Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

Samuel gives Saul the task of destroying the Amalekites in I Samuel 15.  The King warns the Kenites before attacking Amalek.  Once again Saul does not follow the instructions to the letter.  He brings the king back alive and Samuel must complete Jehovah’s word by executing this man.

They also had saved the best of the livestock.  What was inferior was destroyed per Yahweh’s instructions.  Do you count it as obedience, when only what your children want to do is completed of their required chores?  God doesn’t either.  What have you been told to do by God, that is still incomplete?  Take care of that as soon as you can.

As the prophet turned to leave, Saul accidentally tore his outer garment.  This is an opportunity to once again teach the King a lesson.  Israel has been ripped from his family, just as that coat was rent.  This is the last time these two leaders will meet each other while alive.

The second king of Israel is to be chosen in I Samuel chapter 16.  The town’s people of Bethlehem are concerned when Samuel arrives.  His explanation is that he is there for sacrifice.  Notice the prophet’s response upon seeing Jesse’s son Eliab.  Saul was not chosen by Jehovah for his outward ability or appearance.  The new king has different qualifications from the first.

The new king must be more focused on who Yahweh is.  He must be more focused on others than himself.  Saul’s current problem is his inability to accept that he is no longer the king.  The Israelites believe he is, but God is about to select another.  One of Jesse’s sons has been picked.

It is none of the first seven.  When David appears, he is anointed by the last judge as king number two of the Jews.  What does this mean for David, his family, and the kingdom? Will he claim leadership, or does he have the wisdom to wait for God?  We will see how it plays out.

The spirit of the Lord has left Saul and David is suggested as a musician for the monarch.  Jesse sends his youngest son to serve the King.  When he cannot relax, the boy will play for him.  The spirit has been given to David and his gift of music brings him into contact with royalty.

David is back at home in I Samuel 17 because Saul and the army have gone to fight the Philistines.  Jesse sent his youngest to take supplies to the three oldest boys that are serving in the military.  While there he sees the largest man, he has ever witnessed defy Jehovah and the King’s men.  The young man does not understand why no one has gone to defeat this enemy of Yahweh.

The oldest and youngest brothers have a falling out when the younger tries to find out what the rewards for challenging Goliath will be.  David was more motivated by his desire to honor God, but it doesn’t hurt to know what the pay might be.  Many other things could be looked at including why five stones are mentioned when only one is needed?

Of course, the Philistines do not surrender when their warrior is beheaded.  To the victor belong the spoils, but not easily.  The Israelites chase, slaughter, and plunder their foes.  Another example of Saul’s self-importance is his having to ask others who this young hero is.  His own personal musician should be someone he recognizes.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger