No one had ever really considered the possibility of Saul loosing the kingdom. Saul, the man who stood head and shoulders above the rest, came from a good and strong family known for its power and prestige.1 How could he have failed? How could Saul, the elite of the tribe of Benjamin, come to such an end? What could have gone so desperately wrong that Saul would take his own life in such a tragic way? How could this be? Surely, the man to follow his footsteps would not have a small job to do. He must be a very capable man, one to even shadow the mighty, but fallen Saul. These must have been the thoughts running through the minds of the bewildered Israelites.
The Israelites might not have known, but God did. He had a plan, as God always does.2 This plan would not compare to that of the Israelites. As a matter of fact, God's new leader would not be fully excepted for quite some time, seven years and six months to be exact.3 God had in mind a man that would be known to some as a fugitive, a rebel leading a rebel group. Others would know him as a war hero. God knew who he was, for God knows the heart.4 God knew that he would have a heart parallel to His. This is who God sent Samuel to anoint. Yes, young David out in the fields chasing sheep and tending to the jobs of a lowly shepherd would be the new king. This young boy from the house of Jesse,5 would not be used through his physical appearance or his capabilities. David would be used through his humble spirit toward God, an incredible faith in God, and obedience to God.6
Before David was ever crowned king, he suffered greatly at the hand of King Saul. David, in obedience to his king request, came to play and sing in the time of the king's distress. Little did Saul know that this young man before him, playing the harp so wonderfully, would soon take care of a very "big problem." And more than that, the one now soothing his restless mind and spirit would one day be a human target for a jealously controlled spear, released from the king's very own hand. Early in David's life, there is a willingness to obey those in authority.
David's next appearance was much more dramatic. He was sent to the war front by his father to deliver some food from home, as all soldier men desire and need. He was to return with news of the war and report on his brothers' conditions. Little did young David know that he would not return so quickly. On this trip, David would take care of Israel's "big problem." When he arrived at the war front he found the men, many of whom where known for tremendous feats, standing around discussing, as often is case when no one desires to do what must be done. Those who were not discussing were cowering in fear. When David saw this, he was confused. When he found the source of this hesitation and fear, he became angry. He could not believe that those around him would allow God and His army to be defiled in such a way. Goliath, the "big problem", was about to be solved.
Saul heard of the youth and his stated bravery. He ordered him to be brought before him. When brave King Saul challenged David's ability he quickly responded by recounting what God had previously done through him while caring for his father’s sheep. Now David was to care for his Father's sheep. He approached King Saul in all humility. David never sat down and considered the results of such a feat. David's main goal, different from many others, was to stand up for God through power given by God alone. All David saw was his God being defied and defamed.
This is no different of times today. Christians often stand by and allow the "Goliaths" of today to stand and defile God and His name. Christians ought, as David sought, to stand for what is right.
After hearing David's account, Saul allowed David to proceed. Saul began to equip David with his own personal armor. David soon released that this would not work. He would go as he had before, clothed in complete faith of promised victory and focusing on the call of God. So many times Christians heed to the call of God, but they often allow themselves to be clothed in self-righteousness and incomplete faith. If Christians would go as David did, the "Goliaths" would come crashing down.
David took off to do his work. As always, he could not wait to get it done. Once he had an understanding of what must be done, he charged it with all his might. This is exactly what he did, as soon as he had stopped by the brook for five smooth stones. Then, as always before, he charged his work with God-given strength. As David released the stone from his sling, it was God's hand that directed it to land on the forehead of Goliath. David understood this truth all along. He knew that the victory was God's, and he had only been the tool.7 He had obeyed God's call humbly realizing that in himself he was a lowly shepherd boy from Bethlehem. This is one of the reasons why God used him in such a tremendous way. Often Christians experience victory in their lives. The problem is when they claim it as their own. It must be realized that the victory was God's and God's alone.
After Goliath fell, and lost his head, the army of Israel came to life. They pursued the Philistines for many miles, leaving behind a path of wound and dead. David's name was soon praised and glorified by all those who heard the news. Jesse received his news from the war front, but it was much different than he had expected. Why, his little shepherd boy had just become a giant killer.
