S3E100-1 Samuel 21-25: In the Fullness of Time
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
This episode covers 1 Samuel 21-25. First, we follow David as a fugitive from King Saul. He visits the priest Ahimelech and later escapes King Achish. Additionally, the narrative shows Saul’s cruelty toward the priests at Nob. Later, David chooses to spare Saul’s life at En Gedi. Finally, Abigail uses wisdom to stop David from attacking Nabal. Steve Webb also shares commentary on waiting for God’s perfect timing and reviews church history.
Wait for the Fullness of Time
Today we dive into a fast paced portion of David’s life. He remains a fugitive from King Saul. Therefore, we see David seeking refuge with priests and hiding in the desert. Through it all, a recurring theme emerges. We must learn the necessity of waiting on God’s perfect timing.
Executive Summary
- David on the Run: David receives help from the priest Ahimelech. Afterward, he feigns insanity to escape King Achish.
- Saul’s Cruelty: Doeg the Edomite informs the king. Consequently, Saul orders the slaughter of eighty-five priests.
- David’s Restraint: David finds the perfect chance to kill Saul in a cave. However, he refuses to strike the Lord’s anointed.
- Abigail’s Wisdom: Nabal treats David with rudeness. Fortunately, Abigail’s quick generosity prevents a disaster.
Why This Matters
David was already anointed to be king. Nevertheless, he spent years fleeing for his life. This teaches us an important lesson. Receiving a promise does not mean immediate fulfillment. Waiting is not wasted time. Instead, it is a season of testing. We learn to trust the Giver of the promise more than the gift itself.
Commentary: The Weight of Waiting
Steve reminds us that we live in an age of instant gratification. Consequently, we are often poor at waiting. We must remember that “the fullness of time” is a divine concept. David refused to rush God by killing Saul. Similarly, we must resist the urge to take matters into our own hands.
Verse of the Day
“Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart, and wait for the Lord.”
Read more at BibleGateway.
On This Date in Church History
- 1343: Pope Clement VI issued the bull Unigenitus. This document formulated the doctrine of the treasury of merit.
- 1726: J.S. Bach debuted a new cantata. It reinforced the idea of divine sovereignty through music.
- 1888: Leaders incorporated the National Geographic Society. Later, this helped the church visualize global mission fields.
- 1945: The Red Army liberated Auschwitz. This event forced a profound theological reckoning regarding evil.
Support & Connect
This show exists because of your Value-for-Value support. If you find value in these readings, please consider returning that value at lifespringmedia.com/support.
Furthermore, send your prayer requests for tomorrow’s show to prayer.lifespringmedia.com.