II Samuel 2-4

Life is messy, even for the LORD’s anointed. One might think that with Samuel’s endorsement years earlier, and with his proven track record as a warrior, David’s path to the throne of Israel would be an easy one now that Saul is gone. But no. We see political intrigue, personal rivalries, vendettas, war, murder, and assassination. In all the maneuverings, David may be innocent, but not his family: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel are all David’s nephews, the sons of David’s sister, Zeruiah (I Ch. 2:16), and they complicate life for David.

Though David promptly executes those responsible for the assassination of Ish-bosheth (II Sam. 4:5-12), he does not execute Joab for the murder of Abner, instead only distancing himself from the murder and pronouncing a curse on Joab and all his father’s house. (II Sam. 3:28-29) It could well be argued that David drops the ball here, applying a different standard of justice to his family than to others. Our text makes no explicit comment one way or the other on that, but it seems to me that although we know David is a man of tremendous faith, he still feels “political realities.” He is therefore reluctant to dispense with a strong and able ally like Joab. David has the promise of the throne, but the path to it is long, painful, and difficult. Yes, life is messy for David.

We, of course, live in the same messy world. That is certainly true when we create our own messes. But even when we know we are on the right path, in step with the Lord, we meet assorted obstacles. We rarely (if ever) enjoy extended periods of “smooth sailing” (and with all the examples we have in Scripture, it is a mystery why we persist in expecting them). Things do not go smoothly. “Stuff” happens. We know that Jesus is already King, but we do not yet see the fullness of His Kingdom on this earth. Yes, life is messy for us.

On this Palm Sunday, let’s remember King Jesus. Let’s sing “Hosanna” to our great King, knowing that He is, truly, the LORD’s Anointed One, the Messiah, the Christ. But unlike those who originally waved palm branches, we know what the rest of the week holds. We know it is a mess. We know there is scourging and a crown of thorns. We know the Via Dolorosa, the Way of Suffering, that Jesus treads. We know He bears the Cross. We know that He is pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities. (Is. 53:5)

Life is messy, especially for the LORD’s Anointed.

I Samuel 31; II Samuel 1; Psalm 18

How the mighty have fallen!

II Samuel 1:19b, 25a, 27a

David thus laments the passing of Saul and Jonathan. We should note that the grief expressed in David’s song is not only for Jonathan, his closest friend, but also for Saul. David is well aware of Saul’s deep flaws, having been Saul’s prime target for years. But David also recognizes Saul’s strengths and how he has fought valiantly for Israel. David knows that Saul will forever be Israel’s first king, the first of the LORD’s anointed, and he honors him as such. I do not think that this is just a formal salute to a dead king that David is happy to have out of the way. David is genuinely grieved over Saul, and that is worth thinking about.

We likewise should give honor and respect to all those in authority. We may disagree with their political agendas. We may see deep personal character flaws or rampant corruption. We may believe them to be thoroughly unworthy of their office, and we may thus work to remove them from (or keep them from) that office in future elections. But we must also strive to recognize the LORD’s hand in bringing people to positions of authority. Disrespect — and particularly the kind of abusive language we’ve seen over the last several years (from both sides) — is not God’s way. As Saint Peter says, Honor the emperor (I Peter 2:17), which would include any number of very unsavory characters, like Nero and Caligula.

Hmm… Perhaps I am in need of a good deal more repentance.

See also:

• January 19 (2022) / Psalm 18:1-15
• January 20 (2022) / Psalm 18:16-24
• January 21 (2022) / Psalm 18:25-36
• January 22 (2022) / Psalm 18:37-45
• January 23 (2022) / Psalm 18:46-50

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 Saul’s outward displays of “repentance.” Saul “inquires of the LORD.” seeking guidance, but his heart is not inclined toward obedience, and the LORD is suitably silent.

Rather than turning in true repentance to the LORD, Saul sinks still further. Although the LORD had expressly forbidden sorcerers, mediums, and necromancers (Ex. 22:18; Lev. 19:31; 20:27; Dt. 18:9-14), and Saul himself enforced that policy, Saul resorts to engaging a medium, the witch of Endor, in order to consult the dead Samuel. (I Sam. 28:3-25) Samuel’s words to Saul are telling:

And Samuel said, “Why then do you ask me, since the LORD has turned from you and become your enemy? The LORD has done to you as he spoke by me…”

I Samuel 28:16-17a

In other words, “How do you expect to get around the LORD by coming to me? What can you possibly hope to hear from me that I haven’t already told you?” Samuel goes on to pronounce only doom upon Saul and his sons and the entire army of Israel at the hands of the Philistines. For years Saul has neglected faith. Now he has only fear. Saul has had years in which to repent. Now it is too late.

