“You Say You Want a Revolution”

 “And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the LORD, in Hebron.” (2 Samuel 15:7)

Background

Absalom has spent 40 years working at the gate to Jerusalem, telling every person that passed through the gate that he would be a judge for them. Absalom wants to be more than just a judge. He wants to be King.

“For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the LORD shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD.

And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron.” (2 Samuel 15:8-9)

Revolution

Appearances are deception. Absalom has used a great deal of care in deceiving the common Israelite on his intentions. There is no evidence that he spent anytime in becoming educated on the law, or worshipping God.

The people wanted a king that looked like the other kings. Absalom surrounded himself with horses and chariots; while King David rode on a mule. That was the way of the world then, and the way of the world now. We are like a crow, attracted to anything shiny. Not just the physical, but the mental as well. Appearances are deceiving.

“But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron.” (2 Samuel 15:10)

Absalom has infiltrated all the tribes of Israel. When the trumpet sounds, the spies are expected to proclaim Absalom is King in Hebron. This is how politics works. The problem is that Absalom has misled the people to believe that Absalom has been anointed by God to be a new king. Absalom has drawn them to believe that he is now a King like all the other nations. Its a competition to be like everyone else.

Stay Tuned…

“Absalom at the Gate”

 “And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.” (2 Samuel 15:1)

Background

Absalom, in Hebrew means, “the peace of his father”. Obviously, Absalom was not exactly peaceful since he had his brother killed. Now Absalom has prepared a small army to work with him.

Absalom At The Gate

“And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.” (2 Samuel 15:2)

Absalom is a very gifted politician. Although he would be allowed into King David’s house, he is not given a place of power in King David’s court. Absalom has a plan to change that. So he sits at the entrance to Jerusalem questioning every man that enters the city. He wants to know what business they have in the city, are they looking for a judgement from the King over a quarrel or grievance? Absalom tells them I’m your man.

Absalom tells them that he understands that their arguments are “good and right”. It is almost like he is saying, “I will give you your wildest dreams”. Absalom goes on to say “..there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee”. Which means, “the King has not made anyone in charge of hearing arguments.” Absalom further states “I will give you Justice”(2 Samuel 15:3-4)

“5 And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.

6 And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” (2 Samuel 15:5-6)

As old as this story is, the technique has been used since in the world of politics and family issues. However, it begins well before Absalom.

Stay Tuned…

“A Beautiful Boy”

 “So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king’s face.” (2 Samuel 14:28)

Background

When the people of Israel saw Absalom they were stricken by his beauty. He was tall and without blemish. His vestige spewed goodness. Of course, it is all superficial. We humans tend to put more importance on outward appearance and ignore the spirit of the person.

I Want To See The King

Absalom wanted to see the King in person.

“Therefore Absalom sent for Joab, to have sent him to the king; but he would not come to him: and when he sent again the second time, he would not come.” (2 Samuel 14:29)

Absalom does not want just any messenger to arrange a meeting with the King. He chose one of King David’s most trusted advisors, Joab. Absalom knows that if Joab makes a meeting possible he is a step closer to being in the inner circle of King David’s court.

Joab is not easily fooled. He knows the danger Absalom can bring into the court. Being the next in line for King, Absalom will bring political clout into the court. Joab ignores Absalom’s request.

Absalom uses a new tactic. Instead of sending more messages to Joab, or even going to Joab himself. Absalom goes the threatening route. Absalom sends his servants to burn Joab’s fields. This is going out on a limb. Joab had killed Abner (Saul’s advisor) and he had paid a price for that. However, Absalom had killed his brother Amnon and after fleeing from David, Absalom had been allowed back into Jerusalem and David’s house. Joab knew that if he had taken any action against Absalom he would be putting himself in a weak position.

Joab relents and takes Absalom to see King David.

“So Joab came to the king, and told him: and when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king: and the king kissed Absalom.” (2 Samuel 14:33)

Stay tuned…

“King David, Joab, and The Old Woman”

 “Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king’s heart was toward Absalom.” (2 Samuel 14:1)

The Story [Paraphrased]

Joab is the leader of David’s Army, close advisor, and friend. Joab’s history is not perfect. He had killed Abner, King Saul’s General, even though David had entered into a pact with Abner. Joab, by killing Abner had brought judgement on himself. (2 Samuel 3:39)

Joab needed something to move his status with King David upward. Joab realized that though Absalom had killed Amnon, and now a marked man, that David was still feeling affection towards Absalom. In Joab’s mind, if he can create a story that David could relate to, Joab would give David an escape and Joab a higher status.

Finding the Actress for the Role

“And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman, and said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on now mourning apparel, and anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead:” (2 Samuel 14:2)

“All the world’s a stage. And all the men and women merely players” (William Shakespeare, As You Like It, Act II Scene VII)

The audience is this play is King David. The writer/director, some would consider is Joab. The actress is a wise old woman whose name is not known.

