Kingdom Authority

Saul to David transition

 

Jesse parades his seven sons before Samuel and none of them are chosen. Does Jesse know why he was asked to attend the sacrifice and does he know why Samuel is asking for his sons to pass before him? We don’t know what Jesse knew or what he expected to happen on this day except that the Lord was about to choose one of them for some purpose. Once the seven sons of Jesse that were present passed by Samuel and none of them were chosen Samuel asks if that was all of his sons. Jesse states that here is only the youngest that had not passed before Samuel and he is tending the sheep. Samuel tells Jesse you need to bring him here because until he comes they would not sit down to the meal. This declaration by Samuel could have rubbed David’s brothers the wrong way, seeing that his absence was the cause of a delayed meal. Once David arrived God tells Samuel that this is the one and to anoint him. 1SA 16:13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward…. David unlike Saul is anointed in front of his father and brothers. No one knew Saul had been anointed at his beginning but now everyone will know that David had been chosen. I can only imagine what his older brothers were thinking when Samuel poured the flask of oil all over David. We will see the sibling dynamics as we delve deeper into David’s rise to power.

 

David has no need to be changed into a different man as Saul had been but scripture only declares that the Spirit of God came mightily upon him from that day on. This is very important to understand. David did not need to be changed drastically as Saul was. Saul probably had little or no personal relationship with God whereas David did, yet they both were in need of the Spirit of God to descend upon them. We can liken Saul’s encounter with God as a salvation and baptism in the Spirit and David’s as just needing the baptism in the Spirit. It will become clear as we progress and see the evidence of David’s relationship with God. The spiritual covering by God definitely transferred from Saul to David at this time. 1SA 16:14 Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord terrorized him. We should note that this evil spirit was sent by God, the word god not being El, nor Elohim but Yahweh. It is not in the scope of this study to address God using evil spirits to accomplish his purposes and if God actively sends them. Suffice it to say that this evil spirit came to terrorize Saul not just to be an annoyance.

 

This situation with the transfer of the anointing off of Saul onto David and the arrival of the evil spirit sets up a dynamic that places David in close proximity to the throne. Saul’s servants recognize that Saul is being tormented by this evil spirit and they reason if we can find someone who is able to play the harp it will pacify this demon. Saul commands that they do even as they have reasoned, find a man who is able to play well. One of his servants speaks up and says, 1SA 16:18 …"Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is a skillful musician, a mighty man of valor, a warrior, one prudent in speech, and a handsome man; and the Lord is with him." This servant must have had intimate knowledge of David seeing he gives a testimony about him. David is known by this person as not only a good musician but a warrior, man of valor, prudent in speech, handsome and that God was with him. These characteristics are not gained in a day or week but over a long period of time and many circumstances. David unlike Saul was known by some as having integrity and anointing while Saul needed to be totally changed as a person as we have already discussed. This is important to understand when evaluating authority and who will make the best authorities. A good foundation will serve a person well when placed in a position of authority were as a bad foundation will only lead to error and mistakes that effect everyone under their authority. This is probably the most important lesson that we can learn from the difference between David’s rise to power and Saul’s.

 

Saul sends word to Jesse that he wants David sent to him. Jesse doesn’t send David to Saul empty handed but loads a donkey with bread, a jug of wine and a young goat. We have no evidence that anything David brought was given to Saul so it must have been for David’s sustenance. We saw that David was anointed in the presence of his father and brothers which may have made it easier for Jesse to send his youngest son into the service of Saul. There is nothing recorded about Samuel declaring David the next king so we must assume that David doesn’t know the extent of what the anointing meant. It is also obvious that Saul had no idea that Samuel anointed David and that he was to take his place.

 

1SA 16:21 Then David came to Saul and attended him, and Saul loved him greatly; and he became his armor bearer. If Saul knew that David was to be the next king would he have been so gracious to him? We know from the record that once Saul knew what David’s destiny was, he tried to kill him. Saul was so pleased with David and his ability to calm the evil spirit that he sends word to Jesse requesting that Jesse allow David to remain before him. David is not a threat to Saul at this time. Saul fully embraces David. Samuel already prophesied to Saul that his family would not sit on the throne and also that he was rejected as king. This is a time that David will see the inner workings of the kingdom and to make allegiances with others in power.   

