February Bible Challenge: 1 Chronicles

So many times we make ministry about US rather than about what God wants to do. Sometimes we feel entitled to see the “glory days” while we’re in the seat we’re in, but what if that’s not God’s plan at all? Do we stop giving it our all? Or do we prepare those that come after us?
In chapter 22, David knew that he wouldn’t be alive to witness the completion of the temple - so he ensured he prepared for the generations after him - for his son Solomon. (v. 5) David has a transparent conversation with Solomon - sharing that God has asked David to pass on the baton to Solomon. Due to the amount of bloodshed by David, he was no longer one to build the temple - but it was time for a king that would reign in an era of peace - his son Solomon, to take on the task. (v. 6-10)
  • “God wanted a man of rest, and peace to build His temple - and that man was Solomon. He wanted His temple to be built during a time of victory, not during a time of struggle.”
  • “But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side. His name will be Solomon, and I will grant Israel peace during his reign. He is the one who will build a house in my name. He will be my son. And I will be his father and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.” (v. 9-10)
David shares with his son wisdom, advice that perhaps he did not get when he began his reign. He prays over Solomon that God may give him “discretion and understanding” and encourages him to be strong and courageous. Solomon’s continuous ask for wisdom possibly came from what his father instilled in him. 
  • “This indicates that David was at peace with the idea that he could not build the temple and was content to prepare the way for his son to build it successfully. “This is a picture of a man who through stress and storm had found his way into the quiet calm assurance of his place in the divine economy…. It is a condition of peace and power.” (Morgan)
David wanted his son to begin the work, even though he was still alive. Succession planning was in order here - something that we do not see enough in ministry. 
  • David Guzik shares:
  • David is an example of someone who works in the background, and receives
  • none or little credit for his work, but the job cannot be done without him.
  • David gathered the materials for the temple.
  • David prepared some of those materials.
  • David won the peace with the surrounding nations that Israel needed to build the temple.
  • David found and purchased the site to build the temple.
  • David established the plans for the temple.
  • David organized and commanded the administration and servants of the temple.
“Yet no one calls it “David’s temple.” It seems that all the credit, all the name, all the glory goes to Solomon. It doesn’t seem to have bothered David, because he was a man after God’s heart.”
Prayer: Lord, give us the desire to only seek our validation from You - that we may be women after YOUR heart. 

Although chapter 20 is tough to understand, I did get something extremely special out of it. Knowing the power of when God says stay, and when God says go, and what happens in the in-between when we do not obey. 
In the Spring, it was customary for David to go off to battle since during the winter times, there weren’t any to fight. And although David left Joab to lead the armed forces, he did not lead them to victory in chapter 19, only David did - therefore he felt it was his duty to stay behind - once again ignoring the customs and the laws and acting out of his own consultation as he did at the beginning of our study with the ark of the covenant.
We know the tale far too well of when David slept with Bathsheba in 2 Samuel and impregnated her, and sent Joab to kill her husband Uriah. This is not recorded in 1 Chronicles but it did happen between David staying at Jeruselm and Joab defeating Rabbah in this chapter. The key point of this is that David was supposed to be in battle - how much could he have avoided if he had been obedient to where he was supposed to be? 
“There is nothing more full of subtle danger in the life of any servant of God than that he should remain inactive when the enterprises of God demand that he be out on the fields of conflict.” (Morgan)
Between all of this, David (although not found in this chapter or book) goes from failure to repentance, to then finding victory again showing God’s infinite mercy and grace. What a friend we have in Jesus. 
The chapter ends with David defeating the Philistines again and actually mentions the defeat of giants (yet again haha). But out of all of this, the fact that David had fallen between all of this, ran to repentance and experienced victory has to be by far my favorite grace story in the Old Testament. 
In chapter 21, David finds himself again in a place of operating through pride and is concerned about the increase of his nation. Through the fall of David in this moment and the harm caused to Israel, God gives him the option to choose 3 punishments. David, acknowledging his sinful nature, says “Lord, I have sinned greatly.” My favorite thing about David was that he knew when he sinned, and he repented almost immediately every time. He had no time to play with God, and he knew it. Most importantly, they were genuine mistakes that surfaced from a place of his weaknesses. David offers a sacrifice to God, and He accepts it - specifically on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite where David ends the chapter saying that’s where he will begin building a temple for the Lord.
1 Chronicles has taken me from David to God time and time again. How David acts in righteousness but also how David acts out in sin. How he truly makes mistakes, but then he truly repents. God used him so vastly, and yet we - in today’s culture - just choose to judge the one who has not walked a perfect path and have possibly even thought of people as too sinful. Too unprepared, not able to change, and too “tainted” to represent Jesus. How dare we? If God himself took someone like David - and used him wondrously. 

