1 Sam. 15:15
Before David Became King
This map represents the geography of the Promised Land during Saul’s reign before David’s rule.
15:17 little in your own eyes. Saul’s status before he became king was as a humble and lowly Benjamite (cf. 9:21).
15:19 swoop down on the spoil. Saul and the people greedily took the spoil like a bird of prey diving on its victim.
15:20, 21 I have obeyed the voice of the LORD. Instead of confessing his sin and repenting, Saul continued to justify himself.
15:22 to obey is better than sacrifice. This is an essential OT truth. Samuel stated that God desires heart obedience over the ritual sacrifice of animals (cf. Ps. 51:16, 17; Is. 1:10–17). The sacrificial system was never intended to function in place of living an obedient life, but was rather to be an expression of it (cf. Hos. 6:6; Amos 5:21–27; Mic. 6:6–8).
15:23 rebellion…stubbornness. Saul needed to see that his real worship was indicated by his behavior and not by his sacrifices. He demonstrated himself to be an idolater whose idol was himself. He had failed the conditions (12:13–15) which would have brought blessing on the nation. His disobedience here was on the same level as witchcraft and idolatry, sins worthy of death. Because you have rejected…He also has rejected. A universal principle is given here that those who continually reject God will one day be rejected by Him. The sins of Saul caused God to immediately depose Saul and his descendants forever from the throne of Israel.
15:24 I have sinned. This overdue confession appears to be generated more by a concern over consequences (regret) than by sorrow over having offended holy God (repentance). He bypasses his personal responsibility by shifting blame to the people.
15:25 return with me. Saul was concerned about having Samuel’s visible presence as a show of support in front of the people (cf. 15:30).
15:28 torn the kingdom. Saul’s judgment was a settled matter on the day of his disobedience with the Amalekites. Samuel used the illustration as it vividly portrayed how God would take the kingdom from Saul as he had just torn Samuel’s robe. a neighbor of yours. This was a reference to David (cf. 28:17).
15:29 the Strength of Israel. This was a unique title of God. It could also be translated “the glory of Israel” (cf. Mic. 1:15). will not lie nor relent. Samuel emphasized God’s attribute of immutability in regard to the judgment upon Saul.
15:30 honor me. Saul was still thinking of himself and how he could best salvage the situation for self-gain.
15:31 Samuel turned back. Samuel agreed to follow Saul, perhaps seeing this as the wisest course of action for the nation at that time.
15:33 hacked Agag in pieces. This was an act of divine judgment to show the holy wrath of God against wanton sin. Sadly, the Israelites did not exterminate the wicked Amalekites, so they came back later to raid the southern territory and take women and children captive, including David’s family (see 1 Sam. 30).
15:35 Samuel went no more…mourned. Samuel never went to visit the rejected King Saul again in his life (cf. 1 Sam. 28:11–19). On at least one further occasion, Saul sought Samuel (cf. 19:24).
1 Samuel 16
16:1—31:13 The third major division of Samuel recounts the steady demise of Saul and the selection and preparation of David for the kingship. Chapter 16 begins with Samuel mourning for Saul as one would mourn for the dead. The death of Saul (31:1–13) concludes this last division of the book.
16:1 Jesse the Bethlehemite. God’s new king of Israel (and ultimately the Messiah; Gen. 3:15; Num. 24:17; 1 Sam. 2:10; Ps. 2) would come from the tribe of Judah (Jesse; cf. Ruth 4:12, 22; Gen. 49:10) and from Bethlehem of Judah (cf. Mic. 5:2; Matt. 2:2–6). I have provided Myself. The king was chosen and provided by God (Deut. 17:15), who orders all things according to the counsel of His own will (Is. 40:14), not according to human desires (8:5, 6; 2 Sam. 2:8, 9).
16:2 Saul…will kill me. Saul’s unbalanced emotional state was already known in Israel. It is ironic that Samuel’s initial reaction to the word of the Lord was fear of Saul instead of rejoicing at God’s provision to Israel (and ultimately to all the nations; e.g., 1 Kin. 8:41–43). The route from Ramah to Bethlehem would take Samuel through Gibeah of Saul (cf. 10:26; 11:14). I have come to sacrifice. The place of sacrifice could be in any town until the establishment of the house of God in Jerusalem (Deut. 12:11).
16:3 anoint. David’s first anointing was performed by Samuel, symbolizing God’s recognition/ordination (cf. 2:10). The following two anointings (2 Sam. 2:7; 5:3) were to establish David as king publicly for the benefit of Judah and Israel respectively.
