Week 4 - Day 4 - The Death of Israel's Giant

Today's Treasure:

"When the armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his sword and died with him"

1 Samuel 31:5

We have come to the conclusion of David's story recorded in 1 Samuel. Wow! What an ending!!!

As you can tell from today's treasure, King Saul is dead. Isn't it difficult to let go of people when we have been studying them for so long...even Saul!!! It is hard for me to see Saul die because we have seen him change so much through this study. Saul didn't set out to be a bad person. He just fell victim to the power that he possessed, and he allowed his need for that power to become bigger to him than God. There are many people in our world that fall victim to the same thing. I am sure we all have a story about someone that we could share. Someone that has become so wrapped up in this world that they fail to think of what the importance of it all is. They fail to understand that all of our blessings here on earth serve a purpose of bringing us closer to our creator. When we cannot see that, we become focused on gaining more rather than giving more. God blesses us so that we may bless others. Once we lose sight of that important fact, it is easy to fall victim to the world...just as Saul did. Now, the true heartbreaking story of this chapter, to me, is the death of Jonathan. I couldn't believe it!!! I just felt horrible inside. As I read through the previous chapters, I found myself with visions of David leading Israel with Jonathan by his side. Instead, Jonathan died by the side of his father. David lost a true friend that day. We are blessed if any of us has one friend as committed to us as Jonathan was to David. Beth points out in her reading how Jonathan must have felt if he knew David was going to fight on the other side. He must have felt defeated before the battle even began. His heart must have been broken.

Read 1 Samuel 31. First Samuel 31:1 records the victory of the Philistines over Israel. Based on God's promise to Israel in Deuteronomy 11: 22- 25, why do you think Israel lost the battle?

I believe they lost the battle because Saul, their leader, did not love the Lord and follow his commands; therefore, the protection of the Lord was lifted.

What request did Saul make of his armor-bearer?

Saul asked his armor bearer to kill him with his sword

Why do you think the armor-bearer would not kill Saul?

I think that the armor-bearer knew he was committed to protecting Saul, even to the point of death. If Saul were to die, then the armor-bearer failed in his duties. He must have been terrified at the thought of being responsible for the death of the King of Israel.

What was Saul's final action?

Saul killed himself with his own sword

What did the Philistines do with Saul's body?

The Philistines cut off his head, stripped off his armor and fastened his body to the wall of Beth Shan

Beth points out that the Philistines probably cut off his head out of the memory of what happened to their giant, Goliath.

After these events, the chapter takes a look at actions that take place out of loyalty to Saul. The men of Jabesh Gilead risk their lives to remove the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall of Beth Shan. They took their bodies away and burned them. Then they buried their bones. They did this to remove evidence of mutilation and to possibly burn away the touch of the unclean hands of the Philistines.

Reread 1 Samuel 11: 1 - 11. In your own words, why did the people of Jabesh Gilead owe honor to Saul?

Saul actually saved the people of Jabesh Gilead from the Ammonites. The people of Jabesh Gilead were asked to surrender to the Ammonites, but they had to pledge to gorge out their eyes in order to be released from death. They requested time before they agreed to surrender. During this time, they sent word to Saul about what was happening to them. When he heard of the situation, the Lord filled Saul with anger. He gathered 300,000 men to go with him to destroy the Ammonites for the people of Jabesh Gilead. So, when the people heard of Saul's death, they remembered what he did for them. This was their way of honoring Saul and his sons.

Is there anyone you have never thanked appropriately for kindness done in your behalf?

Well, it's funny this question comes up after yesterday's study. My mother came to my mind immediately when I saw this question. You know, when I think of my childhood and all my mother went through with my birth father, I can't remember a time when I had to suffer for what she was going through. As a matter of fact, other than recovering from my birth father separating himself from my life, I can't complain about my childhood being bad. My mother went out of her way to provide for me and always made sure that I had everything I needed. Now, my mother had me when she was 20 years old. She didn't marry may daddy until I was six years old. So, for six years she did everything on her own. I can tell you that I could never have done what she did at 20 years old. I always remember having wonderful times with my mom. There were many treks to the beach and lots of days that she would just take me out of school for us to spend time together. She always worked two jobs to make ends meet, but when she was home...she was home. She made sure everything was taken care of, and all of our needs were met. She did this ALL BY HERSELF!!! How do you thank your mom for that? When I was in college, my mom decided to go back to college. She earned her four year degree, and then she moved on to her master's degree. She completed her master's last May. What an example she has been of courage and determination. I will always view my mom as one of the strongest individuals I will ever know. She overcame losing her mother at sixteen years old. She overcame a marriage that she tried desperately to keep together, and she overcame raising a child on her own. God rewarded her with a wonderful marriage to my daddy that has lasted for almost 30 years now, a new family and many accomplishments. So, thank you, mom, for being a wonderful mother. Thank you for doing all you had to do to provide for me, and thank you for protecting me as a child. Thank you for marrying my daddy!!! But, most of all, thank you for loving me!!!

Beth says that reflecting on things worth remembering deepens our relationship with our Savior.

Match each verse with the appropriate reminder

Psalm 77:11 - Remember the miracles of God long ago

Psalm 89:47 - Remember how fleeting life is

Psalm 119:55 - Remember the Lord's name at night

Acts 20: 35 - Remember, it is more blessed to give than to receive

Philippians 1:3 - Thank God upon your remembrance of a fellow believer

If you have a good memory of someone, take a few moments to record it and send it to them. Good memories should lead to good responses!!! Read how God remembered His children.

"God remembered Noah...and the waters receded" Genesis 8:1

"He remembered Abraham, and he brought Lot out of the catastrophe" Genesis 19:29

"God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and opened her womb" Genesis 30:22

When I look back on this season in my life (many years from now after God heals me of this cancer), I will smile as I remember all of you and how you joined me in this battle!!! Thank you!!!

I love you all,

Tiffany