Ephesians Chapter 6

Summarrium

Paul speaks again of the appropriate forms for social relationships be they those of parents or children, Servants and Masters. In all cases he implores responsible and honourable living seeking to give sacrificially as Christ first gave for us, without partiality as God has shown no partiality with his children.

Paul instructs the Ephesians to be strong in the Lord putting on the full armour of God to stand against the principalities and powers the spiritual forces of evil that transcend flesh and blood praying continually for all the saints. Paul explains he sends Tychius to report on Paul and ending with a benediction.

Meditatio

What struck me about this passage is how strength in the Lord is equated with being appropriately equipped. One does not become a concert pianist by accident. We might recall that Paul has in the preceding chapter encouraged the Ephesians to discern and do what is pleasing to God. That this is one of those chapters that reflects the idea that there is a working out to be done by believers¹.

Often we strive for certainty and indeed a cursory google will provide systematic theologies, conceptual frameworks and all manner of religious structures that purport to have found the way. Yet Jesus claims that he alone is the way². A quote from Dune that recently struck me:

"Once men turned their thinking over to machines in the hope that this would set them free. But that only permitted other men with machines to enslave them."

It struck me given along these lines that we do a similar thing with matters of Faith. We permit others to do our thinking for us. Adopting before we first question motives for doing so or the power we place in their hands. Perhaps one of the snares, one of those 'darts of the evil one' might be the unbridled control we give to others in the adoption of their ideas; unbridled power to both destroy and undo us.

One of the more interesting points raised by Simone and Malcolm Collins that is worth considering is their aspiration not to create their own religion or to colonise others. But instead to avoid colonization by others and perpetuate a respect of cultural sovereignty³. As the God emperors would go on to say "Dangers lurk in all systems. Systems incorporate the unexamined beliefs of their creators. Adopt a system, accept its beliefs, and you help strengthen the resistance to change".

Resistance to change; herein lies a difficulty. With our preoccupation with the functional utility of Christ and the borderline idolatry of soteriology and mission. Where Christ is reduced from his elevated glory and transformative power to a single event in the life of the believer. Who would now really want the kind of salvation of which David spoke?

Ephesians Chapter 5

Summarrium

Paul instructs the Ephesians to walk in love following Christ's example avoiding impurity, foolish talk, crude jokes and sexual immorality. Pointing out that those who are have no inheritance in the kingdom of God. Paul encourages the Ephesians to bring all things into the light, having not part in darkness; instead discerning what is pleasing to the Lord. Walking wisely and making the best use of the time we have giving thanks, submitting to and serving each other.

Paul then provides instructions to the church as to how familial relationships should be conducted. He speaks to wives and husbands outlining the roles that each should play to serve and love the other. Pointing out that there is a leaving of the parents for the purpose of becoming one which is a profound mystery and reflects Christ and the church.

Meditatio

One thing that struck me about this passage is verse 8-9. Where Paul instructs the Ephesians to walk as children of light, attempting to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. So in addition to clear instructions about personal purity, Paul places the responsibility for moral decision making upon the individual.

This is a repeated theme for Paul such as where he advises the Philippians to 'work out your salvation with fear and trembling'¹. An odd choice of phrase given what he has said in Ephesians 2. If we cannot work to earn our salvation this working out has to have a different meaning. In maths working out is demonstrating your method, when we encounter a problem in relationships we work it out through dialogue and conversation. Perhaps then the working out isn't about ensuring we have our theological ducks adequately lined up, but instead the relational ongoing process of redemption.

Salvation isn't a destination but a process. Redemption from our sins is not an event but an ongoing process. Jesus himself tells us² we will know the truth by abiding in his word; it is through enaction that reality is revealed to us and we are changed by it. It is an interesting thought to consider that if what pleases God is known, can be codified, then why would there be need to work it out?

This isn't how Christianity works.

Interestingly on a side note it's interesting how this differs from the Old Testament view. In the OT, there is an emphasis on the collective responsibility of Israel for moral decision making. Whereas the implications are seemingly individual in the writings of Paul. Do not mishear me, I am under no illusion that individuals were held to account for their actions in the old testament³, but rather that collective action held greater significance than it appears to do in the new testament.

Ephesians Chapter 4

Summarrium

Paul urges the Ephesians to walk in a manner worthy of their calling; bearing with each other keeping unity in peace. He points out the Lord has gifted apostles, prophets, evangelists, shephards and teachers for the edification of the body that it may grow up in love and avoid being blown around by every fad that emerges. This is that the body may be built up and grow together in love.

Paul points out that the Ephesians are not to live like the gentiles do giving themselves over to sensuousness. Instead they are to putt off the old self which belongs to the old self and to put on the new self created in the likeness of God. Speaking the truth with others, being angry but not sinning, avoiding the sun going down on anger, etc. Forgiving others as we have also been forgiven.

Meditatio

It is interesting and also sad that Paul has been largely ignored by us the body. We have failed to bear with one another in love and to make every effort to remain unitied through peace. Instead we have gone off track. We have missed the mark by making ideological positions our stand point. Rather than recognising that the Lord is the God of possibility we have been caught up in defending our own picture of the universe.

How much more effective might we be if we sought to win our brothers and sisters in love?

Within this passage there were two sides of the same point that struct me that I think are worth highlighting. For Paul has now on two occasions utilised the term 'prisoner'. Why is that? He explains this in verse 7-8¹ where he points out that Jesus 'leads a host of captives' (ESV) or where he 'took many captives' (NIV).

This is interesting because there are clearly two ways we might interpret this, which leaves me to wonder if this is deliberately left ambiguous. There is something in how Jesus leads those captive to former lives into freedom. But also how we remain captive but for Christ. He colonizes our brain and we are captive to the hopeful vision that he presents to us. This is incredibly nuanced and beautiful.

In this way Christ transcends and fills our whole universe. where can we go to escape him? Once captive to him we might forget to put on the new self but this does us harm. Instead we have been called to put on the new self that reflects the likeness of God.

Ephesians Chapter 3

Summary

Paul has written to the Ephesians for the purpose of making clear the mystery that in Christ gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, partakers of the promise. Of this good news Paul was made minister to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ. That through the church the manifold wisdom of God might be made known.

Paul prayerfully requests that the Father would strengthen the Ephesians in their inner being, that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith, rooted and grounded in love to be filled with all the fullness of God. Paul ends in giving praise to God.

Summarrium Meditatio

Up until now the letter has had a definite structure and purpose and seems well crafted. In Ephesians 3 however Paul moves from pointing out what has been given to him by God to steward, to praying that the Ephesians will be strengthened in their 'inner being'. Why the jump from one point to another?

Well largely this is because the Ephesians were primarily gentiles. Ephesus was a significant city in the Roman province of Asia (modern-day Turkey), and the Chuth in Ephesus, to which the letter of Ephesians is addressed, consisted mainly of Gentile converts to Christianity.

However, it's likely that there were some Jewish believers among them as well, as the early Christian communities often included both Jewish and Gentile converts. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul addresses issues relevant to both Jewish and Gentile believers, emphasizing the unity they share in Christ. Specifically to outline how the gentiles are now too also brought into the body to be partakers of the promise.

Apologia

Life continues to make repeated demands which have been anything but convenient. They prove a distraction to projects I had hoped to undertake and interfere with planned paths of personal development. I will try to maintain the pattern for as long a feasibly possible. But constant change and the absence of routine is a frustrating distraction from an otherwise patterned existence.

I can live with doubts. I can life with uncertainty. I can even live with uncomfortable truths. But interruption is one of the few things I would rather live without.

Ephesians Chapter 2

Summary

Paul points out we were once formerly dead in our sins; children of wrath like the rest of mankind, but by grace have been raised with him that he might show grace and kindness towards us. For by grace we have been saved through faith that none may boast. But we are his workmanship created for good works which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Paul encourages the Ephesians to recall at one point they were strangers to the covenant having no hope. But now through the messiah we have been made familiar, brought near through abolishing adherence to commandments expressed in ordinances. All that Christ might make one new man and peace. Part of a household built on the framework of the apostles and the insights of the prophets.

Summarrium Meditatio

Two particular points have struck me about this passage. Firstly Paul makes explicit that we were once dead in sin but have since been raised with Christ. He highlights that we are recipients of grace and mercy. Let's just take a moment to clarify what we are talking about. For the purpose of keeping this simple let's recognise them through contrast. If mercy is not getting what we do deserve, then grace is getting what we do not deserve.