16:4 the elders of the town trembled. The elders, and no doubt all Israel, had heard of Samuel’s execution of Agag (15:33). Israel still closely associated the “seer,” or prophet, with the not-so-distant past office of “judge.”
16:5 Sanctify yourselves. Worship of Yahweh was always preceded by cleansing or washing, both of the outward garments and the inner man (Ex. 19:10, 14; 1 John 1:9).
16:6 Eliab. Lit. “My God is Father.” Since Eliab was the first of Jesse’s sons to catch Samuel’s eye, he must have been an impressive young man by outward appearance.
16:7 his appearance…physical stature. Samuel needed to be reminded that God’s anointed was not chosen because of physical attributes. This was initially a difficult concept for Samuel as he was accustomed to a king whose only positive attributes were physical. the LORD looks at the heart. The Hebrew concept of “heart” embodies emotions, will, intellect, and desires. The life of the man will reflect his heart (cf. Matt. 12:34, 35).
16:8 Abinadab. Lit. “My Father is noble.” Samuel, now more sensitive to the leading of God’s Spirit, quickly discerned that Abinadab was not God’s anointed.
16:9 Shammah. Lit. “Yahweh hears (or heard).” See 16:8.
16:10 seven…sons. With David, Jesse had 8 sons. The fact that 1 Chr. 2:13 indicates 7 sons must mean that one of the 8 died afterward and this is not considered in the Chronicles account.
16:11 the youngest…keeping the sheep. God’s favor/choice often fell on the younger and the least (cf. Jacob, Joseph, Gideon). David, although the youngest, was the firstborn over Israel (Ps. 89:27), whose humble beginnings as a shepherd, and later rule as king, typify Jesus: the ultimate Shepherd and King of Israel.
16:12 ruddy…bright eyes…good-looking. God’s chosen king was handsome to look at, although that was not the reason for his selection by God. His appearance was perhaps enhanced by a genuine faith and joy in Yahweh. See also 17:42.
16:13 anointed him in the midst of his brothers. David’s first anointing is before his family/house. His second anointing would be before the assembly of his tribe, Judah; and his third anointing would be before the nation Israel. (See note on 16:3.) the Spirit of the LORD came upon David. This familiar OT expression relates to empowerment for some God-given task (cf. 10:6, 11; 11:6; 19:20, 23; 2 Sam. 23:2; 2 Chr. 20:14; Is. 11:2; 61:1; Ezek. 11:5; 37:1). David’s anointing was an external symbol of an inward work of God. The operation of the Holy Spirit in this case was not for regeneration, but for empowerment to perform his (David’s) role in God’s program for Israel (cf. Saul, 10:6). After David sinned with Bathsheba (2 Sam. 11, 12), he prayed, “…Do not take Your Holy Spirit from me” (Ps. 51:11).
16:14 the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul. When David’s ascent to the throne began, Saul’s slow and painful descent began also (cf. 18:12). Without God’s empowering Holy Spirit, Saul was effectively no longer king over Israel (15:28), although his physical removal from the throne, and his death, happened many years later. a distressing spirit. God, in His sovereignty, allowed an evil spirit to torment Saul (cf. Judg. 9:23; 1 Kin. 22:19–23; Job 1:6–12) for His purpose of establishing the throne of David. This spirit, a messenger from Satan, is to be distinguished from a troubled emotional state brought on by indwelling sin, or the harmful consequences of the sinful acts of others (e.g., spirit of jealousy, Num. 5:14). This demon spirit attacked Saul from without, for
there is no evidence that the demon indwelt Saul. troubled him. Saul, whose inward constitution was already prone to questionable judgment and the fear of men, began to experience God’s judgment in the form of severe bouts of depression, anger, and delusion, initiated and aggravated by the evil spirit assigned to him. There are several NT occasions where God turned people over to demons or Satan for judgment (see Acts 5:1–3; 1 Cor. 5:1–7; 1 Tim. 1:18–20). He also used Satan or demons for the strengthening of the saints. See Job 1:1—2:6; Matt. 4:1ff.; Luke 22:31, 32; 2 Cor. 12:7–10.
16:16 he will play…you shall be well. God used the evil which had befallen Saul to introduce David into the court of the king and to the watching eyes of Israel.
16:18 skillful in playing…a handsome person. The writer of Samuel introduces David the sweet psalmist of Israel (2 Sam. 23:1) before introducing David the warrior. Later proven so skillful in the art of war and killing, David was also a tender musician of exceptional skill and reputation. the LORD is with him. The saints of God, OT and NT, are recognized by their fruit (2:26; Luke 2:40). God’s approval of David was already recognized by certain people in Israel.
