living in the surrounding areas of Asia Minor and as far away as Rome.
Considering that James was Jewish and that he was writing to Jewish believers, the book of James has a strong Jewish flavor. James's words focus on how to live as a believer. In particular, it emphasizes a believer's behavior rather than his belief or knowledge. Moreover, it is a book concerned with sanctification (to be set apart as holy) rather than salvation.
Greetings: The salutation Greetings was the customary Greek way of opening a letter. Paul never used it. Instead, he preferred to salute his readers with the words grace and peace. Here, James uses the more customary salutation.
2. (James 1:2-4) Patient endurance in trials
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials: The first theme of James's letter is having the proper Christian attitude and persistence when experiencing trials. The Greek language used in verse 2 is especially important to understanding James's first purpose in writing.
Encountering various trials: The word "encounter" is peripipto, which means to fall into something. It does not mean to yield to something as to fall in to sin. Rather, it means to come upon something. The same word is used in Luke 10 in the parable of the Good Samaritan. "Jesus replied and said, 'A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers...'" (Luke 10:30).
The word "various trials" is an interesting translation. There are many different interpretations of this phrase. However, it literally means "many colored temptations" or "varied experiments" or "tests". The meaning behind the phrasing is of circumstances that take many forms and are brought about for a divine purpose as a test or experiment. By trials, James is talking about Christians being persecuted, hated, receiving unfair treatment due to their faith, etc. But he is also talking about ordinary difficulties such as illness, financial difficulties, relationship struggles, unemployment, etc. James is talking about the myriad of life circumstances that come upon a believer. But now that we are believers, we must resist urges and desires. We must control our action and respond differently to these circumstances.
When James uses words like "come upon us" and "experiment" or "test", he is not just describing the quality of these trials, but he is also indicating their origin. Who brings these trials? They originate from God. He brings them upon us. They do not happen by chance. They are a consequence of His Sovereign purpose to test us. It is this understanding that God guides our circumstances and brings these trials upon us that enables us to understand and obey James's command that we consider or count these circumstances as all joy.
Consider it all joy: Consider or count means to make up your mind concerning something or to judge something. We have a choice in how we view our circumstances, especially those that come upon us due to our walk of faith. The choice we should make is to count trials as joy. In the Greek, the word "joy" is chara, which means supreme joy or highest joy. While we could face trials with fear or anger or sorrow, as Christians we are to choose to be joyful.
We come to this attitude not naturally, but rather, we come to this as a result of our knowledge and faith. From verse 2, we can know that our circumstances were ordained from the Lord as a divine test. It is an experiment to see how we will respond, what we will do and how we are maturing in our walks as Christians. And God brings these trials about so that we may pass the test.
In high school, I had an English teacher who loved to spring pop quizzes on his classes. Although there were scheduled exams, the instructor always felt as though he needed to test us to ensure we were keeping up with the class. Every day, we were given reading assignments. Whenever the teacher felt like it, he would spring upon his students a quiz.
When I was prepared for the test, I approached the moment very differently that when I was caught off guard. When I was prepared, I breezed through the questions and knew I would ace the exam. It was easy during these times to consider the trial a joy. When a good mark was ensured, it was easy to celebrate. However, things were much different when illness or work or after school activities left me behind on the assignments. Even being just one day behind on the reading assignment could cause great anxiety if that was the day of the pop quiz.
James says to approach our trials of life work in a similar fashion. The more we understand how God uses trials in our lives to test us and to assign an eternal grade, the better prepared we will be to face them with confidence and joy.
Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance: James says knowing is the key to enduring trials. The Greek word for "knowing" is ginosko, which means to understand, to perceive properly or to see things in the right way. Do we see the trials in our life in the right way? Jesus tells us how we are to face trials. "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:11-12).
We are receiving tests for the sake of a heavenly reward. Have you ever considered that each time you suffer through a trial, there is something eternal at stake? A grade from the Lord is being assigned to us each time we come through one of those trials.
And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing: When we face the trial successfully, we learn endurance. The Greek word for endurance is hupomone, which means patience or steadfastness. The word does not describe a passive waiting but an active endurance. It is not so much this quality that helps you sit quietly in the doctor's waiting room as it is the quality that helps you finish a marathon. The ancient Greek word hupomone comes from hupo ("under") and meno ("to stay, abide, remain"). At its root, it means "to remain under". It has the picture of someone under a heavy load and choosing to stay there instead of trying to escape.
James is talking about a consistency in our Christian character and attitude that does not vary with the circumstance. We should not be dancing on the rooftops one day and crying uncontrollably the next. If that describes you, then it is a sign according to Scripture that you still have a lot of maturing left to do in the Christian walk. Or perhaps, it means we have not been passing our God-appointed tests...and if we are not, then it is probably a consequence of a lack of knowledge that God brings us to these circumstances, and we are being graded for our response.
Have its perfect result: The word for "perfect" in Greek is telelos, which means complete of mature. James says that endurance leads to the result of complete maturity, perfection. Do you yearn to reach spiritual maturity? Do you desire to reflect Christ in your life and become that good and faithful servant that pleases his Master?
James states that the road that takes us to maturity is filled with trials and tests. As each test comes, we count it as joy because we know we are learning to practice patience and endurance which brings us to maturity. As James says, you will lack nothing in the area of spiritual maturity. You will be greatly blessed as a result of your close walk with the Lord.
On the other hand, what do you think the Lord will do with a Christian who is lacking spiritual maturity? Most likely, He will bring trials into our lives. And just like high school pop quizzes, when we face a trial unsuccessfully, God is likely to bring another one soon to give us another opportunity to do better. Have you ever faced trials in your life with that thought? But the key to meeting these tests successfully is in our wisdom and knowledge.
Sunday, July 15, 2018
First Samuel Highlights (Part Three)
Chapter 23
The Philistines fight against the Israeli city of Keilah. David inquires of the LORD if he should attack the Philistines and rescue Keilah. The LORD gives David assurance he will be victorious. Saul hears about David's victory in Keilah and comes down to kill David. David inquires of the LORD again to see if he should stay in Keilah or depart. God informs David that the people of Keilah will surrender David into the hands of Saul. David and his men leave Keilah.
David hides in the wilderness of Ziph. Jonathan seeks out David and encourages him in the LORD. The Ziphites inform Saul of David's whereabouts. Saul pursues David in the wilderness of Maon. David flees to one side of the mountain while Saul and his men are on the other side. When Saul and his men are just about to seize David, a messenger comes to inform Saul the Philistines have made a raid on the land. Saul stops pursuing David and sets out to fight the Philistines. David departs and stays in the strongholds of Engedi.
Favorite verse: "And Jonathan, Saul's son, arose and went to David at Horesh, and encouraged him in God. Thus he said to him, 'Do not be afraid, because the hand of Saul my father will not find you, and you will be king over Israel and I will be next to you; and Saul my father knows that also.'" (1 Samuel 23:16-17)
Chapter 24
When Saul returns from fighting the Philistines, he resumes his pursuit of David. Saul takes three thousand men and charges to Engedi. Saul turns into a cave to relieve himself. Unknown to him, David and his men are hiding in the cave. David's men encourage David to kill Saul, but instead, David only cuts off the hem of Saul's robe. When Saul leaves the cave, David calls after Saul and shows him the edge of the robe he cut off.
When Saul recognizes David's voice, he lifts up his voice and weeps. Saul declares the good David has done to him this day. Saul also acknowledges that David will be the next king of Israel. Saul makes David swear not to cut off any of Saul's descendants after him. David agrees to the oath. Saul leaves, and David and his men go back to the stronghold.
Favorite verse: "'After whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog, a single flea? The LORD therefore be judge and decide between you and me; and may He see and plead my cause and deliver me from your hand.'" (1 Samuel 24:14-15)
Chapter 25
The chapter starts with the sad news that Samuel, the prophet dies. Although the spiritual leader of Israel has passed away, God is raising up another godly man, David, as He trains him in the wilderness. The next trial for David is the very wealthy Nabal. (Nabal's name means fool.)
David and his men guard Nabal's animals in the wilderness. When the festival of sheering the sheep comes, David sends his men to ask for payment for their services. David is careful not to demand a specific payment, but he just requests goods according to what Nabal sees fit to give. However, Nabal mocks and insults David and sends David's men away empty-handed. When David hears Nabal's words, David decides to go to war with Nabal.
As David and his men are marching toward Nabal's home, Abigail, Nabal's wife, is informed of Nabal's foolishness. Abigail immediately gathers a significant amount of food and loads it on donkeys. Abigail follows the caravan of goods on her own donkey. When Abigail meets David in the wilderness, she falls down before him. Abigail takes full responsibility for Nabal's actions. Abigail reminds David that he will one day become king of Israel, and he should not have this shedding of innocent blood on his hands. David takes Abigail's words to heart and returns back to his own camp.
The next day, Abigail tells her husband about the great peril that almost came upon his house. Nabal becomes very sick and dies 10 days later. When David hears Nabal is dead, he sends for Abigail to be his wife.
Favorite verse: "'And when the LORD does for my lord according to all the good that He has spoken concerning you, and appoints you ruler over Israel, this will not cause grief or a troubled heard to my lord, both by having shed blood without cause and by my lord having avenged himself. When the LORD deals well with my lord, then remember your maidservant.'" (1 Samuel 25:30-31)
Chapter 26
Chapter 26 is very reminiscent of chapter 24. David is hiding on the hill of Hachilah. The Ziphites tell King Saul about David's whereabouts. King Saul and his men pursue David. This time, David sends spies out and finds Saul's camp. David and Abishai journey into the midst of Saul's camp. Abishai tells David he should kill Saul. David resists the temptation. Instead, David takes King Saul's spear (the ancient Eastern symbol of royalty equivalent to a scepter) and the jug of water (which Saul would use for his personal bathing needs).
David crosses over to the other side of the mountain and yells to Saul's camp, specifically to Abner, who is responsible for guarding the king. David tells them that someone had been in the midst of their camp and had wanted to kill the king. David tells Saul's camp that he has the king's spear and water jug. Saul recognizes David's voice. Saul admits he had played the fool and has committed a serious error. Saul encourages David to return back to him. However, David goes his own way and Saul returns back to his palace.
Favorite verse: "'The LORD will repay each man for his righteousness and faithfulness; for the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I refused to stretch out my hand against the LORD'S anointed. Now behold, as your life was highly valued in my sight this day, so may my life by highly valued in the sight of the LORD, and may He deliver me from all distress.'" (1 Samuel 26:23-24)
Chapter 27
After being pursued relentlessly by Saul, David drops into the pit of despair. After God has delivered David over and over again, David abandons God and attempts to seek refuge among the godless Philistines. Thinking there is no place let for him to hide, David leaves Israel and seeks asylum in the city of Gath. This time, when David flees to Gath, King Achish warmly greets David. David now has six hundred men with him and also is a fugitive. David asks and is granted to dwell in the city of Ziklag in the south of Philistia, far away from Gath.
David and his men make raids on the Amalekites, the Geshurites and Girzites. They killed all the inhabitants and take the livestock and clothing for spoil. When King Achish inquires about David's raids, David claims he and his men have defeated parts of southern Judah and other allies of Israel. King Achish believes David was making himself hated among his own people, the Israelites, and erroneously believes that David will become his servant forever.
Favorite verse: "Then David said to himself, 'Now I will perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape into the land of the Philistines. Saul then will despair of searching for me anymore in all the territory of Israel, and I will escape from his hand.'" (1 Samuel 27:1)
Chapter 28
The Philistines gather together for battle for one last war with Saul. When Saul and his men gather together at Gilboa, Saul becomes weak with fear. In desperation, Saul tries to inquire of the LORD; however, God does not answer him. In a panic, Saul seeks out a spirit medium to divine the future.
The spirit medium conjures up Samuel, the prophet. Saul tells Samuel the Philistines are against him and asks for his help. Samuel never gives Saul any advice about fighting the Philistines, but he does tell Saul that the LORD has done exactly as he had promised. Because Saul did not obey God in executing Amalek, the LORD will give Saul's kingdom to David and will deliver Israel into the hand of the Philistines. Moreover, Saul and his sons will die the next day.
Saul falls to the ground and becomes very afraid. The spirit medium encourages Saul to eat food. She slays a fattened calf and makes unleavened bread. Saul and his servants eat and depart.
Favorite verse: "Samuel said, 'Why then do you ask me, since the LORD has departed from you and has become your adversary? The LORD has done according as He spoke through me; for the LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, to David. As you did not obey the LORD and did not execute His fierce wrath on Amalek, so the LORD has done this thing to you this day. Moreover the LORD will also give over Israel along with you into the hands of the Philistines, therefore tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. Indeed the LORD will give over the army of Israel into the hands of the Philistines!'" (1 Samuel 28:16-19)
Chapter 29
David and his men proceed with the Philistines toward the battle with the Israelites. The commanders of the Philistines object to David's presence in the army. It is God's saving grace that the Philistine leaders resist King Achish's pleas that David and his men have been faithful to him. David and his men are kicked out of the Philistine army and are sent home. The Philistines continue their march to Jezreel.
Favorite verse: "Then Achish called David and said to him, 'As the LORD lives, you have been upright, and your going out and your coming in with me in the army are pleasing in my sight; for I have not found evil in you from the day of your coming to me to this day. Nevertheless, you are not pleasing in the sight of the lords. Now therefore return and go in peace, that you may not displease the lords of the Philistines.'" (1 Samuel 29:6-7)
Chapter 30
When David and his men return home, they find their city of Ziklag completely burned to the ground and their wives, sons and daughters were taken captive by the Amalekites. In utter distress, David's men threaten to stone him. At this time of great sorrow, David turns back to the LORD. David asks Abiathar, the priest, to inquire of the LORD. The LORD assures David that he should pursue the Amalekites and that all will be recovered.
As David and his men journey toward the Amalekites, one third of David's men are too tired to continue. They stay at the Brook of Besor with the baggage. The other 400 men continue and find an Egyptian slave who was left behind by the Amalekites because he was sick. The Egyptian tells David about the Amalekite's battles and shows them the way to the Amalekite camp. When David and his men discover the Amalekite camp, the Amalekites are spread out over the land and having a great festival. David and his men slay the Amalekites; however, 400 Amalekites are able to escape riding camels.
David and his men recover all their family members along with all their belongings. Moreover, the men also capture a vast plunder from the other cities which the Amalekites had raided. David and his men return to Ziklag. Upon dividing the spoil, David makes it an ordinance that the goods should be distributed to those who fought as well as to those who stayed by the baggage. Additionally, David sends some of the spoil to more than 13 cities where he and his men frequented during their time as exiles.
