I SAMUEL 19 | Lesson # 20 | The Spirit of God: Protection or Persuasion?

I.  Greetings:

 

II.  Introduction:

            Note:  In Chapter 18 Saul had twice overtly and twice covertly tried to kill David.  We also learn that David is highly successful and loved by Michal and Jonathan and the people of Israel.  In the last verse of chapter 18 the author again tells us that David was highly successful and therefore highly esteemed.  Given the contradictory views of David, on the one hand by Saul, and on the other hand by Saul's children and the nation, let me ask you a question.

            Q If we are competent, loyal, good and do the right thing will we always be appreciated and treated well?

               An = With this question in mind let us now look at Chapter 19.

 

III.  Three Narrow Escapes:  Jonathan, quickness, Michal.  I Samuel 19:1-17.

   A.  First Escape:  Help from Saul's Son Jonathan.  I Samuel 19:1-7.

>>>> Have someone read I Samuel 19:1-7.

            Q  Do good friends warn and also speak up for one another even when it is not politically correct?

               An = Notice Jonathan first hides his friend and then does not over promise, he merely says he will do his best.

            Q Is Jonathan's approach to Saul rational and well reasoned?

            Q Why or why not?  What is Jonathan's case?

               An = In 19:4 Jonathan appealed to Saul's morals and sense of fair play.  Jonathan brings to the forefront that David has not sinned against him and in fact has been of benefit to Saul.  In 19:5 Jonathan appeals to Saul's sense of gratitude:  David risked his life to kill the Philistine, and finally Jonathan points out the serious sin Saul would commit by killing an innocent man.  Jonathan makes a good logical case in David's behalf.

            Q Does the appeal by Jonathan temporarily succeed?

               An = Yes it does.  Notice that Saul takes another oath by God (typical of Saul).  David is brought back into the court, but it will be for the last time.

   B.  Second Escape:  Either Be Quick or Be Shish-ke-bob.  I Samuel 19:8-10.

>>>> Have someone read I Samuel 19:8-10

            Q What causes Saul to brake his oath and attempt the Shish-ke-bob (meat on a stick) game with David again?

               An = According to verse 8 it was David's success and also verse 9 says an evil spirit from the Lord is also present.  The evil spirit from the Lord (the invisible wind-like action of God) forces Saul into the open, at least Saul's true character is revealed to David.

            Q Why did Israel want a king in the first place?

               An = Turn to I Samuel 8:19-20 and >> have someone read I Samuel 8:19-20.  The original reason for a king who that he would provide military leadership, most probably against the Philistine encroachment.  Now that Saul is king,  Saul disregards a successful military leader in the person of David.

            Q  Has Saul lost sight of the reason for his position? 

            Note:  David struck the Philistines (19:8) and now Saul tries to strike David (19:10).  In Hebrew the same word, meaning to strike, is used (Davis, p.56).  The Philistines fled in 19:8 and then David flees in 19:10.  Saul has lost sight of the reason for leadership.  It is not to keep it, but to serve the people.

            Q  Is David paid well for his efforts in bringing victory to the nation?

               An = Saul seems to preoccupied with something else besides the welfare of the nation.

   C. Third Escape:  Help from Saul's Daughter Michal.  I Samuel 19:9-17.

>>>> Have someone read I Samuel 19:11-17

            Q Who saves David's life this time?

               An = The irony is that is it Saul's own daughter and she lies to protect her father's enemy.  It is Saul's own children that twice thwart his efforts to murder David.

            Q  Of these three episodes how many times does David escape because of his own abilities?

               An = Once, If we are to succeed in the world and accomplish what God has desired for us to do then we will only do so with the help of others.  At times the help will come from the least likely of sources. 

            Q  Nothing is said of God acting in these three stories but is God is silently active in protecting David's life?

               An = In the next story we see God move more directly in behalf of his servant but God was just as surely behind the other escapes as well.

 

IV.  Saul's Encounter With the Spirit of God.  I Samuel 19:18-24.

>>>> Have someone read I Samuel 19:18.

            Q  To whom does David now go for protection?

               An = A man of God.  We do not know what Samuel told David, but Samuel is the only one who knows that God has pronounced the end of Saul's reign.

>>>> Have someone read I Samuel 19:19-24.

            Q How come Saul or his men do not succeed in capturing David?

               An = They fall under the influence of the prophesying.  Three groups of Saul's troops have this experience and are unable to arrest David.  Finally, Saul has the same experience but his experience takes place even before he reaches the place where everyone is prophesying.

            Note: Perhaps it would help to define a term present in our text:  prophesying.  In older Hebrew this word took on the meaning of being "under the influence of God's Spirit".  It seemed to have been connected with being "in ecstacy".  Perhaps we would call it today having a charismatic experience. 

            Note:  Perhaps, it would help to clear up one thing.  The word in Hebrew in 19:24 does not necessarily mean naked, and most scholars thing what Saul took off was his outer clothing leaving his inner, long, linen tunic on.  That was the garment everyone wore near the skin (McCarter, p. 329).  What Saul took off was the distinctive clothing that designated his station in life.

            Q Is having a charismatic experience a good thing or a bad thing in your estimation?

