1 Samuel 30
G. Campbell Morgan · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 Samuel 30
Morgan - David was in a difficult position because the troops talked about stoning him, for they were all very bitter.... But David found strength in the LORD his God. 1 Samuel 30:6 This verse describes a spiritual technique of utmost importance for difficult times. In this passage, all David's men were ready to kill him. Morale was gone, anger was high, and David was utterly distraught. But he knew how to encourage himself in the Lord. Several years ago, facing a difficult time, I drew a line down the center of the pages of my notebook. On the left side of the line, I listed all the negative emotions I was feeling—discouragement, disappointment, depression, anger, fatigue. I described each attitude as best I could, so my column extended several pages. Then I started back at the top of the first page and found Bible verses that corresponded to my listed emotions. Beside depression, for example, I wrote "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Phil. 4:4). When I had filled both columns, I knelt and showed the Lord my pages, explaining to Him that I was on the left side of the page but needed to get into the right column. In the days that followed, I memorized some of the verses God had given me, and in so doing strengthened myself in the Lord. Are you in a difficult position? There are many techniques for doing it—we all need to learn what works for us—but the key to encouragement is learning how to strengthen ourselves in the Lord as needed. (My All in All) The Source of Strength - Peter Kennedy in From Generation to Generation. "David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God."—1 Samuel 30:6 Under Pakistani law a person found guilty of blasphemy against Islam can be put to death. There, it is blasphemy to say that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Even if a court does not convict a person of blasphemy, an angry mob may gather and try to kill someone accused of this. Since 1993 four Christians have died by the hands of such mobs. Arif Iqbal Bhatti, a Muslim judge, was assassinated for acquitting two Christians of blasphemy. On November 6, 1997, Ayub Masih along with his parents and three brothers faced blasphemy charges. Ayub, a Christian, knew that speaking about his faith put his life in danger. He and his family were in chains at the Sahiwal Courthouse when a guard pointed at him and said loudly, "Oh, so you are Ayub Masih!" Seconds later, a shot was fired at Masih. Eyewitnesses said the bullet passed under Masih's arm and did not injure anyone. The gunman was a former neighbor who brought charges against Masih. Police have refused to take action against the gunman. Masih's trial was delayed until his safety could be assured. There is only one place to find true comfort and strength. It is in Jesus Christ. Are you distressed because others hate you because of your faith? Today in prayer give thanks to the Lord who protects you, strengthens you, and comforts you in times of trouble. "If we have God in our hearts, we have enough for courage and for strength."—Alexander MacLaren
1 Samuel 30
Morgan - “Murder! Murder!” February 11 George Whitefield, the fiery evangelist with a voice that could be heard a mile away, came to Plymouth, England, for a crusade, but a motley crew threatened him harm. His room was burgled, and Whitefield moved to an undisclosed address. The young thugs set another trap for him, but Whitefield, smelling a rat, didn’t show. The indignant conspirators resolved to murder him that night. As Whitefield, exhausted, returned to his room and dressed for bed, a knock sounded. A well-dressed gentleman wished to speak with him, he was told. Whitefield seldom refused a nocturnal “Nicodemus” who came wanting to be born again. He admitted the man who was dressed as a lieutenant from a man ’o war. They chatted a moment, but when Whitefield asked his name, the young man gave a false name, that of another officer. “That’s impossible,” said Whitefield, “I met that officer two weeks ago.” The man suddenly sprang up and slammed his cane across Whitefield’s head, commencing the attack. “Murder! Murder!” screamed the terrified evangelist. “Murder! Murder!” Another thug joined the attack, throwing the landlady violently down the stairs. Neighbors, hearing the screams, drove away the attackers, but news of the attempt flashed abroad like lightning, and the next time he rose to preach, Whitefield faced an innumerable mass. He began preaching, unaware that another attacker had slipped into the crowd. Harry Tanner, a young thug, planned the evangelist harm. But as Tanner watched in horror, George Whitefield suddenly turned toward him, looked him in the eye, squinted, and thundered Nathan’s famous words to David, “Thou art the man!” Tanner was shaken to the depths of his soul. The next day he returned to the crusade, and this time he gave his life to Christ. (Borrow From this Verse) G C Morgan- As his share is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his share be that tarrieth by the stuff; they shall share alike.