 

The Philistines and Israel gathered for war at Socoh and Goliath would taunt Israel daily for them to send out someone to fight him. Goliath was a massive man estimated to be six cubits and a span which is around 9’9” tall. What Goliath would say is: 1SA 17:8 …"Why do you come out to draw up in battle array? Am I not the Philistine and you servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves and let him come down to me. v9 "If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will become your servants; but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall become our servants and serve us." v10 …"I defy the ranks of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together." Saul should have had the faith to go out and fight Goliath. Having been rejected by God it left Israel lacking someone anointed and faith filled to accomplish the job. Saul’s situation is dire, and it places Israel in a precarious position. Saul’s doubt and unbelief based on his rejection has spread through the ranks and there is not one warrior who has the faith to slay the Philistine. This same issue is played out daily in local churches around the world. The elected authorities are faced with issues that require obedience and intimacy with God to resolve. Too often these authorities are lacking in both obedience and intimacy or they have been rejected at sometime because of gross misconduct. It is important that those in position of authority live according to God’s dictates and their conscience otherwise when conflict arises that require a step of faith they will be ill equipped to face it. This of course is Saul’s problem. He has failed to be obedient to the word of God through Samuel and is now ill equipped to lead a nation. The outcome of not following God is seen in this verse: 1SA 17:11 When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.

 

God did not leave Israel without a person to lead the charge even though the king was a failure. David was the youngest of eight sons. His three oldest brothers were at the battle line following Saul. David’s responsibility over his father’s sheep did not end just because he was now in the service of Saul but he went back and forth from Saul to the tending of the flock. Jesse being a good father sends David with roasted grain and bread for his brothers and cuts of cheese for his brother’s commanders. Jesse wanted David to find out the condition of his sons and bring him back the news.

 

David leaves the flock in the care of another and leaves for the valley of Elah where Israel is fighting with the Philistines. It just so happens that when David arrived, Israel and the Philistines were lining up in full battle array. David leaves the baggage he brought with the people watching the baggage and enters the battle line to greet his brothers. While speaking with his brothers, Goliath comes out and speaks as quoted above and David hears it. 1SA 17:24 When all the men of Israel saw the man, they fled from him and were greatly afraid. David must have been amazed at the men’s response to Goliath. Once David hears what will be given to the man who defeats this giant it peaks his interest and David inquires further. 1SA 17:26 Then David spoke to the men who were standing by him, saying, "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine, and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?" We can see David’s outrage in his question, “who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?” David is outraged that this unbeliever had the gall to mock God and His army. This shows David’s love for God and for his nation. We should also notice that David recognized that this is a reproach that was on the nation and it needed to be taken away. This is not a neutral situation, army against army, but a direct assault against the nation and their God.

 

David’s eldest brother berates him for his questioning. 1SA 17:28 Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab's anger burned against David and he said, "Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your insolence and the wickedness of your heart; for you have come down in order to see the battle." v29 But David said, "What have I done now? Was it not just a question?" Eliab definitely has David’s motives wrong and no doubt he is jealous of him. Samuel anointed David before his father and brothers and he is even in the service of the king which may make his brothers feel somewhat less than equal. The accusations that are lodged at David are serious and yet David ignores them but his response indicates that this is an ongoing struggle between them. Ignoring his brother’s outburst David turns to another person and asks them what will be given to the person defeating this Philistine. David hears three times the exact same thing from different people. I believe that David was outraged enough to fight with Goliath without any personnel benefit coming from it but because defeating Goliath did come with rewards he wanted to make sure he knew what he would receive after slaughtering him.

 

David’s attitude against Goliath was obvious and he was speaking in line with it, for the people who heard what he was saying told Saul. Saul calls David to himself and David declares, 1SA 17:32 …"Let no man's heart fail on account of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine." David is displaying his faith in God through this declaration. It had already been declared to Saul that David was a mighty man of valor and a warrior but we will soon see his weapons are unconventional. People of faith are not afraid to take chances especially when they know how God views the situation. Saul assesses David and says, 1SA 17:33 …"You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a youth while he has been a warrior from his youth." What kind of warrior is David? 1SA 17:34 But David said to Saul, "Your servant was tending his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, v35 I went out after him and attacked him, and rescued it from his mouth; and when he rose up against me, I seized him by his beard and struck him and killed him. v36 "Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he has taunted the armies of the living God." David explains to Saul about the time the bear and the lion come for his father’s flocks while under his care and he killed them both. David doesn’t make the mistake of trusting in his experience as the basis of his faith but adds I’ll kill this Philistine because he is an unbeliever (uncircumcised) and he has taunted God’s army. His faith was in God while having confidence in his ability. There are important principles at play here. God helped David defend what was under his authority when the bear and lion came to rob from his father. We like David have the ability to defend what is ours or under our authority even if it seems like there is no chance of stopping the problem. David wasn’t armed with modern weaponry to use against these wild animals but just a sling shot. It certainly wasn’t only by shear will or talent that David triumphed over them. He was aware that God gave him the ability to defend the flock. He wasn’t under any delusion that it was totally by his wisdom, power and skill. Saul gives David his blessing along with his armor and weapons but David realizes that these things were beyond his skill level. So David just takes his staff, sling and five smooth stones from the stream and sets out after the Philistine.