            Q What is Scripture's attitude about it?

               An = Obviously, here Samuel is presiding over them.  Samuel is highly regarded by the text and so the behavior must be acceptable.  We also learned that Saul had such experiences when he was anointed and such behavior is described as having taken place in Moses' time (Numbers 11: 24-29), and Moses thought the behavior was positive (Numbers 11:29).  The behavior is not widely spread (Numbers 11:25), but it did take place in the Old Testament.

            Q How are we to view this type of experience here?

               An = Let them answer and then re-ask the question in the following manner?

            Q From a negative point of view, what is bad about this experience?

               An = First of all from Saul's point of view the experience is negative 1) It prevented him from obtaining his goal, namely the arrest of David, his rival.  2) It allowed David time to escape.  3) It was seemingly embarrassing, he lay prostrate without his outer, kingly robes for a day.

            Q From a positive point of view, what is good about the experience?

               An = 1) David is saved from being murdered.  2)  Saul is prevented from committing murder which was good for him.  3) Anyone who has sensed the presence of God knows that it is pleasant (as any good and true Charismatic will tell you) and this is not the first time Saul has had this experience.  It accompanied his anointing as king as helped confirm a great and glorious future for him.  Perhaps, this was the Lord trying to remind Saul what it was like to be right with the Lord as he was in his first encounter and that first experience with the Lord.  It could have been an attempt by the Lord to help Saul see the wrongness of his position.  Perhaps, the reason for mentioning the same phrase "Is Saul also among the prophets" again is to remind the reader of Saul's previous experience.  4)  What Saul has taken off are his distinctive clothing signifying his kingship, and the very thing that he has sold his soul to retain.  The very thing that Saul is addicted to and that drives his jealousy is his grasping after the kingship.  In this experience Saul is momentarily freed from this savage preoccupation with maintaining his power as King.  When in God's presence we do not need our distinctive places in society to understand and experience joy.  5)  Saul is no longer in control here.  Saul is not manipulating God with religious ritual, God is controlling Saul.  Perhaps, for a brief day, Saul is free.

            Note:  I believe this story is God trying to bring Saul to remember His anointing.  God does want Saul to repent.  This is another action of the Spirit from the Lord, another example of an invisible (though powerful) action of God in the world.

 

V.  Conclusion:

            Three thoughts could be summarized here.

1) Note:  What is found to be in common with all four stories is that David escaped (The word escape is found in the Hebrew 5 times in this chapter:  10,11,12,17,18).  Two times by the help of specific individual, once by David's quickness and finally by the direct action of God's Spirit.

            Q Does God always save in the same way?

               An = No He does not.  He uses others, David himself, or the direct action of His Spirit, but all comes from God's hands.  There is tremendous variety here (Davis, pp. 59-60).  

2)              Q Will God protect His anointed today?

               An = Yes, God is sovereign over the highly placed Saul.  God is sovereign today of people in power in christian circles that have gone corrupt.  God is at work, even though it looks like leaders like Saul have stopped listening to reason and will lie under oath.

3) Q  Will God will save us from trouble, or out of it? 

            >>>> Close with reading from Psalm 59: 1-4, 16-17.

I SAMUEL 18 | Lesson # 19 | GOSPEL OF WEALTH OR SHISH-KEBOB

I.  Greetings:

 

II. Introduction:

            Q Does every body love a winner?  Or put another way, does success always make us loved by everyone?

            Q If you do everything right and everything successfully will everyone appreciate you?

            Q What group or persons may not appreciate your successes?

            Note:  Our chapter today will stress three things about David:  his success, his being loved and that "the Lord is with him".  It will stress that everyone loves David, but one man.

            TWO REACTIONS TO THE SAME MAN:  JONATHAN AND SAUL DAVID

III.  David and Jonathan:  Hero meets Hero.  I Samuel 18:1-5.

>>>> Have someone read I Samuel 18:1-4.

            Note:  The narrator tells us twice in this little section that Jonathan loved David as himself (17:1,3).  It also tells us that Jonathan made a covenant with David and we do not know if this meant that this covenant was made right away or that refers to the one the two would make in the future.

            Note:  Jonathan evidently recognizes in David, a kindred spirit.  Both are risk takers and both have a deep faith in the power of God to deliver.  Both are adventurous

            Q What is being symbolized in the giving away of Jonathan's garments?

               An = One's station in life was symbolized by one's clothes.  Jonathan is submitting to David and giving him royal prestige, there is irony here, because it foreshadows the fact that the kingdom will indeed go to David.  We will see this symbolization of garments used again in I Samuel 19:19-21.  It is the outward garments, over the muslin undergarment that all wore, that signifies one's station in life.

            Note:  It appears that when the Lord is with someone then the Spirit of God makes us winsome.

>>>> Have someone read I Samuel 18:5.

            Q Who else likes David?

               An = All the people, including Saul's staff.  David is a great success.

 

IV.  Saul and David:  King Sees A Not Hero, But Competition.  I Samuel 18:6-9.

>>>> Have someone read I Samuel 18:6-9.

            Q How does Saul interpret the song?

