Mar 10 (1 Sam 29-31)

1st Samuel 29

David has escaped the persecution of Saul by befriending Israel's mortal enemies, the Philistines. By the way, the Palestinians are descendants of the Philistines, so the battle rages on today.

So now David is faced with the precarious situation of having to fight King Saul and his own brethren of Israel. Again, if we avoid one problem, we will have others spring up to replace it. David had God on his side when he was fleeing Saul, but now, he wouldn't since David would be going against God's chosen people...the very people David was destined to be king of!

I use this situation to teach my kids that they need to address their problems by praying, and letting God take care of them. Avoiding them without God's help will only lead to greater problems in the future!

(v.22) At first glance, and if we think in the flesh, we can see the point of the men who fought and didn't want the ones who wouldn't fight to share in the spoils of the battle. However, Israel and the Church looks at this differently than the world. When we send missionaries abroad to share the Gospel, God doesn't protect, provide and bless only them. All the people who gave money, all the people who helped organize, and all the people keeping the missionaries covered in prayer, all share in God's blessings.

1st Samuel 30

The same thing happens to David that happened so many times to Saul, they were obsessed with the wrong things, and they let their responsibilities be exposed. So many times Saul abandoned his protection of Israel to chase David, and now, David's obsession with facing Saul on the battlefield has left his family and army's families exposed to the enemy. Pride takes us away from God and into trouble.

1st Samuel 31

Here we have the end of Saul. A man who started with such promise and blessings, only to abandon God, and live foolishly. Saul even admitted that he wasted his chance, and died along with his sons and army.

Mar 9 (1 Sam 27-28)

1st Samuel 27

(v.1) David has been such a man of faith, and he so many times talked with God, but here he has not consulted God, and let his flesh take control. If he had remembered that God is on his side, he wouldn't have said to himself that he would die at the hand of Saul.

We all do this...we talk ourselves into and out of things. The power of rationalization is great...we can justify bad deeds or words, and we can convince ourselves that we know what is best for us. But sooner than we think, God shows us every time, that He knows what's best for us. If we just start every day walking with Him, and continue the day in prayer, we would be much better off!

(v.7) David figured that in order to have Saul's pursuit of him to end, he would encamp in the enemy's territory. This worked, but we'll see that David had to endure a whole new set of problems because of it.

This is important for our kids (and us parents) to remember...as long as we have breath, we will have trials and problems in life. Sometimes they are little, and other times, they are big problems. I teach my kids this scenario, in order that they may glean something practical in their lives from David:

When we are born again, we are new creatures in Christ. We have new power and vigor, but this doesn't mean we will never have problems, doubts, stumbles or issues the rest of our lives. In fact, because Satan doesn't want us to be effective ambassadors of Christ, he will tempt us to make us fall away from Christ and be stagnant and ineffective Christians.

So if we let our trials and persecutions in Christ drag us down, we have let the enemy win. We think if we don't speak out for Christ, and if we don't let others know the hope that is in us, we will avoid conflicts...we may just blend into the world. But soon we will find that we're more miserable away from Christ in the world, than living for Christ with persecution! (Jam 1:2-3)

(v.11) So now that David has avoided his persecution from Saul with God on his side, he has become a common thief, a liar and murderer. He has absorbed the pitfalls of this world by trying to avoid serving God! This is common with believers who fall away from God...they end up worse than when they were unsaved! The only thing that will make backsliders happy again, is to repent and return to Christ.

1st Samuel 28

(v.6) Saul was blind without God. Samuel was dead, and the LORD wouldn't speak to Saul because of Saul's unbelief.

(v.14) Because Saul was not walking with God, he sought a medium (a witch) to speak to the dead. When Saul saw Samuel, he bowed down to him. Not only was it wrong to seek Satanic mediums to speak to the dead, but it's worse to bow down to mortal men. Only God is worthy to bow down to. (Phil 2:10)

(v.19) Depending upon the ages of your kids, you may want to approach this part with discretion. It seems that Samuel's spirit is appearing to Saul. We often hear of ghosts, and perhaps this is a biblical example of a ghost.

I teach my kids, that our bodies are mortal, but our spirits are immortal. We will live forever, but our faith and choices determine WHERE we will live in eternity. Before Christ came to conquer sin and death, all the people who lived before then, went to Sheol when they died. Sheol was the Hebrew, and Hades was the Greek name for the spirit world in the Old Testament. If we read Luke 16:19-31, we see that there were two parts to this spirit world...one for believers in God, and another part for the unbelievers. The believers went to Abraham's Bosom, since Abraham is known as the "Father of the Faithful."

This is why Samuel said that Saul would be with him in the spirit world the next day. I suspect that Samuel is in Abraham's Bosom, and Saul will be in the other place that Jesus spoke about, in eternal torment. After Christ died on the cross, he freed the believers from Abraham's Bosom and took them to heaven, leaving the others in Sheol to wait for their eternal judgment.