Paul however does not simple talk about being recipients of grace. Indeed how many sermons are content to explicate verse 8-9 but ignore the subsequent verse 10? This passage is dripping with teleology and to ignore it is to miss a crucial point. We are shown mercy and grace for a reason. The motivation behind God's actions here are to exhibit the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness towards us because of his great love¹. This is undoubtedly the most elaborate display of affection in history. The lonely, the isolated, the rejected the cast down need only look at the cross to see the extent to which they are loved.

Paul however does not simply finish here. He situates this incredible display within the context of the teleological purpose. In verse 10 we read that we are his workmanship created in Chris Jesus for good works. So the gift is an elaborate display not the goal. Indeed it is easy to mistake what Paul is saying here. Gifts are an expression of the value. Humans, however, are his workmanship that have a purpose. Specifically good works. We don't exist for the purpose of salvation, we exist for good works and it please him to exhibit his great love for us in such a spectacle.

I mentioned a second point.

The second point is also somewhat tangential. The familiarisation of the stranger is a pattern within scripture. That God takes what is unfamiliar and makes it familiar; takes what is unclean and makes it clean; takes what is outside and brings it inside. What is interesting here is the consequence of this great display of affect.

We become, Paul tells us, part of the household of God. What household? Well this is build on the foundations of the apostles and prophets. The apostles who were trained and instructed to spread the teachings of Christ whilst the prophets brought revelations and vision to the people. One way of viewing this is the structure and order of the framework; with the frame breaking power of insight. Continuity and change; both being necessary for the health and development of believers.

An interesting thought to meditate upon: If Christ is unchanging and the cornerstone how does the structure grow?

Ephesians Chapter 1

Summary

Paul outlines we are significantly blessed. Chosen before the world to be blameless in his sight, predestined for adoption, redemption through his blood, lavished with grace. Every spiritual blessing has been made ours. For his purpose set forth in Christ to unite all things in him on heaven and earth. Heirs predestined according to his purpose to bring glory to his name; sealed with the promised holy spirit.

Paul points out that he continually gives thanks for the believers at Ephesus praying that they receive wisdom and revelation, being enlightened to know they hope they are called to. Recognising the greatness of his power towards believers that raised Christ from the dead, gave all authority and dominion and placed under his feet all things.

Summarrium Mediatio

The word Paul uses here to describe this revelation is apokalypseōs. This word appears in three other places in the new Testament¹. In Romans 5 the context is in the case of individuals that will face the revelation of the wrath of God when the righteous Judgement is revealed upon unrepentant sin. In Galatians Paul uses the word to describe his revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ that he receives through his dramatic conversion.

Evidently then the use of this word is intention. Paul wants the Ephesians to have both the spirit of wisdom and clear insight in the knowledge of who the Father is. Not just knowledge but the kind of insight that is transformative.

This is further emphasised here in the next part of the sentence 'having the eyes of your hearts enlightened' which is a bit of an odd expression. The Greek words here being ophthalmos which is used figuratively to mean our minds eye. Kardia meaning the heart, mind, character, inner self, will or intention, and finally pephōtismenous meaning to light up or illumine.

So Paul seeks that the Ephesians have their inner worlds illuminated that they might more clearly see that to which they are called, the power towards those that believe and that established Christ. It seems clear that Paul wishes for the Ephesians to be enlightened by a transformative vision of Christ which illuminates their inner lives.

1 Samuel Chapter 31

Summary

The Philistines fight Israel and the men of Israel flee before them. The Philistines overtake Saul and his sons. Saul seeks assistance from his armour bearer to end his life but his Armour bearer will not harm Saul. Saul therefore commits suicide, with his Armour bearer following suit immediately after.

Upon the death of Saul the men of Israel flee their cities which are invaded and inhabited by the Philistines. The Philistines upon discovering the body of Saul mutilate and display their grisley trophy. Godly men upon hearing what has happened go by night to take the body and remove it to Jabesh where they burn his body and bury him under the tamarisk tree.

Summarium Meditatio

Chapter 31 in some sense is the consummation of Chapter 8. Saul has cost the people everything. Charged with the defense of Israel it is expected that Saul will deliver them, as he always has done, from the Philistine threat. Yet he fails to do so and does not even live to content with the consequences. Instead his body is mutilated and displayed as a trophy of his failed premiership.

Now Israel are forced to relinquish their cities to the Philistines, their places of work, thier homes and means for subsistence. Whilst Saul did not take these from them directly his government failed to secure their protection. Worse still David the warrior who might have stood against the Philistines was driven from Sauls presence. In some sense Saul undermined himself and brought about his own destruction.

It is a hard lesson for the people of Israel. Yet they still honour Saul as King and valient men take action to secure him in death respect and dignity. Yet the people must continue to live with Sauls humiliation long after Sauls own humiliation is addressed.

1 Samuel Chapter 30

Summary

David returns home to discover that the Amalekites have raided the Negeb and burned Ziklag with fire carrying of the women with them. Davids men upon making this discovery are distraught, even Davids wives have been carried off. The men begin to turn against David who seeks the council of the Lord. The Lord advises that he should go after them and will overtake them.

David leaves with six hundred men but two hundred remain behind at the brook Besor who are exhausted and pursues with four hundred. The men discover an Egyptian in the desert and they feed him and give him water and he reveals he was with but has since been abandoned by the Amalekites. The Egyptian agrees to lead David to the Amalekitse in exchange for amnesty.

David then leads the four hundred men and they utterly destroy the Amalekites except for four hundred men who mounting camels fled. David and the men return to the two hundred who remained behind and some men suggest they should not share in the spoils but David has other plans. David also sends tributes to the elders of Judah.

Summarium Meditatio

Following his discharge from the army of the Philistines David returns to Ziklag to permit the armies to engage on their own terms, thereby observing the required level of neutrality. Yet on his arrival he finds that his position is far from neutral. Instead raiders from the Amalekites have carried off the women and young and put his city to fire and the sword.

Yet his response is evidence of his leadership capacity. He begin by enquiring of the Lord¹, pursues his enemy demonstrating his faith in the assurances of God². He then seeks counsel from one abandoned by his enemy to gain much needed intelligence and consider an appropriate plan of attack³. Finally he acts, enacting his plans and recovering everything that has been carried off⁴.

What strikes me about this is that David makes do with what he has. Men threatening to stone you and your family? Let's find some guys to fix the problem. Six hundred men soon becomes four hundred? No problem David still has you covered. Furthermore David is going to make sure that even if you were not able to ride out with him that you get your spoil. This is how a leader wins friends and influences people. This is very calculated a shrewd actions, and clear evidence of David's leadership capacity.

1 Samuel Chapter 29

Summary

In this Chapter David is rejected by the Philistine Lords. The Philistine Lords whilst passing by in their hundreds and thousands observe David and his men standing alongside Achish ready to go into battle. The Lords state that Achich must send David home as they suspect he will betray them within the battle.

The Philistine Lords recognise that David is Hebrew and therefore will be unable to reconcile himself to God if he stands against the Lords chosen people. They suspect therefore that David will betray them in the battle. Achish does not believe this will happen but nevertheless sends David home.

Meditatio

This passage introduces a significant moral dilemma for David he has been led by the Lord into the land of his enemies, where he has been blessed by King Achish who has been an unlikely benefactor. As such when Achish and the other Lords are going out to War David can hardly refuse. The issue here being that should he be made to fight he would be fighting his own people. Should he refuse he would be considered a coward or at best in some way slighting Achish who has been faithful to David.

Equally David has been permitted to remain faithful and serve Achish by the Lord for a time. What we see here then is providential and David recognising that it is the Lord who fights our battles for us. David has been provided with the means by which to avoid both loosing face and also being compelled to fight against the Lord. Remember a kingdom divided cannot stand. This then is how the Lord delivers David from his challenges. This is not David's doing, instead the Lord. As such David returns to the Land of the Philistines whilst the Philistines go to war.

We can at times be set on being the victors in the battles we face. We think that the natural gifts and abilities (let's call this common grace) will be sufficient. Yet there are battles we will face in life which are larger than us. These are battles which we surely cannot hope to win. Battles that may require us to compromise in some way. Yet if we like David remain steadfast we can rely on the Lord delivering us.

