1 Samuel 25

1 Samuel 25:1

Samuel Comes to Bethlehem

Samuel follows the LORD’s command and goes to Bethlehem. When he appears there so unexpectedly, the elders become afraid. This indicates that the people were unpleasantly surprised with his arrival (cf. Matthew 2:1-3). Their reaction seems to indicate that things are not right. Why else should they be so afraid at the coming of the man of God?

We naturally love the government of the flesh – of which Saul is the type – because it gives us a deceptive rest. As soon as something of God’s Spirit comes, it becomes restless and we become afraid. It is with it as with the appearance of Paul in Corinth, through his letter. His letter also reveals that many things are not right. He even threatens to come with the rod (1 Corinthians 4:21).

1 Samuel 25:2

The Sons of Jesse

The coming of Samuel is in peace, for he comes with a peace offering, and his goal is to anoint David. The offering is for the LORD, and the meal is for Jesse and his sons. To be able to participate in it, consecration is necessary. They need to clean their clothes and themselves. This is what Samuel commands. He takes up the consecration himself. By this act he sets them apart from all the other people of Bethlehem to keep the sacrificial meal with them.

Jesse lets his sons come in one by one. He starts with the oldest and tallest. When Samuel sees him, he is clearly impressed by this appearance (cf. 1 Samuel 10:24). We see here that even prophets who speak under Divine guidance are as subject to mistakes as other people. We see that also with Nathan (2 Samuel 7:2-5). Here we see that Samuel is in fact looking for a second Saul.

Eliab’s tall stature is reminiscent of Saul. Our natural hearts are quickly impressed by what we see. We must learn that God has never chosen the first born after the flesh. On the contrary, it is precisely they who are under the judgment of death. He chose not Cain, but Abel, not Ishmael, but Isaac, not Esau, but Jacob.

God tells Samuel how He looks at people. It is not about the appearance, but about the heart. This lesson is difficult for us to learn, but it is necessary. The Lord sees the heart that He also knows completely (Jeremiah 17:10; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Psalms 7:9; Jeremiah 11:20; Jeremiah 20:12).

After the teaching about how God looks at people, the next sons of Jesse pass Samuel by. Every time the LORD says that He has not chosen him. Samuel can happily intercept the voice of the LORD of his own preference. The first Saul has failed. Every next Saul will also fail. We need a man after a completely different model. Even Samuel has yet to learn that. God sees the heart. He knows the heart of David, which is a heart like His own.

So seven sons pass by. In the number seven we see how the complete glory of what man is passes by to make way for the eighth. The number eight speaks of a new beginning. [Here we read that Jesse has eight sons, however in the genealogy in 1 Chronicles 2 only seven are mentioned (1 Chronicles 2:13-15).]

1 Samuel 25:3

The Sons of Jesse

The coming of Samuel is in peace, for he comes with a peace offering, and his goal is to anoint David. The offering is for the LORD, and the meal is for Jesse and his sons. To be able to participate in it, consecration is necessary. They need to clean their clothes and themselves. This is what Samuel commands. He takes up the consecration himself. By this act he sets them apart from all the other people of Bethlehem to keep the sacrificial meal with them.

Jesse lets his sons come in one by one. He starts with the oldest and tallest. When Samuel sees him, he is clearly impressed by this appearance (cf. 1 Samuel 10:24). We see here that even prophets who speak under Divine guidance are as subject to mistakes as other people. We see that also with Nathan (2 Samuel 7:2-5). Here we see that Samuel is in fact looking for a second Saul.

Eliab’s tall stature is reminiscent of Saul. Our natural hearts are quickly impressed by what we see. We must learn that God has never chosen the first born after the flesh. On the contrary, it is precisely they who are under the judgment of death. He chose not Cain, but Abel, not Ishmael, but Isaac, not Esau, but Jacob.

God tells Samuel how He looks at people. It is not about the appearance, but about the heart. This lesson is difficult for us to learn, but it is necessary. The Lord sees the heart that He also knows completely (Jeremiah 17:10; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Psalms 7:9; Jeremiah 11:20; Jeremiah 20:12).

After the teaching about how God looks at people, the next sons of Jesse pass Samuel by. Every time the LORD says that He has not chosen him. Samuel can happily intercept the voice of the LORD of his own preference. The first Saul has failed. Every next Saul will also fail. We need a man after a completely different model. Even Samuel has yet to learn that. God sees the heart. He knows the heart of David, which is a heart like His own.

So seven sons pass by. In the number seven we see how the complete glory of what man is passes by to make way for the eighth. The number eight speaks of a new beginning. [Here we read that Jesse has eight sons, however in the genealogy in 1 Chronicles 2 only seven are mentioned (1 Chronicles 2:13-15).]

1 Samuel 25:4

The Sons of Jesse

The coming of Samuel is in peace, for he comes with a peace offering, and his goal is to anoint David. The offering is for the LORD, and the meal is for Jesse and his sons. To be able to participate in it, consecration is necessary. They need to clean their clothes and themselves. This is what Samuel commands. He takes up the consecration himself. By this act he sets them apart from all the other people of Bethlehem to keep the sacrificial meal with them.

Jesse lets his sons come in one by one. He starts with the oldest and tallest. When Samuel sees him, he is clearly impressed by this appearance (cf. 1 Samuel 10:24). We see here that even prophets who speak under Divine guidance are as subject to mistakes as other people. We see that also with Nathan (2 Samuel 7:2-5). Here we see that Samuel is in fact looking for a second Saul.

Eliab’s tall stature is reminiscent of Saul. Our natural hearts are quickly impressed by what we see. We must learn that God has never chosen the first born after the flesh. On the contrary, it is precisely they who are under the judgment of death. He chose not Cain, but Abel, not Ishmael, but Isaac, not Esau, but Jacob.

God tells Samuel how He looks at people. It is not about the appearance, but about the heart. This lesson is difficult for us to learn, but it is necessary. The Lord sees the heart that He also knows completely (Jeremiah 17:10; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Psalms 7:9; Jeremiah 11:20; Jeremiah 20:12).

After the teaching about how God looks at people, the next sons of Jesse pass Samuel by. Every time the LORD says that He has not chosen him. Samuel can happily intercept the voice of the LORD of his own preference. The first Saul has failed. Every next Saul will also fail. We need a man after a completely different model. Even Samuel has yet to learn that. God sees the heart. He knows the heart of David, which is a heart like His own.

So seven sons pass by. In the number seven we see how the complete glory of what man is passes by to make way for the eighth. The number eight speaks of a new beginning. [Here we read that Jesse has eight sons, however in the genealogy in 1 Chronicles 2 only seven are mentioned (1 Chronicles 2:13-15).]

1 Samuel 25:5

The Sons of Jesse

The coming of Samuel is in peace, for he comes with a peace offering, and his goal is to anoint David. The offering is for the LORD, and the meal is for Jesse and his sons. To be able to participate in it, consecration is necessary. They need to clean their clothes and themselves. This is what Samuel commands. He takes up the consecration himself. By this act he sets them apart from all the other people of Bethlehem to keep the sacrificial meal with them.

Jesse lets his sons come in one by one. He starts with the oldest and tallest. When Samuel sees him, he is clearly impressed by this appearance (cf. 1 Samuel 10:24). We see here that even prophets who speak under Divine guidance are as subject to mistakes as other people. We see that also with Nathan (2 Samuel 7:2-5). Here we see that Samuel is in fact looking for a second Saul.

Eliab’s tall stature is reminiscent of Saul. Our natural hearts are quickly impressed by what we see. We must learn that God has never chosen the first born after the flesh. On the contrary, it is precisely they who are under the judgment of death. He chose not Cain, but Abel, not Ishmael, but Isaac, not Esau, but Jacob.

God tells Samuel how He looks at people. It is not about the appearance, but about the heart. This lesson is difficult for us to learn, but it is necessary. The Lord sees the heart that He also knows completely (Jeremiah 17:10; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Psalms 7:9; Jeremiah 11:20; Jeremiah 20:12).

After the teaching about how God looks at people, the next sons of Jesse pass Samuel by. Every time the LORD says that He has not chosen him. Samuel can happily intercept the voice of the LORD of his own preference. The first Saul has failed. Every next Saul will also fail. We need a man after a completely different model. Even Samuel has yet to learn that. God sees the heart. He knows the heart of David, which is a heart like His own.

So seven sons pass by. In the number seven we see how the complete glory of what man is passes by to make way for the eighth. The number eight speaks of a new beginning. [Here we read that Jesse has eight sons, however in the genealogy in 1 Chronicles 2 only seven are mentioned (1 Chronicles 2:13-15).]

1 Samuel 25:6

The Sons of Jesse

The coming of Samuel is in peace, for he comes with a peace offering, and his goal is to anoint David. The offering is for the LORD, and the meal is for Jesse and his sons. To be able to participate in it, consecration is necessary. They need to clean their clothes and themselves. This is what Samuel commands. He takes up the consecration himself. By this act he sets them apart from all the other people of Bethlehem to keep the sacrificial meal with them.

Jesse lets his sons come in one by one. He starts with the oldest and tallest. When Samuel sees him, he is clearly impressed by this appearance (cf. 1 Samuel 10:24). We see here that even prophets who speak under Divine guidance are as subject to mistakes as other people. We see that also with Nathan (2 Samuel 7:2-5). Here we see that Samuel is in fact looking for a second Saul.

Eliab’s tall stature is reminiscent of Saul. Our natural hearts are quickly impressed by what we see. We must learn that God has never chosen the first born after the flesh. On the contrary, it is precisely they who are under the judgment of death. He chose not Cain, but Abel, not Ishmael, but Isaac, not Esau, but Jacob.

God tells Samuel how He looks at people. It is not about the appearance, but about the heart. This lesson is difficult for us to learn, but it is necessary. The Lord sees the heart that He also knows completely (Jeremiah 17:10; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Psalms 7:9; Jeremiah 11:20; Jeremiah 20:12).