So getting back to the issue of ghosts...If we remember the Nephilim and the giants (Gen 6), and the reason for the flood, then the spirits of these Nephilim and giants were killed in the Flood, but their spirits lived on. This is what scholars believe are demons...evil spirits that died in body, but their spirits are evil. So, I recommend that we pray and seek His wisdom when we discuss these things with our kids, since they can be a little scary and freaky to them...it is to me as well! But...it is biblical and the truth, so I don't keep that from my kids.

Mar 8 (1 Sam 26)

1st Samuel 26

After Saul admitted that David would be king, and asked David to spare his descendants, David thought that Saul would not lead his men after him again. But when David's spies told him otherwise, David must have been sad and angry at the same time.

When David had a second chance to kill Saul, he could have very likely have thought that THIS TIME, God was giving Saul over to him, but he didn't. David is a great model of patience and faith...He let God fight his battles...we should do the same!

I remind my kids, that David had the right to kill Nabal earlier, but he let the LORD take care of it on His own terms and timing...and He did!

Saul is near death, and he realizes that he's been pursuing the wrong things...hatred and pride. Instead of being kind to David and helping him flourish, Saul has persecuted David. When we look back on our lives, we all want to feel we made a positive contribution...it's sad that Saul didn't feel that when he had so much opportunity and promise.

We all have the opportunity to exact revenge on someone who has wronged us...but it would be better for us to be like David and let the LORD take care of that wrong, and return anger with love.

Mar 7 (1 Sam 25)

1st Samuel 25

(v.1) Samuel, a great man of God, dies. He started at a young age and served God and Israel admirably. But, he was human, and we see that he didn't do such a great job with his sons, much like his tutor, Eli. Because of Samuel's rebellious sons, the people demanded a king instead of God. But on the whole, as with all of us who have stumbled and failed at times through life, Samuel did well, and the nation of Israel rightly mourned his passing.

(v.3) Here we meet a man called Nabal. His name, Nabal, in Hebrew means "fool" so he decided to act out his name! Oddly enough, Nabal was a descendant of Caleb, the mighty man of valor along with Joshua, who wasn't afraid of the giants in the land!

(v.13) After Nabal insults David and his men, we see the human side of David here. David showed great restraint and faith in God when he didn't kill Saul in the cave. Yet, here he lets his emotions get the better of him, and wants to kill Nabal.

(v.14) Abigail in hebrew means "Joy of the Father" and she shows us all what wisdom and humility means. Her compassion and respect to David overcomes him, and he decides not to kill Nabal. Abigail reminds me of Prov 15:1 and 25:11 where kind and loving words tame anger.

Abigail is a good model for all of us...in that we are often associated with fools. Some may be at work, our family, or our friends act foolishly. But Abigail let the LORD handle those things, and she showed kindness and respect to David.

Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins. ~ Prov 10:12

Mar 6 (1 Sam 23-24; Psa 63)

1st Samuel 23

(v.2) David does a wise thing...he asks the Lord to give him direction before acting. This is a good thing to remember in our own lives. Often, we seek other people's counsel (Prov 11:14), and that is ok only if those people have been praying and seeking God's direction as well. God sometimes speaks to us through other believers.

(v.6) An ephod is the vest worn by the high priest. It has twelve gems on the breastplate which represents the twelve tribes of Israel.

The rest of this chapter reveals Saul's obsession with killing David. Not only is Saul fighting David, but he's fighting God as well...and we all know what happens to those who try to fight God! Another thing to keep in mind, is when we are so focused and even obsessed with one thing, our main responsibilities can be neglected. While Saul was pursuing David, the Philistines attacked Israel.

I teach my kids that if they have all their duties and responsibilities done, THEN they can do a hobby or play. If they obsess with their hobby, then their responsibilities suffer.

Psalm 63

David wrote this psalm while hiding in the wilderness of Judah. He was greatly troubled, and frantic from being on the run constantly, but David made time to worship God and be grateful for His guidance. This is so hard to do, but essential. It's at times like these, that we should lay aside all the unimportant things, and focus on God. He is the only one to save us and guide us.

Another thing I stress with my kids, is that David often speaks of declaring God's love and glory to all in public. So many people believe that being a Christian is a personal thing...it is, but it's not private. If we have Christ in our lives, then we should want to share that with others...not keep it to ourselves.

1st Samuel 24

(v.3) Saul goes into a cave to "attend to his needs"...he had to go the bathroom! David is already in the cave, and could have killed Saul and ended the whole cat and mouse game. David could have seen this as a sign from God that He was giving Saul to him, but David didn't kill Saul. David allowed God to deal with Saul in His own way, and on His own timing. This is key for us to remember...God's timing is perfect, and most often, not our timing. We need to practice patience and faith, and He will see us through at just the right time, and in just the right situation.

