1. Text summary
2. How is Christ in the text?3. Application
David with Goliath's People - 1 Samuel 27
1. Text summary
David gets refuge among the Philistines. He makes their king think he is attacking Israel, when he is really attacking Philistines.
2. Jesus
Jesus went to the Gentile country, often, too. Sometimes to escape from Israel pursuing Him. His mission contrasted with David's as one of life for them, not death.
3. Application
a. There are times it is safer for a Christian among pagans than with some of God's professed people.
b. Deceit is justified on occasion, if it means self-preservation, or protecting the weak and defenseless. Be very careful how you apply this!
The Witch of Endor - 1 Samuel 28
1. Text summary
The Philistines attack. God doesn't answer Saul, so he seeks a witch for a seance with Samuel. Samuel gives him no good news: God's Word is coming true: the kingdom taken from you and given to David - you and your sons will be dead and with me in a day. Saul eats a counterfeit passover with her and leaves.
2. Jesus
Jesus goes only to God for counsel and support, in Gethsemane, even in the deepest troubles.
3. When desperate for help, don't go to God's enemies. Keep waiting on Him.
Trying and Failing to Fight God's Enemies - 1 Samuel 29
1. Text summary
After more than a year with the Philistines, David is drafted to fight with them against Israel! He goes, but the other generals don't want him. He protests, either to maintain the right image, or try to get into the battle and turn on Philistines, or both. But they turn him away and he goes back "home" to Ziklag.
2. Jesus
Where David (and we) was unable to fight for Israel sometimes, Jesus did fight effectively to save us.
3. Application
There are times to seek to be a subversive element among God's enemies.
Tragedy Averted - 1 Samuel 30
1. Text summary
David gets home to find it destroyed and all their families kidnapped, and their stuff taken by Amalekites. He grieves, seeks guidance, and goes. An abandoned slave of the Amalekites takes David to them, and he routs them, recovering everything. He insists the third of his troops that were too tired to keep up and fight, get their share of the plunder, too. David sends some of the plunder to Judean cities.
This is Christus Victor, plundering the strongman who was holding us captive. Freeing us from bondage and death by the accuser.
3. Application
When you are merciful and generous to others, good things come to you, too. (David was kind to the Amalekite slave, and generous to Judea.)
In hard times, find strength in your God (verse 6).
Saul Dies - 1 Samuel 31
1. Text summary
Israel loses the battle with the Philistines. Saul and his sons are killed, his head and armor made trophies in pagan temples. Some Israelites recover his body to honor him.
This is the death Jesus takes on Himself, sparing us from what we deserve.
3. Application
Honor the dead, even if they were deeply flawed.
Sometimes God's people lose battles, are driven to flee, or are martyred.
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