1 Samuel 15:1-17:31
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Wow. Big reading day today! David is anointed by Samuel. Saul meets David for the first time! The story of David begins! I am excited! In First Samuel 15 we read about Saul destroying most - but not all... - of the Amalekite nation. God's commands were clear to destroy all. Saul, simply put, disobeyed. Verses 22 and 23 sum up this chapter powerfully when Samuel says this to Saul: "What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Obedience is far better than sacrifice. Listening to him is much better than offering the fat of rams. Rebellion is as bad as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you from being king."" Obedience is far better than sacrifice... think this is still true today? Are you more of an obedient person or a sacrificial person before God? Do you believe that rebellion is as bad as witchcraft and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols? Below is a powerful painting of Samuel reproving Saul from today's readings by the Boston-born colonial artist John Singleton Copley from the year 1798:
The One Year Bible Companion has a great answer to this question about today's readings, "Why did David not become king after he was anointed?" as follows: "David was anointed king, but it was done in secret; he was not publicly anointed until much later in Second Samuel 2:4 and 5:3. Saul was still legally the king, but God was preparing David for his future responsibilities. The anointing oil poured on David's head stood for holiness. It was used to set people or objects apart for God's service. Each king and high priest in Israel was anointed with oil. This commissioned him as God's representative to the nation." First Samuel 16 verse 13 is the first mention of David's name in the Bible, and it is a great verse to begin the story of David's life in relationship with God: "So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the olive oil he had brought and poured it on David's head. And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him from that day on." Below "Samuel Anoints David" by the Renaissance artist Raphael from the early 16th century:
At the end of First Samuel chapter 16 today we read about David being summoned by Saul to play the harp to relieve Saul from the evil spirit that tormented him. The current and future (and now anointed) Kings of Israel meet! Below is "David Playing the Harp for Saul" by the French painter James Tissot from the year 1858:
We are beginning the story of David, which is always a blessing to read. As you know, David wrote many of the Psalms, so we’ve been reading some of David’s writings already this year. Now we begin his story! Hang on! This is a wonderful part of the Bible – reading about David and reading the Gospel of John at the same time. . . great stuff! Bob Deffinbaugh with Bible.org has a terrific overview of David becoming Israel’s King at this link.
Bible.org's commentary on our First Samuel readings today titled "Saul and the Amalekites" is at this link and commentary titled "The Designation of David as King" is at this link.
Worship Video: Today's readings reminded me of Zach Williams song "Less Like Me:"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkYL1b7MCEw
Do you want to be less like you? Click here and be more like Jesus!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "But Samuel replied: 'Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.'" 1 Samuel 15:22 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you are obeying the LORD in your life today. Pray that you give heed to God in your life above all else.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
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