“The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” I Samuel 16:7b (Chapter 16-17)
Although Saul’s reign lasted forty years, his dynasty was doomed early on, a result of his personal arrogance. Samuel was told to return to Bethlehem and anoint a new king who was the youngest son of Jesse, a shepherd boy from the tribe of Judah, named David.
David, the newly anointed monarch, was a musician. The same lilting tunes that calmed his flock, also soothed a restless Saul. And so, David was brought into the workings of Israel’s government where his education on ruling began. Saul liked David so much he was appointed armor-bearer. It was no fluke of fate that a future, warrior king was now learning at the feet of Israel’s military leader. Finally, the Philistines were waging war against Israel. Already adept at refining metals, particularly bronze, their weapons were superior. Adding to this advantage was an armored giant, Goliath. Everyone, including Saul, was very scared. David, sent to the battlefield with food for his brothers, saw the situation and realized he had the solution. This mighty Philistine was no greater threat than a lion or bear after a sheep and David was swift and accurate when called to protect. A sling, a stone and the power of the Almighty God brought a giant and his army down.
Instantly, young David, the secret king, became a military hero and son-in-law to the present king. What did it take to change the course of history for Israel? A young boy, growing brave, strong, and wise, in the fear of the LORD. It wasn’t the man made weapons of war that won the day, but the heart of God and the heart of man becoming one.
Love,
Gretchen