The Prophet Samuel came to David’s home town and anointed David king over Israel. He was still a teenager and wouldn’t ascend to the throne until he was older. But for now his life and service to God took him to the king’s court. He first killed Goliath, then served as the king’s musician. His music soothed the savage beast, devil, that was plaguing Saul. The bible says that Jonathan, Saul’s son, and David’s souls were knit together. They were closer than brothers. Then David became Saul’s general and lead the Israelite army into battle. David was so popular because he never lost a battle. His men liked him because he lead from the front of the army. Saul gave his daughter to David as a wife. David was leading a charmed life.

Saul became jealous of David’s popularity. His anger against David was unfounded, but it grew everyday. One day Saul’s anger spilled over and he throw a javelin at David. David knew he had to leave the court of Saul. Jonathan came to him and told him not to come back to the court because Saul would kill him.

That day David was on his own. He knew he had to flee for his life. David was king of Israel and he ran away to save his life. God didn’t leave him only for very long. 600 men of valor joined David in exile. They took their families with them. This encouraged David, but now he was responsible for 600 families. Saul would kill them as well as David. So, what would you do?

David went to the king of Gath, Achish a Philistine. King Achish gave Ziglag to David and his men to live in. All this time David had to encourage himself in the Lord. He provided for all the people that followed him. But this responsibility, he learn from being a shepherd. David knew how to care for a flock of unruly sheep.

When David was 23 years old, Saul died in battle. The people of Judah came to David and asked him to rule over them. David ruled in Judah for 7 years. Then the sons of Saul died and the rest of Israel came to David and asked him to rule over them. David was 30 years old when he became king of Israel. For 14 years David was honored and dishonored. His life was hard and discouraging. Yet he never lost his faith in God. He learned many lessons from God on how to rule and care for people. Even his son rebelled against him and he had to leave Jerusalem. Still he never lost his faith in God. David reign for 40 years and the bible he was gathered to his fathers in peace.

The key to living a good life on this earth is faith in God. Without it there is no hope of tomorrow. Even if our life is hard and unyielding, we still can live by the grace of God.

Crain Blanchard.

Joseph1637@juno.com

Joseph1637.com