(v.4) In my version of the Bible (NKJV), it says that David cut off a portion of Saul's robe. What he actually did was cut the hem of the robe. In those times, a leader would have his insignia and wording on the hem to show all that he had authority. Picture it like the stripes on the sleeve for a sergeant, or the stars on the collar for a general. David shows kindness while reminding Saul of who put Saul in his place of authority in the first place...God!

(v.14) David shows Saul that he was merciful and respectful to Saul. David kills Saul with kindness, and lets the LORD decide the outcome.

(v.17) Saul shows humility and gratitude for David's obedience and kindness. This doesn't last long, but it does make Saul give up his pursuit of David for the time being.

(v.21) Saul acknowledges that David will be king, and he asks the same thing Jonathan did...that David would not harm their descendants when David is king.

Mar 5 (1 Sam 22; Psa 57, 142)

1st Samuel 22

(v.1) David has escaped to the cave of Adullam. He will use this cave as a place of refuge a few times. In the Bible, caves served the people in many ways:

~ to bury the dead in (Abraham, Sarah, etc)

~ to find shelter from the weather

~ to pray (Elijah)

~ to hide (David, five kings of Joshua)

A cave can be anything in our lives...a place where we are alone with God. I could be our bedroom, our car, or a solitary place in the woods. When we are alone with God, that's when He speaks to us the most clearly.

But on the other hand, as Jon Courson's Commentary points out, caves can be places of darkness and discomfort. We often call these times in our lives as "storms" but caves can be the same thing. However, as Paul says in Rom 5:3-5, we don't grow near as much in comfort, as we do in times of discomfort.

(v.2) All these men who have nothing to give but their devotion to David remind me of us with Jesus. David the shepherd takes them in for his purposes, much like Jesus our Good Shepherd takes us in for His purposes!

(v.3) Even though David is not surrounded at the time, why does he want his mother and father to stay in Moab? Perhaps it's because David's great-grandmother was Ruth, who was a Moabite. David must have felt that the Moabites would treat his family well under the circumstances.

(v.18) The men of Saul would not kill the priest for helping David. But this other shepherd, Doeg, was willing to kill everyone in the city of Nob as well. I remind my kids that Jesus warned us of a bad shepherd that would deceive and kill. This shepherd is an example and type of the one to come. (Zech 11:17)

(vv.22-23) David realizes that he was the reason the priests and the city of Nob was destroyed by the sword. At the time, David thought he was being clever in his act of insanity, but for every action there is a reaction. David learned this the hard way. I point this out to my kids and stress that all we do has meaning to God and those around us.

Psalm 57

David wrote this psalm while in the cave of Adullam. So here was David, in a dark cave, hiding from death. Normally, we would be crying and fearful, but David writes a song of praise to God!

This is another example of how God works in us...when we are feeling helpless, we can turn to the One who has the power to help us. I read James 1:1 to my kids to remind them of this.

Psalm 142

David is crying out to God for protection and guidance...we all need to do this daily! We have many trials and problems to deal with, but with God in charge of our lives, we can leave those problems at the cross, and He will deal with them!

Mar 4 (1 Sam 21; Psa 34, 56)

1st Samuel 21

David runs away from Saul, not in cowardice, but to avoid conflict with the king that God anointed. David knows that he will be king, but only on God's schedule, not his own. This is important for us to remember when we pray for things...we want immediate gratification, but God has His own perfect timing.

The showbread was meant to be offered to God, and here is David and his men eating the consecrated showbread from the altar. This seems contradictory and even blasphemous, but Jesus shows us what is important in Matt 12:

I desire mercy and not sacrifice ~ Hosea 6:6

Jesus uses David's episode here as a way to teach all of us that traditions and sacrifices are not to be viewed as more important than mercy and love.

(v.13) David is in the land of his enemies, and he fakes insanity to strike fear into them...and it works! Some may view David's actions as shrewd and clever, but others may say that he didn't allow God to work in this situation, and acted impulsively. Regardless, we need to be ourselves and let God work...not act like someone else and deceive.

Psalm 34

After David was sent away by the king of Gath, he wrote this psalm to the Lord. David wasn't perfect, but he was a man after God's heart. Even though he faked insanity, he gives credit tot he Lord for saving him!

It is so inspiring to see athletes and people in the spotlight give credit to God. After all, the person may have accomplished some great task or feat, but it was God who gave that person the ability and gift in the first place! We need to work hard at our callings, but always give credit to God for the glory!

Psalm 56

David recalls his fears when in the hand of the king of Gath. He puts his trust in God, and he speaks an important life creed:

(v.11) In God I will put my trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

David realizes that God can kill our soul, where all man can do is kill our earthly body. We may not live long on this earth, but if we fear and love God, we will live eternally in His presence! That is the better life, by far!

Mar 3 (1 Sam 20)

1st Samuel 20

This is a great chapter to read about friendship. I teach my kids that even though we love our siblings, we choose our friends. Our siblings were born into the same family, but our friends share our same experiences and interests. When we befriend someone, we look for similar values and interests. We are usually the same age, and we usually like the same songs and movies.

