1 Samuel | Deborah H Bateman - Author

Daily Bible Reading “David Sneaks up on Saul” (1 Samuel 24:1-7)

Posted on July 8, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

“David Sneaks up on Saul”

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Samuel 24:1-7. When Saul returned from battle with the Philistines he learned that David was in the wilderness of Engedi. Saul gathered three thousand men and went out to find David and his men in the rocks of wild goats, near the desert of Engedi.

As Saul and his men journeyed to find David, they came to some sheep pens along the way. Close by was a cave and Saul went in to relieve himself. Saul wasn’t aware that David and his men were in the back of the cave.

David’s men told him that the LORD had delivered his enemy, Saul, into his hands and he could do whatever he wanted to Saul. David crept up behind Saul and cut off the tail of Saul’s robe without Saul even knowing David was anywhere around.

David’s conscience bothered him. He felt guilty for cutting off Saul’s skirt. David told his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD’S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.” Then, he forbids his men to go after Saul.

Saul left the cave and went on his way still not knowing that David and his men were in the same cave he was in or that David sneaked up behind him and cut off the tail of his robe.

David took his opportunity to get the advantage over Saul then felt guilty for his actions. Have you ever taken an opportunity to get the upper hand on someone and then felt guilty for your actions? This is how David was feeling.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Samuel 24:1-7

1 And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.
2 Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.
3 And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave.
4 And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul’s robe privily.
5 And it came to pass afterward, that David’s heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul’s skirt.
6 And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD’S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.
7 So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way.

Things to think about:

Where was David and his men hiding out?

What did Saul do when he found out where David was?

What did David do to Saul?

What was David’s reaction to what he had done to Saul?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 1 Samuel we see that David had an opportunity to kill Saul if he wanted to, but he only cut off the tail of his robe. David then felt guilty for his actions against Saul. Help us to use discretion in our interactions with other people. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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Daily Bible Reading “David Escapes the Wrath of Saul” (1 Samuel 23:14-29)

Posted on July 7, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

David Escapes the Wrath of Saul

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Samuel 23:14-29. David remained in the wilderness of Ziph hiding out in the mountains. Saul searched for David ever day. But God didn’t deliver David into the hands of Saul.

David knew that Saul was looking for him. David was held up in the wilderness. Jonathan, Saul’s son, went to be with David and strengthened him in LORD.

Jonathan comforted David reassuring him that Saul wasn’t going to kill him. Jonathan assured David that he would be king over Israel and Jonathan would be by his side to support him.

Jonathan and David made a covenant declaring these things before the LORD. Jonathan returned to his house and David remained in hiding in the wilderness.

The Ziphites came to Saul in Gibeah and inquired of Saul saying, “Doth not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshimon?”

The Ziphites beckoned Saul to come and they would deliver David into his hands. Saul blessed the LORD saying the LORD had compassion on him.

Saul told them to go seek David and inquire who had seen him and where they saw him. Saul sent them to find all of David’s hiding places so he could go to Judah and conquer him.

When David heard that Saul was on his trail he went down from the mountain to hide in the wilderness of Maon, a plain south of Jeshimon.

Saul and his men were on one side of the mountain and David on the other side. Saul’s men surrounded David and were ready to take him, when Saul got word that the Philistines were attacking.

Saul and his men had to leave their quest of hunting David and went to fight the Philistines. Once again David escaped the wrath of Saul. Because of this they called that place Selahammahlekoth, the cliff of escapes.

Isn’t it amazing how quickly circumstances can change. The enemy was closing in on David and then their attention was diverted to the attacks of the Philistines. How many times in life have you narrowly escaped the attacks of the enemy? David took this opportunity to leave and go to dwell in strongholds in Engedi.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Samuel 23:14-29

14 And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.
15 And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood.
16 And Jonathan Saul’s son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.
17 And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.
18 And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.
19 Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshimon?
20 Now therefore, O king, come down according to all the desire of thy soul to come down; and our part shall be to deliver him into the king’s hand.
21 And Saul said, Blessed be ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me.
22 Go, I pray you, prepare yet, and know and see his place where his haunt is, and who hath seen him there: for it is told me that he dealeth very subtilly.
23 See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hideth himself, and come ye again to me with the certainty, and I will go with you: and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah.
24 And they arose, and went to Ziph before Saul: but David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the plain on the south of Jeshimon.
25 Saul also and his men went to seek him. And they told David: wherefore he came down into a rock, and abode in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon.
26 And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them.
27 But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land.
28 Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Selahammahlekoth.
29 And David went up from thence, and dwelt in strong holds at Engedi.

Things to think about:

Where was David held up at the beginning of this Scripture?

Who came to visit David and what pact did they make?

What happened when Saul found out where David was?

Who joined Saul in his endeavor to find David?