ACT I (A Sad Story)

[An old woman dressed as a widow who has mourned a long time, appears in the court of King David, she lays face down in the presence of the King.]

Old Woman: “Help, O King”

King David: “What aileth thee?”

Old Woman: “I am indeed a widow woman, and mine husband is dead. And thy handmaid had two sons, and they two strove together in the field, and there was none to part them, but the one smote the other, and slew him.

And, behold, the whole family is risen against thine handmaid, and they said, Deliver him that smote his brother, that we may kill him, for the life of his brother whom he slew; and we will destroy the heir also: and so they shall quench my coal which is left, and shall not leave to my husband neither name nor remainder upon the earth.”

King David: “Go to thine house, and I will give charge concerning thee.”

Old Woman: “My lord, O king, the iniquity be on me, and on my father’s house: and the king and his throne be guiltless.”

King David: “Whosoever saith ought unto thee, bring him to me, and he shall not touch thee any more.”

Old Woman: “I pray thee, let the king remember the LORD thy God, that thou wouldest not suffer the revengers of blood to destroy any more, lest they destroy my son.”

King David: “As the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of thy son fall to the earth.”

Old Woman: “Let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak one word unto my lord the king.”

King David: “Say on.”

Old Woman: “And the woman said, Wherefore then hast thou thought such a thing against the people of God? for the king doth speak this thing as one which is faulty, in that the king doth not fetch home again his banished.

For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him.

Now therefore that I am come to speak of this thing unto my lord the king, it is because the people have made me afraid: and thy handmaid said, I will now speak unto the king; it may be that the king will perform the request of his handmaid.

For the king will hear, to deliver his handmaid out of the hand of the man that would destroy me and my son together out of the inheritance of God.

Then thine handmaid said, The word of my lord the king shall now be comfortable: for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and bad: therefore the LORD thy God will be with thee.”

King David: “Hide not from me, I pray thee, the thing that I shall ask thee.”

Old Woman: “Let my lord the king now speak.”

King David: “Is not the hand of Joab with thee in all this?”

Old Woman: “As thy soul liveth, my lord the king, none can turn to the right hand or to the left from ought that my lord the king hath spoken: for thy servant Joab, he bade me, and he put all these words in the mouth of thine handmaid.

To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth.”

End of Scene

ACT II (Absalom’s Return)

[Joab and King David meet]

King David: “Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again.’

[Joab, like the Old Woman, falls face down before the King]

Joab: “To day thy servant knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight, my lord, O king, in that the king hath fulfilled the request of his servant.”

[Joab fetches Absalom from his banishment back to Jerusalem]

King David: “Let him turn to his own house, and let him not see my face.”

End of Scene

Epilogue

King David had certainly worried about the fate of his children, nieces and nephews. Joab, through the Old Woman used this as a wedge to secure his position in King David’s court. Although Absalom is returned safely from his banishment, he is still not allowed to see King David, or work within the King’s court. That will all change.

Stay Tuned…

“Pointing Fingers”

 “But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day.”(2 Samuel 13:37)

Afraid for his life, Absalom fled from his brothers and King David. He took refuge with his mother’s father.

About 400 Years Earlier

When Moses was in the wilderness with the children of Israel he spent every hour of every day working on their problems. Every grievance, from a hole in a sandal to murder, Moses judged over them all. Moses’s father in-law gave him advice on how to organize his government to make it simpler.

“Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.” (Exodus 18:18)

Jethro, Moses’s father in-law, gave Moses some sound advice about organizing his people. You can call it Government if you wish.

“Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:” (Exodus 18:21)

The Problem

On the surface it looks like a good idea, but we may ignore the individual’s needs. Moses is expected to find leaders that fit most closely to God’s commands. Imagine we have a group of tens and their leader follows 90% of God’s commands (from a human perspective). To keep the leadership of ten, that leader only needs to keep the leader of fifties happy. The leader of ten only keeps the leader of fifties needs in mind. That is where politics is invented. The needs of the many are reduced to the needs of the few, the powerful few.

The issue of the problem is not how many are involved, it is the ignoring of God. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Arron, and Jethro all spoke directly to God. As we learn in scriptures we realize that although they were certainly led by God, they were still only people. People make mistakes. Even the simplest mistake can have disastrous results.

Remember the priest of David who mistakenly touched the Ark? It wasn’t a simple mistake, it was a direct command from God, written by Moses, followed by Joshua, and now forgotten by David. People either forget the simple commands or ignore them, and the result is pain.

The Blame

As humans we often pin the blame on anything/one other than ourselves. Many people say, “Yeah I did it, but…”. The “but” is not unimportant from a group perspective, however, from an individual perspective it is very important. The “but” doesn’t just point at other’s failures. It amplifies your failures.

Absalom killed Amnon, and that was wrong, but Amnon had raped Tamar. King David knew it, but King David had caused the death of Uriah because of his adultery. There are so many fingers pointing it becomes difficult to untangle in the human mind. In God’s point of view it is not impossible.

From Tamar’s point there is nothing she had done to deserve Amnon’s violence.