Favorite verse: "Then David said, 'You must do so, my brothers, with what the LORD has given us, who has kept us and delivered into our hand the band that came against us. And who will listen to you in this matter? For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage; they shall share alike.'" (1 Samuel 30:23-25)
Chapter 31
The story line resumes with the Philistines fighting against Saul and all of Israel. The battle goes against Saul; Saul's sons are killed. Saul is badly injured by archers. He begs his armor bearer to kill him. However, the armor bearer refuses. Saul fall on his own sword. The armor bearer then falls on his sword too. When the men of Israel see that their king is dead, they flee from the battle.
The next day, the Philistines find the bodies of Saul and his sons. The Philistines decapitate Saul and send his head and his armor throughout Philistia. The Philistines hang Saul and his sons' bodies on the wall in Beth-shan. The men of Jabeh-Gilead, remembering the heroic efforts in which Saul rallied all Israel to save their lives, walk all night to Beth-shan. They gather Saul and his sons' bodies and walk back to Jabesh-Gilead. At Jabesh-Gilead, the men burn the bodies of Saul and his sons. They then bury their bones under a tamarisk tree at Jabesh-Gilead. They mourn for their deaths by fasting seven days.
Favorite verse: "Now when the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all the valiant men rose and walked all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and they came to Jabesh and burned them there. They took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tress at Jabesh, and fasted seven days." (1 Samuel 31:11-13)
The Philistines fight against the Israeli city of Keilah. David inquires of the LORD if he should attack the Philistines and rescue Keilah. The LORD gives David assurance he will be victorious. Saul hears about David's victory in Keilah and comes down to kill David. David inquires of the LORD again to see if he should stay in Keilah or depart. God informs David that the people of Keilah will surrender David into the hands of Saul. David and his men leave Keilah.
David hides in the wilderness of Ziph. Jonathan seeks out David and encourages him in the LORD. The Ziphites inform Saul of David's whereabouts. Saul pursues David in the wilderness of Maon. David flees to one side of the mountain while Saul and his men are on the other side. When Saul and his men are just about to seize David, a messenger comes to inform Saul the Philistines have made a raid on the land. Saul stops pursuing David and sets out to fight the Philistines. David departs and stays in the strongholds of Engedi.
Favorite verse: "And Jonathan, Saul's son, arose and went to David at Horesh, and encouraged him in God. Thus he said to him, 'Do not be afraid, because the hand of Saul my father will not find you, and you will be king over Israel and I will be next to you; and Saul my father knows that also.'" (1 Samuel 23:16-17)
Chapter 24
When Saul returns from fighting the Philistines, he resumes his pursuit of David. Saul takes three thousand men and charges to Engedi. Saul turns into a cave to relieve himself. Unknown to him, David and his men are hiding in the cave. David's men encourage David to kill Saul, but instead, David only cuts off the hem of Saul's robe. When Saul leaves the cave, David calls after Saul and shows him the edge of the robe he cut off.
When Saul recognizes David's voice, he lifts up his voice and weeps. Saul declares the good David has done to him this day. Saul also acknowledges that David will be the next king of Israel. Saul makes David swear not to cut off any of Saul's descendants after him. David agrees to the oath. Saul leaves, and David and his men go back to the stronghold.
Favorite verse: "'After whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog, a single flea? The LORD therefore be judge and decide between you and me; and may He see and plead my cause and deliver me from your hand.'" (1 Samuel 24:14-15)
Chapter 25
The chapter starts with the sad news that Samuel, the prophet dies. Although the spiritual leader of Israel has passed away, God is raising up another godly man, David, as He trains him in the wilderness. The next trial for David is the very wealthy Nabal. (Nabal's name means fool.)
David and his men guard Nabal's animals in the wilderness. When the festival of sheering the sheep comes, David sends his men to ask for payment for their services. David is careful not to demand a specific payment, but he just requests goods according to what Nabal sees fit to give. However, Nabal mocks and insults David and sends David's men away empty-handed. When David hears Nabal's words, David decides to go to war with Nabal.
As David and his men are marching toward Nabal's home, Abigail, Nabal's wife, is informed of Nabal's foolishness. Abigail immediately gathers a significant amount of food and loads it on donkeys. Abigail follows the caravan of goods on her own donkey. When Abigail meets David in the wilderness, she falls down before him. Abigail takes full responsibility for Nabal's actions. Abigail reminds David that he will one day become king of Israel, and he should not have this shedding of innocent blood on his hands. David takes Abigail's words to heart and returns back to his own camp.
The next day, Abigail tells her husband about the great peril that almost came upon his house. Nabal becomes very sick and dies 10 days later. When David hears Nabal is dead, he sends for Abigail to be his wife.
Favorite verse: "'And when the LORD does for my lord according to all the good that He has spoken concerning you, and appoints you ruler over Israel, this will not cause grief or a troubled heard to my lord, both by having shed blood without cause and by my lord having avenged himself. When the LORD deals well with my lord, then remember your maidservant.'" (1 Samuel 25:30-31)
Chapter 26
Chapter 26 is very reminiscent of chapter 24. David is hiding on the hill of Hachilah. The Ziphites tell King Saul about David's whereabouts. King Saul and his men pursue David. This time, David sends spies out and finds Saul's camp. David and Abishai journey into the midst of Saul's camp. Abishai tells David he should kill Saul. David resists the temptation. Instead, David takes King Saul's spear (the ancient Eastern symbol of royalty equivalent to a scepter) and the jug of water (which Saul would use for his personal bathing needs).
David crosses over to the other side of the mountain and yells to Saul's camp, specifically to Abner, who is responsible for guarding the king. David tells them that someone had been in the midst of their camp and had wanted to kill the king. David tells Saul's camp that he has the king's spear and water jug. Saul recognizes David's voice. Saul admits he had played the fool and has committed a serious error. Saul encourages David to return back to him. However, David goes his own way and Saul returns back to his palace.
Favorite verse: "'The LORD will repay each man for his righteousness and faithfulness; for the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I refused to stretch out my hand against the LORD'S anointed. Now behold, as your life was highly valued in my sight this day, so may my life by highly valued in the sight of the LORD, and may He deliver me from all distress.'" (1 Samuel 26:23-24)
Chapter 27
After being pursued relentlessly by Saul, David drops into the pit of despair. After God has delivered David over and over again, David abandons God and attempts to seek refuge among the godless Philistines. Thinking there is no place let for him to hide, David leaves Israel and seeks asylum in the city of Gath. This time, when David flees to Gath, King Achish warmly greets David. David now has six hundred men with him and also is a fugitive. David asks and is granted to dwell in the city of Ziklag in the south of Philistia, far away from Gath.
David and his men make raids on the Amalekites, the Geshurites and Girzites. They killed all the inhabitants and take the livestock and clothing for spoil. When King Achish inquires about David's raids, David claims he and his men have defeated parts of southern Judah and other allies of Israel. King Achish believes David was making himself hated among his own people, the Israelites, and erroneously believes that David will become his servant forever.
Favorite verse: "Then David said to himself, 'Now I will perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape into the land of the Philistines. Saul then will despair of searching for me anymore in all the territory of Israel, and I will escape from his hand.'" (1 Samuel 27:1)
Chapter 28
The Philistines gather together for battle for one last war with Saul. When Saul and his men gather together at Gilboa, Saul becomes weak with fear. In desperation, Saul tries to inquire of the LORD; however, God does not answer him. In a panic, Saul seeks out a spirit medium to divine the future.
The spirit medium conjures up Samuel, the prophet. Saul tells Samuel the Philistines are against him and asks for his help. Samuel never gives Saul any advice about fighting the Philistines, but he does tell Saul that the LORD has done exactly as he had promised. Because Saul did not obey God in executing Amalek, the LORD will give Saul's kingdom to David and will deliver Israel into the hand of the Philistines. Moreover, Saul and his sons will die the next day.
Saul falls to the ground and becomes very afraid. The spirit medium encourages Saul to eat food. She slays a fattened calf and makes unleavened bread. Saul and his servants eat and depart.
Favorite verse: "Samuel said, 'Why then do you ask me, since the LORD has departed from you and has become your adversary? The LORD has done according as He spoke through me; for the LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, to David. As you did not obey the LORD and did not execute His fierce wrath on Amalek, so the LORD has done this thing to you this day. Moreover the LORD will also give over Israel along with you into the hands of the Philistines, therefore tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. Indeed the LORD will give over the army of Israel into the hands of the Philistines!'" (1 Samuel 28:16-19)
Chapter 29
David and his men proceed with the Philistines toward the battle with the Israelites. The commanders of the Philistines object to David's presence in the army. It is God's saving grace that the Philistine leaders resist King Achish's pleas that David and his men have been faithful to him. David and his men are kicked out of the Philistine army and are sent home. The Philistines continue their march to Jezreel.
Favorite verse: "Then Achish called David and said to him, 'As the LORD lives, you have been upright, and your going out and your coming in with me in the army are pleasing in my sight; for I have not found evil in you from the day of your coming to me to this day. Nevertheless, you are not pleasing in the sight of the lords. Now therefore return and go in peace, that you may not displease the lords of the Philistines.'" (1 Samuel 29:6-7)
Chapter 30
When David and his men return home, they find their city of Ziklag completely burned to the ground and their wives, sons and daughters were taken captive by the Amalekites. In utter distress, David's men threaten to stone him. At this time of great sorrow, David turns back to the LORD. David asks Abiathar, the priest, to inquire of the LORD. The LORD assures David that he should pursue the Amalekites and that all will be recovered.
As David and his men journey toward the Amalekites, one third of David's men are too tired to continue. They stay at the Brook of Besor with the baggage. The other 400 men continue and find an Egyptian slave who was left behind by the Amalekites because he was sick. The Egyptian tells David about the Amalekite's battles and shows them the way to the Amalekite camp. When David and his men discover the Amalekite camp, the Amalekites are spread out over the land and having a great festival. David and his men slay the Amalekites; however, 400 Amalekites are able to escape riding camels.
David and his men recover all their family members along with all their belongings. Moreover, the men also capture a vast plunder from the other cities which the Amalekites had raided. David and his men return to Ziklag. Upon dividing the spoil, David makes it an ordinance that the goods should be distributed to those who fought as well as to those who stayed by the baggage. Additionally, David sends some of the spoil to more than 13 cities where he and his men frequented during their time as exiles.
Favorite verse: "Then David said, 'You must do so, my brothers, with what the LORD has given us, who has kept us and delivered into our hand the band that came against us. And who will listen to you in this matter? For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage; they shall share alike.'" (1 Samuel 30:23-25)
Chapter 31
The story line resumes with the Philistines fighting against Saul and all of Israel. The battle goes against Saul; Saul's sons are killed. Saul is badly injured by archers. He begs his armor bearer to kill him. However, the armor bearer refuses. Saul fall on his own sword. The armor bearer then falls on his sword too. When the men of Israel see that their king is dead, they flee from the battle.
The next day, the Philistines find the bodies of Saul and his sons. The Philistines decapitate Saul and send his head and his armor throughout Philistia. The Philistines hang Saul and his sons' bodies on the wall in Beth-shan. The men of Jabeh-Gilead, remembering the heroic efforts in which Saul rallied all Israel to save their lives, walk all night to Beth-shan. They gather Saul and his sons' bodies and walk back to Jabesh-Gilead. At Jabesh-Gilead, the men burn the bodies of Saul and his sons. They then bury their bones under a tamarisk tree at Jabesh-Gilead. They mourn for their deaths by fasting seven days.
Favorite verse: "Now when the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all the valiant men rose and walked all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and they came to Jabesh and burned them there. They took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tress at Jabesh, and fasted seven days." (1 Samuel 31:11-13)
Sunday, July 8, 2018
First Samuel Highlights (Part Two)
Chapter Eleven
Jabesh-Gilead, a small village on the east side of the Jordan River, receives a threat from the Ammonites that they must become the Ammonites servants. The elders of Jabesh arrange a plea deal with the Ammonites. They are allowed seven days to send messengers throughout the land of Israel to find a deliverer. (This entire chapter seems to echo the Book of Judges. Part of Israel is in trouble. They plea for a deliverer. God sends a valiant warrior infused with the Holy Spirit to save the afflicted people. The land has rest from its enemies for a few years.) Saul hears about the plight of Jabesh-Gilead, and the Spirit of God comes mightily upon Saul. Saul cuts up a yoke of ox and sends it throughout Israel. Saul rallies a large army of 330,000 men. Saul leads the army to Jabeh-Gilead and slays the Ammonites. The people of Jabesh are saved.
Favorite verse: "Then the Spirit of God came mightily upon Saul when he heard these words, and he became very angry. He took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces, and sent them throughout the territory of Israel by the hand of messengers, saying, 'Whoever does not come out after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done to his oxen.' Then the dread of the LORD fell on the people, and they came out as one man." (1 Samuel 11:6-7)
Chapter Twelve
This chapter is a long address given by Samuel to the nation of Israel. Samuel states how he has been a just and upright man, taking nothing from the people. Yet, the people still insist they want a king. When they see the Ammonites attack Jabesh-Gilead, Israel decide they want a fleshly king and not the King of the universe to protect them. Samuel informs the people they have sinned against God by asking for a fleshly king. God sends thunder and rain upon the wheat harvest. The people then repent and ask Samuel to pray for them.
Favorite verse: "Samuel said to the people, 'Do not fear. You have committed all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. You must not turn aside, for then you will go after futile things which cannot profit or deliver, because they are futile. For the LORD will not abandon His people on account of His great name, because the LORD has been pleased to make you a people for Himself.'" (1 Samuel 12:20-22)
Chapter Thirteen
Now that Israel has become a unified nation, the Philistines once more decide to attack Israel. Saul gathers 3,000 men to fight. Samuel tells Saul to wait seven days for him at Gilgal to offere sacrifices to the LORD. The men of Israel become nervous as they see the Philistine army as vast as the sea. The men start departing. Saul, desperate to not lose any more men, offers the burnt offering. As soon as performs this act against Torah, Samuel comes to Gilgal. Due to Saul's disobedience, Samuel promises Saul his kingdom will not endure. The LORD will place a man on the throne that is a man after God's own heart.
Philistine raiders start plundering the land of Israel. Israel prepares itself for war. However, the Philistines have a strong power over Israel and drive out all the blacksmiths. The Israelites do not have swords or spears. Instead, they had to arm themselves with forks, axes, hoes and other farm implements.
