Semeion

Sometimes the fulfillment of the Lord takes a while because I believe he is pruning us. it took David until the age of 30 to be king over Judah and he wasn['t king over all of Israel until he reached 37. My own patience is not equal to that of David's- depending ont he circumstance. David was anointed king a few years prior to becoming on of Judah. Perhaps praying for patience could be our weapon.

It appears Joab had revenge issues. He felt he was avenging his brother's death by killing Abner. Now blood has been spilled during a time where there should be peace(1 KIngs 2:5) and this leads David to call upon sickness on Joab's father's house. Spiritual blindness keeps us from the promise of a righteous filled life. Sure we get results when we go about it our way but the results end badly...

David remember Saul as being God's anointed. In fact, in David's lament, as recorded in the Book of Jashar, he says, "How the mighty have fallen in battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights"(2 Samuel 1:25) David considers Saul as a mighty warrior of God and "in life they were loved and gracious"(v.23). However, the Chronicler sees things as they happened in Saul's life. God sees Saul just as he was---disobedient: "Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the Lord"(1 Chronicles 10: 13-14a) Essentially, the Lord put Saul to death.

When the men were talking about stoning David, David found strength in the Lord and reminded himself of what God can do, has done and what He is as described in the psalms. In particular, Psalms 18:6, 56:1-4, 62:1-2

I have taken some time writing my responses because these chapters do require a little thought, even though the bible is right before me. So, perhaps David's conquests in war and his killings have brought destruction upon Ziklag-in other words, they know who David is. This is an explosive moment because both David's wives: Jezreel and Abigail have been captured as well. David was distressed but found stength in the Lord.

When a person consults the dead it goes against total reliance on God. Matthew 8:22 says "Let the dead bury their dead". Christians should repent if they opened themselves to any type of occult practice.

From 1 Samuel 25 , we learn that David never went into traps hastily, ( v. 5) but he is human and got angrily immediately ar Nabal for not offering provisions. Abigail was humble and served David and his troops and he saw the brashness of his decision to sling a sword on Nabal. I think this story was included to show the hearts of Abigail, David, and Nabal and that letting God handle our battles show restraint and wisdom.

Many churches apply the idea of love, forgiveness, reconiciliation- however, things like disputes and gossip can be handled. For intance, 1 Timothy 5:17-20 elders who direct the affairs of the church, who teach and preach should be doubly honored and if there are disputes about their character, we are to make sure we have witnesses. Luke 12:48" To whom much is given, much is required" so leaders need to stay in prayer plenty. On a personal note, me and my husband have been slandered online and God does not like when that happens to his anointed, (Numbers 35:33-34). In that case we need to be reminded of Psalm 51:14, "Save me from bloodguilt, Oh God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness"

David does not lay a hand on Saul because he has a conscious and Saul is still one of the Lord's anointed. Concerning his band, David must have extraordinary leadership qualities in order to have built trust in his men to obey him in not harming the king.

Q4. (Psalms 18, 34, 54, 56, 58, 59, 142) In these ascriptions to these psalms, how many celebrate happy occasions? How many arise from struggles? What does this tell you about David’s relationship with God? What does this tell you about his faith during trials? Which is your favorite among these psalms? Why? David praised the Lord no matter what he was going through. At least four of the seven psalms were ones of thanksgiving and praise while the others were more prayers for vengeance on the wicked. This shows that David had faith in the Lord amidst his whirlwind of troubles. He had a true relationship with God. My favorite psalm is Psalm 59 and I like this because I have seen the favor of the Lord before and how those oppposing me would be so cruel, but God fought those battles for me.

Jonathan visits David in the wilderness to "help him find strength in God"(v.16). There are risks though: Saul could kill them both. I am quite sure David needed this source of strength. I can't say the same for myself as far as having a true friend pray for me and be there for me, besides my husband of course. Friends have come through for me only after I called for help or pleaded with them...and other times not at all.

Jonathan visits David in the wilderness to "help him find strength in God"(v.16). There are risks though: Saul could kill them both. I am quite sure David needed this source of strength. I can't say the same for myself as far as having a true friend pray for me and be there for me, besides my husband of course. Friends have come through for me only after I called for help or pleaded with them...and other times not at all.

Abiathar and the ephod represents the promise and the power of the Lord that was with David when he first slew Goliath. I am unsure as to the complete history of the ephod(and will study), but as is germane to this text its a symbol of David's and priests' faith in the Lord. David was in a jam, so he had to inquire of the Lord because his men had fear of going to Keilah. The advantage of a person inquiring of the Lord first, is that the Lord can open doors for you and you will have strenghened your faith. Finding God's will however seems more daunting than in David's day. I suppose I feel that God's "voice" isn't clearly heard- or could it be the day to day busyness going on that impedes our hearing of the Lord in our hearts? To hear God or to find the right words, I rely on Psalms by David or Proverbs by Solomon and other writers.

Abiathar and the ephod represents the promise and the power of the Lord that was with David when he first slew Goliath. I am unsure as to the complete history of the ephod(and will study), but as is germane to this text its a symbol of David's and priests' faith in the Lord. David was in a jam, so he had to inquire of the Lord because his men had fear of going to Keilah. The advantage of a person inquiring of the Lord first, is that the Lord can open doors for you and you will have strenghened your faith. Finding God's will however seems more daunting than in David's day. I suppose I feel that God's "voice" isn't clearly heard- or could it be the day to day busyness going on that impedes our hearing of the Lord in our hearts? To hear God or to find the right words, I rely on Psalms by David or Proverbs by Solomon and other writers.