               An = Saul sees David as a threat (I Samuel 18:8).  Saul sees things the others do not see.  Saul is analyzing a song no one else is.  He is alone in his paranoia, but he knows 15:28 and no one else but he and Samuel do.   >> Have everyone turn to and read I Samuel 15:28.              Note:  Saul cannot enjoy the fruits of victory, a lack of humility does that.

            Q Did David do anything to deserve this suspicion?

               An = No, but neither did Jesus Christ.  All He did was heal the sick, feed the hungary, and embody the very Spirit and Nature of God and yet the religious leaders of His day wanted Him dead.

            Note:  Brueggemann (p. 137) notes that Saul sees David only as a threat and as an ambitious man, but not as a man destined by God.  Brueggemann goes on to say that Saul has lost contact with God and cannot understand His ways.  What is ironic, is that Saul's son can.  He is on good terms with the Lord and he is drawn to David.  Sin makes us imperceptive!

 

V.  Saul's First Type of Attempt to Kill David:  Overt Murder.  I Samuel 18:10-16.

>>>> Have someone read I Samuel 18:10-16.

            Q How many up and coming young men are undermined by disobedient old men?

            Note:  Notice that the narrator says two attempts to make shish-kebob out of David were attempted.

            Note:  Saul according to 18:11 thinks his attempt to kill David is justified because it will work, but narrator sees the attempt in a different light in verse 12.  The narrator sees more truly that Saul is afraid.  The reason Saul fears David is that Lord is with David and no longer with Saul.

            Q  What does I Samuel 18:12,14, and 28 have in common?

               An = Three times the narrator tells us that the key to David's success is the Lord's hidden grace.  The Lord is the secret to David's success.

            Q How does Saul deal with his fear in 18:13?

               An = He removes David from his presence and places him, ironically, where David will have a greater platform.  Saul would have been wiser to leave David in the court and not let him go to the battle field where his blessing from God could have greater exposure.

            Note:  Let me explain a phrase.  In some translations you will often find the words "go in and out before the people".  That phrase refers to going to battle.  Perhaps it arises from the people watching there captains go out to war and come home from battle.

            Q This time who is it that loves David?

               An = Now it is all Israel and Judah.  The word love in connection with people's reaction to David in this chapter will be found six times:  1,3,16,20,22,28.  He is said to be pleasing to the people in 5,7,30.

            Note:  The very opposite reaction is created in Saul.  He now lives in dread of David (see also 18:12 and 29).  What is consistently repeated throughout the chapter along with David's success and popularity is Saul's reaction to David:  8-9,11-12,15,17,21,29.   He is suspicious, fears, and four times attempts to kill his loyal servant.

 

 

VI.  Saul Second Type of Attempt to Kill David:  Covert Murder.  I Samuel 18:17-29.

   A.  First Covert Attempt Through Merab.  I Samuel 18:17-19.

>>>> Have someone read I Samuel 18:17-19.

            Note:  Again, it would have been wiser for Saul not to bring David royal status by marrying him into the family.

            Q What does David's response in 18:18 mean?

               An = David's rhetorical questions basically reveal a humble response.  He questions his own worthiness and the worthiness of his social status to be a king's son-in-law.

            Note:  Saul breaks his word and why he does so we are not told.  However, just like the last attempt on David's life which was tried twice, now we will watch Saul attempt to let the Philistines do his dirty work for him in the next few verses.  This will be Saul's fourth attempt to polish off David and his second in a subtle or covert fashion.

   B.  Second Covert Attempt Through Michal.  I Samuel 18:20-29.

>>>> Have someone read I Samuel 18:20-27.

            Note:  Note that in I Samuel 18:20-22 the plot is conceived and specifically in 18:21-22 Saul sets the trap.

            Note:  Note that in I Samuel 18:23-26 the trap is sprung.  Saul sets the trap with Michal, a king's daughter, as bate.  At the end of 18:21 and 25, the narrator makes clear what Saul's motives were.

            Note:  Note that in I Samuel 18:27 the trap fails.

            Q What is David's reaction to the offer of a king's daughter?

               An = Again in a Rhetorical Question, David's response is one of humility.  David understands his low position.  Notice that David does not see the trap but actually welcomes the challenge.  He could never afford a dowry for a king's daughter.

            Q Does the trap fail?

               An = Yes, it does, for the Lord is with David.

            RQ Can you imagine David presenting the dowry? 

            Note:  Again, David is a great musician but he is not afraid of war.  The foreskins are proof of the men being dead and their being Philistines.  Most of the countries around Israel did circumcision, except the Philistines.

>>>> Have someone read I Samuel 18:28,29.

            Q In 18:28 and 29 what is Saul's reaction?

               An = He is both aware of David's having the Lord with him and that his own daughter loved this country shepherd.  He therefore grew more afraid of David and saw his best warrior and soldier as an enemy.

            Note:  Saul is totally consumed with fear and need to kill David and David is seemingly unaware.  He does not know of the plot covertly to kill him and Davis is probably right in David seeing the spear attempts as nothing more than a bad affect of Saul's depression (Davis, p. 54).

