anointed – King David 101

A Plan to Understand Saul

This entire scene is a bit strange. David and Jonathan meet; they are careful as they should be. David is hiding and I strongly suspect that David is discouraged. He has done nothing wrong—quite the opposite. David suspects that king Saul’s bitterness and jealousy, and bitterness are out of control. Saul intends to murder David. The entire story is found in 1 Samuel 20:5-23.

“Tomorrow, we celebrate the new moon festival. I’ve always eaten with the king on this occasion, but tomorrow I’ll hide in the field and stay there until the evening of the third day. ⁶If your father asks where I am, tell him I asked permission to go home to Bethlehem for an annual family sacrifice. ⁷If he says, ‘Fine!’ you will know all is well. But if he is angry and loses his temper, you will know he is determined to kill me.”

1 Samuel 20:5-7

These verses reveal David’s plan. They describe a maneuver that will reveal Saul’s heart toward David: will it be reinstatement or will it be murder? Obviously, David must find out. Will he continue to run and evade death or will he be restored? He obviously must know.

David has no idea, but he has a plan to find out for sure.

But let’s switch to Jonathan as he will be David’s eyes and ears into the banquet room. David will rely on the report of Jonathan, one way or the other. The plan is carefully made, and it seems like a wise one. Obviously, it involves Jonathan’s participation.

“Jonathan’s response to David’s discouragement wasn’t theological rebuke but practical help; he offered concrete assistance to a friend walking through despair, modeling genuine support.” -David Guzik

Jonathan only asks for a promise from David. (Which David fulfills later to Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9). He asks that, “If I am still alive, show me the steadfast love of the Lord, that I may not die; ¹⁵and do not cut off your steadfast love from my house forever, when the Lord cuts off every one of the enemies of David from the face of the earth.”

Jonathan reminds David of their covenant together after the slaying of Goliath. There’s now a political element added: David will need to protect the house of Jonathan, his heirs.

It is Jonathan and not Saul who understands God’s heart.

It is Jonathan’s humility that makes the whole plan work. There seems to be no guile here; he understands what the Lord wants to do. Many believers want to be a “David,” but it is Jonathan that seems to show more integrity, decency and honor.

Jonathan proves that he is a man of integrity, and he asks that David be one also. It’s Jonathan that models that deep decency to the heart of David.

This plan will reveal Saul’s motives; it’s designed to uncover his heart. That’s what the Holy Spirit does. David must know; his life depends on it. Jonathan is key to David’s survival and he must trust him. He depends on him to “pull off” this off. This strategy will determine David’s next step.

I believe David still praises God.

I believe David still writes and sings. Worship is in his blood, and even if he sits on a knife’s edge, David praises Jehovah even if it seems illogical.

God has anointed Davd and nothing has changed; when Samuel poured oil on his head it became the evidence of the Lord’s choice, blessing and approval. David’s calling was a done deal. David worships.

“Your most profound and intimate experiences of worship will likely be in your darkest days – when your heart is broken, when you feel abandoned, when you’re out of options, when the pain is great – and you turn to God alone.”

Rick Warren

Influenced but Without Surrender

In an odd scene in the life of King Saul is recorded in 1 Samuel 19:18–24, where Saul, enraged, sends soldiers to capture David. Three groups are overpowered by the Holy Spirit, and each group begins prophesying instead of arresting David. Finally, a frustrated Saul himself goes to Ramah, and there he too is overcome by the Spirit:

“He tore off his clothes and lay naked on the ground all day and all night, prophesying in the presence of Samuel. The people who were watching exclaimed, “What? Is even Saul a prophet?”

1 Samuel 19:18-24

“Influence Without Surrender” is one of the better ways to explain this strange passage. Even after several readings, this seems to be the best interpretation. Saul (and three groups of soldiers) come under “the influence” of the Holy Spirit and are prevented from capturing David.

God proactively intervenes in the life of His anointed one.

David must have been in shock. God defends him in an astonishing way, but in a manner that amazed the onlookers. And David was learning what God was really like. When the Lord goes to battle, anything can happen. In His powerful sovereignty, God decides the weapons He will use. In Saul’s case, the prophetic works perfectly.

Troop after troop is floored by the presence of a mighty God. Finally, Saul decides to intervene. Why isn’t David in custody? Saul intends to find out; when he steps into the prophet’s presence. When this happens, Saul falls under the very presence of God and encounters the Lord.

And really, we must understand that Saul comes under the influence of God but refuses to surrender. Isn’t this the epitome of his life? He may understand, but Saul refuses to surrender and to yield and submit to the Lord God.

