March 31 / Psalm 54; I Samuel 26-30

Psalm 54; I Samuel 26-30 In Saul we see the desperation of a man who is quick to accept the LORD’s help when it suits his own ambitions, but who steadfastly refuses to surrender to the LORD otherwise. We see that refusal in his persistence in hunting David, despite David’s proofs of innocence and despite …

March 30 / I Samuel 24-25; Psalms 57, 142

I Samuel 24; Psalms 57, 142; I Samuel 25 David has the perfect opportunity. With one blow he can eliminate the greatest threat to his own life, Saul. He can step into the kingship that he knows is his. His friends all see the LORD’s hand in providing this opportunity. (I Sam. 24:4) David does …

March 29 / I Samuel 22-23; Psalms 52, 63

I Samuel 22; Psalm 52; I Samuel 23; Psalm 63 Saul lives in an imaginary world. He imagines that no one cares about him. He imagines that [Jonathan] has stirred up [David] against [him], to lie in wait. (I Sam. 22:8) He imagines that David is actively seeking the throne. He imagines that David wants …

March 28 / I Samuel 20-21; Psalms 56, 34

I Samuel 20-21; Psalms 56, 34 Jonathan demonstrates that he is far more worthy of the crown than Saul, his father. Jonathan is a man of honor, integrity, virtue. He is selfless and faithful. He is a true friend and brother to David. And in all of that, he remains a true son, honoring his …

March 27 / I Samuel 18-19; Psalm 59

I Samuel 18-19; Psalm 59 Before we move forward with David, let’s take a closer look at Saul. He provides an excellent example — of what not to do. Saul initially welcomes David very positively, recognizing what an asset he is, both as a musician to soothe Saul’s own inner turmoil and as a warrior …

March 26 / I Samuel 16-17; Psalm 23

I Samuel 16; Psalm 23; I Samuel 17 David, the man after God’s own heart (I Sam. 13:14; Acts 13:22), the shepherd king, the sweet psalmist of Israel (II Sam. 23:1), the giant killer. This is the man we meet today. I expect that we all have at least a passing familiarity with David. He …