True friends will speak honestly with you. If you are making a mistake, they will tell you so without bias like a parent or sibling might do.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. (Prov 27:6 NKJV)

True friends will be there for you for support and encouragement. Jonathan was a true friend to David. Jonathan gave up any hope for being king because he knew that the Lord wanted David to be king. Jonathan stood up for his friend to his father, who was also the king! Jonathan stood up for righteousness in the face of evil. We all can learn from Jonathan's example!

(vv.19-23) I marvel at the scheme Jonathan devises to let David know the status of Saul's anger. Instead of sending a letter or word to David, Jonathan doesn't want anyone to know of their plan. At first glance, this looks like a lack of faith, but in reality, Jonathan was wise to prevent anyone to be under Saul's wrath if he found out!

Again, I reiterate with my kids that it's not right to keep secrets from our parents. But in this case, where Saul was obviously acting in an evil way, Jonathan stood up for righteousness instead of for his own gain.

Mar 2 (1 Sam 19)

1st Samuel 19

We see Saul flip-flopping on whether to kill David or not. He can't make up his mind and stick with it.

I teach my kids that the reason Saul is like this, is because he doesn't have God's Word in him...he has no foundation to think on. We all know people like this...they go as the wind or prevailing opinion goes. There is an old saying that applies here:

"If you don't stand for anything, you will fall for everything."

Saul is not a happy and content person. I try to stress to my kids, that they shouldn't hang around kids who are negative and unhappy...they will cause trouble and take whoever is with them to trouble.

(v.15) This reminds me of John 7:46, where Jesus speaks with authority from God, like Saul's messengers saw with David and Samuel. When God's Word is spoken and discussed, people know it is the authority of our lives! The Holy Spirit always points us to God's Word.

(v.24) My kids laugh at this verse...picturing Saul lying face down and naked all day! They even ask if he put sunscreen on, for his white rump would get scorched!

Mar 1 (1 Sam 18)

1st Samuel 18

This chapter starts with an incredible act of friendship. Jonathan loved David as if he was himself. This says a lot, since all of us look out for our own interests most of the time. But here, Jonathan was doing more than that...he was defying his father, the king of Israel. The only reason Jonathan, who was the rightful heir of Saul, to love and support David, was an act of God. Jonathan loved God more than his own blood.

(v.7) My kids crack up when we sing the song the people sang...we can imagine the look on Saul's face when they sang it!

(v.8) Saul shows his true colors here...he envies David, and is paranoid of him. Of course, he had no evidence to fear David. After all, David was a loyal servant to Saul, and he performed every task with great valor and might.

(v.12) This verse tells us all we need to know...Saul feared David because he knew the Lord was with David, and not with him. This is a good lesson for our kids...as long as we are the Lord's, and we pray and seek His guidance, we are to be feared. With God on our side, who can be against us? (Rom 8:31)

As we will see with Saul and Jonathan, they couldn't be more different in their character and actions. Saul fears and hates David, where Jonathan loves and protects David. In Jon Courson's commentary, he asks the question about whether we would sacrifice our own advancement in life in order to help another advance...that is a good question. Jonathan gave up the kingship in order to support God's anointed...at the risk of his own life. How many of us could say we have done the same thing?

Feb 28 (1 Sam 17)

1st Samuel 17

The Philistine army is on one hill, and the Israeli army is on the opposite hill. Goliath comes down to the valley between them, and taunts the men of Saul's army, and they hide in fear. It's no wonder...remember, a cubit is about 18 inches (measured from your elbow to the tip of your fingers). If Goliath was over six cubits, then he was at least 10 feet tall! And we know Goliath wasn't a skinny guy...the armor, helmet and spear he carried were very heavy...his strength must have exceeded at least three men!

So here is this young shepherd boy, who was only supposed to play the harp for the king to have his "bad spirits" go away. As we've already seen, God uses the weakest and least likely people to do great things! I stress this with my kids, since everyone has talents and limitations. But with God, we are strong!

All the books of the Bible relate to each other, and tell the same story...God's glory and plan of redemption for all of us! If we recall in Genesis 6:4, there were mysterious giants who were "mighty men of renown" and of great strength. There are different opinions as to what these giants were (descendants of Seth, or hybrid offspring of the Nephilim). I think the latter makes more sense, since we see in 1 Chr 20:6-8 that these giants were not only huge, but they had six fingers on each hand, and six toes on each foot. This is a good example of what an abnormal union between angel and man would do.

(v.29) We as Christians and ambassadors of Christ, we are to be loving and kind. But God does call us to defend His name and especially His Word. Here, David is outraged that this Goliath is taunting and blaspheming the LORD, and no one will do anything about it! He utters a classic question:

"Is there not a cause?"