That’s what God does to His rebellious and disobedient children.

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, He hath also rejected thee from being king.

1 Samuel 15:23

Saul does this every time.

Please understand. God “is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9.)

Jonathan Understands

“And Saul spoke to Jonathan his son and to all his servants, that they should kill David. But Jonathan, Saul’s son, delighted much in David. ²And Jonathan told David, “Saul my father seeks to kill you. Therefore be on your guard in the morning. Stay in a secret place and hide yourself. ³And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, and I will speak to my father about you. And if I learn anything I will tell you.”

^4 “And Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, “Let not the king sin against his servant David, because he has not sinned against you, and because his deeds have brought good to you. ⁵For he took his life in his hand and he struck down the Philistine, and the Lord worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it, and rejoiced. Why then will you sin against innocent blood by killing David without cause?” ⁶And Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan. Saul swore, “As the Lord lives, he shall not be put to death.”

^7 “And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan reported to him all these things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence as before.”

1 Samuel 19:1-7

What a strange sequence of events, but stranger things have happened and will happen to David (the future king of Israel).

Saul finally takes his rage out into the open. He wants David to be executed, but he never offers any justification for his anger or decision. All he wants is David’s head. No explanation is given. David is regarded as a traitor, but to whom?

Saul requires his court to take action. The king wants David dead. This proclamation has never happened before—the king of Israel demanding the death of another Israelite. This is the deep power of wickedness coming from a twisted heart. This can only come from something quite satanic.

Jonathan, at this critical point, understands the strong power of covenant. He has vowed to defend David, no matter what the cost is. He will be true forever. So Jonathan determines to defend his “brother.”

Jonathan has now become a spy. He listens closely and then passes to David about what has heard. He will defend him no matter the cost. Jonathan understands that the very life of David is in his hands.

Jonathan reminds king Saul of the heroics of David on behalf of the nation of Israel. He speaks truth into untruth. Saul listens and is persuaded that his decrees are wrong. He backs off and vows to treat David favorably.

Saul swears that David should not be touched (executed). That will be temporary as we can see. It seems that Saul’s wrath is simmering below the surface. His repentance is only for show, at least for this moment. Oh, the depth of an angry unforgiveness.

Because of Jonathan’s intercession, David is forgiven temporarily, and he is restored to his place in court. Perhaps David’s past triumphs are the key to his present survival, at least for the moment.

There are many lessons to be drawn from this passage. I hesitate to list them as I believe that the Holy Spirit will show you what is necessary.

Saul Hates David

“Saul gave him his daughter Michal for a wife. ²⁸But when Saul saw and knew that the Lord was with David, and that Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved him, ²⁹Saul was even more afraid of David. So Saul was David’s enemy continually.”

^30 “Then the commanders of the Philistines came out to battle, and as often as they came out David had more success than all the servants of Saul, so that his name was highly esteemed.”

1 Samuel 18:28-30

David was fighting two battles at once. He had to face King Saul’s hostility, and the ongoing war with the Philistine’s army. I suppose that it was a tremendous drain. After the battle he came home and found nothing but jealousy and anger.

Saul was very afraid of David.

Fear like this turned into deep seated malevolence and hatred. Despite his tremendous success he, upon returning home, found zero recognition. To many he was a hero, but to Saul he was despised and detested. And again, Saul was deeply afraid of David.

Fear accomplishes nothing. Fear only destroys.

Saul was in a spiritual downward spiral. It was just a matter of time before the end. King Saul had become evil. God’s Spirit had left him, and he was nothing more than a shell, vacant and empty of anything good. Perhaps David was grieved to see the king turn into something unrecognizable and dark.

David had been anointed as the next king.

“Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head and kissed him and said, “Has not the Lord anointed you to be prince over his people Israel? And you shall reign over the people of the Lord and you will save them from the hand of their surrounding enemies. And this shall be the sign to you that the Lord has anointed you to be prince over his heritage.”

(1 Samuel 10:1, ESV.)

The prophet’s word had been spoken. There would be resistance and hostility which seemed to contradict this prophecy. David would soon discover the enemies battle against what God had declared. (But what choice did he have?)

God’s declaration of David’s anointing didn’t matter to Saul. He would continue the path he had chosen. David would continue to find success against the Philistines.

“David behaved more wisely than all the servants of Saul, so that his name became highly esteemed: Saul’s plan has completely backfired. David is not only alive but also more popular and closer to the LORD than ever. Saul isn’t finished and will use more manipulation, cunning, and outright violence to attack David.”

