Success - Respect God's Holiness - 2 Samuel 6 - August 1, 2010

Bible Study – Success – Respect God’s Holiness – August 1, 2010



We begin a new series entitled “The Essentials of Success.”


Our scripture for this five (5) week study will be taken from 2 Samuel and focus on David’s successes and failures.


August 1 – Respect God’s Holiness – 2 Samuel 6:1-15, 17 – Obey HIS commands.


August 8 – Focus on God’s Purposes – 2 Samuel 7:1-7, 11b-16, 18-21 – Fulfillment when we align ourselves with God’s plan and purpose.


August 15 – Demonstrate Kindness – 2 Samuel 9:1-13 – When Christians demonstrate Godly kindness to others, many are drawn to GOD.


August 22 – Deal with personal sin – 2 Samuel 11:2-5, 14-15; 12:7a, 10-14; Psalm 51:1-4.


August 29 – Face crises with courage – 2 Samuel 15: 13-14, 24-26, 30-37; 19:7-8a.


Satan tries to prevent a person from accepting CHRIST as his/her SAVIOR but if that fails, then Satan does all he can to entice that person to sin - The more visible the sin, the better and the more visible the person, the better.


All Christians sin and when we do we must confess our sin and repent. Repenting is to stop doing it. It is stopping and turning around and going in the opposite direction. Our part is to confess and repent. GOD’S part is to forgive and cleanse. A verse of scripture worthy to memorize is 1 John 1:9 – 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.


Not confessing our sin on an ongoing basis is much like when we get all cleaned and spiffed up and the get some dirt on us. Then we get a little more dirt on us. The tendency, depending upon our personality, is to throw up our hands and get dirtier. Sin breaks moral barriers and the tendency is to let your guard down. That is exactly what Satan wants us to do.


The instant a person accepts CHRIST as his or her SAVIOR; his/her sins are washed away by the shed blood of CHRIST. He/she is made righteous as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:21 - 21 He (GOD) made the One (JESUS) who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we (Christians) might become the righteousness of God in Him. Christians being made righteous or in right-standing with GOD by the shed blood of CHRIST allows them to approach GOD directly rather than going through a priest. Christians have direct access to GOD 24/7 and can call HIM Daddy. They are to respect GOD and approach HIM with the knowledge that HE is HOLY.


David was made king and he wanted to move the Ark of the Covenant from Baale-judah (BAY uh lee JOO duh) also known as Kiriath-jearim (KIHR ih ath-JEE uh rim). The Ark had been kept by Abinadab in his house since it was returned from capture by the Philistines about twenty (20) years.


Let’s read 2 Samuel 6:1-5:


David Moves the Ark


1 David again assembled all the choice men in Israel,[1] 30,000. 2 He and all his troops set out to bring the ark of God from Baale-judah.[2][3]The ark is called by the Name, the name of the LORD of • Hosts who dwells [between]* the • cherubim.[4] 3 They set the ark of God on a new cart and transported it from Abinadab’s house, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio,[5] sons of Abinadab, were guiding the cart 4 and brought it with the ark of God from Abinadab’s house on the hill. Ahio walked in front of the ark. 5 David and the whole house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all [kinds of]* fir wood [instruments]* ,[6] lyres, harps, tambourines, sistrums,[7] and cymbals.






After the death of King Saul, civil war broke out between David and his followers and Ish-bosheth (ish BOH sheth), King Saul’s oldest surviving son. David and his men defeated Ish-bosheth and his men. David was made King of Israel. David and his men had defeated the Philistines and secured the area.






David conquered Jerusalem and made it the capital and he brought the Philistines under control. He wanted to make Jerusalem both the worship and government center. So he decided to have the Ark of the Covenant moved from Baale-judah (BAY uh lee JOO duh) also known as Kiriath-jearim (KIHR ih ath-JEE uh rim). Baale-judah was located about nine (9) miles from Jerusalem. The Ark had been kept by Abinadab in his house since it was returned from being captured by the Philistines.


Abinadab had two (2) sons, Uzzah (UHZ uh) and Ahio (uh HIGH oh).


GOD gave Moses specific instructions on how to make the Ark in Exodus 25:10-22. It was made from acacia wood. It was 45 inches long, 27 inches wide and 27 inches deep. The Ark was covered with gold plating with four (4) gold rings through which poles were to be inserted. There were two (2) gold cherubim located on the top of the Ark with one on each side both facing inward. There was a layer of gold on top of the Ark called the mercy seat. On the Day of Atonement, the priest would sprinkle the blood of the sin offering on the mercy seat. Inside the Ark was a copy of the Ten Commandments, a jar of manna and Aaron’s rod. There were specific instructions about how the Ark was to be carried or touched.


As they began to relocate the Ark there was great joy and celebration. The Ark was being moved to the tent David had prepared to house the Ark in Jerusalem. (The temple had not been built. Solomon would build the temple later.) It was a wonderful reason and occasion for celebration.


Abinadab’s two (2) sons were accompanying the Ark as it was being moved in a new cart. Using a new cart shows reverence and respect for the Ark. Ahio was in front guiding the cart and leading the oxen. Apparently Uzzah was walking behind the cart.


Let’s read 2 Samuel 6:6-11:


6 When they came to Nacon’s threshing floor, Uzzah reached out to the ark of God and took hold of it, because the oxen had stumbled. 7 Then the LORD’s anger burned against Uzzah,[8] and God struck him dead on the spot for his irreverence, and he died there next to the ark of God. 8 David was angry because of the LORD’s outburst against Uzzah, so he named that place an Outburst Against Uzzah,[9] as it is today. 9 David feared the LORD that day and said, “How can the ark of the LORD ever come to me?” 10 So he was not willing to move the ark of the LORD to the city of David; instead, he took it to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. 11 The ark of the LORD remained in his house three months, and the LORD blessed Obed-edom[10] and his whole family.[11]


The location of Nacon’s (NAY kahn) threshing floor is not known. The oxen stumbled and Uzzah reached out and touched the Ark to steady it to keep it from falling. This was a noble act but it violated GOD’S instructions for touching the Ark. GOD struck him dead. First Chronicles 15:13 gives us some insight into this event after the death of Uzzah as David was preparing to move the Ark the second time.


11 David summoned the priests Zadok and Abiathar and the Levites Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab. 12 He said to them, “You are the heads of the Levite families. You and your relatives must consecrate yourselves so that you may bring the ark of the LORD God of Israel to [the place]* I have prepared for it. 13 For the LORD our God burst out [in anger]* against us because you Levites were not [with]* us the first time, for we didn’t inquire of Him about the proper procedures.” 14 So the priests and the Levites consecrated themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel. 15 Then the Levites carried the ark of God the way Moses had commanded according to the word of the LORD: on their shoulders with the poles.[2]


Why GOD struck Uzzah dead can only be speculated – Did the oxen stumbling indicate that they were not paying attention to the road or path they were following? Were they being irreverent or was Uzzah being irreverent? Did GOD need to get the attention of David and get him to examine his heart and motives for relocating the Ark. Or was it an accident that GOD used to get David’s attention along with those moving the Ark to review the rules governing the Ark because it did represent the presence of GOD? I am inclined to consider the later point. Notice that David got upset with GOD. David had his agenda and GOD had interfeared with it. David was all about David. GOD got his attention about his attitude. We will see in the last scripture in our lesson there was a very different atmosphere the second time they began moving the Ark.


What I am about to tell you does not, in my opinion, take away anything to do with GOD’S power. It does reveal HIS infinite knowledge. Years ago a friend of mine who has technical knowledge of electricity and I were discussing the construction of the Ark. He said, “You know the Ark was a giant capacitor. So when it was moved it would build up an electrical charge which would discharge when grounded. Thus when Uzzah touched the Ark as it was being transported, the charge went through him.” I know some will think I am trying to explain away the power of GOD. No way. But it does reveal the infinite knowledge of GOD about all things. There are a number of instances in the Bible where GOD’S instructions were based upon sound medical or scientific knowledge as we know today. GOD’S people did not have a clue about the knowledge yet to be revealed by GOD through discovery.