—1Sa 30.24. David, delivered by the overruling of God from his relation with the Philistine army, returned to Ziklag. In his absence it had been sacked by the Amalekites. The true spirit of patriotism flamed within him, and he moved forward, after seeking counsel of God, to punish the wrong-doers. He was completely successful, punishing his foes, and rescuing all his own. In the course of his action, which was rapid and strenuous, two hundred of his company of six hundred men were exhausted, and so were compelled to remain at Besor, while the rest went forward. When the four hundred returned victorious, there were those among them who would have withheld any portion of the spoils from those who had been unable to accompany them all the way. This David sternly forbade, and laid down a law which was to apply for all time. The rectitude of the decision is unquestionable. The measure of personal responsibility in the campaign of righteousness is ever that of the putting forth of the whole of one's strength. That, these men had done. They were "dead-beat" ere they paused. They had done their utmost. Those who went all the way had done no more. Therefore they were to share the spoils. The story has warning and comfort in it. If a man shall tarry and rest at Besor while he have any strength to go forward, he is renegade; and no share of the spoils should come to him. If a man put all his strength into the enterprise, and stop at Besor, because he has no more that he can do, he has done all; and honourably may share in the triumph. (Borrow Life applications from every chapter of the Bible) Goeth or Tarrieth? As his share is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his share be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall share alike. 1 SAMUEL 30:24 (R. V.) WORSHIP or service,--which? Ah, that is best To which He calls us, be it toil or rest,-- To labor for Him in life's busy stir, Or seek His feet, a silent worshipper. CAROLINE A. MASON LET us no more yearn for present employment when God's providence bids us "be still," than we would think it good to yearn after cessation while God bids work. Shall we not miss a blessing if we call rest a weariness and a discontent, no less than if we called God's work a thankless labor? If we would be holy in body and spirit, shall we not keep smooth brow, light heart, whether He bids us serve His table, or wait our summons? EDWARD WHITE BENSON He who acts with a view to please God alone, wishes to have that only which it pleases God that he should have, and at the time and in the way which may be most agreeable to Him: and, whether he have it or not, he is equally tranquil and contented, because in either case he obtains his wish, and fulfills his intention, which was no other than purely to please God. LORENZO SCUPOLI 1 Samuel 30:25 So it has been from that day forward, that he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel to this day. forward: Heb. and forward, 1Sa 16:13 1 Samuel 30 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries DAVID'S DICTUM OF EQUAL SHARES BECOMES LAW So it has been from that day forward, that he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel to this day - CSB - "David established this policy as a law and an ordinance for Israel and it continues to this very day." PRINCIPLES FROM DAVID'S LIFE This would be a good juncture to review the principles we have learned from following David's life in chapter 16 to the present time in chapter 30 as he prepares to ascend to the throne of Israel. Ray Pritchard summarizes these principles... Here are the principles we have learned so far from the early years of David’s life: 1) Sovereign Grace: God chooses those whom the world overlooks to do his will. 2) Providence: God is able to find us no matter where we are and he is able to put us in the place where we can be most effective for him. 3) Active Faith: Impossible giants can be defeated when we use what God has given us and do battle in the name of the Lord. 4) Submission to God: Our best response when others turn against us is to do what we know is right and trust God with the results. 