1. Text summary
2. How is Christ in the text?3. Application
Jonathan Helps David - 1 Samuel 20
1. David appeals to Jonathan for protection from Saul. Jonathan doesn't think Saul is hostile to David. David sets up a reasonable test to find out, and they agree to meet later under radar to confer. Saul is so mad about David's absence he tries to kill Jonathan. Jonathan tells David, and sends him away in peace. The elaborate ruse is described in detail to emphasize that they have to hide from Saul.
2. Jesus
Royalty like Jonathan must swear allegiance to the son of David, Jesus.
Jesus found Himself on the run from Israel's leaders, too.
3. Application
a. Covenant loyalty to God's anointed (between David and Jonathan) must often be hidden from the tyrannical rulers.
b. God's people are often naive (like Jonathan at the beginning) as to how hostile civil leaders can be to Christ and Christians. They must stand up for, and profess faith in, the son of David, as Jonathan does to Saul, at peril of their lives.
David's botched escape plan - 1 Samuel 21
1. David gets food and a weapon from a priest, but Saul's spy sees it. David flees to Gath, but they talk of killing their enemy. He has to feign madness to escape.
2. Jesus
a. Jesus went to the Gentiles, too, but it was a deliberate mission more than fleeing Israel. They also send Him away (Mark 5.17).
b. Jesus recalls this event when he is criticized for "breaking" the Sabbath. Sometimes God's anointed doing God's mission is like the ox in the ditch, allowing you to "break" (do work on) the Sabbath.
3. In many situations, you'll need wisdom to know if you should apply this Biblical command, or that other one. It is often a society straying from God that will put you in that situation.
David's Refuge and Leadership Challenge - 1 Samuel 22
David finds refuge at the cave of Adullam. Many go to him, disgruntled with Saul. His spy rats on Ahimelech and kills 85 of his priestly family, at Saul's command. Abiathar, of Ahimelech's family, flees to David, who takes responsibility for it: he saw the spy see him.
2. Jesus
a. Many go to Jesus discontent with this life. He leads them to the truth and they follow, or fall away.
b. Rulers opposed to Christ will target His undershepherds and kill His people.
3. Application
To lead, you need to turn discontent into a positive direction. David does this.
To lead, you need to take responsibility, even for actions that were not yours.
David Acts Like a King - 1 Samuel 23
1. An Israelite town near David is attacked by Philistines. David wants to defend it, but it's risky, as Saul could come after him. He asks God, who says to do it. His men push back, due to the risk. David asks again, and God says, do it. They get out of dodge right after, expecting Saul to trap them. Jonathan comes and encourages David: even Saul knows you're going to be king! Israelites then rat on David's location to Saul. Saul almost catches him, but gets word that Philistines are attacking Israel elsewhere. "Oh, yeah, that my real mission as king: defend the nation from its enemies, not stamp out threats to my rule."
2. Jesus
Jesus risks saving His people, though it meant Himself being apprehended and executed.
Jesus as our King defends us from enemies, instead of protecting His own power.
3. Application
a. There are times to sacrifice our safety to help others.
b. Encouragement is more important than you realize. Go out of your way to do it, like Jonathan did for David.
David Spares Saul - 1 Samuel 24
1. Text summary
Saul pursues David again. David has a chance to kill him, but refuses. He points it out to Saul right after the fact! Saul acts sorry, but David stays away from him.
2. Jesus
Jesus was pursued to death by Israel's rulers, too. He could have rained down fire and judgment on them, but gives them a chance to repent instead.
3. Application
a. Don't use violence to advance your agenda, only for self-defense.
b. It's okay to avoid someone who sins against you, even if they repent, if you're unsure of their sincerity. Forgiveness in the heart is required - erasing all consequences is not.
Abigail and David - 1 Samuel 25
1. Text summary
David asks Nabal for a little compensation for guarding his shepherds from raiders. Nabal spurns and insults David as a rebel. David heads off to kill his whole family. Nabal's wife Abigail intercedes quickly with food and wise words. David listens; Nabals falls into a coma and dies a bit later. David takes Abigail as his wife.
2. Jesus
a. Abigail is the bride of David, as the church is the bride of Christ. She is bound to a tyrant, evil husband (Satan) before David comes along. David frees her without military vengeance, at the cross, sacrificing His own desires.
3. Application
a. Beware of passionate emotions that fly you into a rage or impulse. They are probably misleading you.
b. Listen to wisdom, and be willing to change your course accordingly.
c. Don't be afraid to take what God gives you, as David took Abigail. Not opportunistically in a way that exploits others! But don't refuse God's rewards or advancement.
1 Samuel 26
See chapter 24. The fact that it is the same clues you in that we are in a chiasm.
Chapter 25 was the center: David taking a wife, as Isaac taking a wife was the center of the book of Genesis. Chapters 24 and 26 are similar bookends.
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