From Amnon’s point of view he deserved judgement from God, but he did not deserve being murdered by Absalom.

From Absalom’s point of view he deserved death, but God gave him a rescue in the form of King David.

From David’s point of view he deserved death, and though he will suffer God provides him with a rescue.

Stay Tuned…

“Murder He Wrote”

“And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.” (2 Samuel 13:22)

Two Years Later

Absalom said nothing to Amnon about his sinful ways with his sister Tamar. David said nothing to Amnon. It is almost as if nothing happened? David’s guilt of his own sins kept him from teaching his son how to be righteous, and how to repent of his sins. David could have reproached Amnon and as King David had every right to do so.

Absalom is a different story. He is not seeking to educate Amnon, he is seeking revenge. Absalom sees himself as a Judge of Israel and since David will not, Absalom will.

Absalom was planning a sheep shearing party. He plans on inviting all of the sons of David, and King David himself. This was important to Absalom. He could not invite his brothers without giving and invite to his father. King David saw no reason for him to go to a sheepshearing and have Absalom spend his money on David’s entertainment.

Absalom pushes King David to allow Amnon and the other sons to join in the party. King David could see no reason to suspect any foul behavior by Absalom, so he allowed Amnon to go.

Murder So Foul.

With King David out of the way Absalom sees himself as having the upper hand.

“Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.” (2 Samuel 13:28)

Absalom attempts to take the responsibility for murdering his brother and sharing it among his servants. However, Absalom’s servants are only responsible for following his commands. Absalom is the authority in this case.

When Absalom’s brothers find out about the death of Amnon they get on their donkeys and run away. It is obvious they fear Absalom.

Satan In The House

“And it came to pass, while they were in the way, that tidings came to David, saying, Absalom hath slain all the king’s sons, and there is not one of them left.” (2 Samuel 13:30)

Who came to King David with this information is not known. However, we do know there was someone else in the room that knew what the truth was. King David was beside himself with the grief that all his sons had been killed.

“And Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David’s brother, answered and said, Let not my lord suppose that they have slain all the young men the king’s sons; for Amnon only is dead: for by the appointment of Absalom this hath been determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar.” (2 Samuel 13:32)

There is no way Jonadab could have known this. He could not have watched Absalom kill Amnon, watch David’s sons ride off, and then make it back to David. Jonadab knew what Absalom had planned. Jonadab also knew what Amnon had planned. Satan likes to observe the sinful ways of people, then make it known to everyone.

Jonadab was there when David’s sons returned with the news Amnon was indeed dead. King David is sad about the death of Amnon, but happy that his sons are okay. Yet, he is still upset that Absalom had killed Amnon.

Stay tuned…

“Evil in the House”

 “And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.” (2 Samuel 13:1)

David’s family consists of 4 wives and an unknown number of concubines. As for children David is known to have had 21 by his 4 wives, one of which is unnamed by his adulterous relationship with Bathsheba. Here we know of only one of David’s daughters, Tamar.

David wanted to keep his indiscretion in private. A term many people like to fall back on to feel OK about the things they do to others. “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”, the old adage that seldom stays private. You can’t hide from God. Adam and Eve had hidden from God, only to find out he knew where they were all the time. Now David’s sons and daughter are about to be caught up in poor choices.

Absalom and Tamar are brother and sister, Amnon is their half-brother. Amnon is the oldest of David’s sons. In many families the oldest is the one that gets the inheritance of the father. This is obviously not always the case. Esau and Jacob were twins, but Esau was the first born. Esau sold his inheritance to Jacob for a bowl of lentils. Later Jacob had to deceive Isaac to get the inheritance.

The first born in David’s house is Amnon. We know nothing about Amnon’s ability to eventually lead David’s house. But we do know about Amnon’s lustful heart.

“And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her.” (2 Samuel 13:2)

Amnon certainly lusted for his half-sister, but she was a virgin. Had she been anything but a virgin, Amnon could have found many reasons to sleep with her. Not only did Amnon know she was a virgin, it was known throughout the house of David that she was sexually pure. Had Amnon had an excuse based on her sexual impurity, he could have blamed her for coming on to him. It was going to be hard for him to do anything to her.

“But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David’s brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man.” (2 Samuel 13:3)

Jonadab, Amnon’s cousin, was a sneaky man. Not a genius, but smart enough to manipulate Amnon. Jonadab knew Amnon was having a problem and cut straight to the matter of the issue. Jonadab realizes Amnon is lusting for his half-sister Tamar. This gives Jonadab the chance to interject family strife by presenting a plan for Amnon.

Jonadab is aware that David is concerned about his children. Jonadab realizes he has to get Tamara into Amnon’s bed chamber alone. So, he tells Amnon to pretend to be sick and have David make Tamara your nurse.