 

David couldn’t just go up against Goliath without Saul’s permission. Had David lost, it would have affected the whole country and only Saul had the authority to make decisions that affect the country. Once permission was secured David was free to face his foe with confidence. It is amazing that all the greatest warriors and experienced tacticians were with Saul and only a child has the faith to stand up against this Philistine. When David come out against Goliath this must have seemed like the greatest offense that could be lodged against him, but there is a greater offense. When Goliath saw what weapons David carried he said: 1SA 17:43 …"Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. Goliath just declares to David his intentions. David’s confidence is not shaken by this experienced warrior who is probably the largest man he had ever seen but states the bases of his faith. We need to realize that in order to acquire faith like David’s we need to step out in what we believe. David already knew God was going to show Himself mighty because of past tests. This situation is no different than the lion and bear. David did not run from the lion and bear but had he; he would not be standing here this day facing Goliath. We should not run from or back down when our tests come. Doing so will not make us the person who steps up to accomplish the seemingly impossible. David boldly states: 1SA 17:45 … "You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. v46 "This day the Lord will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, v47 and that all this assembly may know that the Lord does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the Lord's and He will give you into our hands." David in no way enters this battle under a misguided sense of his ability but a firm confidence in God. David knows that cursing Israel and their god is not going to sit well with God. God does defend those who are his and if we believe, He will assist us in overcoming our enemies. We should notice that the rock from the sling did not kill Goliath but the cutting off of his head. David did not have a sword so he took Goliath’s to behead him. David does exactly what he declared he would do. When God is standing with us and we are confronting our enemies we may not sense God and his leading but we should be confident that God is not a liar (PSA 94:14) and speak and act in faith even as David did.

 

This section of scripture has a very confusing dialogue that just seems out of place. 1SA 17:55 Now when Saul saw David going out against the Philistine, he said to Abner the commander of the army, "Abner, whose son is this young man?" And Abner said, "By your life, O king, I do not know." v56 And the king said, "You inquire whose son the youth is." David had already spent time before Saul playing music in order to calm the spirit that would inflict Saul. 1 Samuel 16:21, as had already been seen, explains that Saul was pleased with David and his musical ability so much that he loved him and made him his armor bearer. It even says that Saul requested that David stay with him full time but this could not be the case as we see David traveling from tending the sheep to his brothers on the front line. Why would Saul not know whose son David was? Saul was concerned for his affairs and not David’s. Even though Saul was aware of David this doesn’t mean that he ever troubled himself with where David was from or who his family is. So when David was brought before the king he was asked who his father was. During this time Jonathan, Saul’s son and heir to the throne, become aware of David and they are soulishly knit together. This is also the time when Saul decides David is going to enter into service to the king (1SA 18:2).  

 

David’s relationship with Jonathan proves to be strategic for his safety and future. Jonathan is so enamored with David that he makes a covenant with him and gives him his robe, sword, bow and belt. It is always good to have an ally in life that you can trust whole heartedly and wants what is best for you. Jonathan will prove himself such an ally. We should pay special attention to the dynamics between Jonathan and Saul’s attitude towards David. This is a type of what happens hundreds of places around the globe when nepotism trumps God’s highest. Jonathan, whether he knows it or not, wants God’s highest while Saul struggles with base human nepotism and legacy. Saul represents every person who controls a church or ministry that persecutes those who are gifted. Many fear that they may appear less gifted and lose their place of power. This aspect of Saul’s life is just starting and yet it doesn’t take long for him to feel the pressure of his reign ending.