A fascinating but short passage, and an incredible character study in David's faith and trust in the Lord.

1 Samuel Chapter 28

Summary

The Philistines gather forces to war against Israel and Saul comes out to meet them and is afraid of the Philistine army. He enquires of the Lord what the outcome of the upcoming battle will be but the Lord does not respond. Saul then seeks a medium to enquire of her what the outcome will be. However following the death of Samuel Saul had put out of the land the mediums and necromancers and so it is necessary for him to deceive the woman to meet with her.

Saul has the medium raise up Samuel who points out that the Lord has turned against Saul just as he had prophesied. Samuel goes on to point out that Saul and his sons will join Samuel in the grave by the following day. Saul falls to the floor is filled with fear. He is tended to by the medium who kills the fattened calf and makes food for Saul and his servants who eat before leaving that night.

Meditatio

What struck me about this passage is twofold. Firstly the ways and means by which the Lord communicated with the Kings, but also just how all encompassing the Lords rejection of Saul is. Firstly it's important to understand how the Lord communicated with his people during this time. This is helpfully outlined in verse 6 ¹.

We discover three main methods, specifically by (a) dreams, or (b) by Urim, or (c) by prophets. Considering each of these methods symbolically we can see how the Lords rejection of Saul is total and definitive.

Dreams are a personal experience and denote the Lords revelation to the individual directly. We can therefore conclude that the Lord will not offer any personal revelation of himself or his plans to Saul. There is to be no personal dimension to their relationship or further direct communications from the Lord.

The Urim were essentially ways in which the high priest could ask the Lord yes / no questions to seek divine guidance. The high priest being the symbolic representation of the institution of the priesthood. There is a corporate dimension to this particular symbolic image of rejection which is a rejection by the instituted mediation and corporate divination.

Finally Saul is given no prophetic direction. The prophets represent the voice from the interior of the fringe and traditionally held the nation to course correct. Prophets are situated such that they are part of a tradition but sufficient close to the periphery that they might provide commentary and spiritual direction on this tradition. There will therefore be no external course correction for Saul or redirection.

So unable to find direction or assurance from the living God Saul seeks it amongst the dead, the consequences of which are to further invite his own death.

Man and his Symbols - Chapter 1: The importance of dreams (Part 3)

Summarium Meditatio

Jung points out that Freud's approach to dream analysis was based on the method of free association which typically reveals what an individual is avoiding or suppressing unconsciously. Dreams typically arise from emotional upset in the habitual complexes which causes neurosis. As such it can be easy to triangulate what it is that the individual is avoiding discussing and therefore identify wherein the problem can be found.

Jung respects Freud's view however observed in his clinical practice that dreams have definite structures. They often follow a narrative of sorts with a definite beginning middle and end. Jung observed that free association typically led away from the complex which the individuals wished to avoid. Jung therefore focussed on associations within the dream material and would lead clients back to discuss this.

Symbolic images have an important role to play in Jungs view. There are various ways of symbolising sexual union between partners but the specific expression found in a dream may well be significant. Jung points out that for this reason the content and structure of a dream maintain significance.

To support his argument Jung offers an example by describing the case of a patient who in a dream saw his wife as a distored and horrific image. Here Jung introduces the idea of the "anima", the feminine aspect in every male. It was only through persistent attention to the content of the dream in consultation with a client that led him to realise that a symbol within the dream represented a particular aspect of the mans psyche.

Jung's method therefore assumes the dream as a fact and seeks to avoid making assumptions about the dreams content. It also assumes that the dream will only express an aspect of the unconscious meaning that there may well be more to the issue than a single dream can express.

Man and his Symbols - Chapter 1: The importance of dreams (Part 2)

Summarium Meditatio

Jung explains that human beings are somewhat resistant to the notion of the unconscious. We dislike to consider ourselves as being possessed by or altered by things such as moods over which we have no control¹. We fail to see how we can so easily become irrational, unreasonable and even fail to recall key facts and information about ourselves and our lives which we should know.

It is the peculiar case that close friends can tell us things about ourselves about which we ourselves had no knowledge. First order observation can reveal to us much that was hidden given the psyche cannot know itself. It is almost like part of us is shut off from the rest of us and about this isolated part of us we can have no conscious knowledge².

Now the capacity to isolate the mind is valuable for things such as attention and sleep, but it can also be pathological. It should be clearly expressed that not all separations between the conscious and unconscious mind appear to be pathological. We cannot however ignore that sometimes there are alarming conditions under which this can happen seemingly without out knowledge, consent or even intention³.

Jung points out that this is all the backdrop to what he see's as being the most universal acceess point for mans symbolising faculty; namely dreams. Jung goes on to point out that Freud was the first to interrogate this particular aspect of the unconscious.

Jung points out that Freud was one of the pioneers in interrogating empirically the unconscious mind, pointing out often the symbolic significance of neurotic symptoms. Freud found that neurotic symbols often had great symbolic significance. One man experience recurrent attacks of asthma "cant breathe" in the atmosphere at home. Another experiencing neuropathy resulting in paralysis of his legs "can't go on any more"

Despite the meaningful significance of symptoms Dream symbols, Jung maintains, have greater variety and are readily available. To make sense of these dreams Freud's original method of free association can also help to reduce dreams to basic patterns. Freud therefore began with dreams as the starting point for examining the unconscious. This became central tenant of psychoanalysis.

Man and his Symbols - Chapter 1: The importance of dreams (Part 1)

Summarium Meditatio

Jung makes the point that there is much that lies beyond human understanding¹. As a result we frequently employ symbolic terms to represent these concepts. Symbols as far as I can tell based my reading of Jung are representations that contain a necessarily ill-defined unconscious aspect that is beyond it's obvious and immediate meaning.

Jung wishes to dispel the myth that we ever perceive anything fully or understand anything completely, a very biblical principle². Nonetheless whilst we can compensate for the deficiencies of our senses at some points we reach the edge of certainty beyond which conscious knowledge cannot pass.

Jung argues that there are 'unconscious' aspects of our perceptions. He argues this based on a reasoned summary of what is necessary for us to perceive anything at all.

Firstly Jung points out that our sense experience of real phenomena must be translated from reality to the mind. This act of perception is it self then an abstraction. My perceptions are not the experiences themselves but the experiences encountering my conceptual schemata.

Secondly there are many events we have experienced that remained below the consciousness threshold, of which we only become aware in a moment of intuition. As such things dawn on us as we become increasingly conscious that they must have been the case. This is difficult to grasp

We may not be attentive to our friends kind attempts to let us down gently as they seek to offer various various reasons why they cannot attend a birthday party. It is only when we are present and they are absent that perhaps the nuances and subtle hints within this conversation enter into our conscious thoughts. We might have seen but in seeing did not perceive.

From this Jung presents a compelling argument for the unconscious pointing out that if there is no unconscious then this is an indirect claim to complete knowledge of the psyche. He argues that the root of this is likely misoneism; the fear of the new and unknown.

1 Samuel Chapter 27

Summary

David demonstrates himself as a shrewd servant of the Lord. He recognises that with Saul continually after him he would do well to seek safety among "The enemy of my enemy" and therefore along with 600 men and both wives he retreats to Gath one of the five cities of the Philistines.

Amongst the Philistines David makes his home amongst the Philistines and leads raids against the Geshurites, Girzites and Amalekites. David however decieves Achish king of Gath, misleading him to believe that he is striking Israelites rather than the enemies of Israel. In this way Achish is led to believe that David has made himself an enemy of the people of Israel.

Meditatio

The Israelites and the Philistines have a complex history but suffice to say that the Philistines are seen to represent the opposition or enemies of God. As such David makes his dwelling place the people of God, and has such a lasting impact that Ziklag (his dwelling place) belonged to the kings of Judah thereafter¹.

It would be interesting to consider how such a move would be seen politically. David likely would have appeared to the people to have sided with the Philistines, and therefore it's entirely surprising that Saul does not follow. Both Saul and Archish are convinced that David's actions have made him entirely unpalatable to the people of God.

In reality David continues to fight for his people, albeit he is unable to do so in a particularly public fashion. Instead he removes himself entirely and avoids the possibility that idle lips will gossip and paint both he and his men in a negative fashion. Why might this be important? Why indeed rais this point at all?

