April 19

1 Samuel 28-31; Psalm 18 (biblegateway.com)

The End of Saul and the Faith of David

These final chapters of 1 Samuel bring the contrast between Saul and David into full view. Saul, having rejected God’s voice and guidance, spirals into desperation and fear. His visit to the medium at Endor reveals how far he has drifted from the Lord. Meanwhile, David, though dwelling among the Philistines, continues to trust in God’s guidance, finding strength in the Lord even in his lowest moments. These chapters reveal the tragic end of Saul’s reign and the deep sorrow of his downfall, all while preparing the way for the rise of David as king. It’s a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience, and the grace that meets us when we seek God in our brokenness.

In 1 Samuel 28, as the Philistines prepare for battle against Israel (v. 1), Saul is filled with fear when he sees their army (v. 5). In desperation, he seeks guidance from the Lord, but receives no answer (v. 6). Having long distanced himself from God, Saul now faces silence. Rather than repent, he turns to a medium at Endor (v. 7), disguising himself in the night and violating God’s law and his own previous command to ban such practices (v. 3, v. 9).

During their encounter, the medium claims to see Samuel, and Saul bows down, asking for direction (v. 11-14). The figure believed to be Samuel rebukes Saul, reminding him that the Lord has departed from him because of his disobedience in not destroying Amalek (v.16-18). The verdict is grim. Israel will be defeated, and Saul and his sons will die the next day (v. 19). Saul collapses with fear, weakened by hunger and dread (v. 20).

When we persist in disobedience, there comes a time when God’s silence is part of His judgment. Don’t wait until crisis strikes to seek God. Intimacy with Him must be cultivated continually, not just when we’re desperate. Are there areas in your life where you’ve been ignoring God’s voice? Turn back before the silence grows deafening.

In 1 Samuel 29, David finds himself in a precarious and morally complex situation. Having sought refuge in Philistine territory, he’s now marching with King Achish to join the Philistine army in battle, against Israel (v. 1-2). To Achish, David has proven himself loyal, but the other Philistine commanders are far less convinced. They remember who David really is, Israel’s war hero, and they fear he might turn on them mid-battle to regain Saul’s favor (v. 3-5). They demand that Achish send David back to Ziklag, and though Achish defends David’s character, he reluctantly complies (v. 6-7). David protests, perhaps to maintain appearances, but he and his men are dismissed from the ranks and return home (v. 8-11).

At first glance, this might seem like a setback. But in reality, it’s a moment of divine mercy. Had David gone into battle, he would have been forced to either fight against his own people or betray the Philistines who had sheltered him. Either choice could have ruined his future as Israel’s king. Yet God, in His sovereignty, removes David from the battlefield entirely. What looks like rejection is actually protection. God prevents David from compromising his integrity or derailing his calling. It’s a powerful reminder that God can work through the decisions of others, even those of unbelievers, to guide and protect His people. David’s loyalty may have appeared blurred, but God’s hand was never uncertain.

Sometimes we step into commitments or decisions with good intentions, only to find ourselves entangled or uneasy. Yet even in these moments, God’s mercy can intervene. His providence often appears in the unexpected no, a closed door, a canceled plan, or a shift in direction. What feels like a setback may actually be a quiet rescue. God not only protects us from harm, but also from distractions and detours that don’t align with His purpose. Have you ever been relieved from something you weren’t meant to take on? Pause and recognize God’s hand in those moments. Trust His timing and sovereignty, even when it interrupts your own.

In 1 Samuel 30, after being dismissed from the Philistine army (1 Samuel 29), David and his men return to Ziklag only to face devastation. The Amalekites had raided the city, burned it to the ground, and taken all the women and children captive (v. 1-3). Overwhelmed with grief, they wept until they had no strength left (v. 4). David, who had led them faithfully, finds himself at the center of their blame and bitterness. In their despair, David’s men consider stoning him, but David strengthens himself in the Lord (v. 6). Instead of panicking, he seeks God’s counsel through the priest, and God tells him to pursue the raiders (v. 7-8).

As David and 400 of his men mount a pursuit, they find an abandoned Egyptian servant who leads them to the Amalekites (9-16). They recover everything and everyone; nothing is missing (v. 18-19). When they return, David insists on sharing the spoil equally with the men who stayed behind (v. 23-25), showing leadership marked by generosity and unity.

God is our source of strength in moments of devastation. David did not rely on his emotions, his men’s support, or his own cunning. He turned to the Lord, who gave him courage, direction, and victory. God’s providence was at work even in the details - the presence of a forgotten servant, the timing of the battle, and the complete recovery of what was lost.

When life collapses and we stand amid ashes, we have a choice. We can wallow in grief or strengthen ourselves in the Lord. Seeking God in prayer, turning to His Word, and remembering His promises are our lifeline in crisis. Obedience to God’s direction leads not only to restoration but also to transformation. Are you trying to fix your life through your own strength, or are you pausing to seek the Lord and be strengthened in Him? In times of crisis, strengthen yourself in God. Let prayer be your starting point, not your last resort. Let David’s example challenge you to be a person who honors God both in private prayer and public action.