I do not dismiss the thought that since the Ark had been in Uzzah dad’s home for years that he had become familiar with the Ark and touched it in an unholy manner. Some conclude that Uzzah had un-confessed sin and there are other explanations for the death of Uzzah. When we are surrounded by the things of the LORD, serving can become ordinary or common place. Moses used his staff to obtain water. GOD told Moses and Aaron to speak to the rock to obtain water. Instead Moses struck the rock, which resulted in him not being able to enter the Promised Land because of his disobedience as stated in Number 20:7-12:


7 The LORD spoke to Moses, 8 “Take the staff[5] and assemble the community. You and your brother Aaron are to speak to the rock while they watch, and it will yield its water. You will bring out water for them from the rock and provide drink for the community and their livestock.” 9 So Moses took the staff from the LORD’s presence[6] just as He had commanded him. 10 Moses and Aaron summoned the assembly in front of the rock, and Moses said to them, “Listen, you rebels! Must we bring water out of this rock for you?” 11 Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff, so that a great amount of water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank.[7]12 But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust Me to show My holiness in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land I have given them.”[8]


The point being, obey GOD. When HE tells us to do something a certain way, we are to do it because HE knows the end result and the purpose.


The death of Uzzah concerned David and he concluded something must have been wrong. He diverted the Ark to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite for three (3) months. During that time the LORD blessed Obed-edom and his whole family. This was a good sign that GOD was not angry and prepared David for the next step.


This event got the attention of David and the Israelites. The next time they moved the Ark it would be with full knowledge of GOD’S instructions regarding the Ark. It would be moved with respect, an attitude of holiness and worship.


Let’s read 2 Samuel 6:12-15, 17:


12 It was reported to King David: “The LORD has blessed Obed-edom’s family and all that belongs to him because of the ark of God.” So David went and had the ark of God brought up from Obed-edom’s house to the city of David with rejoicing. 13 When those carrying the ark of the LORD advanced six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf.[12] 14 David was dancing[13] with all his might before the LORD wearing a linen • ephod. 15 He and the whole house of Israel were bringing up the ark of the LORD with shouts and the sound of the ram’s horn. 16 As the ark of the LORD was entering the city of David, Saul’s daughter Michal looked down from the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, and she despised him in her heart. 17 They brought the ark of the LORD and set it in its place inside the tent David had set up for it. Then David offered • burnt offerings and • fellowship offerings in the LORD’s presence.


It was reported to David that during the time the Ark was at Obed-edom’s home the LORD blessed Obed-edom and his whole family. This was a good sign that GOD was not angry and it prepared David for the next step. Consider this - The Ark brought blessings to the worthy home where it was housed because it represented the presence of GOD. Christians represent the presence of GOD where ever they are. Where ever they place their foot becomes Holy Ground and represent the presence of GOD.


It is clear that when they moved the Ark this time it was festive but also with a great sense of worship and reverence. Notice that David wore an ephod which priests normally wore. There is no indication that David performed a priestly duty. I think it was to show respect and reverence to GOD as the King of Israel.


Verse 17, revealed that David’s wife, Saul’s daughter, Michal (MIGH kul) watched this event and David dancing from a window with disgust. Often, when those are caught up in the Spirit of GOD others do not understand. Many Christians worship in different ways. Some view those as being caught up in the Spirit as bring disruptive. That is why we have different denominations, so that Christians can express their worship in different ways.


David was moving the Ark to Jerusalem. The Ark would be housed in a tent which David had prepared for the Ark. Often, when we are doing the work of the LORD and we hit a snag it gives us pause to reconsider what we are doing. It is a time when we need to go to the LORD to seek HIS confirmation and it may be a time to ask GOD to search our hearts.


It is easy to take the work of the LORD lightly and the LORD needs for us to have a heart tune-up.


Our scripture began with David, his men and Abinadab’s two (2) sons moving the Ark. It was a festive occasion. After the death of Uzzah and a pause in the effort, the next time the Ark was moved it was according to the instructions of GOD as stated in Numbers 4:4-16 and was in an attitude of worship. Serving GOD is never commonplace. Our world today does not treat GOD or CHRIST with reverence and respect.


Numbers 4:4-16:


4 “The service of the Kohathites at the tent of meeting concerns the most holy objects.[3] 5 Whenever the camp is about to move on, Aaron and his sons are to go in, take down the screening veil, and cover the ark of the • testimony with it.[4] 6 They are to place over this a covering made of manatee skin,[5] spread a solid blue cloth on top, and insert its poles.[6]7 “They are to spread a blue cloth over the table of the Presence and place the plates and cups on it, as well as the bowls and pitchers for the drink offering. The regular bread [offering]* is to be on it.[7] 8 They are to spread a scarlet cloth over them, cover them with a covering made of manatee skin,[8] and insert the poles [in the table]* .[9]9 “They are to take a blue cloth and cover the lampstand[10] used for light, with its lamps, snuffers, and firepans,[11] as well as its jars of oil by which they service it. 10 Then they must place it with all its utensils inside a covering made of manatee skin[12] and put [them]* on the carrying frame. 11 “They are to spread a blue cloth over the gold altar,[13] cover it with a covering made of manatee skin,[14] and insert its poles.[15] 12 They are to take all the serving utensils they use in the sanctuary, place [them]* in a blue cloth, cover them with a covering made of manatee skin,[16] and put [them]* on a carrying frame. 13 “They are to remove the ashes from the [bronze]* altar, spread a purple cloth over it, 14 and place all the equipment on it that they use in serving: the firepans, meatforks, shovels, and basins—all the equipment of the altar.[17] They are to spread a covering made of manatee skin[18] over it and insert its poles.[19] [20]15 “Aaron and his sons are to finish covering the holy objects and all their equipment whenever the camp is to move on. The Kohathites will come and carry them, but they are not to touch the holy objects or they will die.[21] These are the transportation duties of the Kohathites regarding the tent of meeting. 16 “Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest, has oversight of the lamp oil, the fragrant incense, the daily • grain offering, and the anointing oil. [He has]* oversight of the entire tabernacle and everything in it, the holy objects and their utensils.”[22]

Power Up - The Power of Loyalty - 1 Samuel 24 and 26 - July 25,2010

Bible Study – Power Up – The Power of Loyalty – July 25, 2010
 This is our final lesson in the series on “Power UP.”


Our scripture is 1 Samuel 24:20-22; 26:1-6, 7-20, 21-25.


As mentioned in last week’s lesson, after David was anointed as the replacement king for Saul, it took fifteen (15) years before David was crowned King of Judah and another seven (7) years before he was made king over all of Israel. Called of GOD for a special purpose but it was no easy road. Yet, David remained faithful to his call through very difficult circumstances.


This is a message to Christians today. We are called to serve our LORD through our relationship with CHRIST. Often the going gets tough as GOD builds Spiritual character within each of us during the Spiritual growth and maturing process of sanctification. It is vital that Christians have and maintain the right relationship with CHRIST during these often difficult days.


As a young person and even now it is exciting to read of David sneaking up on Saul without getting caught and not doing him harm except to his ego. Of course, this revealed David’s unswerving loyalty to King Saul. David could have taken matters into his own hands and eliminated Saul but he trusted that GOD would take matters into HIS hands when the time was appropriate. This is a strong message to Christians today. Wait upon the LORD and trust HIM to provide according to HIS plan and purpose. This is easy to say but very difficult to do.


Let’s review some background leading up to our today’s scripture.


