1 Samuel 31:10 “They put his armor in the temple of the Astoreths and fastened his body to the wall of Beth Shan” (NIV). Observation: We see here the fruit of flesh at work. The Philistine army had conquered Israel and killed three of Saul’s sons. Saul himself had...

1 Samuel 28:17 “The Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, to David.” Observation: The reign of Saul would tomorrow come to an end. In taking refuge from Saul by living among Philistines, David was in turn obligated to war against...

1 Samuel 27:2 “So David and the six hundred men with him went over to Achish son of Maoch king of Gath” (NIV). Observation: Under constant pressure from Saul’s pursuing army, David decided to seek relief by settling among the Philistines. He and his army, together...

1 Samuel 24:4 “This is the day the Lord spoke of when He said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands to deal with as you wish’ ” (NIV). Observation: Saul has gone into a cave, apparently to rest from midday heat, unaware that David and some of his men were...

1 Samuel 23:16 “And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God” (NIV). Observation: Earlier in this chapter David led his band of fighting men to victory over the Philistines at Keilah. Even though he was not yet king of Israel,...

Psalm 34:9 “Fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing” (NIV). Observation: There are many familiar, comforting lines in Psalm 34, such as, “I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips” (v. 1); “My soul will boast...

Psalm 59:9, 16–17 “O my Strength, I watch for you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God ... But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. O my Strength, I sing praise to you;...

Psalm 9:10 “Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you” (NIV). Observation: The psalmist began by declaring that he will praise God with all his heart and testify of His wonders. He had seen God cause his enemies...

1 Chronicles 5:1 “He could not be listed in the genealogical record in accordance with his birthright” (NIV). Observation: The early chapters of 1 Chronicles contain a blur of nourishment easily left undigested if not approached by a heart hungry to discover their...

1 Samuel 11:2 “I will make a treaty with you only on the condition that I gouge out the right eye of every one of you” (NIV). Observation: Ammonites led by Nahash besieged Israelites living in the area of Jabesh-Gilead. Preparing to surrender, the men of Jabesh told...