David's men were attrracted to him because they have heard of him and his triumphs. He was certainly a man of God. People with problems such as owing debt and those with prices on their heads needed a leader. Many of these people were his own family! Some difficulties David may have had with them would include stealing, depression, and maybe some unresolved hurts.

David and Jonathan's covenant was one of friendship. In chapter 18 of 1 Samuel, David received a tunic, sword, bow and belt from Jonathan. Jonathan. In the new covenant in chapter 20 makes a covenant and says David's enemies will be called into account. Jonathan himself had David reaffirm the love they have for one another. As a side note: There seems to be confusion as to what "kind" of love David and Jonathan has and each side has good points. And since I am no "trained" scholar, I'd just like to say that the Word itself can not contradict itself on certain events and morality codes. Sure, the bible is really ancient and some things get lost in translation, but the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the same today, yeserday, and forevermore so I can not in my heart of hearts believe on faith that David and Jonathan had a homosexual relationship. On the flipside of things though, their behavior may appear "feminine" or "too close" in today's social structures. Back to the question: Who benefits from this covenant? Both. Their friendship and trust in each other is stronger because of this covenant. The significance of God's witness to this covenant because it is the Lord who is overseer of their kinship. He is faithful.

Even Saul still believes in the power of the Lord but will continue to pursue David because David has a Spirit on him also. When I think of the Holy Spirit, I am reminded of Romans 8:26-" The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself will intercede for us..." So when the Holy Spirit falls it speaks truths. The relationship between this and Acts 2 regarding the Holy Spirit, is that the "tongues of fire came and settled on each"(Acts 2:3) and many began speak in their own language- but the shining factor is that God had visited each and every one.

It's hard to say since Michal seems to be the one who was in love with David. Mention of him falling for her is not there in the scripture. However, my gut tells me David married Michal out of pride for his military prowess. I notice how in 1 Samuel 18:26-27, David was pleased to become Saul's son in law only after Saul named his price for having Michal.

Saul sends David into battle, more so for his own sanity. From the few verses available in 1Sam. 18:13-16, it appears Saul just wanted him gone. When I go back further in the readings I see that perhaps he wanted to test David, watch him fail or perish. The result us that David, being a warrior of God, had great success leading the thousands of men Saul put him in charge over. David gives all praises to God for his successes.

Q3. (1 Samuel 17:47) Why do we so often forget that “the battle is the Lord’s”? What does that phrase actually mean? How can we avoid the arrogance of pulling God into our battles (“God is on my side”), rather than engaging in His battles (“I am on God’s side”)? This question is the mirror of all that I have experienced recently. I have said unto the skies many time: "Where are you Lord? This battle is too much bear!" and I would receive no answer(or so I thought) and would begin to try with my own hands and still fail. It is a tough journey for Believers. The phrase could actually mean, let Him handle it. In other words once you have called on the Lord in prayer, you have to cast your cares on Him. this means one of two things: 1) he will gently lead you into appropriate steps as He works things out, or 2) step back. We can avoid the arrogance od pulling God into our battles by remembering Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."

David has an unshakable faith. Taking own lions and bears will do that. This means David is a lethal warrior: He doesn't look like a warrior so this will catch the giant off guard. Saul allows David to go fight because he see the Spirit of God on this young boy and he want to see for himself, despite the risks. The source of Saul's faith could be David's faith in the same Yahweh.

Yes. This is clearly why some families are broken as well. When one fully puts their trust in the Lord, others will see that and have a spiritual jealousy, instead of encouraging the person.

Q1. (1 Samuel 17:26-30) Why is David so upset about Goliath’s taunt? Why is Eliab, David’s brother, so upset with David? What does this teach us about David’s faith? What does it teach us about Eliab’s character? David appears to be upset about Goliath's taunt because part of that taunt is mocking God and what he can do. Goliath is ranting, but this clearly bothers David. However, not as much as David's presence bother's his older brother Eliab. In a previous chapter, Eliab was the brother who "appeared" to be the one God would anoint, but it was clearly David and now we woud see why. Eliab is upset with David because while the Israelites are quaking in their boots about Goliath, here comes David inquiring about the war when he should be tending sheep. Eliab tells David, "Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the desert? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle." (17:28). This is clearly a sign of jealousy on Eliab's part. In a way the wickedness in him see David's true potential. This is important because it teaches us that David had total reliance on what the Lord can do. he knew he was young, ruddy, and tend flocks- but his strength is found in the Lord. This section of 1 Samuel is so encouraging to me because I have a tendency to rely on my own strength and wonder why much in my life would crumble. When God's power is in the mix, I can slay many Goliath's in my iife.

A call of disobedience is a reminder to us all. It reminds us that God sees all, and knows all. His Word is judgment alone, and it will "cut" and judge the person. The Word is described as more powerful than a dagger(a double edged sword). It has the ability to expose us to our own hidden motives and we need that exposing to remind us who we were/are in Christ. For most of us, it is a hard and ugly thing to do. It's like staring at a mirror and seeing all our innards exposed and seeing its grotesqueness and not liking it one bit. But once it is exposed, we can see what is ailing us, and where our hearts lie.

I believe that the writer means "spiritual rest" as a rest with the Eternal God. It could also mean(based off of my understanding of scripture , I hope this is accurate) that perhaps rest means to enter a quiet, cease movement of time. The writer urges and pushes us to enter into this rest so as to avoid disobedience. Apostasy means a complete separation from the Living God. One's soul is tugged apart from Him. Whereas sin is something that befalls most Christians and can be waived by God if one has repented. Apostasy, means you have no belief in the Lord, your heart is hardened against Him.