Let’s not take Saul’s path. Let’s not treat God like a genie that grants us wishes, but whose wishes we can ignore. And let’s not look for alternate paths, ways of bypassing the LORD to get what we want, to hear what we want to hear. Let’s instead surrender to the LORD. Let’s seek the LORD Himself, not just His blessings. If your conscience is pricking you about anything, if the Holy Spirit is convicting you of any sin, then repent! And do it now. Don’t wait. But don’t play games with half-baked repentance or feigned remorse. You can’t fool God. So give it up and really surrender to Him.

Of course, I say all that not just from reading Saul’s story but out of my own experience. That is, I see myself in Saul. I see my own pride. I see the twisted devices of my own sinful heart. But unlike Saul I also know the Gospel, that the LORD delights in removing my sin from me as far as the east is from the west. (Ps. 103:12) Note that I did not say that the LORD removes just the penalty of my sin, while I continue to cling to the sin. No, the LORD delights in removing the sin itself. But for that to happen, I must relinquish it and nail it to the Cross of Christ. In doing so — in repentance — I find His abundant mercy. And so can you.

See also: June 2 (2022) / Psalms 53-54

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 too (I Sam. 24:10), but he does not take his friends’ advice. Instead, David demonstrates in the clearest possible terms that Saul’s fears of him are completely unfounded. (I Sam. 24:11)

In refusing to kill Saul, David exercises extraordinary practical wisdom and self-control. He also exhibits extraordinary faith and a heart for God:

• David has no real desire to kill Saul; he never has had. He does not lust for power the way Saul does.
• David realizes that killing Saul (or trying to) would validate all those claims against him. Such an action would confirm that Saul was right to fear David all along and would serve to unite opposition against David among Saul’s supporters.
• David understands that killing the king as a means of taking the throne would set a bad precedent that would jeopardize his own future position as king. He would forever have to watch his own back to protect himself from rivals, becoming just like Saul.
• Most importantly, David understands that Saul is still the LORD’s anointed, so David is thoroughly unwilling to harm him. As far as David is concerned, the LORD put Saul in place as king, and it is up to the LORD to remove him. David thus puts his whole faith and trust in the LORD to bring justice His way, but it won’t be by David’s own hand. (I Sam. 24:10-12)

Nabal, on the other hand, is not the LORD’s anointed. When Nabal refuses David’s request to feed his men in return for having provided protection for Nabal, his sheep, and his shepherds, David does not hesitate to take matters into his own hands. David orders his men to strap on their swords, and he vows (somewhat rashly, like Jephthah and Saul before him) to kill every male associated with Nabal. Fortunately, Nabal’s wife Abigail has better sense than Nabal and steps in to prevent the slaughter. She gives the requested provisions and reminds David to refocus on the LORD, saying “the LORD has restrained you from bloodguilt and from saving with your own hand.” (I Sam. 25:26) David recognizes the LORD’s hand in sending Abigail, and he realizes that fulfilling his vow would be contrary to the LORD’s direction. David thus responds in kind: “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me! Blessed be your discretion, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodguilt and from working salvation with my own hand!” (I Sam. 25:32-33)

That response is a far cry from what a lesser man than David might say: “Listen, lady, I appreciate your attempt to save your lousy husband, and I certainly appreciate your provision of food, but I am in the right here. I made a vow, and I aim to keep it, so get out of my way.” No, David takes the better path: the path of repentance, the path of mercy, and the path of trusting the LORD to settle the score His own way.

We may not face life-or-death challenges like David. Most of us (hopefully!) never seriously consider killing anybody (though the thought has probably crossed our minds a time or two). But that does not mean that we are not faced with the desire to settle scores, because we are all injured by others one way or another. Like David, we can either do things our own way or let the LORD do things His way. I think we know which path is better…

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

Romans 12:19

See also:

• June 6 (2022) / Psalm 57
• December 21 (2022) / Psalm 142

---

One more thing…

In I Samuel 24:16-22, Saul declares his remorse, confesses his sin, and says David is in the right. He appears to be humbly seeking full reconciliation. Although David accepts the statement and swears not to destroy Saul’s descendants, he wisely does not entrust himself to Saul and therefore returns to his stronghold. David trusts the LORD. That does not mean that he needs to trust Saul.

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 to kill him. He imagines that Ahimelech, the High Priest, all the other priests, and indeed the entire city of Nob are guilty of conspiring with David to overthrow the king. But his imagination is wrong.