“And Jonadab said unto him, Lay thee down on thy bed, and make thyself sick: and when thy father cometh to see thee, say unto him, I pray thee, let my sister Tamar come, and give me meat, and dress the meat in my sight, that I may see it, and eat it at her hand.” (2 Samuel 13:5)

David had no reason to believe that Amnon was planning on doing anything ugly to Tamar. Tamar had no reason to believe that Amnon was planning on doing anything ugly to her. There was only two people who knew what Amnon was planning. That is Amnon, and Jonadab.

When Amnon is alone with his half-sister he forcefully rapes her. Amnon’s guilt comes crashing down on him and he throws Tamar out of the room. Tamar leaves the room and rents her clothes and covers herself in ashes.

Drama is about to get crazy.

Stay Tuned…

“The House of…”

 “Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.” (2 Samuel 12:11)

Narrative

The House of, insert name here, is linked to a patriarchal group of closely related people. The person named as the leader of the house is not necessarily the actual power in the house. Two houses that are spoken of is The House of Saul and the House of David.

The House of…does not mean everyone concerned live in the same actual house. They might live in the same house, city, or region. For instance, The House of Abraham lived in tents tending their flocks, moving from place to place. However, he gives birth to the House of Isaac, who also gives birth to the House of Esau, and the House of Jacob.

The House of…was not a place of perfection. The House of Abraham lied that he and Sarah were brother and sister; The House of Isaac suffered from the lie of his wife and Jacob about who was the heir.

The House of….is an example not just to Israel, but to Gentiles (that means everyone) as well. Samuel knew The House of Saul was a bad idea as king, but God allowed it, to be a lesson to us all. Saul’s son Jonathan was an unusual case in the House of Saul. Jonathan loved David as he did himself, yet Jonathan continued to honor his father. Jonathan died beside Saul on the battlefield.

The House of Saul not only had men, but it had women. Michal the daughter of Saul was given to David as David’s first wife. Michal pretended David was sick in bed when Saul sent his guards to kill David. Michal had helped David escape from her father. Michal is given by Saul to another man after David had escaped.

The House of David lived in several cities while David was avoiding Saul. David had many wives and many son’s. David’s failure results in God’s wrath. Not just to David, but to the entire House of David.

Stay tuned…

“Rich Man Poor Man”

 “And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.” (2 Samuel 12:1)

A Rich Man had many sheep, goats, and cattle.

A Poor Man had nothing, except for one little female lamb. He brought the little lamb up as if it was one of his children. He fed it, groomed it, and cuddled it as he would a daughter.

A traveler came to visit the Rich Man. The Rich Man had laid out a feast for the traveler. However, instead of using his own riches, he took the Poor Man’s lamb, slaughtered it and fed it to the traveler.

“5And David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die:

6And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.” (2 Samuel 12:5-6)

“7And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;

8And I gave thee thy master’s house, and thy master’s wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things.

9Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.

10Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.

11Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.

12For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.

13And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.

14Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.

15And Nathan departed unto his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah’s wife bare unto David, and it was very sick.

16David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.

17And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them.

18And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead?

19But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead.

20Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat.

21Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread.

22And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?

23But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.

24And David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: and the LORD loved him.

25And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he called his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD.

26And Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and took the royal city.

27And Joab sent messengers to David, and said, I have fought against Rabbah, and have taken the city of waters.

28Now therefore gather the rest of the people together, and encamp against the city, and take it: lest I take the city, and it be called after my name.

29And David gathered all the people together, and went to Rabbah, and fought against it, and took it.

30And he took their king’s crown from off his head, the weight whereof was a talent of gold with the precious stones: and it was set on David’s head. And he brought forth the spoil of the city in great abundance.

31And he brought forth the people that were therein, and put them under saws, and under harrows of iron, and under axes of iron, and made them pass through the brickkiln: and thus did he unto all the cities of the children of Ammon. So David and all the people returned unto Jerusalem.” (2 Samuel 12:7-31)

A lesson we all need to understand.

“Underwater”

 “And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.” (2 Samuel 11:1)

Introduction

We are surrounded by poor choices or worse. Poor choices from our sinful ways. Yes we have all sinned. But before going into that lets look at King David’s sinful ways.

Weakness

The war with the Ammonites and Syrians has been raging and now Rabbah is under siege. King David is now in Jerusalem. What is he doing? Maybe penning a Psalm, plucking his harp, or just thinking? That is until one morning.

“And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.” (2 Samuel 11:2)

Just like David we see a pool of water that is inviting, then jump in without looking to see what hazards lie beneath. There is no doubt that David had sinful thoughts in his mind. God provides salvation through his son Jesus if we just ask. David did not ask. His thoughts were not focused on anything other than his own sinful heart.

Bathsheba was her name. David brings her into his house and sleeps with her. Bathsheba was already married to Uriah the Hittite. David’s sins at this point were, Adultery, Steal and Covet.

After a short time, “And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child.” (2 Samuel 11:5)

David needs an out and if he can get Uriah to sleep with his own wife he can put the child on Uriah and hide his sin. Now David is expecting to commit “Bearing False Witness” to the list.

