Judges and Prophets – Part 5

Hebrews 11:32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets

‘David’ – faith’s utter reliance (1Sam. 17:32-51; 23:2, 11; etc.). The Lord saw in David a man after His own heart (1Sam. 13:14; 16:7). David was the youngest of Jesse’s eight sons. He became a mighty man of valour (1Sam. 16:18). He is referred to many times as a mighty warrior and able to do more than many others in combat. He killed a lion and a bear even as a youth (1Sam. 17:34-36). His own mighty men acknowledged that he was worth 10,000 of them in war (2Sam. 18:3).

Summary of the chronological events in David’s life: David was anointed as king of Israel (1Sam. 16:1-13). War between Israel and Philistia, and challenge of Goliath (1Sam. 17:1-11). David’s mission to the army (1Sam. 17:12-21). Saluting his brethren and hearing the challenge of Goliath (1Sam. 17:22-27). Accused of pride by his brothers (1Sam. 17:28-29). Offer to go out and fight Goliath; brought to Saul who disdains him (1Sam. 17:30-33). Offering proof that he can fight Goliath. Accepted by Saul (1Sam. 17:34-37). Rejecting armour and weapons provided, in favour of his simple and trusted weapons (1Sam. 17:38-40). Challenging and conquering Goliath (1Sam. 17:41-51). Victory over Philistia (1Sam. 17:52-54). David brought to Saul (1Sam. 17:55-58). Becoming a friend of Jonathan (1Sam. 18:1-5). Incurring Saul’s jealousy who attempts to slay David (1Sam. 18:6-11). David was removed from Saul’s court but the king continued his efforts to slay him (1Sam. 18:12-30). Reconciliation with Saul (1Sam. 19:1-10): 1Samuel 16:14-23 should be placed chronologically between 1Samuel 19:9 and 19:10; but the writer put the passage where it could show the contrast between the two spirits with Saul and David. Continued attempts to kill David and the defeat and death of Saul (1Sam. 19:11-31:13). Saul made twenty-one attempts on David’s life to kill him. God protected David in all these attempts.

We have the Davidic covenant in 2Samuel 7:1-17. This agreement was made with David and his house through Nathan the prophet and was conditioned upon obedience as all other covenants. It was to be an everlasting covenant, containing seven blessings: A Davidic house forever (2Sam. 7:13-16; Ps. 89:20-37; Luke 1:32-35). A Davidic throne forever (2Sam. 7:12-16; Isa. 9:6, 7; Luke 1:32-35). A Davidic kingdom forever (2Sam. 7:12-16; Isa. 9:6, 7; Luke 1:32-35). A sure land for Israel forever (Gen. 17:1-27; 2Sam. 7:10). No more affliction from the nations forever (Deut. 28:1-30:10; 2Sam. 7:10). The Fatherly care of God forever (2Sam. 7:14; 2Cor. 6:15-18). An eternal covenant (2Sam. 7:10-16; Isa. 9:6, 7; Luke 1:32, 33).