Favorite verse: "Samuel said to Saul, 'You have acted foolishly; you have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God, which He commanded you, for now the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not endure. The LORD has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has appointed him as ruler over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.'" (1 Samuel 13:13-14)
Chapter Fourteen
As frightened as Saul was about the Philistine army, his son, Jonathan, has developed a strong faith and a reliance on God. Seeing his father was not going to attack the Philistines, Jonathan and his armor bearer sneak out to fight the Philistines on their own. Jonathan states that the LORD can use many or few men to deliver a great victory. Jonathan relies on God to protect him and deliver the Philistines into his hands. Jonathan and his armor bearer kill 20 Philistines, and the surprise attack causes a great trembling in the camp. Soon, the Philistines are fleeing away. Saul sees this from his lookout and sends his men to slay the Philistines.
Saul makes a ridiculous oath stating that if anyone eats, he will be put to death. Saul drives hard his army. They are tired and weary. Jonathan does not know about the oath and eats some honey. When at last the Israelites are able to eat, they pounce upon the animal spoil and eat them with the blood still flowing through their bodies (thus violating Torah). Saul wants to continue pursuing the Philistines, but after inquiring of the LORD and hearing nothing, Saul knows someone broke his oath. Saul and the Israelites draw lots for who committed the crime. Saul and Jonathan are taken. Jonathan is then revealed as the offender. Saul wants to kill Jonathan, but the Israeites come to Jonathan's rescue. Saul discontinues his pursuit of the Philistines, and the Philistines return back to their land.
Favorite verse: "Then Jonathan said to the young man who was carrying his armor, 'Come and let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; perhaps the LORD will work for us, for the LORD is not restrained to save by many or by few.' His armor bearer said to him, 'Do all that is in your hear; turn yourself, and here I am with you according to your desire.'" (1 Samuel 14:6-7)
Chapter Fifteen
Samuel gives Saul strict commands from God that he is to utterly destroy the Amalekites---destroy all the livestock, men, women and children. Nothing is to be left alive of the Amalekites. Saul and his large army have a successful victory over the Amalekites. However, Saul and his men decide only to destroy the despised and worthless items and take for their own spoil the best of the livestock. Saul even spares the King of the Amalekites, Agag.
Samuel rebukes Saul for disobeying the word of the LORD; however, Saul insists he has been obedient. Finally, after more chastening by Samuel, Saul admits his sin. Samuel pronounces judgment on Saul. Samuel then kills Agag with the sword, fulfilling God's command. Samuel goes back to Ramah and does not see Saul again until the day of his death.
Favorite verse: "Samuel said, 'Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you from being king.'" (1 Samuel 15:22-23)
Chapter Sixteen
Samuel travels to Bethlehem to hold a sacrifice and to anoint the next king of Israel. Samuel examines each son of Jesse one by one. However, Samuel is told by God that none of the sons present before him are to be the next king of Israel. Samuel asks Jesse if he has any more sons. Yes, there is still the youngest son who is out shepherding the sheep. The youngest boy is summoned. Samuel receives confirmation that the youngest son, David, is to be anointed. Samuel pours oil on David and anoints him in the midst of his brothers. Then the Spirit of the LORD comes upon David.
Next, the Spirit of the LORD departs from King Saul. Instead, a spirit which terrorizes Saul comes upon him. Saul's servants devise that hearing music will help calm Saul's tormenting spirit. A young servant knows David, and he knows that David is a boy with musical gifts to play the harp. David is sent for and brought to the palace. David plays music for Saul and finds favor in Saul's eyes.
Favorite verse: "But the LORD said to Samuel, 'Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his statue, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.'" (1 Samuel 16:7)
Chapter Seventeen
The Philistines once again assemble for battle. This time, they have a giant named Goliath among them. Goliath taunts the Israeli troops day after day. No one in the Israeli army is brave enough to meet Goliath's taunts. David's three older brothers are part of the Israeli forces. David is commanded by his father to take supplies to his brothers. Upon reaching the camp, David hears Goliath's jeering and hears about the great reward (riches, a princess and freedom from taxes) which King Saul has promised to the person who kills Goliath.
David's oldest brother becomes enraged that David is asking such questions from the soldiers. He severely chastens David, claiming David is just trying to glean attention. In the meantime, Saul hears that David is inquiring about fighting against Goliath. David is summoned to King Saul's tent. Saul asks many questions about David's bravery. Saul then allows David to fight Goliath. Saul tries to clothe David with his armor; however, the heavy weight of the protection gear impedes David's ability to move. David takes off the armor and decides to face Goliath with just a sling, a shepherd's staff, a pouch and five smooth stones.
Goliath insults the God of Israel when David approaches him. But, David replies that he comes to Goliath in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel. Goliath arises to meet David. David runs at Goliath, slinging a stone at Goliath. Goliath slumps to the ground. David uses Goliath's own stone to cut off Goliath's head. Saul inquires about David, asking who David is.
Favorite verse: "Then David said to the Philistines, 'You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. This day the LORD will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD'S and He will give you into our hands.'" (1 Samuel 17:45-47)
Chapter Eighteen
After Saul finishes speaking to David, Saul does not allow David to return home. David becomes a prosperous soldier, having victory wherever he goes. David's name and fame grow so vast that King Saul develops a deep jealousy of David. During this time, Jonathan and David develop a beautiful friendship. Jonathan gives David his robe and his bow, sword and belt.
When the tormenting spirit comes upon Saul, Saul brandishes his spear at David. David escapes. Saul then makes David commander of a thousand in Saul's military. After David continues to have many military victories, Saul tries to get David to marry his oldest daughter, Merab. David declines, noting his is too insignificant to marry the king's daughter.
When King Saul finds out his other daughter, Michal, is in love with David, he develops a plan. He informs David that the dowry for his daughter Michal is 100 foreskins from the Philistines. Saul secretly schemes that his dowry request will cause David to be killed by the Philistines. However, God is with David, and David kills 200 Philistines. Upon receiving the dowry payment, Saul gives his daughter Michal in marriage to David.
Favorite verse: "It happened as they were coming, when David returned from killing the Philistines, that the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy and with musical instruments. The women sang as they played, and said, 'Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.'" (1 Samuel 18:6-7)
Chapter Nineteen
Saul plans to kill David and makes his intentions known among his servants. Jonathan informs David about his father's ambitions and tells David to hide until Jonathan is able to speak with his father. Jonathan confronts King Saul about his idea to kill David. Jonathan is very forth coming; he tells his father David has not sinned against him, and if Saul kills David, he will be sinning against innocent blood by putting David to death without a cause. King Saul changes his mind and swears by the LORD that he will not kill David. David returns to the palace.
When there is war again and once more David is highly successful, Saul becomes jealous and attempts to kill David by throwing a spear at him. David escapes. Saul sends messengers to David's house to watch the house in order to put him to death in the morning. Michal tells David he needs to flee. Michal lets David down through a window and places a household idol covered with clothes and goat's hair on the bed. When the messengers enter the house, they believe David is sick in bed. When Saul hears the messengers did not seize David, he demands they return back to David's house and take David to the palace on his sick bed. When the messengers return to David's house, the rouse is discovered.
David flees to Samuel at Ramah. When King Saul learns of David's location, he sends three sets of messengers. When the messengers arrive in Ramah, the Spirit of God comes upon them, and they start prophesying. Saul then departs for Ramah. He, too, is overcome with the Spirit of God and begins prophesying. Once again, David escapes Saul's clutches.
Favorite verse: "Then Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, 'Do not let the king sin against his servant David, since he has not sinned against you, and since his deeds have been very beneficial to you. For he took his life in his hand and struck the Philistine, and the LORD brought about a great deliverance for all Israel; you saw it and rejoiced. Why then will you sin against innocent blood by putting David to death without a cause?'" (1 Samuel 19:4-5)
Chapter 20
Chapter 20 tells of the beautiful friendship between David and Jonathan. The chapter highlights the sharp contrast between Saul's hatred for David and Jonathan's abundant love for David. When David returns from Ramah, he meets Jonathan. David expresses his fear that he is extremely close to death due to Saul's continual persecution of David. Jonathan assures David he will not die. However, David hatches a plan to discern if Saul truly wants to kill David. David is to miss the two day New Moon feast. If Saul becomes enraged and wants to kill David, Jonathan will secretly meet David and tell him the information.
When the New Moon feast comes, Saul becomes enraged that David is not at the festival. Saul threatens to kill not only David but also Jonathan. Jonathan leaves the feast. At the appointed time, Jonathan meets David in a field a good distance from the palace. Jonathan tells David he must flee as his father, Saul, does indeed want to kill him. They both weep. Jonathan returns to the palace while David becomes a fugitive and enters a life of exile.
Favorite verse: "Then Saul's anger burned against Jonathan and he said to him, 'You son of a perverse, rebellious woman! Do I not know that you are choosing the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of your nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be established. Therefore now, send and bring him to me, for he must surely die.'" (1 Samuel 20:30-31)
Chapter 21
When David flees, he heads to a place he knows he will have safety and receive a blessing; he goes to Ahimelech, the priest, at Nob. Ahimelech is very cordial to David. When David states he is on an urgent mission from the king, Ahimelech gives him the bread of the Presence to David for food and gives him Goliath's sword for a weapon. Unfortunately, one of Saul's faithful servants, Doeg, is also at the tabernacle. Doeg subsequently uses the information he acquires to inform King Saul about Ahimelech's aid to David.
David flees to the Philistine city of Gath, the hometown of Goliath. Of course, David's slaying of Goliath, and David carrying Goliath's sword immediately alerts the city to David's presence. When David finds out his identity has been discovered, he feigns insanity. David's acting skills fool the king and his servants into thinking David is a madman. David is released from the king's custody.
Favorite verse: "Then the priest said, 'The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the valley of Elah, behold, it is wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod; if you would take it for yourself, take it. For there is no other except it here.' And David said, 'There is none like it; give it to me.'" (1 Samuel 21:9)
Chapter 22
David begins his life as an exile. First he escapes to the cave of Adullam, and then he flees to Moab. At Moab, David leaves his father and mother in the care of the King of Moab. David returns back to the land of Israel.
Saul hears about David and his adventures. Doeg, the Edomite, tells Saul he saw David at Nob being aided by Ahimelech. Saul summons all the priests from Nob. Saul accuses Ahimelech of conspiracy. Ahimelech denies the charges. Saul proclaims a death sentence on Ahimelech and his whole family. Doeg, the Edomite, carries out the order, slaying 85 men who were priests and all the men, women and children who lived in Nob. One of the sons of Ahimelech, Abiathar, escapes and flees to David.
Favorite verse: "The David said to Abiathar, 'I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I have brought about the death of every person in your father's household. Stay with me; do not be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life, for you are safe with me.'" (1 Samuel 22:22-23)
Jabesh-Gilead, a small village on the east side of the Jordan River, receives a threat from the Ammonites that they must become the Ammonites servants. The elders of Jabesh arrange a plea deal with the Ammonites. They are allowed seven days to send messengers throughout the land of Israel to find a deliverer. (This entire chapter seems to echo the Book of Judges. Part of Israel is in trouble. They plea for a deliverer. God sends a valiant warrior infused with the Holy Spirit to save the afflicted people. The land has rest from its enemies for a few years.) Saul hears about the plight of Jabesh-Gilead, and the Spirit of God comes mightily upon Saul. Saul cuts up a yoke of ox and sends it throughout Israel. Saul rallies a large army of 330,000 men. Saul leads the army to Jabeh-Gilead and slays the Ammonites. The people of Jabesh are saved.
Favorite verse: "Then the Spirit of God came mightily upon Saul when he heard these words, and he became very angry. He took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces, and sent them throughout the territory of Israel by the hand of messengers, saying, 'Whoever does not come out after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done to his oxen.' Then the dread of the LORD fell on the people, and they came out as one man." (1 Samuel 11:6-7)
Chapter Twelve
This chapter is a long address given by Samuel to the nation of Israel. Samuel states how he has been a just and upright man, taking nothing from the people. Yet, the people still insist they want a king. When they see the Ammonites attack Jabesh-Gilead, Israel decide they want a fleshly king and not the King of the universe to protect them. Samuel informs the people they have sinned against God by asking for a fleshly king. God sends thunder and rain upon the wheat harvest. The people then repent and ask Samuel to pray for them.
Favorite verse: "Samuel said to the people, 'Do not fear. You have committed all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. You must not turn aside, for then you will go after futile things which cannot profit or deliver, because they are futile. For the LORD will not abandon His people on account of His great name, because the LORD has been pleased to make you a people for Himself.'" (1 Samuel 12:20-22)
Chapter Thirteen
Now that Israel has become a unified nation, the Philistines once more decide to attack Israel. Saul gathers 3,000 men to fight. Samuel tells Saul to wait seven days for him at Gilgal to offere sacrifices to the LORD. The men of Israel become nervous as they see the Philistine army as vast as the sea. The men start departing. Saul, desperate to not lose any more men, offers the burnt offering. As soon as performs this act against Torah, Samuel comes to Gilgal. Due to Saul's disobedience, Samuel promises Saul his kingdom will not endure. The LORD will place a man on the throne that is a man after God's own heart.
Philistine raiders start plundering the land of Israel. Israel prepares itself for war. However, the Philistines have a strong power over Israel and drive out all the blacksmiths. The Israelites do not have swords or spears. Instead, they had to arm themselves with forks, axes, hoes and other farm implements.
Favorite verse: "Samuel said to Saul, 'You have acted foolishly; you have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God, which He commanded you, for now the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not endure. The LORD has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has appointed him as ruler over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.'" (1 Samuel 13:13-14)
Chapter Fourteen
As frightened as Saul was about the Philistine army, his son, Jonathan, has developed a strong faith and a reliance on God. Seeing his father was not going to attack the Philistines, Jonathan and his armor bearer sneak out to fight the Philistines on their own. Jonathan states that the LORD can use many or few men to deliver a great victory. Jonathan relies on God to protect him and deliver the Philistines into his hands. Jonathan and his armor bearer kill 20 Philistines, and the surprise attack causes a great trembling in the camp. Soon, the Philistines are fleeing away. Saul sees this from his lookout and sends his men to slay the Philistines.
Saul makes a ridiculous oath stating that if anyone eats, he will be put to death. Saul drives hard his army. They are tired and weary. Jonathan does not know about the oath and eats some honey. When at last the Israelites are able to eat, they pounce upon the animal spoil and eat them with the blood still flowing through their bodies (thus violating Torah). Saul wants to continue pursuing the Philistines, but after inquiring of the LORD and hearing nothing, Saul knows someone broke his oath. Saul and the Israelites draw lots for who committed the crime. Saul and Jonathan are taken. Jonathan is then revealed as the offender. Saul wants to kill Jonathan, but the Israeites come to Jonathan's rescue. Saul discontinues his pursuit of the Philistines, and the Philistines return back to their land.