David brought Uriah back from the war and tried everything to include making Uriah drunk to get him to sleep with his own wife. Uriah refused.

David sends Uriah back to the war and sends a message to Joab to have Uriah on the front in the most dangerous part of the battle.

“24And the shooters shot from off the wall upon thy servants; and some of the king’s servants be dead, and thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.

25Then David said unto the messenger, Thus shalt thou say unto Joab, Let not this thing displease thee, for the sword devoureth one as well as another: make thy battle more strong against the city, and overthrow it: and encourage thou him.

26And when the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband.

27And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD. (2 Samuel 11:24-27)

When you get in water over your head, you are in real trouble.

Stay Tuned…

“David’s Love of Jonathan”

 “And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (2 Samuel 9:1)

Introduction

David and Jonathan were more than friends, they were brothers with the same heart. Both had faith and trust in what God wanted them to do and to be.

“And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” (1 Samuel 18:1)

David has increased the territory of Israel and now seeks to pay homage to those that had helped him.

Mephibosheth

Mephibosheth was Jonathan’s son, when he was just a child his nurse had dropped him when they were fleeing the Philistines. Mephibosheth was made lame in the fall. This left him with no way of fending for himself. Even after the death of Saul and Jonathan he still had servants that looked after him. David went looking for him.

There is no doubt that those in the house of Saul would expect retribution based on the hate Saul had harbored for David. Now that David was no longer bothered by his powerful enemies, would he not seek out those in the house of Saul?

What happened instead was a rescue, just as Jesus Christ has rescued us from our sins, David rescues Mephibosheth.

“And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.” (2 Samuel 9:7)

Conclusion

King David had found himself in the lowest station of life. Drooling and acting like he was crazy in order to find safety with the Philistines. David could have killed Saul at any point during his flight from the wrath of Saul. Instead of killing Saul he listened to God and let God take care of the problem. Now with the love David and Jonathan had for each other, he has pledged to take care of the least in Saul’s house.

Growth of Israel

 Background

King David has brought the Ark into his house and placed it in a tent modeled by Moses’s guidance. Now King David is expanding the Kingdom of Israel.

Expansion of David’s Kingdom

King David isn’t sitting around, he began by taking the chief city of the Philistines, Metheg-ammah. Metheg-ammah is the royal city of the Philistines that is originally called Gath. Metheg means bridle, a bridle is used to take control of a horse, mule, or donkey. This is the same place where Joab had chased Abner to.

“Joab also and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they were come to the hill of Ammah, that lieth before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon.” (2 Samuel 2:24)

Gath was also the hometown of Goliath, that David had killed. And when David was hiding from Saul he took refuge in Gath.

Next King David went up against the Moabites. The Moabites had been dangerous enemies from the time of Moses in the wilderness. Remember Balaam’s talking donkey? Balaam prophesized the end of two thirds of the Moabites.

“And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. And so the Moabites became David’s servants, and brought gifts.” (2 Samuel 8:2)

As servants to King David they will provide tribute (as in more than just taxes). They will continue to serve King David until the death of Ahab.

Now King David turns his attention to Syria. There are two important targets in Syria. The first is Zobah, the second are the Syrians in Damascus. Both had worked with each other to protect the other. King David made quick work of them.

“And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: David also houghed all the chariot horses, but reserved of them an hundred chariots.” (1 Chronicles 18:4)

Tribute to God

King David’s territories and principle cites now include most of Caanan to include Syria. David has amassed a great deal of gold, silver, gems, copper, and brass.

“Which also king David did dedicate unto the LORD, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he subdued; 12 Of Syria, and of Moab, and of the children of Ammon, and of the Philistines, and of Amalek, and of the spoil of Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Zobah.” (2 Samuel 8:11)

The pagan idols of David’s enemies were burned and refashioned.

King David had prospered through the protection of God and he praised God in all he had been given.

The Sanhedrin, Sadducees, and Pharisees in a Modern Context

 The Sanhedrin

“Sanhedrin” is a Greek term meaning Assembly or Council and describes the legal and political leadership in Israel. The Sanhedrin, as a term, would have existed from around 323BC, but the idea goes much further back to Moses in the Book of Numbers.

“16 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Gather for me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them, and bring them to the tent of meeting, and let them take their stand there with you.” (11:16 ESV)

The organization of the Sanhedrin is further described in Deuteronomy 16.

“18 Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.

19 Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.”

Discussion

The Sanhedrin existed in towns and villages consisting of judges on all matters of Mosaic and civil laws. The Great Sanhedrin, a 70 man 1 High Priest group, sat in judgment for all of Israel. The Sanhedrin did more than just judge laws, they also determined punishments.

Some have likened the Sanhedrin as being like the U.S. Supreme Court, but there are some major differences. The U.S. Supreme Court was designed to weigh law against the Constitution, not weigh law against an individual. The U.S. Supreme Court does not produce punishments, it weighs punishments against the Constitution. The Sanhedrin sent enforcers of the law to imprison or stone violators.

