The rest of 1 Samuel deals with David's relationship with Saul, and David's preparation for kingship.

Grief must not be allowed to paralyse us in pursuing God's purposes. (1 Samuel 16:1 ). Samuel is commissioned to anoint the king God had provided for Himself. (1 Samuel 16:1 ). Wisdom chooses the time and the opportunity that is least provocative. (1 Samuel 16:2-4 ). Leadership walking in integrity with God causes trembling in those in fear of judgment (1 Samuel 16:5 ). Anointing a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14 ) does not mean perfection, but that the motivation of his life was to please God. Jesus accomplished that.

John 8:29 "... for I do always those things that please him."

The Lord Jesus living out His Life in us makes us Father pleasers.

There is a marked difference between natural and divine perspectives (1 Samuel 16:7 ). God sees the inner man and is not deceived by the outward appearance. We need the perception and discernment of the Holy Spirit in making our choices - especially in choosing leaders. God chose one occupied with shepherding (1 Samuel 16:11 ). So occupied he went unnoticed. But remember:

Proverbs 19:21 "There are many plans in a man's heart, Nevertheless the Lord's counsel that will stand."

Fearlessly David protected his father's flock and all unconsciously was being prepared to serve as victorious shepherd leader of Israel. From the described appearance of David (1 Samuel 16:12 ) we learn that the inner man pleasing to God, can also be outwardly attractive as well. Upon the anointing for service God ratified it by a divine unction for kingship.

1 Samuel 16:13 "... and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. ..."

Not to have the Holy Spirit often results in having other spirits (1 Samuel 16:14 ). What a sad state Saul was in. When Saul would not let the Holy Spirit work, God allowed an evil spirit to take charge. It is obeying God's word in the power of the Spirit that makes leaders.

Saul's condition provided an opportunity for David to have experience in court service (1 Samuel 16:15-23 ). He was able to take the opportunity because of excellency of character (1 Samuel 16:18 ), of gifting. He also was brave and prudent, handsome and godly. Providentially David was being trained for the larger work God had purposed for him. (1 Samuel 16:22-23 ).

This victory of David over Goliath is one of the most well-known and loved of the Bible. Some of the lessons are:-

1 Samuel 17:26 "For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?"

Goliath was 9 feet 9 inches tall. His armour weighed about 125 pounds - the long shaft of his spear, like a weaver's beam, 17 pounds, his iron spear head, 16 pounds (1 Samuel 17:7 ). As his proposed contest was ultimately against the living God, he was really defenseless. David's secret was that his eyes were on God.

So he could resist the accusations of his brother.

1 Samuel 17:28 "... Eliab's anger was kindled against David, ..."

Jealous anger is very accusative but cannot stop actions motivated by unselfish passion for God's glory.

1 Samuel 17:32 "... thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine."

(1 Samuel 17:34-36 ).

Rather he would use his proven skills. (1 Samuel 17:38-40 ). He took 5 stones, so he was ready for Goliath and the four giant sons. (2 Samuel 21:22 ).

(1 Samuel 17:45 ). The enemy cannot get through the armour nor stand before the power of that name.

So weapons formed to destroy God's people, destroy the would-be destroyers. (1 Samuel 17:51 ). An example: Haman was hanged on the gallows he built for Mordecai (Esther 7:9 ).

Saul asked "Whose son are you, young man?" (1 Samuel 17:58 NKJV). David was psalmist at the palace - his worship stilled the activity of the evil spirit (1 Samuel 17:15. 16:23 ). Saul's question showed that he had forgotten the name of David's father (possibly because of the effect of the evil spirit). He needed to know it to reward David's family for the victory (1 Samuel 17:25 ).

Deep friendships are made in the Lord. Jonathan loved God and had demonstrated active faith in Him. It was not so much the slaying of Goliath, but David's love for God that knit Jonathan's soul with David's. (1 Samuel 18:1 ).

1 John 1:3 "... and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ."

The richness of friendship and fellowship of believing saints flows out of mutual fellowship with the Lord.