Unfortunately, Saul’s imaginary world carries with it horrendous real-world consequences. Real-world priests are killed. The real-world city of Nob is wiped out. Real-world resources are diverted from protecting Israel and instead devoted to hunting David.

Saul is not alone, of course. We all live in imaginary worlds. We can’t help it. That’s just the way we are wired — and rightly so, for without imagination, we could never advance our knowledge: we could never learn anything; or invent anything; or develop language; or create art; or, well, use your imagination to fill in the blank! But we always need to hold our imaginations in check, to bring them back to reality, especially when our imaginations bring fear and anxiety. How much energy do we expend worrying about imagined possible futures that never actually happen? (By the way, there are an infinite number of possible futures, but only one ever materializes.) Do you really know the motives behind your co-worker’s actions? Do you really know that that other driver is an idiot? (Or maybe he’s racing to the hospital to save his child…) How much first-hand knowledge do you really have about all those things you fret about? And how much is just imagined?

The LORD God is the ultimate Reality. Yet He is the One we most often overlook in our imaginations, the Critical Factor that we ignore in all our anxieties. He certainly seems to be absent from Saul’s imaginary world. Is there room for Him in yours?

See also:

• June 1 (2022) / Psalm 52
• June 12 (2022) / Psalm 63

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 father and remaining loyal to his king without betraying his friend.

Right from the outset of today’s reading we see Jonathan honoring his father by refusing to believe that Saul would seek David’s life. (I Sam. 20:2) After the previous incident of Saul’s rash vow wherein Jonathan himself could well have been killed, this perspective is remarkable. One might expect Jonathan to quickly believe the worst of his father, but he doesn’t. He does just the opposite and honors him in accordance with the LORD’s commandment.

When Saul verbally abuses Jonathan for defending David, and then hurls his spear at him, Jonathan does not turn and conspire against his father. He does not attempt an assassination, nor does he flee with David. Instead, he sticks by his father. Even in warning David — in apparent defiance of his father — Jonathan ultimately honors Saul by preventing him from humiliating himself, either by murdering David or by being killed in the attempt. Contrary to Saul’s rantings, Jonathan is an exemplary son.

Jonathan is also an exemplary friend. Risking his own life, he protects David, knowing full well that he is also giving up his own prospects for the throne. He puts David ahead of himself. He seeks justice and pleads David’s cause. In wisdom he follows the truth and proves himself to be true.

Selflessness. Courage. Honor. Faithfulness. Humility. Loyalty. Friendship. Kindness. Wisdom. Self-control. Love. Perhaps we could learn a thing or two from Jonathan.

See also:

• June 5 (2022) / Psalm 56
• March 29 (2022) / Psalm 34:1-10
• March 30 (2022) / Psalm 34:11-22

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 to fight Saul’s enemies. But then Saul catches wind of what the ladies are singing:

“Saul has struck down his thousands,
and David his ten thousands.”

I Samuel 18:7

Hearing that David is praised more highly than himself, Saul sinks into jealousy and paranoia. He no longer sees David for who he actually is but instead through deceptive, distorted lenses: And Saul eyed David from that day on. (I Sam. 18:9)

All of this goes back to the LORD’s rejection of Saul as king and Saul’s failure to fully repent in the face of that rejection. He continues in pride as the king of Israel, forgetting Who made him king to begin with. He continues to seek the approval of others, not the approval of the LORD. He continues to seek what seems best for himself, not what is best for the nation. One sin begets another, and another, and another.

Saul could, presumably, make better choices. He could pursue a path of humility, confessing his disobedience to the LORD, falling down on his face before the people in repentance. He could fully accept God’s rejection and abdicate the throne. He could selflessly honor David for his great heroism, heedless of any comparison to himself. He could strive to build David up, rather than seeking to destroy him. He could trust in the LORD, secure in God’s goodness and love, rather than living in fear and insecurity.

But he doesn’t. He no longer has the Spirit of God upon him, and he operates in the strength of his own flesh instead.

Now the works of the flesh are evident: … enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, … and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:19-21

Having turned from the LORD, Saul exhibits the works of the flesh and is consumed by them. What a tragic figure he is! And so he remains for the rest of his life.

Let’s learn from Saul’s example. Let’s make better choices. The first such choice is to surrender to the Lord, because the Lord Himself provides the only escape from the works of the flesh:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Galatians 5:22-26

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 is hard to miss. After all “David and Goliath” is now a cliché for any conflict featuring some (usually “good”) underdog up against some much larger (and usually “evil”) opponent. And who has not heard Psalm 23? It’s quoted in movies. It’s common at funerals. It is probably the best known of all the Psalms. It is, properly, very familiar.