David Guzik

The Shield of Meekness

²⁰In the meantime, Saul’s daughter Michal had fallen in love with David, and Saul was delighted when he heard about it. ²¹“Here’s another chance to see him killed by the Philistines!” Saul said to himself. But to David he said, “Today you have a second chance to become my son-in-law!”

²²Then Saul told his men to say to David, “The king really likes you, and so do we. Why don’t you accept the king’s offer and become his son-in-law?”

²³When Saul’s men said these things to David, he replied, “How can a poor man from a humble family afford the bride price for the daughter of a king?” ²⁴And the servants of Saul told him, “Thus and so did David speak.”

1 Samuel 18:20-24

There are a couple of layers here. In this passage we read 1) Saul’s thinking. 2) Saul’s men being faithful, 3) David’s response about it all. I suggest that we should gather up all three to understand what exactly is happening.

In #1 we see something a bit sinister. Saul’s heart is full of evil. He wants David dead. When he finds that Michel really loves David, he manipulates that into his purposes. Saul doesn’t rejoice, rather he hates it. He devises a way to destroy David.

In #2 we see that the king’s trusted men are those who smooth it all out. They manipulate it all to declare Saul’s “wonderful” offer of advancement. They are faithful, but not to the truth, but to Saul. (Every king, president or prime minister needs these sorts to do what he wishes.)

In #3 we read about the thinking of David. He seems unaware of the evil that he has stepped into. We hear of his humility about it all. He recognizes that he’s unworthy to become a son-in-law. He brings up the subject of a dowery, the payment he must give to earn a marriage.

It’s here that King Saul’s efforts seem to advance.

Again, it’s how Saul works. He is still thinking that he’s in control (but he really isn’t). Saul doesn’t realize it, but he’s fighting against the purposes of God. It all seems simple to us now, but at that moment it’s not so easy.

I think that its David’s humility protecting him. That’s a bit counterintuitive and I struggle with it a bit. Perhaps it all seems he’s walking out of meekness. That characteristic keeps David safe from Saul’s wickedness.

And perhaps it will cover us from evil as well?

“We had long known the Lord without realizing that meekness and lowliness of heart should be the distinguishing feature of the disciple.”

Andrew Murray

Overcoming With an Opposite Spirit

^“Then Saul said to David, “Here is my elder daughter Merab. I will give her to you for a wife. Only be valiant for me and fight the Lord‘s battles.” For Saul thought, “Let not my hand be against him, but let the hand of the Philistines be against him.” ¹⁸And David said to Saul, “Who am I, and who are my relatives, my father’s clan in Israel, Merb I should be son-in-law to the king?” ¹⁹But at the time when Merab, Saul’s daughter, should have been given to David, she was given to Adriel the Meholathite for a wife.”

1 Samuel 18:17-19

Saul’s deceit is now effective. His heart wants to manipulate David; he wants to destroy him. As I read this portion, I’m struck by Saul’s evil. He wants David dead but is unwilling to do this sin on his own. He wants the ungodly Philistines to do this dirty deed.

He falsely believes that David’s success is based on his military prowess. He thinks the skill of David militarily acumen is secular and superb. But it isn’t. David’s ability is grace. A gift of God to men. It really can’t be explained otherwise.

Saul was a man bereft of the Spirit of God.

I don’t think otherwise. Saul discovers his “kryptonite.” It is his denial of the belief of God’s presence on a simple man. Maybe he knows, but he also understands that something has changed; Saul has lost the anointing of the Lord.

Saul has lost his way. And now he resorts to the human way of thinking.

David is on a completely wavelength. In verse 18 he shows the humility and meekness of a heart that is saturated with God’s residence. I believe that this is called “overcoming with an opposite spirit.” I don’t think you can see this any other way.

God is using David to communicate to us His heart. David’s humility is something built inside; He responds in an innocence that is seldom seen. He was sincere; what you see is what you get.

David responds with a heartfelt love for Saul. David is totally sincere, and he responds reveals God’s heart toward Saul. (If only King Saul would listen to God. But that wasn’t going to happen.)

The marriage between David and Merab was just pretense. Saul stepped in and blocked it; he would never allow David’s ascendance into the royal line.

Something significant, I think. David still has his harp. He worships himself through this morass. That worship sustains him. When David plays, it’s a level of protection from his enemies.

A word about “overcoming with an opposite spirit.”

Faith does some amazing things in a simple believer’s heart. We must (incessantly) respond to evil in the way of David. He shows us how.