Favorite verse: "Then Jonathan said to the young man who was carrying his armor, 'Come and let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; perhaps the LORD will work for us, for the LORD is not restrained to save by many or by few.' His armor bearer said to him, 'Do all that is in your hear; turn yourself, and here I am with you according to your desire.'" (1 Samuel 14:6-7)
Chapter Fifteen
Samuel gives Saul strict commands from God that he is to utterly destroy the Amalekites---destroy all the livestock, men, women and children. Nothing is to be left alive of the Amalekites. Saul and his large army have a successful victory over the Amalekites. However, Saul and his men decide only to destroy the despised and worthless items and take for their own spoil the best of the livestock. Saul even spares the King of the Amalekites, Agag.
Samuel rebukes Saul for disobeying the word of the LORD; however, Saul insists he has been obedient. Finally, after more chastening by Samuel, Saul admits his sin. Samuel pronounces judgment on Saul. Samuel then kills Agag with the sword, fulfilling God's command. Samuel goes back to Ramah and does not see Saul again until the day of his death.
Favorite verse: "Samuel said, 'Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you from being king.'" (1 Samuel 15:22-23)
Chapter Sixteen
Samuel travels to Bethlehem to hold a sacrifice and to anoint the next king of Israel. Samuel examines each son of Jesse one by one. However, Samuel is told by God that none of the sons present before him are to be the next king of Israel. Samuel asks Jesse if he has any more sons. Yes, there is still the youngest son who is out shepherding the sheep. The youngest boy is summoned. Samuel receives confirmation that the youngest son, David, is to be anointed. Samuel pours oil on David and anoints him in the midst of his brothers. Then the Spirit of the LORD comes upon David.
Next, the Spirit of the LORD departs from King Saul. Instead, a spirit which terrorizes Saul comes upon him. Saul's servants devise that hearing music will help calm Saul's tormenting spirit. A young servant knows David, and he knows that David is a boy with musical gifts to play the harp. David is sent for and brought to the palace. David plays music for Saul and finds favor in Saul's eyes.
Favorite verse: "But the LORD said to Samuel, 'Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his statue, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.'" (1 Samuel 16:7)
Chapter Seventeen
The Philistines once again assemble for battle. This time, they have a giant named Goliath among them. Goliath taunts the Israeli troops day after day. No one in the Israeli army is brave enough to meet Goliath's taunts. David's three older brothers are part of the Israeli forces. David is commanded by his father to take supplies to his brothers. Upon reaching the camp, David hears Goliath's jeering and hears about the great reward (riches, a princess and freedom from taxes) which King Saul has promised to the person who kills Goliath.
David's oldest brother becomes enraged that David is asking such questions from the soldiers. He severely chastens David, claiming David is just trying to glean attention. In the meantime, Saul hears that David is inquiring about fighting against Goliath. David is summoned to King Saul's tent. Saul asks many questions about David's bravery. Saul then allows David to fight Goliath. Saul tries to clothe David with his armor; however, the heavy weight of the protection gear impedes David's ability to move. David takes off the armor and decides to face Goliath with just a sling, a shepherd's staff, a pouch and five smooth stones.
Goliath insults the God of Israel when David approaches him. But, David replies that he comes to Goliath in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel. Goliath arises to meet David. David runs at Goliath, slinging a stone at Goliath. Goliath slumps to the ground. David uses Goliath's own stone to cut off Goliath's head. Saul inquires about David, asking who David is.
Favorite verse: "Then David said to the Philistines, 'You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. This day the LORD will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD'S and He will give you into our hands.'" (1 Samuel 17:45-47)
Chapter Eighteen
After Saul finishes speaking to David, Saul does not allow David to return home. David becomes a prosperous soldier, having victory wherever he goes. David's name and fame grow so vast that King Saul develops a deep jealousy of David. During this time, Jonathan and David develop a beautiful friendship. Jonathan gives David his robe and his bow, sword and belt.
When the tormenting spirit comes upon Saul, Saul brandishes his spear at David. David escapes. Saul then makes David commander of a thousand in Saul's military. After David continues to have many military victories, Saul tries to get David to marry his oldest daughter, Merab. David declines, noting his is too insignificant to marry the king's daughter.
When King Saul finds out his other daughter, Michal, is in love with David, he develops a plan. He informs David that the dowry for his daughter Michal is 100 foreskins from the Philistines. Saul secretly schemes that his dowry request will cause David to be killed by the Philistines. However, God is with David, and David kills 200 Philistines. Upon receiving the dowry payment, Saul gives his daughter Michal in marriage to David.
Favorite verse: "It happened as they were coming, when David returned from killing the Philistines, that the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy and with musical instruments. The women sang as they played, and said, 'Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.'" (1 Samuel 18:6-7)
Chapter Nineteen
Saul plans to kill David and makes his intentions known among his servants. Jonathan informs David about his father's ambitions and tells David to hide until Jonathan is able to speak with his father. Jonathan confronts King Saul about his idea to kill David. Jonathan is very forth coming; he tells his father David has not sinned against him, and if Saul kills David, he will be sinning against innocent blood by putting David to death without a cause. King Saul changes his mind and swears by the LORD that he will not kill David. David returns to the palace.
When there is war again and once more David is highly successful, Saul becomes jealous and attempts to kill David by throwing a spear at him. David escapes. Saul sends messengers to David's house to watch the house in order to put him to death in the morning. Michal tells David he needs to flee. Michal lets David down through a window and places a household idol covered with clothes and goat's hair on the bed. When the messengers enter the house, they believe David is sick in bed. When Saul hears the messengers did not seize David, he demands they return back to David's house and take David to the palace on his sick bed. When the messengers return to David's house, the rouse is discovered.
David flees to Samuel at Ramah. When King Saul learns of David's location, he sends three sets of messengers. When the messengers arrive in Ramah, the Spirit of God comes upon them, and they start prophesying. Saul then departs for Ramah. He, too, is overcome with the Spirit of God and begins prophesying. Once again, David escapes Saul's clutches.
Favorite verse: "Then Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, 'Do not let the king sin against his servant David, since he has not sinned against you, and since his deeds have been very beneficial to you. For he took his life in his hand and struck the Philistine, and the LORD brought about a great deliverance for all Israel; you saw it and rejoiced. Why then will you sin against innocent blood by putting David to death without a cause?'" (1 Samuel 19:4-5)
Chapter 20
Chapter 20 tells of the beautiful friendship between David and Jonathan. The chapter highlights the sharp contrast between Saul's hatred for David and Jonathan's abundant love for David. When David returns from Ramah, he meets Jonathan. David expresses his fear that he is extremely close to death due to Saul's continual persecution of David. Jonathan assures David he will not die. However, David hatches a plan to discern if Saul truly wants to kill David. David is to miss the two day New Moon feast. If Saul becomes enraged and wants to kill David, Jonathan will secretly meet David and tell him the information.
When the New Moon feast comes, Saul becomes enraged that David is not at the festival. Saul threatens to kill not only David but also Jonathan. Jonathan leaves the feast. At the appointed time, Jonathan meets David in a field a good distance from the palace. Jonathan tells David he must flee as his father, Saul, does indeed want to kill him. They both weep. Jonathan returns to the palace while David becomes a fugitive and enters a life of exile.
Favorite verse: "Then Saul's anger burned against Jonathan and he said to him, 'You son of a perverse, rebellious woman! Do I not know that you are choosing the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of your nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be established. Therefore now, send and bring him to me, for he must surely die.'" (1 Samuel 20:30-31)
Chapter 21
When David flees, he heads to a place he knows he will have safety and receive a blessing; he goes to Ahimelech, the priest, at Nob. Ahimelech is very cordial to David. When David states he is on an urgent mission from the king, Ahimelech gives him the bread of the Presence to David for food and gives him Goliath's sword for a weapon. Unfortunately, one of Saul's faithful servants, Doeg, is also at the tabernacle. Doeg subsequently uses the information he acquires to inform King Saul about Ahimelech's aid to David.
David flees to the Philistine city of Gath, the hometown of Goliath. Of course, David's slaying of Goliath, and David carrying Goliath's sword immediately alerts the city to David's presence. When David finds out his identity has been discovered, he feigns insanity. David's acting skills fool the king and his servants into thinking David is a madman. David is released from the king's custody.
Favorite verse: "Then the priest said, 'The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the valley of Elah, behold, it is wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod; if you would take it for yourself, take it. For there is no other except it here.' And David said, 'There is none like it; give it to me.'" (1 Samuel 21:9)
Chapter 22
David begins his life as an exile. First he escapes to the cave of Adullam, and then he flees to Moab. At Moab, David leaves his father and mother in the care of the King of Moab. David returns back to the land of Israel.
Saul hears about David and his adventures. Doeg, the Edomite, tells Saul he saw David at Nob being aided by Ahimelech. Saul summons all the priests from Nob. Saul accuses Ahimelech of conspiracy. Ahimelech denies the charges. Saul proclaims a death sentence on Ahimelech and his whole family. Doeg, the Edomite, carries out the order, slaying 85 men who were priests and all the men, women and children who lived in Nob. One of the sons of Ahimelech, Abiathar, escapes and flees to David.
Favorite verse: "The David said to Abiathar, 'I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I have brought about the death of every person in your father's household. Stay with me; do not be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life, for you are safe with me.'" (1 Samuel 22:22-23)
Sunday, July 1, 2018
First Samuel Highlights (Part One)
A Brief Overview
The Books of First and Second Samuel were considered one book in the early Hebrew manuscripts. Later in 300-200 B.C. when the Hebrew text was being translated into a version called the Septuagint (LXX) which was a Greek translation completed via 70 Jewish scholars in Alexandria, Egypt, the book was divided into two books. This occurred because the texts were substantially longer in the Greek language. (Hebrew has no vowels and only 22 consonants. The vowels of words are implied. However, the Greek language uses vowels. Thus translating the Hebrew texts into Greek yielded longer texts and required the longer books of the Old Testament to be divided into two books to fit onto papyrus scrolls.) The division of the book into two sections was followed by the Latin Vulgate, English translations and modern Hebrew transcripts. (*Please note, since First and Second Samuel were originally written as one book, I will refer to First and Second Samuel as simply the Book of Samuel.)
The Book of Samuel highlights a very important time in Israel’s history. It bridges the gap between lawless, tribal Israel and a united Israel led by godly King David. The main characters of the book are Samuel, Saul and David. Samuel is the last and greatest judge in Israel. He was also a prophet (1 Samuel 3:20) and a priest (1 Samuel 9:12-13). In his later years, Samuel served as adviser to Israel’s first king, Saul. Samuel also anointed David to be king. First Samuel details Samuel's great contribution to Israel’s history. It also outlines the rise (and fall) of King Saul and also highlights the early years of Israel’s greatest king, David.
The Book of Samuel spans about 135 years. It starts with the birth of Samuel in 1105 B.C. (1 Samuel chapter 1) and ends with the final words of David around 971 B.C. (2 Samuel 23:1-7). Prior to and during the first part of the Book of Samuel, Judges ruled the land. In fact, the last judges to rule over Israel (Samson, Jephthah, Ibaz, Elon and Abdon) judged Israel from 1118-1070 B.C., which occurred during Samuel's lifetime. (Samuel was born in 1105 B.C. and died around 1024 B.C.)
The Books of First and Second Samuel were considered one book in the early Hebrew manuscripts. Later in 300-200 B.C. when the Hebrew text was being translated into a version called the Septuagint (LXX) which was a Greek translation completed via 70 Jewish scholars in Alexandria, Egypt, the book was divided into two books. This occurred because the texts were substantially longer in the Greek language. (Hebrew has no vowels and only 22 consonants. The vowels of words are implied. However, the Greek language uses vowels. Thus translating the Hebrew texts into Greek yielded longer texts and required the longer books of the Old Testament to be divided into two books to fit onto papyrus scrolls.) The division of the book into two sections was followed by the Latin Vulgate, English translations and modern Hebrew transcripts. (*Please note, since First and Second Samuel were originally written as one book, I will refer to First and Second Samuel as simply the Book of Samuel.)
The Book of Samuel highlights a very important time in Israel’s history. It bridges the gap between lawless, tribal Israel and a united Israel led by godly King David. The main characters of the book are Samuel, Saul and David. Samuel is the last and greatest judge in Israel. He was also a prophet (1 Samuel 3:20) and a priest (1 Samuel 9:12-13). In his later years, Samuel served as adviser to Israel’s first king, Saul. Samuel also anointed David to be king. First Samuel details Samuel's great contribution to Israel’s history. It also outlines the rise (and fall) of King Saul and also highlights the early years of Israel’s greatest king, David.
The Book of Samuel spans about 135 years. It starts with the birth of Samuel in 1105 B.C. (1 Samuel chapter 1) and ends with the final words of David around 971 B.C. (2 Samuel 23:1-7). Prior to and during the first part of the Book of Samuel, Judges ruled the land. In fact, the last judges to rule over Israel (Samson, Jephthah, Ibaz, Elon and Abdon) judged Israel from 1118-1070 B.C., which occurred during Samuel's lifetime. (Samuel was born in 1105 B.C. and died around 1024 B.C.)
In most Bibles, the Book of Judges precedes the Book of First Samuel. In order to fully appreciate the chaotic overtones of Israel at the beginning of First Samuel, it is best to read the Book of Judges first. During the time of the Judges, the land of Israel was very fragmented. God raised up leaders to overcome oppression of Israel’s enemies. After a triumphal victory by the judge, the land would have rest from the enemy for several years, until the judge died, and the people turned once again from God back to their idolatry. Israel was in chaos. Each tribe was separated from each other; there was no general sense of unity or central government. This was the prevailing theme: “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 21:25) Unfortunately, “everyone doing what was right in his own eyes” meant that no one was following after God. No one was following God’s commandments, and no one was seeking true justice.
Chapter One
The Book of Samuel starts with the introduction of a man named Elkanah and his two wives, Peninnah and Hannah. Penninah had children while Hannah was barren. Grief-stricken and heart-broken, Hannah brings her petition before the LORD. Hannah vows that if she is allowed to have a child, she will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life. After being falsely accused of being drunk by the Eli the priest. Eli blesses Hannah and assures her that God will grant her petition. A while later, God allows Hannah to conceive. Hannah gives birth to a boy called Samuel. When the child is weaned, Hannah brings Samuel to the tabernacle at Shiloh to allow him to serve the LORD as long as he lives.