After the teaching about how God looks at people, the next sons of Jesse pass Samuel by. Every time the LORD says that He has not chosen him. Samuel can happily intercept the voice of the LORD of his own preference. The first Saul has failed. Every next Saul will also fail. We need a man after a completely different model. Even Samuel has yet to learn that. God sees the heart. He knows the heart of David, which is a heart like His own.

So seven sons pass by. In the number seven we see how the complete glory of what man is passes by to make way for the eighth. The number eight speaks of a new beginning. [Here we read that Jesse has eight sons, however in the genealogy in 1 Chronicles 2 only seven are mentioned (1 Chronicles 2:13-15).]

1 Samuel 25:7

The Sons of Jesse

The coming of Samuel is in peace, for he comes with a peace offering, and his goal is to anoint David. The offering is for the LORD, and the meal is for Jesse and his sons. To be able to participate in it, consecration is necessary. They need to clean their clothes and themselves. This is what Samuel commands. He takes up the consecration himself. By this act he sets them apart from all the other people of Bethlehem to keep the sacrificial meal with them.

Jesse lets his sons come in one by one. He starts with the oldest and tallest. When Samuel sees him, he is clearly impressed by this appearance (cf. 1 Samuel 10:24). We see here that even prophets who speak under Divine guidance are as subject to mistakes as other people. We see that also with Nathan (2 Samuel 7:2-5). Here we see that Samuel is in fact looking for a second Saul.

Eliab’s tall stature is reminiscent of Saul. Our natural hearts are quickly impressed by what we see. We must learn that God has never chosen the first born after the flesh. On the contrary, it is precisely they who are under the judgment of death. He chose not Cain, but Abel, not Ishmael, but Isaac, not Esau, but Jacob.

God tells Samuel how He looks at people. It is not about the appearance, but about the heart. This lesson is difficult for us to learn, but it is necessary. The Lord sees the heart that He also knows completely (Jeremiah 17:10; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Psalms 7:9; Jeremiah 11:20; Jeremiah 20:12).

After the teaching about how God looks at people, the next sons of Jesse pass Samuel by. Every time the LORD says that He has not chosen him. Samuel can happily intercept the voice of the LORD of his own preference. The first Saul has failed. Every next Saul will also fail. We need a man after a completely different model. Even Samuel has yet to learn that. God sees the heart. He knows the heart of David, which is a heart like His own.

So seven sons pass by. In the number seven we see how the complete glory of what man is passes by to make way for the eighth. The number eight speaks of a new beginning. [Here we read that Jesse has eight sons, however in the genealogy in 1 Chronicles 2 only seven are mentioned (1 Chronicles 2:13-15).]

1 Samuel 25:8

David Anointed

When all the sons have passed by Samuel, he must say that the LORD has not chosen any of them. Then he asks Jesse if these are all the children. Jesse answers that there is another son, the youngest. He did not think of him. None of the seven brothers has thought of him either. They all forgot him. Jesse does not even mention the name of his son, David, but speaks of him as “the youngest”. It is clear that David is not the choice of men. Thus the Lord Jesus was passed by, people forgot Him, and did not pay attention to Him. “For not even His brothers were believing in Him” (John 7:5).

Jesse says what David is doing at that moment: “Behold, he is tending the sheep.” In faithfulness he takes care of the few sheep of his father. Samuel gives the order to get David. The way in which Samuel’s first meeting with David takes place is very different from Samuel’s first meeting with Saul. David is with the sheep, while Saul was looking for lost asses that he also did not yet find. David is literally taken from behind the sheep to become king (Psalms 78:70).

Jesse obeys and sends for David. That indeed must be, because without David there will be no meal. He is the main character. When he enters, he comes as it were from nowhere. His name is not even mentioned. However, his beauty is being described. The beauty of David is different from that of Saul. He resembles the Lord Jesus (Song of Solomon 5:10a). He is ruddy, reddish, something special in Israel. He also has beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. This is where his moral characteristics come to expression. His eyes point to his insight which is shaped through his relationship with God. His appearance relates to his behavior, his actions, in which he is also led by God. Samuel must anoint him.

David is anointed in the midst of his brothers. Saul is anointed when he is all alone. David is anointed twice more after this: over the house of Judah (2 Samuel 2:4), and over Israel (2 Samuel 5:3). Here, as the Lord Jesus is anointed at His baptism, he takes His place amid the remnant. In Psalms 89 we see the connection between election or choosing and anointing in words which in their fullness apply to the Lord Jesus (Psalms 89:19-20; cf. Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18-21; Psalms 45:7-8; Hebrews 1:8-9).

We too are anointed with the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:21; 1 John 2:20; 27). We have not only received the Holy Spirit in us by faith, but there is also talk of the Holy Spirit Who is upon us. This is especially the case when it comes to do a service for God. There is a direct link between anointing and service. In this context, the Lord Jesus speaks of being “clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).

At the anointing of Saul Samuel spoke a few words (1 Samuel 10:1). At the anointing of David, he says nothing, at least not something that is recorded. That is not to say that David did not know the meaning of his anointing. The emphasis is on the fact of anointing.

The true king is anointed now. But it pleases God that the way of his ascending the throne will be as special as his election as king. Who has ever gone such a way to the throne after being anointed, except the Lord Jesus, of Whom David is a picture in so many ways? David is made fit for government, while at the same time the people are made manifest in their wickedness. God uses this wickedness to prepare His chosen vessel for the throne. Through it He teaches David to trust in Him alone. David is probably around twenty years old here. He is thirty when Saul dies. So he suffered from Saul during about ten years.

When Samuel has anointed David, he returns to Ramah. After this we read of him only twice more (1 Samuel 19:18; 1 Samuel 25:1). He retreats to Ramah to die there in peace, as it were. In David his eyes have seen, so to speak, the LORD’s salvation (cf. Luke 2:27b-30), in whom the scepter came into the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10).

1 Samuel 25:9

David Anointed

When all the sons have passed by Samuel, he must say that the LORD has not chosen any of them. Then he asks Jesse if these are all the children. Jesse answers that there is another son, the youngest. He did not think of him. None of the seven brothers has thought of him either. They all forgot him. Jesse does not even mention the name of his son, David, but speaks of him as “the youngest”. It is clear that David is not the choice of men. Thus the Lord Jesus was passed by, people forgot Him, and did not pay attention to Him. “For not even His brothers were believing in Him” (John 7:5).

Jesse says what David is doing at that moment: “Behold, he is tending the sheep.” In faithfulness he takes care of the few sheep of his father. Samuel gives the order to get David. The way in which Samuel’s first meeting with David takes place is very different from Samuel’s first meeting with Saul. David is with the sheep, while Saul was looking for lost asses that he also did not yet find. David is literally taken from behind the sheep to become king (Psalms 78:70).

Jesse obeys and sends for David. That indeed must be, because without David there will be no meal. He is the main character. When he enters, he comes as it were from nowhere. His name is not even mentioned. However, his beauty is being described. The beauty of David is different from that of Saul. He resembles the Lord Jesus (Song of Solomon 5:10a). He is ruddy, reddish, something special in Israel. He also has beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. This is where his moral characteristics come to expression. His eyes point to his insight which is shaped through his relationship with God. His appearance relates to his behavior, his actions, in which he is also led by God. Samuel must anoint him.

David is anointed in the midst of his brothers. Saul is anointed when he is all alone. David is anointed twice more after this: over the house of Judah (2 Samuel 2:4), and over Israel (2 Samuel 5:3). Here, as the Lord Jesus is anointed at His baptism, he takes His place amid the remnant. In Psalms 89 we see the connection between election or choosing and anointing in words which in their fullness apply to the Lord Jesus (Psalms 89:19-20; cf. Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18-21; Psalms 45:7-8; Hebrews 1:8-9).

We too are anointed with the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:21; 1 John 2:20; 27). We have not only received the Holy Spirit in us by faith, but there is also talk of the Holy Spirit Who is upon us. This is especially the case when it comes to do a service for God. There is a direct link between anointing and service. In this context, the Lord Jesus speaks of being “clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).

At the anointing of Saul Samuel spoke a few words (1 Samuel 10:1). At the anointing of David, he says nothing, at least not something that is recorded. That is not to say that David did not know the meaning of his anointing. The emphasis is on the fact of anointing.

The true king is anointed now. But it pleases God that the way of his ascending the throne will be as special as his election as king. Who has ever gone such a way to the throne after being anointed, except the Lord Jesus, of Whom David is a picture in so many ways? David is made fit for government, while at the same time the people are made manifest in their wickedness. God uses this wickedness to prepare His chosen vessel for the throne. Through it He teaches David to trust in Him alone. David is probably around twenty years old here. He is thirty when Saul dies. So he suffered from Saul during about ten years.

When Samuel has anointed David, he returns to Ramah. After this we read of him only twice more (1 Samuel 19:18; 1 Samuel 25:1). He retreats to Ramah to die there in peace, as it were. In David his eyes have seen, so to speak, the LORD’s salvation (cf. Luke 2:27b-30), in whom the scepter came into the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10).

1 Samuel 25:10

David Anointed

When all the sons have passed by Samuel, he must say that the LORD has not chosen any of them. Then he asks Jesse if these are all the children. Jesse answers that there is another son, the youngest. He did not think of him. None of the seven brothers has thought of him either. They all forgot him. Jesse does not even mention the name of his son, David, but speaks of him as “the youngest”. It is clear that David is not the choice of men. Thus the Lord Jesus was passed by, people forgot Him, and did not pay attention to Him. “For not even His brothers were believing in Him” (John 7:5).

Jesse says what David is doing at that moment: “Behold, he is tending the sheep.” In faithfulness he takes care of the few sheep of his father. Samuel gives the order to get David. The way in which Samuel’s first meeting with David takes place is very different from Samuel’s first meeting with Saul. David is with the sheep, while Saul was looking for lost asses that he also did not yet find. David is literally taken from behind the sheep to become king (Psalms 78:70).