What happened to save David from the wrath of Saul?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture we see that Saul was hot on David’s trail again. David was able to escape the wrath of Saul because the Philistines invaded the land. Help us to escape the wrath of the enemy as You did David in this Scripture. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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The Book of 2 Thessalonians

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of 2 Thessalonians: Paul’s Second Letter to the Thessalonians is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. The book of 2 Thessalonians is one of the Apostle Paul’s Epistles (letters). It’s part of the New Testament of the Bible.

In the book of 2 Thessalonians, Paul encourages the Thessalonians to glorify the Lord, to stand fast, and to not grow weary in well doing. He also talks about the Second Coming of the Lord.

The Book of 2 Thessalonians: Paul’s Second Letter to the Thessalonians contains four Daily Bible Reading lessons. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the daily Bible Scripture, a few questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer of the day. This is a great study for an individual or group Bible study.
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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “David Conquers the Philistines at Keilah” (1 Samuel 23:1-13)

Posted on July 2, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

David Conquers the Philistines at Keilah

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Samuel 23:1-13. David received news that the Philistines were fighting against Keilah. Keilah was a city of Judah northwest of Hebron.

The Philistines were robbing the threshingfloors. A threshingfloor was a place, usually at the gates of the city, where they would gather their crops such as corn or barley and trod them out. The crops were important to the people of Israel. They used them for food and also to trade for anything else they needed.

David prayed to God and asked Him if he should go and conquer the Philistines. God gave David the go ahead to go to Keilah and defeat the Philistines.

When David told his men that they were going to Keilah to conquer the Philistines the men were afraid. So David prayed again and the LORD assured him that He would deliver the Philistines into their hands.

David and his men did as the LORD instructed them and He helped them to win the battle against the Philistines. They also confiscated their cattle. With God’s help David and his army were able to save the people of Keilah.

Abiathar, the son of Ahimelech, went with David to Keilah and brought an ephod (priestly garment) with him.

When Saul heard that David was a Keilah he felt sure that he could capture him since Keilah was a town with gates and bars.

David heard that Saul was coming to Keilah. He had Abiathar bring the ephod and he prayed to God and asked Him if it was true that Saul was coming to try to capture him.

God told David that it was a sure thing that Saul was on his way to Keilah in order to capture him. David asked God if the men of Keilah would deliver him into the hands of Saul and God assured David that they would deliver him into the hands of his enemy.

So David and his men left Keilah to seek shelter and refuge from Saul. Can you imagine being constantly on the run as David was in fear of his life? Thank goodness David had God on his side to lead, guide and direct him so that he could stay a step ahead of Saul.

We too can conquer the enemy when God is on our side. Be sure to stay in close contact with God so He can help you divert the attacks of the enemy by leading, guiding and directing you in the right way.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Samuel 23:1-13

1 Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors.
2 Therefore David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.
3 And David’s men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?
4 Then David enquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand.
5 So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.
6 And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, that he came down with an ephod in his hand.
7 And it was told Saul that David was come to Keilah. And Saul said, God hath delivered him into mine hand; for he is shut in, by entering into a town that hath gates and bars.
8 And Saul called all the people together to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men.
9 And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod.
10 Then said David, O LORD God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake.
11 Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O LORD God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the LORD said, He will come down.
12 Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver thee up.
13 Then David and his men, which were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare to go forth.

Things to think about:

Where was it that David heard the Philistines were attacking?

What did God tell David to do concerning the Philistine attacks?

How successful were David and his men at conquering the Philistines?

What happened when Saul found out where David was?

What difference does it make in our lives when we have God on our side?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

In this Scripture in 1 Samuel we see where David had another battle with the enemy. We see that You helped David and his men to conquer the enemy. All the while Saul was on David’s coat tail trying to capture him, but You led David away. Help us to stay in close contact with You so You can help us to avoid the enemies attacks. Watch over us and protect us from the snares of the enemy. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Please invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study. We will continue with the study of The Book of 1 Samuel.

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Deborah

Daily Bible Reading “Doeg Slays Ahimelech” (1 Samuel 22:11-23)

Posted on July 1, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Doeg Slays Ahimelech

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Samuel 22:11-23. Saul sent for Ahimelech the priest, all those from his father’s house, and the priests in Nob. They came before the king. Saul questioned Ahimelech, the son of Ahitub, as to why he had conspired against him with David, the son of Jesse.

Saul let Ahimelech know that he know about the good deeds he had done for David by giving him food, Goliath’s sword, and praying to God for David.

Ahimelech asked Saul who else was more faithful to him than David. He reminded Saul that David was his son-in-law, he had done anything Saul asked him to do and was well thought of in the house of Saul.

Ahimelech told Saul that when he inquired to God for David he knew nothing about the situation between Saul and David. He asked Saul to spare him and those of his father’s house.

Saul told Ahimelech that he and all those from his father’s house would die. The king ordered his men to slay Ahimelech and all those from his father’s house because of their devotion to David. Saul’s men refused the king’s request.