 

VII.  Continuing Success In Battle.  I Samuel 18:30.

>>>> Have someone read I Samuel 18:30.

            Note:  The twin topics of this chapter are the Lord's favor and Saul's disfavor, but the former is stronger (Davis, p. 55).

            Note:  Davis makes another suggestion (p. 55).  The "quiet protection" of God could be the heritage of His servants.  He suggests that we could be moving totally in such a protection and that it is unknown to us.  We call it "hidden grace". 

            Q Does the "hidden grace" of God mean that if we do all things right that everyone will like us and all things will go smooth?

               An = We shall see the another aspect to be "under the wings of the Almighty" in the chapters to come.

                

I SAMUEL 17 | Lesson # 18 | FIGURING WITH GOD IN THE EQUATION

                                                            I SAMUEL 17                     Lesson # 18

                        FIGURING WITH GOD IN THE EQUATION

I.  Greetings. 

 

II.  Introduction. 

            Note:  We have met David as a shepherd boy and then as a musician and now we will meet him as a warrior. 

            Note:  We will also hear from David for the first time.  The text has yet to quote David but in this story he will speak for the first time (Davis, pp. 41-42).  His speeches will be important because it will be on the mouth of this 15 year old kid that the most direct theology of the chapter will be given.

 

III.  Setting the Scene:  The Giant's Appearance And The Shepherd's Arrival.  I Samuel 17:1-22.

   A.  The Geographical Setting And The Appearance Of Goliath.  I Samuel 17:1-11.

>>>> Have someone read I Samuel 17:1-11.

            Note:  The Philistines appear to want Israel to fight the battle through "proxy".  Each nation puts up one fighter and these two men fight in behalf of their respective nations. 

            Q How big do you picture this Philistine warrior to be?

               An = His size is rather daunting.  It could easily have been 9 feet tall.  There was a tribe of unusually large people that the Bible makes reference to in this area.  They are called by several names.  Joshua 11:22 seems to refer to them and calls them the Anakim.  It appears that such a group of people were seen by the spies of Israel when they were still in the wilderness.   See Numbers 13:33 where they were called Nephilim or sons of Anak (Anakim).  It appears that the Philistines absorbed these people into their ranks and used them as mercenaries (this could be what Saul is referring to in I Samuel 17:33).

            Q What does Goliath do in 17:10 that again in 17:25, 26 (2x), 36, and 45?

               An = He taunts, defies or reproaches the armies of Israel.

   B.  The Arrival Of David.  I Samuel 17:12-22.

>>>> Have someone read I Samuel 17:12-22.

            Q How did David come to be at the battle?

               An = He obeyed his father and did a menial chore.  He brought food to his older three brothers.  He was a "gofer" for his dad.  He had played music in the court of the king but this did not make him unfit for "blue collar" tasks, or for service to his older brothers. 

            Q  Is arrogance ever the attitude we can have if we wish to be in the right place and the right time for God to use us?

               An = Notice David's involvement in the royal music scene did not allow him to shirk his "sheep herding" tasks (see I Samuel 17:15).  God's musicians, no matter how prestigious their "gigs" should not be above doing "waitress work".

 

IV.  Pre-Battle:  Encounters With Those Of Limited Vision or Perspective:  I Samuel 17:23-39.

   A.  The Nation's Perspective:  Fear.  I Samuel 17:23-25.

>>>> Have someone read I Samuel 17:23-25

            Q What is the reaction of the men of Israel to the challenge of the giant?

               An = It is fear, see verse 24.  Notice also I Samuel 17:11.  When Goliath speaks he brings fear into the heart of Israel.  They see no hope in the situation.  They are defied and can do nothing about it.

 

   B.  Eliab's Perspective:  David Is Arrogant.  I Samuel 17:26-30

>>>> Have someone read I Samuel 17:26-30.

            Q What is Eliab's, David's brother, response to David's questions?

                  An = He thinks David is a big-mouthed brat.  Perhaps Eliab is still smarting from the choice of David over himself in the anointing or he cannot see his little brother's heart.  All he sees is a kid without fear and maybe that irritates him.

               Q What is David asking about in 17:26?

               An = David is inquiring about two things:  what is the reward for freeing Israel from reproach and why should anyone be allowed to taunt the armies of the living God.

            Note:  David makes a logical deduction (not the only one he will make in this chapter).  He correctly reasons that taunting of the armies of Israel is a taunt against the God of Israel and David understands God in a peculiar manner. 

            Q  How does David refer to the God of Israel, what adjective does he use?

               An = The God of Israel is a "living God".

            Q  Is David detoured from his inquiry by his brother's rude reply?

               An = He asks again in verse 30 what is to be gained for fighting the Philistine.

            Q What do we learn of David's character in these five verses?

               An = 1)  He is persistent and not easily talked out of things.  2) He is bold.  3) He has a double character to him. 

            Q  Is David a normal boy, is he is interested in bucks and women?

               An = Yes, he is.  He can acquire a tax free status for his dad and a beautiful king's wife for himself.  He is not only interested in getting ahead but he is interested in God's honor.  His Lord has been bad-mouthed, and he will not let it go. David cares about the honor of his Lord.