Jesse obeys and sends for David. That indeed must be, because without David there will be no meal. He is the main character. When he enters, he comes as it were from nowhere. His name is not even mentioned. However, his beauty is being described. The beauty of David is different from that of Saul. He resembles the Lord Jesus (Song of Solomon 5:10a). He is ruddy, reddish, something special in Israel. He also has beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. This is where his moral characteristics come to expression. His eyes point to his insight which is shaped through his relationship with God. His appearance relates to his behavior, his actions, in which he is also led by God. Samuel must anoint him.

David is anointed in the midst of his brothers. Saul is anointed when he is all alone. David is anointed twice more after this: over the house of Judah (2 Samuel 2:4), and over Israel (2 Samuel 5:3). Here, as the Lord Jesus is anointed at His baptism, he takes His place amid the remnant. In Psalms 89 we see the connection between election or choosing and anointing in words which in their fullness apply to the Lord Jesus (Psalms 89:19-20; cf. Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18-21; Psalms 45:7-8; Hebrews 1:8-9).

We too are anointed with the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:21; 1 John 2:20; 27). We have not only received the Holy Spirit in us by faith, but there is also talk of the Holy Spirit Who is upon us. This is especially the case when it comes to do a service for God. There is a direct link between anointing and service. In this context, the Lord Jesus speaks of being “clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).

At the anointing of Saul Samuel spoke a few words (1 Samuel 10:1). At the anointing of David, he says nothing, at least not something that is recorded. That is not to say that David did not know the meaning of his anointing. The emphasis is on the fact of anointing.

The true king is anointed now. But it pleases God that the way of his ascending the throne will be as special as his election as king. Who has ever gone such a way to the throne after being anointed, except the Lord Jesus, of Whom David is a picture in so many ways? David is made fit for government, while at the same time the people are made manifest in their wickedness. God uses this wickedness to prepare His chosen vessel for the throne. Through it He teaches David to trust in Him alone. David is probably around twenty years old here. He is thirty when Saul dies. So he suffered from Saul during about ten years.

When Samuel has anointed David, he returns to Ramah. After this we read of him only twice more (1 Samuel 19:18; 1 Samuel 25:1). He retreats to Ramah to die there in peace, as it were. In David his eyes have seen, so to speak, the LORD’s salvation (cf. Luke 2:27b-30), in whom the scepter came into the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10).

1 Samuel 25:11

An Evil Spirit Terrorizes Saul

While the Spirit rests upon David from the anointing, He departs from Saul. When the Spirit of the LORD departs from Saul and an evil spirit of the LORD terrorizes him, it does not mean that Saul is a believer first and then no longer. Saul has not been a believer. Nor is it about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Saul is the anointed king, and as such God has been with him. Because Saul rejected God, God withdraws from him.

In the empty place comes an evil spirit, for what God does not fill, the devil fills. In contrast to His spirit, God sends an evil spirit which, like all evil spirits, is also subject only to God and is used by Him to achieve His purpose. Satan is always limited in his actions and can only act within the limits set by God (Job 1:12; Job 2:6).

It goes with Saul just like once with Pharaoh. Saul has so often rejected God that now the time comes when God cannot help him any further. No doubt the evil spirit will have given him the feeling that he has been abandoned by God and no longer has His approval. An evil spirit processes spiritual suffering and brings extreme despair and finally suicide. He makes a person incapable to perform his normal activities because he only makes him busy with himself.

Saul’s servants see that it is an evil spirit coming from God. They have compassion with him and suggest a solution. The means his servants recommend to him for enlightenment is music. It would have been much better if they had advised him to go to God with sincere repentance. They could also have suggested asking Samuel to come and pray for him and plead with God for him. Then he would not only have had enlightenment for the moment, but the good spirit of God would have returned to him.

But their goal is to make him happy and thus heal him. Through such gods many, whose conscience is convinced and startled of sin, are led to destruction. Their suggestion is a method whereby all the worries of the soul are smothered in the pleasures of the feelings. The servants of Saul would not have been wrong to present music as an aid to cheer up his spirit, if they had also sent for the prophet to give Saul good advice.

What is positive is that they have not suggested to ask a sorceress or soothsayer to cast out the evil spirit by incantations. Such an ungodly practice we find with those who adorn themselves with the name Christian, but in their distress have consulted the devil, with whom they have resorted to hell. It will be nothing less than a miracle of Divine grace if those who surrender in this way to satan are ever delivered from his power.

1 Samuel 25:12

An Evil Spirit Terrorizes Saul

While the Spirit rests upon David from the anointing, He departs from Saul. When the Spirit of the LORD departs from Saul and an evil spirit of the LORD terrorizes him, it does not mean that Saul is a believer first and then no longer. Saul has not been a believer. Nor is it about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Saul is the anointed king, and as such God has been with him. Because Saul rejected God, God withdraws from him.

In the empty place comes an evil spirit, for what God does not fill, the devil fills. In contrast to His spirit, God sends an evil spirit which, like all evil spirits, is also subject only to God and is used by Him to achieve His purpose. Satan is always limited in his actions and can only act within the limits set by God (Job 1:12; Job 2:6).

It goes with Saul just like once with Pharaoh. Saul has so often rejected God that now the time comes when God cannot help him any further. No doubt the evil spirit will have given him the feeling that he has been abandoned by God and no longer has His approval. An evil spirit processes spiritual suffering and brings extreme despair and finally suicide. He makes a person incapable to perform his normal activities because he only makes him busy with himself.

Saul’s servants see that it is an evil spirit coming from God. They have compassion with him and suggest a solution. The means his servants recommend to him for enlightenment is music. It would have been much better if they had advised him to go to God with sincere repentance. They could also have suggested asking Samuel to come and pray for him and plead with God for him. Then he would not only have had enlightenment for the moment, but the good spirit of God would have returned to him.

But their goal is to make him happy and thus heal him. Through such gods many, whose conscience is convinced and startled of sin, are led to destruction. Their suggestion is a method whereby all the worries of the soul are smothered in the pleasures of the feelings. The servants of Saul would not have been wrong to present music as an aid to cheer up his spirit, if they had also sent for the prophet to give Saul good advice.

What is positive is that they have not suggested to ask a sorceress or soothsayer to cast out the evil spirit by incantations. Such an ungodly practice we find with those who adorn themselves with the name Christian, but in their distress have consulted the devil, with whom they have resorted to hell. It will be nothing less than a miracle of Divine grace if those who surrender in this way to satan are ever delivered from his power.

1 Samuel 25:13

An Evil Spirit Terrorizes Saul

While the Spirit rests upon David from the anointing, He departs from Saul. When the Spirit of the LORD departs from Saul and an evil spirit of the LORD terrorizes him, it does not mean that Saul is a believer first and then no longer. Saul has not been a believer. Nor is it about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Saul is the anointed king, and as such God has been with him. Because Saul rejected God, God withdraws from him.

In the empty place comes an evil spirit, for what God does not fill, the devil fills. In contrast to His spirit, God sends an evil spirit which, like all evil spirits, is also subject only to God and is used by Him to achieve His purpose. Satan is always limited in his actions and can only act within the limits set by God (Job 1:12; Job 2:6).

It goes with Saul just like once with Pharaoh. Saul has so often rejected God that now the time comes when God cannot help him any further. No doubt the evil spirit will have given him the feeling that he has been abandoned by God and no longer has His approval. An evil spirit processes spiritual suffering and brings extreme despair and finally suicide. He makes a person incapable to perform his normal activities because he only makes him busy with himself.

Saul’s servants see that it is an evil spirit coming from God. They have compassion with him and suggest a solution. The means his servants recommend to him for enlightenment is music. It would have been much better if they had advised him to go to God with sincere repentance. They could also have suggested asking Samuel to come and pray for him and plead with God for him. Then he would not only have had enlightenment for the moment, but the good spirit of God would have returned to him.

But their goal is to make him happy and thus heal him. Through such gods many, whose conscience is convinced and startled of sin, are led to destruction. Their suggestion is a method whereby all the worries of the soul are smothered in the pleasures of the feelings. The servants of Saul would not have been wrong to present music as an aid to cheer up his spirit, if they had also sent for the prophet to give Saul good advice.

What is positive is that they have not suggested to ask a sorceress or soothsayer to cast out the evil spirit by incantations. Such an ungodly practice we find with those who adorn themselves with the name Christian, but in their distress have consulted the devil, with whom they have resorted to hell. It will be nothing less than a miracle of Divine grace if those who surrender in this way to satan are ever delivered from his power.

1 Samuel 25:14

An Evil Spirit Terrorizes Saul

While the Spirit rests upon David from the anointing, He departs from Saul. When the Spirit of the LORD departs from Saul and an evil spirit of the LORD terrorizes him, it does not mean that Saul is a believer first and then no longer. Saul has not been a believer. Nor is it about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Saul is the anointed king, and as such God has been with him. Because Saul rejected God, God withdraws from him.

In the empty place comes an evil spirit, for what God does not fill, the devil fills. In contrast to His spirit, God sends an evil spirit which, like all evil spirits, is also subject only to God and is used by Him to achieve His purpose. Satan is always limited in his actions and can only act within the limits set by God (Job 1:12; Job 2:6).

It goes with Saul just like once with Pharaoh. Saul has so often rejected God that now the time comes when God cannot help him any further. No doubt the evil spirit will have given him the feeling that he has been abandoned by God and no longer has His approval. An evil spirit processes spiritual suffering and brings extreme despair and finally suicide. He makes a person incapable to perform his normal activities because he only makes him busy with himself.

Saul’s servants see that it is an evil spirit coming from God. They have compassion with him and suggest a solution. The means his servants recommend to him for enlightenment is music. It would have been much better if they had advised him to go to God with sincere repentance. They could also have suggested asking Samuel to come and pray for him and plead with God for him. Then he would not only have had enlightenment for the moment, but the good spirit of God would have returned to him.