1 Samuel 24:1-19: (Background leading up to our scripture.)


David Spares Saul


1 When Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, “David is in the wilderness near En-gedi (en GEH dee).” 2 So Saul took 3,000 of Israel’s choice men[1] and went to look for David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. 3 When Saul came to the sheep pens along the road, a cave was there, and he went in to relieve himself.[2] David and his men were staying in the back of the cave, 4 so they said to him, “Look, this is the day the LORD told you about: ‘I will hand your enemy over to you so you can do to him whatever you desire.’” Then David got up and secretly cut off the corner of Saul’s robe. 5 Afterwards, David’s conscience bothered[3] him because he had cut off the corner of Saul’s robe.[4] 6 He said to his men, “I swear before the LORD: I would never do such a thing to my lord, the LORD’s anointed. [I will never]* lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.”[5] 7 With these words David persuaded[6] his men, and he did not let them rise up against Saul. Then Saul left the cave and went on his way. 8 After that, David got up, went out of the cave, and called to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed to the ground in homage. 9 David said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of people who say, ‘Look, David intends to harm you’? 10 You can see with your own eyes that the LORD handed you over to me today in the cave. [Someone]* advised [me]* to kill you, but I[7] took pity on you and said: I won’t lift my hand against my lord, since he is the LORD’s anointed. 11 See, my father! Look at the corner of your robe in my hand, for I cut it off, but I didn’t kill you. Look and recognize that there is no evil or rebellion in me. I haven’t sinned against you even though you are hunting me down to take my life. 12 “May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD take vengeance on you for me, but my hand will never be against you.[8] 13 As the old proverb says, ‘Wickedness comes from wicked people.’[9] My hand will never be against you. 14 Who has the king of Israel come after? What are you chasing after? A dead dog? A flea?[10] 15 May the LORD be judge and decide between you and me. May He take notice and plead my case and deliver[11] me from you.” 16 When David finished saying these things to him, Saul replied, “Is that your voice, David my son?” Then Saul wept aloud 17 and said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have done what is good to me though I have done what is evil to you.[12] 18 You yourself have told me today what good you did for me: when the LORD handed me over to you, you didn’t kill me. 19 When a man finds his enemy, does he let him go unharmed?[13][14]May the LORD repay you with good for what you’ve done for me today.


Saul took three thousand (3,000) choice soldiers with him into a wilderness area known to have many caves in search of David to kill him. King Saul had to relieve himself as stated in verse 3. Of all the caves Saul could have gone into, he chose the very cave where David and his men were hiding. David must have thought, “This is too good to be true.”


David positioned himself such that he could cut a corner off of Saul’s robe. David could have concluded that GOD delivered Saul to him to kill him since Saul was trying to kill David. In fact, one of David’s men quoted a statement GOD must have revealed to David sometime earlier in his life in verse 4. Again, GOD knew the heart of David and GOD had a plan, which I think included giving Saul an opportunity to repent and change his heart toward David. We see in verse 16 that Saul wept. GOD had to be dealing with his heart. GOD gives us opportunities to make things right between us and someone we may have a problem with. Will we take it?

David had the opportunity to kill King Saul. David must have delighted in cutting off part of Saul’s robe. Yet, after he did, his conscience bothered him. He must have entertained the idea of taking advantage of the opportunity or the fact that he did what he did, dishonored the king. Yet, he spared Saul’s life. Often it is better to show people who want to do us harm that we had the opportunity to them harm but we chose not. After David revealed to Saul that he was so close to him that he cut part of his robe off, Saul acknowledged that David was a man of integrity and honor. He was grateful to David for sparing his life. Notice that David called Saul father and Saul called David son.

Why did David do what he did? He was loyal to the king whom Samuel anointed as GOD had instructed him. GOD had placed Saul in the position of being king and David trusted that GOD would remove him at the proper time. He knew he was the heir-apparent to the throne and it was a matter of GOD’S timing. After this close encounter with David, Saul knew that David could have taken his life but didn’t. GOD had chosen David to succeed him as king. Again, GOD knew the heart of David and David had the right relationship with GOD. David trusted GOD. Do we trust GOD? Does GOD know our hearts? Yes, HE does but have we revealed to HIM the most intimate details of our hearts? HE already knows them but in order for us to have a loving intimate relationship with HIM, we need to reveal our most intimate secrets to HIM. We need to confess any wrong doing and ask HIM to forgive us. Relationship building begins with truth and honesty from both parties entering a relationship.

Saul left that area with the knowledge that he had a close brush with death and that David would be the next king, as confirmed in our next scripture.


Let’s read 1 Samuel 24:20-22; 26:1-6:


1 Samuel 24:20-22:


20 “Now I know for certain you will be king, and the kingdom of Israel will be established[15] in your hand.[16] 21 Therefore swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father’s family.” 22 So David swore to Saul. Then Saul went back home, and David and his men went up to the stronghold.


Saul confirmed the fact that GOD had found favor with David and that David would be his successor. Saul pleaded with David that when the day came and he was crowned king, he would spare his descendants. Saul wanted his blood line to live on. When one king defeated another king the first thing they did was to completely wipe out all of the defeated king’s bloodline. This was to ensure that none of his descendants would one day rise up to reestablish the defeated king’s kingdom.


David agreed and Saul went home. David returned to the stronghold. David returning to the stronghold was a clear indication that he still did not trust Saul, as we will soon learn.

1 Samuel 26:1-6:


1 Then the Ziphites (ZIFF ights) came to Saul at Gibeah (GI Bee ah) saying, “David is hiding on the hill of Hachilah (huh KIGH luh) opposite Jeshimon (juh SHIGH muhn).”[1] 2 So Saul, accompanied by 3,000 of the choice men of Israel,[2] went to the Wilderness of Ziph (ziff) to search for David there. 3 Saul camped beside the road at the hill of Hachilah opposite Jeshimon. David was living in the wilderness and discovered Saul had come there after him. 4 So David sent out spies and knew for certain that Saul had come. 5 Immediately, David went to the place where Saul had camped. He saw the place where Saul and Abner son of Ner, the general of his army, had lain down. Saul was lying inside the inner circle of the camp with the troops camped around him. 6 Then David asked Ahimelech the Hittite and Joab’s brother Abishai (ah BISH a eye) (son of Zeruiah (zeh roo EYE ah), “Who will go with me into the camp to Saul?” “I’ll go with you,” answered Abishai.


[Abishai (ah BISH a eye) was the oldest son of Zeruiah (zeh roo EYE ah), David’s half-sister, and brother of Joab and Asahel. He was David’s nephew. He was also one of the David’s mighty men. He was head strong and impulsive but he maintained absolute loyalty to David.]


Saul was told where David was hiding. So Saul selected three thousand (3,000) crack soldiers to go after David. Of course, three thousand (3,000) men moving along the roads were not done discretely. David was alerted of the coming army and that Saul might be with them. This intrigued David and it was confirmed that Saul was indeed accompanying these men.


David’s plan boggles my mind, yet it intrigues me. He had courage but he also had GOD on his side. It is important that we keep in mind that when David previously encountered Saul, he did him no harm. GOD knew David’s heart and gave him special protection to do the deed, as stated in verse 12 in our next scripture. This act sent a message to Saul, Abner, Saul’s army, David, Abishai and David’s men. It is also a powerful message to Christians today.


Saul and his men needed rest. So they made camp. In order to protect Saul and his general, Abner, the three thousand (3,000) soldiers surrounded them. That was about as good protection as anyone could get. David asked for a volunteer to go with him into the camp that night. Abishai agreed to go with David. These men had courage but GOD had a plan. Let’s see what happened.