5) True Friendship: God reveals his will by using good friends to protect us in times of trouble. 6) Danger of Deceit: Whenever we try to justify a lie on the basis of expediency, someone is going to have to pay the price. 7) Invisible Intervention: Even in the wilderness, God is with us. He works through difficult circumstances to teach us to trust him. 8) Sparing Our Enemies: We honor the Lord when we refuse to attack those who have attacked us. 9) Non-retaliation: When we leave revenge with the Lord, he handles it better than we do. 10) Loving Our Enemies: Love finds a way and takes a risk on behalf of those who will never say thanks. 11) Retribution: When we sow the seeds of compromise, we can expect to reap a harvest of destruction. 12) Restoring Grace: God welcomes his wayward children whenever they turn to him with deep repentance and a new desire to serve him wholeheartedly. (The End of the Beginning) 1 Samuel 30:26 Now when David came to Ziklag, he sent some of the spoil to the elders of Judah, to his friends, saying, "Behold, a gift for you from the spoil of the enemies of the LORD: to his friends: 1Ch 12:1-15 Ps 35:27 68:18 Pr 18:16-24 Isa 32:8 gift Heb. blessing, 1Sa 25:27 Ge 33:11 2Ki 5:15 2Co 9:5 1 Samuel 30 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries DAVID SHARES SOME OF SPOIL WITH LEADERS OF JUDAH Now when David came to Ziklag, he sent some of the spoil to the elders of Judah, to his friends, saying, "Behold, a gift for you from the spoil of the enemies of the LORD - CSB = "Here is a gift for you from the plunder of the LORD's enemies." It is almost like David is preparing his way for ascending to the throne. This act would clearly be seen as reflecting the kindness and generosity of David, which are admirable qualities for a future king. 1 Samuel 30:27 to those who were in Bethel, and to those who were in Ramoth of the Negev, and to those who were in Jattir, Bethel: Probably not the celebrated city of this name, but Bethul a city of Simeon, (Jos 19:4) Ge 28:19 Jos 16:2 Jdg 1:22,23 1Ki 12:29 Ramoth: A city of Simeon; so called to distinguish it from Ramoth Gilead beyond Jordan. Jos 19:8, Ramath Jattir: Jos 15:48 21:14 1 Samuel 30 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries CITIES OF JUDAH BLESSED BY DAVID to those who were in Bethel, and to those who were in Ramoth of the Negev, and to those who were in Jattir - The writer now records the cities in Judah where the elders received a blessing from David. David's actions were definitely good for his P-R, public relations. 1 Samuel 30:28 and to those who were in Aroer, and to those who were in Siphmoth, and to those who were in Eshtemoa, Aroer: Jos 13:16 Siphmoth: Supposed to be the same with Shepham (Nu 34:10,) on the eastern borders of Canaan. Eshtemoa: Jos 15:50, Eshtemoh, Jos 21:14 1 Samuel 30 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries ADDITIONAL CITIES BLESSED BY DAVID and to those who were in Aroer, and to those who were in Siphmoth, and to those who were in Eshtemoa 1 Samuel 30:29 and to those who were in Racal, and to those who were in the cities of the Jerahmeelites, and to those who were in the cities of the Kenites, Rachal: Supposed by Calmet to be the same as Hachilah. 1Sa 23:19 Jerahmeelites: The descendants of Jerahmeel son of Hezron, (1 Ch 2:9, 25-27,) who inhabited a district in the south of Judah. 1Sa 27:10 Kenites: These people inhabited a small tract west of the Dead Sea. Jdg 1:16 1 Samuel 30 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries MORE CITIES BLESSED and to those who were in Racal, and to those who were in the cities of the Jerahmeelites, and to those who were in the cities of the Kenites 1 Samuel 30:30 and to those who were in Hormah, and to those who were in Bor-ashan, and to those who were in Athach, Hormah: Jos 19:4 Jdg 1:17 Chorashan: Probably the same as Ashan in Simeon, Jos 15:42; 19:7, which Eusebius says was sixteen miles west from Jerusalem. 