But their goal is to make him happy and thus heal him. Through such gods many, whose conscience is convinced and startled of sin, are led to destruction. Their suggestion is a method whereby all the worries of the soul are smothered in the pleasures of the feelings. The servants of Saul would not have been wrong to present music as an aid to cheer up his spirit, if they had also sent for the prophet to give Saul good advice.

What is positive is that they have not suggested to ask a sorceress or soothsayer to cast out the evil spirit by incantations. Such an ungodly practice we find with those who adorn themselves with the name Christian, but in their distress have consulted the devil, with whom they have resorted to hell. It will be nothing less than a miracle of Divine grace if those who surrender in this way to satan are ever delivered from his power.

1 Samuel 25:15

A Servant Describes David

The servants have known David for a long time. They know his music. He has sung and played about God. Music can have a soothing effect (2 Kings 3:13-15). However, it only brings a natural peace. There must be played by a man of God, because it is about the dispelling of an evil spirit. It is not a therapy, but a spiritual struggle. This is why more about David is being told than just that he can play and sing. Besides being able to that, he is also known as a mighty man of valor and a warrior. The servant who knows David’s musical qualities has also heard David speak, and he also testifies of this before Saul (cf. John 7:46). As the servant speaks of David before Saul, his brothers do not know him, for they have no eye for it.

The servant knows all this of David, without David having been in the army. These are all characteristics that only stand out when they are used. With Saul it is only the appearance, his tall stature. The appearance of David is also beautiful, but different than with Saul. It is only beautiful for those who have an eye for it. It is not for the natural eye, but for the spiritual eye. To see that beauty we must look deeper than the surface, deeper than the directly perceptible.

The last thing the servant says about David is that the LORD is with him. The servant has also noticed that. This testimony is given several times of Joseph (Genesis 39:2-3; 21; 23). It is also given of the Lord Jesus (Acts 10:38). Everything is reminiscent of the Lord Jesus. That the servant notices it as a special thing, says everything of the people of God, for it is something that should have been said of the whole people.

1 Samuel 25:16

David With Saul

Saul listens to his servant’s proposal and sends for David. He mentions the name of David, so there is no doubt about who he means. Furthermore, he notes as a peculiarity that it is about him “who is with the flock”. David is not at home, but at work with the animals he must take care of and protect.

Jesse acknowledges the honor that Saul has given him in this way. He sends David to Saul with a gift. Thus David comes to Saul. That God sends an evil spirit to Saul is the reason why David comes to Saul’s court. Thus David comes to the court of Saul through God sovereignty. He must get to know Saul, and vice versa. By God’s providence David comes to Saul, just as Joseph and Moses previously had come into the presence of the rulers of their days.

Also at Saul’s court David is faithful in his service. His service was much appreciated by Saul, so much so that he loved David greatly. Saul is the first of whom we read that he loves David. The hatred Saul later shows is not directed at David’s person, but at what he does and will be. He hates him not because of his attributes, but because of his calling. He sees in David a competitor for the throne he does not want to give up.

Later he will make him his armor bearer, a special function of trust in the king’s immediate surroundings. The Spirit is already pointing this out here. The question to Jesse to always have David with him is also asked later. Saul initially only met David as a player during his angry moods. Later he gets to know him better.

It must have given a good feeling to Jesse as a father that Saul gives such a testimony of his son. David has behaved as a good citizen and met the expectations. In the same way, employers should also be able to talk about our children as employees.

Saul benefits from the service of David, but it does not change his attitude toward the LORD. Just as the evil spirit of Saul departs from him by the music of David, so too the service of the Lord Jesus during His walk on earth enlightened many who were possessed by evil spirits. Even in the days of the Lord Jesus, many profited from the blessings He spread, but also without conversion to God.

Harps are sometimes linked to prophetic service (1 Samuel 10:5; 1 Chronicles 25:1a). The application can be made that the Word of God that is spoken in a meeting can have a calming effect. The service of New Testament prophets – a service that is open to every brother in the church (1 Corinthians 14:25-33) – is about the spiritual upbuilding of the church. “But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation” (1 Corinthians 14:3). When such words are spoken, it will be a pleasant experience for any attendee who expects something from the Lord that is useful to his or her spiritual life.

1 Samuel 25:17

David With Saul

Saul listens to his servant’s proposal and sends for David. He mentions the name of David, so there is no doubt about who he means. Furthermore, he notes as a peculiarity that it is about him “who is with the flock”. David is not at home, but at work with the animals he must take care of and protect.

Jesse acknowledges the honor that Saul has given him in this way. He sends David to Saul with a gift. Thus David comes to Saul. That God sends an evil spirit to Saul is the reason why David comes to Saul’s court. Thus David comes to the court of Saul through God sovereignty. He must get to know Saul, and vice versa. By God’s providence David comes to Saul, just as Joseph and Moses previously had come into the presence of the rulers of their days.

Also at Saul’s court David is faithful in his service. His service was much appreciated by Saul, so much so that he loved David greatly. Saul is the first of whom we read that he loves David. The hatred Saul later shows is not directed at David’s person, but at what he does and will be. He hates him not because of his attributes, but because of his calling. He sees in David a competitor for the throne he does not want to give up.

Later he will make him his armor bearer, a special function of trust in the king’s immediate surroundings. The Spirit is already pointing this out here. The question to Jesse to always have David with him is also asked later. Saul initially only met David as a player during his angry moods. Later he gets to know him better.

It must have given a good feeling to Jesse as a father that Saul gives such a testimony of his son. David has behaved as a good citizen and met the expectations. In the same way, employers should also be able to talk about our children as employees.

Saul benefits from the service of David, but it does not change his attitude toward the LORD. Just as the evil spirit of Saul departs from him by the music of David, so too the service of the Lord Jesus during His walk on earth enlightened many who were possessed by evil spirits. Even in the days of the Lord Jesus, many profited from the blessings He spread, but also without conversion to God.

Harps are sometimes linked to prophetic service (1 Samuel 10:5; 1 Chronicles 25:1a). The application can be made that the Word of God that is spoken in a meeting can have a calming effect. The service of New Testament prophets – a service that is open to every brother in the church (1 Corinthians 14:25-33) – is about the spiritual upbuilding of the church. “But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation” (1 Corinthians 14:3). When such words are spoken, it will be a pleasant experience for any attendee who expects something from the Lord that is useful to his or her spiritual life.

1 Samuel 25:18

David With Saul

Saul listens to his servant’s proposal and sends for David. He mentions the name of David, so there is no doubt about who he means. Furthermore, he notes as a peculiarity that it is about him “who is with the flock”. David is not at home, but at work with the animals he must take care of and protect.

Jesse acknowledges the honor that Saul has given him in this way. He sends David to Saul with a gift. Thus David comes to Saul. That God sends an evil spirit to Saul is the reason why David comes to Saul’s court. Thus David comes to the court of Saul through God sovereignty. He must get to know Saul, and vice versa. By God’s providence David comes to Saul, just as Joseph and Moses previously had come into the presence of the rulers of their days.

Also at Saul’s court David is faithful in his service. His service was much appreciated by Saul, so much so that he loved David greatly. Saul is the first of whom we read that he loves David. The hatred Saul later shows is not directed at David’s person, but at what he does and will be. He hates him not because of his attributes, but because of his calling. He sees in David a competitor for the throne he does not want to give up.

Later he will make him his armor bearer, a special function of trust in the king’s immediate surroundings. The Spirit is already pointing this out here. The question to Jesse to always have David with him is also asked later. Saul initially only met David as a player during his angry moods. Later he gets to know him better.

It must have given a good feeling to Jesse as a father that Saul gives such a testimony of his son. David has behaved as a good citizen and met the expectations. In the same way, employers should also be able to talk about our children as employees.

Saul benefits from the service of David, but it does not change his attitude toward the LORD. Just as the evil spirit of Saul departs from him by the music of David, so too the service of the Lord Jesus during His walk on earth enlightened many who were possessed by evil spirits. Even in the days of the Lord Jesus, many profited from the blessings He spread, but also without conversion to God.

Harps are sometimes linked to prophetic service (1 Samuel 10:5; 1 Chronicles 25:1a). The application can be made that the Word of God that is spoken in a meeting can have a calming effect. The service of New Testament prophets – a service that is open to every brother in the church (1 Corinthians 14:25-33) – is about the spiritual upbuilding of the church. “But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation” (1 Corinthians 14:3). When such words are spoken, it will be a pleasant experience for any attendee who expects something from the Lord that is useful to his or her spiritual life.

1 Samuel 25:19

David With Saul

Saul listens to his servant’s proposal and sends for David. He mentions the name of David, so there is no doubt about who he means. Furthermore, he notes as a peculiarity that it is about him “who is with the flock”. David is not at home, but at work with the animals he must take care of and protect.

Jesse acknowledges the honor that Saul has given him in this way. He sends David to Saul with a gift. Thus David comes to Saul. That God sends an evil spirit to Saul is the reason why David comes to Saul’s court. Thus David comes to the court of Saul through God sovereignty. He must get to know Saul, and vice versa. By God’s providence David comes to Saul, just as Joseph and Moses previously had come into the presence of the rulers of their days.

Also at Saul’s court David is faithful in his service. His service was much appreciated by Saul, so much so that he loved David greatly. Saul is the first of whom we read that he loves David. The hatred Saul later shows is not directed at David’s person, but at what he does and will be. He hates him not because of his attributes, but because of his calling. He sees in David a competitor for the throne he does not want to give up.

Later he will make him his armor bearer, a special function of trust in the king’s immediate surroundings. The Spirit is already pointing this out here. The question to Jesse to always have David with him is also asked later. Saul initially only met David as a player during his angry moods. Later he gets to know him better.

It must have given a good feeling to Jesse as a father that Saul gives such a testimony of his son. David has behaved as a good citizen and met the expectations. In the same way, employers should also be able to talk about our children as employees.

Saul benefits from the service of David, but it does not change his attitude toward the LORD. Just as the evil spirit of Saul departs from him by the music of David, so too the service of the Lord Jesus during His walk on earth enlightened many who were possessed by evil spirits. Even in the days of the Lord Jesus, many profited from the blessings He spread, but also without conversion to God.