David knows that evil will win if good people don't stand up to them. He is given Saul's armor and sword, but they don't fit him. This is equivalent to the gifts of the Spirit...we all have our talents from the LORD, and if we try to do things that He hasn't gifted us with, we aren't successful. David knew this, and he went with what he was good at...the slingshot. As a shepherd, he used it to ward off wolves, lions and bears.

So with faith that God will have him slay Goliath, he goes to the river and gets five smooth stones for his slingshot. Why five stones? Why not just one, or ten? We don't know for sure, but 2 Sam 21:20 and 1 Chr 20:6-8 tell us that Goliath had four brothers! Perhaps David was determined to kill all five giants that day!

This is a lesson to us all...we can face our "giants" in life with God on our side!

Feb 27 (1 Sam 15-16)

1st Samuel 15

This is an important chapter for many reasons. First of all, God directed Saul to kill every man, woman, child and all livestock of the Amalekites because they fought against Moses and God's people when they were leaving Egypt (Deut 25:17-19).

Also, they had remnants of the giants with them, and God wanted those satanic hybrids to be destroyed. This is the main reason for killing all the people, instead of just the men. There was an evil culture in those people, both in their blood, and in their customs. They were pagan and satanic, and God didn't want them to influence His people away from Him. My kids ask, "Couldn't God control that?" I tell them He would've, but He did give us free will, so in order for the Jews to truly follow Him, they needed to obey and strive to be holy.

God has His reasons and purposes, and if we look into this, we catch a glimpse of why God wanted Agag and his people destroyed. We will see later, that the Amalekites took credit for the death of Saul, and during the time of Esther, Haman was a descendant of Agag. Haman killed many Jews and wanted to kill all of them.

(v.11) Much like in Gen 6:6, God was saddened by His people. He so wanted them (and wants us now) to love and follow Him. Samuel was sad as well, and we see here that Samuel actually loved Saul.

(v.13) Saul digs his own grave by building a monument for himself, and telling Samuel that the reason he got the livestock, was to offer to God!

(vv.15,21) I take notice with my kids that Saul, when speaking to Samuel, referred to God as Samuel's God...not "our God." This is quite telling of Saul's spirit. He went along with things, but he truly didn't believe in God. We can all think of friends and family who are like Saul. They may go to church, but there is no intimacy with God and passion that comes from one who is born-again.

(v.22) This is very telling to all of us...God wants us to live for Him by His commandments, than rather live a worldly life and go through the confessions and rituals without repentance. God forgives if we repent...He doesn't forgive before we repent.

This is another opportunity to teach my kids the meaning of repentance. It doesn't mean that you feel bad, and ask for forgiveness. It is a literal turning your back on your worldly actions of the past, and facing God again. Repentance is returning to God.

If there is a lifestyle or sin that keeps us stumbling, then we just can't feel bad and do it again thinking that God will forgive. He will forgive, but only if we change and turn away from that sinful lifestyle or deed.

I remind my kids that we all stumble back into our old ways now and again, but it will happen less frequently, and will not control us if we have His Spirit in us.

(v.33) This is how bad it got...a priest, Samuel, had to do the job king Saul should have done. Samuel shows an example of righteous anger here, and obeys God.

1st Samuel 16

(v.1) Samuel mourned for Saul, but God tells him that He has a true king to rule over His people. Jesse is a grandson of Boaz, and a descendant of Judah. As Jacob prophesied in Gen 49:10, the kings shall rule from the tribe of Judah. Jesus is to be in this line of kings.

(v.4) Along with Micah 5:2, we see that Bethlehem is the little town that would produce two kings...the first David, and then the King of Kings, Jesus!

Once again, God uses the little things and little people for big purposes! The firstborn status was given to the youngest of the sons, David. Like Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and Moses...God uses the least likely sons to do great things.

I love how both Moses and David were shepherds...they both are types of Christ...our Great Shepherd.

(v.14) Here we see that God's Spirit left Saul...what a tragic thing to read! In the OT, God had not sent His Spirit to indwell amongst believers, but to come upon them. His Spirit was done with Saul, and never again came upon him...how sad and tragic.

(v.21) David knew that God was going to make him king, but he still showed respect and love for Saul...the current king. This is a great example to us today...we may have a boss, a politician or some other authority that we don't like, but we are still to respect and obey all that God puts into authority.

Feb 26 (1 Sam 13-14)

1st Samuel 13

This is the beginning of the end for Saul. He has confidence from the victory at Jabesh Gilead, and he "blows his own horn" when actually, his son did all the work! Jonathan, we will see, was a kind and faithful man who didn't seek his own fame. The biggest example of this, is that he will later accept and proclaim David to be Israel's next king...not him as the heir to Saul.

Saul makes a fatal mistake, by acting as Israel's priest, and offering a sacrifice to God before all the people dispersed. We can give Saul a break, in that, he was trying to diffuse a panicked situation, and he at least did offer to God BEFORE going to battle! However, he directly disobeyed God, by not waiting for Samuel, and to let God's anointed priest to do the sacrifice.