16:19 Send me your son David. Verbal link with 16:1, “I have provided myself a king among his (Jesse’s) sons.” David’s lineage was of importance to Saul in the near future when he arranged a marriage between Michal, his daughter, and David. with the sheep. David’s lowly, humble occupation is emphasized. He gave evidence of that humility and patience as he returned faithfully to his duty following Samuel’s anointing.
16:21 he loved him greatly. Saul loved David for his abilities, but later grew to jealously hate him because he knew he was blessed by the Lord (cf. 18:29). his armorbearer. David was most likely one of many such young men assigned to Saul’s barracks.
1 Samuel 17
17:1 Sochoh…Azekah…Ephes Dammim. Following the anointing of David and his installation into the court of the king, there is this update on the situation of Israel in regards to Israel’s enemies. Sochoh and Azekah were towns of Judah (Josh. 15:20, 35; Jer. 34:7) approximately 15 mi. W and 17 mi. NW (respectively) of Bethlehem. Ephes Dammim (1 Chr. 11:12, 13; cf., 2 Sam. 23:9), the camp of the Philistines, probably lay one mi. to the S of Azekah.
17:2 Valley of Elah. Where the camp of Israel was, approximately 3 mi. E of Ephes Dammin.
17:4–7 On human terms alone, Goliath was invincible. However, David counted on the Lord being with him and making the difference (17:34–37).
17:4 champion. Lit. “the man between two.” An appropriate appellation as Goliath stood between the two armies of the Philistines and Israel, and offered his challenge to a “duel” of hand-to-hand combat, the outcome of which would settle the battle for both sides. Gath. One of the 5 chief, Philistine cities, located 5 mi. W of Azekah. six cubits and a span. One cubit measures approximately 18 in. and one span about 9 in., making Goliath about 9 ft. 9 in. in height (cf. “Egyptian,” 1 Chr. 11:23, and “Og of Bashan,” Deut. 3:11).
17:5 five thousand shekels. 125 lbs.
17:7 six hundred shekels. 15 lbs.
17:11 Saul…dismayed and greatly afraid. Saul and Israel had proven themselves to be greatly concerned with outward appearances (10:23, 24; 15:30) and able to be influenced by the fear of men (12:12; 15:24). It is only natural that Goliath would be their worst nightmare come true.
17:12 Ephrathite. Ephrath(ah), another name for the Bethlehem in Judah (cf. Ruth 4:11; Mic. 5:2).
17:15 David occasionally went and returned from Saul. David’s duties were divided between his billet with Saul as one of many armorbearers (16:21), and tending his father’s sheep in Bethlehem. Doubtless, David learned important lessons regarding the weight of responsibility during this time, lessons that were later put to use in ruling over Israel.
17:17 ephah. About .75 of a bu.
17:23 the same words. Goliath continued to offer the challenge of 17:10, as he had been doing for 40 mornings and evenings (17:16).
17:25 great riches…his daughter. The reward of a daughter in marriage for a great victory over an enemy of Israel was not unusual (cf. Josh. 15:13–17).
17:26 the reproach from Israel. David knew that although Goliath’s challenge had been issued to (any) individual of the camp of Israel, Goliath’s defiant attitude was a reproach to all Israel.
17:28 Eliab’s anger. Eliab, perhaps still feeling the sting/rejection of having his “little” brother chosen over him by God/Samuel (16:6, 7), expressed his jealousy in anger (cf. Gen. 37:4, 5, 8, 11).
17:32 Let no man’s heart fail. Joshua and Caleb exhorted Israel in the same fashion regarding the giant Anakim 400 years prior (cf. Num. 13:30; 14:8, 9). The heathens’ hearts fail at the name of the Lord God of Israel (cf. Rahab, Josh. 2:11).
17:33 You are not able. David’s faith, like that of Joshua and Caleb, was met with disbelief on the part of Saul. By all outward appearances, Saul was absolutely correct in his assessment, but he failed to consider the Lord’s presence in David’s life.
17:36 lion and bear. Just as David tended his flock of sheep and protected them from the lion and bear, his new responsibility as shepherd over Israel required him to eliminate the threat of Goliath.
17:37 The LORD…He will deliver me. Just as Jonathan believed earlier (14:6). David had a wholehearted faith in the God of Israel. the LORD be with you. One of the first explicit indications in the text that Saul knew that the Lord was with David (cf. 15:28).
17:40 staff…stones…sling. The tools of the shepherd proved to be appropriate weapons also for Israel’s shepherd. One of David’s honorable and chief men of battle, Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, slew a formidable Egyptian warrior (2 Sam. 23:20, 21) with a staff like the one David carried toward Goliath.