Harps are sometimes linked to prophetic service (1 Samuel 10:5; 1 Chronicles 25:1a). The application can be made that the Word of God that is spoken in a meeting can have a calming effect. The service of New Testament prophets – a service that is open to every brother in the church (1 Corinthians 14:25-33) – is about the spiritual upbuilding of the church. “But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation” (1 Corinthians 14:3). When such words are spoken, it will be a pleasant experience for any attendee who expects something from the Lord that is useful to his or her spiritual life.

1 Samuel 25:20

David With Saul

Saul listens to his servant’s proposal and sends for David. He mentions the name of David, so there is no doubt about who he means. Furthermore, he notes as a peculiarity that it is about him “who is with the flock”. David is not at home, but at work with the animals he must take care of and protect.

Jesse acknowledges the honor that Saul has given him in this way. He sends David to Saul with a gift. Thus David comes to Saul. That God sends an evil spirit to Saul is the reason why David comes to Saul’s court. Thus David comes to the court of Saul through God sovereignty. He must get to know Saul, and vice versa. By God’s providence David comes to Saul, just as Joseph and Moses previously had come into the presence of the rulers of their days.

Also at Saul’s court David is faithful in his service. His service was much appreciated by Saul, so much so that he loved David greatly. Saul is the first of whom we read that he loves David. The hatred Saul later shows is not directed at David’s person, but at what he does and will be. He hates him not because of his attributes, but because of his calling. He sees in David a competitor for the throne he does not want to give up.

Later he will make him his armor bearer, a special function of trust in the king’s immediate surroundings. The Spirit is already pointing this out here. The question to Jesse to always have David with him is also asked later. Saul initially only met David as a player during his angry moods. Later he gets to know him better.

It must have given a good feeling to Jesse as a father that Saul gives such a testimony of his son. David has behaved as a good citizen and met the expectations. In the same way, employers should also be able to talk about our children as employees.

Saul benefits from the service of David, but it does not change his attitude toward the LORD. Just as the evil spirit of Saul departs from him by the music of David, so too the service of the Lord Jesus during His walk on earth enlightened many who were possessed by evil spirits. Even in the days of the Lord Jesus, many profited from the blessings He spread, but also without conversion to God.

Harps are sometimes linked to prophetic service (1 Samuel 10:5; 1 Chronicles 25:1a). The application can be made that the Word of God that is spoken in a meeting can have a calming effect. The service of New Testament prophets – a service that is open to every brother in the church (1 Corinthians 14:25-33) – is about the spiritual upbuilding of the church. “But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation” (1 Corinthians 14:3). When such words are spoken, it will be a pleasant experience for any attendee who expects something from the Lord that is useful to his or her spiritual life.

1 Samuel 25:22

Introduction

In the previous chapter David is anointed in secret. In this chapter the eyes of the whole people are turned to him. Here David stands before the whole people and in the first place before God. In the previous chapter he incidentally appeared at court at Saul’s request in response to Saul’s personal need. So there has been a superficial acquaintance of Saul with David, who has also been limited in the outward renown. Now comes the moment when God brings David to the court, in connection with the needs of all the people. The fame which he thereby acquires is general. In this way he also comes permanently at the court of Saul.

The events in this chapter are purposed by God as a trial of David’s faith. He is given the opportunity to openly testify to the service the LORD commands him to do. It is also the touchstone for anyone who wants to serve the Lord. For this it is important to see who the Philistines and Goliath are, and who Saul and David are.

Goliath is the Philistine par excellence. In him is united all the power of the Philistines. He is the personalization of the evil spirit behind all the Philistines, as the dragon is the outward form of satan. He is a giant, impressive as the dragon. Goliath is from the race of the giants. That race was eradicated by Joshua, but there are still some remaining in Gath (Joshua 11:22). Goliath is a picture of satan as the dragon about to devour the Son (Revelation 12:4b). After this chapter David becomes a fugitive, a picture of the fleeing of the remnant in the great tribulation, while the Lord Jesus is in heaven.

Saul does not take up the fight. He should have done that. In a way he resembles Goliath. He is also great, and his spear is also characteristic for him. And like Goliath he becomes a persecutor of David. Saul is a picture of the antichrist; Goliath is a picture of the Roman empire. They are each other’s allies in persecuting David. Goliath actually is a bloated Saul.

Why are the enemies here the Philistines? It is that people who are amid God’s people in the land and are always out to deprive the people of God of their blessings. We can make an application of their showing their power. Like the enemy does here, so will the enemies do in the great tribulation. They will do all they can to keep the people of God out of the land of promise and to kill those who are in it, thus depriving them of the blessings.

For us, the kingdom of David already exists. In David we recognize the picture of our Lord of Whom we are servants. We also have to do with the power of satan. Satan also wants to prevent us from occupying ourselves with the blessings of heaven. The nominal Christians (Philistines) are his loyal servants. They do their best to keep the believers away from their blessings. But among God’s people there is the true David in the Spirit. Just as David is in the army, as anointed king, but without being noticed, so the Lord Jesus is also today among of His people which is surrounded by evil powers that fight them and want to frighten them.

The Philistines and the Israelites

Two armies have drawn up in battle array. There is no fight yet. Both armies stand on a mountain slope. A valley separates them. There is no connection between the people of God and those who are not.

1 Samuel 25:23

Introduction

In the previous chapter David is anointed in secret. In this chapter the eyes of the whole people are turned to him. Here David stands before the whole people and in the first place before God. In the previous chapter he incidentally appeared at court at Saul’s request in response to Saul’s personal need. So there has been a superficial acquaintance of Saul with David, who has also been limited in the outward renown. Now comes the moment when God brings David to the court, in connection with the needs of all the people. The fame which he thereby acquires is general. In this way he also comes permanently at the court of Saul.

The events in this chapter are purposed by God as a trial of David’s faith. He is given the opportunity to openly testify to the service the LORD commands him to do. It is also the touchstone for anyone who wants to serve the Lord. For this it is important to see who the Philistines and Goliath are, and who Saul and David are.

Goliath is the Philistine par excellence. In him is united all the power of the Philistines. He is the personalization of the evil spirit behind all the Philistines, as the dragon is the outward form of satan. He is a giant, impressive as the dragon. Goliath is from the race of the giants. That race was eradicated by Joshua, but there are still some remaining in Gath (Joshua 11:22). Goliath is a picture of satan as the dragon about to devour the Son (Revelation 12:4b). After this chapter David becomes a fugitive, a picture of the fleeing of the remnant in the great tribulation, while the Lord Jesus is in heaven.

Saul does not take up the fight. He should have done that. In a way he resembles Goliath. He is also great, and his spear is also characteristic for him. And like Goliath he becomes a persecutor of David. Saul is a picture of the antichrist; Goliath is a picture of the Roman empire. They are each other’s allies in persecuting David. Goliath actually is a bloated Saul.

Why are the enemies here the Philistines? It is that people who are amid God’s people in the land and are always out to deprive the people of God of their blessings. We can make an application of their showing their power. Like the enemy does here, so will the enemies do in the great tribulation. They will do all they can to keep the people of God out of the land of promise and to kill those who are in it, thus depriving them of the blessings.

For us, the kingdom of David already exists. In David we recognize the picture of our Lord of Whom we are servants. We also have to do with the power of satan. Satan also wants to prevent us from occupying ourselves with the blessings of heaven. The nominal Christians (Philistines) are his loyal servants. They do their best to keep the believers away from their blessings. But among God’s people there is the true David in the Spirit. Just as David is in the army, as anointed king, but without being noticed, so the Lord Jesus is also today among of His people which is surrounded by evil powers that fight them and want to frighten them.

The Philistines and the Israelites

Two armies have drawn up in battle array. There is no fight yet. Both armies stand on a mountain slope. A valley separates them. There is no connection between the people of God and those who are not.

1 Samuel 25:24

Introduction

In the previous chapter David is anointed in secret. In this chapter the eyes of the whole people are turned to him. Here David stands before the whole people and in the first place before God. In the previous chapter he incidentally appeared at court at Saul’s request in response to Saul’s personal need. So there has been a superficial acquaintance of Saul with David, who has also been limited in the outward renown. Now comes the moment when God brings David to the court, in connection with the needs of all the people. The fame which he thereby acquires is general. In this way he also comes permanently at the court of Saul.

The events in this chapter are purposed by God as a trial of David’s faith. He is given the opportunity to openly testify to the service the LORD commands him to do. It is also the touchstone for anyone who wants to serve the Lord. For this it is important to see who the Philistines and Goliath are, and who Saul and David are.

Goliath is the Philistine par excellence. In him is united all the power of the Philistines. He is the personalization of the evil spirit behind all the Philistines, as the dragon is the outward form of satan. He is a giant, impressive as the dragon. Goliath is from the race of the giants. That race was eradicated by Joshua, but there are still some remaining in Gath (Joshua 11:22). Goliath is a picture of satan as the dragon about to devour the Son (Revelation 12:4b). After this chapter David becomes a fugitive, a picture of the fleeing of the remnant in the great tribulation, while the Lord Jesus is in heaven.

Saul does not take up the fight. He should have done that. In a way he resembles Goliath. He is also great, and his spear is also characteristic for him. And like Goliath he becomes a persecutor of David. Saul is a picture of the antichrist; Goliath is a picture of the Roman empire. They are each other’s allies in persecuting David. Goliath actually is a bloated Saul.

Why are the enemies here the Philistines? It is that people who are amid God’s people in the land and are always out to deprive the people of God of their blessings. We can make an application of their showing their power. Like the enemy does here, so will the enemies do in the great tribulation. They will do all they can to keep the people of God out of the land of promise and to kill those who are in it, thus depriving them of the blessings.