Perhaps historically it was necessary to account for a questionable absence and exile in Gath. This book clearly was written by an admirer of David and as such attempts to reiterate his good character and noble actions might have been a political ploy to demonstrate his commitment to Israel despite Israels faithlessness towards him.

It is difficult reading to hear that David put men and women to the sword. Entire families decimated, children too presumably or by proxy given the death of mothers and fathers. None are permitted to live to explain to Achish how he is aiding and abetting a known fugitive. Indeed we can only anticipate how David will repay Achish or what action he will take against him when he comes to power.

1 Samuel Chapter 26

Summary

The Ziphites report that David is hiding on the hill of Hachilah east of Jeshimon and Saul arises to come capture him. David takes Abishai down to the camp of the king overnight and they enter Sauls tent. Abishai tempts David to take Sauls life but David is clear he will not raise his hand to the Lords anointed. Instead they take Sauls spear and a jar of water.

David then stands far off pointing out that Abner has failed to keep watch other the King and explaining that he deserves to die because of this negligence. Saul recognises David and David asks what he has done to warrant Saul's attentions. Saul admits that he has sinned and advises David he will do no more harm.

Meditatio

Once again we observe Saul has come after David, despite his assurances to the contrary around further ill-intent as recently as Chapter 24. Yet here we are again. It is perplexing that he has not kept his word, to be required once again to be corrected by his enemies must be unduly humbling.

This significantly contrasts with Davids insistence that he will not act to expedite his own accession to Sovereignty. David recognises that the Lord had set apart Saul for the purposes of being King over Israel. It is one thing to loose the presence of God, it is something entirely different to loose ones occupation.

David may have been anointed King. He may have been set apart for a specific purpose in the eyes of the Lord. But this purpose is yet to be realised. David is clear that he will not bring into being this purpose. Instead the Lord himself will need to act.

This chapter once again reinforces the idea of David as virtuous and Saul as easily led by others. Indeed the contrast between the too is pretty stark. David is presented as virtuous and patient, merciful and devoted to the Lord. Indeed were I Jesse I would be proud to have a son like David.

1 Samuel Chapter 25

Summary

Samuel dies and Israel mourns. David goes down from the stronghold into the wilderness of Paran. In Maon David sends 10 messengers to Nabal a significant herd owner to remind him of the care shown to his shepherds whilst they were in Carmal. Nabal opts to play ignorent to the favour slighting david and ignoring his request.

David is angry and saddles up with his men with the intention to kill all the males within Nabal's household. His wife Abigail is however discerning and sends a gift to David supplicating and interceding on behalf of her husbands folly for Davids forgiveness. David relents and the Lord strikes Nabal dead. David then takes Abigail as his wife.

Meditatio

Samuel a prophet has died and all Israel mourns. The chapter passes over the significance of this in merely a few lines but we should consider for a moment what Samuel has accomplished.

It is important to recognise that Samuel is a liminal figure. He marks the last of the judges and the transition to and establishment of of the monarchy in Israel which will stand for hundreds of years; and ultimately with the establishment of the Kingdom of God; forever more.

In addition to this Samuel is a prophet, representing the physical presence of the Lord on earth. Holy in the sense that he is set apart for the purpose of representing the Lord's presence on earth but not Divine and still all to human. Symbolically he represents vision and the loss of his prescience marks a transition to Nathan and Gad his contemporaries at the time.

Within the narrative we see that Nabal chooses to mark this transition to the pattern of the established Kingdom by seeking personal gain. Whereas Abigail who has and is more discerning than her ignorant husband shrewdly acts to save those amongs Nabal's household. Nabal ultimately succumbing to his selfish and foolish nature and loosing the life he sought to preserve. Abigail on the other hand gets to sleep with the King.

I get serious Matthew 16:25 vibes from this passage. There is a pattern in scripture that in clasping at things we tend to loose that which we seek to hold. Lord may we recognise the value in letting go.

1 Samuel Chapter 24

Summary

Saul returns from pursuing the Philistines and is advised David is in the Wilderness of Engedi. Saul takes three thousand men and again goes after David. Whilst Saul finds a cave and enters to relieve himself. David cuts off a corner of his robe. David is immediately repentant and rejects the possibility of ending Sauls life noting that Saul is the Lords anointed.

Saul gets up and leaves and David calls after him pointing out that he has no quarrel with Saul pointing out if he wanted him dead he had every opportunity just now. Saul recognises the righteousness in David and is repentant. Saul pleads that David swears by the Lord he will not cut off Saul's household which he does before they part ways with Saul returning home and David to the stronghold.

Meditatio

In verse 12 we find the heart of this passage: May the Lord judge between me and you, may the Lord avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you¹.

Just imagine as young man or boy, not even large enough to wear a suit of armour, being called for by a renowned prophet of the Lord. Then being told that you are going to occupy the top position. I can't imagine the damage such knowledge could do to a young man. Then you are given a position to work for and minister to the King. Surely David must have thought "this is it". Then to spend years being pursued by the King who intends nothing less than your destruction.

You are compelled to hide in the wilderness with some real undesirable characters. Your friends cannot openly support you given this invites death. Then suddenly you are in a position to put an end to it all. The one who threatens your life is crapping in a cave and you are close enough to cut off a piece of his clothing.

The level of restraint shown here is unbelievable. David had not only the opportunity to end Saul but to do so in a pretty darn humiliating fashion. But David stays his hand.

I can't imagine the kinds of castle building or fantasy life living with such a message might have led me too. When I was younger a so called Prophet made some pretty outlandish claims about my future. I must admit as an Adult I find I have a new level of skepticism towards these claims and have a certain degree of mistrust of self professing 'prophetic figures'. As I see it Prophets usually end up dead or exiled.

Ok so why is this so significant? David has grasped the point about a house divided. If the Lord has anointed me and promised me the Kingdom, I can be confident he will fulfil his promise. The Lord has anointed Saul and made him King over Israel. My succession is not my problem; this is for the Lord to work out.

A house divided cannot stand therefore David will not set himself against Saul.

1 Samuel Chapter 23

Summary

David hears that Keilah has been attacked by the Philistines. He enquires of the Lord twice and each time is told that the Philistines will be delivered into his hands. David defeats the Philistines and enters into the Keilah. Saul hears of Davids presence in the City and sets out with an expedition to destroy David. David how escapes and Saul abandons the expedition.

Jonathan provides encouragement to David and makes a covenant with him. Saul is also contact by the Ziphites who inform that David is present among them. Saul asks for them to discover Davids precise location and then leads men to capture David. When Saul and David are on opposite sides of a mountain, and David is attempting to flee, Saul is notified by a messenger that the Philistines are attacking and takes his men off to deal with the new threat. David retrats to En Gedi.

Meditatio

This passage stands in stark contrast to the previous. David here demonstrates concern for the people of israel, a sense of responsibility and also a devotion to the instruction and direction of the Lord. David hears of the plight of Keilah and rather than leaving the King that has abandoned him to 'fight his own battles' he takes ownership of the situation and resolves to enquire of the Lord himself.

David believes the Lord but his men are afraid so he seeks asurances from the Lord to satisfy his men. Once provided David does precisely what he is instructed to do and attacks the Philistines. In this way the deliverance of the Philistines was both directed and coordinated by the Lord.

The reason for mentioning the ephod is that this garment that is worn by the high priest in Israel had a pouch that contained the Urim and Thummim which were used for seeking the Lords divine guidance. In this way the people of God would receive divine instruction and direction to actions. Hence the guidence provided by the Lord was done so via the Urim and Thummin.

This passage highlights how, despite Davids anointing by the Lord to the position of 'King', and in spite of all the attempts on his life the Lord was at Work. Saul may have pursued David but it was the Lords hand that preserved him¹. Being the hand that instructed him to attack the Philistines, be it the hand that preserved him in the face of threat to his existence.

1 Samuel Chapter 22

Summary

David departs to the cave of Adullam and gathers the distressed, the debtors and the bitter and he commands over them. He travels to Moab and requests asylum for his family but himself returns to Judah. Saul hears that David has been discovered and given resources by Ahimelech the priest and feels betrayed by his servants and the priesthood.

Saul challenges his servants for their failure to report and calls Ahimelech to him to enquire why he has served the enemies of the state and Ahimelech points out that no one is as faithful as David the kings son in law and captain. Saul then orders the death of the priest which the kings servants refuse but Doeg the Edomite agrees. The city of Nob is then put to the sword.