Then Saul told Doeg to slay the priest and all those with him. Doeg slayed the priest and eighty five priests. He also slew the men, women, children, sheep, and cattle in Nob.

Only one son of Ahimelech was able to escape the wrath of Doeg. His name was Abiathar. He escaped and went to where David was. Abiathar told David what happened.

David said that he was afraid when he saw Doeg at Ahimelech’s that he would tell Saul. David felt responsible for the fate of Ahimelech and the other priest. David told Abiathar that Saul would be searching for him as well as for David. He told Abiathar to stay with him where he would be safe.

What kind of people were these that they would slay the priests of God? It is sad that many people don’t have any regard for God, His servants or His people.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Samuel 22:11-23

11 Then the king sent to call Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his father’s house, the priests that were in Nob: and they came all of them to the king.
12 And Saul said, Hear now, thou son of Ahitub. And he answered, Here I am, my lord.
13 And Saul said unto him, Why have ye conspired against me, thou and the son of Jesse, in that thou hast given him bread, and a sword, and hast enquired of God for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?
14 Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who is so faithful among all thy servants as David, which is the king’s son in law, and goeth at thy bidding, and is honourable in thine house?
15 Did I then begin to enquire of God for him? be it far from me: let not the king impute any thing unto his servant, nor to all the house of my father: for thy servant knew nothing of all this, less or more.
16 And the king said, Thou shalt surely die, Ahimelech, thou, and all thy father’s house.
17 And the king said unto the footmen that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not shew it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD.
18 And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod.
19 And Nob, the city of the priests, smote he with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and sucklings, and oxen, and asses, and sheep, with the edge of the sword.
20 And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
21 And Abiathar shewed David that Saul had slain the LORD’S priests.
22 And David said unto Abiathar, I knew it that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul: I have occasioned the death of all the persons of thy father’s house.
23 Abide thou with me, fear not: for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life: but with me thou shalt be in safeguard.

Things to think about:

Why did Saul send for Ahimelech and those of his father’s house?

What was Saul’s concern with Ahimelech?

Was Ahimelech aware of the situation between David and Saul?

What did Saul say was going to happen to Ahimelech and the other priests?

Who carried out Saul’s commands against Ahimelech?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 1 Samuel it saddens our hearts to see that there are those who have no regard for You, Your servants or Your people. We pray for Your protection over Your servants who are serving in places that don’t regard You. We ask for Your protection over us as we serve You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Daily Bible Reading “David Hides in a Cave” 1 Samuel 22:1-10

Posted on June 30, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

David Hides in a Cave

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Samuel 22:1-10. David escaped and went to the cave at Adullam. When his brothers and all those who were at his father’s house heard where David was they went to be with him.

A group of about four hundred discontented people gathered with David and he became the captain over them.

David was concerned for the well-being of his mother and father so he went Mizpeh of Moab and asked the king of Moab if they could stay there. The king of Moab allowed David’s parents to stay there while David was in hiding.

The prophet Gad told David to go to the land of Judah. So David went to hide in the forest of Hareth.

Saul, was stationed with his men in Gibeah under a tree in Ramah, with his sword in his hand, ready for battle. Saul heard that David had been found.

Saul asked his men if they thought David would give them fields and vineyards and make them captains over his army. He questioned them as to why they had conspired against him. Why hadn’t they told him that his son, Jonathan, had made a pact with David, the son of Jesse?

Doeg, the Edomite, spoke up and told Saul that he saw David at Nob with Ahimelech. Doeg informed Saul that Ahimelech prayed to God for David and gave David food and Goliath’s sword. I bet Saul was not a happy camper when he heard this news.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Samuel 22:1-10

1 David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father’s house heard it, they went down thither to him.
2 And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men.
3 And David went thence to Mizpeh of Moab: and he said unto the king of Moab, Let my father and my mother, I pray thee, come forth, and be with you, till I know what God will do for me.
4 And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold.
5 And the prophet Gad said unto David, Abide not in the hold; depart, and get thee into the land of Judah. Then David departed, and came into the forest of Hareth.
6 When Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men that were with him, (now Saul abode in Gibeah under a tree in Ramah, having his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him;)
7 Then Saul said unto his servants that stood about him, Hear now, ye Benjamites; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, and make you all captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds;
8 That all of you have conspired against me, and there is none that sheweth me that my son hath made a league with the son of Jesse, and there is none of you that is sorry for me, or sheweth unto me that my son hath stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?
9 Then answered Doeg the Edomite, which was set over the servants of Saul, and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub.
10 And he enquired of the LORD for him, and gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.

Things to think about:

To where did David escape?

Who found out where David was and came to him?

How many people came to David’s rescue?

How did Saul find out where David had been?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture we see that David was provided with people to help support him during his time of trouble. We thank You that You send people into our lives to meet our needs, especially when we are going through troubled times. Help us to be thankful for the people in our lives who support us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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