There are those individuals who always follow. God chooses who should lead. It is important for those chosen to lead to do so in the power of God, as David did.8 Israel could have had this victory all along. Victory was not obtained until David responded to God's call and took charge.
David was eventually placed over a group of Saul's fighting men. As David followed Saul's every command, the Lord continued to bless him. This blessing upon David's life angered Saul fiercely. In response to David's success Saul offered his daughter, Merab, for marriage. David responded in his humble manner, realizing that this was a tremendous honor to become "the son-in-law of the king." David questioned why Saul would give him, a man of no degree, such an opportunity.9 Saul had his reason, and the reason was wicked. When the time came for Merab to become David's wife, Saul gave her to another man. To keep the charade going Saul then offers his other daughter, Michal, to David. Saul placed a stipulation on this daughter though. Saul saw a chance to get rid of David. In order for David to have Michal as wife, he needed to take the foreskins of one hundred Philistines and present them to King Saul. Saul knew that this was an impossible mission, so he took no care in fulfilling his obligation. Saul failed to realize that God is a God of impossibilities, and God was with David. David returned successfully, giving double of what Saul had asked. Saul's anger was greatly stirred, and his jealousy for David intensified.
Jealousy and hatred often result when humility and faith in God is not included in your motive. So many times among the Christian ranks, those who are experiencing God's blessings are hated and disliked, when in reality, God should be praised for working in their lives.
Saul's jealousy grew. David realized that he must leave in order to remain safe. He knew that he was free from wrong, and his desire to do right was strong. David realized that God had anointed Saul and placed him into position. David also knew that if Saul was to be removed, God must do it. If Christians could learn this principle, the Church would run much smoother. From every side there are those who pull and tear, because they feel they have been wronged and circumstances unfair. Christians should simply look to God in similar times as this. They should continue "doing" as they have already done, and focus their energy on things above.
David headed for the deserts. Here he would run and hid for several years, always being near to sure death if found. David lived in caves when times were good and in any nook or cranny when times were not as good. What a big change this must have been from the comforts of the king's palace. He wrote many of the Psalms during this time, describing his faith in God.10
As time passed and news of David's plight spread many men, who had suffered injustices under the rule of King Saul, came to David for direction. Soon David had an unwanted command of six hundred no accounts.11 These were men with grudges to settle, and they thought surely David would be the one to help them "get back" at King Saul. That they were surprised when they discovered David's brilliant strategy is almost certain. David planned to continue dodging the wrath of the ungodly king until God saw fit to change the situation.
The sudden position of leadership that David found himself in would go to the heads of most individuals. David displayed his God-given humility, and had no real desire to lead this band of men.12 Surprisingly, these men decided to remain with David, even though they often did not see eye to eye. David's character must have been strong for men like these to remain.
David's strategy was not bad. As a matter of fact, it corresponded with God's plan. David had stumbled across an important truth. This truth can be found in Hebrews 13:17. God has ordained the powers that exist, and that is how it is supposed to be.13 When a mob get together to do what is "right", it is almost a guaranty that no "right " will be done. A mob is usually made up of discontented people who sit around being discontented unless some organized energy, a leader, comes with the intent to unify. If there is no one to lead, an active mob will not exist. It is so important for Christians to make sure that they are not a leader of a mob. Such mobs cause church splits and disunity among the ranks.
The truth that David followed would be put to a test. David had, a couple of times, the opportunity to take the life of Saul. Again, the obedience to that dominated his life, would not allow him to lift his hand against God's anointed. One such time happened in the wilderness of Engedi.14 Saul had heard that David had taken refuge in the wilderness. Saul rounded up three thousand men from Israel to go and seek this young "bandit."