 

1SA 18:6 And it happened as they were coming, when David returned from killing the Philistine, that the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy and with musical instruments. v7 And the women sang as they played, and said, "Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands." v8 Then Saul became very angry, for this saying displeased him; and he said, "They have ascribed to David ten thousands, but to me they have ascribed thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?" Saul’s position, legacy, authority, and his offspring’s ability to reign after him are threatened immediately. This is Saul’s victory and not that young kid David’s. “How dare they sing as if he is greater than me.” Saul hated that David was a “super star” already at his young age. I’m sure at this point Saul regretted putting David in charge of the men of war. This attitude results in one thing and only one thing, 1SA 18:9 And Saul looked at David with suspicion from that day on. People who have authority and are called to led and have not secured a physical position are generally the target for those who are carnal and worldly that have a position. Just as David will prove to be, these people are walking around with a huge spiritual bull’s-eye on them. David is already anointed to rule. He knows God and even has a confidence in God that Saul never had and yet God in his wisdom sets David on a path that could easily see him making bad choices. David’s destiny may in a real way be hinging on how he responds to those attacks that he will experience. It is hard to say if David’s destiny to rule is secure at this point. God deemed this time important for him. Should we expect any less if God calls us to a high calling?

 

Saul doesn’t wait a week, a month or a year to attack this potential usurper to his throne but the very next day he tries to kill David. 1SA 18:10… on the next day that an evil spirit from God came mightily upon Saul, and he raved in the midst of the house, while David was playing the harp with his hand, as usual; and a spear was in Saul's hand. v11 And Saul hurled the spear for he thought, "I will pin David to the wall." But David escaped from his presence twice. v12 Now Saul was afraid of David, for the Lord was with him but had departed from Saul. This spirit that is possessing Saul has him worried to such a degree that Saul cannot control himself and attempts to take David’s life. David escapes two attempts and Saul realizes that God is protecting him. Saul is a warrior who knows how to use his weapons. I’m sure he did not think he would miss twice. This is evidence of the real shield of faith that every believer has. Satan can use people to try and take our life but it isn’t that easy when God surrounds us. Saul places David as a commander of a thousand which removes him from the presence of Saul. This turns out to be good for David because he doesn’t have to fear for his life in Saul’s presence.

 

The problem with Saul placing him over a thousand men is that God caused him to prosper which results in more dread for Saul. David was beginning to be recognized throughout Judah and Israel. As we had seen concerning Moses, a person can have authority before God but in order to have authority over men, they have to accept you. If men do not accept you or your authority it is impossible to lead them however just because a person is accepted by man this doesn’t automatically mean God accepts him. When men do not accept you this does not mean God doesn’t. This principle is probably the biggest problem in churches. We have people in places of authority who people accept but God doesn’t and we have people God accepts that people struggle with and will not follow. In the case of David, God clearly has accepted him and had His prophet anointed him king but now he has to find favor with man.

 

Saul finally decides to honor some of what he promised to the person who beat Goliath in battle. 1SA 17:25 …And it will be that the king will enrich the man who kills him with great riches and will give him his daughter and make his father's house free in Israel." Saul decides to give his daughter Merab to David for a wife as a smoke screen for his treachery. Saul reasons that he will encourage David to fight the Lord’s battles and the Philistines will kill him. David however addresses Saul about becoming the son-in-law of the king and states this is no small thing. David realizes that he and his family are insignificant and not respected to the degree of one who would be accepted as a suitable suitor for Saul’s daughter. Saul never expected David to marry Merab but die before it became an issue. Merab is given to Adriel which reveals Saul’s true intentions about this situation. Saul is threatened by David and wants him dead. He doesn’t want to kill him but wishes providence would put an end to his life.

 

Saul is informed that his daughter Michal loves David. Saul reasons that this is good because he will set it up that David dies at the hand of the Philistines. So Saul sends a servant to speak with David secretly and David responds as before, 1SA 18:23 …"Is it trivial in your sight to become the king's son-in-law, since I am a poor man and lightly esteemed?" David and his family are not wealthy and cannot pay the price of a dowry expected for a daughter of the king. Saul already is aware that this would be an issue. Saul informs David that the price of the dowry was 100 foreskins of the Philistines. David knows this is an achievable dowry but Saul thinks this is impossible. Saul reasons if David attempts this he would surely fall by the hands of the Philistines. David is so pleased that he decides to accomplish it before the day ends. David and his men slaughter two hundred men and bring their foreskins to Saul. Saul is forced to give David his daughter for a wife. This situation was evidence to Saul that God was with David and Saul was afraid of him.

