1 Samuel - Odessa, Missouri Community of Christ
1 Samuel - Odessa, Missouri Community of Christ
1 Samuel - Odessa, Missouri Community of Christ
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94 Dr. Constable's Notes on 1 <strong>Samuel</strong> 2007 Editiondescendants <strong>of</strong> the ruler whom he replaced. This prevented them from rising up andreestablishing the dead king's dynasty. David had already promised Jonathan that hewould not kill his descendants (20:14-17), and he now made the same promise to Saul (v.22). To cut <strong>of</strong>f someone's name meant to obliterate the memory <strong>of</strong> him. David evenagreed to spare Saul's reputation in Israel (cf. 2 Sam. 2:17-27).Saul's remorse was evidently genuine, but David had learned that it would probably beonly temporary. Consequently when Saul departed and returned to Gibeah, David againsought protection in "the stronghold," probably one <strong>of</strong> the refuges near Engedi (perhapsMasada? v. 22; cf. 23:29).This chapter helps us deal with the common temptation to get even by showing usDavid's example <strong>of</strong> trusting God and not retaliating. It also deals with how we shouldview securing what God has promised us. David let God determine how and when hewould become king. He refused the temptation to take matters into his own hands andthereby determine his destiny. We see David growing in this chapter. He began bythreatening the king, but then he backed <strong>of</strong>f and declined to kill Saul. Finally hedetermined even to trust God to control Saul's descendants, as well as Saul himself, andto preserve Saul's memory in Israel. God rewarded David for his trust and obedience bygiving him a peaceful conscience immediately and safety when his own son, Absalom,rose up against him.David's sparing <strong>of</strong> Nabal's life ch. 25"Chapter 25 is the central panel in the triptych that comprises chapters24—26. As such it not only anchors the literary unit but also facilitates thefact that chapters 24 and 26 mirror each other." 268This central chapter also has a chiastic structure. It focuses attention on Abigail'seffective appeal to David."A. <strong>Samuel</strong> dies (v. 1a).B. David the fugitive is in the vicinity <strong>of</strong> the wealthy Nabaland his beautiful wife Abigail (vv. 1b-3).C. Hearing <strong>of</strong> Nabal's situation and later rebuffed byhim, David prepares to avenge the insult (vv. 4-13).D. Abigail prepares food to take to David (vv.14-19).E. David meets Abigail (vv. 20-35).D'. Abigail returns home to find Nabal gorginghimself on food (vv. 36-38).C'. Hearing <strong>of</strong> Nabal's death, David praises the Lord forhaving upheld his cause against Nabal (v. 39a).B'. David the fugitive has taken the beautiful Abigail as hissecond wife (vv. 39b-43).A'. Saul treats David as though he were dead (v. 44)." 269268 Youngblood, p. 752.269 John Stek, The Former Prophets: A Syllabus, p. 65A. Quoted by Youngblood, p. 752.