1 Samuel 30 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries AGAIN MORE CITIES BLESSED and to those who were in Hormah, and to those who were in Bor-ashan, and to those who were in Athac 1 Samuel 30:31 and to those who were in Hebron, and to all the places where David himself and his men were accustomed to go." Hebron: Jos 14:13,14 2Sa 2:1 4:1 15:10 1 Samuel 30 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: 2 Samuel 2:1 Then it came about afterwards that David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go up to one of the cities of Judah?” And the LORD said to him, “Go up.” So David said, “Where shall I go up?” And He said, “To Hebron.” LAST BUT NOT LEAST BLESSING TO HEBRON and to those who were in Hebron, and to all the places where David himself and his men were accustomed to go - Hebron is last on the list but not the least for this city would soon be David's first capital as king of Israel. Ray Pritchard - Prone to Wander It was a bright Sunday morning in 18th-century London, but Robert Robinson’s mood was anything but sunny. All along the street people were hurrying to church, but in the midst of the crowd Robinson was a lonely man. The sound of church bells reminded him of years past when his faith in God was strong and the church was an integral part of his life. During his teenage years, he had lived a wild life until his conversion after hearing a sermon by the famous evangelist George Whitefield. He became a pastor and wrote a number of poems that later became hymns. It had been years since he set foot in a church-years of wandering, disillusionment, and gradual defection from the God he once loved. That love for God-once fiery and passionate-had slowly burned out within him, leaving him dark and cold inside. Robinson heard the clip-clop, clip-clop of a horse-drawn cab approaching behind him. Turning, he lifted his hand to hail the driver. But then he saw that the cab was occupied by a young woman dressed in her Sunday best. He waved the driver on, but the woman in the carriage ordered the carriage to be stopped. “Sir, I’d be happy to share this carriage with you,” she said to Robinson. “Are you going to church?” Robinson was about to decline, but then he paused. “Yes,” he said at last. “I am going to church.” He stepped into the carriage and sat down beside the young woman. As the carriage rolled forward Robert Robinson and the woman exchanged introductions. There was a flash of recognition in her eyes when he stated his name. “That’s an interesting coincidence,” she said, reaching into her purse. She withdrew a small book of poems, opened it to a ribbon-bookmark, and handed the book to him. “I was just reading a verse by a poet named Robert Robinson. Could it be…?” He took the book, nodding. “Yes, I wrote these words years ago.” “Oh, how wonderful!” she exclaimed. “Imagine! I’m sharing a carriage with the author of these very lines!” But Robinson barely heard her. He was absorbed in the words he was reading. They were words that would one day be set to music and become a great hymn of the faith, familiar to generations of Christians: Come, Thou Fount of every blessing, Tune my heart to sing Thy grace. Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise. His eyes slipped to the bottom of the page where he read: Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it- Prone to leave the God I love; Here’s my heart, O take and seal it, Seal it for Thy courts above. He could barely read the last few lines through the tears that brimmed in his eyes. “Madam, I am the poor unhappy man who wrote that hymn many years ago, and I would give a thousand worlds, if I had them, to enjoy the feelings I had then.” The woman suddenly understood. “You also wrote, ’Here’s my heart, O take and seal it.’ You can offer your heart again to God, Mr. Robinson. It’s not too late.” At this point history moves in different directions. Some accounts say that he returned to the Lord, others say we can’t be sure. It is fitting that only God knows how the story really ended. When I preached this sermon, two men approached me with separate stories. One man, deeply moved, thanked me for the message and then said, “I’m not ready yet, but I’m thinking about it.” The other man told me that this sermon was the story of his life. Although he had known the Lord, for years he had walked in his own ways and eventually hit rock bottom. “I have discovered that when I am faithless, God is faithful still.” It has been eight years since he turned back to God and the smile told me that he is still on the right road. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. If the Holy Spirit is speaking to your heart, I urge you to respond. It is good to think about it; it is better to do something about it. The message is very clear: It’s never too late to come back to God. But the first step is up to you. (1 Samuel 30 The Long Road Home)