In 358AD the Sanhedrin, under persecution of Rome, was dissolved and has not formed again since.

Who Sat On the Sanhedrin?

There were two groups who were members of the Sanhedrin. The Sadducees and Pharisees, both groups adhered to Mosaic Law, had political power in the Sanhedrin, and that is where their similarities end.

The Sadducees are the modern day version of secular belief. The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead, miracles, life after death, angels, or demons. They believed in nothing spiritual. They were financially and politically powerful. The Chief Priests and High Priest were Sadducees. The Sadducees believed in the Hellenistic Value system brought by the Greeks. They also worked with the Roman Empire to further their own desires. With the destruction of Jerusalem the Sadducees ceased to exist.

The Pharisees were completely different. They believed in the resurrection of the dead, miracles, life after death, angels, and demons.

Christians are much more likely to be a Pharisee. Paul when he was being tried by the Sanhedrin, he knew the problems that Sadducees and Pharisees faced. When it came to disagreements they disagreed often. Paul openly called himself a Pharisee.

When Jesus arrived he had more run ins with Pharisees than he did Sadducees. However, Jesus made the Sadducees nervous that he would upset the status quo. It was at that point the Sadducees and Pharisees held mock trials and when that didn’t work they turned him over to the Romans.

In Matthew 23 Jesus gives one of the best lessons to the Pharisees.

“1Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,

2Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat:

3All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.

4For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

5But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

6And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,

7And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.

8But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.

9And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

10Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.

11But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

12And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

13But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

14Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.

15Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.

16Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!

17Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?

18And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.

19Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?

20Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon.

21And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.

22And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.

23Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

24Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.

25Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.

26Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.

27Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.

28Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

29Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,

30And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.

31Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.

32Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.

33Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

34Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:

35That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

36Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.

37O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

38Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.

39For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Conclusion

Before he was called Paul he was called Saul of Tarsus. He was a Pharisee through and through. Saul was tossing Believers of Christ into prison as fast as he could, to include holding the cloaks of the men who stoned the Disciple Stephen to death. Until that day on the road to Damascus. When Jesus appeared to him and left him blind.

Saul of Tarsus is gone, now we have Paul standing in front of the Sanhedrin and they are plotting to kill him. God has another plan. Read Acts 23 to learn about this miraculous delivery from bondage and taking the word of Jesus to the Gentiles.

Stay Tuned…

“Let Me Put This Here”

 Introduction

When you think about David’s life up to this point, he has gone from the least important person in Israel, to the most important person in Israel. David knows it was not something he did, but something God did.

King David has now founded his city in Jerusalem and during the celebration of the Ark of God returning to the center of Israel, calamity fell on one of the priests all because they couldn’t follow the rules from Moses’s time.

David’s conundrum is what to do with the Ark of God? Is God angry at me? Israel? How do I fix that?

Let Me Put This Here

“So David would not remove the ark of the LORD unto him into the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite.” (2 Samuel 6:10)

Over the next three months David is aware of the blessings that Obededom is given by God. Of course everyone is going to tell David what is going on. Some will tell him to help him, others will tell him with their own agenda.

Dancing a Jig for God

David brings the Ark of God to the Tabernacle. Not the temple, David hasn’t built a temple, he pitches the tent that was the same Tabernacle Moses used. David was happy and excited that he was able to bring the Ark into his city. So happy that he dances in the nude in front of men, women, and handmaids. As exciting as that seems, there is a problem.

Stay Tuned…

“The Shaking Oxen”

 “And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart.” (2 Samuel 6:3)

Background

The Ark of God came into the world by God’s grace. When the Ark was built by Moses and the artisans of Israel it was intended to be the place God would dwell. The Ark was placed inside the Tabernacle surrounded by a tent. The entire Tabernacle and Ark are to be transported as the children of Israel lingers in the wilderness. Transported set up and put away for travel under the guidance of the Levite priests. Many of the items for the Tabernacle were transported in carts pulled by Oxen. There is one exception, the Ark is to be carried on the shoulders of the Kohathites. The Ark of God had journeyed across the Jordan into the Promised Land.

The First Mistake

“And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.” (Leviticus 10:1)

Aaron had the job of the offerings in the altar, it was Aaron who did this as commanded to him by God. Nadab and Abihu jumped ahead of Aaron and God. Thus they were consumed by fire.

“And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.” (Leviticus 10:2)

The Philistines and the Ark of God

“And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines: and they slew of the army in the field about four thousand men.” (1 Samuel 4:2)

The Elders of Israel call for the Ark of God to be brought out. Everyone cheered and shouted. Then the Philistines beat them up and took the Ark of God.

When the Ark of God was stolen by the Philistines and placed in the Philistine temple to Dagon, even the Philistines realized God was more than their gods could handle (because their gods were just statues). The Philistines returned the Ark of God in a cart.

Before David is King

“And Saul said unto Ahiah, Bring hither the ark of God. For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel.” (1 Samuel 14:18)

Saul hears the noise of war in the camp of the Philistines and sees them killing each other. Saul tells the priest Ahiah to withdraw his hand from the ark of God. Since the ark had been returned by the Philistines it has remained with the Priests.

