April 19th~How the Mighty Have Fallen

1 Samuel 30:1-31


1 Chronicles 12:20-22

1 Samuel 31:1-13


1 Chronicles 10:1-14

1 Chronicles 9:40-44

2 Samuel 4:4


2 Samuel 1:1-27

David and his men, who were not allowed to fight alongside the Philistines against the Israelites, returned home to Ziklag, only to find that it had been destroyed and everyone in it carried away. Of course, they pursued their enemies, in order to rescue their loved ones. This event was a providential diversion, to keep David occupied while He brought an end to King Saul.

In the meantime, God used the Philistines as a means of judgment upon King Saul, his son Jonathan, and the army. All of them died in battle. “Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord. He failed to obey the Lord’s command and he even consulted a medium instead of asking the Lord for guidance. So the Lord killed him and turned his kingdom over to David son of Jesse” (1 Chron. 10:13, 14). Thus, we have a transition in the monarchy; now, David will be crowned King and his reign will begin.

As I read today, I couldn’t help but notice the exemplary character that David demonstrated, particularly his humility. First, when he and his men discovered that their families had been captured and carried away, he did not respond in prideful vengeance or arrogant anger. Though “David was in serious trouble, because his men were very bitter about losing their wives and children and they began to talk of stoning him, he found strength in God” (1 Samuel 30:6).

Second, after his success in destroying the Amalekites and upon returning to camp, “Some troublemakers among his men said, ‘These men (who stayed behind) didn’t go with us, so they can’t have any of the plunder.” But David replied, “No brothers! Do not be selfish with what the Lord has given us... We share and share alike — those who go to battle and those who guard the equipment” (30:21-25).

Third, after returning to Ziklag, David sent part of the plunder to the leaders of Judah, as a way of thanking them for their help when he and his men were hiding from Saul (30:26, 27). Finally, when David heard the news of Saul’s death, he did not rejoice or gloat that his enemy was dead; rather he wept for his King and even wrote a song in his honor (2 Samuel 1:17-27).

Daily Reflection

What are your impressions of David? How is he an example of how you should live your life?

In David’s song to Saul, he referred to him three times as “How the mighty have fallen.” While Saul may have been mighty by human standards, he was also arrogant towards God; and, in his arrogance, he exalted himself several times and refused to obey the Lord’s will. God makes it clear in Scripture that He opposes the proud but He gives grace to the humble.

Are you allowing pride to deceive you or are you cultivating humility in your life? How exactly does one cultivate humility?

He who exalts himself will be humbled; He who humbles himself will be exalted.

BiAY.org | Day 109 — 256 Days to Go