Kindness is something that we all need - especially now. Our chapter of the day opens up with David showing kindness to the son of King Nahash, even though he was a pagan king. Talk about love thy neighbor! David’s actions towards Hanun were something Jesus would do - instead of just saying he felt his grief - he showed him. 
Unfortunately, Hanun’s commanders put a bug in his ear that David was trying to spy out his country in order to overthrow it. And so, his commanders and Hanun embarrassed David’s servants and really thought that as the enemy they were going to get away with triumph. 
  • David responds to the shame of his community and understands - helps them find a solution (to stay in Jericho and let their beards grow back) he cares about their honor. 
  • Hanun, king of the ammonites, was ready to send troops and chariots to battle against David and his kingdom - David knew he didn’t start this one, they did!
  • ”On hearing this, David sent Joab out with the entire army of fighting men.“
    • Here David leans on his community 
      • “It’s important to understand that David was nothing without his mighty men, and they were nothing without him. He was their leader, but a leader is nothing without followers — and David had an army of mighty men to follow him.”
      • ‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭19‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • Joab was strategic but his only goal was to attack. He knew that God was on their side. 
    • “Joab said, “If the Arameans are too strong for me, then you are to rescue me; but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will rescue you. Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in his sight.”
The Syrians and the Ammonites ended up fleeing from them - showing that they didn’t even have to engage in battle! See baby, sometimes you don’t even have to ENGAGE your enemies - God got it. 

At this point in our challenge, I can honestly say that seeing the victory after victory David experienced is definitely setting me up to understand God was always by his side when he fails!
Chapter 18 is interesting because the victory was more about taking back their territory from the enemy than anything else. For years, the Philistines dominated Israel - and now with David, it was time to take back what the enemy had stolen. How many can relate?! That part alone makes me want to shout. 
  • David defeats the philistines in a course of time - and takes control of their surrounding cities.
  • The following verses show that David continued to have victory over the territories he took hold of demonstrating that he literally did not trust in horses or chariots but solely in God.
  • “David took what was the glory of the enemy and transformed it into trophies of the power and goodness of God. David displayed those shields of gold, testifying to God’s work in and through David.”
  • “The Lord gave David victory wherever he went.” 
  • Even when David’s favor continued to spread - he gave tribute back to the Lord.
  • Neighboring nations saw the favor of God on David and wanted to honor him too - perhaps because they knew his leadership was good for all of them even if he didn’t directly oversee their nation.
  • The chapter ends with showing David’s leadership skills in delegation and that because he continued to pay tribute to the Lord - he was blessed and continued to have victory.
”David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people.“ 
‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭18‬:‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

One of the most encouraging parts of my walk has been when God is gracious enough to speak to my heart and remind me of His promises for my life. Those reminders have kept me going - and have renewed my strength and faith. In chapter 17, we see just that through the revelation from God Nathan, David’s friend and a prophet, shares with him. 
The chapter opens with David sharing his heart with his friend, and the burden of David living in a cedar palace, but the ark being under a tent. David knew the importance of the ark and wanted to honor God through where it was placed. David was so concerned for God’s glory that he often questioned, “What can I do more of?” here - David hints at wanting to build a temple for the ark to reside. 
  • Nathan (v.2) tells David that whatever he has in mind, he should do for he knew God was with him - yet, something interesting is highlighted in this chapter - Nathan told David what he thought he should do based on human judgment - that’s when the word of God came to him. 
  • Verses 4-15 (Nathan shares a revelation given to him by God)
    • God basically tells David it is not his responsibility to worry about God’s dwelling place, for He is God - and He has not ever told any leaders before David He needed a palace of Cedar to dwell in. Yet, God sees the wonder David had to do MORE for Him and responds to him in kindness, love, and gratitude. This part highlights such a beautiful conversation between David in God because it is heartfelt, but also holds authority - reminding David to not forget God is God and does not need us, He desires to use us, but He does not need us - we need Him.
  • He even has to remind David of where God took David out (v. 7) from being a shepherd of flocks to a king of man in order for David to believe where God was going to take him next, and how He was going to continue to use David’s future generation (Solomon). He also highlights how far He has taken the Israelites. 
  • V. 16-17 David sits in the presence of God (literally says that) and he pours his heart to God stating “Who am I that You have brought me this far?” not only that, but he mentions how God has also revealed to him how far He plans to take his family. God shares the plans He has for David’s future, and he does not feel worthy. How many can relate to that? 
  • Such a beautiful moment where David just glorifies God for all He has done for Israel up until that point and just glorifies God for who He is. 
  • David ends the chapter fully believing what God has promised him and says that he knows God will continue to abide by His word to his child. 
“This was David’s foundation of faith. He knew that God was God and that His promise was true. God can be trusted.”