Let’s read 1 Samuel 26:7-20:


7 That night, David and Abishai (ah BISH a eye) came to the troops, and Saul was lying there asleep in the inner circle of the camp with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. Abner and the troops were lying around him. 8 Then Abishai said to David, “Today God has handed your enemy over to you. Let me thrust the spear through him into the ground just once. I won’t [have to strike]* him twice!” 9 But David said to Abishai, “Don’t destroy him, for who can lift a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be blameless?”[3] 10 David added, “As the LORD lives, the LORD will certainly strike him down: either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. 11 However, because of the LORD, I will never lift my hand against the LORD’s anointed.[4] Instead, take the spear and the water jug by his head, and let’s go.” 12 So David took the spear and the water jug by Saul’s head, and they went their way. No one saw them, no one knew, and no one woke up; they all remained asleep because a deep sleep from the LORD came over them. 13 David crossed to the other side and stood on top of the mountain at a distance; there was a considerable space between them. 14 Then David shouted to the troops and to Abner son of Ner: “Aren’t you going to answer, Abner?” “Who are you who calls to the king?” Abner asked. 15 David called to Abner, “You’re a man, aren’t you? Who in Israel is your equal? So why didn’t you protect your lord the king when one of the people came to destroy him? 16 What you have done is not good. As the LORD lives, all of you deserve to die since you didn’t protect your lord, the LORD’s anointed. Now look around; where are the king’s spear and water jug that were by his head?” 17 Saul recognized David’s voice and asked, “Is that your voice, my son David?”[5]“It is my voice, my lord and king,” David said. 18 Then he continued, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand?[6] 19 Now, may my lord the king please hear the words of his servant: If it is the LORD who has incited you against me, then may He accept an offering. But if it is people, may they be cursed in the presence of the LORD, for today they have driven me away from sharing in the inheritance of the LORD saying, ‘Go and worship other gods.’ 20 So don’t let my blood fall to the ground far from the LORD’s presence, for the king of Israel has come out to search for a flea, like one who pursues a partridge in the mountains.”


This is such an exciting story. GOD made it possible for David and Abishai to silently maneuver through those three thousand choice soldiers guarding Saul by causing a deep sleep to come over them in Verse 12. This allowed David and Abishai to be able to get Saul’s spear and water jug, which were by his head. Abishai wanted to kill Saul but David said no. It would be a logical conclusion that since they were able to make it to Saul and Abner without being detected GOD must have been on David’s side. Again, GOD knew David’s heart. Saul needed to know again that David could have killed him but did not. David tells Abishai not to kill Saul but instead to take Saul’s battle spear and water jug. The battle spear was a symbol of Saul’s authority. David wanted to prove his loyalty to Saul by taking his spear and water jug.


In essence, David defeated Saul without killing him. Saul was humiliated. Saul knew without a doubt that David and Abishai had the opportunity to kill him. Abishai was a trained warrior and could have killed Saul silently with one thrust of Saul’s own spear. He would have never made a sound. Again, David wanted Saul to know that he was loyal to him and was no threat to him.


Once David was a safe distance away, he shouted to wake them up. He asked Abner about his ability to guard the king. King Saul recognized David’s voice. David instructed Abner to look for Saul’s spear and water jug that were by Saul’s head. Notice that David addressed King Saul in a courteous manner and assured him that he was no threat to him. David returned Saul’s spear and water jug to him as we see in the following scripture.


Let’s read 1 Samuel 26:21-25:


21 Saul responded, “I have sinned. Come back, my son David, I will never harm you again because today you considered my life precious. I have been a fool! I’ve committed a grave error.” 22 David answered, “Here is the king’s spear; have one of the young men come over and get it. 23 May the LORD repay every man for his righteousness and his loyalty. I wasn’t willing to lift my hand against the LORD’s anointed, even though the LORD handed you over to me today.[7] 24 Just as I considered your life valuable today, so may the LORD consider my life valuable and rescue me from all trouble.” 25 Saul said to him, “You are blessed, my son David. You will certainly do great things and will also prevail.” Then David went on his way, and Saul returned home.


The event sent a powerful message to Saul. Saul wanted David to come back. David knew that Saul’s word was empty. As proof of what he had done and as an expression of good faith, David sent Saul’s spear and water jug back to him. This was undeniable evidence to Saul, Abner, Saul’s soldiers, David, Abishai, David’s men and to all who read this story throughout the ages of GOD’S power and mercy.


David left the death of Saul up to GOD as stated in 1 Samuel 26, verse 10. The events that David participated in were orchestrated by GOD to reveal to Saul that GOD was with David. Saul had a choice whether or not to pursue David. The events were also confirmation to David that he was in the will of GOD.


Often, it is difficult to be loyal to those who wish to do you or your family harm. David left to avoid a major problem. GOD gave him opportunity to reveal his heart and character to the person trying to do him harm. How would we respond to such opportunities? What does that reveal about our heart?

Power Up- The Power of Petition - 1 Samuel 22 and 23 - July 18, 2010

Bible Study – Power Up – The Power of Petition – July 18, 2010

This is lesson three (3) in our series “Power Up.”

Our scripture is 1 Samuel 22:17-20; 23:1-6, 9-13.

Our study this week focuses on prayer. David was a man after GOD’S own heart. GOD had chosen him to be the next king of Israel. David knew that Samuel had anointed him for a purpose for GOD. David had experienced the LORD working in his life but he also had experienced the evil from King Saul.

The scripture selected to examine prayer is interesting. Let’s examine to see what we can learn from David’s journey in serving our LORD.

King Saul and his army were chasing David and his men. David had killed Goliath, become best friends with Saul’s son Jonathan and began to experience the erratic behavior of King Saul. Saul had tried to kill him and he fled with the help of Jonathan. From the time David was anointed and he killed Goliath until he became king of Judah was about fifteen (15) years. We know the heart of David when we examine the Psalms he penned. Acts 13:21-22 reveals that David was a man after GOD’S own heart:

21 Then they asked for a king, so God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for 40 years. 22 After removing him, He raised up David as their king, of whom He testified: ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My heart,[6] 1 Sm 13:14; Ps 89:20 who will carry out all My will.’

GOD knew the heart of David, yet David was not perfect. GOD still used him according to HIS plan and purpose. Neither are we, as Christians, perfect because we are still housed in this body of flesh. Our born-again Spirit is perfect, yet we sin. David sinned and when he did, he confessed his sin. He learned from his sin and did not repeat it. However, he still had to suffer the consequences of his sin.

David had fled from Saul. David was very popular among the people of Israel. 1 Samuel 18:5-11: (The next sets of scripture are background leading up to our scripture.)

5 David marched out [with the army]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. , and was successful in everything Saul sent him to do. Saul put him in command of the soldiers, which pleased all the people and Saul’s servants as well. 6 As David was returning from killing the Philistine, the women came out from all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul,[4] Ex 15:20–21; Jdg 11:34 singing and dancing with tambourines, with shouts of joy, and with three-stringed instruments. 7 As they celebrated, the women sang: Saul has killed his thousands, but David his tens of thousands.[5] 1 Sm 21:11; 29:5 8 Saul was furious and resented this song.[6] Lit furious; this saying was evil in his eyes “They credited tens of thousands to David,” he complained, “but they only credited me with thousands. What more can he have but the kingdom?”[7] 1 Sm 15:28; 24:20 9 So Saul watched David jealously from that day forward.

Saul Attempts to Kill David

10 The next day an evil spirit from God took control of Saul,[8] 1 Sm 16:14; 19:9 and he began to rave[9] Or prophesy inside the palace. David was playing [the harp]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. as usual, but Saul was holding a spear, 11 and he threw it, thinking, “I’ll pin David to the wall.”[10] 1 Sm 19:10; 20:33 But David got away from him twice.

1 Samuel 20:30-42: (Background)

30 Then Saul became angry with Jonathan and shouted, “You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Don’t I know that you are siding with Jesse’s son to your own shame and to the disgrace of your mother?[15] Lit your mother‘s genitals 31 Every day Jesse’s son lives on earth you and your kingship are not secure. Now send for him and bring him to me—he deserves to die.” 32 Jonathan answered his father back: “Why is he to be killed? What has he done?”[16] 1 Sm 19:5 33 Then Saul threw his spear at Jonathan to kill him,[17] 1 Sm 18:11; 19:10 so he knew that his father was determined to kill David. 34 He got up from the table in fierce anger and did not eat any food that second day of the New Moon, for he was grieved because of his father’s shameful behavior toward David. 35 In the morning Jonathan went out to the field for the appointed meeting with David. A small young man was with him. 36 He said to the young man, “Run and find the arrows I’m shooting.” As the young man ran, Jonathan shot an arrow beyond him. 37 He came to the location of the arrow that Jonathan had shot, but Jonathan called to him and said, “The arrow is beyond you, isn’t it?” 38 Then Jonathan called to him, “Hurry up and don’t stop!” Jonathan’s young man picked up the arrow and returned to his master. 39 He did not know anything; only Jonathan and David knew the arrangement. 40 Then Jonathan gave his equipment to the young man who was with him and said, “Go, take it back to the city.” 41 When the young man had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone Ezel, fell with his face to the ground, and bowed three times. Then he and Jonathan kissed each other and wept with each other, though David wept more. 42 Jonathan then said to David, “Go in the assurance the two of us pledged in the name of the Lord when we said: The Lord will be [a witness]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. between you and me and between my offspring and your offspring forever.”[18] 1 Sm 20:15–23 [19] The last sentence of v. 42 is 1 Sm 21:1 in Hb. Then David left, and Jonathan went into the city.