            Q  When someone tries to be courageous for the Lord, does it surprise you that someone from his own country or family misinterprets his motives?

            Q  Has this ever happened to you?  Did it discourage you?

   C.  Saul's Perspective:  David Is Inexperienced.  I Samuel 17:31-39.

>>>> Have someone read I Samuel 17:31-40.

            Q According to 17:33 what does Saul think about David's chances?

               An = He does not think they are good.  He thinks David is inexperienced and will be fighting against a man of superior experience and ability. 

            Note:  Remember Saul is the tallest man in the nation and perhaps knows that he should really be the one to fight the giant. 

            Note:  It is also possible that Saul really likes this kid and does not want him harmed, even though Saul is in a tough spot.

            Q Why does David feel he will be successful?

               An = According to 17:34-37 David believes he will be successful because of past experience.  David is actually experienced, though not in warfare, but in trusting God when a crisis arises.  He has seen God come through before.  He makes another logical deduction in that since God came through in the past, he can expect Him to come through in the present (see 17:37).  David has risked on God and found Him trust worthy.

            Q  What is the final statement of David in verse 36?

               An = Goliath has taunted the armies of the "living God".  David is quite interested in His Lord's honor.

            Q What is the best preparation for ministry according to this story?  What is the best preparation, experience-wise, that a young man or women should have to take on a tough assignment?

               An = The experience of trusting on God in previous crises and finding God sufficient for our needs.  This is something that academic training, or Book knowledge cannot help with.  One must have risked on God in the real push and pull of one's own experience.  David learned about how to handle a great crisis while working at a "blue-collar" job.

            Q Why did David refuse the King's armor and chose a sling-shot?

               An = He had not tested them.  When in a crisis go back to what you really know.  David knew sling shots.  He later learned how to handle a sword.  He did not stay with only one type of instrument.  However, maybe when up against it we go back to what we know and put our trust in the Lord and go forward.  It isn't the instrument that counts anyway, it is God who helps us use them.

            Note:  Note that Israel, Eliab and Saul all think only on a human plain.  It is only David who sees the situation through the eyes of faith.  He sees one more element in the equation:  God.  Oswald Chambers says we often forget to figure God into the equation.  David has a fuller view of reality.

 

V.  The Battle.  I Samuel 17:40-54.

   A.  The Verbal Exchange Between David and Goliath.  I Samuel 17:41-47.

>>>> Have someone read I Samuel 17:40-47.

            Q What does Goliath think of David's chances of success?

               An = Not much, he plans on making bird food out of David.

            Q Why does David think he will succeed?  What does David think he has on his side?

               An = He comes in the Name of the Lord of hosts.  He is there to defend the honor of God.  Notice David is not an assassin like the guy who killed Rabin in Israel recently.  He believes in defending God's honor in an honorable fight.  A lot of people do mean, sneaky, low-down things and justify it as defending God's honor, but this is not what David is doing.  He is defending God's honor against impossible odds.  If there is no God, then there is no chance that he will succeed.  What David does takes courage, not fanaticism.

            Note:  David has a different idea on how the birds are going to be supplied with food!!!

            Q According to the end of verse 46 and all of 47 what does David think will be the results of his success?

               An = That "all the earth may know" that there is a God in Israel (46) and that He is so powerful that He can deliver by non-conventional means (47).

   B.  The Battle Itself.  I Samuel 17:48-58

>>>> Have someone read I Samuel 17:48-54.  

            Q How does David make sure the giant is dead?

               An = He cuts off Goliath's head with his own sword.  David is surely not afraid to mix-it-up.  David is not squeamish.

>>>> Have someone read I Samuel 17:55-58.

            Q Does it surprise you that Saul asks who David's father is?

               An = There are two ways to take this.  It could mean that Saul has forgotten who David is, or that Saul has need of knowing David's father's name so he can honor the lad's household with the promised tax-free status (see 17:25).  Notice the questions all center not on who David is, but who David's father is.

            Note:  If we are going to have the faith David had we will have to take risks.  Two main things come out repeatedly in this chapter that help guide us to its main meaning:

            1)  David is motivated to fight the giant because he is in love with his Lord and therefore takes seriously the honor of the Lord's people, their armies, because that reflects on the honor of God.  2)  David is able to persevere despite the disbelief of Israel (24), Eliab (28), Saul (33) and the Goliath (43-44).  David sees what they do not see:  God in the equation.            

I SAMUEL 16:14-23 | Lesson # 17 | The Evil Spirit From The Lord

I.  Greetings:

 

II. Introduction:  In our previous lesson (I Samuel 16:1-13) we had our first introduction to the person of David.  There we saw him selected by God's initiative and selection process from the sheep folds of Israel.  God saw the heart of this eighth son doing menial labor and elevated him to be the anointed king of Israel.  Now we will see him another light:  that of a musician, or harp player. 

            Note:  Again there is irony, (before it was Saul's preoccupation with religious sacrifice instead of with God that provided the cover for David's anointing), for David's entrance into the King's Court was due to Saul's need for comfort.  It was Saul himself who first brought David into the Court.  Both cases though, it was God's engineering that brought this course of events about (16:2-3 and 16:14-16).

