David was a young man when Samuel anointed him as the next king of Israel (1Samuel 16.12-13). He remained in his father's house, not knowing when he would come to the throne, but assured that it would happen because the Lord had proclaimed it. The Lord's promise seemed confirmed following David's victory over Goliath (1Samuel... Continue Reading →

If you've ever heard a sermon on friendship, chances are the friendship between Jonathan and David was a major part of the lesson. After all, the Bible states that "the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself." (1Samuel 18.1). However, while we know that Jonathan and... Continue Reading →

The story of David vs. Goliath is one that most of us have heard ever since we were children. However, this isn't just a kids story, rather it teaches us an essential lesson about God and how we can have the courage to face any spiritual challenge. Fear: Israel's response to the Philistine champion The... Continue Reading →

So far in our study we have noted two kings who failed to live up to God's standards for the king of Israel (cf. Deut. 17.14-20). Solomon knew how to be a good king, but he did not guard his heart and departed from the Lord. Saul, the first king of Israel, was consumed by... Continue Reading →

Intro: In the previous lesson we saw how Israel's first king, Saul, failed as king because of pride. As Samuel said, the next king would be a man after God's own heart (1Samuel 13.14). However, before we begin looking at David's life let's turn our attention to his son, Solomon. Solomon looked to be a... Continue Reading →

Most are familiar with how Israel came to Samuel and asked for a king (1Samuel 8.4-5) and how this displeased both Samuel and the Lord (vss. 6-9). We also know that Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin, would be chosen as Israel's first king. If Saul had proven faithful, the Lord would have established his... Continue Reading →

The description of David as a man after God's own heart (1Samuel 13.14) is in the setting of kingship. Because of his unfaithfulness, the kingship of Saul and his heirs would not endure. But the Lord would make sure that the next king was of a different spirit than Saul, one who would meet the... Continue Reading →

When Samuel announced to Saul, the first king of Israel, that his kingdom would not endure, he had this to say about Saul's successor: "The Lord has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has appointed him as ruler over His people, because you have not kept what the... Continue Reading →