1 Samuel 21:1-9: (Background)

David Flees to Nob (Nob was a town alloted to priests. It was located about two (2) miles from Jerusalem.)

1 David went to Ahimelech (uh HIM uh lek) the priest at Nob. Ahimelech was afraid to meet David, so he said to him, “Why are you alone and no one is with you?” 2 David answered Ahimelech the priest, “The king gave me a mission, but he told me, ‘Don’t let anyone know anything about the mission I’m sending you on or what I have ordered you [to do]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. .’ I have stationed [my]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. young men at a certain place. 3 Now what do you have on hand? Give me five loaves of bread or whatever can be found.” 4 The priest told him, “There is no ordinary bread on hand. However, there is consecrated bread,[1] Ex 25:30; Lv 24:5–9; Mt 12:3–4 but the young men may eat it[2] DSS; MT omits may eat it only if they have kept themselves from women.”[3] Ex 19:15 5 David answered him, “I swear that women are being kept from us, as always when I go out [to battle]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. .[4] 2 Sm 11:11 The young men’s bodies[5] Lit vessels are consecrated even on an ordinary mission, so of course their bodies are consecrated today.” 6 So the priest gave him the consecrated [bread]* [** Below] The bracketed text has been added for clarity. , for there was no bread there except the bread of the Presence that had been removed from before the Lord. When the bread was removed, it had been replaced with warm bread. 7 One of Saul’s servants, detained before the Lord, was there that day. His name was Doeg (DOH ehg) the Edomite, chief of Saul’s shepherds. 8 David said to Ahimelech, “Do you have a spear or sword on hand? I didn’t even bring my sword or my weapons since the king’s mission was urgent.” 9 The priest replied, “The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the valley of Elah,[6] 1 Sm 17 is here, wrapped in a cloth behind the • ephod. If you want to take it for yourself, then take it, for there isn’t another one here.” “There’s none like it!” David said. “Give it to me.”
[Showbread or Holy Bread was on constant disply, thus show bread. It was baked fresh each week. One loaf for each tribe thus 12 loves of bread. The week old bread was eaten by the priests and any leftover bread was burned. Showbread was to symbolize the presence of GOD and HIS provision for HIS people. JESUS was aked about David and his men eating the showbread by the Pharisees. HE told them that it was fine because David and his men were hungry. Often Christians strain at a gnat and shollar a fly. JESUS in essence was saying, "Be practicle and do not observe ritual at the detriment of others.]

This brings us to our scripture. Ahimelech the priest at Nob, helped David. David leaves but in comes King Saul. We see in verse 7 in our previous scripture that Doeg the Edomite was Saul’s chief of shepherds. He could not wait to tell Saul what had happened. It cost eighty-five (85) priests their lives plus the lives of all the woman, children and livestock. Sometimes it cost to help a servant of GOD. This wiped out all of the priest except one, Abiathar (a BY uh thar). Abiathar escaped and went to David. Years later after David was made king, he appointed Abiathar as his high priest. Abiathar served David as high priest during his reign as king.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 22:17-20:

17 Then the king (Saul) ordered the guards standing by him, “Turn and kill the priests of the Lord because they sided with David. For they knew he was fleeing, but they didn’t tell me.”[10] Lit didn‘t uncover my ear But the king’s servants would not lift a hand to execute the priests of the Lord. 18 So the king said to Doeg, “Go and execute the priests!” So Doeg the Edomite went and executed the priests himself. On that day, he killed 85 men who wore linen • ephods.[11] 1 Sm 2:28; Ex 28:4 19 He also struck down Nob, the city of the priests, with the sword—both men and women, children and infants, oxen, donkeys, and sheep. 20 However, one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped. His name was Abiathar, and he fled to David.

There was one survivor from this massacre. It was one of the sons of the priest, Ahimelech. His son’s name was Abiathar. He went straight to David and gave him the grim news.

David had 400 men with him. We see in our next scripture that David learned that the Philistines were robbing grain from the Israelites. The question was, “What should he do about it?” Should he remain less visible in consideration of the fact that Saul was out to get him or should he help out those being ravaged by the Philistines?

Let’s read 1 Samuel 23:1-5:

Deliverance at Keilah (kih IGH) or (kee EYE luh) - Keilah was a fortified city in the lowland plain of Judah. It was about 18 miles from Jerusalem.

1 It was reported to David: “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and raiding the threshing floors.” 2 So David inquired of the Lord: “Should I launch an attack against these Philistines?” The Lord answered David, “Launch an attack against the Philistines and rescue Keilah.” 3 But David’s men said to him, “Look, we’re afraid here in Judah; how much more if we go to Keilah against the Philistine forces!” 4 Once again, David inquired of the Lord, and the Lord answered him: “Go at once to Keilah, for I will hand the Philistines over to you.” 5 Then David and his men went to Keilah, fought against the Philistines, drove their livestock away, and inflicted heavy losses on them. So David rescued the inhabitants of Keilah.

David needed to know what the LORD would have him to do. The Philistines were robbing grain from the inhabitants of Keilah. They would starve or have to leave that area to survive. David asked HIM what he should do. The LORD answered him. Attack the Philistines and rescue Keilah. David’s men were afraid to go into battle.

David inquired a second time of the LORD what he should do. Had he heard the LORD correctly the first time? When we are not certain about the LORD’S response or when we receive additional information, it is no problem checking to make sure you are doing the will of the LORD. He inquired of the LORD and received the same answer, “Go fight the Philistines and deliver the city of Keilah, which is located in Judah. As you may recall David is from the tribe of Judah.

David and his men were obedient to the LORD’S command and victory was won. This gave David assurance as well as David’s men. David’s inquiry to the LORD was accurate. This invokes trust and confidence in David and his men. It also reinforces the fact, before you take an important step, inquire of the LORD. If you are not sure, it is never a problem inquiring of the LORD a second time.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 23:6, 9-13:

6 Abiathar son of Ahimelech fled to David at Keilah, and he brought an • ephod with him.[1] 1 Sm 22:20; 30:7

Abiathar brought the ephod with him. The ephod is a colorful priestly vest the priests wore over their blue robe when he presided at the altar. It some scholars claim that the ephod had a place to hold the Urim and the Thummin, two objects David used to petition GOD. It is interesting that David used the priestly garment when he inquired of the LORD. (Notice verse 9, below) Christians have been born-again and can go directly to GOD, it HIS very throne room to petition HIM. HE is available 24/7 and always listens to HIS children’s petitions. What a heritage Christians have in CHRIST.

7 When it was reported to Saul that David had gone to Keilah, he said, “God has handed him over to me, for he has trapped himself by entering a town with barred gates.” 8 Then Saul summoned all the troops to go to war at Keilah and besiege David and his men.

9 When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.” 10 Then David said, “Lord God of Israel, Your servant has heard that Saul intends to come to Keilah and destroy the town because of me. 11 Will the citizens of Keilah hand me over to him? Will Saul come down as Your servant has heard? Lord God of Israel, please tell Your servant.” The Lord answered, “He will come down.” 12 Then David asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah hand me and my men over to Saul?” “They will,” the Lord responded. 13 So David and his men, numbering about 600, left Keilah at once and moved from place to place. When it was reported to Saul that David had escaped from Keilah, he called off the expedition.
Notice in verse 7, Saul was also looking for confirmation from GOD. We have two (2) men, Saul and David, looking to GOD for direction. One was in favor with GOD and one was not. This is a message to us as Christians. When we inquire of GOD, are we being obedient to his will or are we using GOD as a good luck charm?
David went before GOD with an earnest request for guidance. Saul saw that David was in a walled city and concluded that GOD had placed him there for Saul to capture and kill.