 

III.  Saul's Problem With Terror:  The Evil Spirit From the Lord.  I Samuel 16:14-19.

   A.  The Transfer of Leadership.  I Samuel 16:13-16.

>>>> Have someone read I Samuel 16:13.

            Q What comes upon David after the anointing of the oil?

               An = The Spirit of the Lord.

            Q What does the anointing of the Spirit of the Lord mean?

               An = In the Old Testament the anointing of the Spirit of God was usually tied to enabling of leadership for the believing community.  Now watch what is being said as we read the next three verses.

>>>> Have someone read I Samuel 16:14-16.

            Note:  There has been a transfer of power:  from Saul to David.

            Q What does it mean an "evil Spirit from Yahweh"?  Does this mean evil spirits and Yahweh come from the same source?

               An = What makes this even more confusing is the word behind the English word for Spirit is the Hebrew word ruach and this is the same word used to speak of God's Holy Spirit.

            In approaching this problem it would help to briefly look at the word ruach in its wider use in the entire Old Testament.  The word has several major use, "wind", "human spirit" or "human vitality", and the "activity of God".  All of these usages are connected to the basic meaning of "wind" or "moving air".  There are also several minor uses such as "side", "direction on a compass", and, what is pertinent to our situation here in I Samuel, it can refer to personal spiritual beings that are not part of Yahweh, nor human, nor demonic power.

            Here, in our text, the word ruach is utilized to denote "beings" from the spirit category that perform evil deeds but do so at the direction of God. 

            Q  Do you think these beings are associated with Satan?

            1)  These beings are never associated with Satan.  The word is never used in the sense of a familiar spirit, which comes from completely different Hebrew words.  The few allusions to Satan or familiar spirits in the O.T. use completely different terms.  Thus the word ruach is carefully limited to the activity of Yahweh and never the activity of evil spirits or Satan.

            2)  There are twelve different stories that use the word ruach in this distinctive manner (18x the phrase employed used in these 12 stories, which means some stories employ the term more than one.  In our story it is used three times.)

            3)  This unusual usage of ruach (evil spirit from the Lord) in our Samuel text is one of a group of texts that describe spiritual beings who have three clear characteristics. 

            <<>>

                        a)            Results are evil on highly placed, untouchable evil men.

            First, these being are usually spoken of in connection with a word that defines their evil results upon men (i.e. evil= 7x, deceiving 3x, distortion 1x, destroyer 1x).  It is what these spirits do that is described as evil, their goal is not to accomplish evil.  Let me repeat, what they do is perceived by the humans beings to have evil consequences.  The spirits in question are not evil in themselves because they are doing the will of God, but the means used are called evil.  the means used, treachery (Judg. 9:23), depression (I Sam. 16:14,15,16,23; 18:10; 19:9), deception (I Kgs 22:22-23); II Chron. 18:22), distortion (Isa. 19;14), improper prophecy (Zech. 13:2), and destruction (Jer. 51:1) are considered to be actions not proper for believers.  However, because such actions bring about justice in the world against powerfully placed humans in society by God Himself, they receive positive evaluation by the writers of Scripture.  They are His invisible means to bring about the deserved judgment on certain humans.

                        b)  Wind=invisible quality points to the hidden working of God's judgment.

            Second, these particular acts of judgment seemingly employ the strange phrase "evil spirits from the Lord" because they are judgments from the Lord and they partake of a "wind-like quality".  Just as wind is invisible, but has powerful physical effects in the world these judgments originate from an invisible source.  They are done in a manner that only by the help of revelation given by a prophet or inspired writer of the Bible can the average human see the hand of God.  The causal relationship between Yahweh and the physical effect is not otherwise directly observable.   God's invisible power was understood to have worked on the invisible inner human psyche.  Thus, the invisibility of the wind is a type of the invisible effect over the inner psychological make up of the men who were judged.  God prompted the inner thinking of these individuals or a group to bring about heir own doom or set into motion the properly deserved fall of another.

                        c)  These beings do the Lord's biding and only judge the wicked.

            Third, these beings are indeed "from the Lord" and do His biding.  They are Yahweh's chosen means to bring about judgment one evil human beings in this world.  Yahweh does not use them indiscriminately, for in no instance are the actions of such spirits turned lose on the righteous.  Every case has to do with a person or group who are in positions of power and are clearly guilty of sins, thus meeting their deserved doom.

            4)  The O.T. recognized that ceratin evil individuals are seemingly unassailable in their powerful positions in society.  These texts speak of their being brought to justice by God working deep down in their inner being to bring about justly deserved negative consequences.  These texts do not speak of the demonic activity of Yahweh, but speak of His sovereignty.  He is able to bring to justice even on the mighty by causing them to go into depression, accept bad advice, or to see reality in a distorted or deceived manner and so bring about their own doom.

            Q What can we draw from this to help us live better lives?

               An = We should not do evil to accomplish good.  God is quite capable of bringing judgment on highly placed evil men.  Trust Him to bring justice.

            Q  Why did Hitler attacked Russia (creating a second front) and thus delay the developing of the atom bomb, etc.?