Favorite verse: "As for Hannah, she was speaking in her heart, only her lips were moving, but her voice was not heard. So Eli thought she was drunk. Then Eli said, 'How long will you make yourself drunk? Put away your wine from you.' But Hannah replied, 'No, my lord, I am a woman oppressed in spirit; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have poured out my soul before the LORD. Do not consider your maidservant as a worthless woman, for I have spoken until now out of my great concern and provocation.'" (1 Samuel 1:13-16)
Chapter Two
The chapter starts with one of the most beautiful songs of thanksgiving in all the Bible. For ten verses, Hannah exults the LORD and bestows upon Him abundant praises. In the New Testament, Mary, the mother of Jesus, also has a stunningly beautiful song of praise (Luke 1:46-55). It is an interesting study to compare Hannah's and Mary's exultations. It seems Mary was well versed in the Scriptures and seems to have borrowed many of the same ideas and themes from Hannah's prayer.
Next, we are introduced to Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas. As lawlessness was quite prevalent during the time of the Judges, the corruption seems to have continued with Eli's two sons. They violated Torah over and over again by having inappropriate relations with women at the entrance to the tabernacle. They also took the meat sacrifices before the fat was burned off. Thus, the sons of Eli caused the people of Israel to sin against the LORD. For Eli's lack of discipline to this sons, a man of God visits Eli and pronounces judgment upon Eli and his sons.
We are also told that Samuel continues to minister before the LORD. Hannah, for her faithfulness, conceives and bears five more children. This is a nice touch of irony. Hannah's name in Hebrew means grace. The number five in the Bible represents God's grace. So Hannah giving birth to five children represents the grace she showed and the meaning of her name.
Favorite verse: "He [Eli] said to them [his sons], 'Why do you do such things, the evil things that I hear from all the people? No, my sons; for the report is not good which I hear from the LORD'S people circulating. If one man sins against another, God will mediate for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?'" (1 Samuel 2:23-24)
Chapter Three
Chapter three tells about Samuel's call to duty. Three times the LORD calls Samuel; however, Samuel does not recognize God's voice. Despite serving in the tabernacle, Samuel had not been introduced to God. When Samuel receives instructions from Eli on how to answer the LORD, the LORD tells Samuel about the judgment He has pronounced against the house of Eli. Samuel is faced with his first trial--having to tell Eli the horrible prophecy against his family. As much as Samuel does not want to say anything to Eli, Samuel does pass his first test when Eli demands to know what the LORD said to Samuel. The LORD again appears in Shiloh at the tabernacle, and He uses Samuel to reveal His words to the people.
Favorite verse: "Then the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel said, 'Speak, for Your servant is listening.'"
Chapter Four
This is perhaps one of the saddest chapters in all the Bible. The Philistines are warring against Israel. The folks of Israel believe they can force God to fight for them if they take the Ark of the Covenant with them into battle. Hophni and Phinehas escort the Ark of the Covenant into battle. However, what no one understands is that you cannot make God do anything. Moreover, God does not reside in the Ark of the Covenant. He is too immense to be contained. Instead of calling on God and asking for His guidance, the people rely on their own ways. Ultimately, Hophni and Phinehas die, the Israelites are greatly defeated, and the Ark of the Covenant is captured by the Philistines. When word of this massive disaster reach the ears of Eli, he falls backwards, breaks his neck and dies.
Lastly, Phinehas's wife was pregnant. When she heard the horrible news, she went into labor. She gave birth to a son. She named him Ichabod, which means without glory, because "she said, 'The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God was taken.'" (1 Samuel 4:22) (Favorite verse)
Chapter Five
After such a sorrowful chapter four, chapter five is one of great comedy. The Philistines have captured the Ark of the Covenant, and they also believe they have captured the God of Israel. Unfortunately for them, the God of Israel can never be contained. When the Philistines place the Ark of the Covenant inside their temple to their god Dagon, Dagon is found one morning on the ground with his head and hands cut off. Next, the LORD smites the city of Ashdod with plagues and with tumors. The Philistines send the Ark to other Philistine cities. In each place the Ark travels, God sends great destruction on the land.
Favorite Verse: "Then the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it to the house of Dagon and set it by Dagon. When the Ashdodites arose early the next morning, behold, Dagon had fallen on his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD. So they took Dagon and set him in his place again. But when they arose early the next morning, behold, Dagon had fallen on his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD. And the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off on the threshold; only the trunk of Dagon was left to him. Therefore neither the priests of Dagon nor all who enter Dagon's house tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod to this day." (1 Samuel 5:2-5)
Chapter Six
After the Ark of God was in the land of Philistia for seven months, the Philistines decide to return it back to the Israelites to avoid any more plagues and tumors. The Philistines make golden tumors and mice as offerings to the LORD. They prepare a new cart to carry the Ark and their offerings, and hitch two milk cows to the cart. The priests of Philistia proclaim if the cows head on a straight path to Israel, the plagues and destruction were from God. But if the cows wander and stray, the plagues and destruction were coincidences. The milk cows are hitched up, and they take the straight way to a nearby Isreali city, Beth-shemesh.
The Israelites are joyous to see the Ark. They offer burnt offerings and sacrifices to the LORD. Unfortunately, during their great celebration, no one regards Torah. Some of the men of Beth-shemesh look into the Ark of the Covenant and are struck dead. Beth-shemesh send messengers to another Israeli city, Kiriath-jearim, asking them to take the Ark of the Covenant.
Favorite verse: "'Take the ark of the LORD and place it on the cart; and put the articles of gold which you return to Him as a guilt offering in a box by its side. Then send it away the it may go. Watch, if it goes up by the way of is own territory to Beth-shemesh, then He has done us this great evil. But if not, then we will know that it was not His hand that struck us; it happened to us by chance.'" (1 Samuel 6:8-9)
Chapter Seven
After a brief hiatus, Samuel arrives back on the scene. Samuel tells the people to put away their foreign gods and return with their whole hearts back to God. Samuel assembles the people at Mizpah. In the valley below, the Philistines gather to slay the Israelites. The people of God cry out to Samuel. Samuel takes a young lamb for a burnt offering and cries out to the LORD. The LORD answers by sending great thunder upon the Philistines. This causes a lot of confusion among the Philistines so that they were routed before Israel. The men of Israel go out to fight the Philistines and have a triumphal victory. Israel recovers some of its cities which were previously taken by the Philistines. Samuel continues to judge Israel for all the days of his life and has his home in the city of Ramah.
Favorite verse: "Then Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, 'If you return to the LORD with all your heart, remove the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your hearts to the LORD and serve Him alone; and He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.'" (1 Samuel 7:3)
Chapter Eight
Despite God delivering Israel from the hands of the Egyptians and the Philistines, Israel now demands a king. Although Samuel has two sons, Joel and Abijah, they are not godly men and break many of the laws of Torah. Samuel is heart-broken that Israel no longer wants to trust God as their king but wants a fleshly man to rule over them. God reassures Samuel that the people are not rejecting him but are rejecting God. God then gives Samuel a message to the people telling them that if they have a king, the king will take away the best of their produce, the best of their sons and daughters and the best of their servants. The people of Israel will become the king's servants. Despite this dreadful promise, the people still insist on a king. The people then depart and go home.
Favorite verse: "Then the LORD said to Samuel, 'Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them. Like all the deeds which they have done since the day that I brought them up from Egypt even to this day--in that they have forsaken Me and served other gods--so they are doing to you also.'" (1 Samuel 8:7-8)
Chapter Nine
This chapter marks an important event--it is the first time we meet Israel's first king, King Saul. We are introduced to Saul when he is a young man. Saul's father's donkeys are lost, and Saul and his servant are beckoned to search for the lost livestock. Saul and his servant embark on a long journey, searching far and wide for the lost donkeys. Finally, when they are about to return home, they find themselves near the city of Ramah. Saul's servant insists they seek out the man of God, Samuel, to inquire about their journey.
The day before Saul's arrival, Samuel receives word from God that the man who shall be Israel's first ruler will come visit Samuel. When Samuel sees Saul, God gives Samuel confirmation that Saul is to be Israel's first king. Samuel invites Saul and his servant to the sacrifice. Saul receives the chief seat at the table and also the choice piece of meat from the sacrifice. Saul and his servant stay the night with Samuel.
Favorite verse: "Saul replied, 'Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then do you speak to me in this way?'" (1 Samuel 9:21)
Chapter Ten
Samuel tells Saul he will be the king of Israel and anoints Saul by pouring oil on his head. Samuel tells Saul various events which will occur when he journeys home. Just as Samuel says, there are several events which occur on Saul's return home. Saul arrives home safely.
Samuell calls together the people of Israel to Mizpah. Samuel informs the people that today they will find out who the king of Israel will be. By drawing lots, it is revealed that Saul will be Israel's first king. However, Saul hides himself among the baggage to avoid being found. God reveals to the people where Saul is hiding. Saul is proclaimed Israel's first king.
Favorite verse: "Thereafter Samuel called the people together to the LORD at Mizpah; and he said to the sons of Israel, 'Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, "I brought Israel up from Egypt, and I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the power of all the kingdoms that were oppressing you." But you have today rejected your God, who delivers you from all your calamities and your distresses; yet you have said, "No, but set a king over us!" Now therefore, present yourselves before the LORD by you tribes and by your clans.'" (1 Samuel 10:17-19)
Chapter One
The Book of Samuel starts with the introduction of a man named Elkanah and his two wives, Peninnah and Hannah. Penninah had children while Hannah was barren. Grief-stricken and heart-broken, Hannah brings her petition before the LORD. Hannah vows that if she is allowed to have a child, she will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life. After being falsely accused of being drunk by the Eli the priest. Eli blesses Hannah and assures her that God will grant her petition. A while later, God allows Hannah to conceive. Hannah gives birth to a boy called Samuel. When the child is weaned, Hannah brings Samuel to the tabernacle at Shiloh to allow him to serve the LORD as long as he lives.
Favorite verse: "As for Hannah, she was speaking in her heart, only her lips were moving, but her voice was not heard. So Eli thought she was drunk. Then Eli said, 'How long will you make yourself drunk? Put away your wine from you.' But Hannah replied, 'No, my lord, I am a woman oppressed in spirit; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have poured out my soul before the LORD. Do not consider your maidservant as a worthless woman, for I have spoken until now out of my great concern and provocation.'" (1 Samuel 1:13-16)
Chapter Two
The chapter starts with one of the most beautiful songs of thanksgiving in all the Bible. For ten verses, Hannah exults the LORD and bestows upon Him abundant praises. In the New Testament, Mary, the mother of Jesus, also has a stunningly beautiful song of praise (Luke 1:46-55). It is an interesting study to compare Hannah's and Mary's exultations. It seems Mary was well versed in the Scriptures and seems to have borrowed many of the same ideas and themes from Hannah's prayer.
Next, we are introduced to Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas. As lawlessness was quite prevalent during the time of the Judges, the corruption seems to have continued with Eli's two sons. They violated Torah over and over again by having inappropriate relations with women at the entrance to the tabernacle. They also took the meat sacrifices before the fat was burned off. Thus, the sons of Eli caused the people of Israel to sin against the LORD. For Eli's lack of discipline to this sons, a man of God visits Eli and pronounces judgment upon Eli and his sons.
We are also told that Samuel continues to minister before the LORD. Hannah, for her faithfulness, conceives and bears five more children. This is a nice touch of irony. Hannah's name in Hebrew means grace. The number five in the Bible represents God's grace. So Hannah giving birth to five children represents the grace she showed and the meaning of her name.
Favorite verse: "He [Eli] said to them [his sons], 'Why do you do such things, the evil things that I hear from all the people? No, my sons; for the report is not good which I hear from the LORD'S people circulating. If one man sins against another, God will mediate for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?'" (1 Samuel 2:23-24)
Chapter Three
Chapter three tells about Samuel's call to duty. Three times the LORD calls Samuel; however, Samuel does not recognize God's voice. Despite serving in the tabernacle, Samuel had not been introduced to God. When Samuel receives instructions from Eli on how to answer the LORD, the LORD tells Samuel about the judgment He has pronounced against the house of Eli. Samuel is faced with his first trial--having to tell Eli the horrible prophecy against his family. As much as Samuel does not want to say anything to Eli, Samuel does pass his first test when Eli demands to know what the LORD said to Samuel. The LORD again appears in Shiloh at the tabernacle, and He uses Samuel to reveal His words to the people.
Favorite verse: "Then the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel said, 'Speak, for Your servant is listening.'"
Chapter Four
This is perhaps one of the saddest chapters in all the Bible. The Philistines are warring against Israel. The folks of Israel believe they can force God to fight for them if they take the Ark of the Covenant with them into battle. Hophni and Phinehas escort the Ark of the Covenant into battle. However, what no one understands is that you cannot make God do anything. Moreover, God does not reside in the Ark of the Covenant. He is too immense to be contained. Instead of calling on God and asking for His guidance, the people rely on their own ways. Ultimately, Hophni and Phinehas die, the Israelites are greatly defeated, and the Ark of the Covenant is captured by the Philistines. When word of this massive disaster reach the ears of Eli, he falls backwards, breaks his neck and dies.
Lastly, Phinehas's wife was pregnant. When she heard the horrible news, she went into labor. She gave birth to a son. She named him Ichabod, which means without glory, because "she said, 'The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God was taken.'" (1 Samuel 4:22) (Favorite verse)
Chapter Five
After such a sorrowful chapter four, chapter five is one of great comedy. The Philistines have captured the Ark of the Covenant, and they also believe they have captured the God of Israel. Unfortunately for them, the God of Israel can never be contained. When the Philistines place the Ark of the Covenant inside their temple to their god Dagon, Dagon is found one morning on the ground with his head and hands cut off. Next, the LORD smites the city of Ashdod with plagues and with tumors. The Philistines send the Ark to other Philistine cities. In each place the Ark travels, God sends great destruction on the land.
Favorite Verse: "Then the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it to the house of Dagon and set it by Dagon. When the Ashdodites arose early the next morning, behold, Dagon had fallen on his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD. So they took Dagon and set him in his place again. But when they arose early the next morning, behold, Dagon had fallen on his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD. And the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off on the threshold; only the trunk of Dagon was left to him. Therefore neither the priests of Dagon nor all who enter Dagon's house tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod to this day." (1 Samuel 5:2-5)
Chapter Six
After the Ark of God was in the land of Philistia for seven months, the Philistines decide to return it back to the Israelites to avoid any more plagues and tumors. The Philistines make golden tumors and mice as offerings to the LORD. They prepare a new cart to carry the Ark and their offerings, and hitch two milk cows to the cart. The priests of Philistia proclaim if the cows head on a straight path to Israel, the plagues and destruction were from God. But if the cows wander and stray, the plagues and destruction were coincidences. The milk cows are hitched up, and they take the straight way to a nearby Isreali city, Beth-shemesh.
