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The Life and Times of Samuel, Saul, and David. Lesson #7: David's Anointment and Valor I Sm. 16:1 - 17:58 “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)
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The Life and Times of Samuel, Saul, and David Lesson #7: David's Anointment and Valor I Sm. 16:1 - 17:58 “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4) “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.”(I Corinthians 10:11)
Introduction • A “man after God’s own heart” is selected to replace Saul. • Saul’s jealousy and attempts to kill David is evidence of his lack of repentance. • David’s family was from “Bethlehem,” the birthplace of Jesus. • David was like Jesus because he was sent by his father, persecuted by his brothers, falsely accused, mocked, destroyed his enemies and raise to be king. • God does not look at the outward appearance of a person, but He looks at the heart. David was selected from among the sons of Jesse. • Saul was given a “distressing spirit.” • David’s harp providing relief. • David faces and defeats Goliath. • The Philistine challenge is accepted by David. • David defeats the giant warrior with a small smooth stone and a sling shot. Remember:“One man and God is a majority.” • Israel was victorious.
Discussion Questions • Contrast Samuel and Saul's attitude (I Sm. 16:1-5)? • Samuel had a mind like God. He was obedient, sanctified, sacrificed, and mourned for Saul and his deeds. • Saul was impenitent (15:31), proud, arrogant, envious, and murderous. He did not think of sacrifice much (14:35). • Describe the selection process and the physical description of David (I Sm. 16:6-13). What does the Lord look at? • God’s instructions were clear (16:11). Sons were looked at by Samuel, not the same as before (i.e. appearance, seniority). • David had a rosy face, good appearance, and small. He was a skilled musician, man of valor, prudent in speech, and handsome (16:18). • Youngest was chosen because of his heart, not the older and most experienced. God looks at what is in the heart (i.e. love, obedience, faith, leadership, godly qualities, etc.).
Discussion Questions • Lesson to Learn: The Lord knows the thoughts and motives of our hearts. (Mt. 23:28; Lk. 16:15; Mt. 5:6; Hb. 4:11-13; Pr. 15:3, 11; Ge. 3:8; Josh. 7:21; II Cor. 5:10) • God knows the heart. He knows the hidden and secret things of the heart. • We can not hide anything from God (i.e. Adam and Eve, Achan’s sin). • God does not look/judge according to appearance, and we will have to give an account of our deeds to God. • “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Mt. 5:6)
Discussion Questions • What is a "distressing spirit" which God gave Saul and how was it soothed (I Sm. 16:14-23)? • A distressing spirit – evil, adversity, affliction, calamity, grief, pessimistic not optimistic. It was terrifying, troublesome and stressful. • It was punishment for his sins and affected his appearance (16:15). • David’s harp provided temporary relief. Music replaced prayer and repentance (16:23).
Discussion Questions • What was the battle scene and challenge? Describe the physical appearance of Goliath (I Sm. 17:1-11)? • The valley was between Israel and the Philistines and each on a mountain side (17:3). • The Philistines had large men (II Sm. 21:15-22). • Goliath was about 10 feet tall, about 90 lbs of mail/brass, special amour, spear, and a body guard. • The Philistine challenged a single combatant, a duel, knowing Israel did not have a champion (17:8-10). • The Philistines arrogantly defied God and His people day-by-day with no challengers (17:11).
Discussion Questions • How did David respond when he heard of Goliath's challenge (I Sm. 17:12-30)? • David’s job was a message carrier and shepherd (17:15). • David heard the challenge and saw the fear of the people (17:24). He could see the rewards for the victor (17:25). • David challenged his brothers and people who mocked him. David ignored the words of jealousy (17:28). • “Is there not a cause?” (17:29)
Discussion Questions • How did Saul respond to David's proposal to go and fight the Philistine (I Sm. 17:31-37)? • Saul said you can’t do it because you are too small (17:32-33). • David reminded Saul of his victory over the bear and lion (17:34-35). Killing the Philistine is no different (17:35). • David said God would deliver him and those who defy God are His enemies (17:37). • “Go, and the Lord be with you!” (17:37)
Discussion Questions • What weapons did David use to fight the Philistine (I Sm. 17:38-40)? • Amour would not fit. The coat of mail weighed about 20 lbs and the spear weighed about 11 lbs. • David selected 5 smooth stones for his sling. He did not use amour or common weapons (17:40). • David prepared himself to cooperate with God. • Lesson To Learn:We must trust in God and learn to use the weapons He has given us. (Ep. 6:10-18; II Co. 10:3-6; Mt. 4:1-11; I Co. 10:12-13) • We must use the sword of the spirit or God’s word as an offensive/defensive weapon along with proper protection. • We are fighting and battling everyday! • We must cast down arguments/errors against God. • Take heed, watch and pray. We must be on-guard against temptations from Satan.