Meditatio

Once again we are privy to an escalation. We observe that Saul's paranoia has reached new heights where he perceives threats all around him. Not only does he wrongly assume Davids intention to dethrone him but he essentially accuses his entire court of conspiring with him. When he discovers clear evidence of support being provided to David he takes drastic action to set an example.

This is a particularly dark passage because Ahimelech the priest is clear on just how far Saul has fallen and yet doesn't even realise it. He points out that there is no one more faithful than David or as seemingly highly esteemed by the King.¹ He go so far as to say he had no idea Saul was angry at him.

What is most disturbing is the coldness of Saul's reply in verse 16. You shall surely die, AHimelech, you and all your father's house. We know that David was less than candid with Ahimelech about his relationship with the King. As such you can imagine the scene and just how 'thrown under the bus' Ahimelech would be feeling right now.

David is often portrayed as the warrior King, and a great example, but here we see that David is not attracting glory but contempt and wrath from the King and also things that are less desirable. There are debtors, those who are distraught or seeking revenge, this is hardly the ideal militia with which to defend one's own life.

Returning to the point, Saul's action is not just the elimination of one man for a mistake but the eradication of his entire lineage. He has no hope and no future and probably a somewhat limited idea about what was actually going on. Saul's heart is so set against David that all are conspiring and examples must be made of those who give aid to the kings enemies.

1 Samuel Chapter 21

Summary

David arrived at Nob and asks Ahimelech the Priest for food. The priest notes that the only bread available is the bread of the presence and advises that David and his men are welcome to this providing they have remained pure and kept themselves from women. David offers assurances that they have and asks for a weapon. Ahimelech gives him the sword of Goliath.

One of Sauls servants Doeg the Edomite was present that day and David flees. He fled to Achish the King of Gath. His servants that receive David point out that David is King and a great leader. David was fearful of Achish and feigns madness to which Achish is convinced of his insanity and does not wish to admit David into his presence.

Meditatio

I had an interesting conversation with ChatGPT regarding this particular passage. I was curious given in 1 Samuel 7 we are told the Tabernacle is moved to Kiriath-jearim where it remains n the house of Abinadab until David moves it into the temple 2 Samuel 6.

Why might this be a problem? Well it isn't really its more a curious observation because much of this doesn't make sense geographically. Saul is resident in Gibeah of Benjamin, David travels north to Nob which is (if archaeologists and Google Maps are to be trusted) within walking distance. The Ark is, to our knowledge, in Kiriath-jearim, much further than Nob yet David manages to get hold of the bread of the presence in Nob.

Given the holiness of the bread of the presence we might think it unlikely a priest carried the bread from Kiriath-jearim to Nob for the sole purpose of feeding David. Indeed it is not an inconsequential journey. For one trying to flee Gibeah of Benjamin¹ it would have made more sense for David to travel straight to Kiriath-jearim. What am I getting at here? Well if in Chapter 20 we are told David is fleeing Saul why remain in the area?

Perhaps taking a look at each location might be of interest.

Nob has an interesting history² and is mentioned in both the book of Isaiah and Nehemiah³. Tradition maintains that Nob was was a city of priests. Therefore it seems unlikey that David attended to seek military support such as resources and arms. Instead it seems reasonable to conclude that he attended Nob for some strategic reason and this included participation in the bread of the presence. Why else ask specifically for bread.

From one perspective, perhaps then this was a political point to ally himself with the religious establishment? Or perhaps he fled North and was seeking 'sanctuary' amongst the priests. The latter seems unlikely as he was seemingly mainly interested in the bread and Goliaths sword. Perhaps then this visit had symbolic significance with David posturing himself as Israels holy champion.

Kiriath-jearim or the "city of woods"⁴ was on the border between Judah and Benjamin⁵. Situated to the west of Israel it was a few hours walking distance of Shuafat (which is where Nob was believed to have been situated). It also had significance being where those who returned from the exile with Zerubbubal were to have settled⁶. There is nothing obviously symbolic about Kiriath-jearim only this is where the Ark was supposedly resident up until the point that it was brought into the Temple in 2 Samuel 6.

So what to make of all this?

It is possible (but unlikely) that the Ark was moved to Nob prior to the massacre we are about to encounter in 1 Samuel 22. Perhaps the Ark was moved to Nob to remain in the care of the priests until such a time as a Temple was built. But following Saul's actions returned to the house of Abinadab. This is pure speculation but it would account for the bread of the presence being in Nob. Unless the Priest have transported the bread of the presence from Kiriath-jearim to be consumed.

I suspect in reality the point I made earlier about symbolic literary significance is at play. This is not about actual events but the meaning and significance behind them.

This is one of those technical questions I'd love to ask an OT theologian. Just a curious oddity and I'm not really sure of the religious significance of any of this. But it just goes to show how interesting the minutiae can be.

1 Samuel Chapter 20

Summary

David flees from Naioth in Ramah where Saul and the messengers were prophesying and tells Jonathan of his fathers intent for Davids death. Jonathan does not believe Saul means David harm and making a covenant with David they conspire for Jonathan to test Saul and report on his findings.

Jonathan is asked by his father about Davids absence from the kings table and advises his father that he had given David leave. Saul is furious and becomes so angry he hurls his spear at Jonathan who is astounded. Jonathan reports on his findings to Saul and David and Jonathan part company.

Meditatio

The narrative here is documenting the gradual coming appart of Saul and his pending replacement in David. Thinking about this passage reminded me of one of the important verses for understanding Saul, found in 1 Samuel 15:30. The language used her is incredibly subtle and revealing. Here Saul acknowledges his sin but does not turn from it in repentance. Instead he asks to be honours before his own government that I may bow before the LORD your God.

Saul responds to this rejection with nothing short of resignation. Indeed to all intents and purposes it seems that he is far more concerned with the aesthetics of the situation than anything else. At face value Saul does not wish to lose face. If Samuel were to turn his back on Saul then this would have significant implications for his government. i

This made me wonder; Is this wisdom on the part of Saul? Jesus tells us that "a house divided against itself cannot stand"¹. Perhaps then this is Saul resigned to his fate as being abandoned by the Lord. Yet in a last ditch effort at leadership he is attempting to avoiding take others with him. For if there is a schism between the prophets and Saul's government then Israel will not prosper and the Kingdom is at risk.

This option seems unlikely in my view. As the chapters progress we see very little evidence of this and increasing evidence that Saul is becoming increasingly more paranoid and less rational. To the point whereby in chapter 20 he isn't even offering a reason for his actions. He has now revealed to both his children who have a love and fondness for David his dishonourable intentions.

Interestingly we have not been told at any point during the narrative that Saul is aware of Samuels anointing of David and his pending replacement. Perhaps he has been made aware, perhaps he suspects, perhaps he is just paranoid. It's difficult to say and the text offers no clear answer here. As far as we can tell Saul is unaware of David's anointing, others also seem unaware that the spirit of God no longer walks with Saul.

Returning to this point about Samuel complicity in presenting a united front. I did wonder why Samuel agreed to do s. I suspect that the most likely answer to chapter 15 is that Saul was desperate and Samuel was directed by the Lord to go along with his request to preserve Israel.

1 Samuel Chapter 19

Summary

Saul tells his son Jonathan of his intent to kill David. Jonathan warns David who conceals himself whilst Jonathan secures assurances of David's personal safety. David offers assurances that David will not be harmed, but after David returns Saul tries again for David's life by spearing him but David escapes once again.

Returning home after escaping Saul, David's home is watched and he convinces his wife Michal (Sauls Daughter) to aid his escape. Saul questions his daughter who points out that David asked him and there is no reason she should kill him. David flees to Samuel and they both move to live at Naioth where Saul sends three lots of messengers all who end up joining them and prophesying, until Saul comes himself and ends up naked and prophesying.

Meditatio

Again we are treated to insight into Saul's inconsistent leadership. He flip flops one moment conspiring to kill David the next swearing that David shall live. All in all there is a sad inconsistency to it all. Saul is floundering and evidently cannot recognise his friends from his enemies.

Yet this isn't the worst part, the worst part being that Saul's inconsistent leadership as king is becoming obviously inconsistent to others who are beginning to questions his decisions (his son and daughter for example). I wonder how much this exacerbated the situation and we can imagine based, on the account here, a sad ever increasingly paranoid Saul.