Much could be said about how we interpret this passage, and yet I keep focusing upon David’s humility here. But the work is His. And we must see this insight of a man who is giving himself to the ways of God, even in the tumult of the moment, David rests in the Lord.

This will test the heart of David.

Leave the Spear Behind

“And Saul hurled the spear, for he thought, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David evaded him twice.“

1 Samuel 18:11, ESV

“And Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he eluded Saul so that he struck the spear into the wall. And David fled and escaped that night.“

1 Samuel 19:10

King Saul has gone mad.

We need to understand that David is completely different. He would leave Saul’s spear in the wall. Remember that David was the giant killer, the boy who faced Goliath. I don’t really think that David was really afraid, he knew God’s protective hand was on him and this made the difference.

Saul attacked David twice.

But David spiritually understood God’s heart. He understood the spiritual principle of “turning the other cheek” and “loving your enemies.” He overcame with love and kindness. And lots of grace.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good“

Romans 12:21, ESV

The Greek word for “overcome” is νικάω which can be translated as “to conquer or to come forth victorious.” It is also used when someone is arraigned before a court of law but wins the case.

To follow Jesus means you entirely reject using the spear. It’s not for you. Never.

You cannot attack another without destroying yourself.

“We win by tenderness. We conquer by forgiveness.”

Frederick W. Robertson

We must leave the spear in the wall. You must not throw it back.

Jealousy Consumes Saul

“And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousand, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?” ⁹And Saul eyed David from that day on.”

1 Samuel 18:8-9, ESV

The phrase here suggests anger that has been intensified. King Saul was not just annoyed or irritated; it was much more than that. He saw and heard the women as they gathered—with their tambourines and music they began to rejoice over the victories of David. Rather than rejoicing David’s success, he made a choice (a decision) to be jealous.

Something inside of him was very wrong and terribly twisted.

Unrighteous anger twists the heart of a man into something that disturbs even our closest friends. When we act out of this anger, it distorts and then blinds us and we become unrecognizable. We no longer can hear the voice of our kind and gentle God, He who laid down His life for His friends.

Saul was terribly wrong. From this minute on a jealous anger would drive him to a breaking point. He was now consumed with anger, jealousy, and ultimately murder. He wanted David dead. “And Saul eyed David from that day on.” (v. 9.)

“Anger is cruel, and wrath is like a flood, but jealousy is even more dangerous.”

Proverbs 27:4

I once learned the proper way to kill a diamond-back rattlesnake. Obviously, you must be careful, and Saul was not. The snake’s venom would destroy him; he had been bitten, and he would not survive. Jealousy over David’s victories would totally ruin him. Saul’s envy will poison his heart and soul.

Please do not be consumed by this sin. A disciple must learn how to work through the issues of jealousy, envy, and evil. The Holy Spirit will see that we will see these things head on. God will not allow us to fully enter His kingdom if we hold on to jealousy and anger.

Rather than focus on what others have, we’re called to accept and receive what we’ve been given. We should rejoice in Him who gives gifts to those He has chosen. We must stay faithful and celebrate His gifts to others without becoming angry and spiteful.

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

Romans 12:10

Jealousy is like drinking something poisonous and hoping that the other person will die.

King Saul is Poisoned

“Danger, Will Robinson, danger!”

(B-9 Robot, “Lost in Space,” 1967)

⁶As they were coming home, when David returned from striking down the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with songs of joy, and with musical instruments. ⁷And the women sang to one another as they celebrated, “Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” And Saul was very angry.

1 Samuel 18:6-8

David was quite successful. His tactical prowess exceeded the other military leaders; he was a dream come true, and everyone knew it. But, there would be a downside to being victorious in battle. Gavid was about to find this out. Things would start to get crazy, and it wasn’t his fault.

Out came those who could sing.

Everyone knew it. David’s successes became the song of Israel. What he achieved was the stuff of legends. When he returned, he found those who received victory. They would sing, but those songs would create issues. Saul would become offended, and that would become dangerous. David would soon find this out. He understood, and yet, he really didn’t. King Saul would never really accept David’s accomplishments; Saul blocked out the wonderous battles of David.

King Saul could never accept this.

“The anger of the king is a deadly threat.”

Proverbs 16:14

Saul’s anger would develop into jealousy, and that was dangerous.

We’ll look at this closer.

War Band Leader

“So, David went out wherever Saul sent him and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.”