The Israelites are joyous to see the Ark. They offer burnt offerings and sacrifices to the LORD. Unfortunately, during their great celebration, no one regards Torah. Some of the men of Beth-shemesh look into the Ark of the Covenant and are struck dead. Beth-shemesh send messengers to another Israeli city, Kiriath-jearim, asking them to take the Ark of the Covenant.
Favorite verse: "'Take the ark of the LORD and place it on the cart; and put the articles of gold which you return to Him as a guilt offering in a box by its side. Then send it away the it may go. Watch, if it goes up by the way of is own territory to Beth-shemesh, then He has done us this great evil. But if not, then we will know that it was not His hand that struck us; it happened to us by chance.'" (1 Samuel 6:8-9)
Chapter Seven
After a brief hiatus, Samuel arrives back on the scene. Samuel tells the people to put away their foreign gods and return with their whole hearts back to God. Samuel assembles the people at Mizpah. In the valley below, the Philistines gather to slay the Israelites. The people of God cry out to Samuel. Samuel takes a young lamb for a burnt offering and cries out to the LORD. The LORD answers by sending great thunder upon the Philistines. This causes a lot of confusion among the Philistines so that they were routed before Israel. The men of Israel go out to fight the Philistines and have a triumphal victory. Israel recovers some of its cities which were previously taken by the Philistines. Samuel continues to judge Israel for all the days of his life and has his home in the city of Ramah.
Favorite verse: "Then Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, 'If you return to the LORD with all your heart, remove the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your hearts to the LORD and serve Him alone; and He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.'" (1 Samuel 7:3)
Chapter Eight
Despite God delivering Israel from the hands of the Egyptians and the Philistines, Israel now demands a king. Although Samuel has two sons, Joel and Abijah, they are not godly men and break many of the laws of Torah. Samuel is heart-broken that Israel no longer wants to trust God as their king but wants a fleshly man to rule over them. God reassures Samuel that the people are not rejecting him but are rejecting God. God then gives Samuel a message to the people telling them that if they have a king, the king will take away the best of their produce, the best of their sons and daughters and the best of their servants. The people of Israel will become the king's servants. Despite this dreadful promise, the people still insist on a king. The people then depart and go home.
Favorite verse: "Then the LORD said to Samuel, 'Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them. Like all the deeds which they have done since the day that I brought them up from Egypt even to this day--in that they have forsaken Me and served other gods--so they are doing to you also.'" (1 Samuel 8:7-8)
Chapter Nine
This chapter marks an important event--it is the first time we meet Israel's first king, King Saul. We are introduced to Saul when he is a young man. Saul's father's donkeys are lost, and Saul and his servant are beckoned to search for the lost livestock. Saul and his servant embark on a long journey, searching far and wide for the lost donkeys. Finally, when they are about to return home, they find themselves near the city of Ramah. Saul's servant insists they seek out the man of God, Samuel, to inquire about their journey.
The day before Saul's arrival, Samuel receives word from God that the man who shall be Israel's first ruler will come visit Samuel. When Samuel sees Saul, God gives Samuel confirmation that Saul is to be Israel's first king. Samuel invites Saul and his servant to the sacrifice. Saul receives the chief seat at the table and also the choice piece of meat from the sacrifice. Saul and his servant stay the night with Samuel.
Favorite verse: "Saul replied, 'Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then do you speak to me in this way?'" (1 Samuel 9:21)
Chapter Ten
Samuel tells Saul he will be the king of Israel and anoints Saul by pouring oil on his head. Samuel tells Saul various events which will occur when he journeys home. Just as Samuel says, there are several events which occur on Saul's return home. Saul arrives home safely.
Samuell calls together the people of Israel to Mizpah. Samuel informs the people that today they will find out who the king of Israel will be. By drawing lots, it is revealed that Saul will be Israel's first king. However, Saul hides himself among the baggage to avoid being found. God reveals to the people where Saul is hiding. Saul is proclaimed Israel's first king.
Favorite verse: "Thereafter Samuel called the people together to the LORD at Mizpah; and he said to the sons of Israel, 'Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, "I brought Israel up from Egypt, and I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the power of all the kingdoms that were oppressing you." But you have today rejected your God, who delivers you from all your calamities and your distresses; yet you have said, "No, but set a king over us!" Now therefore, present yourselves before the LORD by you tribes and by your clans.'" (1 Samuel 10:17-19)
Sunday, June 24, 2018
1 Samuel Chapter 31
THE DEATH OF SAUL AND HIS SONS
A. King Saul and his sons die in battle
1. (1 Sam 31:1) The battle turns against Israel
Now the Philistines were fighting against Israel, and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines and fell slain on Mount Gilboa.
The Philistines fought against Israel: The narrative here is very abrupt. The Philistines attacked deep into Israeli territory (1 Samuel 28:4). Saul's army assembled and prepared for battle at Mount Gilboa (1 Samuel 28:4). Because of his deep rebellion against the LORD, Saul was not ready for battle. Instead of taking his fear to the LORD, Saul made things worse by seeking God's voice through a spirit medium. Strangely, God did speak to Saul, but He spoke words of judgment through an unusual appearance of the prophet Samuel. Samuel told Saul that he and his sons would die the next day (1 Samuel 28:19). First Samuel 31:1 is the next day.
Four memorable battles in the history of Israel were fought on or near the plain of Esdraelon "The Great battlefield of Israel".
1. The battle of Kishon, in which Deborah and Barak defeated the host of Sisera (Judges 4:15, Judges 5:21).
2. The battle of Jezreel, in which Gideon's three hundred routed the vast horde of the Midianites (Judges 7).
3. The disastrous battle of Mount Gilboa recorded here.
4. The battle of Megiddo, where Josiah lost his life fighting against Pharaoh Necho (2 Chronicles 35:20-24).
The men of Israel fled: The battle took place on the plain of Jezreel. The men of Israel were driven back in their camp. In confusion, they fled up the heights of Gilboa pursued by the Philistines.
2. (1 Sam 31:2) The death of Saul's sons
The Philistines overtook Saul and his sons; and the Philistines killed Jonathan and Abinadab and Malchi-shua the sons of Saul.
The Philistines killed Jonathan and Abinadab and Malchi-shua: Tragically, Saul's sons were affected in the judgment of God against their father, Saul. The brave and worthy Jonathan dies as we might expect him to--loyally fighting for his God, his country and his father to the very end.
Sons of Saul: Their death was tragic, yet important in God's plan. In taking the heirs to Saul's throne, God cleared the way for David to become the next king of Israel. We know that if Jonathan would have survived, he would have gladly yielded the throne to David (1 Samuel 18:1-4). But, the same could not be said of Saul's other sons. God was merciful to Jonathan by sparing him the ordeal of having to side with David against his own brothers.
3. (1 Sam 31:3-6) The tragic end of King Saul
The battle went heavily against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was badly wounded by the archers. Then Saul said to his armor bearer, "Draw your sword and pierce me through with it, otherwise these uncircumcised will come and pierce me through and make sport of me." But his armor bearer would not, for he was greatly afraid. So Saul took his sword and fell on it. When his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his sword and died with him. Thus Saul died with his three sons, his armor bearer, and all his men on that day together.
The battle went heavily against Saul: The great king, no doubt, fought like a lion. But one by one, his brave soldiers fell by his side. The enemy seems to have directed their principal attention to killing or capturing Saul.
He was badly wounded by the archers: In the deadly combat, it would have been very difficult to strike down King Saul in hand to hand combat as he would have been heavily guarded. Instead, archers assaulted the king, eventually striking him down. Gradually weakened through blood loss, and perhaps with the words Saul had heard only a few hours before at Endor from the prophet Samuel ringing in his ears, "Tomorrow you and your sons shall be with me," the great undaunted courage of the king at last fails Saul. In desperation, he turns to his armor bearer, who was still by his side.
His armor bearer: Jewish tradition states that Saul's faithful armor bearer was Doeg, the Edomite. Moreover, the sword which belonged to his armor bearer was the sword with which Doeg had massacred the priests at Gibeon and at Nob.
Make sport of me: Saul seems to remember how these same Philistines in former years had treated the hero, Samson, when he fell into their hands. (Judges 16:18-26)
But his armor bearer would not: Love and devotion to his master, we can imagine, hindered the armor bearer from carrying out the king's command. If the armor bearer was indeed Doeg, the Edomite, Saul and Doeg would have had a very long friendship spanning many years. Some dread of the after consequences, too, might have weighed on the armor bearer's mind, as he would have been responsible for ending the king's life.
So Saul took his sword and fell on it: This is one of the rare instances in which a person self-destructs. It seems to have been almost unknown among the Israeli people. Prior to Saul, the only other recorded example of this seems to have been of Samson. The hero sacrificed his life in order to destroy the great crowd of Philistine men. Samson's death in the Dagon Temple at Gaza is more often considered an act of heroism, like that of dying in battle, than that of self-destruction.
In the way most people think of suicide, Saul's death was not suicide. Saul was mortally wounded when he begged his armor bearer to end his life. Although this would accelerate his death, it would not be the cause of it as Saul was mortally wounded before. Saul acted on the conviction that he would not survive his injuries.
When his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead: In 2 Samuel 1:4-10, an Amalekite came to David with the report that Saul had died and that he had actually delivered the death blow to Saul. Does this Amalekite's statement contrdict this passage where it seems Saul killed himself? It may be that Saul fell on his sword, and life still lingered in him. So, he asked this Amalekite to end his life. Or it may be that the Amalekite simply lied and was the first person to come upon Saul's dead body. The Amalekite then told David that he killed him because the Amalekite thought that David would be pleased and would give him a reward.
Saul died with his three sons, his armor bearer, and all his men on that day together: As sad as anything was in this account, there was no sorrow or repentance or crying out to God on Saul's part. He was told the previous day that he would die (1 Samuel 28:19). Yet, he did not seem to prepare his soul to meet God in any way. At the end of his life, Saul became so hard in sin that he did not want to repent. Many people put off getting right with God until a later time, assuming they will still want to get right with God then. But, that is a dangerous assumption because repentance is a gift from God.
B. Aftermath of the Philistine's victorious battle
1. (1 Sam 31:7) A significant defeat for Israel
When the men of Israel who were on the other side of the valley, with those who were beyond the Jordan, saw that the men of Israel had fled and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned the cities and fled; then the Philistine came and lived in them.
The men of Israel fled and that Saul and his sons were dead: This was a great defeat. When King Saul was struck, it spread panic among God's people. Jesus knew this same principle would be used against His own disciples: "Then Jesus said to them, 'All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it it written, "I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered"'" (Mark 14:27).
Saul's sin, hardened rebellion and eventual ruin affected far more than himself. It affected his army and his sons. It literally endangered the entire nation of Israel. This shows why leaders have a higher responsibility; they can endanger far more people than the fall of someone who is not a leader.
2. (2 Sam 31:8-10) The Philistines disgrace the corpses of King Saul and his sons
It came about on the next day when the Philistines came to strip the slain, that they found Saul and his three sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. They cut off his head and stripped off his weapons, and sent them through the land of the Philistines, to carry the good news to the house of their idols and to the people. They put his weapons in the temple of Ashteroth, and they fastened his body to the wall of Beth-shan.
They found Saul and his three sons fallen on Mount Gilboa: It is only stated that the Philistines found royal corpses on the day after the great fight. So desperate had the valor with which the king and his three sons had defended their last position on the hill that night had fallen and the battle had ceased. The enemy was unaware of the completeness of their success until the morning dawn revealed to the soldiers as they waded through the casualties of which the king and his sons were among the slain.
They cut off his head and stripped off his weapons: Only Saul's head and armor are mentioned here, but on comparing 1 Samuel 31:12, where the bodies of his sons are mentioned, it is clear that this act was not confined only to the king. The sense of this passage is that the heads of the king and his sons were cut off and their armor stripped from their bodies. The heads and armor were sent as trophies around to the various towns and villages of Philistia.
They fastened his body to the wall of Beth-shan: Beth-shan (also known as Scythopolis) lies about four miles from the Jordan River on the west, and about twelve miles south of the sea of Galilee. It is almost in a straight line west of Mahanaim. We are told in Judges 1:27 that the Canaanites, the original inhabitants of the city, were permitted by the tribe of Manasseh to still dwell in the city. The Canaanite population was perhaps the reason why Beth-shan was chosen for the barbarous exhibition. The Canaanites would probably have welcomed the miserable spectacle.
You can go to the ruins of Beth-shan today, as the foundations to the city sit high on a hill overlooking the Roman ruins destroyed in an earthquake. It was high on that hill that the Philistines hung the decapitated corpse of King Saul.
3. (1 Sam 31:11-13) The men of Jabesh-Gilead end the disgrace of Saul and his sons
Now when the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all the valiant men rose and walked all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and they came to Jabesh and burned them there. They took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days.
The inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead: The memory of the splendid feat of arms of young King Saul when he had gallantly rescued their city (1 Samuel 11:1-11) years before, when they were threatened with deadly peril by the Ammonites, was still fresh in the minds of the people of Jabesh-Gilead.
Jabesh-Gilead: It was a city in Manasseh, perhaps about 14 miles from Beth-shan.
All the valiant men rose: In a time of disgrace, loss and tragedy like this, God still had valiant men to do His work. When one servant passes away, another arises to take his place. If Saul is gone, God raises up a man like David. If the army of Israel is utterly routed, God still has His valiant men like those of Jabesh-Gilead. God's work is bigger than any man or any group of people.
And burned them there: The burning of the corpse was never the custom in Israel. It was restricted to criminals convicted of the most heinous crimes ("If there is a man who marries a woman and her mother, it is immorality; both he and they shall be burned with fire, so that there will be no immorality in your midst" Leviticus 20:14.) The reason for the burning is clear. The mutilated bodies had been exposed for some days to the air, and the flesh was no doubt in a state of putrefaction. The flesh only was burned. The bones (verse 13) were reverently and lovingly preserved and laid to rest beneath the beautiful shade of the tamarisk tree.
Fasted seven days: A sign of mourning.
When David hears of Saul's death, he does not rejoice. In fact, he mourns and composes a song in honor of Saul and Jonathan (The Song of the Bow 2 Samuel 1:17-27). In spite of all that Saul did against David, David still spoke well of Saul after his death. Choosing this kind of heart showed David to be a true "man after God's own heart". It showed that the years in the wilderness escaping Saul were really years when God trained David to be a king after God's own heart. Despite David's sin, David never followed in the same tragic footsteps as King Saul.
