Faith In God Rather Than Man

I Samuel 17:32-52

“And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine. 

And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. ” (I Samuel 17:32-33)

For about seven hundred fifty years, Israel had lived with God’s promise in Exodus 23:31.  “And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee.”  Repeatedly, he had given miraculous victories over their enemies, including Jonathan’s victory over the Philistines just a few years before.  David was convinced God would do it again.  If no one else was willing to try, he would go himself, just as Jonathan had done.

Like the other Israelites, Saul looked at Goliath.  Not only was he almost twice as tall as David, but he was an experienced soldier, while David was completely without experience.  There was no way David could defeat Goliath.

“And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.  Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.  David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine.” (I Samuel 17:34-37a)

While David was not experienced as a soldier, he had experience in fighting both a bear and a lion.  He understood that it was not his skill, but God’s power that had enabled him to kill both of them, and he expected the same power to protect him from Goliath.   

And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.  And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail.”(I Samuel 17:37b-38)

With no one else willing to go, Saul was left with little option but to take David’s offer.  Better to lose a teenage boy than to risk his own life.  He at least wanted to give David the best possible chance, and since he had the best armor, he gave it to David.

“And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.

 And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.” (I Samuel 17:39-40)

Saul was the biggest man in Israel.  His armor was way too large for a teenage kid, as well as being pretty heavy.  David found he could hardly walk because it was so clumsy and fit so loosely.  To try to fight using such ill fitting equipment with no experience would ensure his death.  He would be far better off to use the weapons he had and was familiar with and trust God to give the victory, so that’s what he did.

“And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him.  And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. 

And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.  And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field.” (I Samuel 17:41-44)

Goliath was insulted that they had just sent out a boy to fight him, and that the weapons he had were just what he would have used to chase away a strange dog.   There was no way he wouldn’t kill the kid.  He cussed David out for insulting him in such a way and promised to leave his body unburied so the animals could eat it.

“Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.  This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.  And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands.” (I Samuel 17:45-47)

David was aware of the difference in their approaches, and was not intimidated by the threats.  Goliath was depending on the most up to date weapons, and a superior education at using them to give the victory.  David was just coming in the power of God, recognizing it was God’s battle, and not his.  While Goliath promised to kill David, David expected to kill the entire army, and when he did so, both Philistines and Israelites would know the power of God.  They would understand that human power was relatively minor.

Too often today, we are like Goliath, depending on education and techniques to build the church or accomplish spiritual matters.  Paul stressed using David’s approach in I Corinthians 2:1-5.  “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.  For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.  And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.  And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”  I suspect the Scopes Trial would have turned out differently had they trusted God rather than the legal skills of Clarence Darrow.  Unfortunately many Christian’s faith is in the wisdom of their pastors or churches, rather than in God, because so much emphasis has been focused on techniques and programs rather than on the power of God.

“And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.  And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.  So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.  Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith.” (I Samuel 17:48-51a) 

Goliath had considered David’s sling and staff as only good for chasing away a stray dog.  Guided by God, a single stone from the sling hit an impossibly small unprotected area on his forehead and knocked him out.  Having no sword of his own, David used Goliath’s own sword to cut off his head, adding insult to injury.

“And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.  And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until thou come to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and unto Ekron.” (I Samuel 17:51b-52) 

If a single teen age boy could kill their mightiest champion with his own sword, how tough might the experienced Israelites be?  It had only been a few years before that Israel had beat them when Jonathan started the fight.  The  Philistines panicked and fled.  Israel killed as many as they could as they fled to the Philistine strongholds.

During my fifty years as a missionary kid, missionary and pastor, I have seen hundreds of men like Saul, depending on human wisdom and programs to accomplish the things of God.   Many of them have little or nothing to show for their years of work.  Only rarely have I seen guys like David, who just took God at his word and acted accordingly.  Their results are correspondingly more substantial.

Intimidated By Goliath

I Samuel 17:1-31

“Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which belongeth to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim.  And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.  And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them. 

And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.  And he had an helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass.  And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders.  And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him.” (I Samuel 17:1-7) 

The Philistines and the Israelite armies camped on the hills on either side of the valley of Elah,  Goliath went out to intimidate the Israelite army.  At about nine feet eight, he was huge compared to a people whose average height was about five eight or five ten.  Israel had chosen Saul to lead them because he was a foot taller than any of the rest was nearly three feet shorter.   Some doubt the stated size, but Guiness Book of records measured Robert Wadlow of the United States at 8’11.1” in 1940.  The current tallest man in the world is Sultan Kosen of Turkey who was measured when he was 17 in 2011.  At that time he was 8’3”, and may be taller now.  When Wadlow died of an infection at the age of 22, he was still growing.