1 Samuel 18:5, NKJV

David was now part of Saul’s army. The Goliath incident had propelled him into serving as a “man of war” now. The shepherd now led a war band. Saul seems to recognize David’s faith and skill. I don’t believe King Saul recognized exactly who this young man really was.

The humble shepherd was soon given authority, “over the men of war.”

David would have known little of the practical aspects of being a leader and the obligations involved. That would need to be earned before it could be appreciated. I really believe that King Saul was quite pleased with David at this point.

Maybe though Saul’s need was for leadership in the top ranks of his army? We read that, “Now there was a fierce war with the Philistines all the days of Saul. And when Saul saw any strong man or any valiant man, he took him for himself.” (1 Sam. 14:52.)

Saul saw with his own eyes Goliath being slaughtered. He recognized the audacious faith of the shepherd boy, and the incredible faith it instilled in the Israelite army. Yes, the king knew that David was a prodigy.

Verse 10 points out what David’s strength was that he “behaved wisely.” In Hebrew is śāḵal, a verb that explains much. It means to be prudent, to have insight or to comprehend, or even to be an alert student. It seems that he grasped all that happened, whether good or bad.

David understood that he was under the king’s authority.

The people accepted the young David. The men in Saul’s government also supported David. He was accepted and well received. However, this is going to be a problem in the future.

Wisdom is the power to see and the inclination to choose the best and highest goal, together with the surest means of attaining it. (JI Packer.)

“Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.”

Proverbs 4:7

BFF: A Covenant Between Brothers

“After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. ²From that day on Saul kept David with him and wouldn’t let him return home. ³And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. ⁴Jonathan sealed the pact by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt.”

I Samuel 18:1-4

It seems that Saul met with David immediately after the altercation with Goliath, a sort of debriefing. I can still see David carrying the decapitated head of the Philistine warrior. It would’ve been a bloody sight.

After this meeting with Saul, he was no longer just a shepherd; David was now a warrior.

There is something else–a new development, a commitment, or a covenant between David and Jonathan. Something significant happened there, and like most matters of the heart, it was difficult to explain. Some might think it was erotic, but that sullies and distorts this relationship. No, it was far more than that.

Men generally avoid real friendship. In my 65 years I can think of 1-2 similar connections that approach this kind of depth or attachment. Almost all of my friends are more or less superficial. I rarely press beyond this. Maybe it’s kind of scary?

David was anointed by Samuel to be the next king. He had been chosen to wield the power and authority of Israel with humility and grace. David knew it, but Jonathan saw it.

I believe that Jonathan’s calling was perhaps more difficult: he had to yield the throne to David. Jonathan had to renounce ambition and pride. He would turn his back on his ego and drive. He would never be king. (Some would destroy themselves before we did this.)

The text reveals some of the “covenant love” between these two men. Jonathan sheds off the trappings of his identity and gives them to David. In doing so, David is declared to be the future king.

Jonathan commits to serving David. In his mind he rejects the notion of a hereditary monarchy. Being the king of Israel must be one of anointing, not who your father is. Both men recognize this implicitly.

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

Romans 12:10, ESV

From this point on, David has the complete support of Jonathan for the rest of their lives.

“The Battle is the Lords”

I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. ⁴⁶This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, ⁴⁷and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hand.”

David knew what would happen before it actually did. Most likely it had to do with a faith that understood God, he truly accepted that “the battle was/is the Lord’s. He accepted this.

Not only did David see this in Goliath, but notice this in the text, “I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.”

David understood that David would be killed by him, but the entire army would also die that day.

It would be a total victory over the entire Philistine army.

Also, let’s consider this phrase “the battle is the Lord’s. David says this and establishes something each believer must embrace today. We live in a war that Satan has instigated. Each of us must know exactly what we’re up against. A killer, and a destroyer of people!

Check this out:

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

(Notice Jesus’ ministry on us though in this “wonderful” verse.)

Let’s go back to David. It seems when he was good he was very good, but if we’re to be honest, when he was bad, he was very bad. (But forgiven.) Now I don’t understand what you think about all of this. But he did repent, and he was pardoned.

David Faces Goliath

David Kills Goliath

As Goliath moved closer to attack, David quickly ran out to meet him. ⁴⁹Reaching into his shepherd’s bag and taking out a stone, he hurled it with his sling and hit the Philistine in the forehead. The stone sank in, and Goliath stumbled and fell face down on the ground.

⁵⁰So David triumphed over the Philistine with only a sling and a stone, for he had no sword. ⁵¹Then David ran over and pulled Goliath’s sword from its sheath. David used it to kill him and cut off his head.