For us, the kingdom of David already exists. In David we recognize the picture of our Lord of Whom we are servants. We also have to do with the power of satan. Satan also wants to prevent us from occupying ourselves with the blessings of heaven. The nominal Christians (Philistines) are his loyal servants. They do their best to keep the believers away from their blessings. But among God’s people there is the true David in the Spirit. Just as David is in the army, as anointed king, but without being noticed, so the Lord Jesus is also today among of His people which is surrounded by evil powers that fight them and want to frighten them.

The Philistines and the Israelites

Two armies have drawn up in battle array. There is no fight yet. Both armies stand on a mountain slope. A valley separates them. There is no connection between the people of God and those who are not.

1 Samuel 25:25

Goliath

Goliath shows up. He is a giant belonging to a giant family, which indicates his demonic origin (cf. Genesis 6:4). The race of giants is mentioned again in the account of the wars David waged with the Philistines (2 Samuel 21:15-22; 1 Chronicles 20:4-8). Goliath is the leader of the Philistines and he is the Philistine par excellence. He is not only “a” champion, but “the” champion (1 Samuel 17:23), the famous champion. The whole army of the Philistines owes its strength to him.

The description given of him, shows what an impressive stature Goliath is. With his length and armor the number six is connected, which is the number of a man and of the beast (Revelation 13:18). Against those weapons and that greatness, the natural human begins nothing at all. Even Jonathan, who has previously defeated a Philistine garrison in the power of faith (1 Samuel 14:11-14), fails here.

1 Samuel 25:26

Goliath

Goliath shows up. He is a giant belonging to a giant family, which indicates his demonic origin (cf. Genesis 6:4). The race of giants is mentioned again in the account of the wars David waged with the Philistines (2 Samuel 21:15-22; 1 Chronicles 20:4-8). Goliath is the leader of the Philistines and he is the Philistine par excellence. He is not only “a” champion, but “the” champion (1 Samuel 17:23), the famous champion. The whole army of the Philistines owes its strength to him.

The description given of him, shows what an impressive stature Goliath is. With his length and armor the number six is connected, which is the number of a man and of the beast (Revelation 13:18). Against those weapons and that greatness, the natural human begins nothing at all. Even Jonathan, who has previously defeated a Philistine garrison in the power of faith (1 Samuel 14:11-14), fails here.

1 Samuel 25:27

Goliath

Goliath shows up. He is a giant belonging to a giant family, which indicates his demonic origin (cf. Genesis 6:4). The race of giants is mentioned again in the account of the wars David waged with the Philistines (2 Samuel 21:15-22; 1 Chronicles 20:4-8). Goliath is the leader of the Philistines and he is the Philistine par excellence. He is not only “a” champion, but “the” champion (1 Samuel 17:23), the famous champion. The whole army of the Philistines owes its strength to him.

The description given of him, shows what an impressive stature Goliath is. With his length and armor the number six is connected, which is the number of a man and of the beast (Revelation 13:18). Against those weapons and that greatness, the natural human begins nothing at all. Even Jonathan, who has previously defeated a Philistine garrison in the power of faith (1 Samuel 14:11-14), fails here.

1 Samuel 25:28

Goliath

Goliath shows up. He is a giant belonging to a giant family, which indicates his demonic origin (cf. Genesis 6:4). The race of giants is mentioned again in the account of the wars David waged with the Philistines (2 Samuel 21:15-22; 1 Chronicles 20:4-8). Goliath is the leader of the Philistines and he is the Philistine par excellence. He is not only “a” champion, but “the” champion (1 Samuel 17:23), the famous champion. The whole army of the Philistines owes its strength to him.

The description given of him, shows what an impressive stature Goliath is. With his length and armor the number six is connected, which is the number of a man and of the beast (Revelation 13:18). Against those weapons and that greatness, the natural human begins nothing at all. Even Jonathan, who has previously defeated a Philistine garrison in the power of faith (1 Samuel 14:11-14), fails here.

1 Samuel 25:29

Goliath Defies Israel

Goliath comes forward and speaks his challenging words. His defiance is that he calls the Israelites “servants of Saul”. With his blasting language he challenges Israel to fight with him. It means the destruction of the giant, for he defies, but he has no knowledge of God. If God in Israel has a people on earth, the giant will have to deal with Him, even though there is so little of God to be seen as far as Israel is concerned. When the Philistine sees Israel, he may think that it has no God, but unbelief never looks beyond what it perceives with the eye. In the same way, the stories from the past that clearly prove the existence of God are rejected by unbelief as fabrications.

On the other hand, it is shocking to see that the awareness of the people that they are the people of God is not present in the people themselves either. The defiant words of Goliath, as it were his profession of faith, bring fear to Saul and the whole people. The whole scene shows the powerlessness of God’s people and the absolute need for a deliverer. He is found in David, the man whom no one thinks of. We are not reading about Jonathan. He is a hero of faith, but not of the quality of David, he does not reach to his level. David is a picture of the Lord Jesus, Jonathan of a believer.

The fact that Goliath’s language is nothing but snobbery, is also apparent when he is defeated. When he is killed, the Philistines do not keep their word and do not submit to Israel as servants.

1 Samuel 25:30

Goliath Defies Israel

Goliath comes forward and speaks his challenging words. His defiance is that he calls the Israelites “servants of Saul”. With his blasting language he challenges Israel to fight with him. It means the destruction of the giant, for he defies, but he has no knowledge of God. If God in Israel has a people on earth, the giant will have to deal with Him, even though there is so little of God to be seen as far as Israel is concerned. When the Philistine sees Israel, he may think that it has no God, but unbelief never looks beyond what it perceives with the eye. In the same way, the stories from the past that clearly prove the existence of God are rejected by unbelief as fabrications.

On the other hand, it is shocking to see that the awareness of the people that they are the people of God is not present in the people themselves either. The defiant words of Goliath, as it were his profession of faith, bring fear to Saul and the whole people. The whole scene shows the powerlessness of God’s people and the absolute need for a deliverer. He is found in David, the man whom no one thinks of. We are not reading about Jonathan. He is a hero of faith, but not of the quality of David, he does not reach to his level. David is a picture of the Lord Jesus, Jonathan of a believer.

The fact that Goliath’s language is nothing but snobbery, is also apparent when he is defeated. When he is killed, the Philistines do not keep their word and do not submit to Israel as servants.

1 Samuel 25:31

Goliath Defies Israel

Goliath comes forward and speaks his challenging words. His defiance is that he calls the Israelites “servants of Saul”. With his blasting language he challenges Israel to fight with him. It means the destruction of the giant, for he defies, but he has no knowledge of God. If God in Israel has a people on earth, the giant will have to deal with Him, even though there is so little of God to be seen as far as Israel is concerned. When the Philistine sees Israel, he may think that it has no God, but unbelief never looks beyond what it perceives with the eye. In the same way, the stories from the past that clearly prove the existence of God are rejected by unbelief as fabrications.

On the other hand, it is shocking to see that the awareness of the people that they are the people of God is not present in the people themselves either. The defiant words of Goliath, as it were his profession of faith, bring fear to Saul and the whole people. The whole scene shows the powerlessness of God’s people and the absolute need for a deliverer. He is found in David, the man whom no one thinks of. We are not reading about Jonathan. He is a hero of faith, but not of the quality of David, he does not reach to his level. David is a picture of the Lord Jesus, Jonathan of a believer.

The fact that Goliath’s language is nothing but snobbery, is also apparent when he is defeated. When he is killed, the Philistines do not keep their word and do not submit to Israel as servants.

1 Samuel 25:32

Goliath Defies Israel

Goliath comes forward and speaks his challenging words. His defiance is that he calls the Israelites “servants of Saul”. With his blasting language he challenges Israel to fight with him. It means the destruction of the giant, for he defies, but he has no knowledge of God. If God in Israel has a people on earth, the giant will have to deal with Him, even though there is so little of God to be seen as far as Israel is concerned. When the Philistine sees Israel, he may think that it has no God, but unbelief never looks beyond what it perceives with the eye. In the same way, the stories from the past that clearly prove the existence of God are rejected by unbelief as fabrications.

On the other hand, it is shocking to see that the awareness of the people that they are the people of God is not present in the people themselves either. The defiant words of Goliath, as it were his profession of faith, bring fear to Saul and the whole people. The whole scene shows the powerlessness of God’s people and the absolute need for a deliverer. He is found in David, the man whom no one thinks of. We are not reading about Jonathan. He is a hero of faith, but not of the quality of David, he does not reach to his level. David is a picture of the Lord Jesus, Jonathan of a believer.

The fact that Goliath’s language is nothing but snobbery, is also apparent when he is defeated. When he is killed, the Philistines do not keep their word and do not submit to Israel as servants.

1 Samuel 25:33

Jesse Sends David to His Brothers

1 Samuel 17:12-15 explain why David is not with Saul. He is back to his father’s sheep. When he was called to be anointed, he was there (1 Samuel 16:11). When he was called to go to Saul, he was there too (1 Samuel 16:19). He can be found there every time. If he is shortly called to go to the army, he is there as well (1 Samuel 17:15). Every time David is called, he is found to be faithful busy in his daily work.

The contrast with his three oldest brothers is great. They are afraid of the work that is expected of them as soldiers. Like Saul, they represent the greatness of man. They are only of slightly lower quality than Saul and just as powerless as he is to fight with Goliath.

While David faithfully does his work, the Philistine comes forward twice a day on the battlefield to utter his sneering and defiant words. With this he demolishes the state of mind of Saul and his army. Forty is the number of trial. Saul, Israel, and the brothers of David are all being tried. Man has always been put to the test whether he can do something against the power under which he suffers as a slave. But nobody can stand up to the dragon.

While God’s people are afraid of the enemy and the enemy boasts of his power, the father speaks to the son that he must go to his brothers in the camp (1 Samuel 17:17). In the same way Jacob once spoke to Joseph (Genesis 37:13). It is a beautiful picture of God Who says this to His Son in view of people who are in the power of satan. David is sent when the situation is hopeless. There is no one who has any courage to fight.

