I Samuel 18
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I Samuel 18:6-9, When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with timbrels and lyres. As they danced, they sang:
“Saul has slain his thousands,
and David his tens of thousands.”
Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?” And from that time on Saul kept a close eye on David.
Because God was with him, everything that David did was successful.
After David killed Goliath, the women (mothers, wives, and daughters) were understandably ecstatic that their loved ones stayed protected. It was Israelite custom to compose songs to describe a victorious battle. This one, which we read for our focus verses, struck a chord with Saul. He burned with jealousy. It’s almost as if he knows that David is the one selected to be king and he is bound and determined to prevent this from happening. Over the course of the chapter, he attempts to kill David and then devises a plan to ensnare David by bringing him into the royal family.
In the end, David flourishes. He evades the king’s attempts on his life. Saul’s daughter does not ensnare him, she loves him fiercely. Jonathan, Saul’s son, becomes like a brother to David.
Because God was with him, everything that David did was successful.
As followers of Jesus, we know that God is always with us. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the presence of God is all around us and in us! While this does not ensure that we will be successful in the way that David was, if we seek God’s wisdom and direction, we can be effective for the Kingdom. This may not look like worldly success but it’s so much better!
Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, We know that you are with us all the time, that your presence is in us and all around us. Help us be aware of you at work in our lives. Guide us, lead us, and direct us so that we act in wisdom and can produce fruit for your Kingdom. In Your Name, Amen.