When Samuel confronts Saul about this, he said he "felt compelled" to act in Samuel's place. Samuel wisely told Saul that he had "done foolishly" to be king and priest.

I remind my kids, that God had the tribe of Levi be the priests, and the tribe of Judah to be the kings. They were NEVER to switch or combine roles for Israel.

(v.19) At the beginning of the chapter, we see that Saul has been king of Israel for two years. Yet, they still don't have weapons of war and self defense. By the time they are panicked to go to battle, they are without weapons to fight their enemies. This is absolute negilgence by Saul.

This reminds me of the war all of us face against Satan, and I read this to my kids:

"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

~ Eph 6:11

We are at war daily against Satan and his demons, who tempt us and try to have us fall away from God. Our biggest weapon against this is prayer. Secondly, the more we read the Word of God, the more His Word will be in our minds, and will help us defend against temptation and evil.

1st Samuel 14

Jonathan is different than his father, Saul. He is compassionate, courageous and wise. He had every opportunity to seize power, but he didn't want to defy God. In the end, he defied his earthly father and king by helping David. Jonathan loved God more than his own flesh and blood. Jesus commands this from each of us (Luke 14:26). God wants us to love Him the most, that way, we can love our family and friends with a better and deeper love.

(v.37) Saul, in his arrogance and pride, decided to make an oath. In the process, he condemned his own son to death! I show my kids that Saul asked God if He would help him in the battle, and God did not answer. There can be quite a few reasons that God didn't answer:

~God was angry with Saul, and wasn't listening to him

~He wished to have everything play out first

~God answers prayers, but not according to our timing

My kids and I discuss this, since all three options could have been the case. When we pray to God, are we only doing so when we feel we need Him? Do we think we don't want to bother Him with all the everyday things of our lives? Do we expect an immediate response from God?

In the end, God did not have Jonathan killed, because it was Jonathan who "worked with God" and not Saul.

Feb 25 (1 Sam 11-12)

1st Samuel 11

For clarity, I review where we are at this point with my kids. The people didn't want to be special...they wanted to be like the other nations. Isn't that just like when we were growing up? Most of us wanted to wear the "cool" and trendy clothes of the time like everyone else. If a celebrity wore something unique, then all the youth would emulate.

But God wanted the Jews (and us Christians) to be different...to stand apart from the things of the world. That doesn't mean that we disengage with the world...quite the contrary...we are to engage the world with the Word! We are to live our lives FOR THE LORD, and be salt and light (Matt 5:13-16).

So the people wanted a king...so God gave them one. Remember, God said that the kings would come from the tribe of Judah, and Saul was from the tribe of Benjamin. But God knew that the people wanted a king to look like a king, and Saul was as kingly as could be. He was handsome, tall and at first, humble.

(v.6) Here we see such a great start for Saul, that the Holy Spirit is upon him, and lead with courage.

(v.13) Saul shows us that he was giving credit to God for the victory...something that will change very soon.

1st Samuel 12

Now that Israel has its first king, Samuel will step down as their leader, and counsel Saul and his men. Samuel gives a speech, reminding them of his devotion to them and to God, and that he warned them of their wicked wish of wanting a king instead of God to lead them.

From his youth until now, he reminds them that he never mislead them, and that God has always been there for them. To prove that one more time, he has God make a roaring thunder and spectacular lightening in a time when it would be scarce. Also, it must have been exponentially greater than even the worst storms they've experienced, since the whole nation was afraid.

(v.19) Instead of the people repenting and rejecting their want of a king in Saul, they ask for forgiveness and want to still keep Saul! This is called "straddling the fence" or having it both ways. If they were really repentent, they would have abandoned their want for an earthly king, and cried out to God to lead them.

This is where I take some time to teach my kids that relativism is dangerous. If we try to mix worldly things into our spiritual lives, we will see it go the wrong direction. For it is written,

"A little leaven leavens the whole lump." ~ Gal 5:9

Leaven is yeast, which "puffs up" the bread and helps it stay edible longer. Leaven is likened to pride and sin, so what this verse is saying, is when we allow a little sin or worldly things into our lives, it will eventually overpower the purity of our beginnings.

Feb 24 (1 Sam 8-10)

1st Samuel 8

(v.5) Samuel is partly to blame for this situation, since he neglected to discipline his sons all this time. My kids pointed out that Samuel isn't responsible for his sons now, since they are adults, and their actions are there own. I agreed, but the people used Samuel's rebellious sons as an excuse to have a king lead them.

(v.6) This is a sad time in Israel's history, and we can see the similarities today in America. When we put our trust in man instead of God, we will only get oppression and disappointment. God warned the Jews of this, and we can see the same pattern today. We should only want one king...the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords!