Discussion Questions • How did Goliath view David? How did David view Goliath (I Sm. 17:41-47)? • Goliath belittled David’s youth and looks out of arrogance (17:42). • He cursed David by his gods and called him a dog (17:43-44). • David came in the name of God and told Goliath that he denied God and His people (17:45).David gives God credit. Goliath was really fighting God. • God delivers Goliath into David’s hands. David struck Goliath, cut off his head, and the birds ate the remains (17:46).
Discussion Questions • Lesson to Learn: God turns our weaknesses into strengths in overcoming formidable foes. There will always be "David's" and "Goliath's" in the Lord's battles. (Ps. 18:30-36; 144:1; Dt. 1:30-33; Isa. 52:12; 58:8; Hb. 2:14-15; II Co. 11:13-15; Ac. 8:4 ) • Examples: Mary and Joseph, Egyptian deliverance, Jesus overcame Satan and death, and the church over the Romans/Jews. • God arms and trains us to fight against foes (i.e. false teachers).
Discussion Questions • How did David kill the Philistine and what effect did it have on the rest of Israel including Saul (I Sm. 17:48-58)? • It is not clear whether the stone or the sword killed Goliath, but the stone led to his death (17:50-51). • Philistines fled and Israel pursued them and killed them, and Israel plundered the tents of the Philistines (17:52-53). • The head of Goliath and his armor was taken to Jerusalem as a trophy (17:54). • Saul asks, “Who is this youth? Who is your father?” He did not remember that David was anointed by Samuel as his replacement. If Saul knew, then he would have likely tried to kill him (17:55-58). • David is made Saul’s armor bearer.
Discussion Questions • Lesson to Learn:Courage and cowardice can become contagious. One man and God is a majority. (II Ch. 32:7-8; Ez. 2:6; 3:9; I Co. 16:13; Ph. 1:27-28; II Tm. 1:7; Hb. 13:6; Re. 21:8; 3:15-19; Mk. 8:38; II Tm. 4:10) • We are not to be ashamed or cowards. • We must stand fast, be brave and strong. • We are not to have a spirit of fear or be lukewarm. • Demas was a coward. • “What can man do to you?” • David accumulated a list of mighty works of valor (II Sm. 23). Compare to Saul’s (I Sm. 13:5-7; 17:11-24).
Discussion Questions • Lesson To Learn:The Lord helps those who help themselves. (Ac. 10:1-4; 16:9-10; 18:24-28; 19:1-10; Mt. 7:7-8) • Cornelius sought God and he found Him. • Lydia was praying and became a Christian. • Apollos was corrected and became a great teacher. • Ephesians baptized by John’s baptism were baptized in the name of Jesus. • If we seek the truth, then we will find it!!!
Discussion Questions – Final Thoughts • How does David and Saul compare in heart, faith, respect of God's word, spiritual mindedness, humility, etc.? • Saul/Satan: Appearance of good, given authority, his rules are more important, fear is used to rule (Hb. 2:14-15). • David/Jesus: Not recognized by appearance, all authority was given, God’s rules are most important, and faith is used to rule. • David was: after God’s heart, full of faith/humility, respected/loved the law, followed the spirit, humble to reproof, and spiritually relied upon God. • Saul was: after man’s heart, no respecter of God, proud/arrogant, refused to be led by the spirit, rebellious under correction, and independent/worldly minded. • Key verses: Ps. 119:6, 10-11, 69, 97; 1:1-6; 37:3. • “A man after My own heart, who will do all My will.” (Ac. 13:22).