When Jesse sends David, he gives him blessings to distribute. Thus the Lord Jesus came into the world not to judge the world, but with blessing for the people. Jesse also asks him to “bring back news of them”. He wants something shown to him as proof that they are doing well. Jesse wants to know whether they are alive and how they live.

We see here the care that God-fearing parents have for their children when they are no longer at home, for example because of study. They will want to know how they are doing, where they are staying, which places they visit, whether or not these are places of temptation. They are concerned about how they behave and in what company they are. It is good that children behave worthy their upbringing and are conscious of the fact that if they are not under the eye of their parents, they are under God’s eye.

1 Samuel 25:34

Jesse Sends David to His Brothers

1 Samuel 17:12-15 explain why David is not with Saul. He is back to his father’s sheep. When he was called to be anointed, he was there (1 Samuel 16:11). When he was called to go to Saul, he was there too (1 Samuel 16:19). He can be found there every time. If he is shortly called to go to the army, he is there as well (1 Samuel 17:15). Every time David is called, he is found to be faithful busy in his daily work.

The contrast with his three oldest brothers is great. They are afraid of the work that is expected of them as soldiers. Like Saul, they represent the greatness of man. They are only of slightly lower quality than Saul and just as powerless as he is to fight with Goliath.

While David faithfully does his work, the Philistine comes forward twice a day on the battlefield to utter his sneering and defiant words. With this he demolishes the state of mind of Saul and his army. Forty is the number of trial. Saul, Israel, and the brothers of David are all being tried. Man has always been put to the test whether he can do something against the power under which he suffers as a slave. But nobody can stand up to the dragon.

While God’s people are afraid of the enemy and the enemy boasts of his power, the father speaks to the son that he must go to his brothers in the camp (1 Samuel 17:17). In the same way Jacob once spoke to Joseph (Genesis 37:13). It is a beautiful picture of God Who says this to His Son in view of people who are in the power of satan. David is sent when the situation is hopeless. There is no one who has any courage to fight.

When Jesse sends David, he gives him blessings to distribute. Thus the Lord Jesus came into the world not to judge the world, but with blessing for the people. Jesse also asks him to “bring back news of them”. He wants something shown to him as proof that they are doing well. Jesse wants to know whether they are alive and how they live.

We see here the care that God-fearing parents have for their children when they are no longer at home, for example because of study. They will want to know how they are doing, where they are staying, which places they visit, whether or not these are places of temptation. They are concerned about how they behave and in what company they are. It is good that children behave worthy their upbringing and are conscious of the fact that if they are not under the eye of their parents, they are under God’s eye.

1 Samuel 25:35

Jesse Sends David to His Brothers

1 Samuel 17:12-15 explain why David is not with Saul. He is back to his father’s sheep. When he was called to be anointed, he was there (1 Samuel 16:11). When he was called to go to Saul, he was there too (1 Samuel 16:19). He can be found there every time. If he is shortly called to go to the army, he is there as well (1 Samuel 17:15). Every time David is called, he is found to be faithful busy in his daily work.

The contrast with his three oldest brothers is great. They are afraid of the work that is expected of them as soldiers. Like Saul, they represent the greatness of man. They are only of slightly lower quality than Saul and just as powerless as he is to fight with Goliath.

While David faithfully does his work, the Philistine comes forward twice a day on the battlefield to utter his sneering and defiant words. With this he demolishes the state of mind of Saul and his army. Forty is the number of trial. Saul, Israel, and the brothers of David are all being tried. Man has always been put to the test whether he can do something against the power under which he suffers as a slave. But nobody can stand up to the dragon.

While God’s people are afraid of the enemy and the enemy boasts of his power, the father speaks to the son that he must go to his brothers in the camp (1 Samuel 17:17). In the same way Jacob once spoke to Joseph (Genesis 37:13). It is a beautiful picture of God Who says this to His Son in view of people who are in the power of satan. David is sent when the situation is hopeless. There is no one who has any courage to fight.

When Jesse sends David, he gives him blessings to distribute. Thus the Lord Jesus came into the world not to judge the world, but with blessing for the people. Jesse also asks him to “bring back news of them”. He wants something shown to him as proof that they are doing well. Jesse wants to know whether they are alive and how they live.

We see here the care that God-fearing parents have for their children when they are no longer at home, for example because of study. They will want to know how they are doing, where they are staying, which places they visit, whether or not these are places of temptation. They are concerned about how they behave and in what company they are. It is good that children behave worthy their upbringing and are conscious of the fact that if they are not under the eye of their parents, they are under God’s eye.

1 Samuel 25:36

Jesse Sends David to His Brothers

1 Samuel 17:12-15 explain why David is not with Saul. He is back to his father’s sheep. When he was called to be anointed, he was there (1 Samuel 16:11). When he was called to go to Saul, he was there too (1 Samuel 16:19). He can be found there every time. If he is shortly called to go to the army, he is there as well (1 Samuel 17:15). Every time David is called, he is found to be faithful busy in his daily work.

The contrast with his three oldest brothers is great. They are afraid of the work that is expected of them as soldiers. Like Saul, they represent the greatness of man. They are only of slightly lower quality than Saul and just as powerless as he is to fight with Goliath.

While David faithfully does his work, the Philistine comes forward twice a day on the battlefield to utter his sneering and defiant words. With this he demolishes the state of mind of Saul and his army. Forty is the number of trial. Saul, Israel, and the brothers of David are all being tried. Man has always been put to the test whether he can do something against the power under which he suffers as a slave. But nobody can stand up to the dragon.

While God’s people are afraid of the enemy and the enemy boasts of his power, the father speaks to the son that he must go to his brothers in the camp (1 Samuel 17:17). In the same way Jacob once spoke to Joseph (Genesis 37:13). It is a beautiful picture of God Who says this to His Son in view of people who are in the power of satan. David is sent when the situation is hopeless. There is no one who has any courage to fight.

When Jesse sends David, he gives him blessings to distribute. Thus the Lord Jesus came into the world not to judge the world, but with blessing for the people. Jesse also asks him to “bring back news of them”. He wants something shown to him as proof that they are doing well. Jesse wants to know whether they are alive and how they live.

We see here the care that God-fearing parents have for their children when they are no longer at home, for example because of study. They will want to know how they are doing, where they are staying, which places they visit, whether or not these are places of temptation. They are concerned about how they behave and in what company they are. It is good that children behave worthy their upbringing and are conscious of the fact that if they are not under the eye of their parents, they are under God’s eye.

1 Samuel 25:37

Jesse Sends David to His Brothers

1 Samuel 17:12-15 explain why David is not with Saul. He is back to his father’s sheep. When he was called to be anointed, he was there (1 Samuel 16:11). When he was called to go to Saul, he was there too (1 Samuel 16:19). He can be found there every time. If he is shortly called to go to the army, he is there as well (1 Samuel 17:15). Every time David is called, he is found to be faithful busy in his daily work.

The contrast with his three oldest brothers is great. They are afraid of the work that is expected of them as soldiers. Like Saul, they represent the greatness of man. They are only of slightly lower quality than Saul and just as powerless as he is to fight with Goliath.

While David faithfully does his work, the Philistine comes forward twice a day on the battlefield to utter his sneering and defiant words. With this he demolishes the state of mind of Saul and his army. Forty is the number of trial. Saul, Israel, and the brothers of David are all being tried. Man has always been put to the test whether he can do something against the power under which he suffers as a slave. But nobody can stand up to the dragon.

While God’s people are afraid of the enemy and the enemy boasts of his power, the father speaks to the son that he must go to his brothers in the camp (1 Samuel 17:17). In the same way Jacob once spoke to Joseph (Genesis 37:13). It is a beautiful picture of God Who says this to His Son in view of people who are in the power of satan. David is sent when the situation is hopeless. There is no one who has any courage to fight.

When Jesse sends David, he gives him blessings to distribute. Thus the Lord Jesus came into the world not to judge the world, but with blessing for the people. Jesse also asks him to “bring back news of them”. He wants something shown to him as proof that they are doing well. Jesse wants to know whether they are alive and how they live.

We see here the care that God-fearing parents have for their children when they are no longer at home, for example because of study. They will want to know how they are doing, where they are staying, which places they visit, whether or not these are places of temptation. They are concerned about how they behave and in what company they are. It is good that children behave worthy their upbringing and are conscious of the fact that if they are not under the eye of their parents, they are under God’s eye.

1 Samuel 25:38

Jesse Sends David to His Brothers

1 Samuel 17:12-15 explain why David is not with Saul. He is back to his father’s sheep. When he was called to be anointed, he was there (1 Samuel 16:11). When he was called to go to Saul, he was there too (1 Samuel 16:19). He can be found there every time. If he is shortly called to go to the army, he is there as well (1 Samuel 17:15). Every time David is called, he is found to be faithful busy in his daily work.

The contrast with his three oldest brothers is great. They are afraid of the work that is expected of them as soldiers. Like Saul, they represent the greatness of man. They are only of slightly lower quality than Saul and just as powerless as he is to fight with Goliath.

While David faithfully does his work, the Philistine comes forward twice a day on the battlefield to utter his sneering and defiant words. With this he demolishes the state of mind of Saul and his army. Forty is the number of trial. Saul, Israel, and the brothers of David are all being tried. Man has always been put to the test whether he can do something against the power under which he suffers as a slave. But nobody can stand up to the dragon.

While God’s people are afraid of the enemy and the enemy boasts of his power, the father speaks to the son that he must go to his brothers in the camp (1 Samuel 17:17). In the same way Jacob once spoke to Joseph (Genesis 37:13). It is a beautiful picture of God Who says this to His Son in view of people who are in the power of satan. David is sent when the situation is hopeless. There is no one who has any courage to fight.

When Jesse sends David, he gives him blessings to distribute. Thus the Lord Jesus came into the world not to judge the world, but with blessing for the people. Jesse also asks him to “bring back news of them”. He wants something shown to him as proof that they are doing well. Jesse wants to know whether they are alive and how they live.