The danger for us in such familiarity is that we grow lazy. We think we know the stories. We think we know the characters. We think we know all there is to know, so we sit back and relax and don’t look anymore. But do we really know what we think we know? How much of what we “know” is actually biblical? And how much is Hollywood? Or how much of our understanding is shaped by what we learned from a children’s storybook, which — while probably well-intentioned — fictionalized the story, making Goliath the size of a skyscraper or David a child? Our so-called “knowledge” may thus be wildly mistaken and far from the truth. So as we read what is “familiar” we need to pay that much closer attention in order to separate fact from fiction.

So I challenge you to go back and read today’s passages one more time. Slowly. Chew on them. Notice what you notice. Do you see anything new, something you may not have noticed before? Does anything strike you as different from what you have always thought? Are you reminded of something that you may have once known, but that has faded from your memory? You may well come away not seeing anything particularly new, which is fine. Regardless, I invite you to share whatever you see — whether thoroughly familiar or surprisingly fresh — with the rest of us.

As for me, here are a few points that stand out fresh to me:

• I Sam. 16:2 — Samuel fears for his life, that Saul would kill him for anointing someone else (which says a lot about Saul).
• I Sam. 16:4-5 — The elders of Bethlehem are present when Samuel anoints David. It is not just David’s family. (Nevertheless, the anointing of David is much less public than the proclamation of Saul as king in I Sam. 10:17-24.)
• I Sam. 16:13 — After anointing David, Samuel immediately leaves (apparently, at least), giving no real explanation of his actions and no instructions for David.
• I Sam. 16:14 — A harmful spirit from the LORD tormented Saul. We can try to explain that statement away as an ill-worded explanation for mental illness, or we can accept what the Word of God actually says (as uncomfortable as that might be) and then wrestle with that truth.
• I Sam. 17:54 — Jerusalem? Huh? As far as I can tell, Jerusalem is not in the immediate neighborhood, and it is still owned and occupied by the Jebusites. So does this mean that David actually keeps Goliath’s head as a trophy for a very long time, until he eventually captures Jerusalem? (That sounds pretty nasty to me…) Is there some other explanation?

So, how about you? What strikes you this time around?

I Samuel 14-15

Saul is such a mixed bag! On the one hand, he leads Israel in battle against their enemies with a good amount of success. On the other hand, he demonstrates a lack of wisdom along with far more regard for looking good than for real obedience.

When Jonathan courageously initiates a rout of the Philistines, Saul issues a rash and foolish curse on anyone who eats before evening. Though presumably intended to motivate his troops to action (while making Saul seem “pious” in proclaiming a fast), this curse has two thoroughly negative consequences. First, it deprives his entire army of physical sustenance as they weary themselves in battle, thus severely hampering their fighting ability and limiting their victory over the Philistines. Second, the curse falls on Jonathan, who is ignorant of his father’s words, which is reminiscent of Jephthah and his daughter. We then see Saul’s self-absorption and hard-heartedness when he is willing to kill Jonathan to fulfil his vow. Fortunately, the people have better sense and intervene to rescue Jonathan.

Then Saul is even more blatantly disobedient. Given an explicit command to utterly destroy the Amalekites and all their livestock, Saul instead deliberately spares Agag, their king, and the best of the livestock, saying he intends to offer them as sacrifices. But Samuel calls him out with these famous words:

Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
as in obeying the voice of the LORD?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
and to listen than the fat of rams.
For rebellion is as the sin of divination,
and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the LORD,
he has also rejected you from being king.

I Samuel 15:22-23

To obey is better than sacrifice. Those are words we probably all need to hear — and heed. How often do we think we can out-maneuver God? How often do we think we can ignore His prompting in one way, sure that we can “make up for it” some other way, perhaps putting a little extra in the plate on Sunday? Do we indulge in debauched Carnival, thinking a little extra discipline during Lent cancels it out and purchases the Lord’s renewed favor? Do we convince ourselves that our public sacrifices, of whatever form, allow us to rebel privately? Do we engage in activities that look religious to elevate our status in the eyes of others, all the while ignoring God’s commands?

Looking good in the eyes of others is at the core of Saul’s problem, and even though he confesses that fact (I Sam. 15:24), he clings to it, seeking to be honored before the people. (I Sam. 15:30) Indeed, concern over his own reputation continues to plague Saul for the rest of his life. May we not follow suit. May we instead seek to please the LORD, not people. May we recognize that to obey is better than sacrifice.