David at Jerusalem

David as King of Israel has built up The City of David at Jerusalem to include a holy place with a home for the ark of God.

“And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims.” (2 Samuel 6:2)

With 30,000 others David is on a parade to bring the ark of God to its resting place. The people are rejoicing with all sorts of musical instruments. It is certainly a happy day in Israel. That is until tragedy strikes.

The Oxen Shook

The ark was placed on a brand new cart. This was not the will of God. Remember when the Kohathites were supposed to carry the ark between two poles on their shoulders. A careful and honorable way to carry God’s ark.

When the Oxen shook it must have appeared that the ark was about to topple off onto the ground, Uzzah took hold of it, and God killed him right then and there.

David now feared what he had just watched. Was it something David had done?

Stay Tuned…

“Post Scriptum”

 “And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house.” (2 Samuel 5:11)

Commentary

As tribute to David becoming King, Hiram king of Tyre builds David a strong and magnificent house fit for holy worship. David’s accomplishments were well known, not just in Israeli and Philistine territory, but outside as well. King Hiram will become a great friend of David, and later, David’s son Solomon. That is for a later story.

David’s Folly

Although David inquires of God often, there are things David does not ask of God. The key being wives and concubines. Adam had one wife, after the flood Noah had one wife, the people after that began to have many wives. They had them either for the growth of their defense and protection, combining kingdoms through marriage, or their own greed. The weakness of humans in abundantly clear.

The problem with more than one wife is not a woman’s weakness, but the political intrigue within a family. For a leader to effectively lead a nation the danger of those behind him is far more dangerous.

Stay Tuned…

“A Thing Happened”

 “The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.” (2 Samuel 5:18)

Background

David perceives he has been anointed the King of Israel.

“Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.” (2 Samuel 5:1)

The people recognize that they are bound by blood relationship to David and David recognizes his relationship to them. All of the Elders of Israel anoint him King. At 22 1/2, David was the King of Judah. Now, 7 1/2 years later, at the age of 30, he is King of Israel, and will remain King for 40 years.

Then a Thing Happened

“And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither.” (2 Samuel 5:6)

What are the Jebusites saying? Who are these “Blind and Lame” they speak of, and why?

God had commanded the tribes of Israel to destroy the tribes that lived in the promised land. But the tribes of Israel didn’t do as commanded. Instead they lived with the pagans right along side their Idols. False gods made of wood, stone, and brass. The Jebusites think their false idols will protect them.

“And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this day.” (Judges 1:21)

The Jebusites are taunting David, because they believe the Blind and Lame images will somehow save them, they don’t protect them at all.

“And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind, that are hated of David’s soul, he shall be chief and captain. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.” (2 Samuel 5:8)

David now possess Jerusalem and makes it a holy city and it is called “The City of David”.

Lesson

God rebuked the tribes of Israel for living with the pagans. God made all the tribes aware that by allowing false idols within their cities would bring out the sinful nature of man. Falling into league with the world of sinners will ultimately remove people from following God. It is a difficult road to stay with God, Satan has a very easy way of misguiding people. Stay strong in the LORD.

Stay Tuned…

“Faith With Evidence Part IV”

 “And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably?” (1 Samuel 16:4)

Commentary

Samuel has demonstrated being both a Prophet and a Judge. Arriving at Bethlehem would certainly come into question as to why he is here? What he coming to Judge a sin they may be guilty of, or prophesy something horrible that will happen to them? Nope, he is here to perform a ritual sacrifice…as far as they know.

While the Elders and people are busy preparing for the sacrifice. Samuel goes looking for a new King. He finds one in David.

David’s first encounter was with Saul was when Saul was feeling sad about the Evil Spirit the Lord had put in him. David’s skill on the harp made Saul feel better and he made David his Armor Bearer. Although it is not directly said, it is probably more ceremonial since David is just a boy.

A great war is raging between Israel and the Philistines. Both armies are poised in a valley and both occupy the hills on either side. Everyday the giant Goliath comes close enough to the Israeli Army to taunt them. Goliath says for them to send out a warrior to fight him, if the warrior wins then the Philistines will surrender to Israel, but if the warrior loses Israel must surrender to them. Of course, if Saul sent out his most powerful warrior and he loses, then Saul will not surrender. Likewise if Saul’s most powerful warrior wins the Philistines will not surrender.

Then comes the boy David. Physically David is no match for Goliath. David tells Saul of something much more miraculous. The time David killed a Lion and Bear. For a small boy to kill a Lion and Bear, is a greater deed than Sampson the Judge.

David’s brothers and the people made fun of David, since he was too small and young to be a skilled warrior. Saul heard what was said about David, but decided to send the least of them out to challenge Goliath. If David is killed it might buy Saul enough time to try something else.