A game of cat and mouse appears then to have ensued between Saul and David. David so far has been exceptionally lucky¹ and has escaped each time his life was threatened. Then this passage documents another strange series of events. Saul sending messengers to Naioth to capture and Kill David.

According to McClintock and Strong² a school or college of prophets were resident at Naioth over which Samuel presided. This suggests that Samuel hasn't just been in retirement, but has been active training and equipping other prophets. Yet all three groups of messengers and even Saul himself are overwhelmed by the spirit of God.

So in the midst of the decline of his premiership Saul has missed the move of God at work. There are a group of men and women and it takes his desire to end an innocent life to draw him to the place where God is able to meet with him. He himself is overcome by the experience. It is almost like old times way back when in chapter 10. The difference now is Saul is old and weighed down with politics and the concerns of life, he is not the man he once was.

1 Samuel Chapter 18

Summary

David wins the deep and true friendship of Sauls son Jonathan, and due to his success as a military leader is placed above all of the men of war. The celebrations of the Lords success Saul observes the people make comparison between him and David. Saul's fear of the loss of power causes him to attempt to attack David who evades him on two occasions.

David continues to be successful against the Philistines and Sauls enemies, and Saul offers him his daughters hand. Yet David refuses, due to his relatively lowly position. As such Saul's daughter is offered to another Israelite. David is offered a second chance to become son in law to the king and is tasked to supply 100 Philistine forskins; David supplies 200 and Saul gives him his daughters. Davids success continues to be a source of anxiety for Saul.

Meditatio

It is somewhat unsurprising that Saul is a little concerned. This esteemed shepherd boy defeated the Philistine champion, has won the heart of the people, is an accomplished Soldier, has won the heart of his son, and the Lord is with him. Saul puts it aptly what more can he have but the kingdom?.

Saul here is conscious that he is a failed leader; a dead duck pending replacement. Rather than recognising that the Lord would preserve those he anoints, even in the face of overwhelming odds; and respecting the boundaries of the role Sauls actions leave him abandoned by the Lord. It is much like the hardening of Pharaohs heart we see in Exodus. The Lord permitting, and even aiding, an individual to live in accordance with the pattern they have chosen for themselves.

For Saul is the pattern of fear, something that is pervasive and the source of his greatest failures can be traced back to such roots.

Unlike Saul David, despite being sent to the front, is in the safest place possible. He is located precisely where he needs to be, in the midst of the will of God. He has learnt dependency upon the Lord and humlility. He has grasped what is and isn't his right or role. He serves faithfully even a king that has been abandoned by the Lord.

1 Samuel Chapter 17 (Part 2)

Summary

Saul clothes Daniel in his armour and David tries to go out in them but he has not tested them so instead takes his staff and sling. David approaches Goliath who curses him by the names of his God. David stands his ground and points out the Lord will deliver Goliath and the Philistines to Israel for the battle is the Lords.

David strikes down Goliath, kills him and cuts of his head with his own sword. Observing the death of their champion the Philistines leave and are pursued by all Israel. David returning to Saul is asked who his father is and reveals he is the son of Jesse the Bethlehemite.

Meditatio

This passage is a classic tale of the underdog coming to save the day. It is once again fulfilment of that beautiful song by Hannah back in Samuel Chapter 2¹. How the Lord selects from the place of dishonour to bring to a place of honour. This is part of the recurrent pattern of the Lord acting as the Lord wills.

We see that David is from the smallest tribe, an insignificant village, the least of his household. Interestingly these humble beginnings have not embittered him or seen him shirk his responsibility. Indeed he observes no one is doing anything about Goliath and there is a need for one who fears the Lord to make a stand so he takes it upon himself to go.

There are some interesting nuances to this passage. For example that David has to use Goliaths own sword to kill and decapitate his body. There is a dark symbolic poetry to making use of the tools employed by what is foul against it. How might the dark corners of our own lives that rise up to defy the work of the Lord also need us to make use of their own weapons to destroy them?

What remains for me an enigma is the reason that Saul enquires of Daniel's father. Perhaps this is because David's act has proven popular and, given his tendency towards fear, Saul wishes to ascertain the thread David poses. Perhaps Saul wishes to ascertain David's legitimacy and Social Standing, or to which family he will find himself indebted. But you would think that this would be know given David entered into Saul's service only the previous chapter (Chapter 16).

Whilst I doubt Saul would have concerned himself with the paternity of some minor slave one would think the court would have done so. Also if David was in Sauls service it's unclear why he is back home with Jessie in the beginning of this chapter. I do wonder if sequentially there is some jumping back and forth between times.

Nevertheless these are just interesting avenues of thought. To me what is important is what this reveals about the character of God. What we see here is that the measure of a true leader is their character and relationship with God rather than their social status or lineage. God see's beyond paternity to potential and as a result makes his choice.

1 Samuel Chapter 17 (Part 1)

Summary

The Philistines and Israelites gather at Socoh in Judah and the Philistines Champion Goliath of Gath defys the ranks of Israel and demands a challenger. Meanwhile David is sent to take food to his brothers which he does and hears Goliaths challenge. David questions the people what will happen to the one who kills this Philistine, and is advised by the people.

He then asks what will be done for Goliath who is not part of the promised people and defies the army of the Lord. David's brother hears him and he becomes angry; David offers to go and fight with Goliath for Saul who points out that he is only a youth. David points out that he has hunted bears and lions for many years to keep the flock safe; the Lord will deliver him from this Philistine.

Meditatio

To contextualise Goliath by modern day measurements he would have been 9f tall and wearing armour that weighs approximately 55kg. To put things in perspective the average weight of an adult human is around 55kg and the current world record for the tallest man is 8'11 and he required mobility aids due to the strain of his physical size on his body. This is no natural occurrence but either a genetic anomaly, a literary device, a symbolic feature or simply just part of the historical narratival tradition.

Nevertheless we might empathise with all Israel and consider it unsurprising that the narrative reports that when Saul and all Israel hear the words of the Philistine they are dismayed. This is a big lad with serious kit. His spear roughly weights the equivalent of a watermelon or large bag of flour and the fact that he carries a beam thick spear must have been intimidating. He is an absolute unit.

Yet David alone is entirely unphased by this. Even his brothers simply become angry at him when he's like "..what's to be done about this dude?". This leads to one of the more amusing lines of scripture (see verse 29) where the young David is like "What? Am I not even aloud to speak?". This is entirely relatable when as a young man I've just experienced an adventure in missing the point.

Yet this is the kind of man that is after God's own heart meaning that despite his shortcomings the Lord see's something in David that is admirable and worth pursing. He by faith grasps that this man stands in opposition of the Lords armies and trusts that the Lord will preserve him. This is a level of fearlessness I have somewhat lost growing up.

I recally making ridiculous decisions as a teen; getting in the car with a drunk driver, asking out and deciding to end a relationship with a close friend on the same day, neglecting my studies and deciding to sabotage any future attempts to apply to University by not securing references from my teachers. There was a kind of "I'm invincible" fearlessness that I lost. Perhaps it is the vigour of youth untempered by the sorrows of aging. But there is a sense of loss I feel here. There is much we can learn from David, and perhaps need to unlearn from our own lives.

Apologia

We approach Christmas and having finished work for the year I find myself out of pattern. These breaks always leave me a little disorientated so I plan to find the rhythm again after the event. Expect staccato transmissions until we resume w/c 01/01.

1 Samuel Chapter 16

Summary

Samuel is sent to Jesse the Bethlehemite to anoint a new King following the Lords rejection of Saul. Samuel asks Jesse to present his sons before him to identify which of these will be King and the youngest is chosen by the Lord. Upon being anointed the Spirit of the Lord rushes upon David and Samuel leaves for Ramah.

The spirit of the Lord departs from Saul and a harmful spirit from the Lord torments him. Saul is advised to seek out a musician to sooth him during these times and he does so taking the recommendation of David son of Jesse. David therefore enters into Saul's service and is much beloved by him.

Meditatio

This passage introduces some really interesting complexities. Firstly that the Lord is willing to reject a person in a position of leadership and remove his spirit from that individual due to actions they take in life. Yet this person may be left to remain in that position but without the aid of the Lord and reliant solely on the natural gifting given to them by the Lord. Almost as though the Lord is permitting individuals to live as they have chosen to live; without the presence of the Lord.