1 Samuel 17:48-51

He moved in to attack. David had no sword, no shield. It was just him, and this monster from Philistia. He entered this valley, and he had nothing. Well, he did have his sling.

There was no one else from the Israelite who would engage the giant. No one but David. All were frightened, and yet all watched David step up. Keep in mind that Goliath blasphemed God, and even that didn’t matter. It seemed to have no effect. This was an army of cowards.

David was a man of faith.

He stepped out with courage and confidence, actually running to meet Goliath. And Goliath ran out to attack him. From the story of David and Goliath, we can learn that the God we serve is capable of defeating any of the giants in our lives—fear, depression, financial issues, doubts of faith—if we know Him and His nature well enough to step out in faith. When we do not know what the future holds, we have to trust Him.

David becomes a vote of faith even for us today When he slung that rock he became our example. And we definitely need that.

“My attitude was and still is like that of David, who was ashamed that the armies of Israel would tremble before Goliath. Without hesitation he stepped forward with complete confidence in the God who had proven Himself to be faithful (1 Sam 17). For David, the size of the giant was irrelevant.”

David Hunt

Wearing Armor that Fits You

“Then Saul clothed David with his armor. He put a helmet of bronze on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail, ³⁹and David strapped his sword over his armor. And he tried in vain to go, for he had not tested them. Then David said to Saul, “I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them.” So David put them off.”

1 Samuel 17:38-39, see also NLT

I sense that king Saul was worried and scared. Facing Goliath was a man’s job, not for a skinny boy. A defeat would be catastrophic. But the terms offered by Goliath would allow the Philistines total control over Israel. This was unacceptable.

But David had heard Goliath’s bellowing blasphemy, The God of Israel was being challenged and mocked. Something inside of David rose up. God’s honor was at stake.

No one thought that David had a “snowball’s chance in hell.”

In this passage we read that Saul offered David his own armor. Now I don’t know what was going through Saul’s mine–did he feel guilty or embarrassed? Why did he do this?

To allow David the boy to go ahead and fight Goliath was disturbing but David presents his case rather forcibly; he tells of his encounters with bears and lions attacking his flock. (1 Samuel 17:34-36.)

So, what traits is he showing? I think the first is zeal, and then courage, faith, self-sacrifice and righteous anger. But perhaps the most significant (and easily forgotten) is love. He simply loved God, and loved the nation (and armies) of Israel. Love is not always gushy. It’s action. It pushes one to take risks.

As I survey this passage I’m struck by Psalm 23. Most commentators believe this particular Psalm was written previously before this fight with Goliath. It was composed while David was with his flock out in the pasture.

That makes perfect sense. (Psalm 23:4-5.)

Wearing armor is necessary as a Christian. If you’re a born again believer, then it’s to be a critical part of who you are spiritually. When the apostle Paul writes to the Ephesian believers he pointedly refers to what we’re to wear spiritually when we stand against our personal “Goliath.” I would stress that this isn’t an optional feature.

“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. ¹²For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.“

Ephesians 6:11-12, NLT

The Smear of the Holy Spirit

“Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward.”

1 Samuel 16:13, ESV

I’d like to step back a little. Something quite significant happened when the boy David was anointed by the prophet Samuel. David the shepherd boy had been divinely chosen to become the future king of Israel.

This was a big deal.

And yet it was never mentioned again. We do know that David was anointed a second time when he actually became the king and took the throne. (Check out 2 Samuel 2:4.)

Why two, not exactly sure. Maybe the first was done privately, but the second was done publicly. The first was for the boy, David, and his family. The second was done openly in front of the nation.

It seems to me that both events were incredibly significant.

When David the boy was anointed by Samuel it gave him the power and strength to face Goliath. That first event was one of consecration for it gave David confidence and awareness of his destiny. He now operated with a new awareness that the sovereign God was now with him.

“Before we follow any man we should look for the oil on his forehead.”

A.W. Tozer

I believe that these anointings gave David the awareness of the Father’s special presence to be bold and confident. The second anointing not only placed him as king but also assured the people that David was different. People needed to know that this new king had God’s special touch.

Later on David would sin greatly with Bathsheba and Uriah. Sin diminishes the anointing. Compromising with sin does this; it always drains away God’s favor. (We need to understand this.) David would lose much by turning away from his calling.

That is why Psalm 32 and 51 are quite critical in his (and God’s eyes). David frittered away God’s special touch, but he would regain it by his deep repentance.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.“

Psalm 53:10-11