We see here the care that God-fearing parents have for their children when they are no longer at home, for example because of study. They will want to know how they are doing, where they are staying, which places they visit, whether or not these are places of temptation. They are concerned about how they behave and in what company they are. It is good that children behave worthy their upbringing and are conscious of the fact that if they are not under the eye of their parents, they are under God’s eye.

1 Samuel 25:39

Jesse Sends David to His Brothers

1 Samuel 17:12-15 explain why David is not with Saul. He is back to his father’s sheep. When he was called to be anointed, he was there (1 Samuel 16:11). When he was called to go to Saul, he was there too (1 Samuel 16:19). He can be found there every time. If he is shortly called to go to the army, he is there as well (1 Samuel 17:15). Every time David is called, he is found to be faithful busy in his daily work.

The contrast with his three oldest brothers is great. They are afraid of the work that is expected of them as soldiers. Like Saul, they represent the greatness of man. They are only of slightly lower quality than Saul and just as powerless as he is to fight with Goliath.

While David faithfully does his work, the Philistine comes forward twice a day on the battlefield to utter his sneering and defiant words. With this he demolishes the state of mind of Saul and his army. Forty is the number of trial. Saul, Israel, and the brothers of David are all being tried. Man has always been put to the test whether he can do something against the power under which he suffers as a slave. But nobody can stand up to the dragon.

While God’s people are afraid of the enemy and the enemy boasts of his power, the father speaks to the son that he must go to his brothers in the camp (1 Samuel 17:17). In the same way Jacob once spoke to Joseph (Genesis 37:13). It is a beautiful picture of God Who says this to His Son in view of people who are in the power of satan. David is sent when the situation is hopeless. There is no one who has any courage to fight.

When Jesse sends David, he gives him blessings to distribute. Thus the Lord Jesus came into the world not to judge the world, but with blessing for the people. Jesse also asks him to “bring back news of them”. He wants something shown to him as proof that they are doing well. Jesse wants to know whether they are alive and how they live.

We see here the care that God-fearing parents have for their children when they are no longer at home, for example because of study. They will want to know how they are doing, where they are staying, which places they visit, whether or not these are places of temptation. They are concerned about how they behave and in what company they are. It is good that children behave worthy their upbringing and are conscious of the fact that if they are not under the eye of their parents, they are under God’s eye.

1 Samuel 25:40

Jesse Sends David to His Brothers

1 Samuel 17:12-15 explain why David is not with Saul. He is back to his father’s sheep. When he was called to be anointed, he was there (1 Samuel 16:11). When he was called to go to Saul, he was there too (1 Samuel 16:19). He can be found there every time. If he is shortly called to go to the army, he is there as well (1 Samuel 17:15). Every time David is called, he is found to be faithful busy in his daily work.

The contrast with his three oldest brothers is great. They are afraid of the work that is expected of them as soldiers. Like Saul, they represent the greatness of man. They are only of slightly lower quality than Saul and just as powerless as he is to fight with Goliath.

While David faithfully does his work, the Philistine comes forward twice a day on the battlefield to utter his sneering and defiant words. With this he demolishes the state of mind of Saul and his army. Forty is the number of trial. Saul, Israel, and the brothers of David are all being tried. Man has always been put to the test whether he can do something against the power under which he suffers as a slave. But nobody can stand up to the dragon.

While God’s people are afraid of the enemy and the enemy boasts of his power, the father speaks to the son that he must go to his brothers in the camp (1 Samuel 17:17). In the same way Jacob once spoke to Joseph (Genesis 37:13). It is a beautiful picture of God Who says this to His Son in view of people who are in the power of satan. David is sent when the situation is hopeless. There is no one who has any courage to fight.

When Jesse sends David, he gives him blessings to distribute. Thus the Lord Jesus came into the world not to judge the world, but with blessing for the people. Jesse also asks him to “bring back news of them”. He wants something shown to him as proof that they are doing well. Jesse wants to know whether they are alive and how they live.

We see here the care that God-fearing parents have for their children when they are no longer at home, for example because of study. They will want to know how they are doing, where they are staying, which places they visit, whether or not these are places of temptation. They are concerned about how they behave and in what company they are. It is good that children behave worthy their upbringing and are conscious of the fact that if they are not under the eye of their parents, they are under God’s eye.

1 Samuel 25:41

David Comes to the Camp

David goes, but not without caring for the sheep. He goes because he has received a command from his father.

When he comes close to the camp, everyone is in turmoil, because the army must draw up in battle array. Yet it is nothing more than an outward display because there is only fear for the enemy. The noise can impress someone who knows nothing about battle, but in reality, it means nothing. It is camouflage of the real impotence that prevails.

God’s providence brings David to the army at the right time, as both armies prepare for battle. On both sides one positions oneself in battle array. When David sees all the movement, he hurries. He is aware that something is going to happen and feels that it is important to be there. In his rush to get there he makes sure his baggage is in safe hands. Before he does anything else, he complies with his father’s request and asks his brothers about their prosperity. While he is speaking with them, Goliath appears and makes his roaring language heard. It is remarkable that it says that David hears the words of the Philistine (1 Samuel 17:23). The Lord also hears all the careless, useless, words that people speak and will judge them on that basis (Matthew 12:36-37).

All the men of Israel also see the Philistine and hear what he says. The appearance of the giant frightens the whole army to death, and they flee. All the men of Israel are still afraid, even though Goliath has been doing it for so many days. They do not get used to it. This is because they do not trust in God and He must therefore leave them and leave them to themselves (cf. Deuteronomy 32:30).

David is an exception. He is not afraid because he knows that the LORD is with him. He is rightly a man of whom we can say he is skilled in his work and therefore on the way to promotion. He will be put in the service of the king (Proverbs 22:29).

1 Samuel 25:42

David Comes to the Camp

David goes, but not without caring for the sheep. He goes because he has received a command from his father.

When he comes close to the camp, everyone is in turmoil, because the army must draw up in battle array. Yet it is nothing more than an outward display because there is only fear for the enemy. The noise can impress someone who knows nothing about battle, but in reality, it means nothing. It is camouflage of the real impotence that prevails.

God’s providence brings David to the army at the right time, as both armies prepare for battle. On both sides one positions oneself in battle array. When David sees all the movement, he hurries. He is aware that something is going to happen and feels that it is important to be there. In his rush to get there he makes sure his baggage is in safe hands. Before he does anything else, he complies with his father’s request and asks his brothers about their prosperity. While he is speaking with them, Goliath appears and makes his roaring language heard. It is remarkable that it says that David hears the words of the Philistine (1 Samuel 17:23). The Lord also hears all the careless, useless, words that people speak and will judge them on that basis (Matthew 12:36-37).

All the men of Israel also see the Philistine and hear what he says. The appearance of the giant frightens the whole army to death, and they flee. All the men of Israel are still afraid, even though Goliath has been doing it for so many days. They do not get used to it. This is because they do not trust in God and He must therefore leave them and leave them to themselves (cf. Deuteronomy 32:30).

David is an exception. He is not afraid because he knows that the LORD is with him. He is rightly a man of whom we can say he is skilled in his work and therefore on the way to promotion. He will be put in the service of the king (Proverbs 22:29).

1 Samuel 25:43

David Comes to the Camp

David goes, but not without caring for the sheep. He goes because he has received a command from his father.

When he comes close to the camp, everyone is in turmoil, because the army must draw up in battle array. Yet it is nothing more than an outward display because there is only fear for the enemy. The noise can impress someone who knows nothing about battle, but in reality, it means nothing. It is camouflage of the real impotence that prevails.

God’s providence brings David to the army at the right time, as both armies prepare for battle. On both sides one positions oneself in battle array. When David sees all the movement, he hurries. He is aware that something is going to happen and feels that it is important to be there. In his rush to get there he makes sure his baggage is in safe hands. Before he does anything else, he complies with his father’s request and asks his brothers about their prosperity. While he is speaking with them, Goliath appears and makes his roaring language heard. It is remarkable that it says that David hears the words of the Philistine (1 Samuel 17:23). The Lord also hears all the careless, useless, words that people speak and will judge them on that basis (Matthew 12:36-37).

All the men of Israel also see the Philistine and hear what he says. The appearance of the giant frightens the whole army to death, and they flee. All the men of Israel are still afraid, even though Goliath has been doing it for so many days. They do not get used to it. This is because they do not trust in God and He must therefore leave them and leave them to themselves (cf. Deuteronomy 32:30).

David is an exception. He is not afraid because he knows that the LORD is with him. He is rightly a man of whom we can say he is skilled in his work and therefore on the way to promotion. He will be put in the service of the king (Proverbs 22:29).

1 Samuel 25:44

David Comes to the Camp

David goes, but not without caring for the sheep. He goes because he has received a command from his father.

When he comes close to the camp, everyone is in turmoil, because the army must draw up in battle array. Yet it is nothing more than an outward display because there is only fear for the enemy. The noise can impress someone who knows nothing about battle, but in reality, it means nothing. It is camouflage of the real impotence that prevails.

God’s providence brings David to the army at the right time, as both armies prepare for battle. On both sides one positions oneself in battle array. When David sees all the movement, he hurries. He is aware that something is going to happen and feels that it is important to be there. In his rush to get there he makes sure his baggage is in safe hands. Before he does anything else, he complies with his father’s request and asks his brothers about their prosperity. While he is speaking with them, Goliath appears and makes his roaring language heard. It is remarkable that it says that David hears the words of the Philistine (1 Samuel 17:23). The Lord also hears all the careless, useless, words that people speak and will judge them on that basis (Matthew 12:36-37).

All the men of Israel also see the Philistine and hear what he says. The appearance of the giant frightens the whole army to death, and they flee. All the men of Israel are still afraid, even though Goliath has been doing it for so many days. They do not get used to it. This is because they do not trust in God and He must therefore leave them and leave them to themselves (cf. Deuteronomy 32:30).

David is an exception. He is not afraid because he knows that the LORD is with him. He is rightly a man of whom we can say he is skilled in his work and therefore on the way to promotion. He will be put in the service of the king (Proverbs 22:29).