That Goliath was tremendously strong is demonstrated by the fact that his chain mail coat weighed about a hundred twenty five pounds and his spear head weighed fifteen pounds, nearly as much as a medium sledge hammer or men’s shotput.  It was affixed to a shaft several inches in diameter.  Most people would find it difficult to throw more than a few feet.  With brass leg guards and a brass breastplate, he looked nearly invincible.

Goliath seems to have been descended from the Anakims, the giants who had terrified Israel over six hundred years before. Joshua 11:22 tells us that some had survived among the Philistines.  David and his men would later kill four more giants.

“And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me.  If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us.  And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.  When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.” (I Samuel 17:8-11)

Goliath set out to intimidate the children of Israel, defying the entire army and daring them to send their greatest warrior to fight him.  He offered that if anyone could beat him the entire Philistine army would surrender.  They were definitely intimidated by his size and confidence, and were afraid to engage in battle.

“Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul.  And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle: and the names of his three sons that went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah.  And David was the youngest: and the three eldest followed Saul.  But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father's sheep at Bethlehem.  And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days.” (I Samuel 17:12-16)

David’s father Jesse was considered an old man in Saul’s day.  Because David was the youngest of eight boys and was too young for military service, he was sent home during the fight with the Philistines, despite his official position as armor bearer to Saul.  Three of his older brothers were inducted into the army, however, and the two armies had confronted each other for forty days, although neither was willing to commit to all out war.

“And Jesse said unto David his son, Take now for thy brethren an ephah of this parched corn, and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to thy brethren; And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.

Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.  And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.  For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army.” (I Samuel 17:17-21)

In the past Israel’s soldiers had always bee responsible for their own provisions, as a volunteer army with no central government.  Jesse sent David to take provisions to his sons, and to collect their paychecks.  He also sent some cheeses to their commanding officer.  David arrived just as the two armies were preparing to engage each other.

“And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren.  And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words: and David heard them. 

And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid. And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel.” (I Samuel 17:22-25)

Just  after David arrived, Goliath renewed his challenge, confident it would not be accepted but to further intimidate them.  The Israelites were openly discussing Saul’s offer to anyone who would accept the challenge, but no one was offering to take him up on it.

“And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (I Samuel 17:26) 

David asked who Goliath thought he was that he dared to defy God and his army.  It was an insult to Israel’s God that he dared defy them in such a manner.  Notice the difference in David’s perspective and that of Saul when he said, “Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies.”

“And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him.  And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.” (I Samuel 17:27-28)

Eliab was really stung by David’s comments and accused him of just running off from his job to see the battle.   After all, no one likes to be put down or thought  coward by their little brother.

“And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? 

And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner.  And when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul: and he sent for him.” (I Samuel 17:29-31)

David wasn’t calling anyone chicken, he just thought it ridiculous that even a Giant thought he could defy God, and that by not stopping him, the Israelites were encouraging him.  After all, God had saved them from far more than one giant numerous times.  Saul heard about what David had said and called him in to see who was daring to make sjuc comments.

Playing Politics

I Samuel 18:17-30

“And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife: only be thou valiant for me, and fight the LORD'S battles. For Saul said, Let not mine hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him.” (I Samuel 18:17

When Saul was worrying about Goliath he made some campaign promises to motivate the people.  I Samuel 17:25 describes his offer.  “And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel.”

Like most politicians, as soon as he had gotten what he wanted, he began to try to use that promise as a lever to get more instead of just keeping his word.  Jealous that David might some day take the kingdom, he decided to use that promise as way to get rid of David, asking him to take on some of the most dangerous assignments.


“And David said unto Saul, Who am I? and what is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king?” (I Samuel 18:18) 

David had not fought Goliath for the rewards, but because he was concerned about Israel, and about the mockery of God.  He wasn’t seeking to advance his political career by marrying Saul’s daughter.  In fact he didn’t feel he had much to offer the King’s daughter.

“But it came to pass at the time when Merab Saul's daughter should have been given to David, that she was given unto Adriel the Meholathite to wife.  And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.  And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. 

Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in the one of the twain.” (I Samuel 18:19-21)

When the time came for Saul to keep his promise, he broke it, giving Merab to Adriel instead of David.  David and Jonathan were pals, and Saul’s younger daughter Michal had developed a crush on David.  Saul decided to use that as a way to entrap Him.