Interestingly I'm yet to come across a sermon on the doctrine of replacable parts. Perhaps given the fact most leaders sit atop the social hierarchy this is somewhat unsurprising. When this is your livelihood, the very means of subsistence you are hardly to have an emergency pull chord for pastor release when the Lord has left. Instead it's left to the exposure of moral failure to consume the leader before they are deposed. In any event now we find Israel's king is a dead duck¹ and essentially just waiting to be succeeded.

This will set up a really interesting dynamic for the rest of the book and between Sauls relationship. Where David is presented as a man after the Lords own heart and Saul as a failure King, yet David will not take direct action in opposition to the one that the Lord had established as King. There is a latent respect here for the divine order which is evidently lacking on the part of Saul. We see this most evidently within Chapter 13²

Another really interesting dynamic is how the Lord sends a harmful spirit from God to torment Saul. Much ink has been spilled over how a benevolent God could permit harm (Theodicy) and the reality is that there is no real satisfactory answer. It may be that the spirit is an effect of Sauls actions rather than directly sent by the Lord (e.g. a guilty conscience). It may be that the Lord deliberately sent a plague on Saul to motivate him to seek repentance and yet Saul will not repent. The reality is we will not know.

1 Samuel Chapter 15

Summary

Saul is given a directive by the Lord to utterly destroy the Amalekites for their opposition of Israel on the way out of Egypt. He is directed to kill man, woman, child, infant, ox, sheep, camel and donkey. So Saul assembles the people permits the Kenites to depart and defeats the Amalekites. However Saul does not do as the Lord commands sparing their King Agag and the livestock whilst destroying all the rest as directed.

Upon visiting Saul, Samuel rebukes him and Saul expresses his fear of the people. Samuel notes that the Lord has rejected Saul for being king over Israel, before hacking the still living Agag King of the Amalekites to pieces before the Lord. Samuel and Saul part ways and the Lord regrets his appointment of Saul.

Meditatio

What are the pitfalls of a leader? This passage offers a painful object lesson in failed leadership. Here we see the consequence of fearing the people that are led. Saul has been given a clear mandate from the Lord to take action against the enemies of Israel but fails to do so. He first blames the people he has brought along with him but the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen...¹ before he is finally able to admit that the responsibility for this failing rests with him².

This is consistent with his actions in prior chapters where we observe that he does not trust in the word of the Lord and fears man not the Lord. Be it his stepping in to make an offering before the Lord out of fear or hiding amongst the baggage he is clearly afraid of man. Proverbs is explicit that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. A recognition that the Lord rightly should be feared as the one who can both create and uncreate a man; something Saul is about to experience here and now.

We might think it harsh for Samuel to not concede, but should Samuel withdraw the judgement this would legitimise Sauls actions which are frankly not on.

Yet if it was possible this situation is actually made worse. Saul recognises his guilt in this and his sin before the Lord. Yet his primary concern remains the fear of man. Saul does not in humility seek restoration with the Lord but with Samuel and the people; asking Samuel to come out with him before the Elders. In the end the Lord actually grants him this, with verse 31 indicating that Samuel attended Saul to permit his worship of the Lord, but the Lords relationship with Saul is forever changed.

1 Samuel Chapter 14 (Part 2)

Summary

Saul makes a vow that whom so ever eats before it is evening will die. The people of Israel enter into a forest in which Honey can be found, but the people do not eat because of Saul. Jonathan unaware of Saul's vow eats of the Honey and when advised of his fathers actions speaks regretfully of his fathers actions. The people strike down the Philistines and loose it eating the Philistines cattle with the blood.

Saul builds an altar to the Lord and instigates the correct order to things. Saul enquires of the Lord again if he should go down once again to battle the Philistines but the Lord does not answer; use of the Urin and Thummin reveals Jonathan is at fault and Saul proclaims Jonathan must die. The people intervene and ransom Jonathan. Saul continues to fight Israels enemies and attaches himself to the strong or valiant men.

Meditatio

Saul is not having a particularly easy innings thus far as king. Firstly he has lost the favour of the Lord by acting in a way that he ought not out of fear¹, secondly he only acts when he observes the situation has fallen in his favour². Now we see him make a stupid vow and as a consequence threaten to end the life of his son to save face. Indeed the situation is so dire that the people have to intervene directly to prevent he King from following through. You know it's bad when subjects are willing to act in opposition to the King.

Indeed much of this chapter can be summed up in verse 30 How much better if the people had eaten freely today of the spoil of their enemies that they found. For now the defeat among the Philistines has not been great. It is a souring of the incredible victory won by the Lord through human intervention to introduce unnecessary constraints. I has brought to mind the tension between freedom and structure and form.

This so often is the balancing act of institutions. How we permit great freedom whilst restraining individuals from acting against their own interests is a real challenge. Saul was completely off on this when making a vow about eating before evening, yet absolutely right to address the sin of the people who being hungry just eat the whole animal blood and all in direct violation of the Law of Moses. Saul is aware that they are sinning against the Lord something for which there will be real consequences.

We often like to deal in binaries Saul == Bad; David == Good. Whereas the reality is (always) far more nuanced. Saul made some downright terrible decisions and some absolutely bang on the money decisions. He is presented in the book of Samuel as a very human character.

On an side the Old Testament has much to say about oath breaking. Firstly there is a clear commandment to not swear falsely by my name and so profane the name of your God³. Secondly the clear direction that When a man makes a vow...he must not break his word but must do everything he said⁴. Finally that when we make an vow to God do not delay to fulfill it outlining the Lord has no pleasure in fools.

Lord may we act in accordance with your interests and avoid folly or bringing your name into disrepute. For your kingdom's realisation; in Jesus name.

1 Samuel Chapter 14 (Part 1)

Summary

Jonathan, son of Saul, leaves the Israelite camp to attack the Philistine garrison. They climb rocky ground to access the Philistines who mistake them for a much larger force. Jonathan places his life, and that of his amour bearer, in the hands of the Lord. Recognising that victory comes from the Lord. The armour bearer follows and between Jonathan and the armour bearer they kill 20 men. There is a great panic in the camp which is exacerbated by an earthquake seemingly from the Lord.

Saul and his men observe that the Philistine multitude is dispersing and are confused seeking to identify who has left the Israelite camp, to clarify who is missing. It is recognised Jonathan is missing and the disruption in the Philistine camp increases until Saul and the Israelites fight and win a victory being saved that day by the Lord.

Meditatio

Now while Saul was talking to the priest, the tumult in the camp of the Philistines increased more and more. So Saul said to the priest, “Withdraw your hand.” (v9). This verse really struck me in the sense that it's an odd thing to say. Saul has called for the Ark of the covenant that goes with the people to be brought forward so why withdraw his hand? We know that no-one is permitted to touch the Ark so presumably the priest is not touching the Ark. What then is this guy doing with his hands?

One suggestions has been that this relates to the Priests attempts to utilise the Urim and Thummin as a means to enquire of God¹. These being two stones either affixed to the breastplate of judgement that the high priest wore or kept in a pouch over the priests heart. Now I have been a believer for 25+ years and have never heard of the Urim and Thummin which has me somewhat confused. I am pleasantly surprised to discover these were stones. Apparently sacred objects utilised by the high priest in ancient Israel to seek divine guidance on matters of particular importance. The exact manner in which they functioned is not described in detail in the Bible, leaving much of their nature and use to speculation.

Introduced in Exodus 28:30 the Urim and Thummin rest over the heart of the high priest on the breast piece. They were intended to be the means by which the high priest would enquire of God specific answers; In some way then a form of divination. Some have speculated that when facing the Ark words or lights would appear, but it is not known how they functioned. I mention this as it would seem to make sense why Saul would then call for the Ark.

Given the absence of any clear indication how these stones work there has been much speculation. Some believe Urim and Thummin translates to "Light and Truth", other "Yes" and "No", others "Guilty" and "Innocent". Frankly wherever I looked for information about this I found a different answer suggesting our current knowledge is presently wanting on this topic.

Why might this be relevant?