A. King Saul and his sons die in battle
1. (1 Sam 31:1) The battle turns against Israel
Now the Philistines were fighting against Israel, and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines and fell slain on Mount Gilboa.
The Philistines fought against Israel: The narrative here is very abrupt. The Philistines attacked deep into Israeli territory (1 Samuel 28:4). Saul's army assembled and prepared for battle at Mount Gilboa (1 Samuel 28:4). Because of his deep rebellion against the LORD, Saul was not ready for battle. Instead of taking his fear to the LORD, Saul made things worse by seeking God's voice through a spirit medium. Strangely, God did speak to Saul, but He spoke words of judgment through an unusual appearance of the prophet Samuel. Samuel told Saul that he and his sons would die the next day (1 Samuel 28:19). First Samuel 31:1 is the next day.
Four memorable battles in the history of Israel were fought on or near the plain of Esdraelon "The Great battlefield of Israel".
1. The battle of Kishon, in which Deborah and Barak defeated the host of Sisera (Judges 4:15, Judges 5:21).
2. The battle of Jezreel, in which Gideon's three hundred routed the vast horde of the Midianites (Judges 7).
3. The disastrous battle of Mount Gilboa recorded here.
4. The battle of Megiddo, where Josiah lost his life fighting against Pharaoh Necho (2 Chronicles 35:20-24).
The men of Israel fled: The battle took place on the plain of Jezreel. The men of Israel were driven back in their camp. In confusion, they fled up the heights of Gilboa pursued by the Philistines.
2. (1 Sam 31:2) The death of Saul's sons
The Philistines overtook Saul and his sons; and the Philistines killed Jonathan and Abinadab and Malchi-shua the sons of Saul.
The Philistines killed Jonathan and Abinadab and Malchi-shua: Tragically, Saul's sons were affected in the judgment of God against their father, Saul. The brave and worthy Jonathan dies as we might expect him to--loyally fighting for his God, his country and his father to the very end.
Sons of Saul: Their death was tragic, yet important in God's plan. In taking the heirs to Saul's throne, God cleared the way for David to become the next king of Israel. We know that if Jonathan would have survived, he would have gladly yielded the throne to David (1 Samuel 18:1-4). But, the same could not be said of Saul's other sons. God was merciful to Jonathan by sparing him the ordeal of having to side with David against his own brothers.
3. (1 Sam 31:3-6) The tragic end of King Saul
The battle went heavily against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was badly wounded by the archers. Then Saul said to his armor bearer, "Draw your sword and pierce me through with it, otherwise these uncircumcised will come and pierce me through and make sport of me." But his armor bearer would not, for he was greatly afraid. So Saul took his sword and fell on it. When his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his sword and died with him. Thus Saul died with his three sons, his armor bearer, and all his men on that day together.
The battle went heavily against Saul: The great king, no doubt, fought like a lion. But one by one, his brave soldiers fell by his side. The enemy seems to have directed their principal attention to killing or capturing Saul.
He was badly wounded by the archers: In the deadly combat, it would have been very difficult to strike down King Saul in hand to hand combat as he would have been heavily guarded. Instead, archers assaulted the king, eventually striking him down. Gradually weakened through blood loss, and perhaps with the words Saul had heard only a few hours before at Endor from the prophet Samuel ringing in his ears, "Tomorrow you and your sons shall be with me," the great undaunted courage of the king at last fails Saul. In desperation, he turns to his armor bearer, who was still by his side.
His armor bearer: Jewish tradition states that Saul's faithful armor bearer was Doeg, the Edomite. Moreover, the sword which belonged to his armor bearer was the sword with which Doeg had massacred the priests at Gibeon and at Nob.
Make sport of me: Saul seems to remember how these same Philistines in former years had treated the hero, Samson, when he fell into their hands. (Judges 16:18-26)
But his armor bearer would not: Love and devotion to his master, we can imagine, hindered the armor bearer from carrying out the king's command. If the armor bearer was indeed Doeg, the Edomite, Saul and Doeg would have had a very long friendship spanning many years. Some dread of the after consequences, too, might have weighed on the armor bearer's mind, as he would have been responsible for ending the king's life.
So Saul took his sword and fell on it: This is one of the rare instances in which a person self-destructs. It seems to have been almost unknown among the Israeli people. Prior to Saul, the only other recorded example of this seems to have been of Samson. The hero sacrificed his life in order to destroy the great crowd of Philistine men. Samson's death in the Dagon Temple at Gaza is more often considered an act of heroism, like that of dying in battle, than that of self-destruction.
In the way most people think of suicide, Saul's death was not suicide. Saul was mortally wounded when he begged his armor bearer to end his life. Although this would accelerate his death, it would not be the cause of it as Saul was mortally wounded before. Saul acted on the conviction that he would not survive his injuries.
When his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead: In 2 Samuel 1:4-10, an Amalekite came to David with the report that Saul had died and that he had actually delivered the death blow to Saul. Does this Amalekite's statement contrdict this passage where it seems Saul killed himself? It may be that Saul fell on his sword, and life still lingered in him. So, he asked this Amalekite to end his life. Or it may be that the Amalekite simply lied and was the first person to come upon Saul's dead body. The Amalekite then told David that he killed him because the Amalekite thought that David would be pleased and would give him a reward.
Saul died with his three sons, his armor bearer, and all his men on that day together: As sad as anything was in this account, there was no sorrow or repentance or crying out to God on Saul's part. He was told the previous day that he would die (1 Samuel 28:19). Yet, he did not seem to prepare his soul to meet God in any way. At the end of his life, Saul became so hard in sin that he did not want to repent. Many people put off getting right with God until a later time, assuming they will still want to get right with God then. But, that is a dangerous assumption because repentance is a gift from God.
B. Aftermath of the Philistine's victorious battle
1. (1 Sam 31:7) A significant defeat for Israel
When the men of Israel who were on the other side of the valley, with those who were beyond the Jordan, saw that the men of Israel had fled and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned the cities and fled; then the Philistine came and lived in them.
The men of Israel fled and that Saul and his sons were dead: This was a great defeat. When King Saul was struck, it spread panic among God's people. Jesus knew this same principle would be used against His own disciples: "Then Jesus said to them, 'All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it it written, "I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered"'" (Mark 14:27).
Saul's sin, hardened rebellion and eventual ruin affected far more than himself. It affected his army and his sons. It literally endangered the entire nation of Israel. This shows why leaders have a higher responsibility; they can endanger far more people than the fall of someone who is not a leader.
2. (2 Sam 31:8-10) The Philistines disgrace the corpses of King Saul and his sons
It came about on the next day when the Philistines came to strip the slain, that they found Saul and his three sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. They cut off his head and stripped off his weapons, and sent them through the land of the Philistines, to carry the good news to the house of their idols and to the people. They put his weapons in the temple of Ashteroth, and they fastened his body to the wall of Beth-shan.
They found Saul and his three sons fallen on Mount Gilboa: It is only stated that the Philistines found royal corpses on the day after the great fight. So desperate had the valor with which the king and his three sons had defended their last position on the hill that night had fallen and the battle had ceased. The enemy was unaware of the completeness of their success until the morning dawn revealed to the soldiers as they waded through the casualties of which the king and his sons were among the slain.
They cut off his head and stripped off his weapons: Only Saul's head and armor are mentioned here, but on comparing 1 Samuel 31:12, where the bodies of his sons are mentioned, it is clear that this act was not confined only to the king. The sense of this passage is that the heads of the king and his sons were cut off and their armor stripped from their bodies. The heads and armor were sent as trophies around to the various towns and villages of Philistia.
They fastened his body to the wall of Beth-shan: Beth-shan (also known as Scythopolis) lies about four miles from the Jordan River on the west, and about twelve miles south of the sea of Galilee. It is almost in a straight line west of Mahanaim. We are told in Judges 1:27 that the Canaanites, the original inhabitants of the city, were permitted by the tribe of Manasseh to still dwell in the city. The Canaanite population was perhaps the reason why Beth-shan was chosen for the barbarous exhibition. The Canaanites would probably have welcomed the miserable spectacle.
You can go to the ruins of Beth-shan today, as the foundations to the city sit high on a hill overlooking the Roman ruins destroyed in an earthquake. It was high on that hill that the Philistines hung the decapitated corpse of King Saul.
3. (1 Sam 31:11-13) The men of Jabesh-Gilead end the disgrace of Saul and his sons
Now when the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all the valiant men rose and walked all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and they came to Jabesh and burned them there. They took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days.
The inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead: The memory of the splendid feat of arms of young King Saul when he had gallantly rescued their city (1 Samuel 11:1-11) years before, when they were threatened with deadly peril by the Ammonites, was still fresh in the minds of the people of Jabesh-Gilead.
Jabesh-Gilead: It was a city in Manasseh, perhaps about 14 miles from Beth-shan.
All the valiant men rose: In a time of disgrace, loss and tragedy like this, God still had valiant men to do His work. When one servant passes away, another arises to take his place. If Saul is gone, God raises up a man like David. If the army of Israel is utterly routed, God still has His valiant men like those of Jabesh-Gilead. God's work is bigger than any man or any group of people.
And burned them there: The burning of the corpse was never the custom in Israel. It was restricted to criminals convicted of the most heinous crimes ("If there is a man who marries a woman and her mother, it is immorality; both he and they shall be burned with fire, so that there will be no immorality in your midst" Leviticus 20:14.) The reason for the burning is clear. The mutilated bodies had been exposed for some days to the air, and the flesh was no doubt in a state of putrefaction. The flesh only was burned. The bones (verse 13) were reverently and lovingly preserved and laid to rest beneath the beautiful shade of the tamarisk tree.
Fasted seven days: A sign of mourning.
When David hears of Saul's death, he does not rejoice. In fact, he mourns and composes a song in honor of Saul and Jonathan (The Song of the Bow 2 Samuel 1:17-27). In spite of all that Saul did against David, David still spoke well of Saul after his death. Choosing this kind of heart showed David to be a true "man after God's own heart". It showed that the years in the wilderness escaping Saul were really years when God trained David to be a king after God's own heart. Despite David's sin, David never followed in the same tragic footsteps as King Saul.
Sunday, June 17, 2018
1 Samuel Chapter 30 Part Two (Verses 16-31)
4. (1 Sam 30:16-20) David routs and spoils the Amalekites and wins back everything
When he had brought him down, behold, they were spread over all the land, eating and drinking and dancing because of all the great spoil that they had taken from the land of the Philistines and from the land of Judah. David slaughtered them from the twilight until the evening of the next day; and not a man of them escaped, except four hundred young men who rode on camels and fled. So David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken, and rescued his two wives. But nothing of theirs was missing, whether small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything that they had taken for themselves; David brought it all back. So David had captured all the sheep and the cattle which the people drove ahead of the other livestock, and they said, "This is David's spoil."
When he had brought them down: Though left behind, the Egyptian knew the course which the Amalekites had taken, and thus he was able to bring David and his men quickly to them.
They were spread over all the land: The Amalekites were secure and careless as they celebrated their successful raids across the Negev. They were now almost to their border, and their biggest enemies (the Philistines and the Israelites) were in the north fighting their own battle. Additionally, they believed David and his men were fighting in the Philistine-Israel war in the north. Who could disrupt this time of great feasting?
Eating and drinking and dancing: The literal Hebrew is "keeping festival". Like all joyous celebrations, spontaneous singing and dancing breaks out as the wine makes its way through their veins. Of course, no celebration is complete without an abundance of delicious food.
David slaughtered them from the twilight until the evening of the next day: "From the twilight" can mean either the evening twilight or the morning twilight. Examining the Hebrew word nesep and noting in other places in Scripture such as Job 7:4 and Psalm 119:147, it is translated as "dawn", it is best to believe David and his men fought from early dawn to after sunset of the same day.
David and his men, being much fewer in number than the Amalekites, may have intentionally delayed their attack until the early morning hours. As most celebrations become quite rambunctious as the night grows strong, the Amalekites early in the morning would be heavy with sleep, food and drink. David and his men making a surprise attack on the Amalekites would have been greatly unanticipated. David and his men still seething with anger and fiery from the loss of their city and loved ones would have bravely fought the numerous Amalekites. When David and his men started attacking, it would have been mass confusion. And perhaps like other battles in which God fights for His people, Amalekites may have unintentionally slaughtered each other in the chaos.
Four hundred men who rode on camels: A band of fugitives equal to the size of all David's men managed to escape the surprise attack. Although we are not told the size of the Amalekite forces, noting that 400 men escaped helps us imagine the total number of Amalekite soldiers must have been very great.
David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken: Everything that the enemy raided, David took back. God gave him a complete victory because David "strengthened himself in the LORD his God" (1 Samuel 30:6), David "inquired of the LORD" (1 Samuel 30:8), David did what God told him to do, and David showed unexpected kindness and care to others.
God's promise was proven true. When David inquired of the LORD, God promised "You shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all" (1 Samuel 30:8). The promise was exactly fulfilled. However, it was only fulfilled because David was a man of action. He did not sit passively back and say, "All right God, You fight and deliver us from our plight." The LORD fulfilled His promise, but He used David's actions to do so. God's promise did not exclude David's cooperation. Rather, God's promise involved David and his men being faithful and obedient. David had to trust that God would defeat the Amalekites, but he had to march into battle as if it all depended on him.
This is David's spoil: It is not that David claimed the spoil for himself, but the soldiers, who of late were so incensed at David that they spoke of stoning him, now upon David's success magnified him and triumphantly celebrated. It is as if his men are saying, "David purchased these items by his valor and conduct. He may dispose of them as he pleases." God gave David even more than what He had promised him. David received the spoil from the Amalekite raids beyond what was taken from Ziklag. This was God's rich abundance of grace blessing David.
Some wonder why David was allowed to keep the spoil of the Amalekites when Saul was expressly commanded to not keep anything from that nation (1 Samuel 15:1-3). Moreover, Saul was judged by God for not obeying that command (1 Samuel 15:13-23). The answers are simple. First, David had no specific command from God to destroy all the spoil from the Amalekites as Saul did. Second, David recovered what the Amalekites took from others, although David recovered far beyond what was taken from Ziklag. Third, David was not acting as the king of Israel representing the LORD'S nation as Saul was. Simply put, the rules in this case were different for David than they were for Saul.
C. The spoil from the battle is divided
1. (1 Sam 30:21-25) The spoils are distributed equally among those who fought and those who stayed by the baggage
When David came to the two hundred men who were too exhausted to follow David, who had also been left at the brook Besor, and they went out to meet David and to meet the people who were with him, then David approached the people and greeted them. Then all the wicked and worthless men among those who went with David said, "Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered, except every man his wife and children, that they may lead them away and depart." Then David said, "You must no do so, my brothers, with what the LORD has given us, who has kept us and delivered into our hand the band that came against us. And who will listen to you in this matter? For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage; they shall share alike." So it has been from that day forward, that he made it a statue and an ordinance for Israel to this day.