Determined to get rid of David, Saul insisted he marry one of his daughters, even offering to take Merab away from her husband if that was who he preferred.  He was not at all concerned about his daughters, or God’s command.  He was only concerned with accomplishing his goal.  Even though divorce was permitted under the Old Testament Law, the government was not authorized to grant it.  It was strictly between husband and wife.

“And Saul commanded his servants, saying, Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee: now therefore be the king's son in law.  And Saul's servants spake those words in the ears of David. 

And David said, Seemeth it to you a light thing to be a king's son in law, seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed? 

And the servants of Saul told him, saying, On this manner spake David. 

And Saul said, Thus shall ye say to David, The king desireth not any dowry, but an hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king's enemies. But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines.” (I Samuel 18:22-25) 

Having been unsuccessful in his attempt to murder David, Saul conspired with his servants to try to get David to marry one of his daughters, having them tell David he really wanted him as his son-in-law.  Rather than paying a dowry as was standard, all saul was asking was that David prove he had circumcised a hundred Philistines.  It was his version of scalping people.  He was sure that one of the Philistines would surely kill David in the process, and he wouldn‘t be blamed, especially if he set a time limit to force David to hurry.

“And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king's son in law: and the days were not expired.  Wherefore David arose and went, he and his men, and slew of the Philistines two hundred men; and David brought their foreskins, and they gave them in full tale to the king, that he might be the king's son in law.” (I Samuel 18:26-27a) 

David had no qualms about killing their enemies, and the limits Saul had set were not impossible, So David took his men and attacked the Philistines, killing two hundred of them, and taking their foreskins as proof of their death.  It was twice as many as Saul had asked for.

“And Saul gave him Michal his daughter to wife.  And Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal Saul's daughter loved him.  And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David's enemy continually.” (I Samuel 18:27b-29) 

Clearly, Saul’s plot had failed, and he would lose his credibility if he didn’t give Michal to be David’s wife, so he did keep his word and allowed them to get married.  He also became more sure that David would become the next king and more committed to trying to stop him any way he could.

“Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass, after they went forth, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by.” (I Samuel 18:30)

This last attack by David convinced the Philistines to withdraw their forces from Israel except for small raiding parties.  With the Philistine forces gone, David was free to spend more time in the public eye.  He quickly established a reputation for integrity and clear thinking that surpassed all Saul’s advisors.  He was gaining quite a reputation.  Saul’s political maneuvering backfired, strengthening David.

Preparing David To Be King

I Samuel 16:14-23

“But the spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.” (I Samuel 16:14)

In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit did not indwell the person, he just came upon them to direct and empower temporarily.  When Saul turned away from God, the Holy Spirit departed from him, leaving him open for demonic spirits.  This is what Jesus was referring to in Matthew 12:43-45 and Luke 11:24-26.

For the Christian, the Holy Spirit is the earnest, or evidence of their salvation, according to II Corinthians 1:22 and Ephesians 1:14.  He does not leave the Christian, but he will yield to our wishes, if we insist on maintaining control.  It explains why a Christian can only be influenced by demons, but not possessed.  The house is never empty, so demons can‘t take full possession, although they can mount seige and affect every decision.  Who is in control will soon be obvious.

“And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee.  Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.” (I Samuel 16:15-16)

Aware of Saul’s inability to control his attitude, his servants recommended that they seek a skilled musician to calm him down so he could think more clearly.  Today, Psychologists and Psychiatrists prescribe both calming music and various medications to accomplish the same thing.  They frequently produce temporary relief of the symptoms.

“And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me.

Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him. 

Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep.” (I Samuel 16:17-19) 

Understanding their concern for him, Saul agreed to allow them to proceed.   When David’s name was mentioned, it was stressed that he was also a brave and careful fighter and leader.  Saul had devoted his efforts to gathering such  men to his service so he had extra incentive to choose him.  He contacted Jesse to have David sent.

“And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul.  And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer.” (I Samuel 16:20-21) 

When David came, Saul made him his assistant and guard, his armor bearer, and not just his musician.  As a result, David would accompany Saul where ever he went, meeting all the leaders of Israel and learning what was happening throughout the land.  It would provide valuable training and contacts for the future king.

"And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight. 

And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.” (I Samuel 16:22-23) 

It wasn’t long before Saul decided to make David’s position permanent.  Whenever the evil attitude began to take over, David could play calming music to distract him and allow Saul to get his mind under control.  God would use Saul’s mental instability to prepare David for his future position.  It would help David to understand how important controlling his thoughts and emotions was.

David Anointed To Be King

I Samuel 16:1-13

“And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.” (I Samuel 16:1)

Saul had failed to Do what God wanted.  Instead of worrying about that, Samuel was to go anoint his successor.  God still had a plan.