In 1 Samuel 31, the Philistines defeat Israel on Mount Gilboa, where Saul’s sons, including Jonathan, are killed (v. 1-2). Saul is wounded by archers and asks his armor-bearer to kill him to avoid capture. When the armor-bearer refuses out of fear, Saul falls on his own sword (v. 4). When the armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his sword and died with him (v. 5). Israel, seeing that Saul and his sons had died, flees and the Philistines occupy their towns. Saul’s body is hung in disgrace at Beth Shan, and his armor is placed in their pagan temple (v. 9-10).

However, brave men from Jabesh-Gilead retrieve and burn the bodies (v. 11-13), burying the bones under a tamarisk tree at Jabesh. Saul’s life ends in tragedy, not because God is cruel, but because Saul persistently resisted God’s commands. A life without repentance ultimately leads to ruin. God’s grace is abundant, but His justice is sure. Your legacy is shaped not just by your calling, but by your character and obedience. Reflect on Saul’s end. Are there patterns in your life that need to change? Don’t wait, turn toward obedience and life.

The final chapters of 1 Samuel offer sobering yet hope-filled lessons. First, God’s silence in response to Saul’s inquiries reminds us that persistent disobedience can lead to spiritual deafness, a warning to keep our hearts soft and responsive. Second, what feels like rejection may actually be God’s protection, as seen when David is sent away from battle, spared from a potential conflict with Israel. Third, restoration begins not with perfection, but with turning back to God. David’s renewal starts when he strengthens himself in the Lord and seeks His guidance..

Finally, obedience always outweighs outward position. Saul died with a crown on his head but no heart for God, while David, still in the wilderness, walked in faith and trust. The difference between collapse and courage is not found in title or power, but in who we trust and obey.

Psalm 18 is David’s song of praise to the Lord after being delivered from the hand of all his enemies, including King Saul. It is both personal and powerful, full of poetic imagery, rich theology, and heartfelt gratitude. David reflects on how God rescued, sustained, and strengthened him.

David begins by expressing deep love and adoration for the Lord, calling Him his rock, fortress, and deliverer (v. 1-2). These aren’t mere metaphors. They describe David’s real experience of God’s protection in times of peril. When overwhelmed, he cried out to the Lord, and from His heavenly temple, God heard his voice (v. 3-6). This demonstrates a vital theological truth: God is personal, present, and responsive to the cries of His people.

In verses 7–15, David uses dramatic, almost apocalyptic language to describe God’s intervention. The earth trembles, smoke and fire pour out, and thunder roars from the heavens as God comes to rescue him. This poetic portrayal reveals God’s power and passionate involvement in defending His people, not from a distance, but with overwhelming force. David recognizes that God came down not because David was strong, but because God delighted in him (v. 19).

Verses 20–27 reveal David’s confidence that God honors righteousness. He describes how he kept the ways of the Lord and did not turn from His statutes (v. 21–22). Though David was not perfect, he maintained a heart inclined toward God. This section teaches that God responds to those who walk in obedience and humility, and He shows Himself faithful, pure, and just based on the posture of the heart.

David testifies that it is God who arms him with strength and makes his way perfect. He gives credit not to his own skill or cunning but to God’s enabling power that allowed him to stand firm, run through troops, and leap over walls. David was a warrior king, but he knew that victory came from God, not himself. The Lord trained his hands for battle, sustained his steps, and subdued his enemies under him (v. 28–39).

In the final portion (v. 46–50), David exalts God as the living Lord who avenges, rescues, and exalts him above his enemies. His heart overflows with praise, not just for past victories but for God’s enduring love and covenant faithfulness to him and his descendants. God’s deliverance is not just a moment; it’s a promise that stretches into the future.

Psalm 18 is a powerful testimony to God’s character and faithfulness in times of trouble. It teaches that God is not distant. He is a personal refuge and deliverer for those who call on Him. When David was in distress, God heard his cry and responded with breathtaking power. This psalm reminds us that God not only listens, but He also delights in His people and acts on their behalf. He honors those who walk in humility and integrity, not perfection, and He faithfully equips and strengthens His servants, securing their victory. The application is both simple and encouraging for us. When fear presses in, we can run to God as our fortress. Prayer is not a last resort, but a lifeline through which we invite heaven’s help into our need. And God’s strength isn’t reserved for the super-spiritual; it’s for anyone who leans on Him in faith.

Where do you run when you’re overwhelmed? Do you collapse inward or cry out to your Rock? Spend time this week recounting specific ways God has delivered and sustained you. Praise Him for victories you could never have accomplished on your own, and trust Him again with whatever battle you’re facing now.