1 Samuel,  2014 Bible Reading

1 Samuel 30

1 Samuel 30

Bible Passage:  1 Samuel 30

1 Samuel 30, illustrates David’s outstanding character in contrast of his men and the rest of the people who were with him. David is a man of character whom God has anointed to be king of Israel. In this chapter, there are some positive traits which we can emulate from this Biblical hero.

Your Strength is Not Enough

Ziklag was raided and many were taken captives by the Amalekites (1 Samuel 30:1-2). Although we may have expected our families to be taken care of by God at all time, there are instances when we could not help but encounter circumstances whereby our loved ones are being taken away from us. Such trials are inevitable. David and his people went through such trials when they lost their loved ones when Ziklag was raided. For David, he chose to strengthen himself in the Lord, while the people murmured against David in bitterness (1 Samuel 30:6).

Be Kind to the Helpless, God Hears the Cry of the Oppressed

David was kind to a servant of an Amalekite, who was scarcely alive and he was starving as his master had left him behind (1 Samuel 30:11-15). Here, David was kind to the poor servant and later, the servant became an instrument of the Amalekites’ destruction. We should do no harm or deny kindness to anyone. Sometimes, it may be in the power of the lowest to return a kindness or an injury.

“And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” — Luke 6:31

Embrace Fairness; Practice Generosity

David treated his men fairly. Even to the two hundred who stayed behind at brook Besor when they were exhausted, David shared his spoils with them for they had initially set out with him into battle (1 Samuel 30:9). This is similar to the parable of the workers in the vineyard in Matthew 20:1-16, where the servants who were called to serve for their master each received a denarius regardless of their length of service. In David’s context, the spoils were given by God, and David demonstrated his sovereignty over his men and people by being fair and generous. Not only did David share the spoils with his men, he shared them with his friends, the elders of Judah, and all the places where he and his men had roamed (1 Samuel 30:23-31).

Acknowledge God’s Sovereignty

David’s character is an outstanding reflection of God’s goodness, worthy to emulate. And, just like David demonstrated his sovereignty over his men, it is also important to acknowledge God’s ultimate sovereignty over us. It was His strength that made us strong, it was His greatness that allows us to overcome our problems, and it was His grace that saved us.

One Comment

  • Camelinaneedle

    A lot of things in life are easier said than done. Sure, maybe you’ve all heard this before, but please do correct me if I’m wrong.

    Quite often, we daringly and openly claim to be able to be kind to those who may not necessarily have been kind to us.
    But, are we really able?
    When we do reach out to help these people who have done nothing to help us, do we help them with pure hearts? Do we harbour any hidden intentions? Are we without gull?

    It is also very important for all of us to learn to truly acknowledge God’s sovereignty.
    Sometimes, I find myself merely recognizing it, and overlooking it.
    He is the reason why and all we really need to do is try,
    Harder.

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