We begin to see how Jonathan is not like his father. Firstly Saul began from a place of fear, offering a Sacrifice on his own terms to the Lord out of desperation. Jonathan on the other hand begins from a place of trust, voluntarily committing his life into a desperate situation for the Lord. Secondly Saul despite observing the Israelites advantage seeks confirmation from the Lord before acting. Using all the methods at his disposal and only acting when he see's things have turned in his favour. Jonathan however acts before he has divine confirmation trusting the Lord will preserve him and grant victory.

So is the object lesson here to act irrationally before we have all the information at our disposal? I don't believe so. This is a nuanced point. Jonathan is being juxtaposed with his father demonstrating the contrast between those that believe and those that do not. We should not forget Saul appears to be a fearful person; was he not found hiding in the baggage? He evidently has been pretty measured in his approach, whereas Jonathan has trusted in the Lord.

Considered allegorically we might consider that God is still able to draw victory out of our greatest failures. Saul has fathered in Jonathan a devotion to the Lord that he himself was unable to master, and that even David (a man after the Lords own heart) was unable to instil in his own children. The Lord can turn even a dishonoured King into a proud father.

1 Samuel Chapter 13

Summary

In the second year of Saul's reign his son Jonathan defeats the Philistines garrisoned at Geba. Saul proclaims this victory and the Philistines respond by mustering 36,000 troops to fight Israel. The men of Israel are afraid and begin to abandon Saul. Saul waits for 7 days for the time appointed for Samuels arrival but Samuel doesn't show.

Saul takes matters into his own hands and offers a sacrifice to the Lord to seek his favour. Samuel turns up and is horrified telling him he has done foolishly and because he has not kept the Lord's commandments; Samuel is clear Saul's kingdom will not last and he will be replaced.

Meditatio

Now my first inclination upon reading this passage was sympathy for Saul. He has in what appears to be in good faith acted to seek the Lords favour recognising it as necessary for victory against the Philistines. That the Lord would punish Saul seems a little unreasonable, after all wasn't he just trying to the right thing?

Saul has, after all, waited until Samuel was due to arrive and he is hard pressed on every side; loosing people day by day. It's understandable then that he would feel compelled and under pressure to act to seek the Lords favour. Would I have done anything differently here?

In reality there issue is one of the heart...

Firstly the Philistines have gathered to oppose Israel following Saul's triumphal proclamation about his son's success against them. To some extent then seemingly motivated by Israel's victory, their own humiliation and Saul's brazen boasting; Saul has had a part to play in Israel's present predicament.

Secondly The law of the Lord clearly outlines the responsibilities of the priesthood, setting apart a subset of society for the sacramental observances of sacrificial offerings. Saul's decision to offer sacrifices without waiting for Samuel's arrival was unlawful. He has acted not in accordance with the laws and statutes of the Lord.

Bear in mind that this order is established by the Lord and so challenging this is to challenge the authority of God. We need to remember that ...the pillars of the earth are the Lord's and on them he has set the world.¹. Recall that rebellion against God was the route through which sin entered the world in genesis.

But hang on Saul isn't the only one to break the rules and act unlawfully. David this supposed man after God's own heart also acts unlawfully eating the showbread². If the unlawful aspect was the real issue why would David not be cut off as well?

The key difference lies in the motivations and circumstances surrounding their actions. David's actions were driven by immediate physical need, something which Jesus picks up on to emphasise the principle of mercy over ritual³. Saul, on the other hand, acted out of impatience and fear, showing a lack of trust in God's timing and commands. The condition of the heart is more important than the act; mercy is more important than ritual.

1 Samuel Chapter 12

Summary

Samuel addresses all Israel pointing out his age and the recent appointment of the King. He stands to be judged by Israel before the Lord challenging anyone to clarify whom he has defrauded or sought to mislead. All Israel cannot find fault with Samuel. Samuel brings to memory the history of the Lords dealings with the Israelites from Abraham's calling, salvation from the Egyptians via Moses and Aaron, deliverance from the Moabites and the Philistines.

Samuel notes that the Israelites have now added the evil of asking for a King when the Lord was their king to the list of shortcomings. The Lord makes it thunder and the people are afraid and appeal for Samuel to make amends on their behalf. Samuel tells the people to not be afraid but points out they can return to the right path; pointing out they will be swept away if they and their king to not keep to the righteous path.

Meditatio

Memory is an important recurrent theme thought out scripture. It seems to be the mechanism by which humans hold onto reality and at the same time are held in reality by the Lord; that as they grasp the transcendent the transcendent grasps them. Samuel within this chapters is reminding us again of the significance of memory and remembering and how the Israelites have once again failed to remember the Lord.

But what does it mean to remember?

Remembering in scripture is more than just the recollection of relevant information. Remembering is an embodied act. God's remembrance of Noah and all the wild animals (Gen 8:1) was their material preservation. Gods remembrance of Rachel was the opening of her womb (Gen 30:22). God's remembrance of his covenant with Abraham in Egypt was deliverance from slavery (Exo 2:24). It is far from just a cognitive exercise, it requires active engagement with the world.

For the believer then remembering too is also an embodied act one in which the act of forgetting relates to the actions of the individuals concerned. The Israelites forgot the Lord their God when they served Baals and the Asherahs (Judges 3:7), through their unfaithfulness and idolatry (Ezekiel 23:35), or through simply becoming complaisant and content (Hosea 13:6).

So what is required of us to remember the Lord?

Jesus promises to send an advocate (the Holy Spirit) who will bring to our remembrance everything he has said (John 14:26), calls us to remember his body given for us (Luke 22:19), warns of the consequences of not remembering mercy
(Matthew 18:32-35) or pursuing material wealth forgetting about God (Luke 12:16-21)

So this journey begins where we left off yesterday. Jesus outlines the necessity to abide in his word as a prerequisite for (a) identity as a disciple, and (b) knowledge¹. To remember the Lord then is to inhabit his words, not paying merely lip service to them². To me then this makes verses such as they forgot the Lord their God. as particularly concerning. Will this ever be said of me? That I forgot the Lord God and failed to walk in his ways? It is pretty explicit within the mosaic code to take care not to forget the Lord your God³ in the good times.

Indeed remembrance has such significance that it becomes incorporated into the daily life of the Israelites. Remembrance of the deliverance from slavery is the detail that accompanies the fourth commandment to observe the Sabbath (Deut 5:15). Is incorporated into the grain offering outlines in Leviticus 2 with a memorial portion being burned to the Lord⁴.

Lord have mercy, lest we forget.

The Gospel of the Kingdom (Part 1)

This may come as a surprise to some but the concept of salvation in the old testament was not primarily concerned with the idea of an escape to heaven. Salvation in the Old Testament was about deliverance from one's enemies (Exodus 14:30-31), covenantal relationship (Deut 28:1-2,15), forgiveness of sins (Leviticus 4:26), and restoration and renewal (Jeremiah 31:31-34).

Humans chosen by God could only be confident in the Salvation that come from the Lord alone (Psalm 62:1-2), that he is trustworthy and we need not be afraid (Isaiah 12:2), and instead might take joy in the God of our salvation (Habakkuk 3:18), just as he delights in that which he has saved (Zephaniah 3:17).

Salvation then is a beautiful and multifaceted thing. There are both material and spiritual ways in which the Lord intervenes in human history for the purposes of life preservation.

Yet salvation, once the concern for the preservation of life now, has over time come to be replaced with the concern that the individual is right with God, and knows where they are going when they die. A subtle move from salvation as a gracious act of mercy by a benevolent God to the helpless individual, to something now contingent upon the individuals agency. The primary goal of salvation, according to this perspective, is hell avoidance with Jesus as the means to mans salvific end.

This has never sat comfortably with me. I find it too simplistic. Jesus spoke more about living life in the present, and the realisation of the Kingdom of God, than he has done about eschatological events. Whilst Jesus does address eschatological themes in his teachings what Jesus actually taught was focussed on the practical aspects of daily living.

To those who would believe in him, Jesus was clear that it was necessary to inhabit his word [logos]; to 'abide' in the present before one could even consider calling oneself his disciple (John8:31-32). This was necessary to not only truly be his disciple but to know the truth; through confrontation with the realisation of the logos of Christ¹.

It is true that Paul urges us to set our minds on the things above (Col 3:1-4), but this is not a call to disengage from all earthly interactions and responsibilities. The purpose of the Christian life is not an escape to heaven, but the realisation of heaven on earth; "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven..." (Matthew 6:10)