 

David is not Saul’s enemy but is now going to be his son-in-law. Why should Saul fear and hate David? Saul is selfish and wants his son to be king after him. He also resents the fact that God has rejected him and is now clearly accepting David. Saul should have realized that there was a good chance for David and his daughter Michal of having a son (the next king after David’s reign). Saul just sees his son and himself as being slighted. Saul’s world looks bleak with Jonathan, Michal and the people honoring David more than they honor him. While there is no doubt that the demon had much to do with Saul’s problem it is nonetheless a real issue David has to deal with. David, because of God’s divine protection, is able to stay in proximity to Saul. Though David’s life is constantly at risk from his father-in-law (who fears him and is his enemy 1 Sa 18:29) David gains greater favor with the people. 1SA 18:30 Then the commanders of the Philistines went out to battle, and it happened as often as they went out, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul. So his name was highly esteemed.

 

Saul becomes more reckless concerning his hatred for David. 1SA 19:1 Now Saul told Jonathan his son and all his servants to put David to death. But Jonathan, Saul's son, greatly delighted in David. Saul wants David dead and he doesn’t care who kills him. Jonathan finds this alarming and warns David until he can ascertain just how serious his father is. Jonathan reasons with his father and Saul temporarily repents from his insanity and vows: 1SA 19:6 …"As the Lord lives, he shall not be put to death." This proves only as a temporary situation for David but for now he is free to be around Saul. This reprieve lasts only as long as there is no war. The next war proves David’s superiority over the Philistines and Saul’s demon of jealousy is once again stirred to the point of wanting David dead. Saul again tries to pin David to the wall with a spear as he plays his harp for the king. David flees for his life to his house but Michal warns that if he stays he will be dead by tomorrow. David listens to his wife, so she helps him escape out a window.

 

Michal puts herself at risk defying her father’s desires to kill David. She puts a household idol in David’s bed and dressed it up to resemble him. The next day her father sends servants to arrest David but Michal tries to cover for him by saying he is sick. Those sent by Saul find an idol in David’s bed and it is reported to her father. Saul says to Michal: 1SA 19:17 "Why have you deceived me like this and let my enemy go, so that he has escaped?" And Michal said to Saul, "He said to me, 'Let me go! Why should I put you to death?'" Michal no doubt feared her father and knew the only way to get out of this situation was to lie about what actually happened.

 

1SA 19:18 Now David fled and escaped and came to Samuel at Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and stayed in Naioth. There are a lot of people who think that David always submitted to authority and he never ran. David, unlike many today, actually had someplace to flee to. Samuel would understand, shelter and protect David. People today are told to submit to those who hate you and not to leave even though those over you may suppress and hinder your life and success. While it is true we don’t have to fear for our lives as David did we do risk the successfulness of our lives. People do grow up and learn important lessons by staying in hard places but there are times when we should leave for our own life’s sake. The biggest problem is many people think that staying put is the only “spiritual” option but it is not true. It is better to provide a place for people to run to and find refuge then to send them back to be utterly destroyed by jealousy, doubt and unbelief. Samuel provided a safe spiritual place for David to run to. It is common for people to feel threatened because of the success of people under their authority especially if they really did not have anything to do with their abilities. We should not feel this way but realize everyone has a calling and a gifting which may shine brightly in order for them to be accepted by the masses. A person may have authority before God but it takes people’s acceptance to lead them. This is what is happening with David. David’s success is providing people the motivation to acknowledge and accept his leadership.    

 

So we see David with Samuel at Naioth in the presence of a company of prophets having a religious service. Men sent from Saul arrive and they get caught up in what is happening as well as a second group and then a third. These people Saul sent had the Spirit of God come upon them so that they began to prophesy which altered their view of the urgency of what the king wanted. We should recognize that this is similar to when the king of Samaria sent a captain and his fifty men to Elijah and Elijah called down fire from heaven to consume the fifty one men twice. It would have been three times but the third captain pleaded his case before the prophet which kept him from speaking destruction on them. (2 KI 1:10-15) Realize that it was Elijah, not God, who decided what would happen to the fifty one men. I believe it was the same for Samuel in this situation. If Samuel wanted those men destroyed they would have been destroyed and not pacified by the Sprit. Saul decides to personally come out to Naioth seeing his men did not return and he finds himself undone before God. Scripture states Saul continually prophesied, stripped naked and laid down all day and night. Samuel has mercy on Saul and his men while protecting David.

 

TO BE CONTINUED