Week 15: Goliath vs. David vs. Saul

The Israelites complained and got their king. God had anointed Saul as the king of the Israelites; however, Saul did not follow God and God rejected him. Then God had instructions for Samuel to anoint another, who would be called "a man after God's own heart". David was anointed to be king after Saul's reign.

Probably one of the most well-known Bible stories is David versus Goliath (I probably have a Sunday School song about it in my head some where! ha.). David takes down the Philistine giant with one stone from his sling. A great verse from this story is "And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear." 1 Samuel 17: 47. David yells this to Goliath right before his demise, which I think foreshadows God eventual gift of is His Son who rescued us all without sword and spear.

Shortly after David saves Israel by defeating the Philistines, Saul decides to kill David (I know for sure there is not a Sunday School song from my childhood about this story...). David escapes the hands of one larger than life enemy to be delivered into the hands of another. Throughout all of the trials of running from Saul, David praises and calls out to God through various Psalms (including 57, 142, 52, 54). He keeps his focus on the one who can deliver him from all of his trials.

One of my favorite verses is when David is anointed:

"But the Lord said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16: 7 (emphasis mine)

I always think of this verse when I'm feeling bad about how I perceive people to be treating (or maybe not) treating me, or when I need a self-esteem boost :)