(v.20) God set Israel apart from all the other nations, and through which to reveal Himself to the world. Here we see Israel wanting to be like all the other nations. We as Christians are set apart just like Israel (Psalm 4:3), and the more we want to be like the world, the more we're acting like Israel did then.

This is a time where I talk with my kids about the founding of America. They didn't want a king, and they made three separate branches of government to make sure one didn't rule over the others. It was a novel and unique aspect, but it was really derived from the Bible.

Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer's mission upon earth? That it layed the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity?

~ John Quincy Adams (6th President of the United States)

~ transcript of his speech at the 61st anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 1837

1st Samuel 9

(v.2) And he had a choice and handsome son whose name was Saul. There was not a more handsome person than he among the children of Israel. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people.

God is a gentleman...He will not push Himself upon us. He will repeatedly strive to draw us to Him, but the choice is ours to follow Him or not. After the people insisted they be led by a man, God gave them the most qualified candidate. Saul was over a foot taller than everyone, so he immediately commanded respect. He was handsome and respected. How could this go wrong?!?

I believe God gave the people the best choice possible, in order to show them that no man would lead them perfectly and justly like God would. God is our King...anyone else won't do.

1st Samuel 10

(v.6) In the Old Testament times, God's Spirit didn't enter people like He does after Jesus ascended into heaven. In those times, God's Spirit came upon them...temporarily. Saul had so much potential to be great, but as we'll see, he didn't rely upon God, and the outcome was tragic.

(v.9) When the Holy Spirit is working in our lives, He gives us a new heart. It's not a softer or cleaner heart...it's a new heart. When we are truly saved, we act and look upon things completely differently.

Feb 23 (1 Sam 5-7)

1st Samuel 5

We see the contest between the statue of Dagon, and the ark of the covenant. Dagon was a Philistine god, and was said to have been part man, and part fish (see picture above). It is believed that the Philistines main resource was fishing, so they worshipped Dagon to bring them their livelihood. Although not the same, that's why we have the fish symbol for Christians, since most of the disciples were fishermen, and Jesus told them they would be "fishers of men." (Matt 4:19, Mark 1:17)

The difference is that the Philistines made a god out of Dagon, much like the Jews made a golden calf in the wilderness (Ex 32:4)...both are idols, and are a direct affront to the living God we serve!

I love the confrontation between the ark and Dagon...first, Dagon bows. Secondly, he bows, but his head and hands are broken off! You would think the Philistines would've figured out who the REAL God was!

1st Samuel 6

The ark is returned because the Philistine priests remembered history, and they didn't want to end up like Pharaoh and the Egyptians did! We all need to study and remember our history, so we can learn from our ancestors' mistakes.

Unfortunately, the men of Beth Shemesh weren't as wise, and they looked into the ark. God told them that no one other than the high priest once a year was to do this...so God had to smite them. God is love, but He also must be just and fair...He can't go back on His Word, which He regards higher than His own name. (Psalm 138:2)

1st Samuel 7

(v.4) The people finally repented to the LORD and got rid of their idols. Samuel led them in their repentance, and they once again found favor in God's eyes. I teach my kids that as long as God is #1 in their lives, He will guide them and deliver them.

Feb 22 (1 Sam 3-4)

1st Samuel 3

This was a dark time for Israel and Eli. Not only was God not talking to them because of their disobedience, but Eli was going blind. But here now is Samuel, whom God brought up to serve Him. My kids like the way I act out the scene of Samuel running into Eli's room three times and waking him up!

I also point out, that God does speak to us often...in His Word, in prayer, and through other people and events...we just need to be open and receptive.

(v.10) Here we have another theophany since the LORD "stood" and called out to Samuel.

We see further evidence of this when (v.21) says that the Word of the Lord was revealed to Samuel. I then point out John 1:1 to my kids to show them who the Word of the Lord is!

1st Samuel 4

The Israelites made a big mistake here, and it's all because they didn't know God...they trusted in the ark of the covenant more than God Himself. God was not with them because they were not following Him...the ark that used to be a symbol of God's love for Israel, was reduced to an ineffective box.

This was a tragic time for Israel...they lost many men in battle, Eli's sons were killed, but most of all, the ark of the covenant was taken. To Eli's credit, he reacted to the loss of the ark instead of the loss of his sons...perhaps he finally put God ahead of his sons?

Feb 21 (1 Sam 1-2)

1st Samuel 1

Originally, in the old Hebrew manuscripts, the two books of Samuel and the two books of Kings as we have today, were one book called the Book of Kings. The book of 1 Samuel was written by Samuel, and finished after his death by the prophets, Nathan and Gad.

Samuel is a very interesting man...he was the last judge of the judge era, and the first prophet of the prophet era. He had the honor to anoint the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David.

With that in mind, Samuel warned the Jews that they should follow their heavenly King instead of wanting an earthly king. And, as we shall see, Samuel had his faults like all of us and others in the Bible, that we can learn from (2 Tim 3:16).