17:43 dog. Goliath uttered a statement of ironic truth about himself of which even he was unaware. As a wild dog can be a threat to the flock and must be chased away or killed, so must Goliath.
17:45 in the name of the LORD of Hosts. Goliath came out to battle in his own name; David came to battle in the name of the Lord of all the hosts (armies). Cf. Deut. 20:1–5.
17:46 all the earth may know. David fought in the name of the Lord and for the glory of the Lord, whose name and glory will extend to the uttermost parts of the earth, to all nations (cf. Josh. 4:24; 2 Sam. 22:50; Ps. 2).
17:47 the battle is the LORD’s. Cf. Deut. 31:6; Judg. 7:18. David fully understood the chief issue, i.e., the Philistines were in effect challenging the Lord by confronting the Lord’s people.
17:48 David…ran. David, unencumbered by armor or fear and emboldened by faith in God, ran to meet Goliath.
17:50 no sword. Iron weapons were scarce in Israel (13:9).
17:51 cut off his head. David completed his promise given to Goliath in v. 46a. The Philistines would later do the same with Saul’s head (1 Sam. 31:9). fled. David’s exclamation that there is a God in Israel (v. 46) was proven before the Philistines, who were no strangers to the wrath of Yahweh (1 Sam. 5–7). They wisely fled in terror, but did not honor the terms of Goliath if he lost (17:6–9).
17:54 to Jerusalem. The Jebusites, who were the inhabitants of Jerusalem, were a stubborn, resistant people (cf. Josh. 15:63; Judg. 1:21; 19:10, 11), particularly to the tribe of Judah. They doubtless began to feel some anxiety concerning the victory of this Bethlehemite. The head of Goliath was a constant warning to them over the ensuing days as to their future (cf. 2 Sam. 5:6–10).
17:55 Abner. See note on 14:50. whose son. David’s lineage was of the utmost importance to Saul at this point, since the victor over Goliath would marry into his family (cf. 17:25; 18:18).
1 Samuel 18
18:1 Jonathan loved him. Jonathan loved David with a loyalty and devotion indicative of covenantal love (18:3). Hiram of Tyre had much the same covenantal love for David (cf. 2 Sam. 5:11; 1 Kin. 5:1; 9:11). David’s later reign from Jerusalem is marked by loyalty to his covenant with Jonathan (2 Sam. 9:1).
18:2 would not let him go home. Saul’s interest in keeping David in his
household was more self-serving than a token of generous hospitality. Saul was aware of his promise of wife and wealth (17:25), and, no doubt, the stirrings of anxiety/fear were in his heart toward David, who appeared as a threat. Saul preferred to have him in the court to keep a watchful eye on the young upstart.
18:3 covenant. See v. 1. Further mention of this honorable relationship is made in: 19:1; 20:8, 13–17, 42; 22:8; 23:18.
18:4 robe…belt. Jonathan willingly and subserviently relinquished the outer garments and instruments that signified his position as prince of Israel and heir to the throne. Jonathan, a godly worshiper of Yahweh, quickly discerned that David was God’s anointed and, without reservation, offered the robe of succession to the true king of Israel.
18:7 David his ten thousands. This is a song that Saul grew to hate (cf. 21:11; 28:5) because it exalted David over him.
18:8 the kingdom. Saul’s jealousy and malice toward David were now explicit. By his own statement, Saul acknowledged that David was the rightful heir to the throne and the one of whom Samuel spoke in Gilgal (15:28).
18:10 the distressing spirit. The painful descent and eventual demise of Saul was marked by the persistent vexing of this spirit. See 16:14. prophesied. This means to speak before people, not predict the future. Saul’s speeches in the midst of the house were the ravings of one troubled by an evil spirit like other false prophets (cf. 1 Kin. 22:19–23).
18:11 David escaped…twice. As Saul’s behavior was becoming increasingly violent, he made more than one attempt on David’s life with the javelin. It was evident that God was with David, as it would be no small feat to dodge a javelin cast by such an experienced warrior as Saul.
18:12 Saul was afraid of David. Saul, faced with the same conclusion reached by Jonathan in vv. 1–4, reacted with fear. Saul, a man who viewed life from a human perspective rather than a divine one, could view David only as a personal threat, rather than a blessing to Israel.
18:13 captain over a thousand. Saul gave David a military commission, intended as kind of an honorable exile. But this duty only served to give David opportunity to display his remarkable quality of character and strengthen his hold on the people’s affections.
The MacArthur Study Bible, NKJV Page 145