David was told that Saul and his men were coming to Keilah. David could have reasoned that since they had just delivered the city from the Philistines, the inhabitants of Keilah would fight with him to defeat Saul. David did not depend upon assumptions. He inquired of the LORD. The LORD answered him and they left the city. Saul heard that David was gone and terminated his plans.

When we serve the LORD, we must be careful how we interpret things that happen to others or circumstances. Always go before the LORD and ask HIM for direction in your life in all matters. David had experienced communication with GOD as a shepherd. He knew that GOD heard him and would answer him. Do you have that same confidence?

Many Christians long to hear GOD speak. How does HE speak to HIS children? Anyway HE chooses – in a still small whisper, through HIS Word, through others, through some mighty things or simple things to name a few.

Power Up - he Power of Courage - 1 Samuel 17 - July 11, 2010

Bible Study – Power Up – The Power of Courage – July 11, 2010

This is study two (2) in our series “Power Up.”

Our Scripture is 1 Samuel 17:8-11, 32-39, 45-47.

Our study this week is taken from scripture many of us have heard from childhood. As children, we heard and understood the story from a child’s perspective, as adults we get a little more in-depth understanding. Yet, from either a child’s perspective or an adult perspective, we always see and understand the power of GOD to deliver us from the giant things we face in life. GOD chose David while he was a young person to serve HIM. HE prepared him for the things he would face in life. David knew GOD and the power of HIS deliverance. GOD subjects HIS children to things in life which prepare them for the things they will encounter in life.

We fast forward to the battlefield. The Israelites were facing the Philistines in one on one combat. The Philistines had a giant of a warrior on their side, Goliath. Goliath was over nine (9) feet tall. The Israelites tended to be short. Goliath was intimidating. Jesse, David’s father, sent David to the battlefield to take some provisions to his brothers who were serving in Saul’s army. Our next scripture is what David heard when he arrived on the battlefield. The Israelites were on one side of the valley and the Philistines on the other. Goliath was shouting to the Israelites.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 17:8-11:

8 He stood and shouted to the Israelite battle formations: “Why do you come out to line up in battle formation?” He asked them, “Am I not a Philistine and are you not servants of Saul? Choose one of your men and have him come down against me. 9 If he wins in a fight against me and kills me, we will be your servants. But if I win against him and kill him, then you will be our servants and serve us.”[9] 2 Sm 2:12–16 10 Then the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel today. Send me a man so we can fight each other!” 11 When Saul and all Israel heard these words from the Philistine, they lost their courage and were terrified.

Goliath challenged the Israelites, “Why are you lining up in battle formation to fight the Philistines? I am a Philistine so send just one of your warriors to fight me and winner takes all. If I win, then the Israelites will become our servants but if the Israelites win then the Philistines will become the servants of the Israelites.” (There is historical evidence that this had occurred in the near east. Let one warrior from each warring group fight and the winner wins the battle.)

Goliath gave the challenge that one warrior from the Israelites fight him. This challenge intimidated the Israelites. They were defeated when the challenge was given. Who could defeat Goliath? In walked young David who had faced lions and bears that were large wild animals. When these animals stood erect they were tall but that did not matter to David because GOD was his deliverer and his strength.
Goliath was a big boisterous man. He was loud and intimidating. Saul was a tall man but neither his height and warrior ability nor his son’s height and warrior skills were sufficient to give them courage to take on Goliath. Goliath had gotten into their minds and defeated them.

This is true today. From our vantage point, we see immovable mountains and we do nothing. When we rely upon GOD and see things through HIS eyes and from HIS vantage point, all things are possible when HE leads HIS children to accomplish HIS projects. Here I caution you. Be careful about taking on a huge project and calling it GOD sized and trusting that HE will see you through it. GOD must call you to the project. When HE calls, it will be done. GOD had prepared David for the job HE had for him. Wild animals are unpredictable and strong. GOD had delivered David from harm, so just because a boisterous big man was running his mouth, it meant nothing to David. He had heard the roar of the loin and the growl of the bear who had stolen a sheep. That only meant that they soon would be dead and the sheep rescued.

David saw the roar of Goliath as dishonoring GOD and scaring GOD’S sheep. David knew that GOD would be his strength to free the Israelites from Goliath and the Philistines.

GOD was working to provide the person to do the job. Jesse had three (3) sons in Saul’s army – Eliab (ih LIGH ab), Abinadab (uh BIN uh dab) and Shammah (SHAM uh). Jesse had food prepared for them and their commander. Jesse asked David to take the food to his brothers. Jesse had someone else to tend the sheep.

While David was on the front lines he heard Goliath making his claims and no one stepped out to fight him. David was upset and verbal about what he heard. His brother, Eliab, overheard David and scolded him. He asked him who was watching the sheep? All he was interested in was to see the battle. So David had to deal with the attitude of his oldest brother toward him. Most youth would have gone home but not David. Saul got word that David was very vocal about someone needing to step out and fight Goliath. So he sent for David. The point being GOD got David to Saul.

David volunteered to do what no one else was willing to do, including his brothers. David had to sell himself to Saul and convince him that he along with the LORD’S help could get the job done.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 17:32-39:

32 David said to Saul, “Don’t let anyone be discouraged by[14] Lit let a man‘s heart fall over him; your servant will go and fight this Philistine!” 33 But Saul replied, “You can’t go fight this Philistine. You’re just a youth, and he’s been a warrior since he was young.” 34 David answered Saul, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep. Whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, 35 I went after it, struck it down, and rescued [the lamb]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur,[15] LXX reads throat strike it down, and kill it. 36 Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” 37 Then David said, “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”[16] 2 Tm 4:17–18 Saul said to David, “Go, and may the Lord be with you.” 38 Then Saul had his own military clothes put on David. He put a bronze helmet on David’s head and had him put on armor. 39 David strapped his sword on over the military clothes and tried to walk, but he was not used to them. “I can’t walk in these,” David said to Saul, “I’m not used to them.” So David took them off.

David volunteered to fight Goliath. King Saul was not impressed with David’s willingness. He admired his courage but being a man of reason, it did not make sense to him that David could defeat Goliath. First, David was a youth and second he had not been trained as a warrior.

David had to educate Saul in the school of life.

David had been tending his father’s sheep and when the lion or bear came in and took one of the sheep it was David’s responsibility to rescue it. It was hand to hand combat because if the animal reared up, David would grab it by the beard under the animal’s neck and jerk it down and kill it.

David looked at this uncircumcised Philistine the same as a wild animal. Then David gave Saul the secret of his success. It was not David and his might but the LORD. This convinced Saul that David at least had the courage to do battle.

It seems that Saul was saying, “And the only way you will win the contest will be because GOD is with you.”

Saul could not stop with just the LORD being the strength of David; he had to add his own armor which weighted David down. It is interesting that David was not intimidated by King Saul. David told the king that he could not walk with all his armor on him. So he took it off.

How often do we want to put on Saul’s armor to do GOD’S work? We choose that which is comfortable and feels secure until we face the enemy to discover that it is inadequate. GOD is sufficient.

How often do we yield to the wishes of those who have position and power in the world rather than relying upon the LORD? We are often afraid to say “no” to a person of importance. David knew that his strength, power and success came from the LORD and he did not want to compromise that relationship. Of course, it was obvious that Saul’s armor did not fit him. Saul needed to see along with all the Israelites that the true winner was GOD and not in the power of Saul’s armor or provision.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 17:45-47:

45 David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with a dagger, spear, and sword, but I come against you in the name of the Lord of • Hosts, the God of Israel’s armies[20] 2 Ch 32:7–8 — you have defied Him. 46 Today, the Lord will hand you over to me. Today, I’ll strike you down, cut your head off, and give the corpses[21] LXX reads give your limbs and the limbs of the Philistine camp to the birds of the sky and the creatures of the earth. Then all the world will know that Israel has a God, 47 and this whole assembly will know that it is not by sword or by spear that the Lord saves,[22] Hs 1:7 for the battle is the Lord’s.[23] Ex 14:13–14; Ps 33:16–22; 44:4–8 He will hand you over to us.”