This book starts with an amazing woman named Hannah. She is so distraught about not having a child, and she pleads with the Lord to bless her with one, and in return, she will dedicate the child to Him.

I often wonder why Eli had the reaction he did when Hannah was praying in the Temple. Was it common to have people come in there drunk? It obviously was uncommon for people to pray silently...perhaps the arrogance of the day led all to pray out loud and let the others within earshot to hear how "holy" and "righteous" they are by their prayers! I remember Jesus rebuking the Pharisees about this in Matthew 6:5

I like to point out to my kids, that once Eli told Hannah that her prayers would be answered, she ate and moved on. That is a great testament to faith! We should lay our problems at the Cross, and let God deal with them, instead of trying to do it ourselves!

(v.20) God did answer Hannah's prayer, and gave her Samuel. This name in Hebrew means "heard of God." Like Sarah and Rachel before her, God heard her prayer and blessed her because of her faith.


1st Samuel 2

Hannah shows us a grateful prayer, which leads into the direct contrast of Eli's sons. Here we have a man of God, Eli, who has sons that are rebellious. Life is hard on kids who's fathers are pastors or priests...they are looked upon differently, and they are critiqued more strictly than the other kids.

Even with that said, that's no excuse for a kid to dishonor their parents, and perhaps Eli should have reminded his sons of Deut 21:18-21 to keep them in line!

However, Eli did well with teaching Samuel, and God remembered Hannah, and gave her three sons and two daughters to raise, since she gave Samuel to God.

(vv.27-34) God has a man confront Eli, and asks him the important question for all of us:

"Why do you honor your sons more than Me?"

God is done with the Levitical priestly line of representing Him, and He tells Eli that He will "raise up for Myself a faithful priest who shall do according to what is in My heart and in My mind." (v.35)

This is alluding to Jesus, our High Priest, not in the order of the Levitical priests, but in the order of Melchizedek (Gen 14:18; Psalm 110:4; Heb 5:6).

Feb 20 (Ruth 4)

Ruth 4

At the end of chapter 3, we saw that Boaz gave Ruth six ephahs. Numbers represent things in Jewish culture, and obviously, in the Bible. The number six represents "incomplete" and seven represents "complete."

Naomi, being Jewish, knew that this was a message from Boaz, that he wasn't finished, and that he would not rest until he completed the transaction!

(v.5) I find it interesting that Boaz addresses Ruth as a Moabitess and the wife of the dead. I'm not sure if that would have been customary in those days, or even proper disclosure, but it sure got the desired effect that Boaz wanted!!!

In this chapter, we see Boaz performing the transaction at the city gate, with witnesses. My kids find it humorous that they "seal the deal" by giving each other their shoe!

The book concludes with the only proof in the Old Testament that David was from the tribe of Judah. This is important, since way back in Genesis 3:15, and to Luke 1:32, we see that the Messiah would come from the tribe of Judah, and be a son of David. In order to rule in the Millennium, and sit on David's throne, Jesus had to be a descendant of David.

Here are some good points to make with your kids about the typology in this book:

~Ruth (Church) couldn't be grafted into Naomi (Israel) unless Naomi (Israel) was exiled from her land

~ This allows Ruth (Church) to marry into Naomi's (Israel's) family

~ Ruth (Church) doesn't replace Naomi (Israel), but is grafted into the same tree of Israel (Rom 11:17)

~ Ruth (Church) comes to know Boaz (Kinsman Redeemer) because of Naomi (Israel)

~ Naomi (Israel) comes to personally know Boaz (Kinsman Redeemer/Christ) through the marriage of Ruth (Church) and Boaz (Christ)

Feb 19 (Ruth 3)

Ruth 3

Here we see Boaz fulfilling the role of the Kinsman Redeemer, which is called a Goel in Hebrew. In those days, if you couldn't afford to keep your land, then a relative (a kinsman) could buy it on your behalf. This is what Boaz was doing for Naomi.

Boaz is a type of Christ in this book, Naomi is a type of Israel, and Ruth is a type of the Church or Bride of Christ.

In order to be a Goel, the kinsman must fulfill the following:

~ must be kin (Jesus became man to die in our place)
~ must be able to purchase (Jesus' blood purchased us)
~ must be willing (Jesus willingly was beaten and crucified for us)
~ must assume all debt (Jesus took on all our sins)

So here we see Boaz, as the Lord of the Harvest, taking on the role of the Goel, and redeeming Naomi (Israel) to her land. In the process, he has taken a Gentile Bride and had all debts forgiven...does this sound familiar?

Is it no wonder that the book of Ruth is read by Jews at the Feast of Shavout (Feast of Weeks) every year? Doesn't it seem strange that this is the only feast that uses leavened bread, and two loaves at that? Isn't this pointing to the existence of the Gentiles in God's plan and the two loaves represent Israel and the Bride of Christ?

Also, this is the very feast that the Church was born on Pentecost! (Acts 2)