Saturday, March 23, 2013

David


1 Samuel 16-17; 2 Samuel 1-6










Because Saul had rejected God, God had rejected Saul from being king. Thus, David was secretly anointed to be king. It could have been done openly, but then Saul would have killed David. David was given the chance to train himself for office as God took David under His care. David was short of stature, ruddy, of beautiful countenance, handsome, of immense physical strength and great personal attractiveness, a man of war, prudent in speech, brave. His fame as a musician brought him to the notice of king Saul, who did not at the time know that he had been anointed to be his successor. He became Saul’s armor-bearer, which threw David into association with the king and his counselors.

Goliath was about nine feel tall his armor weighed about 150 pounds, and his spearhead weighed about twenty pounds. David’s offer, with only a staff and a sling, to take on Goliath, was an act of unheard of bravery and an amazing trust in God. His victory thrilled the nation. David became at once the king’s son-in-law, commander of armies, and the nation’s popular hero.

O God, You resist the proud and give grace to the humble. Grant us true humility after the likeness of Your only Son that we may never be arrogant and prideful and thus provoke Your wrath but in all lowliness be made partakers of the gifts of Your grace through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Schnorr von Carolsfeld Woodcut used with permission © WELS  
Halley’s Bible Handbook An Abbreviated Bible Commentary Twenty-Third Edition, © 1962 Zondervan Grand Rapids
Collect for humility, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

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