It must not be dismissed that after many years, in this chapter - the ark was brought back to being the center of attention after being lost in battle where it was supposed to be: Jerusalem. The symbol of God’s presence and glory was right where it was supposed to be! Burnt offerings and fellowship are in their midst as they celebrate the victory God had allowed them to experience. David’s leadership shines as he distributes a loaf of bread, a cake of dates, and a cake of raisins to each Israelite man and woman present. It’s a day of pure celebration and joy and a reminder that we are to worship God every day - and honor what He has done constantly - not just when we are on “a high” of the goodness of God. 
Observation:
  • David blesses his community with what God has given him as well. He shares the blessings with those around him.
  • David appointed Levites to minister before the ark of the Lord - worship through music and praise - this was meant to be an ONGOING ministry of worship - not a one-day high. 
    • In the same way, we are called to a never-ending attitude of praise for our Father. God wants us to have more than a Sunday praise, but an everyday praise. 
  • David encouraged his community to REMEMBER what God has done. We too should every day reflect on how God has come through for us, time and time again. 
  • David loved music! He wanted everyone to PRAISE the Lord, he encouraged his community to praise! Although not stated, I’m sure this worship was contagious! (v. 8)
  • In this chapter, starting at verse 8, David delivers his first psalm - as he is known as a psalmist. A psalm of gratitude to the Lord. 
  • “Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” (v. 10-11)
    • He praised the Lord and decreed those listening to also praise Him because of His many wonders - v. 25-27 speaks on God’s greatness and the many remarkable ways we can praise God. 
  • “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love endures forever.” v. 34
    • David also uses these psalms as a teaching moment for those listening; insisting they do not forget God’s covenant, bringing up the promised land, highlighting God’s protection, and then back to the greatness of God! Even puts an emphasis on creation praising God for his greatness too. 
  • And then, all the people said Amen and continued to praise the Lord: 
    • “This reminds us that David’s psalm was not sung as a solo. The hearts — and perhaps the voices — of the people were in complete agreement with him through the psalm.” 
  • David assigned men to minister regularly before the temple of the Lord following the law (he learned his lesson - and aimed to not disobey it once again) v. 40
  • This is significant to mention because David wanted us to understand this type of worship, reverence, and ministry is a LIFESTYLE - it is an everyday thing, not just a moment.

A moment of victory for David and his people occurs when the ark of the covenant is brought into Jerusalem and when David acknowledges his mistakes and learns from them. When we come boldly before the Lord and ask Him to TEACH us - and transform us - we learn from our mistakes and God favors us because we sought His face first. Oppression may follow, but at least we know where to run when that oppression does. 
Observation:
  • David states the reverence God desires by reinstating His rules around how the ark should be handled - showing that he indeed learned from his mistakes in chapter 13. 
  • V. 12 touches on the Levitical families and their duties to the ark of the Lord
  • V. 12 touches on the importance of repentance - and the freedom there is in confession. David admits his wrongdoing in disobeying God being the reason for Uzzah’s death.
  • V. 15 The Levites consecrate themselves and then carry the ark the correct way into the place David prepared for it
 “David understood that it was not only a matter of doing the right things in the process but in having sanctified men to carry the ark. Ministry that pleases God is done the right way, by sanctified men, for the right result.”
  • Several verses after this one highlight celebration, and coming together in community to show reverence, honor, and wonder for the ark of the Lord. David even demonstrates leadership here - letting several Levites take charge of the music, even though he was very skilled at this craft. Delegating is a blessing not only for us as leaders but also for those we are entrusting with the work of the Lord. 
  • “With rejoicing” they went to bring the ark to the place prepared for it (v. 25)
  • They celebrated the victory that came out of walking in obedience to God - and reflected on all God had done for them up until this point. Their worship was filled with joy but also filled with the order as it should be since it was unto God. 
  • V. 29 The chapter ends with Michal, daughter of Saul (former) king, watching from her window what David had accomplished by bringing the ark of the Lord into the city of David. It says that as David danced and celebrated, “she despised him in her heart.”
  • I know who I want to be - I want to be David, dancing and celebrating in victory. David did not hold back, he expressed himself in an act of worship. I don’t want to be Michal, who could have been in a position of victory, but because her father disobeyed the Lord, she was on the outside, sitting in despair, and despising what God was doing through someone else other than her. 
 “The incident illustrates the perpetual inability of the earthly-minded to appreciate the gladness of the spiritual.” (Morgan)

