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These final chapters of 1 Samuel have been presenting the circumstances of David and Saul in separate but parallel accounts. Their lives are no longer intersecting, but they do have remarkedly similar circumstances.

Both of them have faced temptations to wipe out enemies rather than trust the Lord, the constant presence of the Philistines, pressures from their own people, and circumstances of great difficulty.

David and Saul reveal their faults as sinners, but we learn that one of them continually returned to God while the other continually rejected Him. In 1 Samuel 28, Saul reaches a breaking point and completely turns to wickedness for answers. In chapter 30, we will find David facing similar pressures, but turning to God.

Message from James Sumpter on May 5, 2024

Hopelessness is a scary and dangerous thing, but it is not always evident. Hopelessness can be seen in a couple different ways in someone’s life.

Someone in a discouraged or depressed state can become unrealistically negative. Perhaps even more often, someone can be hopelessly shortsighted. They have an unrealistically positive state of mind. In either case, hopelessness affects decisions in a deep way.

In 1 Samuel 28, we find Saul living a hopeless life. He rejected God, and in turn, God rejected Him. When Saul then had a need for God, God was not available to Him. You do not get to reject God, and then command His favorable presence. In his hopelessness, Saul turned to things he had once condemned.

This chapter can leave us with questions about the power of things like sorcery, witchcraft, and necromancy. The fact that Samuel, a prophet of God, is summoned by a woman using evil practices is concerning to us. Is there true power in necromancy or occult influences? Why was Saul allowed to use this type of power for his own information?

It is important up front to view this circumstance through the lens of Scripture. Particularly, what the Bible says about the event itself in 1 Chronicles 10:13-14. “So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the Lord, even against the word of the Lord, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; And enquired not of the Lord: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.”

What Saul did was warned strongly against in God’s Law (Lev. 18:31, 20:6, 20:27, Deut. 18:10-12). Saul rejected God and died under judgment.

But how did Saul get here?

Message from James Sumpter on April 28, 2024

In these final chapters, Saul finally gives up his pursuit, while David goes to live among the Philistines. As a result, we no longer have accounts which show David and Saul facing off, but the narrative alternates back and forth between events with David and events with Saul. Tonight’s lesson focuses on David’s decision to live among the Philistines.

The Setting: The end of chapter 26 included Saul “repenting” of trying to kill David and promising not to harm him. David kept his conscience clean though tempted three times to take the life of his enemies. He defended himself with logic and spiritual reasoning and trusted the Lord to reward his “righteousness and faithfulness” (26:23). In the final verse, Saul returned to his place and David goes back to waiting for the kingdom.

It is not clear how much time passes, but the Bible makes it clear that David remained under significant stress and threat for a long period of time, and chapter 27 reveals that it effected his heart and mind. He ends up living in Goliath’s hometown with some of the greatest enemies of God and His people.

Message from James Sumpter on April 21, 2024

Our study of Judges and Samuel have shown us that sin can be cyclical in life. Victory over a sin once does not guarantee victory over that sin forever. Sometimes temptation returns like a boomerang when we aren’t looking and don’t expect it. At other times, temptation veils itself in a new way and creeps in. Even more often, temptation can simply return in the exact same way over and over like waves to the shore. We must follow and trust as God leads us to persevere over sin through Christ.

Saul: In 1 Samuel 23:19, the Ziphites reported David’s location to Saul who brought thousands of soldiers to kill David. After David spared Saul’s life, Saul wept and promised (again) not to chase David. In 26:1, the same Ziphites come to Saul reporting that David is in the same location as before. Saul goes back on his word and seeks to kill Saul again.

David: David was encouraged by his men in 1 Samuel 24 to end Saul’s life and take the promised kingdom. Instead, David spared Saul and trusted the Lord to “judge... see... plead... and deliver.” David almost killed Nabal and all the men of his household in 1 Samuel 25, but he received “blessed advice” from a wise woman and kept a clean conscience before God. Now, in 1 Samuel 26, David has the same type of opportunity to end Saul’s life. Would the circumstance, Saul’s betrayal, and the encouragement of a trusted man convince David to do wrong to gain something that was “right”?

Message from James Sumpter on April 14, 2024

In our previous study, we began 1 Samuel 25 and took note of the marks of a fool found in Nabal (strength without love, courage without wisdom, wealth without generosity, and desire without self-control). David and his men had protected Nabal’s immense herds and shepherds in the wilderness areas. When David made a reasonable request for provisions, Nabal responded selfishly and erratically.

David, who has been chased and tested by Saul’s pursuit, responds with a quick and rash oath of violence. War is coming, but one woman’s wisdom and discernment stands in the way of disaster.

From this event, we learn the importance of offering and applying godly wisdom when He brings it in the form of godly advice.

Message from James Sumpter on April 7, 2024