               An =  Had Hitler not acted thus, he would have probably won World War II.  Who knows but God what went on deep in Hitler's inner being and influenced him to make those decisions. 

            God does not do this often, but Scripture says at times He does.

            Q  Why does the Scripture use the word "wind" to describe such actions?

               An = Scripture says it is like the "wind", hidden, invisible and only through the divine revelation of God would we know that such actions are taking place.  Only in heaven we will later see His "hidden, wind-like, spirit actions" revealed. 

               So, back to I Samuel.....

>>>> Have someone re-read I Samuel 16:14-16.

            Q Were Saul's servants accurate in their assessment of Saul's condition?

               An = Yes.  Notice their answer is not to resort to counter magic or the occult, but to simple, honest music.

>>>> Have someone read I Samuel 16:17-19.

            Q How does the more righteous David get to court?

               An = It is the "evil" spirit's action that brings David to the court.

            Q Does it help David that is he skilled in something?

               An = Yes, it does.  It never hurts to learn as many skills as one can.  God can always use them in ways we would never imagine.  Notice the description of this young man.  It is quite a resume.  I am particularly struck by the fact that he was prudent in speech.  I take this to mean that he did not run-off at the mouth. 

 

IV.  The Arrival of David:  Answer to Saul's Problem.  I Samuel 16:20-23.

>>>> Have someone read I Samuel 16:20-23.

            Q  Why do you think someone like a "Saul" loved David?

               An = Often those who have walked away from God are still hungary for and appreciative of the beauty of God in others, especially when that beauty meets their needs.  It is only God who can really meet our needs anyway.  God will often meet the needs of people through His "anointed ones".  Jesus will clearly state this in Matthew 5:13:  we are the salt of the earth. (Davis, p. 34.)

            Q Have you ever experienced this?  Someone who is away from God finds you or some other good Christian an excellent relief from their inward suffering?

            Q You all know that Saul will eventually try to kill David.  Has that happened to you?  You served someone faithfully but because of your faith and what God was directing you to be and do they eventually hated you?

               An = This is not unusual.  Remember they cheered Jesus on Palm Sunday and five days later they wanted His death. 

            Q When the Spirit of God anoints an individual, does that mean that from now on things are going to go very well and all will be easy?

               An = David will first play the harp:  that is easy!  Next this anointing from the very Spirit of God will drive David to defend God's honor and compel David to take on the giant Goliath.  That same anointing will be come so evident that it gets Saul to begin a cruel series of years to attack and kill the "anointed one".  (Davis, p. 32.)  We are the salt of the earth, but for some people salt's ability to preserve is lost sight of and all that they can focus on is that salt stings.

            Q  Turn with me to Mark 1:10-11, after the anointing of Jesus in Mark 1:10-11 what does the Spirit do?

               An = Jesus is compelled to go into the desert, into the wilderness, into the heavy temptation of the Devil.  Our hardship is often not a sign of sin but of discipline, of son-ship, of anointing.  To be a great man or woman for God requires the anointing of God's Spirit, and then it requires the discipline of wilderness.  (Davis, p. 32.)

            Note:  There is irony here as mentioned in the start of the lesson.  David was effective in consoling Saul. 

            Q  Who troubled Saul, worked through David to refresh him?

               An = The Irony is also that the one comforting Saul is the very one who is Saul's threat to his kingdom and therefore to his ego.

            Note:  There is more here.  God could not get Saul to act and trust Him as a King who "listened" to His voice.  Saul opted for religion.  Now, through David God is not just going to judge Saul, but attempt to give him another way to submit to God.  His judgment could be his salvation, if Saul will allow it.  But that is for future lessons.                            

I SAMUEL 16:1-13 | Lesson # 16 | The Call of David

I.  Greetings:

 

II.  Introduction:

            Many of us have several aspects to our lives and David is much like us.  He begins as a "shepherd" and does faithfully shepherd Israel as her king but he was also a great warrior and a great musician for he was responsible for much of Israel's temple music.  Israel's greatest warrior king also influenced much of the Psalter.  So he has this triple aspect:  shepherd/warrior/singer.  This will be our first introduction to David and it will start with his anointing and selection by God from the sheep holds (16:1-13), then it will be followed by his being introduced as a singer/musician (16:14-23) and then as warrior (17:1-58).

            Lets first look at the selection of David....

 

III.  Samuel Struggles/Hesitates to Obey.  I Samuel 16:1-3.

>>>> Have someone read I Samuel 16:1-3.

            Q Why does Saul hesitate to anoint one of Jesse's sons?

               An = He fears Saul's reaction.  Samuel may be the key religious figure in Israel but Saul is now out of the will of God and thus a bit of a lose cannon.  Samuel's fears are justified as we shall see in chapter 22.

            Q Is it OK to be afraid of doing something God ask or wants?

               An = Yes, notice God does not criticize or chastise Samuel for speaking the truth.  Instead of condemning Samuel's fears God shows him a way to deal with a difficult situation.  He gives Samuel a cover for his operation of anointing.

            Q What is God's answer to Samuel's perceived threat from Saul?

               An = Go to the town under the guise of wanting to offer a sacrifice (16:2).