I love the relationship between David and God because it reflects how our imperfections are no match for His love. We are constantly in need to run to the arms of our Father, and yes, He takes us back every time. 
We start chapter 14 with David receiving a palace built for him by King Hiram of Tyre - demonstrating how David had allegiances - he was not only a man of war, but a man of strategy. Favor follows David, and that favor leads him to posture himself before God and give Him all the glory for that favor. 
“And David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and that his kingdom had been highly exalted for the sake of his people Israel” (v. 2)
The favor continues as David settles in as a husband (he marries a few women which is against the law… and trust me God gets him for that later), a father, and a man who is seeing the goodness of God all around him. We’re introduced to his children, including the famous Solomon!
Shifting gears, the Philistines hear about King David - and while David was flourishing in the goodness of God, the enemy was plotting opposition against David. With “full force” the Philistines go seeking David, and David being a man of courage, goes out to meet them.
Observation:
  • This time around, David consults God when he hears about the attack on the Valley of Rephaim - a raid to be specific. Instead of just jumping head first to attack the Philistines with his plan as the king, David runs to the King of Kings for guidance in prayer. “Will you deliver them into my hands?” God quickly answers, “Go, I will deliver them”
  • David defeats them and gives glory to God for the victory (v. 11-12)
  • Once again, the Philistines decide to raid the valley, and David does what only makes sense - goes to the Lord, the one whom he now understands he should always consult for direction. 
    • He didn’t learn this overnight, he had to go through a process and that process involved trusting God and his direction over his own. 
“After the first victory over the Philistines, David was wise enough to wait on the LORD before the second battle. It is easy for many in the same situation to say, “I’ve fought this battle before. I know how to win. This will be easy.” David always triumphed when he sought and obeyed God.”
  • This time, God gives David STRATEGY (v. 14-15) to defeat the Philistines once again. This piece is so crucial because it shows that sometimes we fight the SAME ENEMY but the approach can’t be the same. Sometimes the enemy is SO SLICK and SLY, that God Himself knows He has to direct you a little more specifically rather than just making it all disappear - even if we all know that He absolutely can do such a thing.
  • We must realize how REMARKABLE the guidance of God was in David’s life and it still is today. The only reason we do not experience it is because we do not ask for it. 
  • “So David did as God commanded” and yes, David was victorious once again - but this time he WAITED on God to strike the Philistines first, (v. 14)
  • Because David feared the Lord and inquired of Him before he jumped into his plans, not only did the Lord give him victory, but He gave him fame and favor. (v. 17)
 “Because he looked to the Lord for his strength and his strategy, he was able to beat back the Philistine offenses, to secure the independence of God’s people, and to terminate forever the threat of Philistine conquest and oppression.” (Payne) 