David made it clear to Goliath that he was not coming against him with the normal weapons of battle and war but he was coming against him in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the GOD of Israel’s armies. This was a solid testimony and witness to the Israelites and the Philistines. This was not David’s battle but it was the LORD’S battle and the LORD would win.

GOD would take the ordinary placed in the hand of the ordinary and accomplish the extraordinary. This event will be for all to see.

David selected five (5) smooth stones from a dry river bed and went to battle against Goliath as recorded in 1 Samuel 17: 48-54:

48 When the Philistine started forward to attack him, David ran quickly to the battle line to meet the Philistine. 49 David put his hand in the bag, took out a stone, slung [it]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. , and hit the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground. 50 David defeated the Philistine with a sling and a stone. Even though David had no sword, he struck down the Philistine and killed him. 51 David ran and stood over him. He grabbed the Philistine’s sword, pulled it from its sheath, and used it to kill him. Then he cut off his head. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they ran. 52 The men of Israel and Judah rallied, shouting their battle cry, and chased the Philistines to the entrance of the valley and to the gates of Ekron.[24] LXX reads Ashkelon Philistine bodies were strewn all along the Shaaraim road to Gath and Ekron. 53 When the Israelites returned from the pursuit of the Philistines, they plundered their camps. 54 David took Goliath’s[25] Lit the Philistine‘s head and brought it to Jerusalem, but he put Goliath’s weapons in his [own]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. tent.

The Israelites needed to witness the power of their GOD through the least likely person. It was not through conventional weapons of warfare or through a mighty warrior but through a young lad dedicated to GOD. This gave the Israelites renewed faith in the GOD of Israel. Their fear was immediately replaced with courage.

The scripture tells us that GOD is not a GOD of fear but a GOD of sound mind as stated in 2 Titus 1:7 -- 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (KJV) So is this just a nice story about a young boy, a sling shot, five smooth stones and faith or is there more? There is more. Christians face giants every day in their lives. Satan has his army of various Goliath’s that shout and tell GOD’S children that they cannot defeat him. Many believe it and stay defeated because they do not believe that GOD can use their simple weapons of faith and GOD’S Word to defeat Satan’s Goliaths. David knew that GOD had helped him defeat the lion and the bear during his ordinary life and now that he faced a giant. He was led by GOD to challenge Goliath only armed with the ordinary tools he used to guard the sheep and faith. GOD has armed HIS children with the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT, HIS Word, assurance of salvation, the power of the shed blood of JESUS and faith. In Ephesians 6, the Apostle Paul tells Christians what armor they need to wear when they go into battle.

Do we insist on wearing Saul’s armor or the armament the world offers or do we choose to wear what GOD chooses? All the faith in the world misplaced equals disaster. Faith in GOD’S ability equals success, when HE leads you.

Many in ministry are facing defeat. They are listening to the Goliaths that Satan is sending. GOD may be calling you to be a David and come to defeat the Goliath that prevents GOD’S warriors from having the courage to move forward into battle. GOD calls many to a David today. They are the unlikely people who answer the call to use what they have to the glory of GOD. When victory comes, then those who have been trained regain their courage and send Satan’s army running in the power and name of JESUS. Step up and step out as GOD leads you with what you have. In your eyes what you have may seem like simple things but in the hands of GOD they are the power that accomplishes HIS plan and purpose.

When we see the hand of the LORD working in the lives of others or in our lives, it rekindles our confidence and trust in our LORD. When things in life seem giant size and they roar at us, confess it to the LORD. Satan plays a mind game with GOD’S children every day which causes us to shrink in fear. Fear is not from GOD. GOD gives us a sound mind through the presence of the HOLY SPIRIT and the ability to look at and examine our situation from HIS prospective. Then we can take action as HE gives us opportunity and leads us.

When you encounter GOD sized situations, HE is building your relationship with HIM. HE is increasing your territory to serve HIM as in the prayer of Jabez. GOD still had many challenges for David as he grew into adulthood toward GOD’S goal of replacing Saul as king. But as we will see, it was not an easy road, yet GOD had chosen him and called him for this task. Keep this in mind as you serve our LORD. Often the road toward the goal GOD has for us is difficult. Have courage and faint not.

Power Up - The Power of Choice - 1 Samuel 13 and 16 - July 4, 2010

Bible Study – Power Up – The Power of Choice – July 4, 2010

We begin a new series of study entitled “Power Up.” We will continue in 1 Samuel and study the life of David. David was a man after GOD’S own heart, yet he made some very bad decisions. But he repented and asked GOD to forgive him and restore him.

Our scripture in today’s study is 1 Samuel 13; 8-14 and 16:6-13.

Here is an overview of our study for July:
July 4 – The Power of Choice – GOD chooses HIS children for service based upon our potential from HIS prospective. (1 Samuel 13 and 16)
July 11 – The Power of Courage – GOD provides courage when it is needed. (1 Samuel 17)
July 18 – The Power of Petition – Seek GOD and follow HIS leadership regardless of the outcome. (1 Samuel 22:17-20; 23:1-6, 9-13)
July 25 – The Power of Loyalty – GOD rewards righteousness and loyalty. (1 Samuel 24 and 26)

In today’s study, we need to look at the responsibility of Samuel in being obedient to carry out GOD’S plan. We will see that Samuel had his favorite choice for king but GOD had chosen the one HE wanted to be king to replace Saul. GOD told Samuel that man looks on the outward appearance whereas HE looks at the heart of a person and what he or she is capable of doing according to HIS plan and purpose. This is interesting, in that GOD knows the outcome of a life, yet HE chooses a person knowing he or she will make a very bad decision.

The world selects according to a certain look. The CEO has to look a certain way, be a certain height, hair styled a certain way, speak well, have the right connections and the list goes on and on. He or she may be charismatic but be a poor leader and visionary. They have no substance. Most do not know the companies they are trying to lead and lead them into disaster.

It is interesting to consider the fact that GOD chose Saul to be king. Now HE wanted to replace Saul because of the bad decision and act of taking on the duties of Samuel. Did GOD make a mistake? We have to keep in mind that GOD allows every human to make his or her own decisions.

In our study today, we will see that Saul made the wrong decision, overstepped his authority and had to suffer the consequences. GOD knew that he would but it would still fit HIS plan and purpose. Saul was a place holder until David grew and matured enough to assume the role of king. We have to consider David and the bad decisions he made. Yet, GOD allowed David to be king. GOD knew David’s heart and GOD knew that David would repent of his sins; GOD would forgive him and he would suffer the consequences of his sins. The life of David is a powerful message to every Christian. David was a man after GOD’S own heart, yet he fell into terrible sin. No matter how Spiritual you think you are, you can fall into terrible sin in a heartbeat. Satan is our enemy and he seeks to compromise, defeat and destroy the witness of every Christian. Maintain a healthy relationship with GOD through CHRIST.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 13:8-14:

Saul, however, was still at Gilgal, and all his troops were gripped with fear. 8 He waited seven days for the appointed time that Samuel had set, but Samuel didn’t come to Gilgal, and the troops were deserting him. 9 So Saul said, “Bring me the • burnt offering and the • fellowship offerings.” Then he offered the burnt offering. 10 Just as he finished offering the burnt offering, Samuel arrived. So Saul went out to greet him, 11 and Samuel asked, “What have you done?” Saul answered, “When I saw that the troops were deserting me and you didn’t come within the appointed days and the Philistines were gathering at Michmash (MIK mash), 12 I thought: The Philistines will now descend on me at Gilgal, and I haven’t sought the Lord’s favor. So I forced myself to offer the burnt offering.” 13 Samuel said to Saul, “You have been foolish. You have not kept the command which the Lord your God gave you. It was at this time that the Lord would have permanently established your reign over Israel, 14 but now your reign will not endure. The Lord has found a man loyal to Him,[12] Lit man according to His heart [13] 1 Sm 16:7; Ac 13:22 and the Lord has appointed him as ruler over His people, because you have not done what the Lord commanded.”