            Note:  God has already made His choice.  David does not come from the insightful choices of men but purely from God's sovereign will.  Fretheim says it well when he calls David's selection "not a human accident but a divine intention" (Fretheim, p. 120).

            Q Does God give Samuel the specific information needed to make his exact selection of one of Jesse's sons?

               An = No.  God gives direction, but often not a complete way.

            Q  Why does God give partial instructions?

            Q Have you ever experienced this:  the need to constantly go to Him?  Why does God do this?

               An = This often frustrates me, but real growth in our faith comes when we "walk" in our faith.  Walking is movement, but usually sustained, more long-term movement.  We are to "walk" with God, and this implies movement, purposeful movement but steady movement "with" God. 

            It is easier to walk, talk, and get to know each than by hearing and running.  Jesus says we are to pray:  "Give us our daily bread".  Not give us bread by the truck load for the whole year.

            I was once asked by my former pastor:  "Well, son, what are you going to do with your life?"  I answered:  "I do not know".  He answered:  "Good, because you cannot do it until you get there."

            Note:  Notice though the end of 16:3.  We are to do what we are told and then further instructions will come.  The key is to obey what we know, then the "more" will open up.

            Note:  There is some tremendous irony here.  Saul is into religion (sacrifice) instead of into God and it is under the guise of "religion" or "sacrifice" that the beginning of his reign's end takes it start.  The sacrifice covers the anointing of his replacement.

 

III.  Samuel Obeys/Listens at Bethlehem.  I Samuel 16:4-13.

   A.  Samuel obeys.  I Samuel 16:4-5.

>>>> Have someone read I Samuel 16:4-5.

            Note:  Samuel physically obeyed.  He made his way to Bethlehem despite his fears or misgivings.  It does not matter how great you are.  You cannot be used of God unless you will "listen" and "obey".

   B.  The Review of Jesse's First Seven Sons:  The Need to Listen.  I Samuel 16:6-10.

>>>> Have someone read I Samuel 16:6-10.

            Note:  Even a great prophet can be fooled.  We need to "listen" to His voice if we are going to serve Him as He desires.

            Q What does the Lord look for in a great leader?

               An = He looks at the heart.

            Q What does it mean to look at the heart?

               An = The word "heart" comes from the Hebrew word lev meaning our hidden thoughts or consciousness.  Something that is central, hidden and has to do with the mind or our thoughts.  God knows what a man really is.  He looks for a man who at his hidden core thinks like Yahweh.  >> Have two different people look up John 7:24 and II Corinthians 5:16.  Have them read these verses to the group.

            Note:  Samuel does not panic even though he sees son after son that the Lord's rejects.  Samuel will wait where Saul never would.

   C.  The Selection of David:  Picking the Dark Horse.  I Samuel 16:11-13.

>>>> Have someone read I Samuel 16:11-13.

            Q Where was David when he was sent for?

               An = He was at work, menial work, but work.  He was tending sheep.  Taking care of sheep is not a very prestigious job.  Even today in Montana sheep herders are not considered to be very reputable people.  It is more of a "no-brainer" job.  But notice God selected a man who was at work and someone who took his work seriously.

            >>> Have everyone turn to I Samuel 17:34-35 and have someone read it.

            Q What kind of worker is David?

               An = He takes seriously every task no matter how menial.  Most young men would have run at the sight of a ferocious animal but David holds in there.  He does not run away from tough tasks.  See 17:36, it is faithfulness in dealing with the sheep that has taught him that God will be faithful in one of the key moments of his life and Israel's life.  Little private actions prepare us for the big public actions.

            Q Which Israelites were given the announcement of the birth of the Messiah?

               An = In Luke 2:8-19 we learn that it was shepherds, the poor, the "low-end of the blue collar" working scale that is chosen to hear the angels sing.  It was not the great Rabbis or the members of Herod's court.  Jesus and David came from humble circumstances.

            Note:  The fact that David is the eighth son is significant.  He is outside the "hallowed" number seven, he is the runt of the litter, the least son.  He was not even invited to the sacrificial feast.  He participates in a long line of "Dark Horse Motif" selections of Israelite leaders.  In racing terms a "dark horse" is one no one expects to win.  The great judges of the book of Judges are for the most part "long shots", people you would not expect to be selected.  In Judges you have Gideon, the coward, Jephthah, the bandit, Ehud, the left handed one (when almost everyone else is right handed), and Deborah, who was a woman, which was very unusual in those days.

            Q What happens to David when he is anointed with oil?

               An = The Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward.

            Q What does that mean?

               An = We are not told, where in Saul's case we are given a lot of details with a lot of little miracles and finally the great military victory against the Ammonites.  Here nothing is said except that the Spirit has fallen.  It is interesting to note that both Saul and David were genuinely anointed by the Spirit.  Saul was given all the tools to succeed as much as David was given.  The key difference is "listening".

            Q Does God still select men today?

            Q What type of men will He be looking for?

            Q What should young men and women be about before their selection? 

               An = They should be working and learning to be faithful.  Also, the selection of David is good news for those who are "little" without prestige.  God can select anyone.

            >>>>  Have someone read Luke 16:10