“And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. 

And the LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the LORD.  And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee.” (I Samuel 16:2-3)

When Saul was selected to be king, there was enough humility to say “Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me?,” in I Samuel 9:21.  A few years later, he had become so proud of his position that Samuel believed Saul would try to kill him if he found out that God had chosen someone else.   How could Samuel avoid risking his life?

God instructed Samuel to schedule a sacrifice just as he was accustomed to do in various cities, giving Jesse and his sons a special invitation.  When he came, God would show him who to anoint as king during the course of the sacrifices.

“And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably?

And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the LORD: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice. ” (I Samuel 16:4-5) 

Samuel still exercised a lot of influence throughout Israel so when he came to Bethlehem, the leaders were concerned whether they had a serious problem.  Perhaps God was pronouncing judgment on them for something.  They were also aware of the split between Saul and Samuel. Samuel reassured them that he was only come to offer a sacrifice.  Arrangements were made for Jesse and his sons to attend the sacrifice.

“And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the Lord's anointed is before him. 

But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” (I Samuel 16:6-7)

Jesse’s oldest son just looked like a king.  Samuel immediately concluded he must be the one God wanted.  He was not the right one.  God stressed the proper king would not be determined by outward characteristics, but by the attitude of the heart.  Unfortunately, Modern pastors are often selected for educational attainments or their appearance or prestige, rather than for the attitude of their heart.

In listing the qualifications for pastors and church leaders in I Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9, Paul lists some things to look for that indicate a proper spirit or heart attitude in an individual.  If the heart attitude or spirit is not right, it doesn’t matter what other attributes the individual might have.  He is not pleasing to God.

“Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this. 

Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this. 

Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these. 

And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? 

And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. 

And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.” (I Samuel 16:8-11) 

Even by his own family, David was considered just a kid, to young to even go to the sacrifice with the men.  They left him behind to keep the sheep while they went.  It must have shocked them when Samuel stopped everything until David was brought.

“And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. 

And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.” (I Samuel 16:12)

When David arrived, he was healthy and vigorous looking, with pleasant and  attractive features.  God made it abundantly clear that this was the one he had chosen, and that Samuel was to anoint him.

“Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.” (I Samuel 16:13) 

Samuel followed God’s instructions, anointing David as king before returning home to Ramah.  David had already had a spirit or attitude of pleasing God, but from that time forward, he had God’s spirit resting on him.  Please note that it was upon him, not within him as it is with the Christian.

The Execution Of Justice

I Samuel 15:32-16:1a

“Then said Samuel, Bring ye hither to me Agag the king of the Amalekites.” (I Samuel 15:32a)

Saul and the Israelites had saved king Agag and the best of the Amalekite livestock alive, contrary to God’s command.  After informing Saul that his failure to obey was going to cost him the kingdom, Samuel demanded that Agag be brought before him.

And Agag came unto him delicately.  And Agag said, Surely the bitterness of death is past.” (I Samuel 15:32b)

The common custom was to cut a defeated king’s thumbs off and make a slave of him to show how inferior he was.  Having been defeated, Agag knew he would either be treated the same way or killed, so he came with a show of humility, hoping to avoid death.  After all, the battle was over, and perhaps they were no longer so angry.

“And Samuel said, As thy sword hath made women childless, so shall thy mother be childless among women. And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the LORD in Gilgal.” (I Samuel 15:33) 

Like many today, Agag had no concept of justice.  He thought he had just made people mad, and when they got over their anger they should just forget about what he’d done.  Justice requires that the guilty experience the same harm he did to others.  If he stole something, he not only has to give it back, but give up one of his own.  If he broke his arm, his own arm was to be broken.  Since Agag had killed others, justice required he be killed.  It is the logical extension of doing unto others as you wish them to do to you.

Samuel chopped Agag in pieces just as he had had others chopped up.  He was dispensing justice, not just taking out his anger on Agag.  There is a vast difference.

“Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house to Gibeah of Saul.  And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death: nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul: and the LORD repented that he had made Saul king over Israel.” (I Samuel 15:34-35)

Though Samuel lived several more years, he never again met with Saul to tell him what God had said.  It was obvious Saul had no interest in what God wanted.  As James 1:5-7 says, a person who will not commit to God doesn’t need to expect any direction from God.   God sent him no more messages.

Though he had opposed making Saul king, Samuel still was saddened by his actions and sin.  In I Samuel 12:23, he had said, “Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:”  Samuel was still deeply concerned about the kingdom, and about Saul personally, although there was nothing for him to do about it.