Ryrie said: "The covenant was unilateral, Jonathan committing himself to the Lord's anointed."

Our total wholehearted commitment of love to the Christ, the Son of the living God is pleasing to Him. He abundantly knits His life with ours.

"The conspicuous genius and courage of David made him the pride of the nation and won for him an important command in Saul's army. David's popularity aroused Saul's jealousy and imperilled his own life. Yet Saul eyed David with awe as one divinely protected, and from his treatment of David we learn that jealousy is as cruel as the grave. Let us dread envy; it helped to crucify our Lord." Lockyer

Motivated by jealousy Saul schemes. He had promised his daughter to the slayer of Goliath (1 Samuel 17:25 ). Now conditions it on further conquests - hoping David would be slain (1 Samuel 18:17 ). Then breaks his word and gives his daughter to another (1 Samuel 18:19 ). Saul then plots to ensnare David by giving his daughter Michel to him (1 Samuel 18:20-21 ). Being his son-in-law would make David the special target of the Philistines. By the arrangement of a special dowry he again put David's life at risk (1 Samuel 18:25-27 ). David doubled the number of slain Philistines,

"partly to show his respect and attachment to the princess, and partly to oblige Saul to the fulfilment of his pledge." Jamieson, Fausset and Brown

God providentially favoured and protected David.

Romans 8:31 "... If God be for us, who can be against us?"

The enemy cannot harm us or break us - we are more than conquerors through Him.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Can grief and fear keep us from pursuing God's purposes? (1 Samuel 16:1-2 ).
2. When is it right in God's eyes not to reveal to others our full intentions? (1 Samuel 16:3 )
3. What is the effect on some people of a leadership walking in integrity with God? (1 Samuel 16:4-5 ).
4. Samuel came to anoint a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14 ). What do you believe this meant?
5. How does God look on a person? (1 Samuel 16:7 ) Do we need the perception and discernment of the Holy Spirit in choosing leaders?
6. Whom did the Spirit of the Lord come upon, and from whom did He depart? (1 Samuel 16:13-14 ). What did it mean in either case?
7. How did Saul's condition provide an opportunity to experience life at the royal court? (1 Samuel 16:15-23 ).
8. Do you believe that shepherding and service at the royal court were part of God's process in preparing David for kingship? Are you aware of a process going on in your life?
9. Do you have the same concept of God that David had? (1 Samuel 17:26 ). Would David have been victorious over Goliath if he had not so known God? How does your concept of God affect the way you face your challenges?
10. Does your passion for God's glory arouse the accusative, jealous anger of someone? (1 Samuel 17:28 ).
11. In what way did David grow in confident faith? (1 Samuel 17:34-36 ). Are you exercising your faith muscles?
12. What truth is affirmed by the slaying of Goliath with his own sword? (1 Samuel 17:51 ).
13. Was it David's love for God that won the love and devotion of Jonathan? (1 Samuel 18:1-4 ).
14. What was the basis of David's promotion? (1 Samuel 18:5 ). What qualities do you need to develop to ensure advancement in your calling?
15. What aroused Saul's jealousy of David? (1 Samuel 18:6-9 ). What do you learn from Saul's treatment of David? (1 Samuel 18:10-12 ).
16. How did David behave when he was demoted and hated? (1 Samuel 18:13-16 ). How would you respond to similar treatment?
17. What motivated Saul's plots to kill David? Saul made a second promise to give his daughter in marriage to David (1 Samuel 17:25; 18:17 ). Why did Saul break his word? (1 Samuel 18:19 ).
18. Is it unusual for the Scriptures to explicitly say a woman loves a man? (1 Samuel 18:20 ). How did Saul seek to take advantage of his daughter's love for David? (1 Samuel 18:20-21 ).
19. While the real reason for the bride price was the possibility of David's death in obtaining it, what reason did Saul give to David? (1 Samuel 18:25 ). Was this a description of what Saul thought in his heart about David? Do you disguise your real intentions to those whom you dislike? If so, what heart condition are you hiding?