Day 109- The Bible Recap

Today's reading is 1 Samuel 28-31, and Psalm 18. Here's what stood out to me:

The Philistines gathered to attack Israel and because David had been serving Achish, he was expected to fight alongside the Philistines. This seemed so unnatural considering not too long ago David defeated Goliath and the Philistines. But God had a purpose and a plan.

Even though Saul had banished fortune tellers from the land, when he called upon the LORD and He didn't answer, he decided to disguise himself and seek one out. 28:12 was an interesting verse to me because it seemed something was happening outside of anything the fortune teller had seen or experienced before.

Through the power of the LORD, Samuel prophesied the death of Saul and his sons. Samuel told Saul the LORD did exactly what He said He would...took the kingdom from Saul and gave it to David.

When the Philistines refused David's help because they didn't trust his intentions, he headed back to his home. Upon returning, they found the town burned down and their wives and children taken captive.

Even though he was greatly distraught, and the people wanted to stone him, 30:6 said, "but David strengthened himself in the LORD his God." He didn't panic or give up, but instead looked up! David inquired of the LORD as to whether he should pursue the raiders. Again, David didn't lead and make decisions based on his emotions, but instead sought truth from the LORD.

David recovered all the Amalekites took and then some and brought it back to the people. Some of David's men selfishly wanted to keep the spoils from the whole crew because they had stayed back, but David said all had the right to receive a portion. David was generous and considerate, not typical king like traits.

The LORD's prophesy was fulfilled in chapter 31 when Saul and his sons, including Jonathan, were killed. However, Saul, similar to Abimelech, killed himself to prevent shame or torture that might've come from the hand of the enemy.

Psalm 18 described how the LORD provided, protected and equipped David. And how He defeated Saul for him. David didn't kill Saul, out of fear or revenge, but instead waited on the LORD who was faithful to His Word and provided a way for Saul's death to come to fruition. Perhaps if David had not been on the side of the Philistines during this period, he too would have perished. So, this strange occasion provided a way for David's safety and the elimination of a very haughty Saul. David's hands were kept clean from the blood of Saul. Another reminder that the LORD's ways are higher than our ways.