WOW OH WOW. Chapter 13 came to give me a WORD I didn’t even know I needed today about seeking counsel with MAN OVER THE LORD and about seeking direction from the WORD over anything. Grateful to Jesus for second chances and direct access to the Father!
We start the chapter with David checking in with his officers, seeking counsel about what they should do about the Ark of the Covenant (the Ark of God). Before David’s reign, Saul did not give much thought to having the ark of the covenant brought to Jerusalem - but David thought it was necessary to have it there, insisting its prominence and its being in their midst was extremely relevant. Remember this represented the glory, and the presence of God, and David wanted his people to feel that nearness. Little did they know, they were about to make a huge mistake, all thanks to trying something new without seeking counsel from God and relying only on the advice of man. As Paul says it himself “Test all things, hold fast to what is good."
Observation: 
  • V. 7 - They moved the ark on a cart with Uzzah and Ahio guiding it
    • Fun fact, the ark was housed at one point in their homes!
    • The ark was never meant to be carried on a cart, it was to be carried physically on the shoulders of men (Exodus) there were even restrictions on WHO could carry it on their shoulders (Levites of the family of Kohath) thank God for Jesus giving His life for us and allowing us a REAL closeness to the Father without all of these rules!
  • V. 9 Uzzah does a big NO and touches the ark to steady it because of the ox stumbling (that was carrying it) and almost causing it to fall.
    • Although Uzzah’s intentions were good, he loses reverence for the Lord by touching something that He specifically instructs His children to not touch. Uzzah felt like his personal decision was better than any rule God had put in place. How many times have we been in this position?
    • Scholars say that because the ark was in Uzzah’s house for so long (remember it was stationed there for a while) he lost the WONDER - he lost the reverence, and perhaps even felt an entitlement that he COULD touch the ark, I mean he’s been around it for so long, so, why not? How many times have we felt an entitlement in our walk of faith?
  • In a state of confusion, David becomes angry with the Lord (v. 11) and I mean who can blame him? I’m sure David prayed over this mission, and even celebrated when he thought the mission was taking flight (v. 8) BUT David missed the mark of seeking from the Lord directly about his plans for the ark. Why? God desires us to approach Him with both our actions and intentions. Even if David had good intentions, he should have consulted God when deciding to deal with something so sacred. 
  • “David was afraid of God that day and asked ‘How can I ever bring the ark of God to me?'” (v. 12)
    • David ends up taking the ark to the house of Obed-Edom who is a Levite of the family of Kohath - which shows he ends up following God’s word - and even though he felt his failure could have possibly stopped him from the mission of bringing the ark back, he went back to the word of God and did it correctly the second time. Let’s not wait for a second time, let’s go to the word of God FIRST over everything else!
  • When David obeys, blessing follows. Verse 14 says that because the ark remained where it was allowed to be for 3 months, the Lord blessed Obed’s home - every aspect of it. 
“The whole account reinforces the principle that God is interested in the process as well as in the outcome. It would never do for David or Israel to have the attitude, “As long as we get the ark to Jerusalem, it doesn’t matter how we do it.” How they did it really did matter, and how we do things today (especially in serving God) also matters.” (Guzik). 

Day 3! 
For there was joy in Israel. The celebration of David becoming King came late, but it did come and the people were happy to accept that God had anointed David for this calling. Together they stood with him and celebrated him through being committed to him and to each other. It’s amazing what unity can do, and the joy it can bring. 
Scripture: “Day after Day men came to help David, until he had a great army, like the army of God.” (v. 22) 
Observation: 
It is amazing what can happen when we operate in obedience, unity, and honor. Most of chapter 12 is dedicated to honoring the devotion of David’s army. His warriors were warriors of courage, and patience (they had to be trained to be mighty warriors!) and they ensured to live out their gifts in excellence by using their talents essentially - both in defense and in offense. The part that left me like, “Wow” was knowing that these warriors were related to SAUL! Girl, God can use anything and anyone to accomplish what He desires. The mighty warriors came and ensured David knew their allegiance to him because they knew God was him - who they were related to, didn’t matter! Their loyalty belonged to God!
  • David had brave warriors around him - people who were ready for battle (v.8) - and it got me thinking, what kind of people do I have around me? Are they ready for battle? Am I ready for battle when I’m around them too?
  • Continuing the theme of David’s community knowing God was on his side, not only did he have warriors he had warriors who were people first, a people committed to the Lord and His plans, and who were attentive to what God said about David. They were wise and full of discernment.
    • V. 18 “Then the spirit came on Amasai, chief of the Thirty, and he said: We are yours, David! We are with you, son of Jesse! Success, success to you, and success to those who help you, for your God will help you.” YES to speaking life over your friend Amasai!
    • V. 22 “Day after day men came to help David until he had a great army, like the army of God.” 
  • They were men who were confident in God, and yes they were calm - but they were warriors - they were active and ready to fight. (V. 8)
  • A total of 340,822 men came to fight beside David, believing that his mission was just starting and they wanted to be a part of what God was doing in and with Israel - “for there was joy in Israel” V. 40
It’s so important to hold on to the Lord’s truth. When we hold on to God, He will make us brave, courageous, wise, and stand firm on where we know He’s calling us to - who He is calling us to stand beside. Who is He asking you to stand beside? Sometimes we think that what God is asking of us has only to do with us as individuals, but sometimes us giving God our “yes” can change the lives of those around us too. Let’s stand in the gaps, and experience the joy of victory, like Israel did thanks to the “yeses” of David and his men.  