Saul made a stop at a cave on the way. Here it can be seen that Saul and David had similar interests in caves. Little did Saul know that his rapture from the heat was, likewise, serving David and his keep. David's men encouraged him to end it all, to end the days upon days of running and hiding. What an easy way to end it all. Surely this is what God had intended? Why would Saul choose the very same cave as David and his men for any other reason than God's appointed plan? Despite the earnest plea and reasoning of his men, David knew it was not God's plan. Instead of taking his life, he took a piece of Saul's skirt. This would serve as evidence to King Saul that his life had been spared at the hand of David.
Christians often make decisions because the circumstances seem right. Often God's will and commands are ignored, because those things that have happened must surely be of the Lord. Christians should do as David did, ignore the circumstances, and follow God's will and commands.
Saul was amazed when he discovered David's kindness. Saul knew that if he had been in David's shoes, he would no longer be living. Very few men would have hesitated at a moment such as this. Men that would must be controlled by the Spirit rather than their own desires. When David returned Saul's hatred and jealousy with kindness and mercy, he showed his obedience and faith in God. Christians need to try this route more often. God's world says to return evil with good.15
When the days of Saul's wrath were brought to an end, David's characteristics of faith, obedience, and humility remained. Because of this, King David's kingdom would stand, even though it would be brought through many tests.
One of the most difficult tests happened when his son, Absalom, decided to rule the kingdom.16 Absalom connived and deceived to take away his father's kingdom. Absalom would place himself in a noticeable position near the gate of the city. He made it easy to be seen of all men. He assumed the position of a judge and took care of legal problems for the Israelites. He showed all people his many talents and his wonderful knowledge. Through these methods, he "stole the hearts of the men of Israel."17
Christians are so often guilty of pulling an "Absalom." They set themselves up in prominent places, and they show others their many abilities. They do this desiring to assume a position that they have not been granted. This causes a division among the people, just as it did with Absalom and the kingdom of Israel. God desires for Christians to have a humble spirit, which is demonstrated so clearly throughout the life of David, in order for Him to lift them up.18
Throughout the rebellion of Absalom, David continued to love him. He realized that God had given him the kingdom. David, more than likely, remembered his terrible sin with Bathsheba at this time. This could be God's judgement on him. David fled from Absalom, taking his household with him. When David left, he also took the ark. David soon felt that he had made a mistake by doing so. He spoke to Zadok, the high priest at this time, and told him to return to Jerusalem with the ark. David desired to have the ark with him, for the ark represented the presence of God. He also realized that, if God was to place him back on the throne, it would happen.19 This again displays the great faith that David held in God.
How wonderful it would be, if Christians could learn this lesson. If a person has a place of position, it was God's power that placed him there. If God desires to keep that person in that position, it will be God's power that does so. If a position a person was once in is no longer God's will, why would he desire to remain there, which would be out of God's will?
Indeed, God did intend for the kingdom to be restored to David. It was restored and reached new heights. God promised to establish David's throne, and so He did and will. The secret to David's success is no secret at all. It was his "deep humility, his implicit trust, and his earnest devotion to the Lord."20 The success David had can be shared by all Christians, if they walk as David walked.
Notes
1. 1 Samuel. 9:1-2.
2. Genesis 50:20.
3. 2 Sam. 5:5.
4. Proverbs 21:2.
5. 1 Samuel 16:18.
6. Theodore H. Epp, David A Man After the Heart of God (Lincoln, NE.: Back to the Bible, 1965), p. 180.
7. 1 Sam. 17:46.
8. 2 Samuel 22:33.
9. 1 Samuel 18:18.
10. Lawrence O. Richards, The Teacher's Commentary (Wheaton, Illinois: Victor Books, 1987), p. 214.
11. Gene Edwards, A Tale of Three Kings (Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, 1980), p. 49.
12. Ibid., p. 49.
13. Hebrews 13:17.
14. 1 Samuel 24.
15. Romans 12:21.
16. 2 Samuel 15.
17. 2 Samuel 15:6.
18. Proverbs 15:33.
19. Gene Edwards, A Tale of Three Kings (Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, 1980), p. 98.
20. Emma M. Schmauk, Bible Outlines (Philadelphia: General Council Publication House, 1912), p. 116.