“David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.” (1 Samuel 17:37)

This is the evidence that David knew God was with him. David didn’t say I killed the Lion and the Bear all on my own. It was God that killed the Lion and the Bear, for me. It was not blind faith that moved David, it was Faith with Evidence of God that moved David.

Do you have faith based on unknown evidence, or has something happened in your life that has to have been from God. Not an accidental occurrence, but something outside of your ability. I know I have. If you look you will find the same thing.

Stay Tuned…

P.S. David’s faith continues from 1 Samuel 17 onward.

“Faith With Evidence Part III”

 “And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.” (1 Samuel 16:1)

“Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.” (1 Samuel 16:13)

Commentary

Saul, from the people’s perspective, is still King of Israel. Some are happy about it, some are not, and still some don’t really care. Some believe he is still guided by God. Saul was not the failure, it was the people who wanted a King, instead of God. The difference is Samuel.

Samuel is in constant contact with God. He follows God as he is guided. What God wants is someone closer to God.

What evidence does Samuel have that God dwelt with him?

1 Samuel 3

It begins with Samuel as a young boy living in the Temple with the Priest Eli. Eli is becoming blind. Samuel’s job is to help Eli. One night the Lamp of God, which is in the Temple, went out.

Samuel hears a voice calling out to him. He rushes to the place Eli is sleeping and asks Eli, “You called?” Eli responds, “No, go back to sleep”. God calls to Samuel three times. Eli knew on the third time Samuel came to Eli that it was God speaking to Samuel.

“Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.” (1 Samuel 3:9)

Again God calls out to Samuel and Samuel responds.

“And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.” (1 Samuel 3:11)

God is going to do “a thing”. When God says he is going to do something, its time to listen to him. Samuel grew as time went on, from a child into a prophet, and all of Israel knew it.

This was the evidence that brought the reality of God to Samuel, and to us today.

To read more about what “thing” God did read 1 Samuel chapters 4-8. It is more evidence of God and an amazing story.

Stay Tuned…

“Faith With Evidence Part II”

 Faith is not belief because you just believe. Blind Faith is not what God wants. Faith is the belief that God exists based on evidence of God. Lets continue with that discussion.

Commentary

To understand what “Faith with Evidence” means, it is important to look at what “Faithless with Evidence” means.

When we look at Saul sitting under a pomegranate tree, he is surrounded by 600 men and the God’s priest. Safely waiting, while thousands of Philistines are building an army to overwhelm Israel. Saul’s son, Jonathan and his armor bearer, crept into the midst of the Philistines and began a great slaughter of the Philistines. Two men against thousands began to defeat them by God’s power.

Remember when Jacob, soon to be named Israel, traveled through the Land of Caanan and God caused so much conflict among the tribes that surrounded Jacob, that they were able to safely come to Egypt? God always provides a rescue.

When Saul realized that all of Israel were chasing the Philistines he became so excited that he asked God’s Priest to bring out the Ark, then tells the priest to put it back. Saul can’t decide what he should do, but he certainly is not turning to God for directions.

Instead of rewarding his troops he begins to punish them, when they have fought to the point of starvation. God provides honey for them, Saul warns he will punish them. Finally as Israel has gone as far as it can and has defeated the Philistines, finding all the Philistine food stuffs they become ravenous and begin eating the livestock with blood. That is they ate the animals without preparing them according to Mosaic Law.

Even with the end of a major victory Saul built an altar to God. Then…”And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day.” (1 Samuel 14:37)

Saul should have taken the silence as a sign. But he didn’t. Instead he turned to the people for an affirmative response. Which he didn’t receive. Although Saul felt that his own son, Jonathan had broken Saul’s command, and die. The people argued that Jonathan had been fighting the Philistines with God’s permission. God’s example bought Jonathan’s rescue and the people knew it.

The Philistines were able to withdraw from Saul, but Saul was not done with his war on the peoples around Canaan.

“So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and whithersoever he turned himself, he vexed them.” (1 Samuel 14:47)

Saul began to fight all of his enemies, but he did not seek God’s direction. It was all on Saul’s decision. He kept his enemies and Israel busy and tired of such a long war.

Saul is finally confronted by a choice. Samuel had spoken with God, and God spoke to Samuel.

“2Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt.

3Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.” (1 Samuel 15:2-3)

God commands Saul to kill every living thing the Amalekites had. Saul just couldn’t, wouldn’t listen to God. Instead of following a command, Saul took the animals and took the King of the Amalekites alive.

Samuel returned to where Saul was and told him straightly that he had angered God by not listening to his commandment. Samuel told Saul, you are no longer King of Israel. Saul begged Samuel to stay by his side, and bring God with you. Samuel left Saul. Saul had seen the power of God. Samuel had educated Saul as to God’s mercy. The Evidence was there, Saul didn’t have the faith to follow. Saul has been fired and though he may not know it, he is being replaced.

God speaks to us everyday, many do not want to hear what he has to say, others forget how to listen. He listens to our prayers when we find our way to him, through his Only Son Jesus. Jesus is our rescue from evil.

Stay Tuned…