Let's get into day 2!
1 Chronicles chapter 11 totally spoke to me in a way I didn’t think it would. For one, what a beautiful chapter about relationships, community and the power of coming together. Chapter 11 begins with Israel approaching David, assuring him that they are his flesh and blood, and remembering the word the Lord spoke when He said David would be made king. In their hearts, David was always their king because of the word of the Lord over him. Even the elders anointed David! David’s community believed that he was destined for greatness. This chapter is a sweet reminder of how important it is for us to sometimes put our own circumstances to the side, and cater to our sisters - letting them know we were always for them, and will always fight beside them.
Scripture: “And David became more and more powerful, because the Lord Almighty was with him.” (v. 9)
Observations: 
  • Israel made it a point to let David know they stood beside him in this new chapter of his life. Even the elders anointed David as he made a covenant with them before the Lord - an oath. “We are your own flesh and blood and even while Saul was King, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the Lord said to you, 'You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will be their ruler.’”They knew the word of the Lord was over David - they knew it was inevitable he would be king. 
  • David’s success continues to take flight, as he had a history of successes up to this point already; he conquered Jerusalem, captured the fortress of Zion from the Jebusites, and took residence there making it The City of David (v.7) He became more and more powerful ONLY because God was with him. 
  • David did not accomplish what he had thus far alone - he had elders anoint him, and a community of mighty warriors fighting beside him (v.10-11) together they encountered a ton of victory!
  • As David hides in the Adullam Cave, he longs for water in verse 17; the water he longed for was specifically from “near the gate of Bethlehem '' - his home! So, 3 of David’s mighty men decide to break through the barrier lines of where the Philistines were to bring it back to him. They knew it was dangerous, but they were willing to sacrifice for their friend, their leader. 
  • When they succeed, David does not feel worthy of the gift they have given him, and so he gives it back to the Lord. Not because he did not desire it, but because he wanted to show his 3 friends how much God honored them because they decided to honor David. There is honor in honoring our community!
I pray that chapter 11 inspired you to see this story from a different lens - that we DO in fact need each other. We need to honor each other, we need to fight for each other, we need to pray for each other. The desires of our sisters should be our desires too - and when they can’t seem to reach them alone, let’s be like David’s 3 mighty men - and put US aside to cross barriers for our sisters. We all need a community to push us forward, even a King like David.

Hi Daughters! Welcome to day one of our February bible challenge featuring 1 Chronicles.
We will be starting our challenge on Chapter 10 as chapter 1-9 highlights family origins and genealogies. As we begin chapter 10, I want to highlight how David was always a part of God’s plan for salvation - and how Saul could have chosen to walk in obedience yet, chose to rebel which led to his destruction. Although tragic for Saul, how beautiful is it that God decided to use someone like David to highlight that we are never too far or too broken to experience Christ as long as we turn away from our rebellion - and run towards the arms of our father.
For context, Saul was called for greatness. He was the first King of Israel and was known for his strength and strategic thinking which only came from the Lord. Yet he continuously failed in CONDUCT and in CHARACTER. Although God set him up in favor, Saul decides to operate in his own strength versus walking in the path God wanted him to walk in.
Scripture: “Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance. He did not inquire of the Lord, so the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse” 1 Chronicles 10:13-14
Observation of Chapter 10: 
  • Saul takes his own life rather than having the Philistines take it from him - the Philistines were an enemy of Israel and because of Saul’s rebellion against the Lord he was NOT ready for battle.
  • “1 Samuel 28: When Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly.”
  • Not only did Saul die, but all 3 of his sons died too “and all his house died together” demonstrating how our choices can impact the generations after us.
  • The Philistines thought their defeat was final, and even stripped Saul of his armor, took his head and proclaimed the news among their idols and people. The enemy loves to taunt and mock the Lord, but they had no idea what was coming their way!
  • “Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David, son of Jesse.” v. 13-14
  • Blue Letter Bible quotes: “The story of King Saul is one of the great tragedies of the Bible. He was humble at his beginning, yet seeming to lack any genuine spiritual connection with God, he was easily and quickly corrupted by pride and fear. Saul becomes a tragic example of wasted potential.”
1 Samuel 13:14, “God promised to take the kingdom from Saul and give it to a man after His own heart. This took many years to become a fact, but at the death of Saul, David became king over Israel.”
We are always given a choice Daughters. The choice to make the most of the seasons/positions God has called us into, or the choice to take matters into our own hands and give into our fleshly desires. Let us not be like Saul drawn into our own selfishness; we know it will only lead us to our own destruction and give way for another to take our blessing. Let us be clothed in faithfulness!
Previous
Previous

David’s Prayer

Next
Next

Healed of Affliction