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1 Samuel 15:1-17:31<\/strong><\/span> Wow.\u00a0 Big reading day today! David is anointed by Samuel. Saul meets David for the first time! The story of David begins!\u00a0 I am excited!\u00a0 In First Samuel 15 we read about Saul destroying most \u2013 but not all\u2026 \u2013 of the Amalekite nation.\u00a0 God\u2019s commands were clear to destroy all.\u00a0 Saul, simply put, disobeyed.\u00a0 Verses 22 and 23 sum up this chapter powerfully when Samuel says this to Saul: \u201cWhat is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Obedience is far better than sacrifice. Listening to him is much better than offering the fat of rams. Rebellion is as bad as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you from being king.\u201d\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 Obedience is far better than sacrifice\u2026\u00a0 think this is still true today?\u00a0 Are you more of an obedient person or a sacrificial person before God?\u00a0 Do you believe that rebellion is as bad as witchcraft and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols?\u00a0 Below is a powerful painting of Samuel reproving Saul from today\u2019s readings by the Boston-born colonial artist John Singleton Copley from the year 1798:<\/span><\/p>\n The One Year Bible Companion has a great answer to this question about today\u2019s readings, \u201cWhy did David not become king after he was anointed?\u201d as follows:\u00a0 \u201cDavid was anointed king, but it was done in secret; he was not publicly anointed until much later in Second Samuel 2:4 and 5:3.\u00a0 Saul was still legally the king, but God was preparing David for his future responsibilities.\u00a0 The anointing oil poured on David\u2019s head stood for holiness.\u00a0 It was used to set people or objects apart for God\u2019s service.\u00a0 Each king and high priest in Israel was anointed with oil.\u00a0 This commissioned him as God\u2019s representative to the nation.\u201d\u00a0 First Samuel 16 verse 13 is the first mention of David\u2019s name in the Bible, and it is a great verse to begin the story of David\u2019s life in relationship with God: \u201cSo as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the olive oil he had brought and poured it on David\u2019s head. And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him from that day on.\u201d\u00a0 <\/em>Below \u201cSamuel Anoints David\u201d by the Renaissance artist Raphael from the early 16th century:<\/span><\/p>\n At the end of First Samuel chapter 16 today we read about David being summoned by Saul to play the harp to relieve Saul from the evil spirit that tormented him.\u00a0 The current and future (and now anointed) Kings of Israel meet!\u00a0 Below is \u201cDavid Playing the Harp for Saul\u201d by the French painter James Tissot from the year 1858:<\/span><\/p>\n We are beginning the story of David, which is always a blessing to read. As you know, David wrote many of the Psalms, so we\u2019ve been reading some of David\u2019s writings already this year. Now we begin his story! Hang on! This is a wonderful part of the Bible \u2013 reading about David and reading the Gospel of John at the same time. . . great stuff!\u00a0 Bob Deffinbaugh with Bible.org has a terrific overview of David becoming Israel\u2019s King <\/span>at this link<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n Bible.org\u2019s commentary on our First Samuel readings today titled \u201cSaul and the Amalekites\u201d<\/strong> is <\/span>at this link<\/span> and commentary titled \u201cThe Designation of David as King\u201d<\/strong> is <\/span>at this link<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n Worship Video:<\/strong> Today\u2019s readings reminded me of Zach Williams song \u201cLess Like Me:\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \n
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