We will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered: As much as David has turned back to the LORD, many of his men seem to have no regard for God. It was God who had given them the victory. It was God who had given them the spoil. Now, in their selfishness, the men claim the spoil as theirs and not the LORD'S. This scene has played out many times over in history. Acts of greed and heartless covetousness often deprive many of their rewards.
You must not do so, my brothers: Using his authority to overrule their intentions, David manages this volatile situation with much grace and kindness. As ruthless and wicked as some of the men were, David politely reminds them that they are brothers--not only brothers in the same nation and brothers in the same land of Israel, but they were also brothers as fellow soldiers.
What the LORD has given us: It is as if David is saying, "When God has been so good to us, why ought we not share in God's rich abundance? He has blessed us. We must share in God's spoil with all who participated in this victory."
For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his shall be who stays by the baggage; they shall share alike: David declared an important principle here: the supply lines are just are important as the soldiers. God will reward both soldiers and those who stayed behind equally. Many people serve God in invisible ways. Often, they are behind-the-scenes doing a vital aspect of the LORD'S work. God will reward those working on the front lines as well as those serving in hidden ways.
He made it a statue and an ordinance for Israel to this day: David having practiced this act of kindness during his reign of king made it a rule to follow for all kings after him. It is interesting to note that in the war with the Midianites, Moses orders half the spoil should belong to the combatants and half to the congregation who remained in the camp. ("You and Eleazar the priest and the heads of the fathers' households of the congregation take a count of the booty that was captured, both man and of animal; and divide the booty between the warriors who went out to battle and all the congregation" Numbers 31:26-27.) This enactment by David was in the same spirit as that done by Moses.
2. (1 Sam 30:26-31) David mends strained relationships
Now when David came to Ziklag, he sent some of the spoil to the elders of Judah, to his friends, saying, "Behold, a gift for you from the spoil of the enemies of the LORD: to those who were in Bethel, and to those who were in Ramoth of the Negev, and to those who were in Jattir, and to those who were in Aroer, and to those who were in Siphmoth, and to those who were in Eshtemoa, and to those who were in Racal, and to those who were in the cities of the Jerahmeelites, and to those who were in the cities of the Kenites, and to those who were in Hormah, and to those who were in Borashan, and to those who were in Athach, and to those who were in Hebron, and to all the places where David and his men were accustomed to go."
He sent some of the spoil: To have made it worthwhile to have sent presents to all the places listed, the spoil from the Amalekites must have been ENORMOUS!!! Moreover, this is just some of the spoil. David and his men kept some of the booty acquired for their own personal gain.
Bethel: Not the famous city by that name, but it was probably the Bethul of Joshua 19:4 which is mentioned as lying near Hormah and Ziklag.
Ramoth of the Negev: Located in the south country, it was assigned to the tribe of Simeon.
Jattir This city belonged to the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:48) ad was one of the cities assigned to the priests (Joshua 21:14).
Aroer: A city located south of Hebron.
Siphmoth: Nothing is known about this city.
Eshtemoa: A priestly city (Joshua 15:50 and Joshua 21:14). It is now called Es Semua and is located about nine miles south/southwest of Hebron.
Racal: Nothing is known about this city.
The cities of the Jerahmeelites and the Kenites: They were located in the south of Judah, but their exact located is unknown.
Hormah: Called Zephath by the Canaanites (Joshua 12:14), it was assigned to Judah (Joshua 15:30) and transferred to Simeon (Joshua 19:4).
Borashan: Meaning "cistern of Ashan", this is the same as the city of Ashan, Simeonite city in the Negev originally given to Judah (Joshua 15:42 and Joshua 19:7).
Attach: Mentioned nowhere else in the Bible.
Hebron: It is one of the most ancient known cities in the world. It is now called El-Khalil which means "friend of God", owing to Abraham's residence there. During the early years of David's rule, Hebron was the residence and royal city of David. Beneath the building of the present Mosque of Hebron is the famous Cave of Machpelah, where Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob and his wife Leah are buried. Hebron is located about 20 miles south of Jerusalem, situated in a narrow valley surrounded by rocky hills whose sides are clothed in vineyards.
All the places: It is evident that David's outlaw life must have lasted for some time and have proved an important factor in preparing the men of Judah to welcome him as their king. The instances above indicate that is was during this time period that he gained many of the faithful friends who afterwards filled offices of trust in his kingdom.
In conclusion: David knew that his time among the Philistines strained his relationships with God's people. Now, David knew he must do whatever he could to put things right again. So, he sent some of the spoil to the leaders in over 13 cities. This is the final step in David's getting things right after his time of backsliding among the Philistines.
Things David did to turn back to God:
1. David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.
2. David inquired of the LORD.
3. David believed God's promise.
4. David did what God told him to do.
5. David showed unexpected care and kindness to others.
6. David saw it as the LORD'S victory.
7. David shared the reward with others.
8. David did what he could to mend relationships.
When he had brought him down, behold, they were spread over all the land, eating and drinking and dancing because of all the great spoil that they had taken from the land of the Philistines and from the land of Judah. David slaughtered them from the twilight until the evening of the next day; and not a man of them escaped, except four hundred young men who rode on camels and fled. So David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken, and rescued his two wives. But nothing of theirs was missing, whether small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything that they had taken for themselves; David brought it all back. So David had captured all the sheep and the cattle which the people drove ahead of the other livestock, and they said, "This is David's spoil."
When he had brought them down: Though left behind, the Egyptian knew the course which the Amalekites had taken, and thus he was able to bring David and his men quickly to them.
They were spread over all the land: The Amalekites were secure and careless as they celebrated their successful raids across the Negev. They were now almost to their border, and their biggest enemies (the Philistines and the Israelites) were in the north fighting their own battle. Additionally, they believed David and his men were fighting in the Philistine-Israel war in the north. Who could disrupt this time of great feasting?
Eating and drinking and dancing: The literal Hebrew is "keeping festival". Like all joyous celebrations, spontaneous singing and dancing breaks out as the wine makes its way through their veins. Of course, no celebration is complete without an abundance of delicious food.
David slaughtered them from the twilight until the evening of the next day: "From the twilight" can mean either the evening twilight or the morning twilight. Examining the Hebrew word nesep and noting in other places in Scripture such as Job 7:4 and Psalm 119:147, it is translated as "dawn", it is best to believe David and his men fought from early dawn to after sunset of the same day.
David and his men, being much fewer in number than the Amalekites, may have intentionally delayed their attack until the early morning hours. As most celebrations become quite rambunctious as the night grows strong, the Amalekites early in the morning would be heavy with sleep, food and drink. David and his men making a surprise attack on the Amalekites would have been greatly unanticipated. David and his men still seething with anger and fiery from the loss of their city and loved ones would have bravely fought the numerous Amalekites. When David and his men started attacking, it would have been mass confusion. And perhaps like other battles in which God fights for His people, Amalekites may have unintentionally slaughtered each other in the chaos.
Four hundred men who rode on camels: A band of fugitives equal to the size of all David's men managed to escape the surprise attack. Although we are not told the size of the Amalekite forces, noting that 400 men escaped helps us imagine the total number of Amalekite soldiers must have been very great.
David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken: Everything that the enemy raided, David took back. God gave him a complete victory because David "strengthened himself in the LORD his God" (1 Samuel 30:6), David "inquired of the LORD" (1 Samuel 30:8), David did what God told him to do, and David showed unexpected kindness and care to others.
God's promise was proven true. When David inquired of the LORD, God promised "You shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all" (1 Samuel 30:8). The promise was exactly fulfilled. However, it was only fulfilled because David was a man of action. He did not sit passively back and say, "All right God, You fight and deliver us from our plight." The LORD fulfilled His promise, but He used David's actions to do so. God's promise did not exclude David's cooperation. Rather, God's promise involved David and his men being faithful and obedient. David had to trust that God would defeat the Amalekites, but he had to march into battle as if it all depended on him.
This is David's spoil: It is not that David claimed the spoil for himself, but the soldiers, who of late were so incensed at David that they spoke of stoning him, now upon David's success magnified him and triumphantly celebrated. It is as if his men are saying, "David purchased these items by his valor and conduct. He may dispose of them as he pleases." God gave David even more than what He had promised him. David received the spoil from the Amalekite raids beyond what was taken from Ziklag. This was God's rich abundance of grace blessing David.
Some wonder why David was allowed to keep the spoil of the Amalekites when Saul was expressly commanded to not keep anything from that nation (1 Samuel 15:1-3). Moreover, Saul was judged by God for not obeying that command (1 Samuel 15:13-23). The answers are simple. First, David had no specific command from God to destroy all the spoil from the Amalekites as Saul did. Second, David recovered what the Amalekites took from others, although David recovered far beyond what was taken from Ziklag. Third, David was not acting as the king of Israel representing the LORD'S nation as Saul was. Simply put, the rules in this case were different for David than they were for Saul.
C. The spoil from the battle is divided
1. (1 Sam 30:21-25) The spoils are distributed equally among those who fought and those who stayed by the baggage
When David came to the two hundred men who were too exhausted to follow David, who had also been left at the brook Besor, and they went out to meet David and to meet the people who were with him, then David approached the people and greeted them. Then all the wicked and worthless men among those who went with David said, "Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered, except every man his wife and children, that they may lead them away and depart." Then David said, "You must no do so, my brothers, with what the LORD has given us, who has kept us and delivered into our hand the band that came against us. And who will listen to you in this matter? For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage; they shall share alike." So it has been from that day forward, that he made it a statue and an ordinance for Israel to this day.
We will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered: As much as David has turned back to the LORD, many of his men seem to have no regard for God. It was God who had given them the victory. It was God who had given them the spoil. Now, in their selfishness, the men claim the spoil as theirs and not the LORD'S. This scene has played out many times over in history. Acts of greed and heartless covetousness often deprive many of their rewards.
You must not do so, my brothers: Using his authority to overrule their intentions, David manages this volatile situation with much grace and kindness. As ruthless and wicked as some of the men were, David politely reminds them that they are brothers--not only brothers in the same nation and brothers in the same land of Israel, but they were also brothers as fellow soldiers.
What the LORD has given us: It is as if David is saying, "When God has been so good to us, why ought we not share in God's rich abundance? He has blessed us. We must share in God's spoil with all who participated in this victory."
For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his shall be who stays by the baggage; they shall share alike: David declared an important principle here: the supply lines are just are important as the soldiers. God will reward both soldiers and those who stayed behind equally. Many people serve God in invisible ways. Often, they are behind-the-scenes doing a vital aspect of the LORD'S work. God will reward those working on the front lines as well as those serving in hidden ways.
He made it a statue and an ordinance for Israel to this day: David having practiced this act of kindness during his reign of king made it a rule to follow for all kings after him. It is interesting to note that in the war with the Midianites, Moses orders half the spoil should belong to the combatants and half to the congregation who remained in the camp. ("You and Eleazar the priest and the heads of the fathers' households of the congregation take a count of the booty that was captured, both man and of animal; and divide the booty between the warriors who went out to battle and all the congregation" Numbers 31:26-27.) This enactment by David was in the same spirit as that done by Moses.
2. (1 Sam 30:26-31) David mends strained relationships
Now when David came to Ziklag, he sent some of the spoil to the elders of Judah, to his friends, saying, "Behold, a gift for you from the spoil of the enemies of the LORD: to those who were in Bethel, and to those who were in Ramoth of the Negev, and to those who were in Jattir, and to those who were in Aroer, and to those who were in Siphmoth, and to those who were in Eshtemoa, and to those who were in Racal, and to those who were in the cities of the Jerahmeelites, and to those who were in the cities of the Kenites, and to those who were in Hormah, and to those who were in Borashan, and to those who were in Athach, and to those who were in Hebron, and to all the places where David and his men were accustomed to go."
He sent some of the spoil: To have made it worthwhile to have sent presents to all the places listed, the spoil from the Amalekites must have been ENORMOUS!!! Moreover, this is just some of the spoil. David and his men kept some of the booty acquired for their own personal gain.
Bethel: Not the famous city by that name, but it was probably the Bethul of Joshua 19:4 which is mentioned as lying near Hormah and Ziklag.
Ramoth of the Negev: Located in the south country, it was assigned to the tribe of Simeon.
Jattir This city belonged to the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:48) ad was one of the cities assigned to the priests (Joshua 21:14).
Aroer: A city located south of Hebron.
Siphmoth: Nothing is known about this city.
Eshtemoa: A priestly city (Joshua 15:50 and Joshua 21:14). It is now called Es Semua and is located about nine miles south/southwest of Hebron.
Racal: Nothing is known about this city.
The cities of the Jerahmeelites and the Kenites: They were located in the south of Judah, but their exact located is unknown.
Hormah: Called Zephath by the Canaanites (Joshua 12:14), it was assigned to Judah (Joshua 15:30) and transferred to Simeon (Joshua 19:4).
Borashan: Meaning "cistern of Ashan", this is the same as the city of Ashan, Simeonite city in the Negev originally given to Judah (Joshua 15:42 and Joshua 19:7).
Attach: Mentioned nowhere else in the Bible.
Hebron: It is one of the most ancient known cities in the world. It is now called El-Khalil which means "friend of God", owing to Abraham's residence there. During the early years of David's rule, Hebron was the residence and royal city of David. Beneath the building of the present Mosque of Hebron is the famous Cave of Machpelah, where Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob and his wife Leah are buried. Hebron is located about 20 miles south of Jerusalem, situated in a narrow valley surrounded by rocky hills whose sides are clothed in vineyards.
All the places: It is evident that David's outlaw life must have lasted for some time and have proved an important factor in preparing the men of Judah to welcome him as their king. The instances above indicate that is was during this time period that he gained many of the faithful friends who afterwards filled offices of trust in his kingdom.
In conclusion: David knew that his time among the Philistines strained his relationships with God's people. Now, David knew he must do whatever he could to put things right again. So, he sent some of the spoil to the leaders in over 13 cities. This is the final step in David's getting things right after his time of backsliding among the Philistines.
Things David did to turn back to God:
1. David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.
2. David inquired of the LORD.
3. David believed God's promise.
4. David did what God told him to do.
5. David showed unexpected care and kindness to others.
6. David saw it as the LORD'S victory.
7. David shared the reward with others.
8. David did what he could to mend relationships.
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