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Meekness and Mercy - part 2 of 3(I Samuel Amplified Bible) In David’s wanderings from the time of his initial anointing by Samuel until his enthronement at Hebron he endures repeated experiences of stripping and pruning, all of which engrain within him the strength of meekness. How great the demands of character formation from a young stripling to a sovereign ruler. Chapter 17 David’s first major testing and triumph occurs in the Valley of Elah (meaning oak or strong tree, implies strength) as the Israelites (those who will rule, prevail, have power) face Goliath, the champion of the Philistines (to roll in dust, to wallow in self). With but a stone and a sling David defeats this carnal giant by using the weapon of the Lord’s Name combined with God-given physical skill: “And the king said, Inquire whose son the stripling is.” With the death of Goliath (exile, or captives who are stripped) David foreshadows Jesus, the later Son of David of Whom it is written: “[God] disarmed the principalities and powers ranged against us and made a bold display and public example of them in triumphing over them in Him and in it [the cross]” {Col 2:15}. Previewed in this victory over the giant of Gath (winepress) are David’s later victories and kingdom reign. But first, God must so train him in God-reliance that David leaves his years of preparation a meek yet mighty and ready vessel. Chapters 19-20 Saul (meaning asked, to demand) has been appointed king as a result of Israel’s insistence upon replacing God’s rule with man’s rule to make them like the surrounding nations. As his jealousy rages against God’s appointed man, Saul implements wiles of destruction. When these fail, his attacks become so obvious that David, Jesse’s eighth (8= new beginnings) son knows he must flee in order to save his life. David escapes to Ramah, seeking refuge in the prophet Samuel. “And it was told Saul, behold, David is at Naoith (to rest- as at home, habitation) in Ramah” (high place, seat of idolatry). From there, David waits in a field while Jonathan verifies Saul’s murderous intent. Awaiting a third-day pronouncement, David begins his training of waiting and seclusion: “…let me go that I may hide myself in the field till the third day at evening.” Jonathan explains David’s absence from the royal table under the pretense of his having gone to Bethlehem (house of bread) to make a religious sacrifice. Indeed, David is himself about to become bread in the making, threshed, bruised, kneaded, shaped, baked, and given for the Master’s use. Chapter 21 Next, David goes to the priest at Nob (fruit, to produce, increase, to bring forth, to make to flourish –as with words, to utter). Here he breaks with religious tradition by partaking of the shewbread. Here too he obtains Goliath’s sword and flees to “Achish king of Gath” where he feigns insanity: “And he changed his behavior before them, and pretended to be insane in their [Philistine] hands, and scribbled on the gate door, and drooled on his beard,” surely a wise but humbling demonstration. Chapter 22 From Gath David escapes to the cave Adullam (a word of uncertain origin, perhaps all the more significant in this case because of the cave’s concealment). From Saul’s vantage point, David has escaped to an uncertain place. Concerned not only for his own welfare but also that of his parents, David next goes to the king of Moab (named for the incestuous son of Lot) where he seeks asylum for his parents. Learning of David’s visit to Nob, Saul demands the death of 85 priests. To Abiathar, the one remaining priest, David admits, “I knew that day when Doeg (anxious) the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I have occasioned the death of all your father’s house.” Obviously, such knowledge weighs on David’s heart as a constant and humbling reminder of the price of his choices. Chapter 23 “Saul sought David every day, but God did not give him into his hand.” At Horesh (citadel, fortress) Jonathan encourages David in the Lord, affirming, “You shall be king over Israel his prophecy resounding that of Samuel so long ago when life for David was simpler as a shepherd boy. How edifying the rehearsing of God’s prophetic words in the midst of training. How significant that David hides himself “in the hill country of the Wilderness of Ziph (flowing, as to soften or liquefy in the sun)” and “in the strongholds in the wood [at Horesh], on the hill of Hachiiliah (darkness of Jehovah), which is south of Jeshimon (solitary wilderness, desolation).” .Just as Saul’s men are about to capture David, Saul receives word of a Philistine raid and leaves immediately. Appropriately, David’s place of safety is “the Rock of Escape.” Chapters 24, 26 Compared to his option of killing Saul, David’s cutting off the king’s skirt seems an insignificant act, yet David remains so sensitive to God that “Afterward, David’s heart smote him.” Ever mindful of God’s anointing even upon one so wicked as Saul and still respectfully referring to Saul even as “my father,” David affirms, “I will not put forth my hand against my lord; for he is the Lord’s anointed.” After Saul’s admission, “And now, lo, I well know that you shall surly be king” David vows not to destroy Saul’s descendents. Later David faces another opportunity to kill Saul but instead derides Saul’s bodyguard for inefficiency in his appointed post. Step by step David exhibits the primary quality of meekness, which is strength under control. Chapter 29-30 Once again David flees to Gath where he resides for a year and four months. Although the king prophetically pronounces, “I find no fault in him,” he obeys the urging of his servants and sends David away, assigning him to Ziglag (measured, pressed down, conformed) where David returns on the third day. -Ruth French August Newsletter 2003 | Pursuing Agape | Keeping This Generation | Potential Sons Pastor's Journal August 2002 | A Harlot's Torment part 2 | Meekness and Mercy part 2 of 3 |
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