Today's Treasure:
"David thought himself, 'One of these days I will be destroyed by the hand of Saul. The best thing I can do is to escape to the land of the Philistines'"
1 Samuel 27:1
Read 1 Samuel 26
Check any of the following statements which describe the events recorded in this chapter
The Ziphites told Saul where David was hiding
Abishai wanted to kill Saul but David would not allow it
David took the spear and water jug near Saul's head
Saul told David he would not try to harm him again
Read 1 Samuel 27
The Philistines have been one of the greatest foes of the Israelites. Why would David settle in the land of the Philistines?
He felt that Saul would search all of Israel for him and give up searching for him. I personally believe he felt safe there because the Philistines knew his reputation and what he had done to Goliath. I am sure David knew that they would fear him because they knew the Lord was protecting David.
Who went with him?
600 of his men
In response to David' request, Achish gave him the town of Ziklag for his settlement. How long did David remain in Philistine territory?
a year and four months
Did David's practice practice in the land of the Philistines seem excessive or uncharacteristic to you in any way?
yes
He killed everyone? Come on!! Why is it that David was so able to kill innocent men and women, but his conscience would not allow him to hurt Saul? I realize that Saul was anointed by the Lord, but these people were innocent. I have a really hard time with David doing this.
Look among the verses of chapter 27 once again. Do you see any command from God for David to raid th Geshurites, Girzites and Amalekites and leave not a man or woman alive?
No
Reread verse 1. What had David concluded at this point?
That he would be destroyed by the hand of Saul
Reread verse 11. What exact reason is given for David leaving no one alive?
Because they might inform on them and say, "this is what David did"
A little paranoid, are we?
Read Psalm 10. Why do you think David might have felt as if God was far away and hidden in times of trouble?
because he could not see Saul being held accountable for his actions and disobedience to God. David felt like God should have stepped in to provide justice for Saul's actions.
Which of the following words from verse 2 are ways David characterized his enemy?
Arrogant and scheming
In which of the following ways does David characterize himself, the victim?
weak
In your own words, what did David apparently believe Saul was saying to himself in verse 6?
No one can take me down. I will always have it all
In your own words, what did David believe Saul was saying to himself in verse 11?
God doesn't see my sin - He looks the other way!!!
What must the "victim" do according to verse 14?
commit himself to God
Read verse 17. Name three actions God takes in behalf of His children:
God hears their desires, encourages them and listens to their cry
When was the last time you felt like David? Consider the following questions and briefly give examples when your answer is yes.
Have you ever battled an enemy so hard and so long that you felt like giving up or doing something rash?
Not until now...this battle hasn't been very long for me, but I can see how it could wear you down.
Have you ever felt powerless over your real enemy and lashed out at someone who was completely innocent?
Oh, yes! I have had moments when this cancer was too overwhelming!!! I have lashed out at Brian and my mom
Have you ever gone through a season of your life when you were highly suspicious of virtually everyone and trusting of virtually no one?
I have to be honest with this one and say, yes!! I can vividly remember being a very insecure teenager and young adult. It was very difficult for me to feel like I measured up to others, and I often felt like I didn't fit in. I did not drink or ever go to parties in high school. So, I was kind of known for being "square". I think that is why I started making a lot of bad choices in college so that I could fit in. I never felt as pretty as the other girls, and I was especially insecure around guys. So, I always felt like they were trying to do things without me around. Fortunately, God saw me through this period in my life. I have become much more secure as an adult. I don't automatically assume that people do not want to be around me.
When was the last time you felt God was hiding Himself?
I am sure I have felt that way before. However, I do realize that I was probably hiding myself...not that God was hiding from me.
Conclude today's lesson by reading the following verses. Paraphrase them into your own words of encouragement.
Galatians 6: 9 - 10
Don't become tired while you are spreading the Lord's joy,especially to your fellow believers. God will bless you for not giving up!
1 Peter 4: 19
Even when you suffer, believers must commit themselves to the Lord and continue His good works!!!
Okay, so I feel like I have to share my opinion of today's lesson with you. I am so terribly frustrated with David at this point. I love him because he is so full of the Holy Spirit. However, can't this guy get it? I mean, how many times does God have to prove Himself to David. God has been so faithfull to deliver everything to David...even the opportunity for him to get revenge on Saul. I realize he couldn't take God up on the opportunity, but surely that spoke volumes to him. God has anointed him as king. God has delivered him from Saul's hands time and time again. God has provided for all of David needs and made him successful at everything he does. What more can He do for David? I honestly think it's strange that David realizes that God will not allow him to touch Saul because he is anointed by Him. So, why can't David understand that God is not going to allow Saul to touch him for the same reason? Not to mention, that David has his TWO wives with him on this journey. Now, I know that David must know the laws of God that we studied in the previous study. Why doesn't he think it applies to him? I am sure that I will love David again as we move forward...but, I am not understanding him today. I think I am still mad at him for killing all of those people!!!
Have a great day!!!
love to you alll
Tiffany
No comments:
Post a Comment