Saul and his army were waiting for the arrival of Samuel at Gilgal. Samuel was to bless them for a large battle against the Philistines. King Saul got impatient and took matters into his own hands and did what only Samuel was supposed to do. How often do we take matters into our own hands to see it blow up in our face? Did GOD purposely cause Samuel to delay? I think so. Saul had a decision to make. In whom did Saul place his trust – “Do I wait upon the LORD or do I take matters into my own hands?” We know his decision and we get to see the results. If he had waited upon the LORD, then that would have shown who he trusted and that would have resulted in him being made king permanently.

Christians must learn to wait upon the LORD. What do you do when the LORD seems to have gone fishing? Wait! It is the hardest thing for me to do and how often I have to pay for my impatience.

King Saul gave his reason why he did what he did. Did it matter? YES! All his excuses did not overcome his disobedience. It cost him being declared king of Israel permanently. Samuel had to tell Saul, the very man the LORD had called to be king and the man Samuel had anointed as king, he would be replaced. It all hinged on waiting a little longer and let Samuel function in his appointed position as priest. Was this cruel of GOD? GOD wants faithful and obedient men and women to serve HIM. GOD will test HIS children. How will we measure up? Do we “power up” ourselves or do we wait and let GOD “power us up”? It is clear that we must wait upon the LORD, unless HE leads us differently. This is where we must have the right relationship with GOD through CHRIST to discern between the flesh leading and the SPIRIT leading.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 16:1-10:

Samuel Anoints David

1 The Lord said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel?[1] 1 Sm 13:13–14; 15:23 Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem because I have selected a king from his sons.” 2 Samuel asked, “How can I go? Saul will hear [about it]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. and kill me!” The Lord answered, “Take a young cow with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ 3 Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will let you know what you are to do. You are to anoint for Me the one I indicate to you.”[2] 1 Sm 9:16 4 Samuel did what the Lord directed and went to Bethlehem. When the elders of the town met him, they trembled[3] LXX reads were astonished and asked, “Do[4] DSS, LXX read Seer, do you come in peace?” 5 “In peace,” he replied. “I’ve come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.”[5] LXX reads and rejoice with me today Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. 6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and said, “Certainly the Lord’s anointed one is here before Him.” 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature, because I have rejected him. Man does not see what the Lord sees,[6] LXX reads God does not see as a man sees for man sees what is visible,[7] Lit what is of the eyes but the Lord sees the heart.”[8] 1 Kg 8:39; Jr 17:10; Jn 2:24–25 8 Jesse called Abinadab and presented him to Samuel. “The Lord hasn’t chosen this one either,” Samuel said. 9 Then Jesse presented Shammah, but Samuel said, “The Lord hasn’t chosen this one either.” 10 After Jesse presented seven of his sons to him, Samuel told Jesse, “The Lord hasn’t chosen any of these.” 11 Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?”

When you choose someone for a job, your hope and ego is riding along with them in many cases. Although GOD chose Saul, Samuel had a role in anointing him to be king. Samuel grieved over how foolish Saul had been by taking matters into his own hands. GOD intervened and told Samuel in essence, “Get over it and move on because I have work for you to do.” Often we can get bogged down in the failure of a person in leadership in our church – pastor, deacon, Sunday school teacher, prominent and active member and the list goes on. Don’t let their failure cause you to stumble and stop obediently serving the LORD. Keep in mind that anyone of us can fall at any moment. Just as Peter wanted to walk on water and meet JESUS as HE walked on water. As long as Peter kept his eyes on JESUS, he walked on water. The moment he took his eyes off of JESUS, he began to sink. He cried out and JESUS reached out to him. In the midst of life’s struggles, we must keep our eyes upon JESUS.

GOD still had work for Samuel to do. He needed to select a replacement for Saul. GOD’S plan and purpose continues regardless. So Samuel filled his horn with oil and went as GOD directed him. He went to Jesse of Bethlehem to select the next king from Jesse’s sons. He did not announce it along the way what his mission was because that would have been detrimental to him and his mission.

GOD gave specific instructions to Samuel. Samuel was concerned that Saul would hear that he was going to Bethlehem and put two and two together that he was going to anoint someone to replace him. The end result would be that Saul would have him killed. GOD gave Samuel cover. He was to go to Bethlehem to sacrifice a young cow. He was on a spiritual mission. Sacrificing a young cow meant that the meat would be shared, so it was an opportune time to invite Jesse and his sons to share in the meal and check out Jesse’s sons.

When Samuel arrived in Bethlehem the elders were very concerned with Samuel coming to their town unannounced. When a priest came unexpectedly it could mean they had done something wrong and he was going to announce that GOD was going to punish them. They wanted to know whether or not he was coming in “peace”. He assured them that he was coming in “peace”. What a relief that was to the Bethlehem’s leadership.

Samuel arrived in Bethlehem and Jesse and his sons were invited to the sacrifice. Samuel had to consecrate Jesse and his sons for the ceremony. When they arrived, Samuel immediately zeroed in on Eliab, Jesse’s oldest son, as the one to be king. But GOD immediately told Samuel that Eliab was not the one. Samuel was looking at Eliab’s stature and handsome appearance. He must have looked the role of a king. GOD said, no. HE looks on the inside of a person and not on the outward appearance.
This is a strong message to us today. Many of us look at the outward appearance of a person and make a judgment about that person, good or bad. Many people play the game and appear to be what they are not. Christians can play the game of being a Christian. Being a Christian in right relationship with GOD through CHRIST is a journey. It begins the instant of salvation, being filled with the HOLY SPIRIT and continues for life.

Jesse had other sons - Abinadab and Shammah who were also rejected. Jesse presented all of his sons who were at home. All were rejected. Samuel must have wondered if he had missed something. Don’t most of us start second guessing when we are about out of options? Samuel pressed on.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 16:11-13:

11 Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” he answered, “but right now he’s tending the sheep.” Samuel told Jesse, “Send for him. We won’t sit down to eat until he gets here.” 12 So Jesse sent for him. He had beautiful eyes and a healthy,[9] Or reddish handsome appearance.[10] 1 Sm 17:42 Then the Lord said, “Anoint him, for he is the one.” 13 So Samuel took the horn of oil, anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the Lord took control of David from that day forward.[11] Ps 51:10–12; Ezk 36:27; Ac 2:1–17 Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.

Samuel asked Jesse if these were all of his sons. Samuel must have breathed a sigh of relief when Jesse responded that he had one more son. At least this gave Samuel hope for a positive outcome.

Samuel asked Jesse to send for him. In fact, they would not eat until this last son arrived. This likely was done to make sure the person who went for him did not tarry along the way. When Samuel saw David, the LORD confirmed that he was the one. Samuel did not hesitate. He anointed David with the horn of oil and the Spirit of the LORD fell upon David.

David was chosen for a special calling. The anointing with oil signified that David was set aside or was being consecrated or dedicated to the LORD for service. David’s brothers likely did not know what David was being set aside to do. Saul was king and GOD was preparing the way to replace him.

How exciting that must have been for David. He knew he was being called for special serve to the LORD. But was it smooth sailing from that moment on? We will see. Being called of the LORD does not always mean things will go well but it does mean GOD is in control. It means that all that happens to you is intentional and designed to build the relationship between you and GOD. Life’s circumstances will equip you and empower you to obediently serve according to HIS plan and purpose. We will get to see David’s journey as we study this month.

HAPPY AND SAFE 4th of JULY to all in the United States of America. It is a time for every American to remember our great heritage and also to know that apathy can take that heritage away before we know it. GOD is still in control but HE demands obedience from HIS children. So “POWER UP” and serve HIM.