Hebrews 13:17 warns, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”  Almost any teacher can tell you how bad it hurts to watch those you have tried to teach what is right throw their lives away on drugs or alcohol or some other meaningless pursuit.  It takes away all sense of accomplishment, leaving you feeling that you wasted your time trying to show them something better.

Some teach that God will hold us accountable for the failures of those we have taught or mentored.  Scripture teaches that each man must take his own responsibility.  Galatians 6:5 declares, “For every man shall bear his own burden.”  God was not pleased that Samuel continued to fret about what Saul was doing.

“And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel?” (I Samuel 16:1a)

Saul’s actions were no longer Samuel’s concern.  He had rejected God, and God had rejected him as king.  Samuel needed to focus on what God wanted rather than on Saul’s sin.

Refusing To Take Responsibility

I Samuel 15:14-31

“And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?

And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed.” (I Samuel 15:14-15)

Dead sheep don’t bleat, and dead cows don’t low.  Clearly they had not killed all of them.  Immediately, Saul started making excuses.  It wasn’t his fault, the people brought them. I Samuel 15:9 states, “But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.”  Saul was more guilty of choosing to save them than anyone.  Had he not allowed it, none would have been spared.

He then tried to justify their failure to obey.  “We were just doing it for sacrifice to God.”  King Agag was not an acceptable sacrifice, and had they killed them where they were supposed to, it would have been an offering to God.  How many times do people try to make their disobedience appear spiritual?  For example, “We won more people to Christ because we didn’t waste any time teaching them.”

He then tried misdirection, pointing to the part they had done, “…the rest we have utterly destroyed.”  After all they had done some of the command.  Surely God ought to appreciate that.  “Look how many we got saved,” in our previous example.

Unfortunately, people don’t just do this with the Great Commission, but with every command God gives, from attending church to witnessing.

“Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on. 

And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?  And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed.  Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the LORD?” (I Samuel 15:16-19) 

God chose Saul when he was a nobody, making him king over Israel.  Then he gave him a job to do, to destroy the Amalekites completely.  Why had he decided that God’s command didn’t matter and focused on getting what he wanted instead of obeying?  Had he forgotten what God had done for him, or didn’t he care?

“And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.  But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal.” (I Samuel 15:20-21) 

Saul refused to acknowledge his own sin. “I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me.”   He makes it sound like God had told him to bring Agag, but there is no such indication in scripture.  It was just Saul’s idea.

The sin was all the people’s fault, according to Saul.  “But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal.”  He implies he had stood against them but they ignored him.    He’s not going to take the responsibility for the sin, any more than he took responsibility for impeding their victory against the Philistines.

I John I:8-10 states, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”

By his refusal to admit his sin, and blaming the people, Saul was effectively calling God a liar.  Knowing how upset I get if someone calls me a liar, I can only imagine how it offends God, who cannot lie.

“And Samuel said, Hath 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 hearken than the fat of rams.  For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” (I Samuel 15:22-23) 

God wants our obedience.  He’s not interested in our great accomplishments or religious activity.  Obedience is more pleasing than anything we could do for him.  Refusal to obey is as bad as dabbling with Satanism or other idolatry.  Being stubborn is deliberate sin.  Because Saul had counted god’s word as unimportant, even to the point of calling him a liar, and refused to repent, God has decided to remove Saul as king.

“And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.  Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD.” (I Samuel 15:24-25) 

When he learned that it was going to cost him his kingdom, Saul suddenly changed his stance, admitting he had sinned.  Notice that he still doesn’t take responsibility for his sin but blames it on the people, “because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.”  He’s trying to make it sound like a confession without admitting he was wrong.  It’s kind of like saying “I’m sorry your feelings were hurt,” instead of saying “I shouldn’t have said that.”  Saul hoped it fool Samuel into thinking he had repented and would let him continue as king.  

“And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel.” (I Samuel 15:26)

Neither God nor Samuel were fooled.  God’s decision to remove Saul was final and would not be changed.  I suspect that if he had been honest and confessed when first confronted, he would have been forgiven.

“And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle, and it rent.  And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou.  And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.” (I Samuel 15:27-29) 

Determined to force Samuel to change his mind, Saul grabbed his jacket, tearing it.  Samuel used it as an illustration that god would tear the kingdom away in much the same way, and that nothing Saul could do would change God’s mind any more.

“Then he said, I have sinned: yet honour me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD thy God.  So Samuel turned again after Saul; and Saul worshipped the LORD.” (I Samuel 15:30-31)

Saul then begged Samuel to stay with him and maintain an appearance of unity so the others did not turn away from him and so that he could worship God.  Samuel agreed to do so, and Saul thanked God.